Cathy Jo’s Blog

Getting to the Heart of the Matter: More than a Valentine

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Daily Truth:   “Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ” Matthew 22:37

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Getting to the heart of a matter can be a difficult thing for several reasons.  Let’s face it, we sometimes try to pack too many activities into a day. Our schedules do not allow us to address important topics.  At other times we just do not think the time is right to discuss issues that arise in our family.  Sometimes we do not feel equipped to teach our child what should be taught in a particular situation. We are surrounded by things in this world that vie for our attention.  We have difficulty distinguishing between good, better, and best.  At times we can lose sight of “getting to the heart” of the matter.

At the heart of the matter is Truth.  Truth teaches to the heart.  As parents we come up with many family sayings as:  always do your best,  finish the job, or obey quickly.  But, if we are not using God’s Word with God’s principles we are not teaching to the heart.

John wrote these words in John 12:37-43.

“But although He [Jesus] had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him, that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke:

‘Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’

Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:

‘He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn,
So that I should heal them.’

These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.

Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue;  for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”

Teaching to the heart of our child means that our own hearts must be right first. If you do not know how to be a child of God yourself and would like to know more please click here.

If over scheduling yourself and your family is a problem  ask God to help you with prioritizing. Align yourself with God.   If you feel unequipped or are in need of a systematic way of guiding your child’s heart to God below are some reliable resources to help with the training and teaching of your child.

Leading Little Ones to God       Shepherding a Child’s Heart

Step Into the Bible: 100 Family Bible Devotions to Grow Your Child’s Faith

 Let’s live for God’s glory and show our children that living for God is what really matters.  Living for God and reaching the hearts of children for God is what counts for eternity.

What are some things you do or resources you like to “get to the heart” of the matter?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

All material written is the property of Truths for Tots.

 

 

 

 

 

Build Your Nest Well: Teach Children Independence and Dependence on God

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Daily Truth:   “As an eagle stirs up its nest,
Hovers over its young,
Spreading out its wings, taking them up,
Carrying them on its wings…” Deuteronomy 32:11

eagle 2

We try  to keep our children safe in our “nest”.  We bandage skinned knees, give kisses to minor bumps, and provide “boo boo bunnies” to minor bruises but we must do more.  We must build trust with our children so children can then in turn trust others and God. Trust is an important part of building independence and thus dependence on God.

God teaches us (parents) in His Word so many times through nature.  By understanding nature it helps us to see the word pictures God shares with us through His Word.

Let’s take a look at the parenting qualities of the eagle so we can better understand Deuteronomy 32:11.   Did you know that 98% of the time one parent of an eagle pair remains on the nest with the eggs?   The parent with the eggs not only provides warmth but protection.  Newly hatched eaglets are soft with grayish-white down.  Their wobbly legs are too weak to support their bodies and their eyes are partially opened.  The only protection they have is what their parents provide.  The parents take turns feeding and caring for their eaglets.

The adult eagles shred pieces of meat from their prey and share with their eaglets. The female eagle gently coaxes the eaglets to take the meat from her beak while eating the leftovers herself.  We too give the best to our families.  How many times have you eaten the heel of a loaf of bread?

At three to four weeks the eaglets are covered with a secondary coat of down.  In approximately two more weeks black, juvenile feathers begin to grow.  As the secondary feathers replace the down the eaglets are ready to test their wings.  An eaglet takes its first flight some ten to thirteen weeks after hatching.  The parents encourage the eaglet to fly by gradually limiting the dependence upon them.  The parents stay close in assisting, teaching, and encouraging their eaglets.

Our job as parents is to build trust so they can trust us and the heavenly Father whom they cannot literally see.  God led me to think about this concept of trust as I was preparing for an elementary chapel time several years ago.  The acronym was as follows:

T-Time, you have to spend time with God in order to know God.  Reading God’s Word and talking to Him in prayer helps you to know Him.

R-Rust, is what happens when we do not spend time with God. (I showed a rusted car muffler to the children.)  We become ineffective to do the job God has for us when we do not spend time with God.

U-“U” can trust God.  There are over 7,000 promises in the Bible.  People may let you down, but God is Holy and always keeps His promises.

S-Savior, God gave His Son so we might have everlasting life with Him.  God provides for us in every way.

