Author: Truthsfortots

Less Time Gives More Time

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Daily Truth:    “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

Summer time is finally here!

I love having the kids home for summer.

I love no set schedule.

I love the spontaneity of summer.

Maybe it’s because my kids are getting older and we are getting out of the toddler stage.

Or maybe it’s because my oldest will be starting junior high in the fall (a fact I am still trying to wrap my mind around).

Or maybe it’s because my youngest will be starting kindergarten in the fall (yet, another fact I am trying to grasp).

Or maybe it’s because I am slowly realizing how quickly the time with my children is flying by and what little time I have left with them.

Every summer the kids make a summer “wish list”.  This list can include things as simple as playing play dough to things more elaborate as taking a day trip.

Each summer we try to check off as many of those items as we can.

Here is what I plan to do.

1.  Less time on the computers more time playing. (I better get this blog done quickly!)

2.  Less time worrying about clean clothes more time playing in the rain.

3.  Less time keeping the house clean more time making messes.

4.  Less time saying “yes” to others and more time saying “no” to a schedule.

5.  Less time making a “to do” list more time playing with the children.

6.  Less time making plans more time making memories.

7. Less time getting my things done more time doing what the kids will like to do. (Thus their summer “wish list”.)

8.  Less time expecting more time laughing.

9.  Less time hurrying more time slowing down.

10.  Less time worrying and more time enjoying.

I will have time in the fall while all the kids are in school to “catch up” on things that should get done.

This summer take less time doing the ordinary things of life and take more time enjoying the extraordinary.

Until next week,

Rebekah

 

Praying Scripture for Our Families

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Daily Truth:   “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Praying Scripture for our families is the most powerful weapon we have against our arch enemy – the devil. (Ephesians 6:11-18)

Praying Scripture for our families is the best gift a mother can give her children and her husband. (II Timothy 1:5)

Praying Scripture for our families enables us to come boldly to the throne room of our Heavenly Father. (Hebrews 4:16)

Praying Scripture for our families give us peace even in the midst of the most difficult trials. (John 14:27)

Praying Scripture for our families puts power behind God’s promises. (Isaiah 55:11)

Praying Scripture for our families strengthens our relationship both with our Heavenly Father as well as our children and husband. (Romans 8:15)

Praying Scripture for our family helps align our will with God’s will. (Matthew 26:42)

I could give personal examples for each of the reasons for praying Scripture for our families.  Time and space don’t permit me.  Believe me though, when I say that the Lord has shown me amazing things since I started this journey of praying Scripture for our families.

I am going to leave you with a few more tips on ways to implement praying Scripture for our families.

1.  Pray for a life verse for each member. When I started the process of praying Scripture for our families, I asked the Lord to give me specific life verses for each of my kids that I could pray for them.  Each verse that the Lord gave me fit that child specifically.

For instance, this is the verse the Lord gave me for my oldest.

Colossians 1:9-12

9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Ok.  So it’s a little long.  But this fit my oldest to a “T”.  I then wrote out the verse and pasted it to the back of my Bible.  I encourage you to do the same for each of your children and for your husband as well.

2.  Make a 31 day prayer booklet for your family.  This idea was given to me by a dear friend (thank the Lord for friends that encourage us in the faith).  I am going to work on it this summer.

Basically, you take a 3×5 card and write a verse to pray for your family that day.  Then, list each family member out and write next to their name a specific way you can pray that verse for them for that day.

3.  Get a prayer partner.  This has been the most amazing encouragement to me.  I have a couple of friends that we will text prayer requests back and forth (technology is amazing).  It is such a blessing to know that you have other people praying with you for your family.

4.  Tell your family.  I know this may seem redundant but tell your kids that you are praying scripture for them.  Be specific.

When my oldest went to Costa Rica on a mission trip over spring break, I was a little…ok…A LOT nervous about sending her even though we had complete confidence in the ladies she was going with.  But you know, it’s a mom thing.

So, I took  my fear and decided to use that to pray specific Scripture for her.  Before she left, I wrote her a card for each day with a different verse that I would pray for her that day.  One day it was on safety, another on witnessing, and so on.

She loved knowing the fact that not only was her mom praying for her but that I was praying specific promises for her each day.

