Praying for My Children

Daily Truth:  “For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him.”  I Samuel 1:27

 

Praying for my children.

Seems like such a simple task.  Yet, how often I have failed in this area.  Oh, I pray for my children.

“Help them to have a good day.’

“Help them to obey in school and to be kind.”

But I mean the type of praying for my children that parallels the pleading of the woman in Matthew 15:22-28 for her daughter.

This woman was so convinced that Jesus would heal her demon possessed daughter that she even endured the cruel remarks of the disciples.

She would not leave Jesus’ feet until her request had been answered.

She knew the power of “praying for my children”.

That’s the type of praying I am talking about.  The type of praying for my children in which I plead for them at Jesus’ feet.

Having been forced to “be still” for 2 1/2 weeks this is one thing that the Lord really convicted me about.  I mean REALLY convicted me.

I have this book entitled Praying the Scriptures for Your Children  by Jodie Berndt. I started reading it during that time.

This book was what I needed.  It is filled with scripture and encourages you to dig deeper into God’s Word.

Well, ladies, that’s what I did.

I started out by thinking of women in the Bible who prayed for their children.  We already discussed the desperate mother of a demon possessed child earlier.  But there are others.

 Hannah – Samuel’s mom.

She so desperately wanted a child.  Her husband’s other wife already had children and mocked Hannah because the “Lord had closed her womb“.

Elkanah was no help.  He asked Hannah why she wept, and wasn’t he enough.  Poor guy was clueless!

Hannah went to the temple to pray hoping to find peace and reassurance.  However, as she was pleading with God for a son (specific prayer) along comes Eli and thinks she’s drunk.

(Thought:  Have I ever prayed so fervently that people thought I was crazy?)

Hannah reassures him that she isn’t drunk and explains why she was there and for what she was praying.

Eli reassures her that God heard her prayer.

Hannah, in faith, returns home no longer sad.  Talk about knowing the power of praying for your children.

Sure enough God heard her cry and answered her prayer for a son.  Her prayer of thanksgiving has become one of the most famous verses for praying for a child and dedicating him to the Lord.

I Samuel 1:27-28   ” For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.  Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.”

Eunice and Lois – Timothy’s mother and grandmother

Paul compares Timothy’s genuine faith to that of his mother and grandmother.  Although scripture doesn’t specifically say that they prayed for Timothy, we’re smart enough to connect the dots.

Genuine faith doesn’t just happen.  It is developed through scripture reading and prayer.

They saw the results of  “praying for my children” .

 Virtuous Woman

Once again scripture doesn’t specifically say that she prayed for her children.  Yet, we can surmise that this is true based off of Proverbs 31:30.

“But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”

She understood the necessity of “praying for my children”.

The next few weeks, I would like you to explore this topic of “praying for my children” with me.  We are going to dig into God’s Word together.

You see, we aren’t just going to pray for our children.  We are going to pray specific scripture for our children.

Here is what you will need:

 – Bible

– Two journals (trust me)

– Highlighter

– Pen

– Glue

– Scissors (No, you aren’t cutting up your Bible)

– Access to www.Biblegateway.com (Although this isn’t absolutely necessary, it will be very helpful in locating scriptures.)

– A copy of  Praying the Scriptures for Your Children  by Jodie Berndt although not necessary it is super helpful.

Are you up to the challenge of not just “praying for my children”, but “praying SCRIPTURE for my children”?

Are you ready to have God work in your heart like never before?

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

 

 

 

 

No Need to be Afraid

Daily Truth:  “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

   Psalm 27:1

Wian 29
Illustration from the children’s book,
“What’s in a Name?” by Cathy Jo Johnson

 

Have you ever been afraid?   The word “afraid” can be found 216 times in the NKJV of the Bible. God gives us accounts in the Bible where men, women, and children are afraid.  God also shows us how He rescues, protects, and gives grace to people.

According to the “Harvard Mental Health Letter” of December 2004 “A child’s world is full of dangers, real and imaginary, that many adults forget they ever experienced… Children’s minds and emotions are constantly changing and developing, and they do not all develop at the same rate, so it is not always easy to distinguish normal fears from those that require special attention. Newborns typically fear falling and loud noises. Fear of strangers begins as early as six months and persists until the age of two or three. Preschool children usually fear being separated from their parents; they may also be afraid of large animals, dark places, masks, and supernatural creatures.”

As parents we need to take care in providing a safe environment for our children.  As much as we would love to hold them and protect them their entire life we cannot and should not.

