Are You an Encouragement? Six Examples from the Bible

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog July 9, 2013February 15, 2014children, family, parenting, teaching activities 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “When they read it they rejoiced over its encouragement.” Acts 15:31

The word encouragement can be a noun or a verb. As a noun it “is the act of encouraging” “the state of being encouraged” or “something that encourages”. As a verb it “is to inspire or give courage”.

Encouragement should therefore inspire, give courage, and add strength to one’s character. In Acts 15:31 a letter is sent to the people of Antioch to encourage. A letter, baked cookies, flowers, acts of service, a hug, and many other things can give encouragement. God has many examples of encouragement in His Word that we can apply to our lives today to show and teach encouragement.

Six Examples of Encouragement Taught in the Bible

That We Can Use Today

Moses felt as though he was not equipped to take on the Pharaoh of Egypt. Exodus 3:10-4:21 God provided the resources which gave encouragement that Moses would need. God will provide for you and your child too. As parents we can provide the necessary items and people such as coaches or instructors to help each child to play a sport or instrument. Parents provide encouragement too by attending games and recitals.
Joshua was to become the next leader of the Israelites. Moses had been a mentor for many years. Deuteronomy 31 Godly mentoring is valuable to your child too. We all learn by example. The saying “actions speak louder than words” is true. Joshua had seen Moses rely on God for strength and guidance. Let your child too see how God provides for your family’s needs and guidance. Pray as a family and praise God for answered prayer. Read missionary biographies together to see God’s provision and guidance. These real life stories provide great encouragement and a form of mentoring.
Rahab provided encouragement and protection of the Israelite spies that came to Jericho. She told the spies that she had heard of all the amazing things their God had done. Joshua 2:3-14 Share your life stories with your children how God has watched over you. We serve a powerful and sovereign God. Make God real to your children by using real life examples and share by telling of those those special times.
Even after Peter denies the Lord Jesus Christ three times Jesus upon his return is gentle, loving and encouraging. John 21:1-19 Our children will disappoint us at times. Remember the example Christ set for us. We all make mistakes. Peter was broken and repentant. Christ forgave, restored and encouraged. What an example!
John Mark is left by Paul. Barnabas encourages John Mark by taking him along to share the God News of Jesus Christ. Acts 15:36-41 Even when someone disappoints us or our children, look to see what we can learn. Growth can come from a disappointment. Help your child grow spiritually and look to God. Be an encourager as Barnabas was to John Mark.
Jesus is coming again! Acts 1:11 What hope and encouragement that is to the believer! We are sinful people yet Jesus died, rose again, ascended into heaven and is coming again for us. He died for each one of us. He didn’t have to, Jesus did nothing wrong. What an encouragement that is to know that our heavenly Father loved us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die in our place. What a loving sacrifice, what an encouragement, what a Savior!

God encourages us daily. Parents need to encourage children daily. God’s Word gives us examples to teach us how to encourage one another.

Encouragement is an act of love. “Love one another as (God) so loved you”. John 15:12b

What are some ideas for encouragement that you do with your family?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo

This Do in Remembrance

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog July 8, 2013July 11, 2013children, christian, family, parenting 1 Comment

Daily Truth: “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of Me.” I Corinthians 11:24

This do in remembrance of Me.

We had communion in church tonight. It is always a reflective time for me and yes, it always brings tears to my eyes. I think even more so since my dad has passed.

You see, the thought that what Christ did for me on the cross overwhelms me.

This do in remembrance of Me.

The thought that He willing gave His body to be broken for me – for MY sin is powerful. (Isaiah 53:5)

This do in remembrance of Me.

The thought of His back being beaten and a crown of thorns placed on His head for MY sins is provoking. (Matthew 27:29)

This do in remembrance of Me.

The thought of His body being nailed to a cross and his side pierced for MY sins is unbelievable. (John 20:25, John 19:34)

This do in remembrance of Me.

