A Child's Sand Art -- A Lesson in God's Intricate Design

by Tiffany Bowles - Used with permission

My son, Sam, and his sand art!  He is just awesome!  I had no clue that as he was running around with this stick and his little brother, Dillon, was chasing him that it was turning into a picture.  I thought Sam was just running around making lines for Dillon to run on...but he had a plan and a design on his mind...and it was cool and fun.  

But to compare it to how God has a plan and a design, and to remember that we run circles and chase lines and we have smiles and falls and waves that wash away our lines...He still has a plan...a very big plan and a design that is much bigger and far-reaching and intricate than we can imagine.  He is the one who can take our lines and our washed-away efforts and dreams and our crumpled up selves and He makes us into something beautiful for His glory.  He is so good.

Quote

Three good deterrents to sinning:

1. Make the goal of your life to please the Lord in everything and bring glory to Him!

2. Hate evil, knowing the devil wants to destroy you and those you love! 

3. Don't give the devil an inch.  If you do, he will take a mile! - Lois

Resurrection Cookies: Directions & Printable Recipe

Ladies, this recipe was included in previous Easter newsletters, but a subscriber and I haven't been able to locate it on the blog, so here is a great printable copy from Stacie Nelson.  This recipe is also known as Easter Story Cookies.

April 3, 2012 by Stacie Nelson

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I’ve had this recipe for Resurrection Cookies in my Easter file for a while, but this is the first year I felt my girls were ready for them.  (The last few years we’ve made Resurrection Rolls — just because I felt the simpler approach to the death and resurrection of Jesus was more age-appropriate for younger preschoolers).
I would suggest reading the Bible story of Jesus’ death and resurrection aloud to your children before you begin making these cookies.  I particularly like the version in The Child’s Story Bible by Catherine Vos for older preschool and elementary-aged children.

Resurrection Cookie Recipe

Supplies:

• 1 cup almonds (or pecans)
• 1 tsp. vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup sugar
• Zipper baggy
• Wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl
• Mixer
• Cookie sheet
• Spoons
• Tape
• Bible

1)  PREHEAT OVEN TO 300 DEGREES.  Place one cup nuts into a baggy.  Beat the nuts with a wooden spoon until broken into tiny pieces.  Remind children Jesus was beaten by the Roman Soldiers.

Read John 19:1-3

¹ Then Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. ² The soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on his head. They clothed him in a purple robe ³ and went up to him again and again, saying, “Hail, king of the Jews!” And they slapped him in the face.
I also included Isaiah 53:5:
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

2)  Allow each child to smell the vinegar.  Pour a small amount into a bowl and allow them to taste it.  Explain that vinegar was given to Jesus to drink when he was on the cross.  Add 1 tsp. vinegar into a mixing bowl.

Read John 19:28-30

 ²⁸ Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” ²⁹ A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. ³⁰ When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

3)  Add egg whites to vinegar.  The eggs in this recipe represent life.  They remind us that Jesus gave his life to give us life abundantly.

Read John 10:10-11

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  ¹¹ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

4)  Put a pinch of salt in your child’s hand.  Allow them to taste it.  Add a pinch of salt to to the eggs and vinegar.  The salt represents the salty tears cried by the women who followed Jesus.

Read Luke 23:27

²⁷ A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him

5)  Place a pinch of sugar in your child’s hand.  Allow them to taste it.  Add one cup sugar to the mixture.  Up to this point, the ingredients have been very  bitter, but the sweetness in the recipe comes from the sugar.  The suffering and death of Jesus are bitter, but the sweetness is that Jesus died because He loves us.  Oh, how He loves us!

Read Psalm 34:8

⁸ Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

Read John 3:16

¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

6)  Beat the mixture for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed  (I recommend setting a timer — it’s important to beat the mixture well).   The whiteness of the mixture reminds us of purity and the cleansing of our sins because of Jesus’ death.

Read Isaiah 1:18:

¹⁸ “Come now, let us settle the matter,”
says the LORD.
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.

7)  Stir in the nuts.

8)  Drop the dough by spoonfuls onto a cookie sheet.  The mounds represent the tomb where Jesus was buried.

Read Matthew 27:57-60

⁵⁷ As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. ⁵⁸ Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹ Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

9)  After the oven is preheated, put the cookie sheets in the oven.  TURN OFF the oven.  Allow your child to place pieces of tape and “seal” the oven door.  Jesus’ tomb was sealed with a large rock.

Reread Matthew 27:59

⁵⁹ Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, ⁶⁰ and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.

10)  Leave the cookies in the oven overnight.  Your child might feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight (they were probably expecting to have a yummy treat soon – at least mine were).  Jesus’ followers were very sad when the tomb was sealed.

John 16:20-22

²⁰ Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.²¹ A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.²² So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.

11)  In the morning, open the oven and have some cookies!  The cookies should be hollow inside.  Remind your child that the tomb was empty.  Jesus is risen!

Read Matthew 28:1-9

¹After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
² There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. ³ His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. ⁴ The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. ⁶ He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. ⁷ Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
⁸ So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. ⁹ Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.

