Truthsfortots, Author at Truths for Tots

From Fear to Faith: “Fear Not” Scriptures

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog August 28, 2013August 28, 2013children, family, parenting, scripture 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Fear not, for I am with thee”. Isaiah 41:10

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One of my family’s favorite “fear not” passage is Psalm 56.

Last Wednesday night, our Pastor shared a portion of this chapter with us in church. My hubs and I reminded our oldest about this “fear not” passage that night at home.

Thursday was the big test of faith vs. fear for our oldest. She would have to board the bus to go to a game. In tears, she told us she absolutely didn’t want to do it.

So, we promptly brought her to this “fear not” passage.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalms 56:3

(This song goes great to “The Wheels on the Bus”. An easy way for little guys to learn this verse.)

When we fear something, what do we often do?

Cry.

Mmmmm – God knew that too.

“Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?” Psalms 56:8

Our tears are so important to God that He collects them and puts them in a bottle.

Then the Psalmist repeats himself.

“In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” Psalms 56:11

We like to rephrase the last part.

“What can___________do to me?”

Fill in the blank with your child’s fear (or yours for that matter).

Storms. People. Buses. Darkness. (All real fears of my children).

You get the idea.

Here are a few more of our favorite “fear not” verses.

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power.” II Timothy 1:7

God doesn’t want us to fear, so He gives us the power to face our fear.

” Fear not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;” Isaiah 41:10

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” Isaiah 41:13

Once again a repeat. However, don’t miss the beautiful picture here. God holds our hand while we face our fears.

My youngest did that the other day. He hates anything doctor which if you know my family you will appreciate the irony of that fear. So, I was prepared that the dentist would be a humdinger of a visit. When the hygienist called my little man’s name. he looked at me, stretched his hand toward me, and said, “Can you hold my hand?” You know what- he didn’t let go until he was out of that chair.

That’s what God does with us when we have to face our fears. We look at Him with tears in our eyes, and ask Him, “Abba, Father, will you hold my hand?” He doesn’t let go.

“Only be thou strong and very courageous” Joshua 1:7

“The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” Psalms 118:6

Psalms 23 is not only a good reminder of God’s provision, but also of His protection.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1

Can we not also say. “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not fear.”

There are so many verses that deal with fear. These are just a few of our favorites.

So, what was the result of the bus? Well, when we asked her how it went – “It was great mom. I only wish you could have let me ride it home instead of having to go home with you.”

Sigh – I can’t win!

Until next week,

Rebekah

Fear Not: Turning Fear into Faith

Truthsfortots Guest Blog, Uncategorized August 20, 2013children, family devotions, parenting, scripture 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Fear not, for I am with you.” Isaiah 41:10

Fear can be a paralyzing emotion. Different things or events cause people fear to fear different things.

My boys fear storms at night. So, the lights stay on.

My middle daughter feared sleeping in her room at night because the dark blue walls made her think monsters were in the room. (Her walls are now a lovely shade of a pale green).

My oldest daughter fears getting on a school bus.

At times, I fear running by myself. I think it’s because I have read to many Reader’s Digest “Drama in Real Life”! So, I take my pepper spray, use a little wisdom, and plug in the music.

Fear is such a powerful emotion and can be a very controlling emotion if we allow it.

We were having our family devotions the other day out of the Heroes and Villains book that we have been enjoying this summer. The scripture was on Peter denying Christ.

Yes, denying Christ was a horrible thing for him to do.

Yet, what was the basis of him denying Christ?

Let’s see. One of his friends betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, his other friends scattered, and he had watched at a distance the events in the home of the high priest. Peter also was fully aware of the cruelty of the Romans.

So, what was the underlying issue that caused Peter to deny Christ? Fear.

Yet, despite Peter’s fear leading to his denial of Christ, God used him above and beyond what Peter could have even imagined at the Day of Pentecost!

Fear caused David to lie and commit murder. Yet, God would later call him a “Man after His own heart”.

Fear caused Jacob to run from Esau rather than admit his deception. Yet, God would have Jesus come through Jacob’s line.

Fear can be dibilitating. Yet, fear can also cause us to be victorious.

Fear caused Esther to pray and fast and then go before the King to ask for the salvation of her people.

