We are excited to share this highly collaborative project between Avail Academy’s art teacher, Susan VanGeest, media and marketing teacher, Kelsey Wieberdink, the Today devotional, and Kids Corner of Reframe Ministries. Within Susan’s Storyline, Spread Love Share Art, her 9th-grade students take photographs that capture the essence of a devotional from the Today Devotional, write a statement sharing how their art reflects that meditation, and Today then publishes these images on their website along with the devotional. Susan shares that website viewers are able to share their response to the photos, and students are very encouraged by the feedback they receive.

Photograph Feedback:

Thank you Jeff for sharing the reflections of high school students. Each story was beautiful! - Debby

I really enjoyed the perspectives of God in every picture and description. Thank you for sharing this. - Jennifer

Thank you for sharing a great idea - Bob

I truly enjoyed the very thoughtful reflections by these young people! Thank you for doing this…truly a marvelous idea. - Debbie

Hello, I love all the pictures and reflections from the youth. It restores my faith that there is hope. I do resonate with the picture called Still. When I’m in natureI feel the closes to our creator. I feel the love and I am in awe. - Sheila

I live in Western Australia and the next 3 or 4 days are going to be extremely hot. I was really, really touched by all the photos, and I am so blessed having been able to see them. The photo of the Word being lit by the beautiful reflection of sunlight in particular was awesome. Thank you for sharing those with me. I live alone on a small holding, and I'm nearly 80 years old. And I love the Lord and I'm so blessed by young people Christian and non Christian. - Glenys

I love this unique reflection and found a profound connection with many of the photos. But one picture stands out. I have a dog that has been with me since I retired. We adopted her, Cocoa, from a no kill animal shelter. We were not the first in line to adopt her, but circumstances arose around her adoption that allowed her to filter down to us. I called it divine intervention. I adore this dog who has given me so much joy, and I thank God each day for Cocoa. She trusts and loves me unconditionally; no doubts or questions or reservations or prejudices. And I the same. I wonder what our world would look like today if we all shared this kind of love with all our neighbors. Hmm, didn’t someone else about 2,024 years ago try and instill these types of feelings within us? - TJP

Thank you so much for sharing these photographs and reflections. They all spoke to me, andI’m encouraged and impressed that they came from high school students. The Today Devotional is an important part of my morning meditation. - Barb

Each one of these devotions and pictures I could put together and write a 20 page story and still keep writing. God is such a loving God and we can see the beauty of creation and sit in the stillness of His Presence soaking up His very presence. The shining of the sunlight engrafting the pages of the living Word, and as the Word spoken can even bring life to the dead areas of our lives reminding us that there are streams of living water springing up a well of life in us. I could go on and on but I will pause right here, just to Be Still in God’s Presence. Thank you so much for sharing! - Ree

The students' thoughtful photos and meaningful reflections are both gratifying and inspirational. It is encouraging to read the young people's depth of recognition and appreciation for God's beautiful creation. Their teacher, Susan Van Geest, has been a very effective conduit for the Lord, in the lives of her fortunate students. May they all be richly blessed. - Shirley

I enjoyed the BE STILL picture. So much going on in my life I just have to know to be still hearGod's voice and know he is in control. I enjoy wonderful pictures like this. Gives me peace. - Angelica

"Be Still" struck me, because that is so often very hard for me to do! I will try very hard to remember these words, "Just be still" - Judy

Thank you for sharing the reflections and photographs from the students. They add so much to the bible verses. I think it is quite a unique approach and it is wonderful that the students share their thoughts and prayers.. Blessings to them and Avail Academy. - Herb

Thank you for sharing these HS student reflections. The one that I loved most was "Crying on the Couch." So often I say, Lord you created such a beautiful world. Why can't we all just learn to live in it peacefully and humbly. - Connie

That was amazing. What beautiful thoughts and hearts with these children!! Thanks for sharing! - Evelyn

These are beautiful reflections. My prayer is, that we all slow down, breath and enjoy Gods beauty, even in the simple things. - Gail

Thanks for sharing these incredible stories from young people. It makes my heart glad to here young men and women who have a pure heart for God's Word. Special thanks for the teacher who has inspired them. - Karen

These are wonderful!!! Thank you for sharing. As a retired teacher/principal of a Christian school, they made me thankful again for the Lord's generosity. - Suzanne

I am very encouraged that in spite of the world's darkness, there is light in the hearts and minds of our youth! - Elena

Those reflections were very beautiful & inspiring. Wonderful way for them to express their way at describing the devotional for them. Congratulations to the teacher also. - Jacqueline 

All of them are beautiful. But the one for Dec 16th truly spoke to my soul. Since 2008 God has been telling me to Be still. It has become my life verse. Psalm 46:10 will appear out of no place. Just when I need it. So thank you to this young person who also recognized the need to Be still and honor God's creation. - Angela

Thank you so much for sharing that with me. It really touched my heart. I am so glad to know that God is working in their lives. They are all so smart, and I am glad to be learning from them. Dear Heavenly Father, keep the minds of these children strong so they can accomplish all things in your will, Amen. - Jonathan

Those are all awesome photos and connections to God’s creations. Thank you for sharing! - Lisa

Thanks for sharing! What an amazing teacher and what awesome students! This makes my heart happy! - Susie