Although these are personally not my favorite cookies (two of my girls loved them — one did not!), they are a great way to learn about the crucifixion and resurrection in a hands-on way for kids.  If you would like these directions in a printable form, please feel free to download the sheets I’ve put together with the Resurrection Cookies Recipe.
**I am unable to locate an original source for this recipe.  If you know the original creator of this Easter cookie recipe, please send me an email so I can give proper credit!  All Scripture references are taken from the NIV translation.

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Looking for more simple ideas for kids? Consider signing up for my Motherhood on a Dime KIDS newsletter. You’ll receive 2-3 kid-friendly activities each week via email.

Flannelgraph Fun - with 15 Different "Kits"

by Lois Breneman - Heart to Heart - 2013

Years ago when our children were small, flannelgraph boards were very popular in teaching especially Bible stories.  Child Evangelism Fellowship capitalized on getting the gospel message across to children through exciting and colorful stories shown on a large flannelgraph board, a very effective method.  We used a flannelgraph for our family devotions as well.  The Christian book store had about twenty stories on character in a kit made for the flannel graph, entitled "Winky and His Friends,"  which we used.  When our oldest child was able to tell the stories herself, she would have fun playing with it (and practicing) and then be in charge of the Winky story during our devotional time.

It's super easy to make a flannelgraph board if you want to give it a try.  Use a foam board from a craft store for the stiff backing.  Cover the board with either flannel or felt, folding the edges tightly to the back and taping neatly with duct tape for a strong hold.  Miter the corners to cut down on bulk.  You can either cut shapes directly out of felt or draw pictures on paper and glue felt or flannel to the back so the object will stick to the board.  Store each "set" of felt figures in a separate Ziplock bag to keep everything in order and prevent them from getting ruined.  You don't even need an easel.  Simply prop up the board against the back of a sofa or chair or even a fireplace.  You'll find this activity will keep your child's attention with a variety of "kits" that you can prepare.

The flannel graph can be used to teach young children so many things.  Here is a list of fifteen "kits" and this is just the beginning. I'm certain that you and your children will come up with lots of other great ideas.  I'd love if you'd share your ideas with me!

1. Teach colors by cutting out circles or squares in various colors of felt.  If two shapes are available of each, it can be a matching game.
 

2. Teach shapes by cutting out a circle, square, oval, rectangle, hexagon, octagon, and trapezoid.
 

3. Teach numbers by cutting out numbers 1 to 10 and so on.
 

4. Teach Bible verses with pictures and symbols. Example: GOD (written out) so loved (picture of heart) the world (globe) ...

5. "Paper" dolls can be cut out of felt and dressed with a felt wardrobe.
 

6. A felt truck could haul all kinds of felt objects - whatever you and your child decide to cut out.

7. Cut out a light colored fish bowl and make colorful fish to swim around inside.

8. Make a pond or lake, and cut out frogs, turtles, fish, and bull rushes to place around the water. 

9. Cut out parts of a house: square or rectangle for the body of the house, a roof, a door, windows, a wreath to put on the door, a chimney, smoke for the chimney, window boxes, flowers, cat and dog.  Then have your young child assemble everything on the board.

10. Using Bible stories about David, Daniel, Jonah, cut out the people and various objects that help to tell the stories. In some cases, papers that your children bring home from Sunday school could be cut out and glued onto felt
 

11. Cut 4-inch squares of different fabric prints, stripes, checks, etc. (two of each fabric).  For a toddler, line up one of each fabric on the board, and have your little one match the remaining swatches.  Using pinking shears to cut them out will prevent unraveling.
 

12: Cut out X's and O's along with four strips of felt (about 1" x 12"), and you've got a game!  Or you could cut out a dog and cat in place of X's and O's.
 

13. Cut out a large butterfly as well as lots of little dots and swirly pieces for decorating the butterfly.
 

14.  Cut out a large flower pot and lots of different colored flowers and some stems and greenery for with flower arranging fun. Add a butterfly, dragonfly, ladybug or two, a worm and a caterpillar, since those creatures do show up on outdoor arrangements.
 

15. Make a pizza!  Cut out a large beige circle (or several smaller circles for individual pan pizzas).  Cut out red blobs of tomato sauce, pepperoni, pepper strips (red, green and yellow), onion slices, and cheese.  Have fun assembling the pizzas!

Smaller boards would provide hours of fun while on trips, and is perfect for a quiet time in place of a nap..  And, Grandmas, this would make a wonderful gift for your grandchildren!  "Kits" could be given at different times throughout the year, and could also be mailed quite easily.

 You can also purchase Bible stories to use on your flannelgraph:

I suggest you call your local Child Evangelism Fellowship office to see if you can purchase materials from there.

http://www.thefeltsource.com/BibleSeparates.html

http://www.ask.com/web?q=Free+Flannel+Board+Stories&o=15144&l=sem&qsrc=466

A Story about Thomas Kinkaid and His Daughter

by Thomas Kinkaid - Thanks to Judy Barr in Virginia for sharing this story! 

Note from Lois:  Some of you may have heard this story before, but in the light of his recent passing in April, 2012, this meaningful object lesson is being included.

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick. Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen, spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. "Dad, I'm thinking of something."