The thought that He rose again the third day and is in Heaven preparing a place for ME, a sinner, is mind boggling. (Matthew 28:6, John 14:2)

This do in remembrance of Me.

The thought that this salvation from MY sin is a free gift from the Savior is humbling. (Romans 5:18)

This do in remembrance of Me.

When I teach my children of God, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

When I read my Bible, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

When I worship Him in body, soul, and spirit, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

When life is overwhelming and I just have to trust on Christ for strength, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

When I cry out to God, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

When I have to discipline my children, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

When I am even doing my daily tasks, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

When I love my husband, I am doing it in remembrance of Him.

This do in remembrance of Me.

I guess it struck a chord with me tonight. I am to do all for Him to the best of my ability because He gave all for me.

This do in remembrance of Me.

I usually sit between my girls during communion and I have them each tell me when they accepted Christ as their personal Savior. I want to know that they know that they are on their way to Heaven. It NEVER gets old hearing them tell me of the day that they became a child of their Heavenly Father.

You see, my husband and children are all that I can take with me to Heaven one day. Everything else will pass away and be nothing.

This do in remembrance of Me.

Dear ladies, as we go about our daily and sometimes mundane tasks, remember that we are doing it in remembrance of Him.

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Honor to Whom Honor

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog July 2, 2013children, family, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Render therefore to all their due…honor to whom honor.”

Honor to whom honor.

Last night was the hubs birthday. Now, I know he is ummm…. years old but I still like to do a theme for his birthday. So, considering that the kids and I were away from him for 28 VERY long days, we did a “Super Hero” party – complete with Superman decor. Yes, I wore a Superman shirt.

After all, he is our super hero.

Honor to whom honor.

This week is the 4th of July. Yes, a holiday to remember the birth of our country. However, it is also a holiday to remember the heroes that served and gave all for our freedoms.

This is another holiday that always makes me cry. How can you not.

I can’t help crying when I hear songs such as, “Proud to Be An American” or our national anthem.

Honor to whom honor.

I took the kids to Washington D.C. a couple of weeks ago. We stopped at the WWII memorial. Very moving. Especially when you see the wall of 4,000 stars in which each star represents 100 lives lost during WWII.

Both my grandfathers served in WWII. One was in the Navy and one was in the Army.

Honor to whom honor.

Arlington Cemetery is another place that makes you stop and think. The changing of the guards in front of the “Tomb of the Unknown Soldier” is very moving.

Honor to whom honor.

We need to teach our kids at a very early age to be thankful for our freedoms and to show respect for our country.

This can be done in simple ways.

1. Fly the American flag…and not just on the 4th.

2. Dress them up in patriotic colors whenever our country celebrates a national holiday.

3. Teach them to say, “thank you” to servicemen and women that they see.

The kids love to do this in the airport.

4. Teach them about why our country is so great. No other country was founded on the principles of the Word of God.

5. Play patriotic music.

6. Make the 4th a BIG deal. Decorate for it. Celebrate with friends or family.

7. Take them to national sights. Williamsburg is a fantastic family place to learn about the history of our nation. A little closer to home would be Conner Prairie.

Honor to whom honor.

So, despite political opinions or stands, we have the responsibility as parents to teach our kiddos about the history of our country and what makes it truly great.

Enjoy the 4th. Eat a few hot dogs. Watch fireworks. Dress up in red, white, and blue.

Above all, remember to thank the Lord for our great nation.

Honor to whom honor.

Until next week,

Rebekah

Two are Better than One

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog June 24, 2013June 24, 2013children, family, parenting, teaching activities 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Two are better than one….For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.” Ecclesiastes 4:9

Two ARE better than one.

This past month I have experienced just a taste of what it would be like to be a single mom. I’ve been at my mom’s house for a month with the kids. Love being with my family but miss the hubs ALOT.

Two ARE better than one.