I also let my husband know.  He has told me how much he appreciates it.  Often, I have no idea what his day is like, but the Lord brings certain verses to mind and the verses always seem to coincide with something that happened that day.  Amazing how God works that!

5.  Display the verse.  When praying Scripture for our families, be sure to display the verse that you are currently praying somewhere in the house.  It could be on a mirror, on a window, on paper on the fridge, on a chalkboard.

Ladies, may I encourage you to be not just mother’s of prayer, but mother’s praying Scripture for our families.

Found this poem on the internet the other day.  I don’t know who wrote it but I hope it is as much of blessing to you as it was to me.

Some have had kings in their lineage,
Some to whom honor was paid.
Not blest of my ancestors – but,
I have a mother who prays.
I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
Oh what a difference it makes for me – 
I have a mother who prays.
Some have worldly success
And trust in riches they’ve made – 
This is my surest asset,
I have a mother who prays.
My mother’s prayers cannot save me,
Only mine can avail;
But mother introduced me to Someone – 
Someone who never could fail.
Oh yes..I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
O what a difference it makes for me – 
I have a mother who prays.
Author Unknown

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

Ten Promises for Mothers

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Daily Truth:   “For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”

 2 Corinthians 1:20

mothers_day_kissesl

 

Mother’s have a huge job.  We try to meet the needs of everyone in our family.  When children are preschoolers the job requires energy, consistency, and love.  When children are elementary age the job requires the previous skills and the added skills of encouragement and party planner.  As children grow into adolescence mothers need all the previous skills plus the needed skills of master calendar and driver coordinator.

How good to know that God is with us every step of the way. God wants our families to not just succeed but to flourish.  That is not to say that every step will be easy, but God walks with us through all the ups and downs of child rearing.  He gives us His promises. It is good to know that when things get tough or when things are going well God is encouraging and providing wisdom for us through His Word.

Ten Promises from God’s Word for Mothers

  1. Joy:  “This is the day that the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalm 118:24
  2. Strength:  “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13
  3. Never give up:  “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
  4. Protection:  “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep.”  John 10:11
  5. Sadness:  “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at things which are seen,but at the things which are not seen.  For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
  6. Trust:  “For You  will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.” Psalm 18:28
  7. Peace:  “The LORD is my light and salvation;  Whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the strength of my life; The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?”  Psalm 27:1
  8. Stress:  “Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6
  9. Faith:  “Have I not commanded you be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid nor dismayed, for the LORD God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
  10. Words:  “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith  and love which are in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13

How good it is that God provides promises that mothers can hold on to as we raise our children.

Wishing you a very Happy Mother’s Day!

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

Praying Obedience for Our Children

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Daily Truth:  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
 Ephesians 6:1

 

 

Praying obedience.

Wow!  That is a huge undertaking.  I think obedience is the behavior we struggle with the most as parents.

We want our children to be able to obey immediately and sweetly.

However, sometimes our pride gets in the way.

Let’s be honest we all love it when our children demonstrate proper obedience and it makes us look good as moms.

Yet, that’s not the obedience we need or want.

We want obedience that comes from the heart.

Two examples from scripture of obedience come to mind.

The first is Samuel (I Samuel 3).

Hannah brought Samuel to the temple to serve and live in the temple when he was a very young boy as part of promise she made to the Lord.

Eli was not known for his tremendous parenting skills.

Can you imagine how hard that must have been for Hannah to leave Samuel with Eli?

I can only imagine that she prayed daily for Samuel’s obedience to God’s commands and not follow the path of Eli’s sons.

Is it no wonder then that Samuel immediately answered Eli when he thought Eli called him in the middle of the night.

Eli eventually realized that it was God calling Samuel and told Samuel how to respond.

Samuel immediately responded, “Speak, for the servant heareth”.

God then used Samuel in an amazing way in the lives of His people.

Then there’s the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fish. (John 6)

I think this is one of my favorite stories of God using a child especially in the area of obedience.

Here the Lord has been teaching a crowd of over 5,000 men not to mention women and children.

It’s lunch time and there is no way to feed all these people.

The disciples display their great lack of faith in God being able to provide.

Then here comes this boy with only five loaves of bread and two fish and willingly gives his lunch to God to use.