This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some fact for a while, and was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had discovered. I was eager to hear.

"What are you thinking?" I asked. "The rain," she began, "is like sin, and the windshield wipers are like God wiping our sins away."

After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond. "That's really good, Aspen." Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take this revelation? So I asked.. "Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming? What does that tell you?" Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer: "We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."

I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord...plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Educational Fun for Kids

This great information comes from an excellent newsletter I receive!  

Used by permission -http://www.atozkidstuff.com

Curriculum Helpers

Preschool
Spring, Insects, Caterpillars/Butterfly, Bees, Ladybugs, Gardens, Ocean

School Age
Elephants, Pirates, Dolphins

Sea World Teacher's Guides for Preschool-12

Treasures Of The Sea - Explore the ocean through literature with interactive activities, art activities, and more.

Interesting Links

Children's Summer Reading Programs

Bookmark Coloring Pages from Crayola

Roald Dahl - Educator guides, activity sheets, online games and more.(school age)


LESSONS ON THE LIFE OF MOSES
www.MaryRiceHopkins.com

"Dancing in the Desert" - 18 lessons on the life of Moses for age 3 - grade 2

Flexible format perfect for:  Sunday school, children's church, midweek or VBS (or family devotions)

Exciting Bible stories which are interactive because when the body moves, the brain remembers!

Each lesson has an object lesson, Bible story, question/answer time, art activity, craft activity, song lyrics, large or small group activities, snack and prayer.  Extended activities and snacks clearly relate to the lesson purpose

Easy to download.  Easy to prepare.

Forgotten Pocketbooks, Broken Dryers and Affairs of the Heart

by Betty, a friend in Virginia, who gave me permission to include this article in "Heart to Heart."  Betty told me, " It it helps someone else in their walk with the Lord, then to Him be the praise.  My prayer is that others would find peace and contentment in the Person of Christ."

If you have seen my status updates over the last week, you may have noticed a trend relating to Trials.  I have always been one that can pretty well accept the big, out-of-control trials such as the tragic ordeal Mom endured as she was physically and mentally violated, or the death of a loved one.  But for all of my life, I have struggled with the little, ankle-biting, day-to-day trials that are sent my way.  Give me the Rottweiler, just don't sic the Chihuahua on me!  In the last week, my daughter caught the flu; my back decided to “go out” (and not take me with it!); my son's truck broke down requiring many, many dollars to fix; the dryer quit; I worked on our taxes only to learn that we will have to pay thousands (yes, there is an “s” on that!) more on April 18th;  in the midst of all of this, we moved my mother-in-law from the retirement community she had been living in for the last year back into her own house.  When I opened my email this morning, there was a message from my husband telling me that he found my pocketbook in the van when he got to work this morning.  I will be without it all day.  (Ladies, I know you understand how lost you feel when you don’t have your purse!)

I could be very tempted to be discouraged by this list of difficulties/annoyances/irritations or whatever you want to call them.  However, last night I was reminded in a book  that I am reading that “Contentment is a state of the heart, not a state of affairs.”  I have to ask myself, will I choose to dwell on all the blessings that God has so richly poured out on me?  Do I really believe that He is working out all things for my good and His glory?  Are His mercies never ceasing?  Will I trust Him in the day-to-day difficulties?

I have to say a resounding “Yes”!!!  Not because I am able to do this in my own strength - I have none. I am puny, negative and prone to grumbling.  But in Philippians 4, Paul talks about “learning” to be content.  It doesn’t come naturally; it has to be learned.  So how do I “learn” to be content?  Obviously, I will not learn much if everything is going smoothly.  The trials that are sent from my loving Heavenly Father are designed to teach me contentment.  Paul follows up his statement about learning to be content with a verse that we often take out of context.  When read  in context, what an encouragement it is - “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”  In His strength, I CAN be content despite a forgotten pocketbook or a broken dryer. 

Practically, what does that look like?  Well, by dwelling on the promises and blessings that have been given me I see how there are new mercies everyday.  

• I am making a list of all the blessings of the last week.  They far outnumber the difficulties.  It is good to have something in writing to look at and remind myself how God has been faithful in the big and small circumstances of my life.
• I am making a list of verses that encourage me to “press on” to the end.  Verses like II Cor. 4: 17-18 “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”  If I thought this life was all there was, I would be in despair.  But it is not!  And somehow these trials are preparing me for heaven.
• I am speaking truth to myself rather than listening to the litany of discouraging thoughts that want to take over in my head.  In his book, The Cross Centered Life, C.J. Mahaney says, “ On a daily basis we’re faced with two simple choices.  We can either listen to ourselves and our constantly changing feelings about our circumstances, or we can talk to ourselves about the unchanging truth of who God is and what He’s accomplished for us at the cross…Is it any wonder we’re so often unhappy?  We’re listening to ourselves.  We need to start talking to ourselves instead.”
• And finally, I am examining my heart to see where I have been putting my trust.  For example as I think about the amount of shekels we will have to give the IRS, I am considering my own attitudes about money.  Is my security in having a comfortable emergency fund saved or is my security in the One Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills AND the hills!  When I do not respond to trials with the fruit of the Spirit, then I need to see what is going on with my heart.  I need to be thankful for the wake-up call on some heart issues.
  