It is important for parents to have a strong prayer life.  As the mother of three children born within 27 months people often said, “They must keep you on your toes?”  Which I replied, “They keep me on my knees.”  Understanding that some things were in my control yet all things were in God’s control which was a constant help to me.

We try to remain calm when afraid so our children will not be fearful. By having a time with the LORD each day (no matter how short or long depending on our season of life) helps us to maintain calmness amidst fear.

The most important thing to take away fear is trust.  When children know that you are there to nourish, care, protect, and love them their fears are reduced and trust is built.  Our jobs as parents is to then build upon that trust and teach them to trust God.

When life situations arise, point out how God cares and protects.  Take pictures and frame those moments so your child can be reminded of God’s goodness.  Pray for others and keep a journal of those prayer requests.  Praise God for answered prayers and record in the journal so you can go back and remind your child of God’s working.  Just as the Israelites made  stone monuments in specific locations to mark God’s working we too need to make visual reminders of God’s working in our lives and those of our children’s.

Verses to teach your children about not being afraid and trusting God include:

  1.  “The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”      Psalm 27:1
  2.  “…The LORD is my helper; I will not fear…” Hebrews 13:6
  3. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid…” Deuteronomy 31:6 a
  4.  “…He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 b

Some Bible lessons that show fear from people yet  teach trust in God:

  1.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego  in Daniel 3 of the Bible
  2. Crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14 of the Bible
  3. Jesus Calms a Storm in Matthew 8:23-27   

Learning the names of God helps to take away fear and build trust.

“What’s in a Name?” is a children’s book for ages 4-8 that teaches about some of the names of God.  The name of God shown in the above illustration is the name “El Roi”. “El Roi” means the God who sees.  God sees when we are afraid.  He will take care of us. When we learn the Hebrew names of God we learn more about God.  Each of His special names teaches us a characteristic about Himself.  God loves us and can be trusted to take care of us in all situations.  We do not need to be afraid.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Out of Commission: Lessons Learned from Being Still.

Daily Truth: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalms 46:10

 

Out of commission.  Not something usually attributed to mom’s.

However, we’ve all been there at some point.  We wake up with a headache or come down with the flu and…..

Wham!

We are out of commission for a few hours or even a couple of days.

Yet somehow the fam still has to be fed, kids still have to get to school, boo-boo’s still need to be kissed, etc.

That was me – out of commission for 2 1/2 weeks.

I knew it was coming.  I prepared as best as I could with a checklist of items.

Freezer meals made – check.

Laundry done – check.

Sister here – check.

Clothes laid out for the kids for the week – check.

House cleaned – check.

 

Yet, somehow it didn’t feel like it was going to be enough.

The day came.  Everyone was ready.  Thus began my time of being out of commission.

Don’t get me wrong, I still kissed boo-boo’s and listened to how the days went for each child. But I didn’t move from my chair in the living room except for when absolutely necessary.

However, I must say I learned a lot while being out of commission.

So, here are “Lessons learned from an Out of Commission Mom”.

1.  It’s OK to say “no”.  We mom’s are so busy and we make ourselves even busier by adding extra burdens on us.  Then we wonder why we have melt downs.  It was so refreshing to be able to tell people “No, I can’t do that because….”. For 2 1/2 weeks, no responsibilities except for my family.  REFRESHING!!!!

2.  Devotional time can be refreshing.  I have had a devotional book that I have been meaning to tackle for about 4 months and just never got to it. Well, I got to it and it forced me to go deep into God’s Word.

To my shame, too often my devotional time was a quick verse and a prayer.

 I wondered why I would feel spiritually depleted.

When I was forced to sit, my devotional time was amazing.  I would start and then look at the clock and an hour would have passed!

I’ll say more about this another week.

3.  It’s OK to ask for help.  My sister could only stay for a week.  My mom helped as much as she could as well as my husband.  But there were times we needed another set of hands.  That’s when we called on our friends.  It is amazing the friends that God brings in your life before you “need” help.  When that time comes where you just can’t do it by yourself, those friends are there for you – ready and willing to help!

4.  It’s OK to accept help when it’s offered.  People would text and say, “I’m bringing a meal.”  or “I am taking the littlest guy for a play date these days.”  They didn’t ask.  They just did it.  All of those people made my recovery time so much shorter because I could get much needed rest.

Warning: Both asking for and accepting help can be very humbling.

5.  It’s amazing how much help the kids can be.  The house got cleaned, laundry got done, and supper was put on the table all with the kids help.  Ok.  So, it wasn’t up to “Mom” standards but it was sufficient and much appreciated.