T-Trust, is developed over time, by not allowing rust (not taking care of the relationship between you and God), “U” can count on God, the Savior (Jesus Christ) was God’s only begotten Son that died for you and me.

God’s Word is what will last after children have left our “nest”.

We need to build our nest well.   Time goes quickly.  We need to cherish the moments.   Impart God’s Word and God’s love. Our help comes from the Lord.  He has given many examples and words of instruction for us through His Word.

“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalm 9:10

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

A Simplified Life Brings Rest to the Soul

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Daily Truth:   “Thus says, the LORD:   ‘Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls.'”

Jeremiah 6:16

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How many times have you been traveling and look on a map or use an app to see when the next “Rest Area” is located?  Your children need a place to run off some energy while you just need to stretch and regroup for the miles ahead.  We all need times of refreshing and regrouping.  January is the month of new beginnings.  I have said to my husband that this is the Year of Jubilee.  You know, forget about those things that need to be forgotten.  Make life simpler, move on, and prepare for the future.

To simplify is my mantra this year.  For several years I have told myself if I don’t want to move it, dust it, or wash it don’t get it.  So this is the year to simplify.  ( I must admit I am taking a break from cleaning out drawers to post this blog.)

This new year’s thought all began when I met Nancy Sleeth at a Christian Writers Conference and read her book Almost Amish, one woman’s quest for a slower, simpler, more sustainable life.  It is a thought provoking book, with Scripture illustrations, that provides ideas and a plan to make life simpler and restful both physically and spiritually.

Nancy tells us, “It’s time to simplify our lives-to slow down, make faith and family the focal point, and recapture the lost art of simple living.  And what group has kept simplicity, family, and faith at the center of all they say and do better than Amish?”

Almost Amish book

“Building on the core principles of Amish life, Nancy Sleeth explains how making conscious choices to limit (and sometimes eliminate) technology’s hold on our lives and get back to the basics and help us lead calmer more focused, (restful) less harried live, resulting in stronger, deeper relationships with our friends, families, and God.”

The chapter about “Community” is very refreshing.  “According to an Amish proverb, face-to-face contact with a friend is ‘like the rainbow that is always there for you after the storm.'”  Texting and emailing are nice tools but there is nothing like actually meeting with a friend.

To simplify also gives more time and attention to the world God created.  “When Mary mistook Jesus for the gardener, it was no mistake:  Jesus is the new Adam, and the garden is God’s eternal classroom.”

C.S. Lewis advises in Mere Christianity that “Going back can sometimes be the quickest way forward.”   Going back is good yet I do enjoy electricity, grocery stores, and my iPhone.  If I do not have to go back to Laura in Little House on the Prairie but can manage to embrace some of the things taught in Almost Amish I am ready, especially when I look around at the unnecessary and unused accumulated items . Giving to others,  helping others, and freeing space and time to better serve family and God is a life pleasing to God.  Going back to clean, purge, and evaluate needs will help in going forward.

Nancy Sleeth, in her book Almost Amish,  helps us to realize by taking little steps a simpler life is attainable and sustainable. “Through the choices we make may vary, it is a journey that we can take together-and above all, with God.”

Happy New and Simpler Year!

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Snow Activities for Kids

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“For He [God] says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; Likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength.” Job 37:6

snow-play

Snow has fallen in 38 states out of the 50 according to the weather channel map.  Most families are experiencing cold temperatures and snow.  Are you enjoying the extra time with your children?  Need some ideas for outdoor fun now that some of the most frigid temperatures have passed?

 Some outdoor “snow” fun suggestions:

  1. DIY snow:  Warm a cup of water in the microwave for about a minute, then toss the water into the air outside.  It emmediately becomes a powdery snow cloud.  (Parent supervision needed)
  2. Create colorful globes:  Put a little food coloring in a balloon, add water, tie off the top and then place the balloon outside.  Once it is frozen, you can peel the balloon away (you may need to cut the plastic), revealing a colorful snow globe.
  3. Snow cream:
    • In a large bowl combine 1 cup of half and half or milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/3 to 1/2 cup(depending on preferred taste) of sugar. Stir until sugar is dissolved, about 3 minutes.
    • Stir in snow, a cup at a time, until the ice cream magically forms! Freeze for several minutes if desired before serving.  Enjoy!
  4. Blow “frozen bubble”:  If you have any bubbles and wands left over from summer fun, try blowing in the cold temperatures outside.  Bubble recipe if you cannot find bubble mixture:  http://www.hometrainingtools.com/super-soap-bubble-solution/a/1704/
  5. Snow painting:  Fill bottles (dollar store catsup and mustard bottles) with food coloring and water.  Go outside and paint in the snow.
  6. Go sledding
  7. Build a snowman or fort.
  8. Ice skating:  My father built a rink in our back yard one year.  By using several 2×4’s build a frame, line with plastic and fill with water. (Must do ahead of time…maybe a thought for next winter:)
  9. Make a bird feeder:  Spread a bagel with peanut or almond butter and roll in birdseed. Tie a string or yarn around the bagel leaving enough string or yarn to be tied on a tree. Take outside and hang so your family can enjoy watching the birds from inside your house.

 

And not to be forgotten: Teach helpfulness, go with your children and help a neighbor shovel snow off their driveway or sidewalk.

God’s Word says in Job 37:6 that God tells the snow to fall.  Wow, what a word picture.  Share this verse with your children as you do fun snow activities.

Once you get back inside your home after your fun outside share this cute little video and song while drinking hot chocolate.

One of my favorite books about snow is “Snowflake Bentley”.

Parents, take time for reflection on the amazing beauty of the snowflake.  See this video accompanied by a wonderful hymn.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

New Year and Changes

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Daily Truth:   “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

happy new year

Gifts have been opened, sweet treats linger begging to be consumed, and the hustle and bustle of the last few weeks have subsided.   As the new year approaches we think of changes we want to make in the new year.  Maybe we want to eat more healthy, manage our time better, spend more time in God’s Word, or be more purposeful in pointing our children to Christ.  What ever changes need to be made in each of our lives the new year provides a chance to reflect on the past year and make changes to the new year ahead.

It is good to know that Jesus never changes.  There is no need for Him to change as He is perfect in all ways.  Jesus is always there for us. He came to this earth so we may have an abundant life.  We are thankful that He died for us so we might have eternal life. What a blessing to have the Holy Spirit to comfort and help if we have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.  We look forward to His return.   How wonderful it is to know that God is the Alpha and the Omega (the beginning and the end). Revelation 1:8

Quote from Blue Letter Bible:  “Not only will God exist undiminished everlastingly into the future, but He has existed identically throughout the infinite past. Not only has God himself existed eternally into the past, but so also has His plan for His creation. Before the foundations of the world, God ordained the Creation, the Fall, the Incarnation and Resurrection, and the Salvation of His people. This is a wondrous truth for the believer for it grants him confidence in the tenacity of his faith. Once a believer realizes that God has demanded his salvation and perseverance from this sin-stained world he can live without fear in the joy that God offers all of His children. Also of note is the fact that Christ is eternal in His sonship: He existed eternally before his incarnation as the First-Born over creation (though without human form) and will exist eternally post-resurrection as the glorified Son of God.”

Why we need changes and how to make those changes:

  1. We are sinners.  Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
  2. We should always be growing in our faith. 1 Peter 2:2  “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby…”
  3. We should always be growing in grace and knowledge.  2 Peter 3:18  “but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
  4. Read and study God’s Word.  1 Timothy 4:16 ” Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
  5. God wants us to grow in closeness to Himself.  Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus never changes but we are always changing.   The past year provides reflection and the new year provides a new  beginning.  We must prayerfully consider the changes needed and then discipline ourselves to accomplish those goals for the upcoming year.  With our persistence, patience, and perseverance and God’s leading we will be able to accomplish the changes needed in our lives.

Blessings and a very Happy New Year to you and your families.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Christmas Advent Devotional: How Excellent is Your Name O LORD

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Daily Truth:   “O LORD, our Lord,  how excellent is Your name in all the earth!”

 Psalm 8:9

Names are important to us and to God.  When we know someone we use their name when talking with them.  When we learn God’s Hebrew names we learn more about Him.  Each name reveals a character quality of God.

Advent Cover

“Wise men still seek Him.”

I have created a family “Christmas Advent Devotional”.  Each day a new name of God is learned. A chain link craft adds enjoyment and anticipation to this study.

