Prayer Blog Of Mentally Ill Mom

Prophesy and Prayer

2008-01-25T08:16:00.000-08:00

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns -- January 25, 2008:Even though it seems like you've been swimming upstream or perhaps walking through Jell-O, keep pushing. Your extreme efforts to break through will pay off. The test is whether or not you will give up in the face of adversity. You have heard the adage, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." And, I say to you that you may not feel tough or equal to the task, but you must remember that My strength is made perfect in your weakness. Let Me come along side you to carry the burden, says the Lord. Matthew 11:28-30 "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Marlena: I'm struggling with exhaution and body aches today. Yet I fed the animals, cleaned the fish bowl, changed the bedding in the guinea pig cage, changed my baby's diaper, read the introduction to 1 Kings in the Bible, made breakfast for Olivia, and got Ashley started on trying to decipher her new schooling program, took my meds and vitamins, read stories and played in a bowl of rice with Olivia because she wanted me to take her to play in the sand at the park. It's 5 degrees out. I didn't go walking, didn't clean house, didn't organize anything or get rid of anything. Mike wants me and the kids to be ready to go to Morgantown for the weekend by 5pm. I feel like I just can't do it....the packing, and cleaning out the van, disappointing him and myself once again.

My counselor acts like this is all just about me 'learning' to do better. I agree that I have a lot to learn that will be very beneficial in being able to cope better, and to have a better perspective that won't add to my problems. I'm not as convinced as she is though that all my physical problems are just a result of feeling ashamed of myself. I think the physical issues led to the feelings of shame and the shame compounds things. But when I'm thinking well, performing well, and not feeling ashamed, the physical issues still raise problems that bring my mind and body to a halt.

As I'm reading through this Word of the Lord today I'm encouraged to keep striving, that it's not all in vain as I sometimes feel. It's been difficult for me to know when to push myself and when to take it easy. Others in my same health circumstance have shared with me how they pace themselves and that has been very helpful so I don't get so down on myself if it takes me a week to accomplish a task someone else might do in a day.

At the same time this encourages me to keep striving at a pace I'm able, I also feel encouraged to ask the Lord to walk along beside me. (oh how privilaged I feel to think He would even want to walk along side of me). For years I've been desiring to have someone walk along side of me...thinking if only someone would just walk through it with me, then maybe I could do it. My thoughts on God making the yoke lighter is that He will do all the planning and distribution of responsibilities as He sees fit, and my job becomes obeying Him, instead of feeling the responsibility of figuring it all out on my shoulders. If only I could hear Him clearly and wouldn't forget or stray before I follow through. I know this shouldn't be so difficult. Why is it so difficult? What is wrong? I feel so grieved that I'm not hearing God. I hear so many voices. My head is like a wirl wind of conflicting thoughts. I do hear my husband and he is saying that everything is going to be fine, don't worry about tomorrow...rest, relax, don't get upset, be grateful for what you are able to do at each moment, etc. I'm worried that the things I forget, or the responsibilities I neglect are going to come back to bite us all in the future, and it will all be my fault. I've been through some pretty tough circumstances that I've handled well because I knew I was not the cause. When I feel that I'm the cause, no matter how trivial the problem is, I just cannot cope.

I'm taking comfort in God saying He is gentle. I'm not really sure what lowly of heart means. But I know that gentle is the opposite of harsh. Harsh is how I've seeen God for a very long time. He is harsh in much of His Word, but here He is saying He is gentle.

Marlena's Prayer: Lord, please take my burdens and put your yoke upon me. You are so welcome to walk beside me and teach me. I want to learn from You. I want to find rest and peace. I want to know that whatever circumstances my family goes through that we will be able to hear you, do as you say, and we will be ok. I feel such a huge responsibility for so much...for everything everyone has ever told me that I'm responsible for, for everything I've ever read that I'm responsible for. But it's time for me to learn from you. Lord please tell me what I'm responsible for and help me to carry it out. I desire to be under your yoke, not the yoke others have put on me or that I've put on myself. I want a life that is do-able, one that is not in vain, one that brings you honor and glory. And Lord, please honor this prayer even if I forget it in an hour. Amen.