Fear caused Shadrach, Meshach, and Obednego to stand before King Nebuchadnezzar and be thrown into the fiery furnace.

Fear caused Daniel to continue praying three times a day to God and then be cast into the lion’s den.

What was the difference? They allowed their fear to become a demonstration of their faith. They had faith that their God was bigger than their fear.

So, back to the devotional.

“Kids, do you think Peter was afraid that night?

“Yes.”

“Do you think God could have helped him overcome that fear if Peter had asked?”

“Yes.”

Turning to my oldest, “So, can God help you over come your fears such as getting on the bus this Thursday to go play in a volleyball game?”

Silence. Then, “I really don’t want to get on that bus, mom.”

“I know. But don’t you think your God is bigger than your fear?”

“Yes.”

“Don’t you think the devil is using the emotion and lie of fear to cause you not to have faith that God will help you on that bus?”

“Yes.”

“How about turning that fear into faith. It will be a step of faith for every parent to send their child on that bus this Thursday. It will also be a step of faith for everyone of your teammates and friends to get on that bus.”

So, how can we combat fear in our lives and help our children combat fear in their lives?

1. Prayer. Pray with your children. Pray for their specific fear know matter what it is. Pray with them that God would give them the strength to overcome that fear.

2. Scripture. It has been said that there are over 365 “Fear Not” verses in the Bible – one for each day of the year. Give them scripture that deals with fear to help them conquer those fears. At night, my oldest listens to the Psalms being read from the Bible Gateway app.

3. Music. Good Christian music is so calming as well as relaxing classical music. We often play music for the kids to settle down. When I was delivering my oldest, we brought a CD player and some soft classical music. All the nurses wanted to stay in our room because it was so relaxing.

Here are two of our favorite “fear” verses.

“What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.” Psalms 56:3

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Isaiah 41:10 (Actually, you really need to read the whole chapter.)

So, Thursday afternoon, I will be taking a step of faith with so many other parents as our children take their own step of faith getting onto the buses to go to games, turning our fear into faith.

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Make This Year’s School Shoes Last a Lifetime

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog August 15, 2013August 15, 2013children, family, parenting, school, scripture 0 Comment

Daily Truth: Shoes “and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace” Ephesians 6:15

Father and Child's Feet

Baby steps then toddler steps and before you know it your child is grown. Each stage of growth means new shoes.

New shoes are almost always part of the items purchased for a new school year. This year while buying school supplies, clothing and shoes make it a special time and also go out to lunch after shopping.

Bring up the verse from Ephesians 6 about shoes. Discuss how shoes are important to protect feet. Discuss how different shoes are needed for various sports, gym class, and school. The correct type of shoe helps us to do our best.

In Ephesians 6:15 there are several words that may need explaination to the child. The word “shod” means to bind on. I grew up with horses so when I think of the word “shod” I think of nailing on a horse’s shoe. So “bind” would mean to tightly fasten to your feet. The word “preparation” means to be prepared. The word “gospel” means the good news of Jesus Christ. The word “peace” means the salvation we have through Jesus Christ. Sure there are other kinds of peace but true peace is only found in Jesus.

Help your child remember each day when he or she puts on those new shoes to also put on the shoes of peace from God’s Word.

The special shoes that God teaches us about in Ephesians 6 are just a part of the entire armor of God. To learn more about all of the armor of God read Ephesians 6:10-20.

God is so good to teach us His Word through things such as shoes in our every day life. Take advantage of “teachable moments” and bring God’s Word alive to your child.

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

A Season and a Time: It’s Time for School!

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog August 12, 2013children, family, school 2 Comments

Daily Truth: “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Well, It’s that time and season of year again. Another season of my little family’s life is approaching.

Yes, it’s that time again – school starts tomorrow.

Unlike the Staple’s commercial, in which the father is merrily wheeling the shopping cart up and down the aisle while throwing school supplies into his cart and the song “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” plays in the background – I don’t view this time of the year as “the most wonderful time of the year”. In fact, I am more like the kids following their dad around – head hung low.

Now don’t get me wrong. I love the school we send our kids too. Their teachers are fantastic. I know that they are being taught well both academically and spiritually.

It’s just that I love everything about summer!

