Harvard Business School recently studied the correlation between team performance and the frequency of praise and criticism given to the individuals on the team.

“The highest performing teams received nearly six positive comments for every negative one. The medium-performing teams received almost twice as many positive comments as negative ones. But the low-performing teams received almost three negative comments for every positive.”

The results of this study clearly confirm that we all need to hear more positive comments. A blessing goes even further than the positive comments.

“The Lord said to Moses - Tell Aaron and his sons - this is how you are to bless the children of God. Say to them - ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.’”

Harvey and I have 15 grandchildren heading back to school this fall and so we offer these blessings on them and prayers for them.

Easton - (the oldest of the Jolliffe/Lootsma bunch) - you are heading into grade 9 - new school and a new community. We pray over you and for you that you will have the courage to take steps out of your comfort zone, trusting in God in whatever you do. May you experience God’s presence, faithfulness and deep love for you as you learn to live as a young man of faith. We know that God will constantly be by your side. Be blessed!

Sara - heading into grade 8! Your name means “princess/woman minister”! It’s our prayer and blessing on you and for you that you will be a spiritual mother to many and that you will speak the truth of God’s word into the lives of your family and friends throughout the coming school year. May you be strengthened to see the needs around you, have a compassionate heart willing to respond and have the humility to serve even in the secret and unglamorous ways. We pray that as God leads you and is a light to your path, you will be blessed with favour and peace. You are loved young lady!

Levi Stanley - heading into grade 8 at a new school and community - you’ve got this! It’s our prayer that you will use the many skills you’ve been given to spread joy and grace to everyone you come into contact with this year - whether it’s in the classroom or on the rink or in the gym. Your name is a strong one! It means that you were ordained by God to be a hard worker. We bless you with opportunities to put your skills into practice. We pray that as God directs your steps, you will prosper and doors will be opened for you. Be blessed young man.

Tali girl! You are also heading into grade 8 - your second year at Middle School. I love that your middle name means Rock! We bless you and pray that this year you will be steadfast, consistent and reliable - with your family and your friends. May you seek to intimately know your Creator and the Author of your story. May your story, which was ordained before you came to be, glorify Gods as you share it with others. Always remember that you are a part of the greatest story ever told. We pray that you will know your purpose which has been lovingly laid out for you. You are loved, dear girl.

Our twins!

Ainsley - you are going into grade 8! We bless you and pray for you that you will know how much God loves you. His love for you is so deep that He entrusted you with being His model in this world. You are gentle and kind - the littlest children respond to your goodness. May you reflect God to everyone you meet - teachers and fellow classmates - through your words, actions and attitudes. We pray you will be protected in your comings and goings this school year. You are loved, sweet girl.

Claire - heading into grade 8! We thank God for you and bless you as you begin this last year of elementary school. God loves you beyond measure and He did not design you to go through life alone. Know that you are part of a great big family - who love you and are cheering you on. Be on the lookout for ways you can serve others in your school this year. When you do, you will be sharing the love that God has given to you. We pray you will always use your compassionate spirit to encourage others. We bless you, young lady.

Caleb - your name means “faithful/bold/brave/wholehearted”! We pray for you and bless you as you begin grade 7 in a new town and new school. You’ve got this. We know that your classmates and new friends will be drawn to you because of your infectious laughter and easy-going self. We pray that many will be drawn to you as you let your light shine before others. We pray you’ll be faithful in doing your school work and honing your skills on the volleyball and basketball court. You are God’s gift to your class this year. We pray for boldness and confidence to face the challenges ahead of you this year. You are loved, young man.

Luke! Grade six this year! The oldest at your school - that comes with great responsibility. Your name means light giver and life giver and we pray you will be both this year - in the classroom and on the playground. You light up any room you enter and you have a great excitement for life. We pray a blessing on you that you energize your family and your friends with that same excitement. We pray you will be kind and compassionate to others this year - forgiving just as you’ve been forgiven. We pray that every good gift and treasure that is inside of you will grow, develop and flourish. Be blessed, Lukie.

Adele Vida! A new community and a new school for you this autumn - grade 4! Recently you were baptized - declaring your faith in God before your family and friends. We bless you for being courageous and faithful. We pray for you as you live your best life to the fullest. We pray you’ll grow in wisdom and stature and favour this year - with your teachers, friends and family. Share grace each day - offer forgiveness - put a great big smile on your face - and - always be a life giver to those you meet. We pray that you will be protected in your comings and goings - knowing God is always with you. Love you - sweet girl.

Ian David - heading into Grade 4! You are gifted in so many areas - and we pray that you will use your gifts wisely this school year! We pray that you will know that your life is incredibly important to God and that He has something special that only you can do! We pray God’s blessing over you that you will know you are protected in all your ways. We pray you will make a difference in your school this year. We pray that you will know you are covered with God’s love and hope. Be brave dear one.

Tyson - “wolf shield/leader/firebrand”! Such strong descriptions of who you are! Grade 4 this year! We pray blessings on you for this school year and pray that you will be wise and discerning in your class and on the sports fields. We pray that you will be generous with your time and energy with your family and friends. We pray you will be a leader and that you will be fearless in the new things you experience this year. We pray that you will have a compassionate spirit and be willing to help others throughout the day. Bless you dear son of my son.

Jacob Rowan Jolliffe! Grade 2 this year! We pray that this year you will be an overcomer. Whatever situation presents itself - be bigger - be stronger - be fearless - be a classroom changer - go above and beyond! We pray God’s blessings on you in your home - in your classroom - in the morning - in the evening - as you sleep and as you play. We pray that you will be filled with God’s favour and peace. We love you!

Indigo! Your name means - deep blue - it signifies a sense of stability - displays trust, loyalty and confidence. We pray for you that these characteristics which you possess will take hold as you begin a new grade (1) - a new school - in a new community. We pray God’s blessing on you that you will face all these new situations with grace and confidence. We pray you’ll meet new friends and have lots of opportunities to be a good friend - kind and helpful.We pray that your heart will be filled with love, forgiveness and confidence. Be blessed - sweet girl.

Nathan! It’s a big year ahead for you. New school! New community! French immersion! SK! We bless you and pray for you as you begin these new challenges. We ask a big blessing on you - that you will have a soft heart and quick mind - that you will be filled with wisdom and knowledge and understanding. We pray you will be loving and kind and compassionate in the classroom and in your home. Bless others with peace and joy. Love you sweet boy.

Last but definitely not least - our little Lucy! Everyone loves Lucy. Lucy is in preschool once again this year. We pray for you and bless you with a healthy year - no bad bugs! We pray you will be kind and a good sharer to the other children at your preschool. Be blessed, sweet child.

Write on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.

He/she is rich who owns the day and no one owns the day who allows it to be invaded with fret and anxiety.

Finish every day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities, no doubt crept in. Forget them as soon as you can, tomorrow is a new day.

Begin it well and serenely with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense.

This new day is too dear - with its hopes and invitations to waste a moment on the yesterdays.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson