A New Year Filled with Praise

Daily Truth:   “So will I ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.”   Psalm 61:8 ESV

 A New Year filled with Praise

A brand new year presents new goals and a fresh start!  Ready, set, what….?

Well below freezing temperatures, car won’t start, home with a cold that turns into a sinus infection, children that have strep throat…and on it goes.  Plummeting from lofty goals to the nitty gritty of life stifles great intentions for the new year.

The first week of the new year is gone. My heart grows faint and my energy is spent.  It is time to get focus back while still caring for the needs of others…all is placed on auto pilot.

We all have circumstances that effect our lives and try to alter our focus. Digging into God’s Word and seeking Him for guidance is what this year and each day require.

Psalm 61 brings hope to my soul.  In this Psalm David is thought to have been in exile after crossing Jordan while running from Absalom.  David wants to stay away from conflict especially since it is with his son who is trying to take command.   David cries out to God, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”  Then, in verse 8 David says, “So I will ever sing praises to your name, as I perform my vows day after day.”

“Praises to your name” draws my focus back to God and off myself.  No matter what circumstances we find ourselves praise should be in our hearts and roll off our lips.

Isn’t that what we try to teach our children?  In order to teach our children about praise they must see us praising God under any circumstance.  Yes, it is difficult when life goes in a different direction than planned or desired. But remembering the many trials of David and others in the Bible we understand that “there is nothing new under the sun” and we too will make it through as long as we put our focus on God and our trust in Christ.  Praise His name daily.

This reminds me of a book I read several years ago entitled, The Practice of Praise by C.H. Spurgeon.  I am now rereading this book and will in the next few weeks share Scripture and Spurgeon’s thoughts on praise.

“Now, our desire is that we also may praise and magnify the name of the infinite Jehovah without restraint or limit, and may especially have our hearts enlarged and our mouths opened wide to speak abundantly of His great goodness.”  Spurgeon

May your days be filled with warmer temperatures, cars that work,  healed bodies, and mostly, praise for our Lord Jesus Christ whatever the circumstance.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Can You Hear Me Now?

Daily Truth:   “If anyone has an ear, let him hear.”

 Revelation 13:9 NKJV

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How many times have you lost a connection on your cell phone?  It is frustrating to say the least. It is also frustrating when you speak to your children and they do not answer.

Listening is a skill that needs to be taught.  In this world of changing technology and fast paced life, to slow down and pay attention to the spoken and written word takes self-discipline and practice.

I wonder how many times God speaks to us through His Word and we do not pay attention?  At times we do not make time to pray, read the Bible, or listen intently to God’s Word being taught.  We too can be like children and allow inattentiveness to be our norm. Our Heavenly Father is patient and teaches us how to listen if we will take the time to learn.  If we become better listeners we are better equipped to teach listening skills to our children.

I admit, when my children were growing up, I should have listened better.  To be still and listen instead of allowing my mind to race ahead to answer the child or adult talking to me has taken practice…and yes still practicing.  I am so glad God is patient and listens to my cries for help.

God shows us in His Word how to listen so we may hear with intention.

  1. God is a good listener.  “Blessed be the LORD, because He has heard the voice of my supplications!”  Psalm 28:6  We need to listen to our children with our eyes, ears, and stop what we are doing so our attention is modeled and we too can hear what our children are saying.

Be intentional about teaching your children about Jesus and pray that God will speak to the heart of your children.

  1. A Christian can hear God speaking to their heart.  John 10:27 ‘My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me.’
  2. A Christian can hear God’s Word and understand it.  Matthew 13:23 ‘But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.’  Pray that the ears of your child will be opened to hear Jesus’ Words.

Object Lesson to Teach  Attentive Hearing to Children

Show photos of ears or point to ears of your children.  Ears are made for listening.

The Bible talks about different kinds of ears. Ask the child, “Think about what kind of ears you have as the different ears are shared.”

  • The first ones are closed ears.  One day the Lord Jesus met a man who could not hear. He was deaf; his ears were closed.   Jesus said one word to this man which meant “to open” and then the man could hear perfectly. (Mark 7:34)
  • Some people have close ears because they have chosen to close their ears. Jesus met some people who could hear people speak, but they could not understand what the Lord Jesus was saying to them. (Matthew 13:15)  Pray that your child would have open ears to hear what the Lord Jesus is saying.
  • There is a boy in the Bible who had “opened ears” his name is Samuel.  He heard God speaking to him and obeyed right away. (1 Samuel 3:10) God today speaks to us through His Word, the Bible.  Ask the child if their ears are open to God’s Word.
  • Ask children to place their hands over their ears and begin talking.  Now have the children uncover their ears and begin talking.  Ask which way could they hear better.  Also discuss how sitting quietly helps when listening.