I love the carefree of the summer days. I love the lack of a time schedule. But most of all I love spending all that time with my kids.

Once again I must make a confession. There were a few moments when I wondered if I would be able to make it through the summer. After all, one can only take so much fighting especially in the car. But overall, I love spending time with my kids.

Honestly, this has been a very full last week of summer. How much can one cram into 7 days.

– Two visits to the state fair

– A trip to the pool

– A trip to a local museum park

– A birthday celebration

– A trip to a favorite local restaurant

– A trip to another favorite local dine

– Trip to the Lego store

– Camp out at the house

– And then finish up with a 6th grade backyard back to school bash

And the list goes on.

So, here we are again. That time of year. Like I said, it’s another season in our lives.

My oldest is finishing up elementary school. Thus the time for starting things like sports practices has come. Now, mom will be attending as many games as possible with the siblings in tote wearing the school colors.

Now the time for all three of the siblings to be in school has come. My two middle ones will be sharing teachers and classroom. (Praying for those teachers!) The youngest starts his school time in preschool – part time. I’m not quite ready to let him go full time yet.

So, four back packs are ready to go. Two lunches packed. Three uniforms and one first day of school outfit pressed and ready to go.

Tomorrow, I will be one of those mom’s shedding tears as I see my kids off to school and realize that we are entering another passage of time.

Then I will join some other moms for breakfast, talk, laugh, and count my precious 3 1/2 hours until I have to get my two youngest from school.

I wonder how much I can get done in that short amount of time?

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Thy Son, Thy Only Son: Dedicated to God

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog August 5, 2013August 5, 2013children, family, parenting 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Take thy son, thy only son Isaac, whom thou lovest…and offer him.” Genesis 22:2

Dedicated in Life and in Death.

This weekend my church family dedicated four lives to God.

We dedicated the life of – a sweet wife and mother – to the Lord. She was dedicated to God in life and now in death.

We dedicated the lives of a sweet couple and their daughter to the Lord. They were dedicated to God in life and now in death.

The word used over and over during their service was “dedicated” – dedicated to God, their son, their family, each other.

When a tragedy like this strikes, you are faced with so many questions. “Why?” “What if..?” “How come?”

When tragedy like this strikes you are also brought face to face with a choice – How am I going to allow God to use this in my life?

The passing of these four have brought this question to the front of my mind. The one phrase that seems to come before me often is “Thy son, thy only son”. (Genesis 22:1-18)

On Tuesday morning, I opened my email and there was a devotional dealing with having our children dedicated to God.

Coincidence? No. Providence.

Our Pastor spoke briefly to the church family Wednesday night. He told us how he turned to his wife this week and asked, “If God had said to you that your son, daughter-in-law, and your granddaughter would be taken home prematurely, would you have been willing?”

Her response, “We’ve always been willing.”

Dedicated to God in life and in death. Powerful. Poignant.

A mom in our church, whose daughter was in the hospital, said that our Pastor came around to each of the hospital rooms and asked how THEIR kids were doing. The mom said that they asked Pastor, “Fine, but how are YOU doing?”

His response, “We are thankful for the years God gave us our son.”

Dedicated to God in life and in death. Powerful.

My husband and I dedicated our oldest to the Lord shortly after she was born. We did the same for our three younger ones as soon as they were adopted. But like so many other families, did we realize the full impact of that moment?

We, like Hannah and Abraham of old, opened up our hands to the Lord and said, “Take and use them as only You see fit. May I not get in the way of your master plan.”

The four we dedicated to God had all fulfilled part of God’s master plan this week. Though their time was short here on earth, God’s work for them was done. They had dedicated their lives to His service in life and in death and now they are enjoying the presence of God in Heaven.

So, I am brought face to face with this question: Am I willing to give my two sons and my two daughters – the ones that my husband and I claimed I Samuel 1:27 “For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted my petition which I asked of Him” – to Him daily, without reserves, fully dedicated to God and His service?

Lord, may I be willing.

Dedicated to God As I watch my children play, And see them change and grow, I want to keep them young and small, But I know that cannot be so.

They are full of life and dreams, Each one planning what they want to be- A daddy, doctor, policeman, farmer, A princess, writer, teacher, mommy.