  

Today I can truthfully  say that I am content with my present circumstances and I am not afraid of what new trials may be in store.  When I hear myself say this, I am amazed.  This is all of God’s grace - I cannot do it in myself.  To Him be the praise!

 

Heaven's Grocery Store

Author unknown ~ Contributed by Maggie Chandler                                           
As I was walking down life's highway many years ago,
I came upon a sign that read, "Heavens Grocery Store."  When I got a little closer the doors swung open wide,

And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of angels.  They were standing everywhere.

One handed me a basket and said, "My child, shop with care."
Everything a human needed was in that grocery store

And what you could not carry, you could come back for more.
                                         
First I got some Patience.  Love was in that same row.

Further down was Understanding, You need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of Wisdom and Faith - a bag or two.
And Charity of course, I would need some of that too.
I couldn't miss the Holy Ghost,  It was all over the place.

And than came Strength and Courage to help me run this race.

 

My basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed Grace,

And then I choose Salvation for Salvation was for free.

I tried to get enough of that to do for you and me.

Then I started to the counter to pay my grocery bill,
 For I thought I had everything to do the Master's will.

As I went up the aisle, I saw Prayer and put that in,

For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run into sin.

Peace and Joy were plentiful, the last things on the shelf.

Song and Praise were hanging near, so I just helped myself.

Then I said to the angel, "Now how much do I owe?"

He smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."

Again I asked, "Really now, how much do I owe?"

"My child," he said, "God paid your bill a long long time ago.

Wondersurf

Please check out this great site for your children and their friends!  www.wondersurf.com 

        Have you or your children ever gone to a Good News Cub or Five Day Club?  Have you ever seen a wordless book or wordless bracelet?  If so, all this originated with Child Evangelism Fellowship.  We used to have both clubs in our home and were blessed to see children invite Jesus into their hearts.  It was after a Good News Club in our home that one of our own young children asked me questions and became a Christian.

         If you want to encourage your teenage children to do something very worthwhile this summer, call Child Evangelism Fellowship in your area and see how you can help.  They may be able to use you or your children as helpers, teachers or provide another opportunity to win boys and girls to Christ.  It would be a way to make your time count for eternity!

Trials - Trust God to Make Something Wonderful

Thanks to Trish Flint-Ackerman in New York for sending this great illustration!

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?  Here is a wonderful explanation! 

A daughter is telling her mother how everything is going wrong.  She's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.  Meanwhile, her mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack. 

The daughter says, "Absolutely, Mom!  I love your cake!
"Here, have some cooking oil," her mother offers.
"Yuck!" says the daughter.
"How about a couple of raw eggs?"
"Gross, Mom!"
"Would you like some flour then?  Or maybe baking soda?  Or salt?
"Mom, those are all yucky!"
To which the mother replies, "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves.  But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! 

God works the same way.  Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times.  But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good!  We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!"

Stories and Illustrations to Soak in and Read to Your Family

FIVE SPONGES
author unknown

       There are five sponges laying on your kitchen counter. Each member of your family has been cleaning up different areas of your home, but all the sponges look the same. You are curious as to what was cleaned, but you can't tell by looking. They all look the same. So, what do you do? As you squeeze the first sponge you see that cola comes out, and you decide that someone cleaned the kitchen with that one. Upon squeezing the second sponge, you find tub and tile cleaner. That one was used in the bathroom. In the third sponge you find motor oil. Someone cleaned the garage. In the fourth sponge, baby power puffs out. The baby's nursery was cleaned with that one. In the last sponge is floor wax. That was the one you used on the hall floor. As you lay the last one down, you look again at their similarity.  They all look the same until they are squeezed. Christians are the same!
       As life squeezes us, different things come out: anger, revenge, tears, remorse, greed, untruth, lust and finally, from one saint, pours forth the love of Christ. Just like the sponge, we can only squeeze out what is put in. Stay in the Word daily and be in continuous prayer so that when life puts the squeeze on you, Jesus, and Jesus alone will shine forth. As you think upon this, ask yourself, if I was squeezed, would Jesus and Jesus alone shine forth?

VOICE MAIL
Author unknown

I have learned to live with voice mail as a necessary part of modern life.  But, I have often wondered, what if God decided to install voice mail?  Imagine praying and hearing this:

"Thank you for calling your Father's House.

Please select one of the following four options:
Press 1 for requests;
Press 2 for thanksgiving;
Press 3 for complaints;
Press 4 for all others."

What if God used the familiar excuse, "All angels are helping other customers right now.  Please stay on the line.  Your call will be answered in the order it was received."   Can you imagine getting these kinds of responses as you call on God? "If  you'd  like to speak with Gabriel,  Press 1.  For Michael, Press 2. For any other angel, Press 3. If you'd like King David to sing a Psalm for you.  Press 4.   To find out if a loved one has been assigned to heaven, enter his or her Social Security number.  For reservations at your Father's House, press the letters J-O-H-N, followed by the numbers 3-1-6.  For answers to nagging questions about dinosaurs, the age of the earth and  where Noah's ark is, wait until you get here.  Our computers show that you have called once today already.  Please hang up immediately.  This office is closed for the weekend.  Please call again on Monday after 8:00 a.m."