Attentive hearing listens with the heart.  There are over 500 times in the NKJV where the word “hear” appears.  Hearing is important to God.

In the book of Revelation God asks us ten times to hear what He has to say.  Wow, we are just like children needing to hear things repeated.  With patience, love, prayer, and consistency may we all become better listeners and then teach this to the children God has entrusted to our care.

Can you hear me now? Better yet, Can You Hear God Better Now?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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How a Butterfly can Teach a Preschooler about Jesus

Daily Truth:   “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”  Ezekiel 36:26

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We usually think of eagles soaring not butterflies.  Today think of the butterfly in a new way.  Think of it as a new creature, just as we become a new creature in Christ when we believe in Jesus Christ.

The new butterflies at the end of summer are always beautiful. To think that these creatures have such a dramatic transformation from caterpillar to butterfly is amazing.

Did God create this creature to give us an object lesson about new life? Before we know Christ and have new life we crawl through life as exemplified from a caterpillar.

It is interesting to note that the Monarch butterfly must have a milkweed plant to live. We too must have milk to grow and thrive. But as we grow we need much more than milk.  In Hebrews 13:5 God tells us,  “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.”  If we are to grow to full maturity in Christ we will need to study and apply God’s Word.

The new caterpillar eats the leaves where it has hatched so it  eats rapidly and sheds the exoskeleton many times. We too can only know of the world around us before having a personal relationship with Christ.  We see the things around us without giving thanks to God or realizing that true strength comes from Christ.

Once the caterpillar is done growing it forms itself into a pupa or chrysalis. Sometimes we build a wall around us to keep things from affecting us.  If we do not change or “get a new heart” which in Hebrew means to have a change of mind we will be left to our own sinful selves.  We might look great on the outside but our minds are not that of Christ.  

The chrysalis changes and a beautiful butterfly emerges.  What a transformation!  Is that how God see us?  We are totally different when we ask Jesus Christ to be our Savior.  We can fly away from the “milkweed” that has held us captive before our transformation.  We can soar through the skies.  Our perspective changes as we are now above looking at the world from a different perspective. Jesus Christ has set us free and the Holy Spirit guides us as we go through life as a new creature.

Next time you and your child see a butterfly talk about the way God transforms our lives.  Make a teachable moment come alive with one of God’s beautiful creatures.

Below is a butterfly craft you may like to do with your child.  The only materials needed are colored markers, a coffee filter, and chenille wire.

  1. Color the coffee filter, the more colors used the prettier it will be.IMG_2095
  2. Spray the coffee filter with water to diffuse colors.IMG_2105
  3. Place dried coffee filter into the chenille wire that has been bent in half.  Twist at the bottom and at the top of where the coffee filter has been inserted and then bend the remaining wire to form antennas. DSCN2469

Some good books that teach about the stages of butterflies are: “Caterpillar Spring, Butterfly Summer”, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”, and “Caterpillar to Butterfly”

Using things in nature to teach God’s Word to  children is exactly what God does with us, His children.

New life in Christ makes us beautiful to be around, gives us the ability to soar, and allows us an eternal home with God.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Never Forget, Remember the Past

Daily Truth:  “All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship You.”  Psalm 22:27

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Today we remember and think about those who lost their lives and their families in the events of 9/11.  We all know where we were and what we were doing when we first heard the news.  It is a day forever etched into our minds.

I was teaching preschool as adults came into our rooms to tell us in a hushed tone what was happening.  The director came in to each class and took our place in teaching  so we could watch the news for a brief moment.  It was difficult to describe the gravity of the situation but pictures spoke vividly of the tragedy, loss of life, and astonishment that anyone could cause so much devastation.

Upon entering back into my classroom knowing that this world, specifically the United States of America, had drastically changed many thoughts were rushing through my mind.  I was asking myself  so many questions. Were we safe? How could this happen?  Is my family safe?  What about all the people in those buildings?  How will the rescue workers do their jobs?  Will there be another attack?

Once back teaching my class of preschoolers I tried to push back the events just witnessed streamed by the media.  As an adult, parent, grandparent, or teacher you want to protect and shelter young minds from the hate and evil in the world when it rears its ugly head. Yet, we have a responsibility to teach about the past.  Events that affect us first hand are different then those that have been told to us.  We must engage and teach in an age appropriate way the things we have learned and most importantly how God saw us through those difficult times.