I have dreams for them as well And wonder too what they will be, What goals they will accomplish, And what dreams they will achieve.

Yet, as I seek God’s Word for wisdom, I am reminded that they are not my own, That these precious children of mine Are given to me from God – on loan.

As I bring each child before the throne, And bow on bended knee, I give each child to the Lord, And petition Him humbly,

“Lord, I don’t ask that they have riches Or that they experience great fame. I simply ask that they know, love, serve you, And glorify Thy name.

I know these children are not my own, You have chosen to give them to me. So, I simply give them back to you That they may be used greatly of Thee.

Please take them, use them, and mold them Into servants and vessels that you can use. Sharpen them, train them, and strengthen them Into Your powerful tools.

May I step back and allow you to work Even if your ways I don’t understand. May this mother never get in the way Of You working Your master plan.

May I hold them tight enough to protect them From the snares of this World and Satan, But hold them loose enough so that You May use them, mold them, and shape them.”

So as I watch my children play And see them quickly change and grow, I know my time with them is very short And pray it is God they will seek, love, serve, and know.

Until Next Monday, Rebekah

The Heavens Beckon Our Attention: God’s Glory

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog August 4, 2013August 4, 2013family, family activities, scripture, summer 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

The heavens do declare the glory of God. And, the firmament does show His handiwork.

We serve an amazing God! The stars are so numerous that we cannot count them. The sun is at just the right distance to provide heat and light to sustain us and not destroy us. God’s glory and majesty can be seen every day and night.

It is no coincidence that the sun, moon, and stars are hung above us. We must look up to see them. Written in Isaiah 55:9 God tells us, “The heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts”.

Looking up at the heavens we can see this heaven yet in Revelation 21:1 John tells us, “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away…..”. Gazing up at the night sky can prompt questions of the new heaven. What does it take so we can see this “new heaven”? It takes the realization that Christ, God’s Son, died for our sins according to the Scriptures, He was buried and that He rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) God’s Word also tells us in Acts16:31 “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”

On the next clear night go outside, away from the city lights, with a blanket and your family. Lie there and look up. Can you too declare the glory of God? God is so good to give us just a peek into the beauty of our eternal home and a glimpse into His full glory.

Some resources for you and your child to find more about the heavens include:

“Creation Astronomy” by Dr. Jason Lisle, “Kids Answers” by Answers in Genesis, Answers in Genesis Kid Videos: Habitable Planet and Distant Starlight , to see amazing photos from space see the Hubble website, and a great app for an iPhone is “Night Sky”. This app will help you to identify constellations while gazing at the stars.

Until the next “Truth” telling moment,

Cathy Jo

This article first appeared on “Truths for Tots” blog

Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death: God Comforts

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog July 29, 2013July 30, 2013children, christian, family, scripture 2 Comments

Daily Truth that brings comfort: “Yeah though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil.” Psalms 23:4

This weekend my church family in Indianapolis was plummeted into the valley of the shadow of death. A few of our families are forced to walk through this valley even deeper due to the loss of loved ones. Words fail at a time like this. Yet, God’s Word NEVER fails and brings comfort.

The following are a few of the verses that have brought and continue to bring comfort to me as my family recently traveled through this valley.

“I sought the Lord and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4

“Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. ” Psalms 34:8

“He is their strength in the time of trouble.” Psalms 37:39

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.
My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?
My tears have been my food day and night,” Psalms 42:1-3

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Psalms 46:1

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

“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you. I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For you have been my refuge,a strong tower against the foe.” Psalms 61:1-3

“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken” Psalms 62:1-2

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalms 73:26

“I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.” Psalms 77:1

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the Lord your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” Isaiah 43:1-3

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts” Isaiah 55:8-9

“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” Psalms 56:8

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes” Revelation 7:11

“Sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” I Thessalonians 4:13-14

I love the last three verses. What comfort they provide! Each tear we cry God knows about and one day will wipe them all away. As believers in Christ we have the confidence that we will see those fellow believers who have passed before us again.

Praying God’s comfort for all,

Rebekah

Just a Boy

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog July 22, 2013children, family, family devotions, scripture 1 Comment

Daily Truth: “There is a boy here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?” John 6:9

Just a Boy.