Insert pause – I have a hard time imagining my boys being willing to do this.  They think of the next meal before they even finish the one they are working on.  Although, one of them willingly gave me one of their Cadbury eggs the other day.  So maybe……

Can you imagine the boy’s utter amazement when his little lunch multiplies to feed all those people and then have 12 baskets of food left over?!?

In both of these cases, I have to speculate that there was a mother praying for the willing obedience of their son.

So, why should we pray for our children’s obedience.

1.  Confidence.  The Bible says that honoring our parents is the fist commandment with promise.  (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Our children will have confidence knowing that when they demonstrate proper obedience they are obeying God’s command.

2.  God blesses obedience (Proverbs 1:8-9).  I am not talking about material blessing.  Rather, spiritual blessing and isn’t that what we want for our children.

There are so many verse dealing with obedience, especially in the book of Proverbs.

Take the time this week to find some of those verse and start praying these scriptures for your children,

Remember, we want obedience to penetrate into their hearts and not just to be an action to please us.

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

Praying for the Salvation of Our Children

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Daily Truth: “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation..”  Romans 10:10

 

Praying for the salvation of our children should be the first promise that we claim in praying Scriptures for our children.

In three of the four gospels, Christ uses the phrase, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of God.”  (Matthew 19:14)

The Lord himself was concerned about the salvation of our children.

Let’s put it in context.

Christ, with His disciples, crosses the Sea of Galilee to Judea.  There a multitude of people were following Him.

Some needed physical healing others spiritual.

Then the pharisees come and try to trick Christ with a question.  Christ answers their question using scripture.

Then mother’s bring their children to Christ in order for Him to bless them.

Now the disciples try to push the children aside.  After all the children were probably dirty from the dust of the day.  Christ had just had a very busy morning healing the sick, rebuking the pharisees, etc.  Why would Christ even want to bother with the children?

But Christ wants to bothered with the children and He rebukes the disciples.

He then tells the disciples that unless you have the faith of a child you cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven.  (Mark 10:13-15)

Christ was so concerned about the salvation of our children that He had the Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record it in their books.

You see, the praying for the salvation of our children at a young age is vital.

I realize that not everyone has the privilege of being saved at a young age nor will they necessarily get to see the salvation of their children at a young age.

When I was in junior high, I really struggled with the fact that I was saved at the age of 4.  I didn’t have an amazing testimony to tell like some of the older folks in our church did.  I mean really, how bad of a sinner could a 4 year old be?  At least that was my thought.

The devil really used that thought process to question my salvation.

However, my wonderful pastor’s wife used the passage illustrated above to help me understand that God wants the salvation of our children no matter what age.  She reminded me that my testimony was the fact that God spared me of all the scars that sin can leave on a life when they are without Christ.

I will never forget that.

In Jodie Berndt’s book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, she gives to vital points in praying Scripture for the salvation of our children.

1.  When we pray for the salvation of our children, we are joining God in the work He is doing in their lives.

In other words, we can’t save our children no matter what we do.  It is God alone that brings salvation to our children.  However, God wants us to pray for the salvation of our children.  When we do that we are partnering with God.

A perfect example of this is Timothy.  Paul writes that Timothy was taught from a young age the scriptures that brought him salvation.  Who did that?  His mother and grandmother.  They became partners with God for Timothy.  (II Timothy 3:15)

2.  “Praying for the salvation of our children is asking God to give them the only gift that lasts forever.”

We cannot take anything to Heaven except for the souls we helped bring to Christ.  I desire nothing more than to have all my children one day in Heaven with me.

In praying for the salvation of my children, that is exactly what I am asking of God – to allow me to see my children in Heaven with me.

God answered that prayer for me this year.

This past year the Lord allowed me to see my two boys accept Christ as their Savior.  I cannot express the joy that brings when you hear the simple prayer of your children asking Jesus into their little lives.

Their prayers are so simple, yet so filled with insurmountable faith.

Then to see the excitement on their faces when they just have to tell EVERYBODY!!!!

Now all my children will be in Heaven with me one day.  My work is far from done, though.

The salvation of our children is by far the item at the top of our prayer list.

Here are two passages to use to pray for the salvation of our children.

II Corinthians 4:4b&6

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Acts: 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Ladies, remember to stand back, get out of God’s way, and pray that God will save their little hearts.

