A Mother's Day Tribute

Legacy!

By, Christina Johnson

Dearest Grandma, did you ever know the impact of the words you prayed?

How those words would affect my children’s life today?

The life you lived and the words you said,

The tears you cried as you knelt by your bed.

Grandma, never wavering in prayer for your sons;

You trusted in God’s promise until their hearts were won.

The day each boy gave his heart to the One who died on a tree

Is the day God heard your longing plea.

That in heaven you would someday see your sons walking down that golden street,

And in that moment, in your heart, your joy would be complete.

Train up a child, God’s promise in His Word you read,

His old heart would not turn from the precious blood shed.

Today, you rejoice with your sons at your side

Before the One, together you are a part of His beautiful bride.

Because of the life you lived and the words you said,

The tears you cried as you knelt by your bed.

But Grandma did you know that there is so much more blessing to come?

When you wept for your family, could you have known the entire sum?

For here waiting on earth is countless generations of those who know

About their beautiful Savior their lives they owe.

They are pastors, missionaries, workers of Christ’s great call,

To rescue those perishing from the fall.

Even I, a very young heart, know His name,

And someday I will proclaim Christ's great fame.

And so will go on the story for generations to come,

Until this earth we all leave from.

To that Book of Life more names will be written

To Jesus their hearts forever will be smitten.

Because of the life you lived and the words you said,

The tears you cried as you knelt by your bed.

Thank you great, great grandma for what you have done;

For my life is forever changed because of God’s Son.

When I am old, may the same be said of me,

Generations to know Christ, a wonderful legacy;

Because of the life I lived and the words I said,

The tears I cried as I knelt by my bed.

Thank you Grandma!

GET JOY!

I wrote this from the perspective of my daughters.  This is written in honor of my mom, who inspired the words and her beautiful legacy that she passed on to us.   The picture at the top is my praying Great Grandma Clara,and her sons.  My grandpa is in the middle, the youngest.  We have countless letters from the 1930's to my grandpa from his mom.  In those letters my great grandma tells my grandfather about the love of Christ for him.  We cherish those old letters.  Sadly, she passed away before my mom or I could meet her.  But someday....we will!

OK Pray!

I spent most of yesterday at Mott's Children's Hospital. One of my 2nd grade girls from church was having major hip surgery. Yes, that is right hip surgery for a 2nd grader!!!!

After trying to find a parking spot and then finding her family, I was brought into the pre-op room. Mom and dad spent most of the time answering questions and asking questions. I knelt down and colored with her the best butterfly ever!

At one point, they had to mark her leg so that there would be no mistake on what side of her hip to work on. She wasn't too happy about that. I told her sometimes I write on my hand. She looked at me and asked why? I told her, "I write on my hand so I don't forget stuff and sometimes I will have a huge list on my hand....it can be pretty funny. "

I then without thinking grabbed a marker and wrote the word, "Pray" on my hand. I told her that I would remember to pray for her during surgery. Without anybody's prompting, she grabbed the blue marker and wrote "OK" on my hand.

Shortly after, they put her in a red wagon, we prayed together and she rode off to surgery. In the waiting room, I brought my crochet project and began working on it. Every time I saw my hand I would pray.

I John 5
¹⁴ And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.
¹⁵ And since we know he hears us when we make our requests, we also know that he will give us what we ask for.

"OK, Pray!" What a simple but profound statement that was to me in that moment in the pre-op area. Instead of worrying, instead of pacing, instead of fretting I was reminded to just "OK, Pray"! So many times we forget that we can go to the very throne of God and tell Him our needs. The God of the universe hears us. He is not far off. He longs to have communication with us we just have to start talking.

"Ok, Pray!" and ...
GET JOY!

Please keep her in your prayers! The surgery was very successful and quick (2 1/2 hours, we were told four)...just what I asked for in prayer. However, she now is in a cast from her belly button down to her right ankle on one side and down to her knee on the left. She will be in bed for the next six weeks, homeschooling and getting bored. This is tough stuff for a second grader.

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ A Heart for Missions

A Heart for Missions

This is my last installment for 31 Virtues for our Kids . Hopefully, you will pray for these virtues for your children and yourself!