Hear and Do What God Says

2008-01-24T09:08:00.001-08:00

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for January 24, 2008
TITLE: Two Mirrors
SCRIPTURE: James 1:22-25
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Don't forget to wash your face and comb your hair," said Mom when Joe got up from the breakfast table. "There's jam on your cheek, and your hair looks like you just got out of bed. Go look in the mirror."
"Okay," agreed Joe, and he grinned when he saw himself in the mirror that hung above the dining room buffet table. But by the time he got his books together, he had forgotten how he looked. Out the door he went-his face dirty and his hair uncombed.
When Joe arrived home after school that day, his sister was in the kitchen talking to their mother. "You should have seen Joe at school today," said Claire. "His face was dirty, and I don't think he even combed his hair."
"Hey! Quit talking about me!" objected Joe.
"Well, you were a mess. My friends called you 'Sloppy Joe' and laughed at you," declared Claire with a giggle. "It's kinda embarrassing!"
"I forgot to wash my face before school," admitted Joe, "but I washed it at recess time. Combed my hair, too. So there!"
Mom frowned. "You should have cleaned up right away when you saw you needed it," she said. "Don't leave the house tomorrow until I've checked you over!"
At family devotions that night, Dad read from the book of James (see today's Scripture). "How appropriate," said Mom. "The man James wrote about sounds like Joe this morning."
"Yeah," agreed Joe. "I saw myself in the mirror and knew I should wash my face and comb my hair right away. But I didn't, and then I forgot about it and went to school looking a mess."
"That's a good example of all of us at times," said Dad. "When we look in another mirror-the Bible-it shows us our sins and shortcomings and gives us instructions for Christian living. But as we read, we must not only see what's needed in our lives, we must do something to make the necessary changes."
"And we should do it right away, so we don't forget," added Claire, grinning at her brother.
MEMORY VERSE: Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. James 1:22
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you regularly look into God's "mirror"-the Bible? You should. That's the way to learn how to live the Christian life. As you look, do you see things in your life that need changing? Do you need to obey more promptly, be more friendly, or treat someone with more kindness? Do you need to stop complaining, quit lying, or stop unkind teasing? When God makes you aware of a problem, be sure to take care of it at once so that you don't forget.
THE KEY: Hear and do what God says

We are Created to Love Him and be Loved by Him

2008-01-24T08:58:00.000-08:00

Today's meditation is taken from:
All Things In Christby Chip Brogden http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/allthings.html
"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11).
All things were created by Him, and everything was created for Him. For Him! Why this earth, the moon, the stars, the galaxies? Why the animals, the birds, the fish, the insects? Why men and women, angels, cherubim, and seraphim? For Him! All for Him!
God's original thought is for Christ to fill every created thing with His Life, Love, and Glory. A design implies a Designer, a plan implies a Planner, and a creation implies a Creator. We are not drifting along aimlessly, and we did not come into being by accident. We were created by Him, and we were created for Him. We were created to love Him, and to be loved by Him

Obtaining Truth and Holding On To It

2008-01-22T04:38:00.000-08:00

Today's meditation is taken from:THE REMNANT PRINCIPLEBy Chip Brogden
http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/daniel5.html"Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, opened his windows towards Jerusalem, and kneeled down three times a day to pray and give thanks to God, just as he always did" (Daniel 6:10).
Everyone wants power with God, but few want to deny themselves. They would rather just have someone pray for them or lay hands on them while they live any way they please. You know, there is no law that says a Christian must pray three times a day and serve God with fasting, like Daniel did. We are not led by rules and regulations, but by the Spirit. You can pray once a day, once a week, or not at all. You can eat three or four meals a day if you like. But I hope one day we will become more hungry for the Lord and more thirsty for His Purpose than we are for our earthly food and drink. I hope one day we will become so consumed with heavenly things that earthly things begin to lose their grip on us. I pray we will at least have enough wisdom to understand that if we really want to know God we will have to pay a price for knowing. It will cost us something to obtain experiential truth, and it will cost us something to hold on to it after we obtain it.

Chruch Notes- 21 Day Fast

2008-01-20T09:12:00.001-08:00

Why fast?
If you fast and don't pray, you will lose weight.
If you fast and pray, it will bring change.
Eating food is like putting fuel in your car to enable it to go by pressing the gas pedal. Fasting is like taking your foot off the brake.

Types of Fasts:
Recommendation if I've never fasted before, to do a juice fast/no pulp.
You will be hungry for three days.
Fourth day...a break over.
Fifth day, no more hunger.
Options... don't get caught up in time, be obedient.
Types of fasts..
a day of fasting/week
partial fast- take out a meal or two each day
Daniel fast- remove some foods from diet: meats, sweets, processed foods
full fast- drink only water or fruit juice pulp free.
fast activities- like TV
Fasting: denying yourself of a great craving

Online: Encouragement (didn't mention where...perhaps need to give email address)
Assess what you are going to do and make up your mind before you start.

What to expect:
Toxins will be released.
Paracites will be flushed after 8 days
Prepare for three days by eating soups and soft foods

Repair and Restore
Isaiah 58
I don't want you fasting so you can say you fasted as a spiritual routine. But rather it's to do the things that are right. Let your physical desires die out, take the back seat.

The purpose of this fast is to bring people back to God and on to the maturation process.
See souls saved, and also take care of them. Resue the parishing from damnation. Get them back on track, on the path they belong. Restoration in marriages and in lives.

We must become serious about our dreams and visions. Entertain the spirit more than our own desires.

We will hear God more clearly. We will be loosed from distrations.

When we allow God to take priority, He will release His glory.

Opportunities will be revealed.

Flaws and sin will become more obvious to us so that we can confess them and get them out of the way.
Fasting denies the devil access be crucifying our flesh.

Don't Worry About Tomorrow

2008-01-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

TO HIM THAT OVERCOMESBy Chip Brogden
http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/overcomes.html"Don't worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34a).
Most of us, from time to time or nearly all of the time, worry about something - our health, our finances, our loved ones, and so on. Yet the Scriptures say take no thought for your lives and be anxious for nothing. Why is worry a sin? I know we consider it "only human", but worry really implies a lack of trust in God. It is believing a lie. Identify the lie and you can quickly discover the Truth. What is the lie? That God is somehow less than sufficient, that perhaps He will not come through for us. So you see, the enemy gets us to believe a lie, and then gets us to think that we are just being "human". So then we accept something less than the normal Christian life - overcoming - and think that is just the way it is. Remember: satan has no power apart from our belief in his lie.
Overcomers are learning to bridge the gap between what they SAY they believe and how they really LIVE. Now we are not criticizing or judging people for having anxious thoughts, for we have our share of them. We have not overcome in this area. We simply say this is one thing to be overcome, one of many lies which oppose the Truth. The one that overcomes is constantly challenging the lie of the enemy and demonstrating the preeminence of Christ over all things. When every lie is destroyed then the dragon is defeated, for it cannot control what it cannot deceive.
Most of what we see and hear is an illusion. It is not the Truth, but a lie, a distortion. Our eyes and our ears cannot be trusted. We must have heavenly vision and heavenly hearing.

Notes from Church 1-13-08

2008-01-13T17:08:00.000-08:00

Let my life be worship unto thee. (what a beautiful devinely designed song)
Let my body be a living sacrifice.
God says to search for Him
Be transformed by the renewing of my mind. We've had enough Good thoughts, we need "God" thoughts.

