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
photo (33)
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

klink

 

 

 

 

Less Time Gives More Time

Daily Truth:    “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

Summer time is finally here!

I love having the kids home for summer.

I love no set schedule.

I love the spontaneity of summer.

Maybe it’s because my kids are getting older and we are getting out of the toddler stage.

Or maybe it’s because my oldest will be starting junior high in the fall (a fact I am still trying to wrap my mind around).

Or maybe it’s because my youngest will be starting kindergarten in the fall (yet, another fact I am trying to grasp).

Or maybe it’s because I am slowly realizing how quickly the time with my children is flying by and what little time I have left with them.

Every summer the kids make a summer “wish list”.  This list can include things as simple as playing play dough to things more elaborate as taking a day trip.

Each summer we try to check off as many of those items as we can.

Here is what I plan to do.

1.  Less time on the computers more time playing. (I better get this blog done quickly!)

2.  Less time worrying about clean clothes more time playing in the rain.

3.  Less time keeping the house clean more time making messes.

4.  Less time saying “yes” to others and more time saying “no” to a schedule.

5.  Less time making a “to do” list more time playing with the children.

6.  Less time making plans more time making memories.

7. Less time getting my things done more time doing what the kids will like to do. (Thus their summer “wish list”.)

8.  Less time expecting more time laughing.

9.  Less time hurrying more time slowing down.

10.  Less time worrying and more time enjoying.

I will have time in the fall while all the kids are in school to “catch up” on things that should get done.

This summer take less time doing the ordinary things of life and take more time enjoying the extraordinary.

Until next week,

Rebekah

 

Praying Scripture for Our Families

Daily Truth:   “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16

Praying Scripture for our families is the most powerful weapon we have against our arch enemy – the devil. (Ephesians 6:11-18)

Praying Scripture for our families is the best gift a mother can give her children and her husband. (II Timothy 1:5)

Praying Scripture for our families enables us to come boldly to the throne room of our Heavenly Father. (Hebrews 4:16)

Praying Scripture for our families give us peace even in the midst of the most difficult trials. (John 14:27)

Praying Scripture for our families puts power behind God’s promises. (Isaiah 55:11)

Praying Scripture for our families strengthens our relationship both with our Heavenly Father as well as our children and husband. (Romans 8:15)

Praying Scripture for our family helps align our will with God’s will. (Matthew 26:42)

I could give personal examples for each of the reasons for praying Scripture for our families.  Time and space don’t permit me.  Believe me though, when I say that the Lord has shown me amazing things since I started this journey of praying Scripture for our families.

I am going to leave you with a few more tips on ways to implement praying Scripture for our families.

1.  Pray for a life verse for each member. When I started the process of praying Scripture for our families, I asked the Lord to give me specific life verses for each of my kids that I could pray for them.  Each verse that the Lord gave me fit that child specifically.

For instance, this is the verse the Lord gave me for my oldest.

Colossians 1:9-12

For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

10 That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:

Ok.  So it’s a little long.  But this fit my oldest to a “T”.  I then wrote out the verse and pasted it to the back of my Bible.  I encourage you to do the same for each of your children and for your husband as well.

2.  Make a 31 day prayer booklet for your family.  This idea was given to me by a dear friend (thank the Lord for friends that encourage us in the faith).  I am going to work on it this summer.

Basically, you take a 3×5 card and write a verse to pray for your family that day.  Then, list each family member out and write next to their name a specific way you can pray that verse for them for that day.

3.  Get a prayer partner.  This has been the most amazing encouragement to me.  I have a couple of friends that we will text prayer requests back and forth (technology is amazing).  It is such a blessing to know that you have other people praying with you for your family.

4.  Tell your family.  I know this may seem redundant but tell your kids that you are praying scripture for them.  Be specific.

When my oldest went to Costa Rica on a mission trip over spring break, I was a little…ok…A LOT nervous about sending her even though we had complete confidence in the ladies she was going with.  But you know, it’s a mom thing.

So, I took  my fear and decided to use that to pray specific Scripture for her.  Before she left, I wrote her a card for each day with a different verse that I would pray for her that day.  One day it was on safety, another on witnessing, and so on.

She loved knowing the fact that not only was her mom praying for her but that I was praying specific promises for her each day.

I also let my husband know.  He has told me how much he appreciates it.  Often, I have no idea what his day is like, but the Lord brings certain verses to mind and the verses always seem to coincide with something that happened that day.  Amazing how God works that!

5.  Display the verse.  When praying Scripture for our families, be sure to display the verse that you are currently praying somewhere in the house.  It could be on a mirror, on a window, on paper on the fridge, on a chalkboard.