Thank God, you can't call Him too often!  You only need to ring once, and he hears you. You never get a busy signal.   He takes each call and knows each caller personally.
                                                    

Aren't you glad He's your Savior and you have the opportunity of introducing Him to your children, as well as others?

An Old Cherokee Teaching His Grandson / Is that You, God?

contributed by Jani Bruce in Colorado

     An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil -- he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
      The other is good -- he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.  This same fight is going on inside you -- and inside every other person, too."
      The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
      The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed the most."

IS THAT YOU GOD?
 Sample of Daily Encounter by Dick Innes,
www.actsweb.org/subscribe.htm to subscribe
Used by permission

     I have two sons who are now grown. When they were little, every night I would hold them and rock them in my favorite rocking chair, tuck them into bed, and say their prayers with them. And then I would say positive affirmations to them such as, "I am so glad that God sent you to be a part of our family," "I am so proud of you," "I love you devotedly," "You are very important to me," and so on.
      I would often whisper these positive affirmations in their ear while they were sleeping. I didn't know if this ever had any influence on them or did any good, but I knew it wouldn't hurt them.
      I love to tell how, early one morning about 5 a.m., I slipped quietly into my youngest son's bedroom through his open door. I was certain he was asleep--as he looked like an angel--so I leaned over and whispered in his ear, "O beloved of the Lord." As quick as a flash he spun his head around and, looking upward, said, "Is that you God!?" 

      I was totally taken aback, but when I regained my composure, I whispered again in his ear, "No, it's not God, but he sent me to tell you that."
      On another occasion this same son was very upset with me and blurted out, "Why did you have me anyhow?"
      And as quick as a flash I replied, "Because you are a part of God's eternal plan."  And he is. And so are you. And so am I. And that's why we are here on earth.
      And as God wanted my son to know that he is beloved of the Lord God, he wants you to know the same truth. No matter what you have ever done or have failed to do, God loves you totally, absolutely, and unconditionally. If you haven't already done so, I trust and pray that
you will realize this today!  
     Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please help me to see and remove any blocks in my life that may be stopping or hindering my being fully open to your love. Help me to accept your love and, in turn, communicate it to every life I touch. Gratefully, in Jesus' name. Amen."

Object Lesson: When You Pass through the Waters / Make Up Your Own

Object Lesson: When You Pass through the Waters, I Will Be with YOU!

by Lois Breneman, © 2005, Heart to Heart Newsletter

This object lesson will show how much Jesus loves you, as it makes Isaiah 43:2 come alive!  Take the time to do this with your children or delegate it to one of your children to take charge and demonstrate to your family. 

Stuff a paper towel all the way to the bottom of a clear glass (one you can see through), so it will remain there when turned upside down.   Fill a large mixing bowl or sink with water.  Now completely immerse the glass, upside down, into the water, keeping the glass straight (no tipping to the side).  You will see that the paper towel remains completely dry, even though the entire glass is immersed deep in the water.  The paper is totally shielded, even though there is no lid on the glass!  Now pull the glass straight out of the water, without tipping, and you will see it is completely unaffected by the water! 

You can talk with your family about how we are like the paper towel and the Lord is able to shield and protect us in real life as the glass does.  The Lord is L"OO"KING after you!

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched; the flames will not set you ablaze. ~ Isaiah 43:2

Make Up Your Own Object Lessons for Special Family Times

http://www.krampf.com/experiment_vid.html

Website shared by permission

Children learn lessons in a more permanent way when they not only hear a concept, but see it as well.  This educational resource of Robert Krampf's is an excellent tool for parents and grandparents.  Just go to the Internet, watch one of his favorite science experiments on video, and write out your own object lessons to teach children biblical concepts.

Homeschoolers, Christian school teachers, Sunday school teachers and camp directors will also find this link to be a great resource.  Each science experiment has the possibility of not only teaching a scientific concept, but a biblical lesson found in God's Word.

Writing God's Law on Our Hearts

by Sharon Jaynes, Sharon@sharonjaynes.com, Copyright 2006, Used by permission

I used to walk around the neighborhood and see signs that read, "Dog contained by invisible fence." Actually, I thought it was a joke. But after we got a dog, I learned about this incredible invention, and decided to have one installed.

The fence company dug a narrow four foot deep trench around the perimeter of our yard and buried a small wire. This wire was attached to a control box mounted on our garage wall. Ginger, our golden retriever, was then fitted with a collar sporting a special little box with two small prongs that rested against her skin. The dog trainer then placed white flags all around the yard, marking where the underground fence was buried. As Ginger neared the flags, she heard a quiet warning sound clicking from the box. If she kept going and crossed over the boundary marked by the flag, she got a shock and came back.

Now before you get upset about Ginger getting a little shock, I have to tell you, I let them shock me first. It wasn't painful, but I did not want them to do it again. For twelve years Ginger crossed over the invisible boundary only twice. Once when the fence wasn't working properly and once during her sixth week of motherhood to escape her seven nursing puppies.

