Reaching Our Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Reaching Infants When first coming to our church I was surprised to learn of the Sunday school teachers’ dedication to infants and toddlers in the way of teaching. Some might be wondering how an infant can be taught about Jesus. While I was working in the nursery as a helper at my last church, I took the advice of my wise aunt to talk to the babies while holding them or playing on the floor with them. My aunt would say to a baby, “See those trees? God made those trees for you.” I began mimic her ways as well. … Continue reading →

Creative Discipline

Each child is a masterpiece from God. Aside from some guidelines we’ve been given in the Bible, there is really no one-hundred percent reliable manual for raising these little ones. I believe every child requires creative parenting. Prior to having children of my own, I worked in a preschool. I really felt it was great preparation for my children. While my husband and I were waiting to be parents, we read books, and took classes. We were determined to be prepared for whatever came our way. I chuckle now because once our first son was placed with us, we were … Continue reading →

Spanking: Sparing the Rod and Spoiling the Child

This is one of the most controversial topics out there and by request I’ve decided to brave it. I would like to first make note that I do not believe any good parent intends to place their child in harm’s way with discipline. I am not here to condone or condemn spanking, rather to share what I’ve come to learn based on what the Bible has to say on it. One of the arguments I’ve heard against spanking is in reference to Proverbs 13:24: “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” … Continue reading →

The Influence of Media

How much time to you spend sitting in front of the television, your computer or listening to the radio? Are you seeking entertainment, information or a little of both? How much influence do you think media has in your life? I’ve learned about more products through television, I’ve also learned more about what’s going on in the world through television, radio and internet than I have by reading a newspaper or learning of events from a friend. While searching the internet for statistics on media I came up with a few interesting facts: The average child spends 4 hours a … Continue reading →

A Siren’s Sound for Prayer

Inspired by my aunt, I too decided to use the sound of sirens as a teaching opportunity for my children. Young children seem to have a natural curiosity for a siren noise. Add the racing by of a police car, fire engine or ambulance, and with many children, it has their undivided attention. Rather than having scenes like this for pure spectating, why not turn it into an opportunity to instill some values in your children? Early on, our children were told emergency vehicles sounded their sirens when they needed roads cleared to quickly reach the scene of a serious … Continue reading →

Lessons We Can Learn From Children

As adults with such sophistication we may believe we have a great advantage over our children. After all, we’ve been around longer to learn how this world works. With age comes wisdom right? If this is true, then why does the Bible put such great emphasis on children? “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying ‘Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by … Continue reading →

Equipping Children for Spiritual Battle

Today many children are learning the devil is nothing more than a make-believe story character. Unfortunately, those who believe this are very mistaken. I believe children need to know truth as is appropriate for their age and maturity. Satan doesn’t wait until our children are older to torment them with his wicked ways. I believe we as parents have an obligation to do spiritual battle for our children through prayer as well as equip them as necessary to stand up during those moments of temptation we aren’t aware of. When I was six years old, I asked my Grandma if … Continue reading →

When and What to Tell your Children about the Devil

After becoming a mom, I was eager to introduce my child to his Savior Jesus Christ. I knew what songs I’d sing to him and what I wanted to teach him about God’s love for us. I didn’t give much thought at that time to how I would tell him about the enemy of his soul he’d need to resist. Children who attend Sunday school regularly will likely learn about Satan in their class. They might hear about him through the story of Adam and Eve where Satan appeared as a serpent or from the story where Jesus was tempted. … Continue reading →

Super Heroes

I decided to take my oldest son out the other day for a mommy and son dinner and shopping date. My son is 5 years old going on 15 by the way. I thought it a good opportunity while we were in the car listening to his latest favorite song, “Love is a Verb” by DC Talk, to share with him how awesome God is. With great emphasis, I decided to ask my son, “Did you know that Jesus is so awesome and powerful—more powerful than all the super heroes out there?!” My son responded matter-of-factly as if I was … Continue reading →

God’s 4:45 a.m. Message

At 7:20 last evening, my oldest son started complaining of his ear hurting. My husband decided while the urgent care was still opened, it would be better to get him in tonight and at least get him started on a prescription if he needed it. Sure enough, upon taking him in, the doctor said my son had a very red and swollen ear. Last night I was searching the house for Tylenol to give to my son as the Motrin alone wasn’t helping much. Those screams of pain coming from my son made me wish it was me there and … Continue reading →