I received a “sunshine” package a couple of days before Father’s Day from three of my sweet friends. They knew Father’s Day would be tough. The package contained all things yellow and three encouraging notes.

Two ARE better than one.

When we first got all three of our kiddos from the agency, all three were in diapers! It was almost more than I could handle. Friends prayed for me and sent encouraging emails. It didn’t make the diapers disappear, it just helped ease the transition from mom of one to overnight mom of four.

Two ARE better than one.

I have found that running is so much more enjoyable when doing it with a friend, my husband, or even one of my kids. It especially makes 13.1 miles go by much faster and seem more doable with a friend.

Two ARE better than one.

We’ve all had those moments as moms that we just can’t do it anymore….not one more diaper, not one more dish, not one more whiny child. We’ve all had those moments when we just needed someone to understand.

Two ARE better than one.

Our kids need that same understanding. They need to know that they are not alone.

They need encouragement.

They need love shown to them.

They need to see that two ARE better than one.

How can we show this to them?

1. Teach them at a young age to play nicely with other kids their age.

2. Teach them how to play nicely with their siblings (this can be tough at times).

3. Take time to listen to them. Their concerns are just as important to them..even if it is just they can’t find their favorite blanket.

4. Give them encouragement.

5. Spend quality time with them individually as well as together as a sibling group. Our kids LOVE dates with mom or dad. It’s their one-on-one time with one of us.

6. Surprise them with little things that you know they like. This could be as simple as playing play dough with them or baking their favorite cookies together.

7. Give hugs at random…not just first thing in the morning or the last thing at night.

8. Teach them to work together. Let’s face it, a household of six cannot run without everyone helping out somehow. They can get pretty creative when they have to solve a problem together….like how to get trash out to the curb.

9. Give them love notes. Even the little kiddos love getting cards and notes.

10. Show random acts of kindness to each child.

There are so many more ways to show your kids that two ARE better than one. These are just ten ideas.

This week, try to show your kids that two ARE better than one and spread some sunshine in your home this week.

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Summer and Kids: The Season Begins, What are Your Plans?

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog, Uncategorized June 21, 2013June 21, 2013children, family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Genesis 1:14 And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons and for days, and years:

Summer and Kids

For most of us summer begins on Memorial Day. The school year is either completed or almost finished by the end of May. But, the first day of summer and longest day of the year, in the northern hemisphere is June 21 this year. (It will be the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere.) It all has to do with the tilt of the earth.

Activity: To help children to understand this concept of longest day and first day of summer; have a child hold a globe and another child or adult holding a turned on flashlight, which represents the sun, pointed at the globe. The northern hemisphere should be slightly titled towards the flashlight. This position of the earth and sun (flashlight) illustrates the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere. Have the child holding the globe move around the sun (flashlight) as if the earth was orbiting the sun. The child will get a clearer picture of how the sun is at the earth’s closest point in the northern hemisphere on the first day of summer. This point is called the summer solstice. For more information about this click here.

Our amazing God makes everything so perfect! The earth, sun, stars, and seasons are just a few of the wonderful things God created for us and His Glory. Nothing is by chance. Creation was all set in motion by God just speaking! Teach the above verse to your children. Show that the word “season” is a word that God used in making the world for us. As you do activities this summer actively thank God for this wonderful summer season.

Summer provides extra time for family activities. Please check out Truths for Tots Activity Calendar for daily activities. There are also many activities on Truths for Tots Pinterest Summer Board.

Make a list of “summer fun activities and projects” with your children. Post list on the refrigerator, write on slips of paper to be drawn daily, or make two different kinds of list. One list could be those activities which will need take more planning and the others that can be done spontaneously. What ever you decide is best for your family, make sure that each child contributes and all children understand that each idea is as special as the one who suggested the activity.

You may want to work in activities that would be helpful to another person such as pulling weeds for an elderly neighbor, baking cookies and taking to a shut in, or having a lemonade stand where proceeds go to a worthy cause. Take the extra time of summer to encourage someone. Your children will learn what fun it is to be a blessing to someone.