It has been fun writing about all 31 virtues. It has been challenging for me to pray these for my kids. My prayer has also become that I would have these in my life as well; so that I would be an example to them and bring glory to God!

Psalm 96:3 (New International Version)
Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

(These top two pictures are from my husbands team that went to the Dominican Republic)

Our family loves missions. We love to give to missions, pray for missionaries and sometimes we even go on mission trips. We feel that missions is what God has asked us to do. We are obeying the "Great Commission" found in Matthew.

Matthew 28:19 (New Living Translation)
Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

We teach our kids to give to missions at our church. John and I give to missions. We sponsor a little girl in Jamaica, pray for her every night and send her letters. My hubby and I have gone on mission trips; in fact I went last year. You can read my blog about it here and my trip to Mexico here. We want to go on so many more trips. We also pray for our missionaries. These are some of the things we do to show our kids how to have a heart for missions.

But why do we need to have a heart for missions? I think the answer is pretty simple...It is God's heart. We should want the heart of G0d flowing through us. God wants all people to know about Him. But not only for others to know Him; but to meet their needs in a real way like providing food, clothing, shelter and healing their sicknesses.

Our God is compassionate. He loves us all. I want my kids to have that same compassion. We need to get our eyes off of ourselves and onto God. We must show compassion to all people all over the world. It is the least we can do for our God who has done so much.

*"Lord, please help my children to develop a desire to see your glory declared among the nations, your marvelous deeds among all peoples." (Picture of me in Jamaica)

These 31 virtues will surely help me and my children....

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Gratitude

Gratitude

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Ephesians 5:20 (New Living Translation)
And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Colossians 2:7 (New Living Translation)
Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

Here is a picture of my daughter at her "Thanksgiving Feast" at school a few years back!

Thanksgiving is coming up in a month. I love this holiday it is so yummy and fun! I enjoy my time with my family and of course all the food. I savor the sounds of football in the background. Conversations with family around the table are a delight. The day is full of warm fuzzies. My favorite part is when we give thanks to God for all that He has done.

However, I want me and my family to have a heart of gratitude every day. There is no one like our God and we are forever grateful for all He has done and given to us. Everyday we should shout His wonder and be deeply thankful for His goodness.

I love ardently love the Colossians passage. The word picture is amazing, it is an "If -Then" verse...

If=

1. Our roots grow down into Him

Grab a hold of Jesus!

2. Our lives be built on Him

Our foundation is Jesus and we need to build on Him all that we are and all that we do!

Then=

1. Our faith will grow strong!

If our faith is week go do the "If" part!

2. We will overflow with thankfulness

When we grab a hold of Jesus and build our lives around Him then our faith will grow strong. We will then have a deep understanding of our Great God and then how could we not then be so full of gratitude that it does not spill out all over the place??!!

Ooooooo that will preach!

*"Help my children to live lives that are always overflowing with thankfulness and always giving thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"



*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Prayerfulness

Prayerfulness

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Ephesians 6:18 (New Living Translation)
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

My little guy is learning how to pray. It is way too cute to watch as he folds his hands, bows his head, yet peeks up and looks around with his big brown eyes. It is not uncommon for all the girls in the house to go "Awwwwwe" when we say, "Amen"! It is wonderful to watch my kids learn how to pray and begin to see their hearts become sensitive to the Holy Spirit. I love it when they remember to pray for others without me prompting them to before hand.

My hubby and I want to teach and show them how to have a relationship with our God! There is no better way to help them grow in their faith then to teach them how to talk to our Father and have a real conversation with Him.

If you want to see your kids grow in their Christian faith then teach them how to pray. Jesus is our example, He even taught us how to pray. If God thought it was necessary to teach us then surely it is important to teach it to our children.

Matthew 6:9-14 (New King James Version)
9 In this manner, therefore, pray:
Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
10 Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors.
13 And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

The Lord's Prayer is such a great pattern for us to follow in our daily prayers. I love to follow these steps in my daily prayer.

