Your Boy and Mine

Anonymous

After a male baby has grown out of long clothes and triangles and has acquired pants, freckles, and so much dirt that relatives do not dare to kiss it between meals, it becomes a boy. A boy is nature's answer to that false belief that there is no such thing as perpetual motion. A boy can swim like a fish, run like a deer, climb like a squirrel, balk like a mule, bellow like a bull, eat like a pig, or act like a jackass, according to climatic conditions. 

He is a piece of skin stretched over an appetite. A noise covered with smudges. He is called a tornado because he comes at the most unexpected times, hits the most unexpected places and leaves everything a wreck behind him. He is a growing animal of superlative promise, to be fed, watered and kept warm, a joy forever, a periodic nuisance, the problem of our times, the hope of a nation. 

Every boy born is evidence that God is not discouraged with man. Were it not for boys, the newspapers would go unread and a thousand picture shows would go bankrupt. Boys are useful in running errands. A boy can easily do the family errands with the aid of five or six adults. The zest with which a boy does an errand is equaled only by the speed of a turtle on a July day. The boy is a natural spectator. He watches parades, fires, fights, ball games, automobiles, boats and airplanes with equal fervor, but will not watch the clock. The man who invents a clock that will stand on its head and sing a song when it strikes will win the undying gratitude of millions of families whose boys are forever coming to dinner about supper time. 

Boys faithfully imitate their dads in spite of all efforts to teach them good manners. A boy, if not washed too often, and if kept in a cool, quiet place after each accident, will survive broken bones, hornets, swimming holes, fights, and nine helpings of pie.

21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask Him

November 2, 2014 - by Lisa Jacobson
http://club31women.com/author/vienna
Used by permission

He is not exactly a big talker. 

That son of mine.

He is kind, thoughtful, and a man of action.

But not necessarily a talker.

More of the strong, silent type, if you know what  I mean?

And I don’t mind it so much that he doesn’t say a whole lot. I tell him that’s fine by me.

He doesn’t have to be a talker . . . but he does need to be a communicator. 

Not merely for my sake, but for the sake of his friendships and future relationships. Because even at the age of 12, this young man already knows he hopes to marry andbecome a family man someday.

Just like his dad.

And marriage requires communication.

And parenting requires communication.

And friendship requires communication.

So this sweet guy of mine is learning to communicate. We’re practicing now with our eye on the future.

And you know what I’ve found? I’ve discovered that what works the best is if I ask him the questions.

He needs me to start the conversation. 

 21 Questions Your Son Really Needs You to Ask

1. What would you say was the best day of your life so far?
2. What was the worst day of your life…and why?
3. If you could pick one meal for me to make you, what would it be?
4.  What mountain do you wish you could climb?
5.  What do you admire most about your dad?
6.   What kind of music really moves you?
7.   What is your favorite Scripture verse? And why that one?
8.  What things does your sister do that frustrate (or encourage) you?
9.  And what does your brother do that annoys (helps) you?
10.   What do you think you’d like to do for a job when you get older?
11.   Why did that (movie, song, conversation. etc) disturb you?
12.   What’s the best thing about being a part of our family?
13.   What’s the hardest part about being a middle child (or youngest, oldest, only) in our family?
14.   What sorts of things in this world make you angry? Wish you could fix?
15.   Can you describe what the perfect day would look like to you?
16.   What would you say are your top 3 movies? And what is it about them that you like?
17.   What skill do wish you could be better at? What we can do to help you improve it?
18.   What kinds of things make you want to cry?
19.   What character qualities do you especially appreciate in a friend?
20.   What do you wish I understood better about you?
21.   Do you know how much I love you?

So I ask the questions and then try to listen with all of my heart.

Because when our oldest son left for college and I asked him what was the most loving thing I’ve ever done for him as his mom?

His said it was that I listened.

I don’t want to ever forget that.

So ask your son what’s on his mind. What’s on his heart?