Be a Good Example

2008-01-06T19:02:00.001-08:00

TITLE: Watching You
SCRIPTURE: Read: Titus 2:6-8; Colossians 1:9-10
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
Todd pushed away the bowl of oatmeal that Mom had placed on the table in front of him. "Oatmeal again?" he asked. "Can't I have cornflakes instead?"
"Oatmeal 'gin? Want cawnfakes!" In his high chair, Todd's little brother pushed his bowl off the tray. His mother caught it as it tumbled toward the floor.
"Danny, never do that again!" scolded Mom with a sigh. She turned to Todd. "Now I'll have trouble getting Danny to eat his oatmeal."
"Why does he always copy me?" grumbled Todd.
"Because he loves you," replied Mom. "You are his hero, and he watches everything you do."
Later that day, Mom asked Todd to take out the trash. "I'm watching TV," replied Todd with a frown. "I'll do it later." It seemed to Todd that his mother always asked him to do things at the worst possible time.
"Do it now, Todd," Mom said firmly, "or you may forget it."
As Todd reluctantly got to his feet, he mumbled a few words his mother had told him he shouldn't use. He glanced uneasily at her, but she was heading for the kitchen and didn't hear him. Todd hurried to finish his chore, and as he returned to his place, he heard Mom calling Danny. "Come pick up your toys, Son," she said.
"Watsing TV," Danny replied, not moving from his cozy position beside Todd.
"Daniel Blackburn!" said Mom sternly. "Don't make me come and get you."
Danny shrugged. Then mimicking Todd's tone, Danny repeated the words Todd had used.
Todd was horrified. "Don't say that, Danny!" he scolded. "That's a no-no. Go and do what Mom says, and don't ever use those words again!"
"Okay," agreed Danny, sliding from the sofa.
As Todd watched Danny leave, he couldn't help feeling guilty. I was a bad example to Danny, thought Todd. I never noticed before that he copied what I do and say so much! I'm going to do better! I don't want to do anything that could hurt Danny-or anyone else who might be watching!
MEMORY VERSE: Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
HOW ABOUT YOU? Are you aware that someone is always watching you? Yes, God is-but others are, too. Is your behavior and your general attitude a good example to them? Or does your life encourage them to do something wrong? Be very careful in what you do and say. Don't influence anyone to sin against the Lord. Ask God to help you be a good example to others.
THE KEY: Be a good example

Salvation is Free

2008-01-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

TITLE: Really Free?
SCRIPTURE: Read: Ephesians 2:4-9
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
As Dylan sat down at the kitchen table to eat lunch, an advertisement on the bread wrapper caught his attention. "Free gift!" he read. "Skipper Sam Race Boat! See details on bottom of package." Dylan turned the loaf of bread so he could see the bottom. "Mom, look!" he exclaimed. "I can get a Skipper Sam Race Boat for absolutely nothing. I saw how much those boats cost at the store-twelve dollars!"
"Let me see that package," said Mom. "That offer sounds too good to be true." She studied the information about the boat. "Dylan, did you notice what you need to send in with this order form?" she asked.
"Ah . . . I think you have to send three proof of purchase tags," said Dylan.
Mom nodded. "Three proof of purchase tags from what?" she asked.
"From . . . let's see." Dylan reached for the bread. "From Skipper Sam Race Boats . . . hey!" He interrupted himself. "That means I'd have to buy three boats just to get one for free. That's thirty-six dollars!" Disappointed, Dylan pushed the loaf of bread away.
"When something is offered for free in cases like this, there's often something to buy first or some other requirement you have to meet," said Mom.
Dylan sighed. "I guess people have it right when they say if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
"Well," said Mom as she sat down at the table with Dylan, "that generally is the case. I do know of one offer, though, that also sounds too good to be true, but the gift that's offered really is free."
"It is?" asked Dylan eagerly. "What is it? Have you gotten it already?"
"Yes, I have. It's the gift of salvation-the gift of eternal life instead of eternal punishment," Mom replied with a smile. "It's free to anyone who will accept Jesus as Savior."
Dylan grinned. "I guess I should have thought of that," he said. "I've already done that and gotten the gift, too!"
"It's a gift everyone can have," Mom added. "Now . . . let's thank the Lord for our lunch and for His free gift of eternal life."
MEMORY VERSE: The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you like gifts? A gift is something that's free-you can't earn it or buy it. But you do need to accept it. Jesus offers the gift of eternal life-He paid the price for it. Have you accepted it? When you trust Jesus as Savior, you are accepting the gift He offers. It's the only way you can get it. Why not trust Him today? (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)
THE KEY: Salvation is free