6.  Cards and texts were an encouragement.  Can I tell you what it was like to get a card with a quick note saying, “Praying for you”?  I’d get a text a few times a day from friends just checking up on me.  Huge blessing.

7.  My husband is the BEST!!!! “For better or worse” has been put to the test the last few years with God entrusted trials.  Yet, my husband has always been there for me.  I depended on him completely the first few days of my “out of commission” time. He never sighed or made a comment.  He just helped.

Me and the Hubs out to dinner.
Me and the Hubs out to dinner.

Everyday he reassured me that he still loved me (despite wearing sweatpants and t-shirts for 2 weeks).

When I knew I was going to be out of commission for awhile, I was ready for it mentally.  Yet, I wasn’t ready for the lessons that I would learn spiritually and emotionally.

Honestly, would not have chosen the path that I was put on, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

The Best Steps to Follow: Following Jesus

Daily Truth:   “Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”

 Psalm 85:13

In His Steps: Sheldon, Charles M.

 

 

You have probably seen the WWJD bracelets.  Did you know that they were based on the book In His Steps?

 

 

 

 

 

The story In His Steps was story written by Charles M. Sheldon in 1896.  It was read a chapter at a time to young people on Sunday evenings in the Central Congregational Church, Topeka, Kansas.  “The Reverend Sheldon found that reading a dramatic story illustrating Christian principles in the everyday lives of ordinary people, like Jesus’ parables, drew crowds of young people to the church on Sunday evenings.”

“Sheldon’s church and church groups around the world took the book’s pledge to ask ‘What would Jesus do?’  He received dozens of letters a day relating how that pledge had changed lives, restored families, strengthened relationships, cleaned up business practices and politics, and given peace and joy to countless believers.”

“Newspapers and magazines serialized In His Steps.  This simple but inspired religious novel changed the work in the early twentieth century.”  An estimated thirty million copies in fifteen languages worldwide have been published.  Due to faulty copyright Sheldon did not earn very much money from his bestselling book.  It is said that he rejoiced knowing that the message was so popular.

The story is told through ordinary people led by their pastor.  These ordinary people take a pledge to ask “What would Jesus do?” whenever they are asked to make a decision.   Each person’s story emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience and personal Christian action in daily choices.

Sheldon’s great-grandson, Garrett W. Sheldon, wrote a contemporary retelling of his great-grandfather’s story and entitled it What Would Jesus Do?  This book possesses the same wonderful elements of the original story yet in a time period better understood for today’s reader.

It is exciting that a children’s book has also been written.  This book captures the same message as the original book and asks after each short story for the child to make a choice according to the life circumstance in the chapter.

what would jesus do cover

There is also a character building game based upon In His Steps.

What would Jesus do in the situations of life is a good question to ask ourselves.  It helps children (and adults) to think about their actions and act responsibly rather than impulsively. A Christian has the Holy Spirit to guide and direct. Yet, there is always a struggle between the “old man and the new man”.

These resources provide good practice for a life that brings honor and glory to God.

Until the next “Truth”sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Quotes from:  In His Steps 100th Anniversary Collector’s Edition published by Broadman & Holman 1995

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share Saint Patrick’s Day Facts and Fun with Children

 Saint Patrick’s Day with children…

3-leaf-clover

Saint Patrick’s Day is the celebration of a man that told his homeland of Ireland about Christ.

Saint Patrick is not really a saint with a capital S as he was never authorized by Rome.  He was a saint in the Christian definition as a saint is “one who is holy and set apart”.

Patrick was sixteen years old when he was taken from his homeland in a raid and became a slave.  He was taken to, at the time, the pagan country of Ireland.  While there he wrote that he prayed nearly a hundred times a day.  He was a slave for six years until he managed to escape.

After forty years he felt called to go back to Ireland and witness to the people there.  It has been said that he used the shamrock to witness by  explaining the Trinity.  Patrick introduced Latin to the people of Ireland.  Handwritten copies of the Bible were completed in Latin for the people of Ireland.  This replaced the awkward Ogham scripts.  He stayed in Ireland as a missionary until his death.

A good book to teach young children about St. Patrick’s Day is “The Story of Saint Patrick’s Day” by Patricia A. Pingry and Illustrated by Pamela R. Levy.

A fun snack to make is the Shamrock Shake:  Place 1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, 1 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and green food coloring into a blender.  Blend on high until smooth.  Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and green sprinkles.