Then listen to what he has to say.

Communicate and build a close relationship.

He needs you, mom.

Sometimes more than he can say.

In His grace,

The Most Important Gifts to Give Your Children All Year Long

by Lois Breneman

Grandparents, you can team up with your children's parents and help with some of these!

Listen To Them Talk – Just listen!  

Play with Them - "175 Things to Do Together with Your Family" can be found here. 

Slow Down and Stop Being So Busy – How may times do we say,“Just a minute!”

Teach Them How To Cook – Give one-on-one time as you do this.

Teach Them How to Work – Work along side of them.

Read to Them – Read to them early and later read books together as a family.

Stop Bad Habits – Your children will be happier if you do.

Tell Them Often That You Love Them – Even if you think they already know.

Hug Them Often – They say we all need tens hugs a day.

Teach Them About Jesus – Be sure they know the plan of salvation.

Have Family Devotions - Use the time you have to teach truths of the Scriptures.

Live the Christian Life Before Them – Be a model for them to follow.

Take Them to Church – And go with them.

Spend Time at Home - Provide a peaceful life by not involving them in too many activities.

Make Them Available to Their Grandparents – They have a lot to offer your children.

Seize the Moments

by Kelly Crawford - Thanks for Jalisa Wenger in Pennsylvania for sharing this beautiful poem!

Seize The Moments

I used to race, I used to hurry,

I used to fret and frown and worry,

My children thought they had new names-

"Hurry up" and "We're Gonna Be Late"!

Even when we were at home-

Laundry, cleaning, answering phone...

I never had the extra time

To sit and cherish these children of mine.

But in His grace the Lord broke through

And I saw everything anew.

We have but only a few days here

To love and share and pull them near.

And while they're things that must be done,

Our lives are like the setting sun.

While it's light is burning bright,

Before we face, alone, the night,

Let's stop the madness of this race-

Let's take back a slower pace!

Look into those grinning faces,

Plan your day with lots of spaces,

Grab a hand and take a walk,

Listen while your children talk,

Let them show you childhood things,

Take turns laughing on the swing,

Snuggle up beside the fire,

Kiss the hurt left by a brier,

Meet them with a morning smile,

Go out and fish a little while.

Choose carefully how you spend your time.

Don't wait until you suddenly find

The wrenching grief of a heart that aches,

Who loved too little and found out too late.

Father's Love Letter

Note from Lois: So many have grown up without the unconditional love, support, and care of an earthly father.  That problem has escalated even more today, resulting in devastating consequences for countless individuals and entire families.  Our Heavenly Father is a Father like none other to those who are His children through their faith in Him, and He can adequately fill the needs of your heart!  Thanks to Pastor Robert Mullen for sharing this beautiful display of our Awesome Heavenly Father to His children!

My Child,

You may not know me,
but I know everything about you.
Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.
Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.
Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.
Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.
Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.
Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.
Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.
Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,
for all your days are written in my book.
Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth
and where you would live.
Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.
Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.
Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented
by those who don't know me.
John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,
but am the complete expression of love.
1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.
1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child
and I am your Father.
1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.
Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.
Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.
James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.
Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.
Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless
as the sand on the seashore.
Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.
Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you
with all my heart and all my soul.
Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.
Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,
you will find me.
Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you
the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.
Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you
than you could possibly imagine.
Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you
in all your troubles.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,
I am close to you.
Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,
I have carried you close to my heart.
Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away
every tear from your eyes.
Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain
you have suffered on this earth.
Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you
even as I love my son, Jesus.
John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.
John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.
Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,
not against you.
Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.
2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression
of my love for you.
1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved
that I might gain your love.
Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,
you receive me.
1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you
from my love again.
Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party
heaven has ever seen.
Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,
and will always be Father.
Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…
Will you be my child?
John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.
Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad
Almighty God

