No Need to be Afraid

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

Change? Seriously, Not Again!

Daily Truth:  “For I am the Lord, I change not.”  Malachi 3:6

 

Change is a word that causes people to react in many different ways. Some love it. Some hate it. For me, it depends on what kind of change we are talking about. I like to switch the wall color (I think our house has shrunk in square footage as often as I change the wall colors). I like to move the furniture around. I like to darken my hair color (which is what prompted this blog). I love the change of seasons (I hope this one happens soon).

Some changes I don’t like. I don’t like moving. I don’t like seeing my children go from little to big. I don’t like change that drastically reshapes your life. I don’t like having to change plans at the last minute. It’s little changes that I like. Some change is good.

After a VERY frustrating day a couple weeks ago, my hubs and I sat down and changed the way we assign the chores. I was having all 4 kids help empty the dishwasher at the same time.  They all had different sections to empty.  However, it was causing way too many fights and frustrating mom every morning. So, we now have the kids do their jobs on a rotating basis.  One morning the oldest empties the dishwasher, the 2nd feeds the pets, the 3rd loads the washer, and the 4th sets the table. Then every day the kids rotate to the next job on the list. Fights are at a minimum now in the mornings.  Duh!  Such a simple change.  Why didn’t I think of that!!! Kids, like adults, deal with change differently.  One of my boys almost cannot handle any sort of change without going a little spastic.

My other son has to ask over and over again “why” and “how come” just to get it all set in his mind. Both of my girls are homebodies. So, whenever there is a change in routine, mom has to get creative. Thus comes next week. There is going to be a bit of a change in routine in our house for about a week.  My sister is coming to help me and my hubs with something and we will have to have our arsenal full of ideas to keep the kids from overreacting. I am thinking we might have to do a surprise night each night like I did the week my hubs was on a business trip. Movie night. Dessert night.  (Huge in our fam). Sleep over at grandma’s. Present from mom and dad. My sister is good at the creative part.  She loves spending time with the kids and they all adore her! Things change.  Life changes.  Sometimes rapidly.  One thing we can count on is that God does NOT change.

 

His plans for us do not change. His character does not change. His love for us does not change. He is constant. Hebrews 6:17-19  shows us we can anchor our lives on the fact that God is immutable – unchanging. My kids will say to me, “Did you change your never mind?”  God doesn’t change “His never mind”. Until next time, Rebekah klink

Beating the Winter Blahs: Tips for Mom’s Survival

Daily Truth: “While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”  Genesis 8:22

 

I love the winter in the sense of what it represents such as snow, fireplaces, hot chocolate, sweaters, etc.  You get the idea.

I actually even like the winter cold.  Hats off to my New England blood.

However, driving the kids to school in -8 degree weather is beyond even the cold I can handle.

It is about this time of year that I experience the winter blahs.  The Christmas tree is down, it’s dark when you get up and it’s dark by 6 in the evening.

Lately, the kids haven’t been able to go outside and play.  So, the sibling rivalry has increased considerably.

When you do go outside, the winter wind takes your breath away.

So, here are some tips to help you beat the winter blahs.

1.  Exercise.  I know it’s hard to get outside, but even if you can do a little bit you will feel more energized.  Go to a gym if you can.  Child care is usually included in memberships and even a 1/2 hour of biking, walking, or treadmilling will do wonders for you and honestly for your kids. Today I biked and listened to my devotions on my IPhone. If the gym isn’t an option, there are lots of workout videos online. Find one and just do it.  The kids may even find it fun to jump around with mom.

2.  Read/ Listen the Psalms. The Psalms are such a source of comfort and can help you beat the winter blahs by reminding us of God’s promises.  Download an app that will read them for you.  Plug in and listen to a few chapters.

3.  Listen to Music. Calming music has an amazing affect on the soul.  We all know what upbeat music does to our kids.  (You know what I mean – the dancing like crazy that happens in the store thanks to the “wonderful” music being piped in.) The opposite affect will occur with calming music.  Pandora is often played in our house through these months.

4.  Take a hot bath. This is my favorite winter blah breaker.  After the kids are in bed, fill up your tub with sudsy water, light the candles, and sit and soak with a hot cup of coffee.  Nothing like it.

