family devotions

Going for Gold or Going for Crowns

Truthsfortots Cathy Jo's Blog , , , 0 Comment

Daily Truth:   “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.”

 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

OlympicRings_360

What were once dreams for the 2016 Summer Olympians are now reality.  Let the games begin!

There have been many stories about the place but what about the athletes?  They have worked hard and dreamed big.  What characteristics do these elite athletes have in common? Can we apply these characteristics to Christian parenting?

The Olympians fight through setbacks and injuries while becoming the elite athlete they each are today.  Do we focus on the situations in our life or do we focus on the prize? (Eternity with Jesus Christ and laying crowns at His feet.)  Prayer is important for the Christian.  Keep a family journal of prayer requests and answered prayer so children can see God.  Come back to those answered prayers in time of difficulty and remind children that God helped in the past and will help in the future.

  • The Olympic athletes must eat well in order to fuel their bodies to perform at this elite level.  As Christians we must feed on the things of God. Spending time with God in prayer and reading His Word are imperative if we want to finish this life well.  In order to teach our children to love the Lord we must spend time with God first and then share that love with our family.  Pray with your children before school. Have Bible fact night at the dinner table once a week.  Pray for a missionary before dinner. If your hear an ambulance pray for all concerned.  Be creative and see how many ways you can point your children toward God in a day.
  • Practice is imperative in order to become an Olympic athlete.  Have a time of Bible teaching with your children.  Memorize Scripture as a family.  Use teachable moments in nature to teach the things of God.  Practice is repetition and adding creativity to the repetition is key.  Make learning the things of God repetitive, fun, and creative.
  • Encouragement from mothers and fathers has is a theme as we learn about the athletes.  Parents and grandparents have a great responsibility to encourage our children in the things of God.  Just think of Hannah in the Old Testament and her son Samuel.  She brought him a coat each year he was growing up with Eli as an act of love and support.
  • The medal winners are thankful for the people who have helped them on the journey toward perfection of their specific sport. As Christians do we provide encouragement to others? Do we praise God for His Word that imparts so much and are we thankful for the Holy Spirit that wants to guide us in all things?  Let children see your praise and thankfulness of God and others. Help your children think of  “random acts of kindness”  to bless others.

We may never earn an Olympic medal but we all have the ability through Christ to earn a crown that we will want to lay at the feet of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things.  Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown but we for an imperishable crown.”         1 Corinthians 9:24-25

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”  1 Thessalonians 2:19

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”  James 1:12

“And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away”. 1 Peter 5:4

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”  2 Timothy 4:8

When this year’s Olympics come to a close and the medal count is posted consider the importance we are placing on the rewards God gives to us.  Are we teaching our children about God’s rewards?  Our we teaching them to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind?   Let’s run this race well and teach to our children what counts for eternity.

To create interest with your child about the Olympics and then springboard to Biblical concepts please check out my Olympics Pinterest Board.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

DSCF1227

Light Means More than Spring Has Sprung

Truthsfortots Cathy Jo's Blog , , , , , 0 Comment

Daily Truth:  “And God saw the light, that is was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.”  Genesis 1:4

FH010010

Just as we begin to enjoy the earlier sunrise of late winter-SMACK-Daylight Saving Time is upon us.

Why do we enjoy beginning our day in the light rather than the dark?  For me it is the singing of the birds, the beauty of the sun piercing through the dark, and knowing no matter what, God is in control with the rising of the sun.

Why are we disgruntled with extended darkness?  I find it more difficult to get motivated in the darkness of morning-let’s face it-doesn’t a beautiful sunrise put a smile on our face?

The Bible uses the word “light” in this context over one hundred times.  In the third verse of the Bible we read that the first thing God created was light.  Genesis 1:3 “And God said, ‘Let there be light’, and there was light.”

It is amazing to think that the sun is just the right distance (92,960,000 miles) from the earth to provide us with warmth, food, and fuel. Any difference of distance would alter our life drastically.  What a great God to create all things so perfectly.

Truths for Tots

  • Turn out the lights and then illustrate how a flashlight brightens the room and directs our path. (Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.)
  • Plan a camp out so the sunrise and sunset will illustrate the importance of light.  (Genesis 1:16 Then God made two great lights, the greater to rule the day and the lesser to rule the night.  He made stars also.)
  • Discuss how the LORD guides us and leads us.  We do not need to be afraid of the dark.  (Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; when shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?)