If you ride by our house today, you don't see any white flags decorating the perimeter of our yard. So, you might wonder, how does Ginger know where the boundary is? It is simple. For the first week, white flags lined the boundary of our yard. On the second week, I removed every other flag. On the third week, I again removed every other remaining flag. And I continued removing flags, until eventually, they were gone. We don't see the flags, but Ginger remembers where the boundaries are. She also learned that the warning clicking sound was her friend and kept her from getting in a “shocking” situation.

I've realized that the flags are a great picture of the boundaries we set for our children. When they're young, we mark out clear boundaries, and as the child matures into adolescence, we begin pulling up those flags, just a little at a time. As they graduate from high school and move into college, most of the flags marking the boundaries are gone, and we pray with all our might, that they remember where those boundaries are.

Just like when Ginger hears the warning sound when she move too close to danger, I believe that the Holy Spirit taps on our children's hearts, and warns them not to cross the boundaries set by their parents. Sometimes they will proceed and cross the boundary anyway. That's when the shock comes in. It might be in the form of discipline and it might be in the form of living with some very unpleasant consequences.

In the Old Testament, God wrote the Law or the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone, but in the New Testament, He wrote the Law of Love on our hearts. Isn't that our prayer? Yes, we have to spell out the boundaries for our children and point them in the right direction. But as they head off to adulthood, we desire that the boundaries will be written on their hearts and they won't find themselves in shocking situations.

And what about for our own lives? Yes, God has set boundaries for us, just as we have set boundaries for our children. When we make a decision to cross those boundaries, we will also find ourselves in some shocking situations.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you that you set up boundaries for us in Your Word. Just as we set up boundaries for our children for their protection, you set up boundaries for us, Your children, for our protection. Lord, we pray for our children. We pray that they will not forget the boundaries from Your Word that we have laid out for them. We pray that as they leave the nest and fly off to places beyond the safe boundaries of home, they will remember the teachings they have heard. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who is always with us to prompt us, convict us, warn us, and empower us to turn from situations that would take us from the safe boundaries You have marked out for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Sharon Jaynes is a Vice President of The Proverbs 31Ministry and co-host for the ministry's international radio segments, heard on over 400 radio outlets.  She also is a feature writer for their monthly newsletter, The Proverbs 31 Woman, and inspirational conference speaker for women's events from coast to coast. For more information about The Proverbs 31 Ministry, visit www.proverbs31.org or www.sharonjaynes.com

Magnificent Magnification

http://www.heritagebuilders.org/weeklytips/a0000041.html
submitted by Barb Campbell, Mississippi

Here's an idea for an afternoon or evening when the kids are bored. Take them exploring inside. All you will need is a magnifying glass. Start by holding out your arm and have your kids take a look at it. Ask them what they see. Give them the magnifying glass to take a closer look at your arm. Ask them what they didn't see before.

Now have them look at your eye without the magnifying glass, and then again using the magnifying glass. (It's a little tough not to blink with a magnifying glass over your eye, but give it a try anyway!). 

After they've looked at fingers and toes, have them take out their Bible and turn to 1 Samuel 16:7. If they're old enough, have them read this verse aloud, or read it along with them. This verse says that the Lord doesn't see as we see. Instead, His eyes can see right into our very heart. Those are pretty powerful eyes indeed!  God sees our thoughts and actions every day. What do you hope God will notice when He looks at your heart and your thoughts? 

Closing verse: Dear Jesus, thank You that You look at us like a Shepherd does - understanding our mistakes and being full of love and care for us. Thank You that, like that magnifying glass, You see things that we can't, and You care for us no matter what. We love You, Jesus, Amen.

A Touching Story about Grace

God's Riches At Christ's Expense 
(A story to read to your children)
author unknown, contributed by Linda J. Stevenson, Virginia

     The boy stood with back arched, head cocked back and hands clenched defiantly. "Go ahead, give it to me."  

The principal looked down at the young rebel. "How many times have you been here?" 

The child sneered rebelliously, "Apparently not enough."
The principal gave the boy a strange look. "And you have been punished each time have you not?" 

"Yeah, I been punished, if that's what you want to call it." He threw out his small chest, "Go ahead I can take whatever you dish out. I always have."

 "And no thought of your punishment enters your head the next time you decide to break the rules does it?"

"Nope, I do whatever I want to do. Ain't nothin' you people gonna do to stop me either."

The principal looked over at the teacher who stood nearby. "What did he do this time?" 

"Fighting. He took little Tommy and shoved his face into the sandbox." 

The principal turned to look at the boy, "Why? What did little Tommy do to you?"

"Nothin'. I didn't like the way he was lookin' at me, just like I don't like the way your lookin' at me! And if I thought I could do it, I'd shove your face into something." The teacher stiffened and started to rise but a quick look from the principal stopped him. 

He contemplated the child for a moment and then quietly said, "Today, my young student, is the day you learn about grace." 

"Grace? Isn't that what you old people do before you sit down to eat? I don't need none of your stinkin' grace." 