As adults we need to thoughtfully teach children, the next generation, about the events of the past.  Children do not need all the details but to point out that there are things in this world that are sad and wrong is important.  God does this with us, His children, in giving us memorials of various kinds so we will stop and think before making the same mistake or giving us memorials to remind us of His great love, mercy, and power.

Did you know that the word “remember” is found 163 times in the NKJV of the Bible? The first time “remember” is found is in the very first book of the Bible, Genesis 9:15 “I will remember My covenant which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh; the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.”  As a reminder to us God placed a rainbow in the sky as a symbol to remind us of His promise.

The writer of Psalm 78 reminds us of lessons we should learn from history.  Adults need to teach about the past because much is learned from mistakes.  Psalm 78 is called the “Psalm of Forgetfulness”.  Psalm 78:42 says, “They did not remember His power:  The day when He redeemed them from the enemy.”

May we never forget what we have been through, too ashamed, or grieved to in someway share so others may benefit and grow.  God allows things for His purpose and His glory.  It is up to us to cling to those rays of hope and God’s Sovereignty  and share memories with our children so they too can build a bridge of trust to God and ultimately His Son, Jesus Christ.

God asked the Israelites many times in the Old Testament to build memorials in remembrance of specific events.  We too then should build memorials of some kind in remembrance of things that occur in our families’ lives.  Photos on the wall, photos in a photo book, mementos in a specific spot in your home, stories where God’s protection of family members can be written down are just a few ways to share with our children God’s love and mercy.

God, in His Word, gives us visual reminders (rainbow, monuments), auditory reminders (writing things down to be read to others) and  kinesthetic reminders (monuments, and other things we can touch) to help us remember what He wants us to learn.  We too should think of various ways in which we can help our children remember events of the past.

What events have occurred in your family that need to be remembered so your family will never forget God’s goodness and protection?

The families of 9/11 wanted a memorial to honor and remember their loved ones. These families created a memorial before anything was built.  We need  reminders so we and the generations to follow will never forget.   We are a forgetting people. In what ways will you remember  9/11 with your children?

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Hope for the Future

Daily Truth:   “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

 Jeremiah 29:11

Light shines through the darkness.

The news heard on the radio, TV, computer, or phone of violence and heartbreak can be overwhelming at times.  How about you?  Do you feel the same way?  Is there any hope?

It is good to know that God knows the beginning from the end.  (Isaiah 46:10)

Violence and hatred seem to be abounding everywhere in our cities, in outlying areas, and in the world around us.  Our families are not immune to the increasing danger and risks.  Is there hope?  As my mind raced and my concerns grew I thought – I must bring “every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Cor. 10:5) and not get caught up in emotion.

As I looked to Scripture for guidance I thought about Jesus.

  1. Jesus, God’s only Son, left the perfectness of heaven to come to this world with all of its sinfulness.  God placed Jesus in a manger as a helpless baby with an obedient young girl and young man who loved God.  Are we as parents obedient to God and His Word?
  2. God protected Jesus from King Herod who sought to kill this “newborn king”.  God can protect our children too.  Do we cry out to Him for protection?
    Do we believe that God will do what He said He will do?
  3. God provided a place for Jesus to grow and learn in the wise counsel of earthly parents as they sought God’s will for their lives.  Do we seek God’s will for our children and our families?  Have we placed our trust in Jesus Christ?
  4. Jesus began His ministry at just the right time. Even though there were scoffers and enemies at every turn Jesus kept right on teaching.  Do we let the world dictate what  is truth or do we stand up for God’s Word where the only “Truth” is found?

Jesus never did anything wrong, yet in God’s perfect plan He allowed Jesus to die on the cross for the sins of the world.  But, Jesus did not stay dead.  He arose from the dead!

Christ is now sitting at the right hand of God interceding on our behalf. (Colossians 3:1)

When we see and hear about violence and heartbreak in the news or maybe in our own lives, take heart!  Jesus has overcome the world and He will do the same for us.

Keep on keepin’ on with loving, teaching, praying, nurturing, laughing, and crying out to God as God has given us hope – Jesus Christ our LORD.

We have a bright future!

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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If you have not placed your trust in Jesus Christ please follow this link. 

I am Bored…Where is Contentment?