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Day 1 of Christmas  Advent Devotion:  Yahweh (LORD) yah-WEH

This name of God by Jewish tradition was too Holy to be said aloud.   It was said as YHWH without the vowels.  YHWH is referred to as the Tetragrammaton (which means “four letters”).  YHWH comes from the four Hebrew letters:  Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay.  The modern spelling is Yahweh and now spoken by Jewish people as Jehovah.

 In the Old Testament, the name Yahweh, is the most frequently used name of God.  It is found over 6,000 times. The first time it is written is in Genesis 2:4 where it is written as Yahweh Elohim  (yah-WEH e-lo-HEEM).  This name of God as you will see can be written as Yahweh or a long side another name of God. When written with another name of God a new character quality of God is revealed.

Read Genesis 7:1-3

“Yahweh said to Noah, ‘Go into the ship with your whole family because I have seen that you alone are righteous among the people of today.   Take with you seven pairs of every kind of clean and one pair of every kind of unclean animal.  Also, take seven pairs of every kind of bird to preserve animal life all over the earth after the flood.’ ”

Yahweh is LORD (all capital letters) over all.  Noah knew God and obeyed God.  Because of Noah’s love of Yahweh and fear (respect) of Yahweh his entire family was spared from certain death.

Questions:  

If you would have lived in the days of Noah what would have kept you safe from the flood that Yahweh sent to cover the earth?

What today can keep you safe from separation from God? (Romans 10:9)

Yahweh, you are holy, powerful, slow to anger, continually loving, full of grace toward us.  You know our sinful hearts yet you love us all the same.  Help us to love and respect you and follow where you lead.

To get each day’s devotions and a pdf of the Names of God chain link please see http://truthsfortots.com/

A wonderful children’s book to accompany this study is “What’s in a Name?” :  Learning about the Names of God by Cathy Jo Johnson  http://truthsfortots.com/whats-in-a-name/

Blessings to you and your family this Christmas Season.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Blessings

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Daily Truth:   “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

2 Corinthians 9:11

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That first Thanksgiving was filled with great joy.  The Pilgrims had suffered adverse conditions on both water and land.  The Native Americans had helped the Pilgrims in numerable ways.  A celebration was in order.  A celebration which lasted three days shows their great thankfulness and the great abundance of food that was produced.

Two books that not only share facts but highlight God’s working in both the Pilgrims and Native Americans lives are:

Thanksgiving:  A Time to Remember by Barbara Rainey

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Squanto:  And the Miracle of Thanksgiving by Eric Metaxes

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Listed are just a few of the miracles from these two books so you can see the hand of God in this celebration we call Thanksgiving.

  • Due to repairs needed on the ship, Speedwell, the passenger list was cut in half. “William Bradford commented, ‘And thus like Gideon’s army, this small number is divided, as if the Lord by this work of his providence thought these few were too many for the great work we had to do.”‘
  • One of the storms on the the sea raged for days.  “Without warning one of the huge crossbeams supporting the main deck suddenly cracked due to the constant stress of the high winds.  Now the sailors were as worried as the passengers.  But as always the Pilgrims took their concerns and fears to God, asking Him to deliver them and provide a way of escape.  Their spiritual leader, William Brewster, remembered the large iron jack screw the Pilgrims had brought for lifting heavy beams when they would begin their building construction…The sailors used this to crank up the beam to its original position.  The Pilgrims gave God the praise.”
  • ” One man, a servant of John Carver named John Howland, became frantic after being cooped up so long during the storm. Though the worst of the storm was over, the main deck was still no place for passengers…He disobeyed the captain’s orders and went up on deck…..Suddenly the ship heeled and John fell overboard…A rope was trailing over the side of the ship, and by God’s amazing grace it was there when John reached out.”
  • Many years before the Pilgrims landed in the New World a group of white men landed there.  A young boy named Squanto, a part of the tribe called the Patuxets, lived along the coast of what today is called Massachusetts.  Squanto was taken, along with many of his friends, by these men back to Spain to be sold into slavery.  Squanto watched as his friends were sold and never to be seen again.  “But God had another plan for Squanto.  On the dock that morning stood a group men who were different from the others.  These were called monks, and they served God.  When it was Squanto’s time to be sold, one of the monks held up a small bag of heavy coins” and purchased him.  They were kind and taught him about God.
  • “They knew he missed his family so the tried to help him find a way to go back home to America.  Finally, they came upon a good plan.  But first, Squanto would have to travel all the way to England.  That is where trading ships were that sometimes sailed to America….so Squanto traveled to England…the monks had sent him to the home of a London merchant named John Slanie.”
  • It was ten years from Squanto’s capture before he finally was able to go home.  By this time he had learned the English language.