1. Honor God for who He is
2. Pray for His will to be done
3. Prayer for our basic needs
4. Pray for forgiveness for us and help to forgive others
5. Prayer for help in avoiding sin in our lives
6. Protection from Satan
7. Honoring God for who He is

Prayer is what will draw my kids closer to God. It will help them to have a real relationship with Him. As they pray in the Spirit they will pray the perfect will of God into their lives and those that they bring to the Lord. As they pray for others they will become more kind and tender to those in need and it will help keep their eyes off of their own selfish desires. Prayer will teach them more than John and I could ever teach them in our lifetime. There is no better gift, no better bit of wisdom, no better advice or no better habit than a life of prayerfulness that we could give them. I want this virtue so desperately for them.

*"Grant, Lord, that my children's lives may be marked by prayerfulness, that they may learn to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and request."


*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Self-Discipline

Self-Discipline


Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!


Proverbs 1:3 (New Living Translation)
Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just, and fair.







To be honest this one I am not that excited to write about; probably because it is the one I struggle with the most. Trust me, I am not the most disciplined person on the plant. I can not stand anything that screams schedule or structure. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate when others excel in these areas and make my life easier(as I write that it seems so selfish, ugh). But when it comes to my life I would much rather "fly by the seat of my pants". I love being spontaneous. I love doing what I feel like doing when I want to do it.


BUT, life does not work like that all the time. To grow in a relationship with God does not work that way either. Growing in God is slow and steady with a commitment to follow Him everyday. That commitment means seeking, praying, reading and learning on a consistent basis. This covenant relationship with God Almighty requires discipline. To be honest, the very sound of that sometimes makes me groan....hey I am human.

I think my son will love order and structure. He lines up his cars in all sorts of interesting ways. He hates it when I turn one the wrong way or mess up his pattern. He gets all mad and starts having a 2 year old fit. I want him to learn to have a disciplined life in Christ as he grows. I want him to remember to not let the "discipline" to be the focus the focus must always be God. We must always be flexible in allowing God to change things up a bit.

Throughout my life I have learned the great value of discipline. There are huge benefits that do help you be successful in what you are doing. When you have worked at something, put thought into it and put care in to your life you will do what is right, just and fair. You are less likely to hurt others by plans not thought through.

Bottom line, a life that is disciplined is a life fully surrendered to God. I have a lot of surrendering to go; but, I know that there are great rewards for me as I do. Lord, help me be disciplined and be a good example to my children!

*"Father, I pray that my children may acquire a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair."



*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Passion For God

Passion for God



Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!



Psalm 63:8 (New International Version)
My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.



I want my children to have passion in their life. I want the passion to be an extravagant love for God. I don't want them to live this life half-heartedly. Too many people live in this world with very little passion, very little hope.



Many times my kids have clung to me when they were nervous or scared. I would have to pry them off of me finger by finger, arm by arm, and then leg by leg. They were desperate for mommy to rescue them from the poke at the doctors, the cold pool water or the scary spider. They would cling to me like their life depended on it.



I like the word picture of "cling". I think the psalmist David truly understood that we need to cling to our God. Hold tight to Him, His promises, His word, His great love to live this life. We need His grace that pays our enormous debt. We need His strength that surpasses our abilities. His love that is wider than any ocean.



God knows that our strength is limited. As we cling to Him, then "His right hand upholds us". The strong hand of our Lord enables us to continue to cling to Him. He doesn't leave us alone. He doesn't leave us hanging on for dear life. I love the picture of Him holding us as we cling, we are supported by Him. How cool is that. It is like the big bear hugs I give my kids.





*"Lord, please instill in my children a soul that 'followeth hard after thee', one that clings passionately to you."




*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Willingness & Ability to Work

Willingness & Ability to Work



Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!


Colossians 3:23 (New International Version)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men,



Work, work, work....Yuck! I don't think any of us honestly like to do work. I can usually think of a hundred other things I would rather be doing like hanging out with friends, playing with the kids, napping, reading a good book, or being crafty. But there is something to be said of a person who is able, willing to work and has a good attitude. Nothing bugs me more than when my kids whine and cry while the clean up their room.



In this world, we have to work. We have to have jobs to earn money. We have to wash clothes, wash dishes, take baths and cook or we would stink and not have anything to eat or eat on. Now we could do all these jobs have heartedly with a nasty attitude and life for ourselves and those around us will be miserable. Or we can do our best and "whistle while we work" and be what God has called us to be...servants. When we have a right attitude, work hard, and do our best then we glorify God. I want to glorify Him! I want my kids to glorify Him!



