This Month: Learning What the Bible Says about Listening and Using Your Words
Somedays I have to repeat myself several times before my kids hear me speak. I compete with iPads, cell phones, video games, and TV for their attention. So now those things are off limits in the mornings while we’re getting ready for the day and in the evenings before bedtime. The goal is to create a habit of mindfulness as well as quiet their minds enough to hear my voice but also God’s voice.
This month I am focusing on the topic of LISTENING with my children.
Some days I have to repeat myself several times before my kids hear me speak. I compete with iPads, cell phones, video games, and TV for their attention. So now those things are off limits in the mornings while we’re getting ready for the day and in the evenings before bedtime. The goal is to create a habit of mindfulness as well as quiet their minds enough to hear my voice but also God’s voice.
With a little practice, they can become quick to hear, slow to speak (James 1:19). When they do speak, it would be best if it was with thoughtfulness and restraint (Proverbs 17:27). I want them to listen to advice and accept instruction so that in the future they will be wise people (Proverbs 19:20), primarily so they can avoid some of the mistakes I made. But most of all, I hope the words of their mouth and the meditation of their heart to be pleasing to God, their Heavenly Father who loves them (Proverbs 17:27).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Trust
This month I am focusing on the topic of TRUST with my children.
There are a lot of ups and downs in the life of our kids. Discouragement and disappointment lurk in the classroom, on the playground, the sports field, and even at home. And sometimes our day doesn't go as planned.
This month I am focusing on the topic of TRUST with my children.
There are a lot of ups and downs in the life of our kids. Discouragement and disappointment lurk in the classroom, on the playground, the sports field, and even at home. And sometimes our day doesn't go as planned.
Even though my kids may plan their way, the Lord establishes their steps (Proverbs 16:9). He is in control. In fact, even before something even happens, God knows how it will end (Isaiah 46:9-10). That’s because the Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19). Thankfully, for those who love God, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says about Praise
This month I am focusing on the topic of PRAISE with my children.
Praise and worship take the focus off ourselves and puts it on God. It eliminates the complaining and negativity. It’s also an essential part of prayer as demonstrated in the Lord’s prayer.
This month I am focusing on the topic of PRAISE with my children.
Praise and worship take the focus off ourselves and puts it on God. It eliminates the complaining and negativity. It’s also an essential part of prayer as demonstrated in the Lord’s prayer.
God is a good God who deserves our praise because His steadfast love endures forever (Psalm 106:1). Because of His mercy, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have an inheritance that can’t be stolen or lost (1 Peter 1:3-4a). As we sing to God, it glorifies Him and shows our appreciation for all He has done and is yet to do (Psalm 69:30). I am especially thankful that we no longer have to bring a physical sacrifice to the temple to enter into God’s presence. Instead, we can offer up a sacrifice of praise and use our words to continually acknowledge His name (Hebrews 13:15).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
Teaching Our Children to Pray Continually
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians says that joy, prayer, and thanksgiving should mark the life of a Christian. And not just any kind of prayer, continual prayer or as the King James Bible states prayer “without ceasing”. Thankfully this scripture does not suggest that we are too pray without stopping, which would be impossible. But rather that we should establish a rhythm of prayer, one that includes praying on all occasions. Join me over at Faith Gateway as I share how simple it is for us to teach our kids to create a rhythm of prayer that will serve them well throughout their lives.
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians says that joy, prayer, and thanksgiving should mark the life of a Christian. And not just any kind of prayer, continual prayer or as the King James Bible states prayer “without ceasing”.
Thankfully this scripture does not suggest that we are to pray without stopping, which would be impossible. But rather that we should establish a rhythm of prayer, one that includes praying on all occasions.
Join me over at Faith Gateway as I share how simple it is for us to teach our kids to create a rhythm of prayer that will serve them well throughout their lives.
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Wisdom
As a mom of tweens I am quickly realizing how much I need the wisdom of God to navigate the everyday. And I’m not the only one, my kids need it too! They’re learning how to manage the ups and downs of relationships, balance academics and sports, and make choices that will affect their future.
This month I am focusing on the topic of WISDOM with my children.
As a mom of tweens, I am quickly realizing how much I need the wisdom of God to navigate the everyday. And I’m not the only one, my kids need it too! They’re learning how to manage the ups and downs of relationships, balance academics, and sports, and make choices that will affect their future.
If my kids lack wisdom they can ask God and He will give it to them. It’s that simple. (James 1:5) They will be blessed if they find wisdom and gain understanding (Proverbs 3:13-14), because it’s far more valuable than material possession they could possibly own. They may be tempted to do things their way but they would be a fool if they did (Proverbs 12:15). Wisdom comes from listening to others and reading God’s Word. They can have confidence in knowing that if they trust in the Lord with all your heart instead of their own understanding and acknowledge Him, He will make their paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Selflessness
This month I am focusing on the topic of SELFLESSNESS with my children.
Spring is right around the corner and I am so looking forward to it. After being indoors for the last 5 months my kids are starting to get impatient and short with one another. Their focus is on themselves and it’s time to shift it back to serving one another.
This month I am focusing on the topic of SELFLESSNESS with my children.
Spring is right around the corner and I am so looking forward to it. After being indoors for the last 5 months my kids are starting to get impatient and short with one another. Their focus is on themselves and it’s time to shift it back to serving one another.
So I am reminding them that no one should seek their own good but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24). They are strong and capable and have been blessed with gifts and talents that are for building up and encouraging others (Romans 15:1-2). And yes, that includes their siblings. It’s easy to love and serve someone when they are nice to us but let’s go a step further and do it even when it’s hard (Luke 6:32-34)! When we are only out to get our own way, strife and stress enter the picture and that’s good for no one (James 3:16).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Your Future
2017 is here and many of us are making resolutions, creating SMART goals, or choosing One Word for the New Year. There is no better time to let go of the past and look towards the future then now.
Fresh starts aren’t just for us but for our kids too.
This month I am focusing on the topic of FUTURE with my children.
2017 is here and many of us are making resolutions, creating SMART goals, or choosing One Word for the New Year. There is no better time to let go of the past and look towards the future then now.
Fresh starts aren’t just for us but for our kids too.
God is doing a new thing and we can be on the lookout for it. (Isaiah 43:18-19) If we are in Christ, we are a new creation. The old has passed away; the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:17) That means we don’t have to be stuck in our old way of doing things.
It’s not just in the New Year that we can live expectantly, but every day, because the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies are new every morning. God is faithful. (Lamentations 3:22-23) We have a part to play in receiving what God has for us. We are told to put off your old self and to be made new in the attitude of our minds. (Ephesians 4:22-24) We can do that by learning God’s Word and putting it into our hearts so we begin to think and act like Him.
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Identity
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, it’s the perfect time to remind our little ones just how much God loves them. He loved them enough to send His only Son, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, into this world to ultimately pay the price for their sins. An understanding of that love speaks to their identity - who they believe they are.
This month I am focusing on the topic of IDENTITY with my children.
As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, it’s the perfect time to remind our little ones just how much God loves them. He loved them enough to send His only Son, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace, into this world to ultimately pay the price for their sins. An understanding of that love speaks to their identity - who they believe they are.
The greatest foundation we can can give our kids is a true understanding of the worth and value they have in the eyes of their Creator. They are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared, not as an afterthought, but beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). He has plans to prosper them and not to harm them, plans to give them a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). As the children of the king they are chosen, a royal priest, and a holy nation, and a special treasure. (1 Peter 2:9) All they have to do is look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet their heavenly Father feeds them. Are our children not of more value than them? (Matthew 6:26)
The digital download of these cards are available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Strength
This month I am focusing on the topic of STRENGTH with my children.
Kids needs strength to stand up to peer pressure, stick with their studies, and make good choices in the classroom and on the playground. They can rest knowing that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. They can also be content, despite their circumstances because Christ gives them the strength to do it.
This month I am focusing on the topic of STRENGTH with my children.
Kids needs strength to stand up to peer pressure, stick with their studies, and make good choices in the classroom and on the playground. They can rest knowing that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29). They can also be content, despite their circumstances because Christ gives them the strength to do it. (Philippians 4:13)
These scriptures also remind them that be they can be strong and courageous, not because of any innate abilities they may possess, but because God is their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1) That knowledge brings with it joy and praise for the One who is their strength and shield. (Psalm 28:7-8)
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning what the Bible Says About Success
This month I am focusing on the topic of Success with my children.
