Trees of Hopes, Dreams and Prayers

When I founded First Steps, I never dreamed there wouldpeople who would ask to be trained using my methods. One of the most unexpectedand thrilling parts of doing the trainings is when people take what they learnand make it their own! It thrills me when an idea I mention becomes anincredible, living, spirit-filled reality!

My friend Jeanne Salmon is a public school teacher inOklahoma. She works with children from all walks of life. Many of them areimmigrant children learning English and trying to figure how to fit into aentirely new country!

She recently sent me this beautiful story of the Tree ofHope she helped the children at her school create. I loved the story and askedif she would allow me to share it with you. Here is her story and a GREAT ideafor schools and churches!

I just wanted to let you know school startedThursday and your influence once again extended down to the edge of theprairie.  First, the idea that popped into my head while talking with you(for back to school) about hanging things in the Tree of Hope, while modified,had a huge impact on families and teachers.  I ended up making dreamcatchers to "catch" our dreams for the coming school year.  Wewanted to make one for each kid to hang in the tree but that wasn't possiblebefore school started so hopefully we can do that as the year progresses, itwill be stunning!  I, on the other hand, reached into my cub scout rootsand made 30 hula hoop sized dream catchers for every classroom that studentsand parents decorated with stars that held their hopes and dreams.  It wasquite awesome.  If I can ever remember to take my camera, I'll send you apicture.  Anyway, thank you for planting the seed that sprouted into areally cool visual reminder where momma's hopes for you are hanging in yourclassroom.

I want to thank Jeanne forsharing this idea with all of us and encourage you to share the ways you areusing First Steps Methods or any good idea you have by sending it to me andallowing me to share it on the blog! 

Pictures of the Dreamcatchers can be found on my Facebook page!

Blessings!