Tag: children

What Are You Looking At?

#God, #inspiration, wisdom, prayerThe recreation facility has side-by-side pools. In one was the aquafit class I attend. The other had children’s swimming lessons happening at the same time.

One morning I watched with amusement as a young boy was so interested in our class he couldn’t pay attention to his teacher. With great effort, she managed to get him to look at her. Seconds later he had turned to watch us again. Eventually, she moved him to the far side of the pool to minimize the distraction.

This would have been funny if it hadn’t been a reflection of my life. After all, I seemed to be paying more attention to him than my instructor! This brought to mind the times I’ve been equally distracted.

Just as the child was receiving lessons when his attention wandered, I have prayed for guidance and not held still long enough to receive it.

I want God’s direction in my life. He is more than willing to give it. When I ask and then get distracted and let my mind wander, it’s unlikely I will receive the wisdom God wants to impart. There may be snippets that register but much is lost due to my inattention.

The Lord has promised to instruct and teach me. His loving eyes see when I’m not paying attention. The Bible also says, “Come close to God, and he will come close to you.” In order to live the full life he has in store for me, I need to be looking at him.

Come close to God, and he will come close to you. (James 4:8 GWT)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. (Psalm 32:8 NIV)

Standing on the Rock

#Jesus, #inspiration, #faithMy sixteen year old granddaughter jumped up on a large rock in our front yard. “I haven’t been on this for years,” she said. “It seemed a lot bigger when I used to climb up on it.”

The rock has not changed. She however, has grown considerably in the ensuing years.

Her comments caused me to think of how my perspective has changed over the years. Obstacles that once seemed insurmountable can now be conquered.

The reason for this is my reliance on Jesus. He is the rock on which I stand.

As I grow in my relationship with him, the problems of life become easier to deal with. They have not necessarily changed, but I have. When my faith in him grows, difficulties seem to shrink.

I know Jesus will lift me from the slimy pit and set my feet on a rock, the firm foundation he provides.

Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal. (Isaiah 26:4 NIV)

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2 NIV)

I Can Do It Myself

God, inspiration, unique gifts, working togetherWhile chatting with the mother of a toddler I mentioned what a good helper her little one was. She smiled as she agreed and then added that her daughter was becoming very independent. It seemed her favourite phrase was, “I do it myself.”

I said, “I still sometimes want to do things on my own when I should be asking for help.”

This isn’t something I readily admit, even to myself. When I compare my stubborn streak to that of a small child it’s time to take a closer look at my motives.

Children are seeking independence and a sense of accomplishment when they insist on doing something on their own. They also give in and accept help when they need it.

I can’t speak for others, but for me I know that pride gets in the way. If I admit to needing help does that mean I’m not smart enough or strong enough to handle this on my own? Will others judge me and see me as weak or incompetent?

In reality, I am the one judging myself. I need to stop and realize that I’m not meant to be a one woman show. God created each one of us with unique gifts. I may be good at one thing, while you excel at another. Together we are much stronger.

For this reason, I’m setting myself up for defeat and disappointment when I think I can do everything on my own. Instead I need to combine my strengths and abilities with those of others. When I pray for wisdom, God will lead me to those he wants me to partner with. The real strength comes from following his guidance and not thinking I need to do everything by myself.

Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. (1 Corinthians 12:14,15 NIV)

Whispers in the Dark

#God, #inspiration, prayerWe woke to the whispered voices of our granddaughters in the next room. It was a dark winter’s morning and they weren’t confident enough of the time to come into our room.

The words were hushed so we couldn’t quite hear the conversation. Occasionally there would be laughter, followed quickly by, “shhh!” They were doing their best not to disturb us.

After a little while, one word kept getting louder. It was, “Hungry.” Soon one of the girls tiptoed into our bedroom, repeating this word as she neared our bed. When we responded, the others joined in asking us for breakfast.

This scenario reminded me of the way I sometimes approach God. I whisper my anxious thoughts, hoping he’ll take notice. Although God hears each word and knows my every thought, he wants me to communicate directly with him.

I need to have the confidence to express whatever is on my mind. Often I feel like what concerns me isn’t important enough to take to God. Maybe I’m taking him away from more important things. The truth is that God is ready and willing to hear from me at any time. These conversations through prayer form the foundation of my relationship with him.

Just because I come to God in prayer doesn’t mean he gives me what I want. Sometimes he tells me to wait and other times he leads me in a different direction. What is most important is the comfort I have in knowing that when I call out to him he will be there for me.

Call to me, and I will answer you. I will tell you great and mysterious things that you do not know. (Jeremiah 33:3 GWT)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6 NIV)

The Holiday Train

God, Jesus, distractions, gifts, inspirationThe CP Holiday Train was scheduled to make a stop in our area and my husband and I made plans to meet family there. Our granddaughters ran to greet us and then returned to playing in the snow.

The park soon filled up with families excited for the arrival of the train. The engine and boxcars were adorned with coloured lights. After the train came to a stop, the side of one of the boxcars was lowered to become a stage. Singers and musicians appeared on the boxcars, decorations, lightsstage to entertain the crowd.

The children, however, didn’t seem to care about the train or the performance. They were happy to be playing in the snow that had fallen that afternoon. Truthfully, the performance wasn’t the highlight for me, either.

As I looked at the boxcars festooned with Christmas lights I was reminded of the brightly decorated boxes under the Christmas tree. Like the stage on the train, we may have expectations of what is inside but there is no way to know until the box or gift is opened.

None of these gifts is as meaningful as the one that God gave us when he sent his son. Jesus didn’t arrive on a brightly lit train or with fanfare. He came to us humbly, being born in a stable. His life was not one of performance, but of service to mankind.

I think that the children had it right. The bright lights and performance could not distract them from the wonder and enjoyment of God’s creation. This year I want to be more like a child as I enjoy of the gifts God has given instead of focusing on the distractions of the world.

He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity. (John 1:4 GWT)

God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but to save the world. (John 3:16 -17 GWT)

How Do We Teach Compassion?

inspiration, Operation Christmas ChildMy husband and I took three of our grandchildren on a special shopping trip. It was explained to them that we would be picking out items to put in shoe-boxes for Operation Christmas Child. After dinner we would go to our church and join with others to pack the boxes.

The question of, “Do we get one too?” was something we expected to hear from six-year-olds. This is where the teaching began. My husband sat patiently and explained that these packages would be going to children in who lived in poverty and didn’t have all of the things we had.

Later we arrived at the church and placed our items in the assigned places. There were spots for school supplies, toys, clothing, personal hygiene items and more.

At the starting time each of the girls took a box and we guided them through the lines to choose what to add to theirs. Then we went to a finishing table where the boxes were labeled for boy or girl and the appropriate age group. As we waited in line for the label I bent down and told my granddaughter that this box would be the only gift a little girl received and she had been the one to fill it. She beamed and couldn’t wait to pick up another empty box to fill.

We had only expected them to fill one box each. Instead they continued putting together gifts for children who needed them. The seeds of compassion had been sown.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

Quotes and Misquotes

when was the last timeMy six-year-old granddaughter was singing a popular nursery rhyme when my daughter heard her belting out the words, “Little Miss Muffet sat on a tuffet, eating her courage away.”

We had a good laugh over her misunderstanding of the words.

I wondered how someone could eat their courage away. I pictured a big bowl of alphabet pasta and the words courage and brave being scooped up on the spoon ready to be consumed.

The more I think about it, the more I realize that I have probably eaten my courage away. Every time I have the opportunity to be brave and don’t take it, I eat away at my courage. Small bites over time can leave me with very little remaining.

Being brave doesn’t have to involve big actions. It just requires a simple step in faith and trust. The willingness to take chances is courageous. Even what I perceive as failures can be stepping stones to future success.

I read some quotes that illustrate this for me. The first one is from Julia Soul . “If you are never scared, embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take chances.” Bob Perks said, “Expect that if you want to accomplish big things you’ll experience big failures along the way. You’ll know then that you’re on the right path.” These quotes remind me that I can be brave even when fearful.

From an unknown author came, “Your current safe boundaries were once unknown frontiers.” This rings true for me. I am comfortable doing things today that I never would have imagined I could do.

There are many times in the Bible where God has done great things through those that relied on the assurance that he would see them through. When I trust him to work all things for good, my courage will once again grow. If I have any doubts I need only look at his quotes from the Bible.

Be strong, all who wait with hope for the Lord, and let your heart be courageous. (Psalm 31:24 GWT)

Don’t be afraid, because I am with you. Don’t be intimidated; I am your God. I will strengthen you. I will help you. I will support you with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 GWT)

But Christ is a faithful son in charge of God’s household. We are his household if we continue to have courage and be proud of the confidence we have. (Hebrews 3:6 GWT)

Campground Celebrations

celebration, Jesus, inspiration, joySome campgrounds have interesting traditions. The one we stay in holds a Canada Day parade the Saturday before July 1st.

Family friendly is a good description of this event. Everyone was encouraged to decorate their sites. Canadian flags and banners were hung. Red and white in the form of streamers and balloons were seen in abundance. We even hung a Canadian flag Frisbee in our tree!

A big red fire truck decorated with Canadian flags led the parade. Behind the truck was campground paradewhere the real fun started. Children rode decorated bicycles; drove battery operated cars and waved flags as they walked the parade route through the campground. Parents walked along with them.

Those deciding not to enter the parade sat in lawn chairs to watch the procession. The lucky ones were able to gather some of the candy that was tossed out to the spectators.

In a matter of minutes the parade had passed. What lingered was the joy of seeing families participating together in this event.

If this simple celebration could foster such a spirit of co-operation and joy, imagine a world where families, friends and neighbours joined together to celebrate and share the love of Jesus. That kind of contagious joy could change the world!

Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; celebrate his lovely name with music. (Psalm 135:3 NLT)

And all the people followed Solomon into Jerusalem, playing flutes and shouting for joy. The celebration was so joyous and noisy that the earth shook with the sound. (1 Kings 1:40 NLT)

Lessons From an Easter Egg Hunt

easter-egg-huntWe were holding our annual Easter egg hunt for the family. The grandkids were excited and couldn’t wait to get started. Once everyone had arrived, they were given some instructions and then we counted to three so all could head off at the same time.

We heard many squeals of delight as they discovered the hidden treats. There were always adults nearby to give assistance to whichever child needed it. Everyone had a good time and memories were made.

Our grandchildren know that we always have treats for them in our pantry. It would have been so much easier to gather goodies from there than search through the house for the unknown. There’s something exciting about the hunt
though.

This reminded me of my life. Many times I’ve set out searching for something even though I didn’t know what it was I was searching for. When I saw others finding what they wanted, I grew frustrated. Where was the treasure I needed to be fulfilled? If I couldn’t find it on my own, was there someone nearby to point me in the right direction?

What I discovered was that it was within my reach all along. I had been so focused on my search that I’d missed the treasure right before me. Jesus provided the answer to all of my needs. All I had to do was to put my life in His hands and trust Him for the outcome. He has led me on bigger adventures than I could have planned for myself. His faithfulness is so great that I am excited to see what treasures are in store for me as each day unfolds.

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”  (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV)

What Language Do You Play In?

common goal, God, life, inspirationI watched some children playing in the sand. Three were siblings and the other someone they had just met. An elaborate sand castle was being built.

What made this scene special was that three of the children spoke only English while the fourth spoke only French. The fact that they could not communicate with words made little difference to them.

The language they shared was that of working together towards a common goal and having fun. That was all that mattered.

These children reinforced an important lesson for me. When we focus on a common goal, the differences we have are not a concern. It is when we allow ourselves to become distracted by things that aren’t important that we run into problems.

We don’t need to speak the same language as others in order to work, play or get along together. All we need is respect and cooperation. In other words, we need to play nicely with others even though we may not fully understand them.

God has gifted each of us with different talents and abilities. I need to not only share my strengths but also to embrace those of others. In that way everyone will be a winner in the game of life.

To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. (Matthew 25:29 NLT)

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