As my kids are getting older so they are doing more things on their own. That means I am no longer there to hold their hand or ensure that things go well for them. My hope is that they will put their faith in a very present God, pay attention to His commands, and follows them. Then, He will make them the head and not the tail, above and never beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
This month I am focusing on the topic of Success with my children.
As my kids are getting older so they are doing more things on their own. That means I am no longer there to hold their hand or ensure that things go well for them. My hope is that they will put their faith in a very present God, pay attention to His commands, and follows them. Then, He will make them the head and not the tail, above and never beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13).
My children can rest in knowing that God’s divine power has given them everything we need for a godly life that glorifies Him (2 Peter 1:2-3). Success will look different for each of them. Whether it’s academics, sports, or relationships, as they keep the words of God’s covenant, He will cause them to prosper (Deuteronomy 29:9). I continue to pray they would have discernment so they will not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But rather that they would delight in the law of the Lord so their life will be marked by stability, refreshment, and fruitfulness. (Psalm 1:1-3).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning what the Bible Says About Unity
This month I am focusing on the topic of Unity with my children.
When I hear the news, my heart breaks over the endless number of things that divide us, such as culture, race, politics, and money. I may not fight on the front lines, or blog thought provoking words like a wise woman I know but I am teaching the next generation, namely my kids, what it means to let go of pride for the sake of unity.
This month I am focusing on the topic of Unity with my children.
When I hear the news, my heart breaks over the endless number of things that divide us, such as culture, race, politics, and money. I may not fight on the front lines, or blog thought provoking words like a wise woman I know but I am teaching the next generation, namely my kids, what it means to let go of pride and cultivate compassion for the sake of unity.
During the days of the early church, Paul admonishes believers, both Jew and Gentile, to get along. He tells them to get rid of all hard feelings, anger, and rage; to stop all fighting and lying (Ephesians 4:31). Rather, he encouraged them to aim for restoration, to comfort one another, agree with one another, and live in peace (2 Corinthians 13:11). That’s easier said than done. However, I believe if it wasn't possible, he wouldn't have told us to not have divisions among ourselves, but to be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10). We can begin by eliminating pride and place value on others, especially those that are different from us (Romans 12:16).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning what the Bible Says about Pride
This month I am focusing on the topic of Pride with my children.
Pride is one of those pesky things that we must all guard against, young and old. It can show itself bold and brass but also subtly. Knowing what the Bible says about it helps us protect our hearts from it.
This month I am focusing on the topic of Pride with my children.
Pride is one of those pesky things that we must all guard against, young and old. It can show itself bold and brass but also subtly. Knowing what the Bible says about it helps us protect our hearts from it.
Fools rely on their pride and are not open to advice. (Proverbs 12:15) However, those who are humble gain great wisdom and understanding. (Proverbs 11:2) When we are humble and patient with one another, bearing with them in love, it creates peace and unity. (Ephesians 4:2-3) A sign of humility is placing value on others rather than seeking to glorify ourselves. (Philippians 2:3-4)
The digital download of these cards are available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99.
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning what the Bible Says about Patience
There has been a bit of bickering around here lately. I think it is because we have been cooped up in our house during a longer than expected renovation and a chilly spring. We could all use a reminder to be patient with one another.
Because the Holy Spirit is on the inside of us we can walk in love, which is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). When we have patience we'll have great understanding, unlike the quick-tempered man who shows just how foolish he is (Proverbs 14:29).
This month I am focusing on the topic of Patience with my children.
There has been a bit of bickering around here lately. I think it is because we have been cooped up in our house during a longer than expected renovation and a chilly spring. We could all use a reminder to be patient with one another.
Because the Holy Spirit is on the inside of us we can walk in love, which is patient and kind (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). When we have patience we'll have great understanding, unlike the quick-tempered man who shows just how foolish he is (Proverbs 14:29). It’s easy to give up being patient, being kind, and doing what is right, but we should persevere. Eventually, we'll see the good results (Galatians 6:9). We don’t have to go it alone and trust in our own ability to be patient and endure, God’s power is made available for us to help (Colossians 1:11).