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Chicory & Lace

by Nina Graff in Wisconsin - www.back40fotos.com - Used by permission

        Growing up in a typical suburb, creative gardens were not part of the daily landscapes.  Square lawns were the norm, with perhaps a few bushes and flowers next to the front stoop.  My parents were no exception.  My Dad had not inherited the love of gardening that Grampa had practiced.
         We had a lawn dappled with dandelions, two trees, a rose bush and some four-o’clocks.  My love of gardens must have filtered down from Grampa, and also from the hours I spent wandering in the woods beyond the neighborhood.  I loved the things growing wild out there…carpets of violets, spring trilliums, and the red-sapped bloodroot. A few fields around us had yet to be developed, so they grew like mini-prairies among the ravages of the bulldozers.
          Our own backyard was L-shaped, and the corner behind the garage was ignored.  The birds and the wind decided to plant it for us, and it wasn’t long before it bloomed with chicory and Queen Anne’s lace.  Volunteers of sky blue petals and creamy white snowflakes.  I thought it was wonderful!  Unfortunately, our neighbors didn’t share this vision of wildflowers, and a letter soon arrived from the city stating a complaint about “noxious weeds” and an order to remove them.
          I was a young teen at the time.  Melancholy, moody, and very upset when my Dad headed out with a sickle.  How could a neighbor have the power to say what was and wasn’t acceptable when it came to flowers growing?
          I stewed about it in the kitchen, not wanting to see the demise of nature’s efforts to cover the bare ground.  When Dad came in I must have looked as if a friend had died.  I asked him if he had cut them all down.  He said, “Go out and look.”   
          I reluctantly walked back to the corner.  My heart smiled when I saw a small clump of plants remaining, nestled up against the redwood fence.  I don’t know if I was more happy to see the blue and white blossoms, or for the realization that my Dad understood the beauty that I saw, and was willing to rebel against neighborhood protocol for my sake.
         Now I live in the country with fields behind me that offer clouds of wildflowers every summer to enjoy.  And each year a bouquet of Queen Anne’s lace and others find their way to the dining room table as beautiful flowers, not as noxious weeds.

Note from Lois: Nina Graff in Wisconsin, a long-time subscriber of this newsletter, is the very special lady who encouraged me to start a blog for Heart to Heart, and actually pitched in and helped me!  The header on the blog is her photo - the beautiful pink bleeding hearts!  I encourage you to check out her photography business website:  www.back40fotos.com    Her work is amazing!

The Christian Father's Influence on His Children

by Lois Breneman - 2011 - Heart to Heart

The relationship a child has with his father greatly impacts his earliest concept of God.  Whether the child's concept is positive or negative depends heavily on the father's influence.  In the Bible fathers were known to be the supreme authoritative figures in their families.  With just a word from the fathers, they could determine the fate of their offspring.  We see example of good godly fathers in the Bible, as well as terrible examples.

Jesus must have known the tendency of many fathers to provoke their children, frustrating them, even causing them to lose trust in their daddies.  Mostly it begins with playful fun, but can sometimes go too far.  Tickling is an example.  A child might be tickled to the point of desperation or helplessness.  Even toddlers instinctively feel “tricked” when fathers provoke them to the point of anger, whether is may be through tickling or another way.

Just after Paul advises children in the sixth chapter of Ephesians to obey their parents in the Lord because it is right, he advises fathers not to provoke their children to wrath but to bring them up in the training and admonition to the Lord.  Children need to be able to trust their fathers in every aspect of life, just as a child jumps into his father’s arms without any fear of being dropped.  This trust needs to be carried out in every aspect of the father/child relationship.

Scripture also presents a tender side to fatherhood.  Both Jacob and David expressed and displayed deep sorrow in the loss of their sons, Joseph and Absalom in Genesis 37:33-35 and II Samuel 13:35-39.

Both Noah and Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, cared so much about their children that they followed God’s detailed direction in providing escapes for their children when danger was near (Genesis 7:5 and Matthew 2;13-23).