I think Snow White was on to something...

Just whistle while you work

And cheerfully together we can tidy up the place

So hum a merry tune

It won't take long when there's a song to help you set the pace

And as you sweep the room

Imagine that the broom is someone that you love

And soon you'll find you're dancing to the tune

When hearts are high the time will fly so whistle while you work

Just whistle while you work

Put on that grin and start right in to whistle loud and long

Just hum a merry tune

Just do your best and take a rest and sing yourself a song

When there's too much to do

Don't let it bother you, forget your troubles,

Try to be just like a cheerful chick-a-dee

And whistle while you work

Come on get smart, tune up and start

To whistle while you work

*"Teach my children, Lord, to value work and to work at it with all their heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."



*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Hope

HOPE

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Romans 15:13 (New Living Translation)
I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

(I love this translation!)

"Confident Hope" is what I want for me and my kids! Hope is not something unattainable or far off in a world with such little hope. I want to pray that God will give us hope. Romans 15:13 is an "if - then" verse and it is a verse with a promise. I love these kinds of verses; they are clear, give us direction and full of promise.

"IF" - If I trust in Him!

God always requires some action on our part in order to receive His promises. His promises are always available to us but we have to actively choose to experience them. Trust means to fully rely on God. We must give Him all of us and hold nothing back which can be very hard to do.

"Then" - God (source of hope) will fill me completely!

Always remember that God keeps all His promises. When we trust in Him then He will fill us completely. I love that we can tap into the very source of hope. This part reminds me of a spring. We use to live in Petoskey, MI and a nearby town, Harbor Springs, is known for it spring water. There are various places where you can go and fill jugs with pure, wonderful, fresh spring water. You don't have to go to the store and purchase it...you can go right to the source and it is free. Wow, that will preach right there LOL. We can go to the source of ALL Hope....and it's free! We just have to trust and then He will fill us.

What will he fill me up with?

1. Joy (a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment)

Well, you can probably tell this word really excited me when I saw it here in this verse! I love it that God fills us with joy. Oh, how we all need joy in our lives everyday. But, I love that joy is more than just happiness it is also contentment.

2. Peace (reconciled with God)

It is more than peace with others; it is being reconciled with God almighty. We are made right with Him. He has paid our debt and we can have a personal relationship with our creator. There are no other religions that permit you to have a relationship with their god. In Christ he has made a way for us to have a relationship with God. He has reconciled us to Him. We can find perfect peace in Him!

"The Promise"

I will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit! Not only does He fill us with joy and peace, as a result he fills us to overflowing. It doesn't surprise me that God gives us more than what we need. He wants to give us good things...

Luke 11

9"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
11"Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

What is more amazing here is that we find that it is not confident hope that is the gift...it is the power of the Holy Spirit! It is Holy Spirit that then gives us confident hope. I have learned over my life not to miss what the true gift is ...it is God, Himself! Yes, confident hope is wonderful but it is useless with out God! Thank you Lord that you give us the power of your Holy Spirit in our lives!

*"May the God of hope grant that my children may overflow with hope and hopefulness by the power of the Holy Spirit"

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ A Servant"s Heart

A Servant's Heart

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Ephesians 6:7 (New International Version) Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men,

There are many times in life we may not want to help a certain person for any number of reasons.....
Maybe they hurt us
Maybe they annoy us
Maybe they are mean
Maybe they make us mad
Maybe they stink
Maybe they make us sad
Maybe they are just plain idiots....yeah I said it, hahahah! (You know there are some out there)

In Eph. 6:7 we see that even in the worst of situations, being a servant/slave, we must DO good will. Why? Because our actions are as unto the Lord not to men, it is our act of love to God. God always takes it to the next level. He doesn't want mediocre.....He wants our best!

When I was a sweet, loveable, Jr. High kid my dad decided to do the craziest thing one Christmas day. Well, it was crazy in my book anyway. On Christmas morning instead of feverishly unwrapping gifts, eating until we pass out and trying out all our new stuff my mom and dad took us to downtown Detroit. It was very early in the morning for this teenage girl. (Sympathy please) My dad signed us up to work in the kitchen and serve homeless people Christmas dinner at the Salvation Army.