Until next week,

Rebekah

 

 

How to Teach Children to Love One Another

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Daily Truth:   “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”  John 13:34

Love One Another

 Encouraging children to help and serve others creates self confidence, exhibits love for one another, and takes the focus off of themselves.  In John chapter 13 of the Bible, Jesus tells us to love others as He has loved us.  Remind your child about how Jesus Christ died on the cross for everyone.  Share how God raised His only Son from the dead because He loves us and wants to spend eternity (forever) with us.  1 Corinthians 15:3-4  and Romans 8:38-39

Ten Ways to Teach Children to  Love to One Another

  1. Show love to each member of your family by making a “blessing can”.  Ask your children some ways in which they could help each other.  Write these ideas down, along with the child or parent’s name so they will know who to bless, and place on strips of paper which can then be placed in the “blessing can”.  Each child will pull a “blessing” paper from the can at least once a week (you may want to have a higher frequency) and complete the task or blessing for the person listed on the paper.  Teaching the other person to show appreciation is also a part of the lesson.
  2. Bake cookies for a shut in and take to them.  Attach a card that  tells how you appreciate them.
  3. May 1st is around the corner.  Make a May basket out of a paper plate and fill with paper flowers and hang on your neighbors’ doors.  Click here for directions
  4. Pray for those families who are on the mission field.  If those families have a prayer card keep in a card file for easy organization.  Each evening at dinner pull  a card from the box and pray for that family.  (At Christmas time pray for those families which have sent Christmas cards to your family.)
  5. When a missionary visits your church invite them over for dinner.  Get to know them and their needs.  It will bring their ministry to life for your family.  Prayers will be more specific and special.
  6. Plan a family missionary trip.  Really see what the missionaries are doing.  Your family will be a blessing to the missionary and you will be blessed too.  You do not need to go overseas, there are many missionary ministry needs near you.
  7. Plan a “Five Day Club” at your home this summer.  Child Evangelism Fellowship will provide the leaders, lessons, and other Bible materials.  All you need to provide are the children, place, an hour of your day, and a snack.
  8. Sponsor a child through an organization of your choice.  There are many children throughout the world that have daily physical and spiritual needs.  Getting to know an individual child and meeting their needs is a blessing for everyone.
  9. Visit your local food pantry with your children.  See what needs they have and how your family can help.
  10. Read missionary biographies to your children.  The Heroes for Young Readers Series is a collection of individual missionary biographies.

Kisses from Katie, written by Katie Davis, is a wonderful parental read to see how one parent surrendered their child to serve on a mission field and also illustrates how a young woman follows God’s calling to love others in a different country.  A lovely quote from this book, “…love is the reason I just keep filling up my little eyedropper, keep filling up and emptying my ocean one drop at a time I’m not here to eliminate poverty, to eradicate disease, to put a stop to people abandoning babies. I’m just here to love.”

To share the love and message of Jesus Christ is the best thing we can teach our children.

What ideas do you have in teaching your children to love and serve others?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

 

 

Praying Scripture for Your Children

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Daily Truth:  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”  II Timothy 3:16

 

 

Before Easter, I suggested we start praying scripture for our children.

When I started this a few weeks ago, I started pondering reasons that I should be praying scripture for my children.  I came up with 5 reasons although I am sure there are others.

Do you have your journals ready?

WARNING:  There are going to be days that the devil is going to cause you to doubt the validity of praying scripture for your children.  You need to be able to grab these verses quickly.  Nothing will defeat the lies of the devil faster than God’s Word of Truth!

1.  Satan wants our children.  Satan knows that the only thing we can take to Heaven with us are those things we do for Christ here on earth.  Our mission as mom’s is to raise our children in a way that would honor Christ.  So, don’t you think Satan will stop at nothing to get our children?

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  Ephesians 6:2

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat”  Luke 22:31

 

2.  We are commanded to pray for our children.

“Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children”  Lamentations 2:19

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”  Ephesians 6:18

Although these verses aren’t direct commands for praying scripture for our children, the command is there to pray.

I had never seen this verse in Lamentations before.  In chapter 2 God is describing His wrath being poured out on His people for their sins.  However, verse 19 can still be used for us today. We need to, as mother’s be willing to pour out our hearts to God and lift to Him the lives of our young children.  The picture of a mother overcome with grief for the life of her children is such a strong image.