Daily Truth

  “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content…”

Philippians 4:11

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Children at the close of summer sometimes begin to lose their contentment. Well, maybe parents too.  Your family has been swimming, biking, hiking, reading, camping, vacationing, visiting, and now everyone is beginning to look forward to getting into a different routine or just getting back into a routine.  Some children may even say they are bored.  They ask us, “What is there to do?”

As moms we sometimes try to fix things to bring contentment.  We may suggest activities that the child could do.  We may invite another child over for a playdate, ask the child to select a piece of paper from the jar in the kitchen with activity ideas,  or ask a family over for a cookout to spice things up.  These all are great ideas yet, is that the ideas given to us from Scripture?

While studying Philippians 4:10-20 the word “learned” jumped out at me.  Paul says, “for I have learned in whatsoever state I am, to be content.”  To learn something means that it had been taught.  How then does one teach contentment?  By looking at Paul’s life we can see what to emulate in our lives so we can teach to our children, the next generation.

  1. Paul made cheerful sounds from a jail cell. While Paul and Silas were in prison, they sang praises to God (Acts 16:25) and God miraculously freed them.  God will free us from our sadness and give us happiness of soul when we focus on him.  We need to help our children focus on things of God rather than circumstances.  Use the Psalms and put a melody to them and teach your children God’s Word.  Examples of Psalms set to a Melody (A free pdf)
  2. The book of Philippians uses the word joy or rejoicing every few paragraphs.  The word JOY can be used as an acronym meaning:  to think of Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself third.  Once a child has made a profession of faith this concept is easier as their love of Jesus grows but the words can be taught as a reminder that true JOY comes with thinking of things in that order.
  3. Paul takes evil and turns it into good.  Bad and sad things will happen.  It is important to point children to Jesus and not our circumstances.  In Philippians 2:1-11 Paul shares the Gospel message with us.  Jesus did everything for us.  Share that unwavering confidence with your children so they too at times of heartbreak or fear will know that contentment will come.

As a parent we have had our lifetime to learn contentment.  Our children are just starting out. With much patience, great love, and heartfelt prayer we can teach and guide our children toward true contentment.  As our relationship with Christ grows so does our contentment.

This season of summer is about to end.  Maybe that is why God created seasons, He knows we like change. May we learn contentment from God’s Word and share what we learn to our children.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Photo of children from the Herald Sun 

 

 

 

 

 

Elohim, Creator of All

Daily Truth:   “In the beginning Elohim created the heaven and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1

 from the Names of God Bible  

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Did you know that there are many Hebrew names for God in the Old Testament?

Each Hebrew name of God teaches us about a character quality of God.  Elohim (e-lo-HEEM) is found in the very first verse of the Bible.  Elohim means “Living God, Creator of All”.  This name of God is found over 2,000 times in the Old Testament.  The next time you and your child go on a nature walk thank Elohim for the beautiful scenery, animals, and how all of nature works together in such harmony.

El Shadday (El shad-DAI) is another name of God.  This Hebrew name means “God Almighty”.  When things are happening in our lives it is good to know that God knows all.  He is powerful and mighty to take care of us.  When Abraham was 99 years old God came to him to tell him that he would finally have a son with his wife Sarah, who was well over childbearing age, that would provide him with many descendants.  God told Abraham, “I am El Shadday.”  (God Almighty) This promise was fulfilled with the birth of their son Isaac.   It is good to know that with God nothing is impossible.

Yahweh Shalom (Yah-WEH sha-LOME) is another Hebrew name of God which means “The LORD of Peace”.  It means much more than just our English word for peace.  It “usually refers to to the absence of outward conflict or a state of inner calm” according to Ann Spangler in Names of God Bible.  It comes when living in harmony with God. Gideon built an altar and called it Yahweh Shalom as read in Judges 6:24.   What a wonderful name of God particularly as we see and read about things happening in our world today.  “With perfect peace you will protect those whose minds, cannot be changed, because they trust you.” Isaiah 26:3 Names of God Bible. No wonder that God’s Son, Jesus Christ is called the Prince of Peace.

What’s in a Name? is a children’s book for ages 4-8.  This colorfully illustrated book will help your child learn some of the special names of God.  Before family time or family devotions find out the meaning  of the name belonging to each member of your family.   Read What’s in a Name? to show that children throughout the world have names that have special meanings. The book concludes by teaching four special names of God.

When you get to know someone you learn their name and things about them.  Help your child know God better by learning His special names.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Power Up “Sons of Thunder” are Coming: Caring for the Active Child

Daily Praise:

“James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James, to whom He gave the name Boanerges, that is, ‘Sons of Thunder'”

Mark 3:1

Boys and girls running

I smile every time I read the verse Mark 3:1.   Jesus gives the nickname “Sons of Thunder” to two young men.  Any parent or teacher of boys or active children knows how rambunctious some children can be.  When active children get together there is nonstop laughter, pranks, and high energy.  Trying to stay a step ahead is difficult yet fun.