Make this season a wonderful time of family fun!

God gave us the seasons, enjoy your summer:)

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Father’s Day: Giving Honor to a Great Dad

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized June 17, 2013June 18, 2013children, christian, family 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Honor your father…which is the first commandment with promise.” Ephesians 6:2

Honor your father is such a passe’ phrase in this day. How are most father’s portrayed? Well, let me give you an idea…lazy, sitting in front of the TV, remote in one hand, demanding, self absorbed, and ignorant of all that goes on around them. Basically, a space filler.

However, that is far from the description of my father. My father was a godly man who made it clear what his priorities were: God, family, and work.

Mom was queen in the house and my siblings and we never doubted their love and commitment for each other.

We never saw dad just sit. He was always on the go, whether it was fixing something in the house or spending time with his family.

We always knew we were loved and that he was proud of us. He was always there for us, willing to here our concerns, and praying for us.

He was man enough to stand up for his family and humble enough to serve others. Tears were a sign of strength in our dad.

He LOVED his grand kids. He was always so excited to see them and when we would part he would gather us together and pray for each grandchild by name.

When I was younger, I wanted to marry someone just like my dad. You know what? I did! My husband portrays all those same characteristics to my kids as my dad did to me.

This Father’s Day is going to be a very difficult for me. You see, my dad passed away unexpectedly this past September and this will be my first Father’s Day fatherless.

My husband is in Panama on a mission trip this Father’s Day. So, my kids are missing their dad as well as their grandfather.

You know, it’s too late for me to tell my dad just how much I loved him or how thankful I am for all that did for our family. I miss his hugs, his advice, and his booming voice saying, “Proud of you kiddo”. Yet, I can still honor him by my life and by showing honor to my husband.

I want my kids to know that their dad is king in our house.

I want them to know that he is loved and that they will never doubt our commitment to each other.

I want them to know that his strength is often displayed in his quietness and tears.

I want them to know what his priorities are: God, family, work.

I want them to know that he is proud of them and prays for them daily.

I want them to know that he is man enough to stand up for his family but is humble enough to serve others.

I want my boys to view their dad as their hero and my girls to view their dad as their first love.

I want my girls to want to marry someone just like their dad.

I want my kids to get excited to see their dad when he comes home from work.

I want to be second to my husband.

Did dad have his shortcomings? Yes, but those aren’t remembered.

Does my husband have his shortcomings? Yes. But I made a vow that I would do my best to NEVER be critical of my husband to my kids, family, or friends. I haven’t always succeeded, but I have done and am doing my best to be his greatest cheerleader.

So take the time to teach your kids to honor their father. It was so important to God, that He made it the first commandment with a promise….”our days may be long upon the earth.” (Deuteronomy 5:16)

Until Next Monday,

Rebekah

Liberty and Flag Day, What’s it all About?

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog, Uncategorized June 14, 2013June 17, 2013christian, family activities, scripture, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: Jesus said, “The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He sent me to heal the broken hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight the blind, To set at liberty to those who are oppressed.”

Luke 4:18

Flag Day is about celebrating liberty and remembrance. Liberty is defined as” freedom from control, interference or physical restraint”. Jesus spoke of liberty. He came to “make you free” (John 8:32).

Flag Day represents a day in which we honor our country by honoring our country’s flag. The American Flag symbolizes liberty to all.

How did Flag Day begin? The flag of the United States of America was born out of a Revolution in 1977. It has remained the same except the addition of a star for each state added to the United States.
What do the colors and symbols represent? The 50 stars represent the states of the United States. The 13 stripes represent the 13 original colonies. The red is said to represent valor, the white to represent liberty, and the blue to represent justice and loyalty.
Who made the first American flag? Reportedly, Betsy Ross sewed the first flag by hand in 1776.
Why June 14? That was the day in 1877 the the adoption of the American flag took place by the Second Continental Constitution. President Woodrow Wilson made a proclamation in 1916 that made June 14 Flag Day. Flag Day is not a federal or state holiday except in the state of Pennsylvania.
What are the American Flag’s rules and regulations? Visit US History.org for details.