I wasn't real happy about the idea at first; this was definitely not one of our regular Christmas traditions. Once we got there it became about serving others...I am pretty sure that is what my dad wanted us to learn. : ) Serving others is really about serving our good God. Over the rest of my teenage years God really began to teach me how to have a servant's heart....my parent's prayer all along.
Now it is the prayer for my kids....

*"God, please help my children develope a servants heart that they may serve you whole heartedly as if they were serving the Lord, not men"

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Faith

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Luke 17:5-6 (New International Version)
5 The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith!"
6 He replied, "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.

Hebrews 11:1-40

Sometimes, faith is one of the very hardest of virtues to really grasp. It is an act of stepping out and believing in something you can't see, hear or feel. It is one of the biggest hurdles for many people and is the very thing that keeps them from knowing God. Faith is one of the biggest pieces of becoming a Christian. It is the biggest act of love from us toward God. Faith is saying, "I trust in You and Your Word even though I do not understand all that you have for me. But, I know you are True and You are who You say You are!"

We see in Luke 17:5-6 how far even a little faith can take us; and the faith that we have albeit small is more than efficient. True faith is enough to carry us. The only factor that can be an obstacle is implementing that faith. I find that doing as the apostles always helps....asking, "Lord, increase My Faith!" In Hebrews 11 we see the Heroes of Faith. Take some time to read these examples of faith. Keep in mind their humanity; but notice God's sufficiency!

I find that when I doubt I seek God more. My faith is my own based on a relationship with my God. My children's faith must also be their own. They must come to Christ on their own terms. As much as I would like to MAKE them be Christians...I can not, nor would I want that. Christ does not make us love Him...why would I ever consider making my children have to serve Christ. Christ does not treat us like puppets on strings. We always have a choice to love Him. I can not deny it is my hearts desire for them to serve Christ. I will give them as many opportunities and be an example of His love for them. I will then have faith in His promises that if I do my part He will do His.

Pr 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
(I blogged about this verse before...check it out!)

*"I pray that faith will find root and grow in my children's hearts, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them."



*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Contentment

Contentment

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Philippians 4:12-13 (New International Version)

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Here is another one of my favorite verses; but reading it again I feel I have a different take on it then I had before. I love it when God shows you something new and challenges you more in your walk with Him.

Verse 13, I quote all the time...throughout my whole life. It is just one of those awesome motivational verses that just keep you going. I kind of always looked at this verse as (hang in there with me) more of cheerleader type verse. I can do it...God gives me the strength. I don't think there is anything wrong with using this verse for that reason. But looking at it again, today I noticed something about it that I never had before.

Being content is one of my own personal struggles. When I think about contentment nothing pictures it more to me than my sleeping baby. My baby is a peace. He is feed. He is cared for. He is loved. His needs are met. He has no cares in the whole wide world…perfect contentment. But as you become an adult all that seems to slip away.

Here we see Paul sharing his heart about learning to be content. He talks about that he knows what it is like to live this life. He has experienced being in need and also having all his needs met. He shares that he has learned the "Secret" to being content in either of those situations. "Secret" caught my attention...I want to know the secret! I don’t have ANY problems being content when I have all I want. I want to know what I can do to be content when it seems like we don't have enough money, when the kids need new clothes, when our car breaks down, when kids are sick, when you are going through rough times. What is the "Secret"? What is the answer?

Then we see it right there in verse 13...you know that verse I quoted a million times...right there as plain as day in front of my face. The secret is it is only God's strength that will help me to be content. I need to call on the supernatural...the divine. Can I tell you the light bulb went one in my head just like that after all these years. So many times I think I can take care of these problems on my own or I worry about how things are going to work out. The point is I try to do it on my own. But really what can I do in my own strength… nothing really and I will only become frustrated and more worried.

When I find my strength in Christ then the God of the universe has control. I need to give Him that control and then He can help me learn to be content. Contentment is trust. Trust in a living God who has it all in His hands. Letting God be all who His is and all He has promised. When we allow God to be our everything and be our strength we will learn the secret of being content in any and every situation. The “Secret” to being content in this life is the strength that comes from God who gives it to us which then enables us to be content.

Oh Jesus, I want my kids to learn and understand what it means to be content.....