Ladies, may I encourage you to be not just mother’s of prayer, but mother’s praying Scripture for our families.

Found this poem on the internet the other day.  I don’t know who wrote it but I hope it is as much of blessing to you as it was to me.

Some have had kings in their lineage,
Some to whom honor was paid.
Not blest of my ancestors – but,
I have a mother who prays.
I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
Oh what a difference it makes for me – 
I have a mother who prays.
Some have worldly success
And trust in riches they’ve made – 
This is my surest asset,
I have a mother who prays.
My mother’s prayers cannot save me,
Only mine can avail;
But mother introduced me to Someone – 
Someone who never could fail.
Oh yes..I have a mother who prays for me
And pleads with the Lord every day for me.
O what a difference it makes for me – 
I have a mother who prays.
Author Unknown

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

Praying Obedience for Our Children

Daily Truth:  “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.”
 Ephesians 6:1

 

 

Praying obedience.

Wow!  That is a huge undertaking.  I think obedience is the behavior we struggle with the most as parents.

We want our children to be able to obey immediately and sweetly.

However, sometimes our pride gets in the way.

Let’s be honest we all love it when our children demonstrate proper obedience and it makes us look good as moms.

Yet, that’s not the obedience we need or want.

We want obedience that comes from the heart.

Two examples from scripture of obedience come to mind.

The first is Samuel (I Samuel 3).

Hannah brought Samuel to the temple to serve and live in the temple when he was a very young boy as part of promise she made to the Lord.

Eli was not known for his tremendous parenting skills.

Can you imagine how hard that must have been for Hannah to leave Samuel with Eli?

I can only imagine that she prayed daily for Samuel’s obedience to God’s commands and not follow the path of Eli’s sons.

Is it no wonder then that Samuel immediately answered Eli when he thought Eli called him in the middle of the night.

Eli eventually realized that it was God calling Samuel and told Samuel how to respond.

Samuel immediately responded, “Speak, for the servant heareth”.

God then used Samuel in an amazing way in the lives of His people.

Then there’s the boy with the 5 loaves and 2 fish. (John 6)

I think this is one of my favorite stories of God using a child especially in the area of obedience.

Here the Lord has been teaching a crowd of over 5,000 men not to mention women and children.

It’s lunch time and there is no way to feed all these people.

The disciples display their great lack of faith in God being able to provide.

Then here comes this boy with only five loaves of bread and two fish and willingly gives his lunch to God to use.

Insert pause – I have a hard time imagining my boys being willing to do this.  They think of the next meal before they even finish the one they are working on.  Although, one of them willingly gave me one of their Cadbury eggs the other day.  So maybe……

Can you imagine the boy’s utter amazement when his little lunch multiplies to feed all those people and then have 12 baskets of food left over?!?

In both of these cases, I have to speculate that there was a mother praying for the willing obedience of their son.

So, why should we pray for our children’s obedience.

1.  Confidence.  The Bible says that honoring our parents is the fist commandment with promise.  (Ephesians 6:1-3)  Our children will have confidence knowing that when they demonstrate proper obedience they are obeying God’s command.

2.  God blesses obedience (Proverbs 1:8-9).  I am not talking about material blessing.  Rather, spiritual blessing and isn’t that what we want for our children.

There are so many verse dealing with obedience, especially in the book of Proverbs.

Take the time this week to find some of those verse and start praying these scriptures for your children,

Remember, we want obedience to penetrate into their hearts and not just to be an action to please us.

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

Praying for the Salvation of Our Children

Daily Truth: “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation..”  Romans 10:10

 

Praying for the salvation of our children should be the first promise that we claim in praying Scriptures for our children.

In three of the four gospels, Christ uses the phrase, “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of God.”  (Matthew 19:14)

The Lord himself was concerned about the salvation of our children.

Let’s put it in context.

Christ, with His disciples, crosses the Sea of Galilee to Judea.  There a multitude of people were following Him.

Some needed physical healing others spiritual.

Then the pharisees come and try to trick Christ with a question.  Christ answers their question using scripture.

Then mother’s bring their children to Christ in order for Him to bless them.

Now the disciples try to push the children aside.  After all the children were probably dirty from the dust of the day.  Christ had just had a very busy morning healing the sick, rebuking the pharisees, etc.  Why would Christ even want to bother with the children?

But Christ wants to bothered with the children and He rebukes the disciples.

He then tells the disciples that unless you have the faith of a child you cannot see the Kingdom of Heaven.  (Mark 10:13-15)

Christ was so concerned about the salvation of our children that He had the Matthew, Mark, and Luke all record it in their books.