The Flag Goes By

Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums,
A flash of color beneath the sky:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!

Blue and crimson and white it shines,
Over the steel-tipped, ordered lines.
Hats off!
The colors before us fly;
But more than the flag is passing by:

Sea-fights and land-fights, grim and great,
Fought to make and to save the State;
Weary marches and sinking ships;
Cheers of victory on dying lips;

Days of plenty and years of peace;
March of a strong land’s swift increase;
Equal justice, right and law,
Stately honor and reverend awe;

Sign of a nation, great and strong
To ward her people from foreign wrong;
Pride and glory and honor, – all
Live in the colors to stand or fall.

Hats off!
Along the street there comes
A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums;
And loyal hearts are beating high:
Hats off!
The flag is passing by!

~ Henry Holcomb Bennett

Happy Flag Day to you!

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Still Enjoying the Joys of My Heart

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized June 10, 2013June 10, 2013family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.” Ecclesiastes 5:20b

So, my joys made their “Summer-To-Do” list and I thought I would share it with you.

1. Holiday World

2. ~~The beach~~

3. Riley Park

4. Holiday Park

5. ~~The Smithsonian~~ (In progress)

6. ~~Washington~~ ~~D.C.~~ (In progress)

7. Children’s Museum

8. ~~Swim~~

9. Zoo

10. Splash Park

11. Friends over

12. Krispy Kreme

13. McDonalds

14. Waterballoon Fight

15. ~~Play in the rain~~

16. Go to Sonic

17. ~~Candy Store~~

18. Cupcake Shop

19. Ginter Park

20. Imax

21. Sky Zone

22. Mini Golf

23. Library

24. Make snow cones

25. ~~Ice Cream for lunch~~

26. Make ice cream

27. Camping in the back yard

28. Catch lightning bugs

29. Glo in the dark sticks

30. ~~Hide and seek in the dark~~ (multiple times already!)

31. Flash light tag

32. ~~Make S’mores~~

33. ~~Make cookies~~

34. ~~Make sand castles~~

35. Make green eggs and ham

36. Boys night at Aunt Sarah’s

37. Girls night at Aunt Sarah’s

38. ~~Date with Grandma~~

39. ~~Play in the sprinkler~~

40. Play on the slip and slide

41. Playdough

42. Sidewalk chalk

43. Bubbles

44. Bike rides

45. Walks (although after walking around D.C. for the day, I doubt that this is still on their wish list).

46. Movie night (complete with sleeping bags and popcorn)

47. Picnic in the park

Sophia wanted to add Disney World, but that wasn’t going to be possible…obviously.

As you can see, there are a mix of things they have planned. Some of the wishes have to do with trips already planned for the summer. Others are just…well…wishes and we will get to as many as we can.

We have a busy summer ahead of us. As my Sam said after we made the list, “That’s it for today”.

Until Next Monday.

Rebekah

Grow More Than Vegetables This Summer With Your Kids

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog June 3, 2013June 5, 2013children, christian, family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: You (God) cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth. Psalm 104:14 ESV

There is still time to plant and grow a garden before summer arrives. Bring God’s Word alive for your children by teaching them how to plant, cultivate, and harvest a garden this summer.

Some easy plants to grow from seeds are green beans, pumpkins and zucchini. If you feel uncomfortable growing seeds try a tomato, basil or oregano plant. Tomato, basil, and oregano plants are great to plant as all three work well in making tomato sauce for an easy spaghetti dinner to be enjoyed later in the summer. Ask your local garden shop for the best way to grow the plants you decide to purchase for your area.