Even biblical fathers made big mistakes.  Not one was perfect.  Eli did not discipline his sons and their extremely wayward actions were far from being in accordance to godly sons (I Samuel 2:12 and 3:13).  David certainly did not live an exemplary life before his children, sinning greatly, nor did he spend enough time with his children as recorded in II Samuel 12:13-14 and 24:10.

The best earthly father is one who has a close fellowship with the Heavenly Father through the daily reading of God’s Word where he can find His  unlimited wisdom and instruction to live the life God wants him to live (Ephesians 5:15-20).

God's Word teaches fathers the importance of making their children feel wanted (Psalm 127:3-5).  

They are told to instruct their children (Deut. 6:1-9; Prov. 4:1; and Prov. 6:20).

Fathers are instructed to train their children (Psalm 78:5-7; Prov. 22:6).

Fathers are told to correct their children (Prov. 13:24).

The shelter and security given by the father should provide freedom for his children to grow and develop.  Children need to be allowed to face challenges and tasks that teach responsibility, rather than being so overprotected. 

A mother has an important part in fashioning a good father, by showing love, acceptance, and treating him with respect, a vital need of all men. By allowing and encouraging him to be the leader in the home, and not taking that role herself, she shows respect for his authority, rather than undermining it.  The wife's encouragement, reflective interaction and supportive interest in her husband's role as the leader of the home make all the difference in the world to him, helping to build him up and make him a wonderful father, as well as a wonderful husband.

Kids' Crafts / Bathtub Bubble Volcanoes

KIDS CRAFTS

Paper Plate Flower Craft  A simple flower to make with a lot of cutting practice.

Duck Paper Plate Craft  Trace your hand to create a duck.

Recycled Sea Life Creatures  Make an octopus, squid and a sea anemone from recycled cardboard tubes.

BATHTUB BUBBLE VOLCANOES
Forget about buying fancy bath toys!  Use practical things you already have around the house such as a set of different sizes of funnels.  Or find some at the hardware or department store and let the little ones have fun in the bathtub.  

First fill the bathtub full of bubblebath and swish the water to make them multiply!  Turn a funnel upside down and press down into the bubbles.  You will find that bubbles will shoot up through the narrow end of the funnel into the air, coming out the top of the funnel like a volcano! 

This sounds like a fun activity for dads to introduce to the children.  Think of it as a great bonding time!  It just might get a little rowdy in the bathroom, Moms! 

The Power of a Touch / Fatherhood

Daily Encounter by Dick Innes - Copyright by ACTS International - Used by permission - www.actsweb.org/detoday  

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" (1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV).

The word encourage simply means to put courage into another -- something we all need to receive regularly.

Years ago -- I was little more than a kid -- one of the men in our church squeezed my arm affectionately and spoke a kind word as I passed by him.

I've never forgotten that tiny touch which to me was a big encouragement. Some years later I recall how in my beginning days of ministry after speaking to a youth group one of the members in attendance said to me, "Thank you for being God's messenger to me today." I've never forgotten her words and those of many others along the way either. (Sadly, though, a cutting word can have the opposite long-term effect.)

Encouragement. So easy to give, costs nothing, and worth its weight in gold.

As Leo Buscaglia said, "The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along; people who will appreciate our compassion, our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have a potential to turn a life around.  It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt." 1

Be sure to encourage--and put courage into--someone today, especially your own loved ones.
 
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, thank you for all the people who have encouraged me along the way. They are greatly appreciated. And please help me to be an encourager to someone else every single day just as others have encouraged me. Thank you for hearing and answering
my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. Leo Buscaglia, cited on Inspirational Peak! http://www.inspirationpeak.com/

"I have known ninety-five of the world's great men in my time, and of these eight-seven were followers of the Bible. The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all competitors."     -- W.E. Gladstone (Prime Minister)


FATHERHOOD
From the Good Clean Funnies ~ Thanks to Wanda Fox in Pennsylvania for sending this!