You see, the praying for the salvation of our children at a young age is vital.

I realize that not everyone has the privilege of being saved at a young age nor will they necessarily get to see the salvation of their children at a young age.

When I was in junior high, I really struggled with the fact that I was saved at the age of 4.  I didn’t have an amazing testimony to tell like some of the older folks in our church did.  I mean really, how bad of a sinner could a 4 year old be?  At least that was my thought.

The devil really used that thought process to question my salvation.

However, my wonderful pastor’s wife used the passage illustrated above to help me understand that God wants the salvation of our children no matter what age.  She reminded me that my testimony was the fact that God spared me of all the scars that sin can leave on a life when they are without Christ.

I will never forget that.

In Jodie Berndt’s book, Praying the Scriptures for Your Children, she gives to vital points in praying Scripture for the salvation of our children.

1.  When we pray for the salvation of our children, we are joining God in the work He is doing in their lives.

In other words, we can’t save our children no matter what we do.  It is God alone that brings salvation to our children.  However, God wants us to pray for the salvation of our children.  When we do that we are partnering with God.

A perfect example of this is Timothy.  Paul writes that Timothy was taught from a young age the scriptures that brought him salvation.  Who did that?  His mother and grandmother.  They became partners with God for Timothy.  (II Timothy 3:15)

2.  “Praying for the salvation of our children is asking God to give them the only gift that lasts forever.”

We cannot take anything to Heaven except for the souls we helped bring to Christ.  I desire nothing more than to have all my children one day in Heaven with me.

In praying for the salvation of my children, that is exactly what I am asking of God – to allow me to see my children in Heaven with me.

God answered that prayer for me this year.

This past year the Lord allowed me to see my two boys accept Christ as their Savior.  I cannot express the joy that brings when you hear the simple prayer of your children asking Jesus into their little lives.

Their prayers are so simple, yet so filled with insurmountable faith.

Then to see the excitement on their faces when they just have to tell EVERYBODY!!!!

Now all my children will be in Heaven with me one day.  My work is far from done, though.

The salvation of our children is by far the item at the top of our prayer list.

Here are two passages to use to pray for the salvation of our children.

II Corinthians 4:4b&6

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Acts: 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Ladies, remember to stand back, get out of God’s way, and pray that God will save their little hearts.

Until next week,

Rebekah

 

 

Praying Scripture for Your Children

Daily Truth:  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”  II Timothy 3:16

 

 

Before Easter, I suggested we start praying scripture for our children.

When I started this a few weeks ago, I started pondering reasons that I should be praying scripture for my children.  I came up with 5 reasons although I am sure there are others.

Do you have your journals ready?

WARNING:  There are going to be days that the devil is going to cause you to doubt the validity of praying scripture for your children.  You need to be able to grab these verses quickly.  Nothing will defeat the lies of the devil faster than God’s Word of Truth!

1.  Satan wants our children.  Satan knows that the only thing we can take to Heaven with us are those things we do for Christ here on earth.  Our mission as mom’s is to raise our children in a way that would honor Christ.  So, don’t you think Satan will stop at nothing to get our children?

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”  Ephesians 6:2

“And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat”  Luke 22:31

 

2.  We are commanded to pray for our children.

Arise, cry out in the night: in the beginning of the watches pour out thine heart like water before the face of the Lord: lift up thy hands toward him for the life of thy young children”  Lamentations 2:19

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”  Ephesians 6:18

Although these verses aren’t direct commands for praying scripture for our children, the command is there to pray.

I had never seen this verse in Lamentations before.  In chapter 2 God is describing His wrath being poured out on His people for their sins.  However, verse 19 can still be used for us today. We need to, as mother’s be willing to pour out our hearts to God and lift to Him the lives of our young children.  The picture of a mother overcome with grief for the life of her children is such a strong image.

 

3.  We receive God’s power and have direct access to God.

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”  James 5:16

The Amplified Bible translates it as follows:  “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working”

Imagine – when we pray earnestly and continually we are tapping into God’s power!  Praying scripture for our children gives us promises that we can claim for our children and that is powerful!

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”  Hebrews 4:16

We are to come boldly (fearlessly) before God’s throne when praying scripture for our children.  He is not a God or King to cower in fear from.  He wants to hear our petitions.

 

4.  Scripture is God’s Word.  I know this seems obvious.  But think about it ladies.  When we are praying scripture we are praying God’s actual words to Him.  We are praying His promises.  God says that He is not slack concerning His promises.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”  John 1:1

Excuse the length of this next passage.  However, once again the word picture is too beautiful to ignore.