We have been reading through a devotional book entitled “Heroes and Villains of the Bible” this summer in our family devos. Mostly the heroes and villains have been adults – until Saturday night. That night we read about how a boy’s lunch fed 5000 men.

Just a Boy.

Now, the kids have heard this story before. However, to hear it light of a “hero” was a whole other view point. I mean…really…a child as a “hero”? You could see the question spinning through their heads.

Just a Boy.

Of course, the number “5,000” means nothing to 4, 5, and 6 year olds. So, we had to put it in perspective for them.

“Sam, let’s pretend that I pack you a lunch with 5 rolls and two small fish and you take it church. Now let’s say, we walk into the auditorium and we tell you to share your lunch with everybody in the church. Would it happen?”

Once again the wheels spinning. “What?!?!”

Micah, “No way that would work!”

Now we have no where near 5,000 members in our church but just the thought of having to share that little with that many was overwhelming.

Just a Boy.

Then Alexandra chimed in, “Dad, I’m sure there were other people that brought a lunch. How come Jesus didn’t use their lunches?”

“Maybe, they didn’t offer to help like this little boy did.”

Just a Boy.

Then we reminded the kids that we don’t know the boys name, but he is forever remembered as the “Boy with the five loaves and two fish that over 5,000 men”.

I mean can you imagine him running home to his mom and exclaiming, slightly out of breath, “Mom you will never believe what Jesus did today!”

Just a Boy,

Why is this boy remembered through all time? Why did God say to John, “Hey, remember the feeding of the 5,000? Tell about that as you write this book”.

Why? Simply because the boy was willing to share in only a way a child could.

He didn’t see the vast number of people. He didn’t see the impossibility. He didn’t calculate how much money he would need like the disciples did. No, he just simply handed his lunch to Jesus – willingly. No tempers. No coercing from dad.

Just a Boy.

So, another thought occurred to me as we finished up the devotional. How was a little boy so willing to share his little lunch? I’m sure it was hot and had been a tiring walk.

I mean, I have two boys and when they are ravenous, telling them to share their lunch is right up with asking them to eat their broccoli with a happy spirit.

So, how did this boy willingly give away his lunch?

Training. Parents training him at a young age to share all he has with others. No restraints. No questions. Just a willing spirit.

Demonstrating. Parents demonstrating by their actions how to share and help others with a willing spirit. Not grudgingly.

Convicting!

It always amazes me how God’s Word can reach all ages with the same story.

Just a Boy.

So, my kids went away with the idea that even though they are little, they can still be a hero for God.

I went away reminded to keep on with the training because God can use just a boy.

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

P.S. The little maid to Naaman’s wife is another little hero God used for Him.

“The World Itself Could Not Contain the Books”

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog July 19, 2013July 23, 2015family, family activities, family devotions, parenting 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “And there are also many things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25

Did you know there were 1,052,803 books published in 2009 and approximately 3,000,000 books published in 2011? (These statistics are from Bowkers, the company in the U.S., that issue ISBN numbers.) Google actually counted the number of books in existence and as of August 5, 2010 there were 129,864,880 books in print. Yet, “the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” of all that Jesus did while on earth.

All the things that Jesus did if written in books would fill the earth. That is a huge statement. How big is the earth you ask? The circumference at the equator is 24,901 miles. (One of those facts remembered from grade school.) And yet, “the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” of all that Jesus did while on earth.

Are you getting the picture? It is mind boggling to think of how much Jesus did in three years. His compassion was great! His love was deep! He could not but help those around him.

When we teach our children about Jesus feeding the 5,000, turning water into wine, meeting the woman at the well, healing the sick, blind, deaf and lame, and raising the dead we are just telling about a few of Jesus’s miracles and teachings. Remember, “the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” Do not lose the enthusiasum and wonder of a child. Get amazed at what the Lord Jesus Christ did! Share that love, compassion and amazment with the children in your life.