Teaching your child how to tend a garden takes time and patience. What great character qualities to instill. Time and patience are modeled to your child as you plant, tend and care for the seeds and plants together this summer.

Whether growing a vegetable or flower garden there are ways to involve even young children. For the young child begin with larger seeds as sunflowers, pumpkins, or squash seeds. These seeds will be easier for a child’s fine motor skills. Tools that are a children size such as a shovel and wheelbarrow make gardening more fun. The child can model their parent using the same grown up tools. After planting, watering is best with a sprinkling can or a nozzle attached to the hose so the seeds and plants do not get washed away. God’s sunshine and rain (or your child’s watering) will in time grow your plants to maturity. I know that you will all enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Some wonderful children’s books about gardening and growing plants include: “Roots, Shoots, Buckets, and Boots” by Sharon Lovejoy, “Planting a Rainbow ” by Lois Ehlert, “Gardening with Kids” by Catherine Woram and Martyn Cox, and “Jack’s Garden” by Henry Cole.

There are many references to plants and growing in the Bible. A good word study may include looking up the verses of the Bible that contain the word “grow”. Make this summer one of growth for your family both physically and spiritually.

When teaching the Bible verse Psalm 104:14 to your child make sure that they understand each word. The word “livestock” means horses, cattle, sheep or any other useful animals kept on a farm or ranch. The word “cultivate” means to improve or promote the growth of a plant by attention and care.

By having a better understanding of the words and concepts in the Bible your child will understand God better. With practical application of God’s Word, as actually growing and cultivating a plant, children are able to learn about God and the world He created. A child also learns how amazing it is to watch a plant grow and eventually provide food just as Psalm 104:14 states.

“The wonderful thing about garden-based learning is that it’s a hands-on, minds-on experience where my students and I learn together.” Kids and Classroom

Gardening is a “growing experience” in that both child and adult learn from watching and participating in life together.

Check out Truths for Tots on Pinterest or Facebook.

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Enjoying the Joys of My Heart

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized May 27, 2013family, family activities, parenting, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.” Ecclesiastes 5:20b

Summer is FINALLY here! You know what I love the most about summer? It is the fact that I get to spend it with four of my favorite people and the “joys of my heart” – my kiddos!

I thrive on “no schedule”. (This is why I could never home school my children. Everyday would be a field trip!)

It drives me CRAZY when the kids want a minute-by-minute briefing of the day. I love the fact that we can wake up in the morning and do whatever we feel like that day.

Now don’t get me wrong. We do lay out a game plan for the summer. I sit down with the kids at the end of the school year and we talk about what they want to do that summer.

These things can range from places they want to go, people they want to have over, food they want to eat, or things they want to accomplish. For example, the Creation Museum is always on the list of places to go. However, so is getting frozen yogurt, playing in the sprinkler, having water balloon fights, and tenting in the backyard.

Right now we are accomplishing one of the many items on our list. We are vacationing at the beach in one of our favorite places – Outer Banks, North Carolina.

Time is FLYING by! My kids are growing so quickly and I often forget to savor the moment and to enjoy the “joys of my heart”.

This past week my Sophia graduated from kindergarten and Alexandra finished 5th grade. I was pregnant with Alexandra when I taught my last 5th grade class.

Did you know we are commanded to enjoy the life God has given us? (Ecclesiastes 11:9) It’s true! God commands us to enjoy life while we are able.

However, there is a warning. We will stand in judgement for our actions. Therefore, we are instructed to enjoy life within the parameters that God has given us.

My challenge to you is this – enjoy each moment you have with your kids this summer. Find ways to spend time with them doing things that THEY enjoy. Don’t forget to take lots of pictures so that you can relive those moments together when school starts again.

P1070060

I saw this notebook at Target the other day and couldn’t resist.

So, excuse me for having sticky floors this summer, a messy kitchen (what else do you expect when the kiddos want to help you make cookies), and piles of laundry to fold. I am enjoying the”joys of my heart”!

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

klink