        Four expectant fathers were in the hospital waiting room, while their wives were in labor.  The nurse comes in and tells the first man, "Congratulations! You're the father of twins!" "What a coincidence!" the man exclaims. "I work for the Twin Star Enterprise!"
        The nurse returns a short while later and tells the second man, "You are the father of triplets!"  "Wow, what a coincidence!" he replies. "I work for the 3M Corporation!"
        When the nurse comes again, she tells the third man that his wife has given birth to quadruplets.  "Another coincidence! I work for the Four Seasons Hotel!"
        At this point, the fourth guy faints. When he comes to, the others ask, "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong?  I work for Seven-Up!"

Celebrating Fathers / How to Pray for Your Husband, Sons, Sons-in-Law Every Day / History of Father's Day

CELEBRATING FATHERS
by Susie Cortright, http://www.momscape.com, Copyright 2001, Used by permission

On Father's Day, we celebrate the guys in our lives. Not just our dads and the fathers to our children, but all the men who have made a positive impact on a child’s life.

A number of recently published studies call attention to the effects of good fathering. Men who play an active role in their children’s lives stimulate all aspects of development: emotional, academic, behavioral, and social, even when those men don’t live in the same home as their children.

But we don’t need a study to understand that the men in our lives matter, whether he’s a husband who lives at home, an ex-husband who lives across town, a stepfather, a grandfather, an uncle, or a mentor in the community.

Even from a child’s conception, a supportive father makes a difference in the lives of mothers, their children, and the world-at-large. In fact, research shows that women with supportive partners experience fewer health complications in pregnancy and have better attitudes about the inevitable physical changes to their own bodies. Studies indicate that even labor and delivery may be shorter and easier when your partner is by your side.

Men lend a sense of self-control. They model their work ethic. They make us laugh and help us develop a sense of humor. Men teach self-reliance, self-confidence, discipline, independence, and the ability to deal with frustrations, large and small. They help their daughters understand how to relate to men and the meaning of trust and intimacy in all relationships. They help their sons understand what it means to be a husband and a father and a man.

This Father’s Day, let us remember the father’s role. Let us actively engage him in this day-to-day process of parenting. Let us stand back so he can take charge and do things his way once in a while. Let us see his parenting style as a complement - and not an opposition - to our own.

Let us celebrate our fathers and honor them for making a difference in our world.

About the author:
Susie Cortright is the founder of Momscape.com
( http://www.momscape.com ), a website devoted to celebrating life with children.  Check out her online Scrapbooking magazine here:
http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking  Visit her site today, and get a subscription to her weekly newsletter free: http://www.momscape.com/subscribe.htm

HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR HUSBAND, SONS AND SONS-IN-LAW EVERY DAY
From Wisdom's Way of Learning - Contributed by Barb Campbell in Mississippi
Note from Lois:  Tape this somewhere in your bathroom and pray for your husband, sons and sons-in-law as you get ready for each day.  Imagine if we women all did that!  I'm certain these special men in our lives would all feel the power of answered prayed in their lives!  Try it!

Sunday
*  That he might become a holy man, a man of prayer, mature in the Lord, growing in his knowledge of God. (I Thes. 5:23, Col. 4:12, Eph. 6:18, Eph. 1:18-19, Eph. 3:16-19).
*  That he might daily seek God with all his heart, walking in the Spirit moment by moment, growing in his dependence on Him.  (Psm. 119:1-2, Psm. 27:4, Prov. 3:5-6, John 15:5).