Truths for Parents

My grandmother lived to be 99 years old.  She lived in the time period when the Wright Brothers flew their first airplane, Henry Ford brought cars to the masses, and Thomas Edison’s incandescent light bulb was perfected by William D. Coolidge in 1908 so that homes were lit by lamps rather that candles.  My grandmother said that the best invention of her time was the incandescent lamp.

Light changes everything!

John 8:2 “Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying,’ I am the light of the world.  He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.’ ”

As we walk through these days before Resurrection Sunday, may we prayerfully consider how Jesus is the light of the world.  You no longer need to walk in darkness.  You can have as much light as you want.

For more information about Jesus as the light of the world please check out the link http://www.blbclassic.org/knowgod.cfm .

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

DSCF1227

 

 

A Loving Valentine

Truthsfortots Cathy Jo's Blog , , , , 0 Comment

Daily Truth:  “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”  1 Corinthians 13:13

IMG_4326

Valentine’s Day is a favorite day for young and old alike.  This day for elementary age children is fun as making or selecting Valentine cards for friends and classmates brings a sense of excitement and a way to show how much you care about someone.  The preschool age and early elementary age is a great time to teach how important love is to God through the Valentine celebration.

Truths For Tots

Love shares:  The songs below could be acted out with Valentine cards.

I’m a Little Valentine
(Tune: I’m a Little Teapot)
I’m a little Valentine
Red and white
With ribbons and lace
I’m a beautiful site.
I can say, “I love you,”
On Valentine’s Day.
Just put me in an envelope
And give me away!

 

Share
(Tune:  Mary Had a Little Lamb)
( I like to use  various sizes and colors of hearts
with this song to teach about “real” sharing.)
Valentines are made to share,
Made to share,
Made to share.
Valentines are made to share
With my friends at school.
I made you a Valentine,
Valentine, Valentine
I made you a Valentine
That says, “I love you”.
(And then each child trades hearts.
We will sing this several times
as hearts are traded.)

 

Discuss how the Bible is a collection of God’s love letters that He shares with us.  Place some cut out hearts with a Bible verse written on each heart. (Some Bible verses to write on the heart may include:  John 3:16, Psalm 86:15, Romans 8:37-39, and Zephaniah 3:17) Place these hearts in a Bible (Could place in a children’s Bible on pages of illustrations of Jesus’ showing love to others.)  Open the Bible and pull out the heart and read the verse “God’s love letter” to us.

Discuss some ways in which we could let God’s love show through our lives not only on Valentine’s Day but every day.

Truths For Parents

Let’s look at the verse 1 Corinthians 13:13 more in depth. The Children’s Ministry Resource Bible published by Thomas Nelson provides us with great definitions for key words in this verse.

Faith-“believing without question what God says about Himself and about what He will do”

Hope-“looking forward with confidence to receiving good things that God has promised to give me in the future”

Love-“a quiet, steady decision of the will to care for another person, totally apart from any good quality or ability or desire to respond on the part of the object of love; feeling of great affection that causes me to give and do things for another person”

By better knowing and understanding the meanings of each word we are better equipped to teach our children.  Teach your child that God gave His Word to tell us about His love and to give us a living example of His love.

Think about the ways in which you show love to your family.  You are your children’s living example of love.

Loving the Lord first will give us the ability to show love to our families no matter what life situation is occurring.

May you have a “lovely” Valentine’s Day. ❤

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

DSCF8513_0111

 

 

 

 

Can You Hear Me Now?

Truthsfortots Cathy Jo's Blog , , , , 0 Comment

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

 Revelation 13:9 NKJV

listening ear

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

DSCF8513_0111

 

 

 

 

 

I am Bored…Where is Contentment?

Truthsfortots Cathy Jo's Blog , , , , 0 Comment

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

695867-kids-bored

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

DSCF0757

Photo of children from the Herald Sun 

 

 

 

 

 

Elohim, Creator of All

Truthsfortots Cathy Jo's Blog , , 0 Comment

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

 from the Names of God Bible  

Wian 26

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

DSCF0757

 

 

 

 

 

Let the Children Come

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog , , 0 Comment

Daily Truth:   “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'”  Matthew 19:14

 

Jesus views us as children.  “For such is the kingdom of heaven” means that heaven is

Jesus and childrenfor all of God’s children who have come to Him while on earth.

 

One day several years ago, my husband and I were so happy for one of our children as they were accomplishing a goal that they had sought for a long time.  In that very day we also received a call about one of our other children’s huge disappointment. We were so happy for one child yet so very saddened for our other child.