Though it took several years for Squanto to get back to America he had learned about God and the English language.  When the Pilgrims arrived in America the Native Americans greeted them.  Since Squanto knew English he helped them in many ways.

God’s providence is seen throughout history.  Not only in history that we read from a book but in the history of each person.

As you celebrate and count your blessings remember those who came before you and those who will come after you.  Each person has struggles, hardships, joys and blessings. When God is sought in every situation God always shows Himself faithful.  Our timing is not God’s timing so waiting is part of the process.  We need to pray and allow God to work and show Himself faithful to us and our families.

Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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How to Read With Your Child: Eight Steps

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Daily Truth:   “… And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant which had been found in the house of the LORD.”  2 Kings 23:3

reading with child 1reading with child 2

           reading with child 3

We all want our children to develop a love for the written word.  It has been said, “The love of reading is made on the lap of a parent.”

  1. As soon as possible begin reading to your child.  Holding your child while reading builds a secure attachment and associates this feeling with enjoyment of books. Board books and board books with textures or sounds are good so the very young child can eventually pick up on their own and not tear the pages. Early childhood books that teach concepts as colors, shapes, letters, numbers, and animals are great to begin with as they increase vocabulary by teaching about the child’s world.  Also, include books that teach about God’s love to your child at the very formative time. Some suggestions are:  If Jesus Lived Inside My Heart by Lord, Guess How Much I Love You by McBratney, The Blessings Jar by Coble, God Keeps You Safe by Medlock, Jesus Is... a Debby Anderson board book pack of three books.
  2. Before opening the book briefly talk about the cover of the book. Engage the child with the illustration on the cover.  Ask a question associated with the cover that makes the child start thinking about the book.
  3. Read with expression.  Make up a voice to match the personality of the main character.
  4. If there is a repetitive  line in the book read it with emphasize and have the child join in as you read that particular phrase.
  5. Talk about the illustrations in the book.
  6. While reading anywhere at any time is wonderful also make a special time a place.   Maybe before bed, so plan some extra time for reading before it is time to tuck everyone in bed.
  7.  Read together every day.
  8. Be willing to read the same book again and again.  We all have favorites.

Reading changes everything!  King Josiah, the king in 2 Kings of the Bible, became king when he was eight years old.  In the eighteenth year of his reign  workers found the book of the law in the temple where it had been hidden away for many years.   Josiah  had the Book of the Covenant (which were scrolls that later became part of the Bible) read to all the people.  King Josiah and the people then knew what God expected from them.  King Josiah then knew how to better care for the people entrusted to him once God’s Word was read.

reading the Bible

 

Reading God’s Word with your children will change their lives.  When children are very young, read Bibles written for preschoolers and follow the above eight steps.

 

Bible stories that are excellent for young children are:  Read-Aloud Bible Story Books 

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What are some of your favorite books to read with your child?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Columbus Day: The Real Story

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Daily Truth:  “Oh send out your light and truth!  Let them lead me… ” Psalm 43:3 a

 

Columbus

Columbus Day finds some families on fall break. Other families may be taking advantage of the low prices  at  Columbus Day sales. Many elementary age children are discussing Christopher Columbus at school.

There was Queen Isabella who helped Columbus achieve his goals by providing money.  The Nina, the Pinta, and the Santa Maria were commissioned to sail Columbus to the New World.  Columbus was born in Italy. These are some facts about Columbus but are children  taught the real facts about Columbus?

There is a wonderful book entitled, “The Light and Glory” by Peter Marshall and David Manuel that provides insight about Columbus Day.   It shares historical accounts from 1492 to 1793 and tells how God’s will was sought and where God’s sovereignty was seen throughout America’s history.

“His name, Christopher, literally means Christ-bearer.  Indeed, he found confirmation of his call almost everywhere he looked.  He would quote in his journal such lines of Scripture as those in Isaiah that meant so much to him.”

