Jesus “builded” my house February 9, 2009

Yesterday I had the pleasure to teach a class of 3 year olds. Is there anything more exciting than being 3? I think not! We were talking about prayer and why we pray. Then, I had all the children go around the circle and say a prayer of thanks for something that Jesus had done for them. It was so sweet. I love simple childlike faith. One little girl said she was thankful for her home, and that Jesus, “builded her house.” Then all the other children were very quick to agree! “Jesus builded my house too”, “And mine, it was builded by Jesus!”. At that precious age – that was the thought connection. Jesus provides for us = therefore he built my house!!!!!! I can just see it in their minds – Jesus actually with a hammer putting their house together. I love it! I love that they had an understanding that in their little lives, Jesus had provided for them and that they had a home to live in.

It reminded me that littles ones have such a unique and open understanding to Jesus. I love that we can be part of shaping that understanding. It’s never to early to be imparting Jesus to our children. As parents, we have such an opportunity in those early years to be part of building our children’s faith. Their little “sponge” minds are eager to learn, and the message and truths of Jesus will be planted in their lives for the years to come. As a church, we have a great opportunity to partner with families and work together to see our children come into a personal relationship with Jesus. It’s a great calling indeed.

I was thankful when I got home yesterday. Jesus has “builded” my house too!

Shelly

Operation Love February 4, 2009

Ok, so I have to admit that I am a bit of  Valentine’s Day buff. I get pulled into all the cutesy pink hearts – I especially love all the fun yummy baking options. Heart confetti, Pink gummies, cinnamon hearts – mmmmmm..It’s like a holiday created specifically for cupcakes – one of my secret passions! I just love to celebrate love! Normally of course, this love celebration is now geared to my family. What used to be a nice dinner out on Valentine’s Day has evolved into a more family tradition. I recall the year that we celebrated Valentine’s Day at McDonalds. I realized that things had taken a turn, and that it would never be the same. But I loved it still – having children to celebrate with seemed to make it even better. Despite the menu!

While the celebration of Valentine’s Day is very commercial – I do think it is good to have a day when we celebrate love.  Love is good. As believers, love is key to all that we do. The unconditional love and sacrifice shown to us by Jesus, and then the mandate given to us to love one another and share the news of that love with others.

Our Kidz in Action assignment this month is called “Operation Love”. As we teach our children to be outwardly focussed and showing action in their faith – love is a good place to start! Check out the charts in the gym in the next couple weeks as the kids write down how they showed love in action. Love in action on a big scale can transform the world. Our children are a great place to start!

So, you might see alot of hearts up around – feeding my pink obsession – but underneath it all is a reminder to love and the reason that we love! It’s all about Jesus!

sc