5.  Try to have a friend over. If you have a friend with kids similar ages to yours this is a wonderful break from the winter blahs.  The kids to get to enjoy a play date and you and your friend can catch up. (Don’t worry about a messy house.  If she is a true friend she won’t even notice.)

Mom’s are naturally busy.  We often get so busy taking care of everybody else, that we forget that we need time to rejuvenate our souls and minds so that we can be the best mom’s and wives for our families.

Even Christ needed time away from His disciples.  He often went into the wilderness alone.

The wonderful thing about winter is that it soon will pass. God has given us the promise of the seasons.  Psalms 74:17 states that God made the summer and the winter.

Hang in there.  The winter blahs will soon pass too.

Until Next week,

Rebekah

klink

Snow Activities for Kids

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

snow-play

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

 Some outdoor “snow” fun suggestions:

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

 

Joy Over One – No – Two!

Daily Truth:  “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”  Luke 15:10

 

To be honest, I woke up this morning not exactly filled with joy that we were starting a new year.  The last two years have held enough sorrow and change in them to last a lifetime for our family. So, I guess the fact that 2014 is filled with a lot of uncertainties (like every year) just didn’t add to the excitement of a new year and new beginning. I also woke up this morning not knowing what in the world I was going to blog about. Since most people use January 1st to resolve to be healthier, I was going to post a healthy granola recipe that we make.  However, I just didn’t feel that was what I was supposed to post. Maybe another time. So, I went down to fix our New Year’s breakfast.  Unbeknownst to me, my oldest son was asking his dad how to get saved. Shortly before breakfast was ready, my 6 year old son, with joy all over his face, explodes out of his dad’s office yelling, “Mom, I just asked Jesus into my heart!” Well, that sent this mom into a flood of tears – tears of complete joy. That wasn’t all. Shortly before we sat down for breakfast, I couldn’t find my 5 year old son so he could help set the table.  He then exploded out of his dad’s office with the same, “Mom I just asked Jesus into my heart!” Once again, this mom was sent into a flood of tears – tears of utter and complete joy. You see, we have been praying really hard that the boys would not only understand their need for a Savior but that they would, on their own, come to one of us and ask us to show them how to be saved.  That is exactly what happened. What was even cooler was that right before Micah talked to his dad, my 7 year old daughter came to me and said that she just prayed that Micah and Sam would get saved this year. Can I tell you what that did for her to see God answer her prayer so quickly? Joy. Complete, fulfilling joy! Friend, if you are reading this and have no idea what I am talking about or have never experienced the joy I am describing, will you give me a moment to share with you. 1.  You have to realize that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23). 2.  You must realize that willingly gave His life for your sins (I Timothy 1:15). 3.  You must realize that Christ did not stay dead, but that He rose again (I Corinthians 15:4). 4.  You must realize that there is NOTHING you can do or say that will earn your salvation.  You must believe in faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) and that it is a free gift (John 3:16). 5.  You must confess your sins and believe that Christ died for you – make it personal (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9). Satan loves to get us to believe that we aren’t worthy of God’s love or that God couldn’t possibly save us based off of our past.  But the wonderful thing about that cross, is that God sees us all the same – sinners in need of a Savior. If you haven’t received Christ as your Savior and experienced this unbelievable joy that only God can give, will you do that today. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior, take the time today to thank Him for His gift of salvation and to ask Him to remind you of that joy. Some of my favorite lines come from an old hymn entitled, “Holy, Holy is What the Angels Sing“: Holy, holy, is what the angels sing, And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring; But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings, For angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings. I know my dad is up there belting out a loud “AMEN” right now. Until next week, Rebekah klink

New Year and Changes

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

happy new year

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

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

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

Why we need changes and how to make those changes:

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

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

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

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson

O Give Thanks Unto the Lord

Daily Truth: “O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever”.  Psalms 136:1

 

 

Here are some verses to help us remember why we should give thanks not only on Thanksgiving Day but everyday.  