“Listen to me, O coastlands, and hearken, you peoples from afar,
The LORD called me from the womb,
from the body of my mother he named my name…
I will give you as a light to the nations,
that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.
Isaiah 49:1,6″

Marshall’s and Manuel’s research gleaned much insight into the man of Christopher Columbus.  Columbus’s personal journals are quoted.  “‘I prayed to the most merciful Lord concerning my desire, and He gave me the spirit and the intelligence for it.  He gave me abundant skill in the mariner’s arts, an adequate understanding of the stars, and of geometry and arithmetic…God has equipped me for this voyage. ‘”

Columbus made many voyages once funded by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella.  After two months and several days while sailing to the New World Columbus agreed to turn back in three days if no sign of land was seen. “At  2:00 a.m., (October 12, 1492) with less than four hours remaining before the dawn of the third and final day, the electrifying cry at last rang out from the Pinta…The lookout had spied what appeared to be a low white cliff shining in the moonlight, and Martin Pinzon confirmed the sighting by firing a cannon as a signal. Land!”

“Columbus was the first to set foot on dry land, carrying the royal standard, with the brothers Pinzon directly behind him, bearing a huge white banner with a green cross and the crowned initials of Ferdinand and Isabella on either side of it.”

“Several of the sailors scooped out a deep hole in the hot sand and firmly planted the eight -foot oak cross Columbus had brought especially for this occasion.  Then the entire company gathered around it and knelt, many with tears in their eyes.  The Admiral christened the island San Salvador-“Holy Savior”-and then bowed their heads as he prayed:  ‘O Lord, Almighty and everlasting God, by Thy holy Word Thou hast created the heaven, and the earth, and the sea; blessed and glorified be Thy Name, and praised be Thy Majesty, which hath deigned to use us, Thy humble servants, that Thy holy Name may be proclaimed in this second part of the earth.'”

Columbus’s good intentions and desire to serve God on future voyages waned as the desire of gold and honor outweighed his earlier passion of serving God first. “The preoccupation with gold, which had subtly insinuated itself into the fabric of Columbus’s first explorations in the New World, was now becoming an obsession.”

On his last voyage Columbus and his crew overcame many obstacles.  “Columbus may have turned away from God, but God did not turn away from Columbus.  By sheer grace God brought him and his remaining crew members safely home to Spain.  But this time there was no royal summons inviting him to court.  Queen Isabella way dying.  It was the end of an era.”

“In the spring of 1506 Columbus’s health began to fail quickly” and Columbus died.

May we follow Psalm 43:3 and follow God’s light and truth.  May we not become consumed with desires that lead us away from God.  May we lead our children in paths of truth.   May we learn from people’s mistakes as well as their good choices as we study from history and the Bible.

There is also a children’s version of “Light and Glory” that would be excellent reading with your child.

Now you know the “rest of the story” about Christopher Columbus and the reason for Columbus Day.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment.

Cathy Jo

 

 

 

Trust the Engineer: Trusting God

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Daily Truth:  In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?   Psalm 56:11

train tracks

“When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don’t throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.”  Corrie Ten Boom

This remarkable woman spent the first 50 years of her life with her father and sister above their watch shop in Holland. When World War II broke out they spent their time hiding persecuted Jewish people.

Her love of Christ sustained her through the very difficult time when Corrie and her family were found out and  taken to Nazi concentration camps.  Her faith in God carried her through the death of her father, sister and the many trying times within the concentration camps.

After Corrie’s release she spent the rest of her life telling others of God’s love, provision, and power.

God’s Words are true, powerful and can be trusted. Teaching God’s Word to  children  provides peace, encouragement and hope in a world that is ever changing.

When teaching a Bible verse make sure that the child knows what each word means . In Psalm 56:11  the word “trust” means to “put confidence in”  or “to be safe”.  David, this Psalm’s author, writes  Psalm 56 after the Philistines captured him in Gath. We know that later Gath was subdued by the Israelites. God can be trusted. We do not need to be afraid.

Corrie Ten Boom is Scripturally correct in the earlier quote.  God can be trusted to be the engineer

We can learn much from Corrie Ten Boom’s life.    A wonderful book to read with your child is “Heroes for Young Readers:  Corrie Ten Boom”.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment.

Cathy Jo