As I thought about the circumstances over that weekend I felt as though I had maybe an inkling of how God feels when He looks at us. He sees all His children at one time.  What great joy He has looking  at some of his children yet what grief He has looking at His other children. The range of emotions is difficult for a mother but as I cried out to God, He calmed my heart and allowed me to feel His love in a new way.  No matter the circumstance He loves us!  A mother’s love for her children is similar in that love is a constant factor no matter what is changing in the world or what our children are doing.

When I read the words “Let the children come unto me” I know that God is talking to me as well as my children.  Those words bring comfort to me and encouragement that I need to share with my children.

This weekend as we celebrate Palm Sunday, Jesus’ joyful entrance into Jerusalem, let us remember the joy and yet the grief God must have had as His only Son rode that donkey as everyone shouted, “Hosanna”.

God’s love is great. God’s forgiveness is great.  God’s mercy is great.  God’s grace is great.

Have your children wave palm branches this Sunday and pretend that Jesus;  this one who  made the blind to see, the lame to walk, dead to rise and spoke of God and the Scriptures like no other coming down the road to your home town. Help them experience the great joy the Jewish children and parents must have felt as Jesus rode by them as He came into Jerusalem.

“Let the children come unto Me”.

Let us share the love of Jesus to the children God has entrusted to our care.  Let us share in the joy of that  wonderful entrance into Jerusalem.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No Need to be Afraid

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog , , , , 0 Comment

Daily Truth:  “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

   Psalm 27:1

Wian 29
Illustration from the children’s book,
“What’s in a Name?” by Cathy Jo Johnson

 

Have you ever been afraid?   The word “afraid” can be found 216 times in the NKJV of the Bible. God gives us accounts in the Bible where men, women, and children are afraid.  God also shows us how He rescues, protects, and gives grace to people.

According to the “Harvard Mental Health Letter” of December 2004 “A child’s world is full of dangers, real and imaginary, that many adults forget they ever experienced… Children’s minds and emotions are constantly changing and developing, and they do not all develop at the same rate, so it is not always easy to distinguish normal fears from those that require special attention. Newborns typically fear falling and loud noises. Fear of strangers begins as early as six months and persists until the age of two or three. Preschool children usually fear being separated from their parents; they may also be afraid of large animals, dark places, masks, and supernatural creatures.”

As parents we need to take care in providing a safe environment for our children.  As much as we would love to hold them and protect them their entire life we cannot and should not.

It is important for parents to have a strong prayer life.  As the mother of three children born within 27 months people often said, “They must keep you on your toes?”  Which I replied, “They keep me on my knees.”  Understanding that some things were in my control yet all things were in God’s control which was a constant help to me.

We try to remain calm when afraid so our children will not be fearful. By having a time with the LORD each day (no matter how short or long depending on our season of life) helps us to maintain calmness amidst fear.

The most important thing to take away fear is trust.  When children know that you are there to nourish, care, protect, and love them their fears are reduced and trust is built.  Our jobs as parents is to then build upon that trust and teach them to trust God.

When life situations arise, point out how God cares and protects.  Take pictures and frame those moments so your child can be reminded of God’s goodness.  Pray for others and keep a journal of those prayer requests.  Praise God for answered prayers and record in the journal so you can go back and remind your child of God’s working.  Just as the Israelites made  stone monuments in specific locations to mark God’s working we too need to make visual reminders of God’s working in our lives and those of our children’s.

Verses to teach your children about not being afraid and trusting God include:

  1.  “The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”      Psalm 27:1
  2.  “…The LORD is my helper; I will not fear…” Hebrews 13:6
  3. “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid…” Deuteronomy 31:6 a
  4.  “…He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 b

Some Bible lessons that show fear from people yet  teach trust in God:

  1.  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego  in Daniel 3 of the Bible
  2. Crossing of the Red Sea in Exodus 14 of the Bible
  3. Jesus Calms a Storm in Matthew 8:23-27   

Learning the names of God helps to take away fear and build trust.

“What’s in a Name?” is a children’s book for ages 4-8 that teaches about some of the names of God.  The name of God shown in the above illustration is the name “El Roi”. “El Roi” means the God who sees.  God sees when we are afraid.  He will take care of us. When we learn the Hebrew names of God we learn more about God.  Each of His special names teaches us a characteristic about Himself.  God loves us and can be trusted to take care of us in all situations.  We do not need to be afraid.

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Best Steps to Follow: Following Jesus

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog , , 0 Comment

Daily Truth:   “Righteousness shall go before him; and shall set us in the way of his steps.”