Monday
*  That he might learn to take every thought captive, to not be conformed to the world's thinking and to think scripturally (Rom.12:2, 2 Cor. 10:5)
*  That he would learn to not depend on his circumstances for happiness but on God alone (Hab. 3:17-19)

Tuesday
*  That he might have new strength in the midst of his busy schedule and that the Lord might infuse him with His strength (Isa. 40:31, Eph. 3:14-19).
*  That his self-image might be a reflection of the Lord's thoughts toward him (Eph. 1:17-19; Romans 12:3, Psm. 139)

Wednesday
*  That he might become a called man, not driven, with well thought-through and prayed-through goals in life (I Cor. 9:24-27).
*  That the Lord might give him wisdom to lead his family physically, emotionally,  mentally, and spiritually (Eph. 1:17-19, James 1:5-7)

Thursday
*  That he might stand firm against the schemes of the devil and resist Satan in all circumstances (Eph. 6:10-18, James 4:7)
*  That he might not be deceived into unbelief or sin (Gal. 6:7)

Friday
*  That the fruit of the Spirit might be exhibited more and more in his life (Gal. 5:22-23)
*  That he might learn to love as God has commanded (I Cor. 13:4-7, Rom. 12;8-10)

Saturday
*  That the Lord might protect him, guarding his course (Prov. 2:8).
*  That he might learn to manage his time well (Eph. 5:15)


THE HISTORY OF FATHER'S DAY
Father's Day is June 18!  The celebration of Father's Day can most likely be credited to Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington State, who first suggested the idea of the holiday in 1909.  Then in 1924 President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father's Day, but it wasn't until President Lyndon Johnson signed the presidential proclamation in 1966 that it became official.  Ever since that year the 3rd Sunday of June has been set aside for Father's Day.

Precious Gems

We know the excitement of getting a present - we love to unwrap it to see what is inside. So it is with our children – they are gifts we unwrap for years as we discover the unique characters God has made them. -- Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

DADDY, I HAVE TWO WORDS FOR YOU!
        Yesterday our 6 year old Morgan said to my husband Sam, "Daddy, I have two words for you - hand some" (said with much exuberance).  She obviously has great taste and like her Momma thinks Sam is one handsome man! ~ From Melissa Adams in the Czech Republic

        Ladies, have you heard how payday is sometimes the only day a wife tells her husband how handsome he is?   It's when he brings home his paycheck and she says, "Hand some over!"  Let's not let that be the case in our homes!

The Scars of Life

Author unknown ~ Contributed by Rosanne Ayers of Virginia

Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could.

Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go!"

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret. But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead. The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack. That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful. He did not and will not ever let you go.

God has blessed you, so that you can be a blessing to others. You just never know where a person is in his/her life and what they are going through.  Never judge another person's scars, because you don't know how they got them. Right now, someone needs to know that God loves them, and you love them, too - enough to not let them go.

 

Mothers, You Can Teach & Save Precious Memories to Last a Lifetime!

by Lois Breneman, 1999, Revised 2004, Heart to Heart 

These are things to do with your children that will provide precious memories to fill a lifetime!

Record Your Children Talking and Singing
Record your children's voices at various ages.  We have tapes of our children singing songs that they were making up as they sang.  Priceless!  Our oldest child read books on tape for the youngest child.  She would ring a bell each time the page was to be turned.  We still have those tapes. Maybe her own children can use them some day.  We even have a tape of one of our children nursing and trying to catch a breath.  So funny!   Tapes of the children reciting memory verses in their toddler voices (and older) will always be priceless.  You could plan an interview for each of your children at various ages, asking them about their interests at this stage in their lives.  Tape the conversation around the dinner table, unknown to the children and play it back.  The children love to listen to tapes from when they were first learning how to talk, and it's a precious way to keep up with our memories as parents.

Bedtime Togetherness
After the children have gone to bed, go lie down beside each one and ask them if they want to tell you anything about their day.  They will open up to you if it is just the two of you and no interruptions, and besides that, it's more fun than going to sleep!  Listen without interrupting. Then give advice, if needed.  Those times alone will go a long way!

Dates with Your Children
Take your children out on dates.  Mothers, take your sons -- one at a time. Fathers can take your daughters.  Teach them manners and how to treat a member of the opposite sex when you eat out.  You have their undivided attention.  Use it to have heart to heart talks and for listening to them.  Have fun together!