Mark 3:1 tells me that Jesus has a sense of humor.  Can’t you just see the twinkling in Jesus’ eyes as he smiled and said,  ‘”Sons of Thunder.”‘  Just picture these two young men running with zeal, maybe even in the way of others to get there first.  The Aramaic name “Boanerges” denotes a fiery and destructive zeal as of a thunderstorm. Another word  to describe  “Sons of Thunder” is commotion.  Jesus knew their personalities and enjoyed them for who they were. We too should understand the temperaments of our children.  When we lovingly use humor with our children an environment of joy and an atmosphere of contentment will surround our families.

Jesus also provides us with an example of how to harness the energy of the active child.  He gave direction, exhibited patience,  and provided encouragement.  So many times our energy wears out before that of our children.  We should consider the example that Jesus gave us and think twice before reacting.

Ideas to Increase Energy of Mothers with Preschoolers and

Early Elementary Children

  1. Getting rest will help with energy and patience level.  Try to keep your bedtime and that of your children on a schedule.  Easier said than done, but routine is important.
  2. Swapping childcare with a friend for a morning each week can bring renewed energy.
  3. Plan activities with another mom where you both can talk yet have fun watching your children play together.
  4. Sign up for an exercise class  that provides a child care that you trust while you exercise.
  5. Plan activities that you enjoy doing with your children.  Swimming, crafting, biking, camping or cooking together are just a few ideas.  Build enjoyable memories while raising children. This provides a form of relaxation.  Remember the process is important so be flexible because things usually do not go as planned.
  6. Outside activities burn energy and provide fun.

 Jesus’ Examples of Working with Energetic People

  1. Jesus gives clear directions.  Children need to know what is expected.  They also need to know how to do what you are asking.  Make sure that the skill, chore, or task that has been asked has been clearly not only asked but demonstrated.  Remember that there are visual, kinesthetic, and auditory learners.  Knowing your child’s learning style will help you give directions that your child will more clearly understand.
  2. To increase patience allow for time with God.  Jesus, our example, always got alone and spent time with His Father.  Writing a verse on a card that you can place in front of the kitchen sink or post in our car can keep your focus in the correct place.  “Perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee”.   Isaiah 26:3
  3. Jesus gave the rowdy boys an endearing name as a means of encouragement to them.  This also illustrated to the people around (the other disciples) that these boys were to be valued even though they were at times unruly or over zealous.

Parents of active children need many things.  By looking at the example that Jesus provides, gives us a plan and hope.  These active children will grow up.  Just think, when all that energy is directed to serving God what an impact they will make!

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

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Summer Ideas for Kids that Point Your Child to God

Daily Truth:

“…speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ—”  Ephesians 4:15

kids on beachLeaving the routine behind for few months and getting into a new rhythm is exciting for children and parents. Lightning bugs, swimming pools, lemonade stands,  sleeping bags, and popsicles are just a few things that make summer fun.

Just as you plan a playdate with friends to the pool, a camping trip, or a vacation trip;  a plan to teach God’s Word and about His world takes planning.