 Psalm 85:13

In His Steps: Sheldon, Charles M.

 

 

You have probably seen the WWJD bracelets.  Did you know that they were based on the book In His Steps?

 

 

 

 

 

The story In His Steps was story written by Charles M. Sheldon in 1896.  It was read a chapter at a time to young people on Sunday evenings in the Central Congregational Church, Topeka, Kansas.  “The Reverend Sheldon found that reading a dramatic story illustrating Christian principles in the everyday lives of ordinary people, like Jesus’ parables, drew crowds of young people to the church on Sunday evenings.”

“Sheldon’s church and church groups around the world took the book’s pledge to ask ‘What would Jesus do?’  He received dozens of letters a day relating how that pledge had changed lives, restored families, strengthened relationships, cleaned up business practices and politics, and given peace and joy to countless believers.”

“Newspapers and magazines serialized In His Steps.  This simple but inspired religious novel changed the work in the early twentieth century.”  An estimated thirty million copies in fifteen languages worldwide have been published.  Due to faulty copyright Sheldon did not earn very much money from his bestselling book.  It is said that he rejoiced knowing that the message was so popular.

The story is told through ordinary people led by their pastor.  These ordinary people take a pledge to ask “What would Jesus do?” whenever they are asked to make a decision.   Each person’s story emphasizes the importance of immediate obedience and personal Christian action in daily choices.

Sheldon’s great-grandson, Garrett W. Sheldon, wrote a contemporary retelling of his great-grandfather’s story and entitled it What Would Jesus Do?  This book possesses the same wonderful elements of the original story yet in a time period better understood for today’s reader.

It is exciting that a children’s book has also been written.  This book captures the same message as the original book and asks after each short story for the child to make a choice according to the life circumstance in the chapter.

what would jesus do cover

There is also a character building game based upon In His Steps.

What would Jesus do in the situations of life is a good question to ask ourselves.  It helps children (and adults) to think about their actions and act responsibly rather than impulsively. A Christian has the Holy Spirit to guide and direct. Yet, there is always a struggle between the “old man and the new man”.

These resources provide good practice for a life that brings honor and glory to God.

Until the next “Truth”sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

Quotes from:  In His Steps 100th Anniversary Collector’s Edition published by Broadman & Holman 1995

 

 

 

 

 

 

Share Saint Patrick’s Day Facts and Fun with Children

Truthsfortots Blog, Cathy Jo's Blog , , 0 Comment

 Saint Patrick’s Day with children…

3-leaf-clover

Saint Patrick’s Day is the celebration of a man that told his homeland of Ireland about Christ.

Saint Patrick is not really a saint with a capital S as he was never authorized by Rome.  He was a saint in the Christian definition as a saint is “one who is holy and set apart”.

Patrick was sixteen years old when he was taken from his homeland in a raid and became a slave.  He was taken to, at the time, the pagan country of Ireland.  While there he wrote that he prayed nearly a hundred times a day.  He was a slave for six years until he managed to escape.

After forty years he felt called to go back to Ireland and witness to the people there.  It has been said that he used the shamrock to witness by  explaining the Trinity.  Patrick introduced Latin to the people of Ireland.  Handwritten copies of the Bible were completed in Latin for the people of Ireland.  This replaced the awkward Ogham scripts.  He stayed in Ireland as a missionary until his death.

A good book to teach young children about St. Patrick’s Day is “The Story of Saint Patrick’s Day” by Patricia A. Pingry and Illustrated by Pamela R. Levy.

A fun snack to make is the Shamrock Shake:  Place 1 pint (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, 1 cup milk, 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract, and green food coloring into a blender.  Blend on high until smooth.  Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream and green sprinkles.

A good craft to emphasize the trinity is the Shamrock Craft:  Cut the top off a green pepper. Place open end of pepper in green paint and begin stamping.

St. Patrick's Day Crafts

As read in the book of Philippians Paul greeted fellow Christians or saints with joy so too should we.  Bake some sugar cookies with your children and add green sprinkles or sugar to decorate.  Share these cookies and joy to your neighbors.

Paul and Patrick are examples of men that reached out to others.  They both told others about Jesus Christ and His Word.

Enjoy this day, reach out and share the Good News of Christ.

For more Saint Patrick’s Day craft and food fun please check out my Pinterest board http://truthsfortots.com/saint-patricks-day-facts-and-fun/

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

DSCF1227

Three leaf clover photo from Irishviews.com