Back to School with Lori Loughlin and Gabby Reece

Whether you are a student, teacher, or parent, going back to school can be exciting and nerve-racking all at the same time. Learning a new schedule, making friends, trying to keep up with the course load or packing lunches, all can be overwhelming. At the same time, it can be a great opportunity to trust God and grow in our relationship with Him through it all. From doing a Bible study with classmates to hosting a campus outreach, God wants to use us to reach others for Him this year!

Risen writer, Mei Ling Nazar recently attended a Back to School event hosted by Staples. At the back to school event, Lori Loughlin of Full House, Fuller House and Hallmark’s When Calls the Heart, as well as US Volleyball player, Gabby Reece shared tips on what their families do to get ready for back to school. To celebrate this fun time of year, we are giving one lucky reader a back to school prize pack complete with some fun school/office supplies by Staples and a few of our favorite books. Check out our Instagram for details!

Don’t forget to head over to our Instagram page to check out how you can win some fabulous office/back-to-school supplies from Staples.

Lori Loughlin talked about how their family gathers around the dinner table no matter how busy they are.

“It’s living one day at a time and living in the moment. I am incredibly busy right now. I am thankful for the all of the work. But it is making the most of that down time and carving out that family time. One of the things that we always did and still continue to do is to make family dinner a priority, which has kind of gone by the wayside. I did that with my family growing up. My husband did that with his family. We always thought this a great way for the family to be together. It is a great way to check in, hear their thoughts, feelings, what is going on in their lives. It’s about being conscious and making the most of your time and that down time.” 

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5

Gabby Reece shared her advice on how students can be the best that they can be.

“It’s hard to know when you are young. Those sound like words. But [for adults], we understand the meaning behind that. For example, if I’m talking to a group of athletes, I try to remind them that, if you get to do this, first of all you should enjoy yourself, but second of all, you’re really fortunate. And then I say, you happen to be the best one and you are actually the most fortunate. I try to flip it and have them see the opportunity, whatever the ‘it’ is. I had my kids watch Waiting for Superman, for them to understand what a gift just being able to go to a school is. It should be all of our rights, but to see other kids have to fight for that right [is wrong].”

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7

Risen Reflections

Buy school supplies for others. There are many schools and students who cannot afford the basic school supplies here in the U.S. and internationally. Check with the needs at your local school or church or if you have friends that are educators ask them if they need anything for their classroom. Extra paper, pens and art supplies can help inspire students. God wants us to be stewards of what he is entrusted us with. Pray and ask God how you can give back to others this school year.

Be friend with someone new. You don’t have to be in school to do this one! It can be a new neighbor, co-worker or someone at church. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you someone that He wants you to reach out to. Offer to introduce them to others. Remember they may feel overwhelmed meeting a lot of people at once, so offer to have a few friends out for coffee or over to your house for them to meet. Take time to get to know them. Ask them how they moved to the area, what they enjoy doing. If you have mutual interests invite them to hang out with you.

Start a small group or Bible study on campus. Whether you go to a public school, private, charter or home school, make God a part of your day. Start your day with a devotional and pray for your classmates. If you have other friends that are believers, try to get together once a week and do a Bible study. Pray for your classmates, teachers and events that are going on at the school. If your church is doing an outreach or event, pray about whom you can invite.

To learn more about helping teachers and students or to apply for funding, visit, Donor Choose.

To watch the entire Staples Back to School event click here.

To enter to win our Back to School giveaway, visit our Instagram page.

Giveaway rules: This giveaway runs Wednesday, September 14, 2016 9AM PST – Wednesday, September 21 2016 11:59PM PST. Winner will be randomly selected from the entries and announced on September 22, 2016. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize. Your profile must be set to public during the giveaway. This giveaway is open to all US residents, void where prohibited. This giveaway is in no way sponsored or endorsed by Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. No purchase is necessary. By entering you are confirming that you are at least 18 years of age, release Instagram of all responsibility and are adhering to the terms of use.