Great Tool For Family Devotions

I don't know about you, but when it comes to getting all our children together at one time to do family worship, it is extremely challenging, especially when they were little. We strive to maintain this tradition 2-3 times a week, so I am always looking for tools to make it simpler and yet still bring out the truths of God's Word. But most times, my husband doesn't have the time to prepare something before hand.

I am thrilled to be able to tell you about, Kingdom Family Devotional, written by Tony and Jonathan Evans. The format is extremely easy to use. They break it down into 5 weekly lessons on the same subject and remain concise enough, even your little ones will stay tuned in. They include a fun activity to bring out the concept being learned. One night we were all dancing to our favorite tunes.

Being 10-15 minutes long, they are the perfect length for getting an important truth across without losing the listeners in the process.

As parents, we want our children to understand the Gospel and grasp all the Lord, their Creator has done for them to redeem them. This is a great tool to add to the tool chest.

Note: As a part of the Tyndale Blogging Network, I received a free copy of this book to review.

God is the Color of Water

Almost two weeks an event happened in America that has affected, in a small way, our lives here on the Ponderosa. So much has happened in the world around us. I have waited to write about it until I felt timing was right.

I never imagined I would be having a discussion with my children about malicious hatred and a killing because of skin color in 2015. But Charleston occurred and now it is something I have to discuss. As the girls and I sat in a doctor's waiting room with the television tuned into Fox News on that frightful day, I sat with awe at what had transpired in South Carolina. I tossed around the thought in my mind to ask to change the channel, but I knew this was something I needed to be open with my children about.

They looked at the TV wide-eyed and then looked at me.

At that moment, I tried to feel what my girls were probably wondering. They didn't talk much but I thought for sure that this was a time that fear could grip them. I wanted to dispel all fears. I wanted them to know that not all white people believe what that one boy did/does. I wanted to point them to the Savior who died for ALL people who would place their complete trust in Him. I wanted them to feel love and compassion even for this individual who did this horrific thing. He needs Jesus too.

But I also wanted them to see the sin that so easily besets all of us. Sin of thinking we are better than someone else who lives differently than we do. Or is poor. Or is living a lifestyle contrary to God's Word. Or you name it. Pride is such a slippery slope.

My children are growing up in such a difficult time. Evil is called good. Good is called evil. We must look to the standard of Christ and His Word. We must a Gospel-Centered vision. Whatever comes our way, or people come into our paths we must see it as an opportunity to proclaim truth through Jesus Christ.

As I pondered the event from two weeks ago, I reminded myself of these things. I love my children so hard. They are born of my heart.  I love their different shades. We are a family. A family put together by a God who sees no color. I am thankful that we can shine His light.

Yes, I struggled with a vengeful heart, wanting that boy to hurt just like those families do, but, quickly, realized my heart of unforgiveness was just as sinful. I want more than anything to have a world that is full of love and peace. But, am fully aware that this will never happen until Jesus comes back. So until then, we have a mandate to share to the lost world about the Prince of Peace and the God of Love who loved so hard He gave His only Son to die for those who would repent and believe.

And so many still reject!

Let's be about our mission!

G.O.S.P.E.L.

YOU MUST WATCH THIS!

A Conversation Not to Forget

A couple of days ago, my darling daughters and I were on our way home from the eye doctor, who happens to be one and a half hours away. So there is plenty of time for conversation.

After a few minutes of quiet, Marie asked me a question.

"Mommy, what were Gran's parents' names?"

"John and Barbara Kovachik", was my reply. I was not ready for the path we were headed down, but thankful for a sweet daughter's heart.

"Did they know Jesus, Mommy?"

I suck in breath. "I don't think they did, Sweetie."

"That means they are in hell?"

I don't want to go there. "Yes. They are if they didn't embrace Christ as Lord of their lives."

"That's awful!"

At this point I am telling myself, "Opportunity!"

"Marie, that is why it is so important to share Christ with those around us. Even your 2 friends in the neighborhood that don't know Jesus, need to hear. We may move one day and never see them again. We need to use every opportunity to share our light."

"Or, they could get in a car accident and die, right Mommy?"

My thoughts turn inward. How often do my children see me sharing my light with those around me? Have they ever heard me give the Gospel to others?

I am so thankful for the heart of my little girl.

I knew all along that my precocious 5 year old was listening.

Jesse Tree~Day One

Today we started our Jesse Tree. We begin where all of life began: Genesis 1.

Today there is such hot debate concerning creation, intelligent design, and evolution. The Bible holds the truth. We, believers, that "fight" for the truth need to remind ourselves the fight is more than over how the world began. Just as we use this subject to start our Jesse Tree, we must see the "lies" that are being told as not just coming against the beginnings of the world, but against God and the truth that leads to the manger and the cross.

People don't need to just hear our side of the debate. That won't change their hearts and their need for Jesus to rescue them from their sin. They need to hear about the life changing Gospel of Jesus.

This is a great way to do that. We attended the Tampa Premeire. The Gospel message is very clear.