"Oh, but you do." The principal studied the young man's face and whispered. "Oh yes, you truly do..."

The boy continued to glare as the principal continued, "Grace, in its short definition, is unmerited favor. You cannot earn it.  It is a gift and is always freely given. It means that you will not be getting what you so richly deserve."

The boy looked puzzled. "You're not gonna whup me? You just gonna let me walk?" 

The principal looked down at the unyielding child. "Yes, I am going to let you walk." 

The boy studied the face of the principal, "No punishment at all?  Even though I socked Tommy and shoved his face into the sandbox?" 

"Oh, there has to be punishment. What you did was wrong and there are always consequences to our actions. There will be punishment. Grace is not an excuse for doing wrong."

"I knew it," sneered the boy as he held out his hands. "Lets get on with it."

The principal nodded toward the teacher. "Bring me the belt." The teacher presented the belt to the principal.  He carefully folded it in two and then handed it back to the teacher. He looked at the child and said. "I want you to count the blows." He slid out from behind his desk and walked over to stand directly in front of the young man. He gently reached out and folded the child's outstretched, expectant hands together and then turned to face the teacher with his own hands outstretched.

One quiet word came forth from his mouth. "Begin." The belt whipped down on the outstretched hands of the principal.  Crack!  The young man jumped ten feet in the air. Shock registered across his face, "One" he whispered.  Crack! "Two." His voice raised an octave.  Crack!  "Three..." He couldn't believe this.  Crack!  "Four." Big tears welled up in the eyes of the rebel.

"OK stop! That's enough. Stop!"  Crack! Came the belt down on the callused hands of the principal.  Crack!  The child flinched with each blow, tears beginning to stream down his face.  Crack! Crack! 

"No please", the former rebel begged, "Stop, I did it, I'm the one who deserves it. Stop! Please. Stop..."  Still the blows came--Crack! Crack! One after another.  Finally it was over.

The principal stood with sweat glistening across his forehead and beads trickling down his face. Slowly he knelt down. He studied the young man for a second and then his swollen hands reached out to cradle the face of the weeping child. "Grace..." he simply said.

The Church / Waiting

THE CHURCH
Author unknown - Thanks to Jalisa Wenger in Pennsylvania for passing this along.

The Church needs youth and older folks too.
The Church needs Timothys to succeed Paul to carry on the work of the Church.

The Church needs Moseses who use what capabilities God has given them.

The Church needs Daniels who have purpose of heart.

The Church needs people such as the Hebrew boys who will neither bend, budge nor burn.

The Church needs Lydias who are hospitable.

The Church needs Joshuas who are strong and courageous.

The Church needs Ruths who determine to take the right course.

The Church needs Samuels who will hear the voice of God.

The Church needs Davids who are men after God's own heart.

The Church needs Jonathan's with a working trust in God.

The Church needs Jeremiahs who will weep for lost souls.

The Church needs Agabuses who see the need of the Church to stay close to the Word.

The Church needs Barnabuses who are good men and full of the Holy Spirit.

The Church needs Marys who will sit at the feet of Jesus, who are willing to be taught by the Word.

The Church needs pillars and not leaners.

The church needs ... YOU!

WAITING
The Circuit 'Riter, Michael Ullrich
http://www.In-His-Steps.com - Used by permission

Isaiah 40:28-31 "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Waiting is one of the hardest things for many in the western culture to do. Remember the "good old days" when it might take a week to get a letter from a loved one? I made regular stops each day at my college mailbox hoping that a letter had arrived from the young woman who is now my wife. One time her letter got lost in the mail. Oh, the agony of that week!

Now days, I have trouble waiting for my e-mail to download. Somehow, I don't seem to have as much time as I used to, in spite of quicker communications.

Someone has said, "the only thing harder than waiting for God, is wishing you had!" God's people down through the ages have learned this, often the hard way. Isaiah had probably been through it himself as he prayed that Israel would listen to God's message and respond, but nothing seemed to happen.

Isaiah wrote, "but those who hope (put waiting trust) in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (Is. 40:31).

Although waiting can be very hard, the consequences of hurrying before the Lord will far outweigh the pain of waiting. Additionally, the benefits are based in the promises of God! It is hard to wait, but, oh to know what it means to soar like an eagle!

White (Lie) Cake

Author unknown - Thanks to Janis Weber Williamson in Tennessee for sending this!

Have you ever told a white lie? You are going to love this, especially all of those who bake for church events. 

Alice Grayson was to bake a cake for the Baptist Church Ladies' Group in Tuscaloosa , but forgot to do it until the last minute.  She remembered the morning of the bake sale; and, after rummaging through cabinets, found an angel food cake mix & quickly made it while drying her hair, dressing, and helping her son pack for Scout camp.

When Alice took the cake from the oven, the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured.  She thought, 'Oh dear, there is not time to bake another cake.'

This cake was important to Alice because she did so want to fit in at her new church and in her new community of friends.  So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake.

Alice found it in the bathroom - a roll of toilet paper. She plunked it in and covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect.