A good craft to emphasize the trinity is the Shamrock Craft:  Cut the top off a green pepper. Place open end of pepper in green paint and begin stamping.

St. Patrick's Day Crafts

As read in the book of Philippians Paul greeted fellow Christians or saints with joy so too should we.  Bake some sugar cookies with your children and add green sprinkles or sugar to decorate.  Share these cookies and joy to your neighbors.

Paul and Patrick are examples of men that reached out to others.  They both told others about Jesus Christ and His Word.

Enjoy this day, reach out and share the Good News of Christ.

For more Saint Patrick’s Day craft and food fun please check out my Pinterest board http://truthsfortots.com/saint-patricks-day-facts-and-fun/

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Three leaf clover photo from Irishviews.com

Lessons from Bees: Working Together

Daily Truth:  “Do all things without murmurings and disputings:”  Philippians 2:14

 

My 6 year old son has been obsessed with bees lately.  Not sure what has brought this on, but you never know how a 6 year old mind works.

Any rate, he brought home from the school library the other day two books on bees and a Moody Bible Institute DVD titled City of the Bees.

Super excited about it, he insisted we watch it THAT night.  So, once all the homework was done, I put in the DVD.

Now, mind you, this DVD was more on the level of a 5th grader but who was I to squash his curious mind.

While watching the movie, my 5 year old son kept asking my 6 year old son a gazillion questions about the bees.  My 6 year old son answered them in only the way a 6 year old can.  My 7 year old daughter sat on the couch with the look of utter boredom on her face.

The next morning at breakfast we talked about the movie on bees that they watched.

Below is how the conversation played out.

Seven year old:  “Did you know that if we humans worked together like the bees, there wouldn’t be any fighting?”  (I guess she did learn something!)

Six year old:  “Did you know that the queen whistles when there is an enemy coming?”  (hmmm – didn’t know that)

Now we have been working on Philippians 2:14 this past week as a family.  The kids have been doing way to much “murmuring and disputings” for this mom’s taste the last two weeks!

Even wrote the verse on the window with window markers!  (desperate or brilliant – not sure)

Use Window Markers or dry erase markers to write on windows.
Use Window Markers or dry erase markers to write on windows.

Can we say “teaching moment”!!!!

Mom: “So, if the bees are to have honey and a ‘happy hive’ they have to work together, right?”

Eleven year old: “I know where this is going!”

Mom: “Well, according to our verse, if we are to be able to enjoy fun and pleasant things, we need to work together without complaining and fighting just like the bees do.  Then we’ll have a ‘happy hive’.”

(giggles)

Mom: “Who is in charge of the hive?”

All: “The Queen Bee.”

Mom:  ” What would happen if the bees heard the Queen Bee whistle the warning and one of them said, ‘Oh, I’ll come in a minute’ ?”

5 year old: “They could die!”

Mom: “It’s important that the bees obey right away.  Whose in charge of you during the day?”

Kids: “You are.”

Mom: “Let’s call me the Queen Bee.”
(Insert 11 year old rolling eyes – working on that!)

“When I tell you to do something and you say, ‘Just a minute’ are you obeying right away?”

Kids: “No. We get in trouble.”

Mom: “Right.  So, see we can learn lessons from even the bees that God created about obedience and working together.”

Ok.  So maybe watching the DVD on bees was not MY first choice on spending 27 minutes with my kids before bed.  However, the lessons they learned from an unlikely source were invaluable.

My 6 year old is now insisting that dad watch it with us this Friday night.

Popcorn will be handy for this encore presentation.

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

 

 

 

Fingerplays Add Fun and Increase Attention Span

Daily Truth:   “Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding…”  Proverbs 3:13

MP900227619

It is never too young to begin teaching children about God and the things of God. Below are some fingerplays to teach God’s precepts at an early age.

Loving Gifts from God
Loving gifts from God; (Point up.)
My father and mother, (Use index finger of one hand to touch middle and index finger of other hand.)
My sister, brother; (Touch little and ring fingers.)
These are gifts from God.  (Point up.)
 
Loving gifts from God; (Point up.)
A home so good, (Put fingertips of both hands together.)
My friends and food; (Wiggle fingers and then pretend to eat.)
These are gifts from God. (Point up.)
 
Jesus Is with Me
Jesus is with me all the time; (Point up, and then to self.)
He sees me when I play. (Jump lightly and clap hands.)
He watches when I eat or sleep; (Rest head on hands.)
He hears each word I say. (Cup hand behind ear.)
 
