A blog for parents, teacher & their kids.
PHOTO CAPTION: “Thank you God, for Easter and colors bright.”
Right now it might seem like there isn’t a lot to be thankful for. We’re kind of stuck at home and may be feeling isolated, weary, stressed or even afraid and hopeless, but there is hope. Just for a moment, let’s focus on the positive and let’s take time to praise.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” And I might add, give praise – rejoice and celebrate, because Jesus is alive!
So what is true? Ok, like just about everything else you hear on the news, make sure you are checking your sources and get information from reliable sources and that doesn’t mean all the so-called experts spouting opinions on social media! What is true? Dig down and get the truth about the current pandemic, COVID. Let’s make sure that we are getting the truth about everything we take in. Don’t go with the pandemonium, but get the truth. Don’t forget to stay firmly grounded in God’s truth too. He says He will never leave us or forsake us and when God says something, He does it. That’s the truth and that’s praiseworthy!
What is noble? This one I had to look up. My mind naturally thought of a king and his royal family. That is one definition of noble, but noble also means righteous, honorable, magnificent, grand, honest, virtuous – you get the idea. It originated from Latin/Old French meaning noted or high-born. I like to think that as children of God, we are high-born, noble and I hope we are noted for our integrity. We don’t gain that integrity in and of ourselves, but rather as we walk and live in communion with Jesus. If you have acknowledged Jesus sacrifice for you, you are noble, a child of God and that too, is a reason to praise.
What is right and pure or genuine – the real stuff? Think on those things. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” He is the only man in history who lived a completely sinless life. He was right and pure and genuine. He is the one we can depend on. Think on Him and give God praise.
What is lovely? There are so many things that are lovely. God created a beautiful world. Spring is springing and it’s lovely, but what’s even lovelier is God’s love for us. He loved us so much that He gave His most precious gift. He gave His one and only Son, Jesus. That’s what Easter is all about, God’s amazing, miraculous love and that’s worth thinking about and yes, that too is praiseworthy – very praiseworthy. Think on beautiful things!
What is admirable, excellent and praiseworthy? As I’ve already mentioned, much is praiseworthy – most of all Jesus sacrifice for us is definitely praiseworthy, What else is praiseworthy and admirable? Currently, our healthcare workers, first responders, care givers and others who are serving to help us make our way through the COVID pandemic – these are praiseworthy. They are giving their time and some of them even their lives to save others. Kind of reminds me of what Jesus did on the cross. He gave Himself, His life, that we might live. That my friends is praiseworthy. Are you feeling down, stressed or maybe a little stir crazy? Look up! Jesus is alive! Easter is coming and we have much to praise God for. So let’s take time to praise this week and think on these things.
PARENT OR GRANDPARENT PRAYER:
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for all that you have done for me. I am so glad that I can celebrate life because you gave us life. In the midst of a very different Easter, online services and virtual connections with family, may I not forget that you died for me, but you also rose again, bringing life from the darkness of the grave and light into the darkness. Because you are alive, I have hope. To borrow a quote from a good friend of mine, “I have hope that out of something bad, something good will happen”. Out of death will come life, out of sorrow will come joy and out of isolation, comes communion with my Lord and Savior, Jesus. I might say it to the kids this way, “Jesus hears me when I pray and He’s with me everyday.” I am so very thankful! Yes, Easter looks different this year, but I want to praise you, Jesus. I want to shout, “Hosanna!” because you are my hope, my joy and my song. Your love is amazing, Jesus. Teach me to love as you do and lift up your name in praise instead of complaining. Give me a thankful hearts so that I do not forget your blessings. Amen
- WAYS TO PRAISE WITH YOUR KIDS
- Turn on some praise music and dance or sing exuberantly together – have a praise party. If you have small children, you may even want to get out the pot and pan lids and march along to the beat making a joyful noise as you do. Want a quieter parade? Cut some palm branches out of green paper to wave as you march and sing.
- Lift your hands upwards to God and pray – loudly or softly, it doesn’t matter, simply pray. For preschoolers, one sentence prayers are enough. “Jesus, I love you.” or “Thank you for loving me!” are good places to start. Louder prayers, “Yeah Jesus!” or “Jesus is alive!”
- Kneel and pray.
- Read a Bible story and thank God for what you’ve read.
- Draw a picture of what you are thankful for.
- Take a walk and thank God for the beautiful spring flowers, trees, etc.
- Are you musical? Play an instrument together.
- Clap hands.
10 REASONS TO PRAISE
* I’m currently breathing.
* Jesus loves me.
* I have food to eat.
* Jesus is alive!
* I’ve been able to make connections online and work online.
* Springtime.
* Family and friends.
* God loves and forgives me.
* God hears me when I pray.
* I am not alone.
I am still learning Word Press and so I have a confession to make, this formatting is not at all what I want. I am going to keep working on it, but for now, here goes the launch. I also have a kids page that I am launching separately – PLEASE STAY TUNED FOR MORE:
Faith Steps and More 