*"Father, teach my children the secret of being content in any and every situation, through Him who gives them strength."

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Responsibility

Responsibility

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Galatians 6:1-5 (New International Version)
1Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 2Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5for each one should carry his own load.

I think this so important for myself and my children. We need to learn responsibility. Being responsible is answerable or accountable, as for something within one's power, control, or management. Dictionary.com also defines it as having a capacity for moral decisions and therefore accountable; capable of rational thought or action.

I love how our Father deals with his children. He gentle but stern. This passage adddress so many things in our lives. We need to help others be restored but be careful that we don't fall in the process. Help others but don't become prideful and think you have arrived. There is such a delicate balance in taking pride in yourself and not becoming prideful. This verse asks us to check ourselves.

I told my daughter the other day that she is only responsible for herself. I actually thought of this passage while I was helping her work through some things. We can not control others and what they do to us. They only thing we can control is our reactions to those things that bug us. I told her she had two choices....#1 stay mad and let it ruin your day or...#2 let it go and decided to be loving even when it seemed that others were not being loving to you.

I want my kids to understand that we are in control of ourselves...when we need to do good or even when we have done wrong. It is funny how much I remember my dad drilling into me the importance of being responsible and making sure I kept my commitments. If I dropped the ball on a project...I was taught to make it right. If I wanted to quit even though I made a commitment...my dad wouldn't let me. I am sure he saw my eyes roll at him plenty of times; but he was teaching me to be responsible with my actions. It is the same thing I need to teach my kids. This is such a valuable virtue to take with them into adulthood.

*"Grant that my children may learn responsibility, for each one should carry his own load."

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

Some Kinda of Crazy Faith Answer!

Back in July, I wrote a blog "Some Kinda Crazy Faith"....take a minute and go read it.... Yes, right now....go on, I will wait.





da da dee dum dum da da dee dum dum.... chicka chicka boom boom....





Did you read it? I hope so!

Now if you read it, you read about a lady in my church who was praying with me on a need of our family. I didn't want to tell you then what it was we were praying for; because I wanted it to be a surprise to everyone when God answered the prayer. I knew God would answer the prayer, but I was not sure how or when. Maybe, my answer might fall from the sky or maybe God might teleport it to my yard....hey, I figured anything was possible. Today, I know the how and the when.


10 years ago, John and I were given a car. It was a wonderful car. It was a 1998 Chevy Malibu. We loved that car. We brought home from the hospital three babies in that car over the last 10 years. But, that is just it...those three babies decided to grow up into children and they keep growing. Our wonderful Malibu was getting small fast...and getting old. We had 149,000 miles on that blessed car. We both knew that we needed a new car fairly soon and being in the ministry and youth pastoring paying for such a vehicle would be a big problem.



So, a wonderful dear lady in our church decided to make it her personal mission to take it to the Lord. In July, she said the answer was on the way.

A few weeks ago, I got a call from my dad wanting to make a trade. He wanted to trade there nice, beautiful mini van for our car. To be honest, I could not even stomach the idea. I literally wanted to vomit over the whole thing. I told my mom it was like giving them a dirty kleenex for a beautiful van! The gesture, this gift, was too big for me to accept. But, this is how God wanted to answer our prayer.

God began to show me something through it all! He quickly reminded me that we come to Him like dirty rags. He then gives us this new life in Him. We don't deserve it but our Father loves us and wants to give it to us. It is His beautiful gift for you and for me. We just have to accept it. I think sometimes we feel so unworthy and feel not good enough for the trade; but He doesn't care because He loves us.

There are not words to thank my parents for the blessing of this van. When I think about it all...tears just flow. Once again my parents provide an answer to prayer for me and my family. All the way down state to trade the cars... all I could do is pray a blessing over the Malibu. All I can do is trust that God will honor it. When we got to the house my dad was having a pretty rough day and my heart nearly broke as we were about to trade these vehicles. But somehow, I know that my God is going to bless him in more ways than he could even imagine. Thanks dad and mom!

I have the best parents in the whole wide world! Now, I just have to remember, "To whom much is given...much is required!"

