The Three Needs with Which Every Child is Born

This quote from Tim Kimmel caused me to stop and think. Of course it is true - I saw how my own children needed these things and see this is true for my grandsons as well. Certainly it is true at all times, but even more so now with the ways our everyday lives have changed due to COVID-19. Children may not feel secure, as they are home they may feel they lack a significant purpose and when they learn of people they know who get COVID-19 (and who may die), they may feel like they lack hope.

My brother-in-law shared an interesting post on facebook last night, which I want to share with you today. Consider the following . . .

No One is Like God - He Gives Us Power & Strength

When I read a verse in the Bible about a mountain, I picture Mt. Lassen in Northern California. It is where I met my husband and is one of the most beautiful places on the face of the earth (the mountain in this photo). I love these verses from 1 Samuel 2 and how they encourage me to remember God is amazing, I am safe with Him, He sees everything and gives me the power and strength I need to do whatever it is I need to do.

Use Our Time for What Matters

I have noticed a number of posts on facebook over the past few days where people are saying when COVID-19 is over, we will have learned we actually have what we need and will have learned time with the people we love is more important than we may have realized. This is true.

Encourage them to Dream Big & Celebrate Big - from a Distance

Graduation is typically a big part of a Senior Year of school/  college. It marks an important accomplishment and milestone in the lives of each person who graduates. But, this year with COVID-19 many graduates will not be able to enjoy their graduation ceremony or have a graduation open house/celebration. If you have a grandchild/ child who is missing out on their graduation this year, consider some of the following ideas for ways you are able to encourage them to continue to dream big, stay strong, courageous, keep their faith and sense of humor, and celebrate big . . . even if you have to do these things at a distance.

Hand Down the Faith with a Mystery Bag

God is very clear when it comes to how He wants us as grandmas (and grandpas/parents, too) to hand down the faith - to remember and think about His Word, then teach them to the children He gives to us in the every-day living of our lives. We do this by putting His word around us, connecting them to our day-in-day-out lives and by living them. 

One simple and fun way for us to teach God's Word is by using our Mystery Bag lessons/activities. These will engage the children you love in learning about God and His Word and are ideal for using during this time when we are not actually spending time together with our grandchildren. Just order the supplies and send them to your grandchildren (unless they already have the supplies you need - and with this one, they likely do). Talk with their parents to arrange for a time to connect with your grandchildren over the phone or with facetime /hangouts when you will be able to lead them through the activity.

I love to use science projects, origami projects and activities which are likely to capture the attention of my grandchildren; especially when I want to talk with them about something specific from the Bible or about walking with God, and this one "amazed" them!

You will need . . .

Shape, Guide & Direct the Children God has Given to You

I love this quote from Tony Evans - "It is easier to shape a child than to repair an adult." At all times, but especially now with children home for school, their parents possibly home from work, frightening news, people wearing masks, and so much uncertainty related to COVID-19 it is essential for us to be intentional about sharing the truth of how we are able to trust God. We are able to help shape the children we love by . . .  

The Best Place for Our Name

I love what Isaiah 49:16 tells us about God and His amazing love for us . . . 

A picture of you is drawn on my hand. You are always in my thoughts!

Just imagine - God keeps us always in His thoughts and near as His hand. In this time of uncertainty, it is an incredible blessing for us to be able to picture God's great love for us in this way.