“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

Are You an Encouragement? Six Examples from the Bible

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

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

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

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

Six Examples of Encouragement Taught in the Bible

That We Can Use Today

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

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

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

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

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo

This Do in Remembrance

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

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

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

This do in remembrance of Me.

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

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Honor to Whom Honor

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

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

Honor to whom honor.

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

After all, he is our super hero.

Honor to whom honor.

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

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

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

Honor to whom honor.

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

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

Honor to whom honor.

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

Honor to whom honor.

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

This can be done in simple ways.

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

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

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

The kids love to do this in the airport.

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

5. Play patriotic music.

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

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

Honor to whom honor.

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

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

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

Honor to whom honor.

Until next week,

Rebekah

Two are Better than One

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

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

Two ARE better than one.

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

Two ARE better than one.

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

Two ARE better than one.

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

Two ARE better than one.

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

Two ARE better than one.

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

Two ARE better than one.

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

They need encouragement.

They need love shown to them.

They need to see that two ARE better than one.

How can we show this to them?

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

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

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

4. Give them encouragement.

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

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

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

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

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

10. Show random acts of kindness to each child.

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

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

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

Father’s Day: Giving Honor to a Great Dad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I want to be second to my husband.

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

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

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

Until Next Monday,

Rebekah

Enjoying the Joys of My Heart

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

P1070060

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

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

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

klink

Motherhood- An Amazing Race

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog, Uncategorized May 6, 2013children, family, parenting 0 Comment

Daily Truths: “Let us run with patience [endurance] the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

I am a mother and I am a runner. This weekend I ran an amazing race and when I went home after the race, I continued running another amazing race – the race of motherhood.

This weekend, a number of my friends and I ran the Indianapolis mini-marathon. It was a perfect running day and the air was filled with excitement as 35,000 runners and walkers took their places to begin their 13.1 mile journey.

Someone would finish first and another last. The participants came in all shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnic backgrounds. Some had trained for months and others only weeks. Some would walk and others would run. However, we all had the same goal in mind – to cross the finish line. As I hit mile 11, my body started getting REALLY tired. One thing that kept me going was that I would see my hubs and kids cheering me on near the finish.

The Christian life is compared to a race. However, let’s take it one step further – so is motherhood. You stand at the start line eagerly anticipating the arrival of your baby that will catapult you into this race of motherhood. When the moment comes to finally cross the start line, you are so excited to finally be called a mother. As you continue your run, people cheer you on, encourage you, and give you refreshment from from God’s Word.

Then you stumble, get tired, and the race starts to get more difficult. At times it becomes painful. You just want to take a break. You can’t and you keep going because you know that you HAVE to run this race and finish as strong as you can.

Then your children give you little trophies along the way. One child tells you that you are “bootiful”. Another giv P1060980 es you a bouquet of dandelions. Another wraps her arms around you and says, “I’m so glad you’re my mommy.” (If you know our story you understand the depth of that statement). Your 10 year old writes, “My my is hot stuff” on the back of her shirt and wears it proudly for all to see. These are little trophies that mean the world to only you.

What is the medal we are striving for as Christian mothers? It is to hear our Heavenly Father say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant [mother]” (Matthew 25:21).

There are mothers at all stages of this race. Some are holding a newborn, while others are chasing toddlers. Some are teaching middle school children, others are chauffeuring teenagers, and some are encouraging college students. Some are embarking on another part of the race called “grandmother”. Some have had their race cut short by a miscarriage or the death of a child. Yet, we are all mothers.

I saw a shirt this weekend that said, “Motherhood is hard. It’s like running a marathon every day!”

Yep. It’s hard and there will be times you want to quit. Ecclesiastes 9:11 states, “The race is not to the swift”. In other words, ‘hang in there – this is a long run’.

So, as we draw close to Mother’s Day this weekend, keep your eye on the Savior, cherish those little moments with your children, and be thankful for the little trophies they give you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Rebekah Klink

How to Practice with Our Children

Truthsfortots Blog, Guest Blog April 29, 2013April 29, 2013children, family, parenting 0 Comment

Daily Truth: “Train up a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

What do plays, symphonies. concerts, and children all have in common? Each need to practice multiple times before they are expected to perform.

We would never dream of going to a concert in which the performers haven’t practiced what they were going to do. Yet, how many times do we do that to our children and become frustrated when they don’t behave appropriately in different situations.

The key… practice, and practice, and practice, and practice.

You can take your children with you to the store, restaurant, another persons house, talk on the phone (still working on that one), etc and have them behave appropriately but it will require some prep work on your part.

1. Tell your children what you are going to do.

“Boys, we are going to meet a friend for breakfast. Mommy has to talk to her about stuff for Sophia’s kindergarten class.”

2. Tell your children what they are going to do.

“Now, while mommy and her friend are talking, you get to eat pancakes.”

3. Tell your children what type of behavior you expect.

“You must stay seated. You can color your paper but you may not interrupt mommy and her friend while they are talking.”

4. Remind them of the consequences if they misbehave.

“If you don’t obey, you will lose your tickets.” (I’ll explain that in another blog)

5. Remind them of the reward they will get if they do behave.

“However, if you obey you will earn a ticket.”

6. Have them repeat it back to you.

“What are you to do?”

“Eat my pancakes, color, and sit.”

“What will happen if you don’t obey?”

“I will lose my ticket.”

“What will happen if you do obey?”

“I will get a ticket.”

That incident really did happen. Were they perfect? No…but they did a very good job (even though Micah accidentally spilled his water) and they did do what I asked.

Sometimes the dress rehearsal happens at home, such as the following.

“Sophia, when someone talks to you at church what do you do?”

“Stop, look at them, and answer them.”

“Ok, let’s pretend I am Mrs.____, ‘Hello, Sophia. You look pretty in your dress.'”

(Once again, a true story…happened just yesterday.)

Every time I take the kids to the store, I park the car and we go over what is expected of them before we go in the store.

Does this take time? ABSOLUTELY! However, in the long run it is so worth it!

Friday, the kids had school off. So, we went to the zoo in the afternoon. I had a ball! It was the first time in four years that I went to the zoo without a stroller, a diaper bag, or the leashes for the little guys (gasp…I know, I readily admit that I have leashes for the little guys. You would too if you had 3 kids a total of 18 months apart). You know, they stayed close and we only had one “run off incident” which resulted in that child holding my hand for the rest of the butterfly exhibit. Their behavior didn’t happen by accident. It was going out time and time again and practicing over and over again.

This summer, I am going with my extended family to D.C. with the four kids. Nervous? A little, but I also know we are ready for this adventure. However, leashes will be in my purse…just in case.

Until next Monday,

Rebekah

klink