Before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Alice woke her daughter Amanda and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the moment it opened at 9:30 and to buy the cake and bring it home.

When Amanda arrived at the sale, she found the attractive, perfect cake had already been sold.  She grabbed her cell phone and called her mom.

Alice was horrified - she was beside herself. Everyone would know!  What would they think? She would be ostracized, talked about, and ridiculed!  All night, Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing fingers at her and talking about her behind her back.

The next day, Alice promised herself she would try not to think about the cake and would attend the fancy luncheon/bridal shower at the home of a fellow church member and try to have a good time.  Alice did not want to attend because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose at Alice because she was a single parent and not from the founding families of Tuscaloosa, but having already sent her RSVP, she couldn't think of a believable excuse to stay home.

The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old South and to Alice 's horror, the cake in question was presented for dessert!   Alice felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake!

She started out of her chair to tell the hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, 'What a beautiful cake!'

Alice still stunned, sat back in her chair when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say, 'Thank you, I baked it myself.'

Alice smiled and thought to herself, 'God is good.'

The Key to Making Devotions Fun / The Bombardier Beetle

Copyright 2009 Scott Turansky and Joanne Miller - All rights reserved - Used with permission.

http://effectiveparenting.org/ - For free e-mail parenting tips sign up: www.biblicalparenting.org

The language of children is activity. When teaching children spiritual truths it's best to speak in their language.  A family devotion time should be the most fun part of the week. If you use their language they'll not only enjoy family time but they'll be eager for more. 

Here’s one idea: complaining can be a problem in any family, and not just among children. You might start by reading the story in Numbers 14 about the time that the Israelites complained about the food. You’ll learn that God disciplined them by sending a plague. Then get out the cold oatmeal and play the "Cold Oatmeal Plague Game."

Have kids pretend to complain like the Israelites and then you put some cold oatmeal on their bare arms. You can have some "grace wipes" handy to illustrate how God's grace cleans up our lives. Kids will have a lot of fun with this and most importantly, will remember the lesson forever. As you take time to talk about complaining versus gratefulness, you're teaching a practical application of God's Word in family life.

A great resource containing many activities to teach spiritual truths to children is available on our website. We published six Family Time Activities books.  In fact, we're offering you a special on these books to buy one and get the second one at half off. Just use this coupon code FTT07 when you check out.

Learn more at www.biblicalparenting.org/familytime.asp

THE BOMBARDIER BEETLE
Source: KneEmail, www.forthright.net/kneemail/

Though less than an inch in length, the bombardier beetle is noted for its unique defense system. When threatened, the insect sprays boiling, foul-smelling liquid and steam from its posterior, warding off spiders, birds, and even frogs.

Consider: This beetle is equipped with "a pair of glands which open at the tip of [its] abdomen." Each of these has a reservoir that stores an acidic compound and hydrogen peroxide as well as a reaction chamber filled with enzymes dissolved in water. To protect itself, the insect can squeeze the solution from the reservoirs into the reaction chamber to trigger a chemical reaction. The result? Noxious chemicals, water, and steam--at a temperature of about 212 degrees Fahrenheit--are sprayed onto an attacker. The chambers are less than sixteenth of an inch long, yet the beetle can change the speed, direction, and consistency of its toxic spray.

Researchers have studied the bombardier beetle to learn how to develop more effective and ecologically-sound mist systems. They have discovered that the beetle not only used one-way inlet valves to allow chemicals into the reaction chambers but also has a pressure-relief valve to expel them. Engineers hope to use spray technology based on the bombardier beetle in car engines and fire extinguishers, as well as in medial drug-delivery devices, such as inhalers. Professor Andy McIntosh of the University of Leeds, England, says: "Nobody had studied the beetle from a physics and engineering perspective as we did--and we didn't appreciate how much we would learn from it."

What do you think? Did the bombardier beetle's complex system of valves, combustion, and explosion develop by chance? Or was it designed? (Awake)

"Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to its kind: cattle and creeping thing and beast of the earth, each according to its kind;' and it was so. And God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, cattle according to its kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to its kind. And God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:24-25).

New Children's TV Show - Excellent! Don't Miss This!

2009

        Be sure to write a reminder about this fun time on your calendar for every Saturday morning!  I set the VCR ahead of time if I'm away from home, or set a timer each Saturday that I'm here, so I don't miss taping this great show for my grandchildren to see later. 

        Mary Rice Hopkins, one of our very own Heart to Heart friends :-) , has her own new children's TV show!  It's only been on since the 4th of July and it's great!  You'll love Mary's songs, puppets and stories!  I've seen Mary and Darcie, who operates the puppets, in person and they do a fantastic job in teaching children from God's Word!

        Saturdays on the TBN TV Network
        10 AM         Pacific Time        11 AM         Mountain Time
        12 Noon     Central Time
        1 PM           Eastern Time

        Visit www.maryricehopkins.com to learn more about the ministry of Mary Rice Hopkins and find the best in music, curriculum and other great resources for your children's ministry or to use in your home during family devotions. You could use segments of Mary's TV program and her other many resources to teach various biblical lessons during family devotions.  She will keep your kids' attention, and they will learn as they have fun.