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Compassion

Compassion

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Colossians 3:12 (New International Version)
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

Here is what dictionary.com defined compassion as a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

I firmly believe that while Jesus was on this earth this virtue is what motivated Him. It is why He healed all those who came in contact with Him. It is why he took the children into his arms and blessed them. His love is so deep for us that it was compassion that Christ was feeling in the garden of Gethsemane. I believe it is what compelled Him to the cross. He knew what our future would hold if He did not endure the cross. His sorrow is now our joy! Huh, makes you think....

I love the word pictures the bible creates for us. It says in this passage to clothe ourselves in these virtues. I love the idea of wrapping ourselves up in compassion, fully covering us in this beautiful, good action. This idea makes me think of getting on my winter clothes...just like my son in the picture. I put on my layers, my snow pants, my coat, hat, mittens, scarf, warm wool socks, and boots then I am ready to brave the cold. I don't put on all that stuff to go sit on my couch that would be crazy and hot. I put all that stuff on to go outside and do something like shovel the drive, go sledding or make a snow man.

Compassion is not just a feeling. It is an attribute that calls us to move on behalf of those we feel sorrow or sympathy for. I want nothing less for myself and my kids. I want us to be compassionate. I want us to feel and do something about the pain others are going through. I want us to always do what we are able. We can not fix everyone's problems but we can certainly help as many as we can. I want us to be compelled to have compassion just as Jesus was compelled and not just sit on the couch.

*"Lord, please clothe my children with the virtue of compassion."


*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Humility

Humility

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Titus 3:2 (New International Version)
2to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility toward all men.

Humility- the quality or condition of being humble; modest opinion or estimate of one's own importance, rank, etc.

The opposite of humility is pride, thinking of your self better than others. Sometime humility can be hard thing to teach to a kid. You want them to always do their best and be proud of what they do. However, you do not want them to become prideful about themselves. I think that can be a hard thing for kids to get and work out in their little lives.

Probably, the best way for them to understand this virtue is for us, as parents, to be their example. We need to do our best at all we do but never be prideful about who we are. We need to examine our motivations because at the heart of some things we do them out of our own pride. We have little eyes always watching us and to some degree becoming like us.

I think one of the best ways to begin to teach them this idea of humility is by using the "Golden Rule" ...."Do unto to others as you would have them do to you." I actually had to use this in my daughter's classroom while helping yesterday. One of the little girls was playing with another girl and called her a loser. I asked her if that was a kind thing to say and is that what she would want others to call her. She did agree that it was unkind and that she would not like it if she was called a loser. She then went over to the girl and said she was sorry.

We must look for opportunities to teach our children these simple but profound truths.

*"God, please cultivate in my children the ability to show true humility toward all"

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Perseverance

Perseverance

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!


Hebrews 12:1
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

I love this verse! One of my favorite artist, Ron DiCianni, captured this verse beautifully in his work of art "Legacy". I bought this print as a gift for my husband, John, when he was ordained as a minister of the gospel. I love the image of the minister surrounded by the giants of faith encouraging him to run the race marked before him. I love looking at it when I go into his office...it is very inspiring.

But this verse is for everyone. God has a plan for us all. He has a life for us to live. It comes with two requirements however:


1. Throw Off
There are two things we need to get rid of they are first the things that hinder us and second sin. There are things that may hinder us that are not sin, they are distractions. The not so obvious distractions, things like watching too much T.V., computer, sports, hobbies and things like that. They keep us from the calling of God. Then, of course, the sin that so easily entangles us. Sin can keep us away from God; it separates us and holds us back. We need to get rid of it by daily allowing Christ to examine us and purify us.

2. Run
My physical body hates the very idea of running. I never have liked it, even as a child. God is calling us to run to Him. It is not a short distance run it is more like a marathon. We are not trying to beat everyone else; but to simply finish the race God has marked out for us. The great cloud of witnesses are cheering us on. He has given us His word as water to help us. And God is our coach speaking to us through prayer to encourage us and direct us. So run, even when we don't feel like it. So run, when we feel strong. So run, because we will receive a prize if we do not give up! The prize, eternal life with the One who loves you and me!

*Lord, teach my children perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them."

Run and...

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Joy

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

1 Thessalonians 1:6 (New King James Version)
6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

Now when I read this verse I have to admit that I thought, " I know a lot more verses about joy that I like better!" But then I started to try to understand it better and I think I get it now.