 

3.  We receive God’s power and have direct access to God.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”  James 5:16

The Amplified Bible translates it as follows:  “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working”

Imagine – when we pray earnestly and continually we are tapping into God’s power!  Praying scripture for our children gives us promises that we can claim for our children and that is powerful!

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16

We are to come boldly (fearlessly) before God’s throne when praying scripture for our children.  He is not a God or King to cower in fear from.  He wants to hear our petitions.

 

4.  Scripture is God’s Word.  I know this seems obvious.  But think about it ladies.  When we are praying scripture we are praying God’s actual words to Him.  We are praying His promises.  God says that He is not slack concerning His promises.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”  John 1:1

Excuse the length of this next passage.  However, once again the word picture is too beautiful to ignore.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:9-11

 

5.  God’s Word is powerful.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

The image here is of one going to battle against their fiercest enemy.  Remember the first point in praying scripture for our children?  We are battling the Prince of the Air.  He is our fiercest enemy.   Praying Scripture is that sword that we need to battle Satan.

Take that blue highlighter (or whatever color) and go through your Bible and highlight these verses.

Then dig deeper and find other verse that you can use to support these reasons for praying scripture for our children.

Until Next Week,

Rebekah

klink

 

 

It Is Finished: Jesus’ Last Words on the Cross

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Daily Truth:   “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave  up His spirit. John 19:30

Silhouettes of Three Crosses

“It is finished!”  What powerful last words spoken by Jesus on the cross.   He had completed all that was asked of Him by God the Father.

Do we follow what God asks of us?  At the end of our lives we want to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”  We want to be great  wives, moms, and grandmothers.  Yet, how much time to spend on daily physical chores and neglect taking care of our own daily spiritual growth which affects our relationships to those we love most on this earth?

Maybe we should think about each day when it is finished and reflect on the questions like: What did I do for eternity today?,  What did I do to point my child or grandchild toward Christ? Did I spend time reading God’s Word today? Did I ask God for wisdom in situations that arose today?

As the mother of 3 children within 27 months I remember those days when I thought I was doing good to get meals on the table (well highchair, table, and bouncy chair as I tapped that with my foot while feeding the child in the highchair), clean clothes and house, toys somewhat put away, three baths, and then bedtime stories as my head began to nod.

In these days of Covid 19, families are doing much more than just the normal routines.  Some are teaching, working from home, trying to figure out what to cook with the ingredients they have…and the list goes on.

God has a way of getting our attention in a dramatic way sometimes and this is one of those times.   The entire world is looking around and really realizing all the planning and organization is totally out of our control.  Except, we can control what we think upon and act upon.  It makes me think of the verse, “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

The most important thing we can do is to point our children to Christ.  It’s not about a clean house, playgroups, great meals, jobs, or volunteer  work in our community or church.  The most important thing we can to do is to tell our children about Christ and to show them how much He loved us.  Parenting, in all our lives, needs to  more intentional about teaching Christ.

Times  are crazy, or are they?   God has slowed us down so we can spend time learning and then teaching about God and His love to our families.  Children learn at such an early age.  Remember Moses was allowed to stay with his mother until he was finished nursing.  My how much she must have taught him before he went to live full time in the king’s court.

Times are busy and yes chaotic  but God is faithful and always provides wisdom and encouragement when  we ask.   We can grow spiritually with our children if we humble ourselves, apply God’s Word to ourselves and put our trust in Jesus Christ.  He loves us and died that we could have everlasting life.

Our life is not finished until God says that it is finished.  May we all learn God’s Word and ways and impart it to the next generation.

As we reflect today on this weekend and what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross may we see the great love and compassion that He showed us.  May we all share that love with the children God has placed in our lives. May we accomplish all that Jesus asks us to do and have a willing spirit to follow wherever God may lead us.  May we finish well.

Mark 10:27 “But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.'”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

He is Risen! – Easter Story Cookies

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Daily Truth:  “He is not here; He has risen, as He said [He would do]. Come, see the place where He lay.”  Matthew 28:6

 

He is risen!

The cry of Easter is heard throughout the World.

He is risen!

That phrase separates Christianity from all other religions.

My kids have been singing, “Christ the Lord is risen today”  all week.