“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:9-11

 

5.  God’s Word is powerful.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  Hebrews 4:12

The image here is of one going to battle against their fiercest enemy.  Remember the first point in praying scripture for our children?  We are battling the Prince of the Air.  He is our fiercest enemy.   Praying Scripture is that sword that we need to battle Satan.

Take that blue highlighter (or whatever color) and go through your Bible and highlight these verses.

Then dig deeper and find other verse that you can use to support these reasons for praying scripture for our children.

Until Next Week,

Rebekah

klink

 

 

He is Risen! – Easter Story Cookies

Daily Truth:  “He is not here; He has risen, as He said [He would do]. Come, see the place where He lay.”  Matthew 28:6

 

He is risen!

The cry of Easter is heard throughout the World.

He is risen!

That phrase separates Christianity from all other religions.

My kids have been singing, “Christ the Lord is risen today”  all week.

So, they don’t understand all the words.  “Dark domain” was asked about.  But they get the main thrust of the song – Christ is risen from the grave and He is in Heaven preparing a place for us.

Easter Sunday is the most important holiday on the calendar.  Yet,  the cry, “He is Risen” is barely heard above the din of baskets full of candy, bunnies, and colored eggs.

So, how can we help our kiddos understand the real reason for Easter?

Every year, I have made Easter Story Cookies with my kids.  I considered skipping it this year until my youngest asked me if we were going to make those “empty tomb” cookies this year.

Here is the recipe.  It is not original with me.

1 c whole pecans                                                              zip-lock plastic bag

1 tsp. vinegar                                                                     wooden spoon

3 egg whites (room temperature)                                 tape (optional)

pinch of salt                                                                       Bible

1 c sugar                                                                            Cookie sheet covered in wax paper

1.  Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

2.  Place pecans in plastic bag.  Allow your child to beat them with a wooden spoon.  Explain that Jesus was beaten by the Roman soldiers. (John 19:1-3)

3.  Let your child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp into a mixing bowl.  Explain that Jesus was given vinegar to drink while He was on the cross. (John 19:28-30)

4.  Add egg whites.  Eggs represent life.  Explain that Jesus gave His life for our sins. (John 10:10-11)

5.  Sprinkle a little salt on your child’s hand.  Let them taste it.  Sprinkle some salt into the bowl.  Explain that this represents the disciples tears. (Luke 23:26-28)

6.  Add one cup of sugar.  Explain that the fact that Jesus died because He loves us is the sweet part of the story. (Psalms 34:8  and John 3:16)

7.  Beat the ingredients with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed.  Explain that the color white represents our hearts when Jesus cleanses them from sin. (Isaiah 1:18  and  John 3:1-3)

8.  Fold in pecans. Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheet.  Explain that each mound represents Jesus’ tomb. (Matthew 27:57-60)

9.  Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door, and turn the oven off.  Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. (Matthew 27:65-66)

10.  Tell your child it’s time for bed.  Explain that the disciples were sad when the disciples left Jesus’ body in the tomb. (John 16:20 -22)

On Easter Morning:

Open the oven and give each child a cookie.  When they bite the cookie it will be hollow.  Explain the disciples were amazed that Jesus’ tomb was empty.  He is risen!!    (Matthew 28:1-9)

My kiddos love making these.  It is a fun way to explain the Easter story to your little ones.

Have a wonderful Easter.  He is Risen!!!!

Rebekah

klink

Praying for My Children

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

 

Praying for my children.

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

“Help them to have a good day.’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Well, ladies, that’s what I did.

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

 Hannah – Samuel’s mom.

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

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

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

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

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

Eli reassures her that God heard her prayer.

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

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

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

Eunice and Lois – Timothy’s mother and grandmother

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

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

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

 Virtuous Woman

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

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

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

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

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

Here is what you will need:

 – Bible

– Two journals (trust me)

– Highlighter

– Pen

– Glue

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

 

 

 

 

Out of Commission: Lessons Learned from Being Still.

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

 

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

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

Wham!

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

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

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

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

Freezer meals made – check.

Laundry done – check.

Sister here – check.

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

House cleaned – check.

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 I wondered why I would feel spiritually depleted.

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

I’ll say more about this another week.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

Lessons from Bees: Working Together

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Below is how the conversation played out.

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

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

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

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

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

Can we say “teaching moment”!!!!

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

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

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

(giggles)

Mom: “Who is in charge of the hive?”

All: “The Queen Bee.”

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

5 year old: “They could die!”

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

Kids: “You are.”

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

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

Kids: “No. We get in trouble.”

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

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

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

Popcorn will be handy for this encore presentation.

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink