Summer Activities to Promote Spiritual Growth

Summer is here, and that means your young ones have plenty of free time on their hands! Most parents desire their children participate in meaningful activities that are safe, fun, and won't break the bank. So, we sign them up for the summer reading programs, swimming lessons, and sports or music camps. But how can parents help their children grow spiritually over the summer months?

Here's a short list of activities that promote spiritual growth in which your child can participate:

1. Serve others. Organize a food drive, and give donations to a church pantry or food bank.

2. Read a biography about a Christian leader or missionary. Write an encouraging letter to a missionary, and commit to pray for that person throughout the summer.

3. Attend Vacation Bible School at a local church. It's a great way to make new friends, and grow in God's Word.

4. Attend a church youth camp.

5. Dive in to Bible study. I like the "Discover 4 Yourself" series by Precept Ministries. These books help kids learn God's truths in a fun way! A variety of topics are available, and you can order from Amazon. The series is suitable for 8 - 12 year-olds. 

 

May the Lord bless you with wisdom and creative ideas as you plan summer activities for your children! 

 

Loving Father God, thank you for the bounty and blessings of summer. As we begin this summer season, bless parents with wisdom to choose safe, healthy, and godly activities for their children. Protect our children from disease, injury, and harm. Give teen drivers wisdom and good judgment, and protect them from distractions. Bless our children with rest and renewed spirits. May your word be a lamp to their feet and a light for their path. Help them to grow in grace and in a deeper knowledge of your son, Jesus. May Bible reading, study, and memorization be given high priority. Help them to retain important and true concepts. Bring our families closer to you and to one another. In the precious name of Jesus, our Savior...amen.

 

 

 

In what summer activities do your children participate?



Mother's Day Prayers





Lord God, thank you for the gift of mothers. I pray for new moms as they celebrate their first Mother's Day. Bless them with wisdom and patience. Empower and enable them to raise their children to honor and obey You.

For those who grieve the loss of their mother or never knew her, fill the void with Your love, and comfort them with Your peace. Preserve their cherished memories. Remind them You are always with them.

And for those who long to be mothers, bless each woman with her heart's desire, and provide the resources necessary to become a mother. May they trust in You. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

A Prayer of Dedication

"I prayed for this child, and the LORD granted my request. In return, I am giving him to the LORD. He will be dedicated to the LORD for his whole life." And they worshiped the LORD there.

1 Samuel 1: 27-28 (God's Word Translation)

 

I love the Biblical story of Hannah, a childless woman, who prayed, wept, and asked the LORD for a son. Hannah promised to give her child to God for his entire life. The LORD answered. Hannah conceived, and gave birth to a boy. She named him Samuel. Hannah kept her vow, and her son served God.

 

I, like Hannah, prayed for a son. And I, like Hannah, promised him to the Lord.

 

But unlike Hannah, I failed. Forgive me, LORD, for holding on to him, and not remembering my promise to you. My son is yours!

 

My prayer is for children, and  their parents who dedicate them to God, their Creator.

 

Father God, you have a good plan for every individual. Thank you for our children...each one a gift from you. May each of our descendants love you with all their heart, mind, and strength. I pray they worship you only! For you are the one, true, living God!. You are holy, faithful, and loving. You are our Salvation! I pray they will follow and obey Jesus all their lives. Bless parents with wisdom, courage, and strength to teach your commands to these precious children. Protect them from evil. Amen.

Before I Meet My New Grandbaby

Prayers for my grandchildren begin long before the day of their birth. As we waited for the arrival of this new grandchild, I wrote this prayer. It will be the first in the baby's prayer journal.

Lord God, thank you for this child, still in the womb. You know this babe. You know the gender, the gifts, talents, and personality of this little one. Baby Cole, my fifth grandchild, is awesomely, wonderfully made! Give this child a heart to love and know you. Direct the steps of this baby all of his or her days. May the joy of the Lord be the strength of this precious one. I pray Baby Cole will grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus. Amen. (written January 9, 2016).

The news came..."It's a girl!" And she's "practically perfect in every way" (as Mary Poppins would say). Her name is Mena. She's a big girl...weighing over 8 pounds and 22 inches long. Momma and baby are doing well. Daddy's proud. Her four older siblings are thrilled, and love to hold her.



The Bible tells us children are a gift from the Lord. I look forward to discovering her unique personality, interests, strengths, and talents. I commit to pray for her and point her to our Awesome Creator along the way.





Sacrificial Love

As we remember our loved ones this Valentine's Day, let's also remember the One who gave His life for all!



Gracious Heavenly Father,

Great are you LORD! We give you thanks for your unfailing love. Your love is amazing! Thank you for loving us so much you sent your son, Jesus the Messiah, as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Give us, our families, friends, and neighbors a deeper understanding that nothing can separate us from your love. May we grow to believe in your son, Jesus Christ; and may each of us love you with all our heart, soul, and mind. Help us love others as you have taught us. Fill hearts with love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. In the Name of Jesus, we offer this prayer...amen.

May the Lord bless you and yours this Valentine's Day!

The Cycle of Life

There is a time to be born, and a time to die.

Glenn Frey, a founding member of the Eagles, died this week. Hearing the news, fans called radio stations to share memories. I could not contain my tears.

Frey was the lead vocalist of the Eagles' hit song "Peaceful Easy Feeling." I have special memories attached to this rock classic. On our first date, my first husband, Michael,  played it on his guitar. It was the song I chose for our Mother-Son dance when my son married.

The day following Glenn Frey's passing,  my friend, Beth, became a first-time grandmother. There's a "New Kid in Town," and her name is Joey.

The cycle of life continues.



David wrote in Psalm 139, "...You created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of he earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

God already knows the plan, the purpose, the personality, the thoughts, the gifts of this little one. God has already "wired" this child. Little by little, we'll watch the unfolding of this baby girl's life as a new flower opens its petals, and we will discover what her Creator already knows.

Legacy of Prayer- A Spiritual Trust Fund for the Generations by Jennifer Kennedy Den is about praying for your descendants, even those yet unborn. I pray for our grandchildren to know the Lord, His Word, His Ways, and His Will. I have learned this: God intends for us to impact future generations. Long after passing from this life, our influence still remains. May our influence honor our Creator.

There is a time to be born, and a time to die...it's the Cycle of Life.

My "Meditation" Journey- The First Steps

My 2016 ONE WORD is "Meditate." After reading Psalm 4, the latter part of verse 4 resonated with me:

"...Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still."

 

I prayed the Holy Spirit would remind me to meditate in the night. During the night, when I awoke, I thought of the baby raccoon that took shelter on our front porch earlier that morning. Separated from its mother, the young raccoon appeared healthy, uninjured, and unafraid of people. It also seemed the little creature was lost and unsure how to care for itself. Animal control picked it up, and it would either be turned out in a field, or cared for by a wildlife rehabilitator until it was older.



As I remembered the raccoon cub, I considered these truths about creation:

 

God feeds the sparrows.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6: 26.

 

All creatures belong to the Lord. 

"For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." Psalm 50: 10.

 

Man has God-given dominion over animals.

"Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1: 28b.

 

All creation groans as it waits for Christ's return.

"The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Romans 8: 22.

 

All creatures will praise God.

"Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!' " Revelation 5: 13.

 

The baby raccoon was alone and out-of-place. It took refuge from the cold, and huddled on the door mat. However, our Creator cares for this little cub.

 

God' people have a shelter when we're alone, distressed, confused, or wounded. The Lord God is our refuge and strength. Our Creator loves and cares for us.

 

As I meditated in  my bed, I considered my Awesome God. I felt peace and reassurance. It is good to remember the Lord in the night.

 

 

 



Meditate - My ONE WORD New Year's Prayer

 



I read on social media the word that kills relationships is BUSY. I'm good at BUSY. My calendar is full of BUSY-ness. Often, I BUSY my mind with grievances, fear, and anxious thoughts about circumstances I cannot control. I need improvement on MEDITATING on God's Word. MEDITATE is my ONE WORD for the New Year.

 

The Bible says, "Do not let this Book of Law depart from your mouth, meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1: 8 (NIV). "Hagah" is the Hebrew word for "meditate." It means "to groan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak." Biblical meditation involves speaking God's Word, as well as contemplation, hearing from the Holy Spirit, and applying truth to our lives. Biblical meditation fills our minds with God's truth. Benefits include fruitfulness (Psalm 1: 1-3), understanding (2 Timothy 2: 7), wisdom (Psalm 119: 97- 99), and peace (Isaiah 26: 3).

 

Each New Year is filled with challenges and blessings. As I focus my thinking on God's truth, I can face these challenges with confident expectation in God's promises and blessings. My prayer is that God's people will keep their focus on the LORD of their salvation.

 

Father God, you are our loving Creator, and we are awesomely, wonderfully made in your image. Your works are wonderful! Great is your faithfulness!

Forgive us for making BUSY-NESS our idol. Forgive us for concentrating on our hurts, fears, anxieties, and troubles. Forgive us for complaining and ingratitude. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. We rejoice in your salvation!

In this New Year,  motivate your people to meditate on your commands and promises. Help us to focus our thoughts on things that are true, honorable, and right. May we consider things that are pure, lovely, and admirable. Help us to think about things that are excellent, and worthy of praise.

Thank you for the peace we experience when we keep our minds on you. Thank you for blessing our obedience.

We thank you for your protection, provision, and presence! Guide us in the New Year. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior...amen!

 

 

Happy New Year! May 2016 be filled with God's blessings for you and your family!

 

What is your 2016 ONE WORD?

Words for Me

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up..."

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 (NIV)

 

 

"Are you a praying grandmother?" asked the young woman. Her name was Alicia.

 

"Yes," I replied.

 

"I just wanted to encourage you." She explained that after God heard her grandmother's prayers, God answered, rescuing the girl from danger and destruction.

 

I thanked and hugged her. Her sweet words brought tears to my eyes.

 

She said it again... "I just wanted to encourage you."

 

As I considered our encounter, the impact of Alicia's words hit me.

 

"I just wanted to encourage...you."

 

Alicia's words were for me. Not a generality. Not for the masses. They were personal. Specific words spoken at a specific time to a specific person. Me.

 

"Encourage" means to help, comfort, strengthen by consolation, to call someone for aid, to exhort, to admonish.

 

Allow these words to comfort and strengthen you today...God hears your voice (Psalm 6: 9; 18: 6; 34: 6; 116: 1). And not only does God hear, God turns (bends down) His ear to us, and saves (Psalm 116). The psalmist responded with praise, thanksgiving, and commitment (Psalm 116: 17- 19).

 

May we rejoice in the LORD, draw strength from His Word, and encourage one another.

 

And to Alicia's grandmother, wherever you are, because of your prayers...I was touched. For that, I thank you.

 

LORD God, our Creator and Father, thank You for Your Word that teaches us Your Will. Forgive us for speaking thoughtless and hurtful words. Help us to control our tongues and to be careful about what we say. Help us to speak encouraging words that build up and help others. May our words be life-giving and bring healing to those who hear. Remind us to speak words of praise and thanksgiving to You. During this Christmas season, may our kind, loving, gentle words be gifts to others. In the Name of Jesus, our Prince of Peace...amen.

 





Give Thanks!

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name;

make known among the nations what he has done,

and proclaim that his name is exalted." Isaiah 12: 4 (NIV)

God's people are instructed to pray with thanksgiving. As we pray, we remember and affirm God's character, and thank Him for the things He has done. Make Him part of your daily conversation with those you encounter.

The LORD is:

Great, Gracious, & Good (Psalm 147: 5; 25: 8; Exodus 34: 6)
Immutable, & Infinite (Mal. 3: 6; Matt. 19: 26; Psalm 139: 7-12)
Victorious (Col. 2: 15)
Eternal, & Excellent is His Name (1 Tim. 1:17; Psalm 8: 1)


Truth (John 14: 6)
Holy, Holy, Holy (Rev. 4: 8)
Almighty (Rev. 1: 8)
Name above all others (Philippians 2: 9)
King, & Kind (Psalm 47: 7; Titus 3: 4- 6)
Supreme, Sovereign, & Salvation (Psalm 99: 2; 27: 1; Job 42: 2)



Eternal LORD, you are our maker. You love us with an unfailing love. You are gracious and good. Great is your faithfulness!

Forgive us for ingratitude, complaining, and treating you with dishonor. Have mercy, and cleanse us from sin.

Thank you for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Thank you for your Presence. You are near!

Remind us to tell others of your love and kindness. Help us turn to you for help and trust you.

In the almighty name of Jesus, amen!


What about God will you declare today?

A Pumpkin Carving Prayer

Our grandkids stayed with us during their fall break. We visited a pumpkin patch, and each child chose a small pumpkin to decorate with stickers and markers.

We also carved a bigger pumpkin using a "Pumpkin Prayer" to remind us of God's love and ask Him for help.

 

 

 

I found the prayer on DLTK.   It's a great website for children's crafts and activities.

 

As the pumpkin is carved, children ask God's help to learn about Him, see His love, hear His word, and tell others about Him. They are reminded Jesus removes their sin and forgives them. Placing the candle inside reinforces Jesus' light shining in them.

The "Pumpkin Prayer" is a simple and fun way to nurture a child's spiritual development. Blessings to you and yours this autumn season!

What "pumpkin" traditions does you or your family have?

 

First Friday: Praying for our Spiritual Leaders

 

"I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you

with knowledge and understanding."

Jeremiah 3: 15 (NIV)

 

 

Our spiritual leaders are gifts from God. These men and women prepare us "for works of service, so that the body of Christ my be built up" (Ephesians 4: 11-12). How often do we express our gratitude to those God has given us? 

 

October is "Pastor Appreciation Month." We can show our support and thanks to our pastors and ministry leaders by giving them a gift, performing a service, and  encouraging and praying for them.

 

This month's "First Friday" prayer is for our spiritual leaders.

 

 

Our loving heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of pastors. Thank you for their calling and their hearts to serve.

 

May our shepherds demonstrate holiness, meekness, patience, and gentleness. May the fruit of your Spirit be evident in their lives. Fill them with your wisdom. Increase their love and compassion for your people.

 

I pray your servants will devote themselves to prayer and to preaching your word. Give them courage to speak your sound doctrine and to correct those who contradict your truth. May they hold firm to your word.

 

Provide resources, strength, good health, healing, rest, and refreshment. Bless their families and protect them from evil. Keep them safe, and may they always find refuge in you.

 

Help us to remember that our spiritual leaders are human.  Help us to extend grace and forgiveness when we are offended. Forgive us for neglecting to appreciate and pray for our pastors. May we submit to those in authority, so that their service may be a joy. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior...amen.

 

 

What do you appreciate most about your pastor?

 





Togo- September Book of the Month

Togo, by Robert J. Blake, tells the account of the 1925 Serum Run from Anchorage to Nome.

A young boy contracts diphtheria putting the entire village of Nome, Alaska at risk of annihilation. Leonhard Seppala, a dog sled musher, is recruited to help transport beneficial serum that will stop the spread of the infectious disease. Seppala chooses Togo to lead his dog sled team. Seppala, Togo and the team contend with harsh blizzard conditions to receive the serum. But will they deliver the serum in time?

The book includes a map of the Serum Run route and epilogue. Togo is considered a hero, and his team was a vital part of the relay.

Togo was published in 2002 by Philomel Books. Togo received the 2005 Texas Bluebonnet Award. 

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo! - August Book of the Month

Cook-A-Doodle-Doo!

Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

Harcourt Brace & Co.

1999

Big Brown Rooster, the great-grandson of Little Red Hen, is sick and tired of eating chicken feed. After finding his great-grandmother's cookbook, he decides to make strawberry shortcake. Although some friends are unwilling to assist, Turtle, Iguana, and Potbellied Pig are eager to help. Turtle reads the directions, Iguana helps, but gets mixed up. Iguana picks a flower instead of getting flour, and tries to beat an egg with a baseball bat. After Rooster completes each step, Pig is anxious to jump in and taste the cake mixture.  Will Rooster and his friends successfully complete the strawberry shortcake?

The page margins contain definitions of cooking terms and helpful hints. The strawberry shortcake recipe is included at the end of the story. My granddaughter baked the cake and sent me this photo. It looks delicious! 

Cood-A-Doodle-Doo! won the 2001 Texas Bluebonnet Award. It was one of my favorite books to read to my library students. I highly recommend sharing this book with a special young one in your life. Happy Reading!

Big Brown Rooster discovered his great-grandmother's cookbook. What's your favorite family recipe passed down to you? Mine is "Vanilla Wafer Cake" give to me by my first mother-in-law, Martha.

Remembering September 11, 2001

As I turned into the school parking lot, KSBJ's Susan O'Donnell reported a plane had crashed into New York City skyscraper. 

"That's weird," I thought, "How can a pilot not see a tall building?"

After dropping off my son, I pulled into a parking spot to review my lesson before heading over to Evelyn's to lead Bible study. My cell phone rang. It was Raeann, and she was screaming. Another plane had hit a NYC building.

What is going on?

America was under attack. 

When I arrived at Evelyn's, she said there's nothing she'd rather do that morning than study the Bible. We read the account of Noah from Genesis.  God made a covenant with Noah never to destroy every living thing as He had done.  The rainbow is a sign of His covenant promise. After Bible study, I returned to the Christian school where I worked as the yearbook adviser and librarian.

Terrorists had crashed passenger planes into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. A third hijacked plane crashed into the Pentagon. The fourth hijacked plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field. The Twin Towers collapsed as many Americans watched on television. People hurried to churches to pray. Prayer meetings were held all over Houston and across the nation. At our home church, we watched President George W. Bush address the nation. We prayed for the victims, the church in New York City, repentance, and peace. President Bush proclaimed Friday, September 14, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. Our Christian school secondary students met to pray in the sanctuary, while the elementary children prayed in their classrooms.  In President Bush's address to Congress, he said, "Whether we bring our enemies to justice or bring justice to our enemies, justice will be done."

*****

 

Surrounded by stained glass and maternal family members, I sat in the sanctuary of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the church of my grandparents, Anna and Louis. It was the place where they dedicated their babies to the Lord, and later, were confirmed. That particular morning was the tenth anniversary of the 9-11 attacks. Being in a house of worship brought me comfort. 

Over and over, I reflected that this was my grandmother's church. This is my mother's home church. And then, the Holy Spirit's reminder..."This is where your spiritual walk began." With that realization, and the horrific memories of September 11, 2001, the choir began to sing "Jesus Loves Me", a familiar childhood Sunday school song. I was undone with emotion.

How sweet the Lord to orchestrate my days and take me back to my spiritual roots on that day of remembrance. I quickly jotted down my memories of this spiritually significant morning. I did not want to forget. 

I never want to forget. 

 

I never want to forget what happened to our nation that tragic September morning. I never want to forget the images and the stories that emerged from the rubble. I never want to forget that our first responders run into the danger when everyone else flees. I never want to forget the sacrifice of our military men and women and their families.  I never want to forget the company of godly women who met that morning to study God's Word and pray. And I never want to forget that God is good. He is faithful to His promises and loving to all He has made. 

 

God bless you and yours, and God bless America. 

What are your memories of 9-11?

Hope for Blue Houston

 

 I joined thousands to remember and celebrate the life of Harris County Deputy Darren Goforth who was murdered at a gas station. I didn't know Deputy Goforth or his family, but I wanted to show my support for them and the law enforcement community. I went to pray, and to stand against evil. My friend, Beth, and I sat in the midst of blue...law enforcement officers in front of us, behind us, beside us. It was a solemn, sacred, holy experience. We were reminded evil will not win. It was a message of hope and healing. Please remember our law enforcement officers in your prayers.

Father God, thank you for our law enforcement officers who risk their lives to protect and serve our communities. Bless them with wisdom, discernment, favor, and good judgment. Keep them under your shelter of protection. Give these men and women strength and courage as they face danger. Protect them from harm. At the end of their shifts, may each officer return home safely. Protect and provide for the needs of their families. Bless them with good health and prosperity. 

Loving and gracious God, you are near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. As Houston mourns the loss of Deputy Darren Goforth, comfort his grieving family and the law enforcement community. Surround them with your love and peace. 

Lord God, heal our nation. Restore civility and respect for authority. Help us, Lord, to live in peace and unity. Remind us to support and encourage those who wear the badge.  Deliver us from evil. I offer this prayer in the name of your Son, Jesus, the Light of the world, and the Prince of Peace. Amen.

Make a Change

I was like a plant lacking deep roots and fertile soil. My relationship with the Lord was shallow and dry. I attended church, but failed to include God's Word in my daily life. At thirty-three, I needed to make some life changes. 


My friend, Carole, told me about Bible Study Fellowship.  Trusting her advice, I visited a local class. BSF uses a four-step approach: daily questions for the week's lesson, discussion groups, teaching lectures, and lecture notes.  I committed to study God's Word, and completed "Life & Letters of Paul," "Life of Moses," "Genesis," "John," "Israel & the Minor Prophets," "Romans," and "Matthew." 


Bible study changed my life. I began using discretion about what I watched on television and listened to on the radio. I read more books by Christian authors. Watered by His Word, my relationship with the Lord grew deeper. My love for God and His word increased. I prayed more effectively.  My faith grew stronger.


Our teaching leader, Sandy, taught us BSF was our training ground. We were there to study, learn,  and teach others.  After BSF, I led Precept Ministries' Inductive Bible Studies using the steps of observation, interpretation, and application with the Bible as the main resource. Later, I participated in studies written by Beth Moore.


Second Timothy 3: 16 tells us "All Scripture is God- breathed and is useful for teaching, convicting, correcting, and instructing  how to live right."  God desires that  His People are equipped for good work (2 Tim. 3: 17).


Commit to study God's Word in your church or community. Invite a friend to join you. Set aside time every day to examine Scripture. Begin each session with prayer asking the Lord for direction and understanding. Put God's principles into practices. It will change your life.


I'm returning to BSF to study Revelation. What will you commit to study?

"Back to School" Prayers

As their new school year approached, I decided to send my grandchildren greeting cards. As I shopped, I met a woman on the same mission. 

"We really need to pray," she said.

I agree.

God desires we pray for others. We pray to God the Father, in the name of his Son Jesus, and we can communicate those prayers for others in a variety of ways.

As parents post their student's "First Day of School" photos on Facebook, take a few moments to pray for each young person. "Like" the photo, and include a simple one-sentence prayer in "Comments."

Pack a personal note in your child's lunch box. Include a Bible verse and a short prayer.

Send a greeting card to a school-age grandchild, niece, or nephew. Add a note of encouragement, a prayer, and a Scripture.

Here are 5 prayer points with Scriptures to pray for young people as they head back to school:

• Acquire wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. 

"God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom..."  Daniel 1: 17. 

• Respect authority. 

 "Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men..."  1 Peter 2: 13  

•  Know truth. 

"Teach me your way, O LORD, and I will walk in your truth..."  Psalm 86: 11

• Develop godly character. 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law"  Galatians 5: 22-23

• Protection 

"The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life"  Psalm 121: 7


Diligently pray for our next generation! God bless you and your students as they begin the next phase of their educational journey. 

Get Wisdom!

A new school year is around the corner. After purchasing new clothes, school supplies, and textbooks, students are ready for school. But in our culture, wisdom is lacking. "Wisdom" is NEVER on the school supply list! God's Word tells us to get wisdom (Proverbs 4: 5-7). The LORD promises to generously give wisdom to those who ask (James 1: 5) In addition to gaining wisdom, we can pray for our young people to develop godly attitudes, place their confidence in the LORD, set right priorities, treat others with love and respect, obey those in authority, and resist temptation. 

Father God in heaven, thank you for loving us!  Thank you for your precepts that teach us how to live.  Bless our young people with your wisdom. Give them a desire to gain wisdom and to associate with wise people. Help our students to develop godly character and a good work ethic. When they face challenges, remind them to look to you as their help and strength. Help them to be kind, honest, and respectful. Give them strength and courage to stand for what is right. Teach them your ways. Protect our teachers, administrators and students. Fill our schools with your peace. In the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior, amen.

Pirates Don't Change Diapers

I visited the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature located at 102 Cedar in downtown Abilene (aka "The Storybook Capital of Texas"). This summer, the museum featured original artwork by illustrator, David Shannon. He wrote and illustrated A Bad Case of the Stripes, Duck on a Bike, and No David!, a 1999 Caldecott Honor Book, and several more. Shannon uses acrylics, and his illustrations are colorful, bold, and entertaining. They made me smile.

Browsing through the Center's bookstore, I picked up a copy of Pirates Don't Change Diapers written by Melinda Long and illustrated by David Shannon. The book was autographed by Shannon, as well.

 

 After reading the story, I knew it was the perfect title for July's "Mimi & Grandpa's Book of the Month." Pirates and a baby...an appealing and amusing combination for my grandkids.

Jeremy Jacob's mom instructs him not to wake up his napping Dad and baby sister, Bonney Anne. After Mom leaves to buy milk, Jeremy's pirate friends show up. Their ship was wrecked and they need the treasure buried in the backyard to replace it. When Bonney Anne wakes up, Jeremy insists the pirates help babysit and keep her happy. Each time the pirates attempt to dig for the treasure, Bonney Anne needs attention. And then, the pirates lose the treasure map. Will they ever be able to dig up the treasure and repair the ship?

I hope you'll put Pirates Don't Change Diapers on your "Read Aloud Bucket List." It's a delight.