Summer Ideas for Kids that Point Your Child to God

  1. Help  your child make a promise book.   Get a small notebook, have child select a fabric to cover the notebook, and glue a ribbon in to use as a book mark.  Two days each week teach a the verse of promise and have child write or the parent can copy verse and have child glue in a page of the notebook.  Discuss how the promise fits into the life of your child.  God can be trusted. There are over 7,000 promises in the Bible.  Click here for daily promises in the Bible.
  2. Take photos of your child this summer.  Compile these photos at the end of the summer with your child to recall the memories made.  Fun, friends, and family are all a part to the world God created for our enjoyment.  What fun to reflect and thank God for the extra time spent during the summer months.
  3. If you have planted a garden have your children help to take care of the growing plants.  If you have not planted a garden go to a farmer’s market in your area and have your child help you to pick out some regular as well new fruits and vegetables to eat during the week.  Discuss how God provided what we need nutritionally  by the food He created for us.
  4. Check out the Child Evangelism Fellowship organization (CEF)  in your area.  All you need to do is supply 2 hours  for one week at your home, a snack, and children.  This organization will provide teachers that will come to your home to teach a Bible lesson, Bible memory verse, song, and game.  What an amazing outreach for the children in your neighborhood.
  5. Select a chapter book to read at bedtime.  Maybe extend the bedtime reading time as a summer treat too.  Some chapter books ideas:   Homer Price – Robert McCloskey / This is a rare book to find, but I enjoyed it as a kid! Homer had some really fantastic adventures, Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White,  The Complete Tales of Winnie-The-Pooh – A.A. Milne, Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson, My Side of the Mountain – Jean Craighead George, American Girl Books – Various Authors, Misty of Chincoteague – Marguerite Henry, and Biographies of coarse.
  6. If possible stop housework and chores by 11 AM  so the rest of the day provides more relaxation in schedule so you can enjoy your children even more. This preschool and elementary age will go more quickly than you can imagine.  It will not be long before driver’s education and other activities will limit your time and influence with your children.
  7. Take your children to visit grandparents or other elderly people if grandparents are no longer living.  Hearing the stories of loved ones from long ago brings appreciation of older people and that of another time.  Doing activities with grandparents brings joy to both generations.
  8. Other summer ideas for kids includes: extra time for biking and pointing out God’s creation, doing service projects for neighbors that points to helping others, and inviting friends over which is not only fun but models hospitality to your children.

More summer ideas for purposely teaching God’s Word and teaching about God’s world  can be found at Truths for Tots  website under the July and August calendar.

May you have a wonderful, purposeful summer with your children.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Father’s Hands: A Picture of Strength

Daily Truth:  “My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater and mightier than all [else]; and no one is able to snatch [them] out of the Father’s hand.”  John 10:29
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My father’s hands holding my newborn nephew.

 

This week, with Father’s Day approaching, I have been contemplating a father’s hands.

You see, a person’s hands can tell so much about them.

A father’s hands can show and teach so many character qualities that we would want to see in our children.

A father’s hands can shape and mold.

So, Father’s Day holds mixed emotions for our family.

We of course celebrate all the wonderful things about my hubs and what an outstanding father he is to the kids.

Yet, I can’t help but be overcome with the fact that all though I can remember all the qualities that made my dad a wonderful father, I can’t share those with him.

The picture above is one of my favorite pics of my dad.  You don’t see his face, but the picture depicts all that he was.  It’s all in my father’s hands.

What do a father’s hands represent?

A father’s hands represents kindness.  They show that even though evil things happen, his hands will show us the kindness we need to see.

A father’s hands represent gentleness.  Who else’s hands can be so full of strength yet, can hold a newborn with utmost care.

A father’s hands represent love.  It warms my heart to see my hubs holding the hands of my kids.

A father’s hands represent protection.  They remind us that he will do everything in his power to protect us.

A father’s hands represents strength.  They show us that they will pull us up when we need help, but will let us go when it is time.

A father’s hands represent sacrifice.  They remind us of the hours that are put into providing for his family.

A father’s hands represent determination.  They show us that many things can be accomplished with hard work and a “never-give-up” attitude.

A father’s hands represent patience.  I am reminded of this everytime my husband allows the boys to “help” him with jobs around the house.

Our Heavenly Father’s hands bring such vivid pictures to mind.

I am reminded of the story in John of Thomas.

Remember, he was not with the other disciples that saw Christ after His resurrection.  Can you imagine the excitement and breathless wonder of the disciples as they tell Thomas that Christ is indeed risen like He said.

Then Thomas’ response is something like a “party pooper”.  “Yeah, well, except I see the nail prints in His hands and can put my hand in His side, I cannot believe a word you say.”

Nothing like putting a damper on a good mood.

Then 8 days later, the disciples are once again gathered together in a room with the door shut and the Lord miraculously walks into the room.

Thomas doesn’t believe even then it is Christ until Christ says to Thomas to touch the nail prints of His hands and thrust his in hand into Jesus’ side.

That’s when Thomas’ faith is restored.

In John 10, Jesus is talking to the Jews because they want proof that He is the promised Messiah.

Jesus explains to them that all the miracles He is doing is proof that He is the Messiah, yet they don’t believe because they are not His sheep.  In other words, they didn’t have a personal belief that He was the Messiah.

Jesus makes the statement that once we are His no one – not man or the powers of Satan – could pluck those who believe out of His Father’s Hands.

Our Heavenly Father’s hands show us His amazing love, His power over death, Hell, and Satan, His protection, and His gentleness.

As we come to Father’s Day, remember the lessons that can be taught our children by our Father’s hands.

Until next week,

Rebekah Klink

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