Jesus in charge of our day-to-day affairs

2008-01-04T11:21:00.000-08:00

Today's meditation is taken from:THE KINGDOM, THE POWER, AND THE GLORYBy Chip Brogden
http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/kpg.html"For Thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the Glory forever. Amen" (Matthew 6:13b).
The spirit of Antichrist is active today. It is at work in the world, and it is at work in the Church (or, what is called "the Church"), and it is at work within each one of us individually, trying to draw us out into something - anything - other than Christ. Hence the Lord's need for overcomers to rise up and demonstrate that in spite of all appearances to the contrary, THE LORD JESUS REIGNS, and He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. This demonstration begins with each individual disciple, then finds expression within the corporate synthesis of Believers, before finding its ultimate expression and release in all creation. If the Lord does not have the preeminence in us as individual disciples, if we remain unsurrendered to Him in our own lives, how can the Church as a whole ever hope to bear His Testimony to the world? This is a critical point.
What assurance are we given? It is this: that in spite of nation rising up against nation, kingdom rising up against kingdom, political tumults and global confusion, "THINE IS THE KINGDOM" - Your Throne is everlasting, Your Kingdom is established, and of the increase of Your Government there shall be no end (cf. Isaiah 9:6,7). In other words, as Daniel would say, the Heavens DO rule, and it is the Most High God Who governs the affairs of men. THAT is the heart of the matter. THAT is what we are moving towards, from our day-to-day affairs as followers of Jesus, to the course and direction of this entire age.

Limit Physical and Mental Junk Food

2008-01-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for January 4, 2008
TITLE: Junk Food
SCRIPTURE: Read: Psalm 119:33-40
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Uh-oh! I've gotta get home, Brad!" exclaimed Jerry. "It's dinner time. I was having so much fun that I didn't watch the clock." He reached toward the bowl of potato chips on the table. "Thanks for the snacks. Bye!"
Brad grinned. "Bye," he said. "See you tomorrow." Jerry nodded and stuffed the chips into his mouth as he dashed out the door.
At the dinner table, Jerry put down his fork when his plate was still half full. "I'm just not very hungry-I had potato chips and cookies and drank some pop at Brad's house," he explained.
"Jerry Allen Byron! You know you're not supposed to eat when it's almost dinner time," scolded Mom. "Besides, you know we don't want you to eat a lot of junk food. It can dull your appetite for the good food you need."
"Sorry, but it tastes so good," mumbled Jerry.
Mom frowned. "And this chicken dinner I fixed doesn't?" she asked. "I thought fried chicken was one of your favorite meals."
Jerry looked at the platter of chicken and creamy mashed potatoes and buttered corn. "It is," he said, "but I'm just not hungry. Can I go watch TV?"
Dad frowned slightly. "I hope you're not also getting too much 'junk food' in another area," he said. "Too much time spent on things like TV and video games and comic books is like taking in mental junk food. Those things don't help you grow strong spiritually, and too much of them may dull your appetite for good, spiritual food."
"The comic books and TV shows are all ones you've approved," protested Jerry, "and there's nothing wrong with my video games, is there?"
"No," said Dad, "unless they dull your desire for the things of God or take time you should use for other things."
Slowly Jerry nodded. "Well . . . I got a book at the church library last Sunday. I'll go read that, okay?" he asked.
"That would be better," agreed Dad, "but no, you can't be excused yet. Mealtime is family time here, so even if you're not hungry, we want you to stay and talk with us for a while."
MEMORY VERSE: Do not be conformed to this world . . . prove what is that good and . . . perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
HOW ABOUT YOU? How much mental "junk food" are you getting? It's fine to play games and enjoy yourself, but don't be "conformed" to even the "okay" things of the world. Don't get so involved in them that you neglect things that build your character and help you become more like Christ. A variety of Christian materials for children provide fun as well as spiritual help. And "spiritual family time"-time spent with other Christians-helps, too.
THE KEY: Limit physical and mental junk food