PLAY DOUGH SURPRISE BALLS

Contributed by Barb Campbell of Mississippi ~ Precious_Stones@JEMMinistries.org

This is a fun treat you can fix up for any child. We use these in Bible School! 

You will need a batch of homemade playdough for this. Here is the recipe I use:

1 c. flour (plain all-purpose), 2 tsp. cream of tartar, 1 Tbsp. cooking oil, 1/2 c. salt, 1 c. water

Mix all the ingredients in a large pot and cook over low heat until a ball forms -- you will need to stir while cooking. Remove the mixture from the pan and knead it. Once it is smooth and the right consistency for play dough, you can create the Surprise Balls.

There are 2 ways to do this -- One way is to pinch off pieces of dough and roll into little balls (about the size of those bouncy balls that come with jacks). Poke a small hole in the ball, don't go through all the way, and drip one drop of food coloring into the hole. Seal it off. When the children begin to play with the plain balls, they will "magically" change colors!  OK -- I have to tell you that the food coloring is fun, but messy!

So here is the other way -- Make the balls as above, but instead of poking a hole in them, flatten them out a bit into circles. Then add a pinch of glitter into the center of each circle and carefully pull the dough up to recreate a ball. The glitter will appear in the dough once the children start working it with their hands. You can use just one color of glitter or try a multicolor blend. Be creative and have lots of fun!

Note from Lois: To prevent food coloring stains on little hands, while handling the balls with food coloring inside, children might wear those inexpensive fold-over plastic sandwich bags as gloves, using a rubber band to hold them on, since most plastic gloves are much too large for them.

Dads Balancing Home and Career

Excerpt from an article by Eileen Rife in Virginia

Lifetime Growth News www.iwanttomakemymarriagework.com

Permission given to use this excerpt

Note from Lois: Although this newsletter is for women, you may want to share these tips with your husband.

Balancing home and career might be easier than you think if you try a few of these simple suggestions.

1)   Schedule date times with your wife and each child.

Rarely does an event happen these days unless it is penciled in on the calendar. Sit down with your family and decide on the best days of the week to spend alone time with each member. Overwhelmed by this thought? Think in small chunks of time. A twenty minute park trip with three-year-old Johnny is better than no park trip at all with dad. A fifteen minute board game on the floor in twelve-year-old Elisa's room is better than no game at all. Measurable goals are more easily attained. Don't wait for the BIG blocks of time. Make use of the SMALL CHUNKS and get it on the calendar so that you don't forget.

2)   If your job requires you to travel frequently, make tapes/videos for your wife and children to view while you are away.

Read a portion of Scripture and pray. Tell a story or some of your favorite jokes. If you sing or play an instrument, share a song on the tape or video. In this way you can invest in your family's life even when you are away! Many younger children especially enjoy listening to tapes at bedtime. Hearing daddy's voice can be a tremendous comfort and reassurance.

3)   Call home during breaks at work just to say "I love you; I miss you. How's your day going?"

4)   Leave notes for your wife and kids if your schedules are so varied that you don't see each other during the day.

Post sticky notes on the bathroom mirror, in dresser drawers, on the kitchen counter, or in the car. Even short phrases, like "Praying for your exam today" or "I'll be thinking about you during team tryouts" can be touching reminders to those you love that you are thinking about them throughout the day and that you keep abreast of what is happening in THEIR world.

5)   Make frequent use of hugs when you ARE home!

Even an arm around the shoulder or a pat on the back accompanied by a warm smile can reassure a family member that you are there, even if the encounter is brief.

In short, CARPE DIEM! SEIZE THE DAY! Or at least small chunks of it to invest time in your family's life. Yes, you are a busy man, but balancing home and career might just be easier than you think if you use the time you DO have to invest in your family's lives.