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and glory in thy praise.”   I Chronicles 16:34-35

“Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.”  I Chronicles 16:8

“That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.” Psalms 26:7

“Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.”  Psalms 30:4

“To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”  Psalms 30:12

“I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.” Psalms 69:30

“Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.”  Pslams 75:1

“So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever: we will shew forth thy praise to all generations.”  Psalms 79:13

“It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High”  Psalms 92:1

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”  Psalms 100:4

“Praise ye the Lord. O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”  Psalms 106:1

“And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing”  Psalms 107:22

“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord.” Psalms 116:17

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  I Corinthians 15:57

“Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”  II Corinthians 2:14

“Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.”  II Corinthians 9:11

“Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.”  II Corinthians 9:15

“We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,”  Colossians 1:3

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”  Colossians 3:17

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”  I Thessalonians 5:18

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”  Hebrews 13:15

“Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.”  Revelations 11:17

May I encourage you to read Psalms 136 and just really soak in the power of our God to whom we give all thanks.

Wishing you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving,

Rebekah

klink

 

 

 

Angels: The Servants of God

Daily Truth:  “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”  Psalms 91:11

 

 

Angels are always an interesting topic.  Kids imagine them with white dresses, wings, and halos floating above their heads.

Did you know that they are mentioned over 108 times in the Old Testament and over 165 times in the New Testament and that 44 of the 66 books of the Bible mention angels. (Yes, I listened in church on Sunday.)

There are weeks that I come to Wednesday morning and I don’t know what to write about.  This week the Lord laid the topic of angels on my heart.

Last week, one of our family devotions dealt with the topic of angels.  It was very interesting to see the kids responses.  Here is what we learned.

1.  There are two angels – Michael and Gabriel.  Michael is the archangel and sometimes has to fight Satan (Jude 1:9).  The boys thought that was pretty cool. Gabriel is the messenger angel.  (Luke 1:19).

2.  The angels were made to serve God.(Psalms 104:4)

3.  Although the angels are God’s servants they do not have God’s powers.  They aren’t omniscient. (Matthew 24:36)

4.  We are each given a guardian angel assigned the task of watching over us.  (Matthew 4:6, Matthew 18:10) The kids were AMAZED by this.

“You mean that there are angels in the room right now watching us?”

“Why can’t we see them?”

“You mean their job is to take care of us?”

“If they don’t know everything, how do they know not to protect us?  For instance when it is time for us to go to Heaven, how do they know to stop doing their job?”  (Hate those hard questions.)

The last question we answered like this:  Angels are told to take care of us and protect us.  Yet, God is all knowing.  When it is time for us to go to Heaven, they are still protecting us, but God is telling those angels that their job is now to bring us to Heaven because God knows it is time for us to be with Him.

“Why can’t we see them?” We told the kids we can’t always see them but the Bible indicates that there are times that we see them and don’t know it. (Hebrews 13:2)

There are many incidents in the Bible where people saw angels.  We focused on two stories.

The first story was about Peter being in prison and how the angel walked him right out of prison. (Acts 12:5-17) The kids thought that was pretty amazing that Peter was able to just walk right past all the guards and they didn’t even see him!

Then there was the story of Elisha who was being chased by a king.  The king sent an army to the city where Elisha was to take him prisoner.  (Side note:  Why in the world did the king think he needed a whole army to capture Elisha?  Just a thought.)

Elisha’s servant turns to him in panic and asks what are they supposed to do.

Elisha prays and asks God to open his servant’s eyes.  When God does, the servant sees the hillside full of angels in chariots of fire surrounding the king’s army.  (II Kings 2:16-18)

“WOW!” was the kids response and somehow I think that might have been the servant’s response as well.

There are many other stories in the Bible that talk about angels (Genesis 28:11-13Daniel 6:16-22. Daniel 3:19-25).

Despite all the amazing things angels can do, we learned the most amazing thing yet.  Angels will never experience the joy of salvation. In fact, they rejoice when a soul is saved. (Luke 15:10)

The angels are servants of God, we can become the children of God.  How much better is it to be God’s child!!

I have always loved the words to this chorus:

“Holy, holy is what the angels sing, And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring: But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings, For angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings.”   Holy, Holy is What the Angels Sing by Rev. Johnson Oatman

So, as we teach our children about angels focus on the fact that we can become the children of God.

Until next week,

Rebekah

klink

 

How to Read With Your Child: Eight Steps

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

reading with child 1reading with child 2

           reading with child 3

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

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

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

reading the Bible

 

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

 

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

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

Until the next “Truth” sharing moment,

Cathy Jo Johnson