Category Archives: Children

Teach Us to Pray

29 Wednesday Jun 2016

Posted by in Children, Opportunity, Prayer, Teach

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As I tucked Brynlee into bed, I asked, “Do you want Mimi to pray with you?”

My granddaughter hesitated at first, and then she said, “Mimi, you can pray.”  As soon as I finished my simple prayer, Brynlee said, “I can pray, too.”

“Okay,” I said as I closed my eyes waiting for her to pray.

Then I heard her little voice say, “No, Mimi.  You say it and then I will say it.”

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On a particular day after watching Jesus pray, one of the disciples asked, “Lord, teach us to pray.”  Luke 11:1-13

Moms & dads, are you teaching your kids how to pray?  Your kids are watching you just like the disciples were watching Jesus. And you know they don’t miss a trick! So teach them how to do life with Jesus by talking to Him throughout the day.  Let them see you pray.

Maybe you don’t know how to pray. Start where you are.  Like the disciple, ask Jesus to teach you how to pray.

As moms and dads, we delight in giving good gifts to our children.  Our Heavenly Father delights even more in giving good gifts to us. So today, boldly ask your Heavenly Father to teach you how to pray.  And as you learn, teach the same things to the little ones that He has entrusted into your care.

On a side note, be ready to learn from your kids.  As I was praying and Brynlee was repeating after me, I evidently said something I had already said.  Brynlee stopped me and said, “Uh, Mimi, you already said that.”  Oh my!  I had to stop and ask myself, if I was praying thoughtfully or out of habit.

“Lord, teach us to pray.”

 

 

Don’t Miss the Opportunity!

24 Friday Jun 2016

Posted by in Children, Faith, Opportunity

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The volume and energy level in this house is about to increase dramatically.  The grandkids are coming to spend a couple days with Mimi & Poppi.  All the junk that had been thrown in the spare bedrooms has been taken care of.  The snack cupboard has been filled with lots of treats.  More water guns have been added to the pool ammunition.

convertible rideAnd Poppi has the convertible ready to go – one child at a time to a special treat destination of their choice.  And of course, Poppi might get lost along the way causing the ride to be longer.  And for the little ones, Poppi will be sure to point out the flying monkeys that he sees.

Having fun with our grandkids is the best!  I love their laughter. I love hearing their stories and jokes.  I love listening in on their conversations with each other.  I listen for my own enjoyment but I also listen for another reason.  I listen for an opportunity.

I have spent time this week thinking about each grandchild – their likes, their dislikes, their spirit, their personality, their concerns.  I have spent time this week praying for each grandchild.  And now I will listen for an opportunity to share my faith with each grandchild.  I’m not talking about sharing the gospel, or a Bible story or quoting a Bible verse.  I’m talking about a very comfortable, hardly- even noticeable opportunity where I can drop a little idea about doing life with Jesus into their bucket.

Timothy’s mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois, had sincere faith that they shared with Timothy.  I want to share my faith with my grandkids.  This can be done a million different ways but one of the best ways is to simply share what God has done for me as I do life with Him.

Moms and grandmoms, the summer has begun.  Diligently look and pray for opportunities to share Jesus with your kids and grandkids.  Shape their thoughts. Make the most of this opportunity!  You’ll blink twice and the summer will be gone.  And if your kids are in school, someone else will be shaping their thoughts.

How Many Kids Do You Have?

06 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Children, Gospel, Love, Opportunity

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How many children do you have?  I’m not talking about your physical children.  I’m talking about your spiritual children.

Paul said to the Corinthians, “I became your father through the gospel.  Imitate me.”

The Lord gives opportunities to each of us.  The opportunities the Lord gives me will be different than the opportunities He gives you.  Don’t waste time comparing opportunities! Seize your own God-given opportunities and ‘father’ someone through the gospel.

This responsibility can feel overwhelming.  That’s why I love the fact that the results are not our responsibility.  The results are the Lord’s responsibility.  It is His work.  Only He can change hearts.  We simply seize the opportunities that come our way, share the gospel, and trust Him to do the rest.

So today, pray for opportunities!  Then when they come, seize them!

Remember opportunities are people! People that need the love of Christ.

I Corinthians 3 & 4

 

 

 

Just too Excited!

05 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Children, Joy, Thoughts

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The twinkle in the eye, the excitement on their faces, the extra effort to be good and the bounce in their step are all precious things I like to just sit back and watch in my young grandchildren as Santa’s coming draws closer and closer. Their excitement can barely be contained.

And then I compare that to my excitement as Christ’s return draws closer and closer.  Am I eagerly awaiting Christ’s return?  1 Corinthians 1:7

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What we anticipate impacts our thinking, our mood and our behaviors.  It can even give meaning to the mundane routines of daily living.  So today, set your mind on things above!

Therefore since you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.  Colossians 3:1-4

If that doesn’t put a twinkle in your eye and a bounce in your step, I don’t know what will!

 

 

Calling All Moms and Grandmas! (Part 2)

18 Sunday Jan 2015

Posted by in Children, Faitih, Prayer

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How do we pass on our faith to our children and grandchildren?

As Moms and Grandmas, we want our children to be successful and have meaningful lives.  How do we define success?  How do we define a meaningful life?  1 Timothy 6:17-19 sheds some light on these very important questions. We take hold of real life when we store up treasure in heaven; when we live for things that are eternal; when we live for God and fulfill His unique purpose for our life.  Matthew 6:19-24 

Passing on your faith is so important but it doesn’t depend entirely on you.  You can’t make your children believe.  But you can show them your faith in action.

First, nurture your own relationship with Jesus.  Kindle your own spiritual gift that God gave you when you believed in Him.  By doing so, your faith will remain alive and vibrant.  And your children will see you live out your faith day by day.  This is more powerful than anything you will ever say!

Second, teach your child the Word of God as you go about your day.  Watch for opportunities to share truths about God in a very natural but purposeful way.  Be diligent!

Third, pray for each one of your children.  Pray that they will be receptive to the truth of God’s Word.  Remember you can teach them, but ONLY God can reach them.  

file000507447844Let me encourage you, dear Mom or Grandma, if you have a child or grandchild that has not embraced the idea of faith alone in Christ alone for salvation.  Don’t give up! Keep on loving them unconditionally.  Don’t be a preaching mom, cramming the truth down their throat.  Instead, be a loving praying mom. Pray for special opportunities to share what God is doing in your life. Trust God to reach them!