Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. – Prov. 22:6 (NKJV) It is interesting to watch today’s children’s Christmas programs and compare them to those of long ago.  It seems that many of those today try to make it entertaining for the children so much that the real meaning of Christmas is sometimes lost.  Why do we assume that children today all want something that is “jazzed up” so they can have a fast beat.  Children will like the music … [Read more...]

“ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16 (NKJV) Telling is not teaching.  A child hasn’t truly learned until actions they choose on their own show that they, themselves, have chosen the correct thing to do.  Much of what a child learns is “picked up” by visual surroundings, voice tone, and facial expressions, as well as the examples set before them.  A church our family attended at one time, gave each dad a … [Read more...]

“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” –  James 3:6 (NKJV) How easy it is to forget that children are listening when we are talking informally.  Why is it that adults will talk about children while they are nearby and act as though they think the children aren’t hearing what they say?  “He’s having a hard time with school.  I just wish he … [Read more...]

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”  – Luke 2:52 (NKJV) We’ve heard the saying, “If it is to be, it’s up to me”.  For years, most parents in our country have watched the school bus drive away with their children feeling that the school would take care of their learning, exercise, and even their social life as they met other children. Then, perhaps, both father and mother would drive off to their jobs feeling like they had done their duty by their … [Read more...]

“The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” – Proverbs 29:15 (KJV) Some folks would have us feel guilty for correcting children. Actually, those who do not correct children should be the ones to feel guilty. It is so sad to see children “at loose ends” not knowing what is right and what is wrong.  They are so confused! How can they ever feel good knowing they have done the right thing if they don’t know what the right thing is? Children need … [Read more...]

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) As we listen to the news each day, we can easily see that our children have missed out on much of their education this past year due to the Coronavirus.  As parents, grandparents, and others, we need to do all we can to help make up for what they may have missed. There are many things we can do at home to help our children learn the things they need … [Read more...]

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV) A good definition of grace is “unmerited favor”.  In other words, it is favor that we don’t deserve.  It seems that many are more than willing to accept God’s grace, but unwilling to show grace to others. We’ve probably all, at some time or another, received a gift at Christmas that deep down inside we really didn’t like.  At … [Read more...]

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” (Psalm 105:1) Some have been saying, “Let’s hurry and get 2020 over.  It’s been a bad year!”  Perhaps we all need to think a little deeper and be realistic about the many blessings we have had in spite of the coronavirus.  When George Washington made the first proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving, they had much more than we have to deal with now. A good reason to study history is to help us realize our current blessings. Even in my … [Read more...]