Jesus will help me anytime; (Point up, then to self.)
When I am sick in bed, (Lay head on hands.)
Or when I’m skipping down the walk; (Skip.)
He’s there-just as He said! (Point up, nod head yes.)
 
He watches when I read His Word; (Make open book with hands.)
He listens when I pray; (Fold hands in prayer.)
He sees me when I go to church; (Put hands overhead to make a church steeple.)
He’s with me every day! (Point up, then to self.)
 
Jesus Grew
Baby Jesus grew and grew,
Just as babies do.  (Move hands apart as lines are recited.)
From a baby, very small, (Rock “baby” in arms.)
Grew to be a man so tall. (Indicate man’s height.)
Jesus loves a child like me; (Point to self.)
He was once a child, you see. (Point up.)
 

These fingerplays are from Preschoolers Sing and Say by Regular Baptist Press.

Fingerplays increase attention span, add fun, and help teach concepts.  Have fun teaching God’s precepts to the children God has placed in your life.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Learning Styles and Teaching Style Matter

Daily Truth:  “You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”  Deuteronomy  11:19

group of children

Is it important to know the learning styles of children in order to teach children effectively?

According to Deuteronomy 11:19 we are to teach the things of God throughout the day. This seems like a big order in this day of technology, over commitments, fast food, and sometimes fast talk.  Yet, we need to slow down our lives so we will be able to tend well to our families. Teaching about God and His Word are the most important things we can do.

In order to make the most of  teaching moments it is good to know the learning style of your child.  There are several ways to categorize learning styles.

I will refer to  three learning styles:  auditory learner, visual learner and the kinesthetic learner. The auditory learner learns best by hearing the information being taught to them and then talking about what was learned.  The visual learner must see the process, facts, and concepts being taught.  The kinesthetic learner learns best while manipulating, touching, and working with the concepts being taught.

Watch children as they play to help determine their learning style.  An auditory learner will express themselves through their words.They may also enjoy music and various sounds. The visual learner will have more facial expression. They also enjoy watching and observing.  The kinesthetic learner will more likely express themselves through body language and manipulation of the objects being played with.  They may even want to take things apart to see how it works. They enjoy physical activity.

Our ultimate teacher example is Jesus Christ.  While on this earth he taught to the auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learner.  Jesus used parables (a short story with a message) to teach. Oh how those auditory learners must have wanted to sit for hours listening and soaking in every word that Jesus said.  Jesus also taught to the visual learner.   He fed 5,000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread!  What a site that would have been to see!  And then for the kinesthetic learner (some of the disciples)  each received a basket of food left over to carry with them after Jesus fed the 5,000 people.

Try to think of other examples from the Bible in which Jesus taught to the various learning styles.  It is exciting to see all the examples of teaching scenarios God’s Word provides for us.  It never ceases to amaze me how much we can learn from God’s Word.

Once we understand the learning style of the children God has placed around us we can more effectively teach each child. Just as Jesus taught in a variety of ways so too should we.  We need to know the dominant way in which the individual child learns but teaching to all children means we need to make sure that we as parents, grandparents, and teachers follow Jesus’ example and teach to all three learning styles.

Teaching the things of God while we “speak, sit, and walk” as told to us in Deuteronomy 11:19 covers the three learning styles.

Until the next “Truths” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

 

 

Going for the Gold, Why Not a Crown?

Daily Truth:   “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

Olympic gold medal

The Winter Olympics have been enjoyable to watch and when the athletes receive their awards it is a memorable moment.  In the first Olympics crowns of olive leaves were given as the awards. To receive an award for your efforts sets one apart from the others.  Why do we enjoy hearing the medal count for each country at the end of each broadcast? There is a competitive aspect and achievement recognition that interests us. It is good to see those who have worked hard be recognized for their efforts.

These elite athletes have overcome many obstacles in order to compete in this year’s Winter Olympics.  Some of the athletes have fought through injuries that most of us would still be recuperating from and in some sort of physical therapy.   Other athletes have overcome great grief of the death of loved ones. A bobsled was broken and there was a team working through the night to repair it so the athletes could compete the next day. What about Nick Goepper who learned to snowboard in the hills of southern Indiana?   He and his parents found a way in which he could perfect his skills to the point of becoming an Olympian and medalist.

What characteristics do these elite athletes have in common? Can we apply these characteristics to Christian parenting?