We have to find out a little about who this verse was written to. It was written to the church in Thessalonica. The church was being persecuted because of their faith. They were very evangelistic and loved the Lord very much and in the heart of adversity they still had joy.

Joy is more than just being happy; because I am sure that when they were being persecuted they were not jumping up and down with glee. But they were filled with a joy that only comes from God through the Holy Spirit. Now, I get that idea of the Holy Spirit giving us the supernatural. Thanks to the Lord who didn't leave us without a helper. The church in Thessalonica needed that supernatural power to help them through the hard times they were facing.

When we have the joy of the Lord it will sustain us even through the most difficult times of our lives. We will all face hardship at some point...it is the nature of living. Life is not fair, which is a hard thing to explain to a 7 year old with their big brown eyes looking up at you. We may never understand why we go through the things we do; but we can tap into the supernatural to help us. When we do we will receive a deep joy that will never leave, even in our darkest hour. In that deep joy we will find the hope that will carry us through.

So, as I ponder this verse it is exactly the kind of Joy that I want for my children. I want that deep joy that comes from the Most High through the Holy Spirit working in us and through us. Joy unspeakable and full of glory!

*"May my children be filled with the joy given by the Holy Spirit."


*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

31 Virtues for Our Kids ~ Generosity

Generosity

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

1 Timothy 6:18-19 (New International Version)
18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Wow, I love it when I reread a scripture and it suddenly speaks to me in a new way. This is an awesome verse and is now added to one of my favorites. I love the very last part of 19....soooo gooood!

John has a fantastic story that really reflects this idea of generosity and this verse in a remarkable way....

John was a senior in High School. We both went to a Christian school, Fairlane Christian. He was sitting in his Bible class when his teacher, Mr. Molnar, shared a story of trusting in the Lord even with your finances.

Mr. Molnar said he was praying at the altar of his church one day. He was seeking God's direction. He felt that God was calling him into the ministry and that he needed to go to Bible College. He did not have the money to go and he didn't know what to do. When he was done praying, he got up and saw a man coming toward him. That man told him that God want him to help Mr. Molnar pay for his college.

John remembers getting very emotional during the telling of this story because that man who was generous with his finances to help our bible teacher was John's Grandpa. His grandpa had passed away when John was a kid. Here years later, because of his grandpa's generosity and his faithfulness....he was still able to speak into his grandson's life even after his death through our bible teacher. What an amazing story...I cry every time I hear it, I am crying now.

How far reaching will my generosity go long after I leave this earth, if I am found faithful? God only knows; but I do know that I never want to be selfish. I want to be generous with all that I have.

*"Grant that my children may be generous and willing to share, and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age."



*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

I borowed this picture from John's cousin Dawn...Thanks Dawn!

31 Virtues for our Kids ~ Peace-loving

Peace-Loving

Over the next few months we will be praying for 31 Virtues for our Kids maybe even for ourselves too!

Romans 14:19 (New International Version)
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

"MOM, sissy touched my stuff!" "MOM, she won't leave me alone!" "MOM, she is looking at me!" "MOM, tell her to get off of me!" "MOM, she is hurting me!" MOM, she is being mean to me!" "MOM, MOM, MOM!" Yikes, sometimes my house doesn't seem too peaceful or loving at times. Sometimes, my home is just enough madness to drive this 34 year old mom to the nut house.

Yet, during these times somehow I have to teach them to be peaceful and loving. That is hard to do when little girls are looking at you with angry eyebrows, arms crossed, and a stomping foot. Maybe, you have seen that look at your house too?!

What a valuable lesson to learn at an early age, because we all know it doesn't get easier as we turn into adults. Adults they run into can be a lot more mean, more stubborn, less forgiving and hold on to grudges for far too long. I actually find that kids forgive easier, love easier and get over it easier than us grownups. So, if they can get this making peace thing down as they are young that can carry that into adulthood.

I also have to remember that I am their example and live peacefully with one another. I think God wanted me to hear that today...so God I will do my best!

*"Father, let my children make every effort to do what leads to peace."

*by Bob Hostetler, it is excerpted from Pray! magazine issue #4, 31 Biblical Virtues to Pray for Your Kids

That picture is of me when I was little. It is the same look my girls give me. hahahaha