Think Before You Act or Speak

2008-01-02T20:23:00.001-08:00

TITLE: Instant Replay
SCRIPTURE: Read: Psalm 19:12-14; 139:23-24
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
Brian and his dad were enjoying a football game on TV. "Watch out for that guy on your right!" yelled Brian-and Dad waved his arms as if the players could see him. But it was no use-the man they were cheering for was down. "That was dumb!" exclaimed Brian in disgust. "He should have seen that guy coming at him! He wasn't paying attention."
Dad nodded. "The coach pulled him out now, and I expect they'll show him an instant replay of that move. I dare say he won't make the same mistake again."
By the time the game was over, Mom had supper ready. "Hey! How come Gretchen gets a hot turkey sandwich and the rest of us get yucky old tuna casserole?" asked Brian, glancing at his sister's plate as he came to the table. He yanked out his chair and bumped the table hard as he sat down. "You're just a spoiled brat," he complained to Gretchen.
Gretchen began to speak, but Brian wouldn't listen-not even when his mother tried to explain. He interrupted her and continued to grumble as he roughly gave his plate a shove, spilling his milk.
"Brian, go to your room and think about what you just did," ordered Dad. "The way you behaved and the things you said were not pleasing to us, and they certainly were not pleasing to God. When you're ready to apologize, you may come back to the table."
Brian knew it was no use to protest, so he went to his room, hungry and angry. He plopped down on his bed. But he did think. In his mind, he replayed what had happened. He tried to tell himself he hadn't been treated fairly and that Gretchen was spoiled. But then he remembered that Gretchen had been sick when they'd had a turkey dinner the day before and his mother had saved some turkey for her. That's why she's getting it now, he thought. He knew he had made a mess of the situation and had hurt his sister's feelings.
The rest of the family was almost finished when Brian again took his place at the table. He looked at his father. "In my mind, I . . . I watched an 'instant replay' of what happened," said Brian. "I guess if I did that more often, I wouldn't keep on making so many mistakes." Turning to his mom and his sister, he added. "I'm really sorry for the way I acted."
MEMORY VERSE: Thus says the Lord of hosts: "Consider your ways!" Haggai 1:7
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you sometimes say or do things that you later regret? Perhaps you've criticized a classmate, complained about your food, or slipped out of the house to avoid doing your chores. In your mind, "replay" your actions and words throughout each day to see if any of them were displeasing to God. If they were, ask His forgiveness and don't keep making the same mistakes.
THE KEY: Think before you act or speak

Why God Allows My Suffering

2008-01-01T15:03:00.000-08:00

THE SEED OF APOSTASY
By Chip Brogden
http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/apostasy.html

"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye sees You" (Job 42:5).The testing of Job was a valid test, a crucial one, and a crucible through which each Christian will be purged, sifted, and tried. To what end? It is summed up in the words of Job himself as he neared the end of his ordeal: "I have heard Thee by the hearing of the ear: but now my eye seeth Thee." BUT NOW! BUT NOW! BUT NOW! Before he heard about Him, but now he sees Him, and falls to the ground. Before he worshipped Him having heard, now he worships having seen, and known.I submit that God set him up for such experiential knowledge by allowing him to be subjected to the assaults of the devil, the harshness of his environment, the misunderstanding of his friends, the loss of his family and material possessions, and his physical infirmity. I submit that if anyone desires to take up the cross and follow Christ such testing is the only realistic expectation His disciple can entertain.

7 Keys to Use in Praying for the Lost

2008-01-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

7 Keys to Use In Praying for the Lost
Taken from a seminar from Elijah Ministries

1. That God would lift the veil over him/her (prayer for revelation and enlightenment) . (2 Cor 4:3)

2. For the Holy Spirit to hover over him and protect him.

3. For godly people to be in his pathway each day.

4. To cast down anything that would exalt itself against the knowledge of God, specifically pride and rebellion. (2 Cor 10:3-5)

5. To take down all known strongholds; thought patterns, opinions on religion, materialism, fear. (Luke 4:18)

6. To bind Satan from taking them captive; to bind all wicked thoughts and lies Satan would try to place in their minds. (James 3:15)

7. That the armor of God would be placed on him. (1 John 5:19, Acts 26:18)8. Also make sure you are with others who can support you.