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
This Month: Learning What the Bible Says About Grace
Because of grace, my kids are able to live in and embrace the righteousness that they’ve already received because of their faith in Christ.
God’s grace has saved them. It doesn’t come from anything they do. But it is God’s gift. (Ephesians 2:8) And because of it, they can they approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so they can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) How sweet is that?
This month I am focusing on the topic of GRACE with my children.
Because of grace, my kids are able to live in and embrace the righteousness that they’ve already received because of their faith in Christ.
God’s grace has saved them. It doesn’t come from anything they do. But it is God’s gift. (Ephesians 2:8) And because of it, they can they approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so they can receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) How sweet is that?
Not only that, God’s grace equips and empowers them with all that they need, in abundance, for every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Even in their weakness, His grace is sufficient, In fact in their weakness, God’s power is free to operate. (2 Corinthians 12:9) It makes up for their lack and allows them to use the gifts and talents they have been given, coupled with God’s resources, to serve and impact others for good.
The digital download of these cards is available in my Etsy Shop for only $0.99. If you prefer the convenience of receiving these cards professionally printed, trimmed, and delivered to your mailbox, you can purchase card sets HERE.
Wrestling, Fear, and Faith - An Experience with the Read it Pray it Card
I'm so excited to share with you an experience we had with fear and he conquered it with the Word of God and the Read it Pray it Cards. I created these cards for my children and me to memorize scripture and pray bedtime prayers, but we are using them for more than that.
My son loves sports! He has played every sport our town rec club has to offer. This year he narrowed it down to his favorites: soccer, wrestling, and baseball.
My son wrestles in the winter. Last year he practiced with the program, but never actually competed. This year he made the varsity team because they needed lightweights to wrestle with the big boys. He was so excited when the season started but soon became discouraged. His teammates and coaches were great. However, he was getting his butt kicked at matches. Match after match my son fought back the tears as the ref raised the hand of the winner
I am not a newbie to wrestling; I worked with it for ten years. I know it is not for the faint of heart. It's one on one competition, you and your opponent. There's no team to back you up or make up for your mistakes or lack of skill. To see my son struggle emotionally was hard.
I spoke to his coach; we decided that it would be a good idea for my little man to wrestles some JV matches so he could get some wins under his belt. It was a brilliant idea. Unfortunately, even after a few victories, he started to lose his nerve.
Then it happened. At a local tournament, my little man refused to wrestle. He became nasty and rude and said he wanted to go home. I didn't understand what was going on at first; he is winning matches, why was he so upset? Once we got in the car, the tears started to flow. He was scared to lose, worried he was going to cry in front of everyone if he did. FEAR
I asked him, “Where does fear come from, God?”
“No mommy.”
God didn’t give us a spirit that makes us weak and fearful. He gave us a spirit that gives us power and love. It helps us control ourselves . 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIrV)
I got fired up! I told him he didn’t have to put up with fear. Yes, it was going to come, but he had to decide what to do with it when it did. Was he going to let it keep him from doing what he loves?
I reminded him the best way to tackle fear was to know the Word of God and speak it when he feels scared.
Immediately he remembered his scriptures cards. The provided him easy access to exactly what God says about fear. When we got home he found his cards, took out the four on fear, and read the verses and prayed the prayers. Then he surprised me. He grabbed a piece of paper and wrote each of the prayers out as one big prayer, and inserted the word wrestling where it fit.
I knew that that's what these prayers are for but I was beyond thrilled to see my 8-year old put them into action.
Every night that week he prayed the Word of God. The following weekend he wrestled two matches without hesitation. He even brought the prayers to the tournament just in case he needed to take some time to himself to pray.
The rest of the season still had its bumps. They were times he didn’t want to wrestle but he never walked away from an event without competing like he did earlier in the season.
There will be many others times when he will come up against a situation that he will not be able to face in his strength or wisdom. I am so grateful that he has experienced applying the Word of God to his circumstance.
Want to get a set of the Read it Pray it cards?
Check out my Etsy shop HERE. It includes digital downloads as well as professionally printed cards.