So, they don’t understand all the words.  “Dark domain” was asked about.  But they get the main thrust of the song – Christ is risen from the grave and He is in Heaven preparing a place for us.

Easter Sunday is the most important holiday on the calendar.  Yet,  the cry, “He is Risen” is barely heard above the din of baskets full of candy, bunnies, and colored eggs.

So, how can we help our kiddos understand the real reason for Easter?

Every year, I have made Easter Story Cookies with my kids.  I considered skipping it this year until my youngest asked me if we were going to make those “empty tomb” cookies this year.

Here is the recipe.  It is not original with me.

1 c whole pecans                                                              zip-lock plastic bag

1 tsp. vinegar                                                                     wooden spoon

3 egg whites (room temperature)                                 tape (optional)

pinch of salt                                                                       Bible

1 c sugar                                                                            Cookie sheet covered in wax paper

1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2.  Place pecans in plastic bag.  Allow your child to beat them with a wooden spoon.  Explain that Jesus was beaten by the Roman soldiers. (John 19:1-3)

3.  Let your child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp into a mixing bowl.  Explain that Jesus was given vinegar to drink while He was on the cross. (John 19:28-30)

4.  Add egg whites.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life for our sins. (John 10:10-11)

5.  Sprinkle a little salt on your child’s hand.  Let them taste it.  Sprinkle some salt into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the disciples tears. (Luke 23:26-28)

6.  Add one cup of sugar.  Explain that the fact that Jesus died because He loves us is the sweet part of the story. (Psalms 34:8  and John 3:16)

7.  Beat the ingredients with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain that the color white represents our hearts when Jesus cleanses them from sin. (Isaiah 1:18  and  John 3:1-3)

8.  Fold in pecans. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheet.  Explain that each mound represents Jesus’ tomb. (Matthew 27:57-60)

9.  Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven off.  Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Matthew 27:65-66)

10.  Tell your child it’s time for bed.  Explain that the disciples were sad when the disciples left Jesus’ body in the tomb. (John 16:20 -22)

On Easter Morning:

Open the oven and give each child a cookie.  When they bite the cookie it will be hollow.  Explain the disciples were amazed that Jesus’ tomb was empty.  He is risen!!    (Matthew 28:1-9)

My kiddos love making these.  It is a fun way to explain the Easter story to your little ones.

Have a wonderful Easter.  He is Risen!!!!

Rebekah

klink

Let the Children Come

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog , , 0 Comment

Daily Truth:   “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'”  Matthew 19:14

 

Jesus views us as children.  “For such is the kingdom of heaven” means that heaven is

Jesus and childrenfor all of God’s children who have come to Him while on earth.

 

One day several years ago, my husband and I were so happy for one of our children as they were accomplishing a goal that they had sought for a long time.  In that very day we also received a call about one of our other children’s huge disappointment. We were so happy for one child yet so very saddened for our other child.

As I thought about the circumstances over that weekend I felt as though I had maybe an inkling of how God feels when He looks at us. He sees all His children at one time.  What great joy He has looking  at some of his children yet what grief He has looking at His other children. The range of emotions is difficult for a mother but as I cried out to God, He calmed my heart and allowed me to feel His love in a new way.  No matter the circumstance He loves us!  A mother’s love for her children is similar in that love is a constant factor no matter what is changing in the world or what our children are doing.

When I read the words “Let the children come unto me” I know that God is talking to me as well as my children.  Those words bring comfort to me and encouragement that I need to share with my children.

This weekend as we celebrate Palm Sunday, Jesus’ joyful entrance into Jerusalem, let us remember the joy and yet the grief God must have had as His only Son rode that donkey as everyone shouted, “Hosanna”.

God’s love is great. God’s forgiveness is great.  God’s mercy is great.  God’s grace is great.

Have your children wave palm branches this Sunday and pretend that Jesus;  this one who  made the blind to see, the lame to walk, dead to rise and spoke of God and the Scriptures like no other coming down the road to your home town. Help them experience the great joy the Jewish children and parents must have felt as Jesus rode by them as He came into Jerusalem.

“Let the children come unto Me”.

Let us share the love of Jesus to the children God has entrusted to our care.  Let us share in the joy of that  wonderful entrance into Jerusalem.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson