“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5,6 There are many wondering just what to do about the education of their children due to the turmoil produced by the coronavirus. There seems to be no end to discussion as to what is best for both the students and teachers. Perhaps the situation provides a good time to evaluate whether we should start home schooling those gifted … [Read more...]
The power of praise
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. Matthew 23:12 (NKJV) For several years now, we have been told by psychologists, educators, and others that we should praise children. “It is good for their self esteem”, we have been told. “It motivates children”, we have also been told. It is true that praise, given when it is truly earned, can be beneficial. However, when too much praise is given, or when praise is given undeservedly, it can also … [Read more...]
Love all people
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28 (NKJV) It’s nice that God created many different kinds of flowers. Having many different kinds of birds is good, too. He also made many different kinds of people. We have our differences, but we are equal in God’s love. He loves no race better than another. There are times within all races when some think they are superior. People … [Read more...]
Super dad
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger [do not exasperate them to the point of resentment with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by showing favoritism or indifference to any of them], but bring them up [tenderly, with lovingkindness] in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” – Ephesians 6:4 (Amplified Bible) “My dad is better than your dad!” Little boys often compare dads. They want to be proud of their dad, and, by proving dad is … [Read more...]
Family get-togethers
“…not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:25 (NKJV) Will there ever be a better time to have family devotions? The Bible tells us not to forsake getting together and it is not always possible to go to church. When it is possible, of course, we should attend church. Church, however, can never substitute for family devotions. There is much value in setting a … [Read more...]
Kids and their phones!
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 (NKJV) It seems that complaints of children using cell phones is growing. “They won’t put them down!” “You can’t carry on a conversation because they have their noses stuck in their cell phones!” “It’s all they want to do!” The comments go on and on. “I wish something would be done!” What can be done? First, let us recognize that cell phones are a tool. We may be putting the blame in the wrong place. We need … [Read more...]
Reputation affects relationships
“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. – Proverbs 22:1 (NKJV) We seldom think about children having a reputation, but they certainly do! I clearly remember teachers talking about children during the years I taught in public school. “I heard you got ____ this year! Good luck! He is really hard to handle!” “________was always late for class! Those parents always complained about the teacher. They didn’t seem to do much to … [Read more...]
Children need to give
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 At Christmas time each year, thoughts turn to what we can give children to make them happy. Actually, one of the best things we can give a child is the understanding of the joy of giving. Children are often only recipients of gifts, but they need to learn that it is more blessed to give than to receive; otherwise, they will grow up thinking only of themselves. I learned the lesson of letting someone give, no matter how meager … [Read more...]
Thankfulness comes from appreciation
“We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near.” – Psalm 75:1 (NKJV) It is very important to teach children to say “thank you”. It is even more important to teach them to mean it when it is said. How can we do that? One way is to help a child understand the effort put in to achieving a task that benefits the child. Study of nature also helps a child appreciate what God has done. When a child is raised by a