  • The Olympians fight through setbacks and injuries while becoming the elite athlete they each are today.  Do we focus on the situations in our life or do we focus on the prize? (Eternity with Jesus Christ and laying crowns at His feet.)  Prayer is important for the Christian.  Keep a family journal of prayer requests and answered prayer so children can see God.  Come back to those answered prayers in time of difficulty and remind children that God helped in the past and will help in the future.
  • The Olympic athletes must eat well in order to fuel their bodies to perform at this elite level.  As Christians we must feed on the things of God. Spending time with God in prayer and reading His Word are imperative if we want to finish this life well.  In order to teach our children to love the Lord we must spend time with God first and then share that love with our family.  Pray with your children before school. Have Bible fact night at the dinner table once a week.  Pray for a missionary before dinner. If your hear an ambulance pray for all concerned.  Be creative and see how many ways you can point your children toward God in a day.
  • Practice is imperative in order to become an Olympic athlete.  Have a time of Bible teaching with your children.  Memorize Scripture as a family.  Use teachable moments in nature to teach the things of God.  Practice is repetition and adding creativity to the repetition is key.  Make learning the things of God repetitive, fun, and creative.
  • Encouragement from mothers has been a theme of many advertisements during the broadcast of the Olympics.  As mothers we have a great responsibility to encourage our children in the things of God.  Just think of Hannah in the Old Testament and her son Samuel.  She brought him a coat each year he was growing up with Eli as an act of love and support.
  • The medal winners are very thankful for the people who have helped them on the arduous journey toward perfection of their specific sport. As Christians do we provide encouragement to others? Do we praise God for His Word that imparts so much and are we thankful for the Holy Spirit that wants to guide us in all things?  Let children see your praise and thankfulness of God and others. Help your children think of  “random acts of kindness”  to bless others.

We may never earn an Olympic medal but we all have the ability through Christ to earn a crown that we will want to lay at the feet of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown but we for an imperishable crown.”         1 Corinthians 9:24-25

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicingIs it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”  1 Thessalonians 2:19

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”  James 1:12

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away”. 1 Peter 5:4

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  2 Timothy 4:8

As this year’s Olympics come to a close and the medal count is posted consider the importance we are placing on the rewards God gives to us.  Are we teaching our children about God’s rewards?  Our we teaching them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind?   Let’s run this race well and teach to our children what counts for eternity.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

 

 

Change? Seriously, Not Again!

Daily Truth:  “For I am the Lord, I change not.”  Malachi 3:6

 

Change is a word that causes people to react in many different ways. Some love it. Some hate it. For me, it depends on what kind of change we are talking about. I like to switch the wall color (I think our house has shrunk in square footage as often as I change the wall colors). I like to move the furniture around. I like to darken my hair color (which is what prompted this blog). I love the change of seasons (I hope this one happens soon).

Some changes I don’t like. I don’t like moving. I don’t like seeing my children go from little to big. I don’t like change that drastically reshapes your life. I don’t like having to change plans at the last minute. It’s little changes that I like. Some change is good.

After a VERY frustrating day a couple weeks ago, my hubs and I sat down and changed the way we assign the chores. I was having all 4 kids help empty the dishwasher at the same time.  They all had different sections to empty.  However, it was causing way too many fights and frustrating mom every morning. So, we now have the kids do their jobs on a rotating basis.  One morning the oldest empties the dishwasher, the 2nd feeds the pets, the 3rd loads the washer, and the 4th sets the table. Then every day the kids rotate to the next job on the list. Fights are at a minimum now in the mornings.  Duh!  Such a simple change.  Why didn’t I think of that!!! Kids, like adults, deal with change differently.  One of my boys almost cannot handle any sort of change without going a little spastic.

My other son has to ask over and over again “why” and “how come” just to get it all set in his mind. Both of my girls are homebodies. So, whenever there is a change in routine, mom has to get creative. Thus comes next week. There is going to be a bit of a change in routine in our house for about a week.  My sister is coming to help me and my hubs with something and we will have to have our arsenal full of ideas to keep the kids from overreacting. I am thinking we might have to do a surprise night each night like I did the week my hubs was on a business trip. Movie night. Dessert night.  (Huge in our fam). Sleep over at grandma’s. Present from mom and dad. My sister is good at the creative part.  She loves spending time with the kids and they all adore her! Things change.  Life changes.  Sometimes rapidly.  One thing we can count on is that God does NOT change.

 

His plans for us do not change. His character does not change. His love for us does not change. He is constant. Hebrews 6:17-19  shows us we can anchor our lives on the fact that God is immutable – unchanging. My kids will say to me, “Did you change your never mind?”  God doesn’t change “His never mind”. Until next time, Rebekah klink