We do not need to wonder what was not included in the Bible because God has included just the right teachings and miracles for us to know and learn. Matthew 5:18 tells us that “no jot or tittle shall in no way pass from the law, until all be fulfilled.” Everything written in the Bible is for a purpose. How good it is that God inspired holy men of God to write about Himself and His Son, Jesus Christ, all in one book, the Bible. Can you imagine needing to read thousands of books to understand the character of God, His plan of salvation, Jesus’s miracles, how to live with one another, and all the other many things God teaches us through His Word? God is so good to us.

And yet, “the world itself could not contain the books that would be written” of all that Jesus did while on earth. How wonderful it is to think about Jesus’s great compassion for the people around him. Not only in the time he walked this earth but the eternal home He is preparing for those who believe in Him. Jesus gave His life for us that we may live with Him in eternity. His compassion was and is too great to fathom. It is also too great to record in volumes of books. Truly amazing!

Share this concept with a young child, especially a visual learner. Try going to your city library and pointing out all the books and then discussing that all that Jesus did while on earth could not even be held in that library. Check out Truths for Tots Pinterest board on Books and Libraries to get another visual on large collections of books.

Also, check out Truths for Tots Pinterest board on Children’s Books that Point to Jesus.

Remember, “And there are also many things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” John 21:25

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo

Refreshing Rain

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog July 16, 2013children, family, scripture 0 Comment

Daily Truth: ” As the rain cometh down….so shall my Word be.” Isaiah 55:10-11

Refreshing Rain.

I am one of those odd moms that lets her kids play in the rain. I’m not talking a downpour, just a soft rain that doesn’t seem to stop.

Their imaginations seem to open up even more and the backyard is suddenly an area of endless possibilities. Umbrellas even come out despite the fact that they are pointless.

A couple of Saturdays ago, it rained all day and the kids were out all day. Have you ever jumped on a trampoline while it was raining?

Refreshing Rain.

I love running in the rain. Not one of those “soak to the bone” rains. Just a gentle rain. It seems to clear my thoughts and I get a better run in.

Refreshing Rain.

Hawaii has these gentle rains almost everyday. Nothing so hard as to get an umbrella, but just a soft shower that lasts a few minutes and is enough to feel very refreshing. As a result, the vegetation is beautiful. It is no wonder that many consider Hawaii Paradise.

Refreshing Rain.

God’s Word has many descriptions – a two-edged sword, a light, etc. However, my favorite description is found in Isaiah 55:9-10. There the Word of God is described as rain that comes and gives life to the earth.

This past week I really needed the refreshing rain of God’s Word. I felt spiritually dry. I just needed that refreshing power of His Word in my life. I am always amazed at how God brings the right people in my life at the right time to give me the spiritual encouragement that I need.

Refreshing Rain.

Thursday, a friend and I were going to meet at her neighborhood pool so that the kids could swim. But the Lord shut the pool down for maintenance that day. While the kids were playing at the park we went to, my friend shared with me how God had provided a specific need for her family in a very specific way. It took almost a year for God to clearly mark the way for them, but He did.

Her testimony had God’s hand stamped all over it. There was no way any human being could have orchestrated it. I left her that afternoon spiritually refreshed.

Refreshing Rain.

Friday, I met another friend and her kids at a park. Once again, left refreshed and thankful for my little family.

Refreshing Rain.

Saturday, I took Sophia to a party and sat with four other moms along side of the pool. While our feet were dangling in the water, our souls were getting refreshed by the encouragement from one another.

Refreshing Rain.

That night I walked the neighborhood with a dear friend and she shared with me how God has been working in her family. I left feeling physically refreshed but also spiritually refreshed.

Refreshing Rain.

Sunday morning, the message was meant specifically for me. (Ever have that happen to you). It was wonderful reminder that God is with us each step of the way in our spiritual journey. Even when times are hard, He is there.

Refreshing Rain.

When God reveals Himself to us, we as mom’s need to tell our children. After each incident, I told the kids about it and said, “See how God takes care of His children. Not always immediately, but He does take care of us.”

Of course the message on Sunday was so powerful, it brought tears to my eyes. In the car, the kids asked me why I was crying. “God was just reminding me that He is always with us. Mommy needed that this week.”

Refreshing Rain.

We all have times in our lives that God makes Himself so real to us it is overwhelming. Look back, remember those times, and share them with your children. Then, look forward to the times that God will do it again and refresh your soul with His Word.

Until next week,

Rebekah