Give Your Whole Life to God

2008-01-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

TITLE: No Strings
SCRIPTURE: Read: Romans 12:1-2; Galatians 2:20
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Grandma, in Bible times people had to sacrifice animals to God, didn't they?" Kara asked one day. "Why don't we do that now?"
Grandma smiled. "When Jesus died for our sins, He was the perfect sacrifice," she replied. "Animal sacrifices are no longer needed."
"Well . . . when people made a sacrifice, something had to be killed, didn't it?" asked Kara. "What does my memory verse mean when it talks about a 'living sacrifice'?"
"To be a living sacrifice means to give your whole life to God," explained Grandma. She picked up a small piece of yarn. "Pretend this yarn is my life. It's my love, my family, my time, my actions-my everything. Here, honey. I'll give it to you." Grandma held out one end of the yarn. Kara took it, but Grandma kept hold of the other end. "There-my life is all yours now, right? I'm sacrificing it to you." She tugged on the yarn a little as she spoke.
Kara giggled. "Well, then why are you still holding on to it?" she asked.
"Good point," said Grandma. "That's like Christians who say they've made their lives a living sacrifice to serve God, but then they leave 'strings' attached to some areas. For example, they may persist in listening to music with bad lyrics. Or perhaps they leave a 'string' attached to friends and continue to hang around people who have a bad influence on them. It's possible to hold something back in any number of areas." Grandma dropped her end of the yarn. "Tie that into a pretty bow," she said.
"Okay," agreed Kara, but as she began to tie a bow, Grandma reached out and took hold of the yarn again. She tugged it almost out of Kara's grasp. "Grandma!" protested Kara. "What are you doing?"
"That bow you're making is too small," said Grandma. She smiled at Kara's puzzled glance. "Christians sometimes act the way I just did," Grandma explained. "When they don't like the way something is turning out, they try to pull their lives back out of God's hands. To be a 'living sacrifice,' we need to trust God and not try to pull our lives back into our own control."
"Even when we don't like the way something is going, right?" asked Kara. "I think I get it."
MEMORY VERSE: I beseech you . . . that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God. Romans 12:1
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you given God control of every part of your life? Would He approve of your choice of friends, your school activities, your study habits, your music? If there's an area where you do something that you know doesn't please God, are you willing to give it up? Are you willing to yield every area of your life to Him-no strings attached? Be willing to do whatever He wants.
THE KEY: Give your whole life to God

Don't Hold Grudges

2007-12-30T22:12:00.001-08:00

TITLE: Throw It Out
SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 19:16-18; Romans 12:17-21
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Let's go to the sidewalk sale, Mom," suggested Patty.
"All right." Mom smiled. "But we've got to get this kitchen cleaned up first, including the refrigerator."
"Okay," agreed Patty. "I'll start there."
Mom nodded, and they worked several minutes in silence. Then Mom asked, "Would you like to invite Melissa to go shopping with us?"
"No," Patty answered shortly as she unloaded the refrigerator shelves.
"No?" Mom looked surprised. "Why not?"
"She's probably with Amy today." Patty frowned. "Melissa is Amy's friend now."
"Can't Melissa have more than one friend?" Mom asked. "You could invite Amy, too."
"No!" snapped Patty. "Melissa knows I can't stand Amy. Last year Amy said some nasty things about me, and she . . . Phew! What do I smell?" Patty made a face.
Mom grimaced. "You must have uncovered something that's spoiled," she said.
Patty held up a bowl. "It's this old tuna casserole. Phewe-e-e!" She held her nose.
"Quick!" said Mom. "Let's get rid of it!"
Soon the casserole was disposed of, and the kitchen was sprayed with air freshener. "I guess we should clean out the 'fridge more often. Food smells really bad when it gets too old," observed Patty.
"Yes, it does," agreed Mom. A moment later, she added, "Certain attitudes do, too. Sometimes we keep old things in our hearts until they spoil." Patty sighed. She had a pretty good idea what was coming. "For almost a year now, you've been carrying a grudge against Amy," continued Mom. "Frankly, that grudge is beginning to stink."
"But, Mom," began Patty, "she said . . ."
"I know-you've told me," said Mom. "You've said some pretty nasty things about her, too, honey." Patty gulped. She hadn't thought of that. "Don't you think it's time to throw that grudge out?" Mom asked gently.
Patty took a deep breath. A few minutes later, she dried her hands and went to the telephone. Mom smiled as she heard Patty say, "Amy, would you like to go shopping with me and my mom today? I'm going to ask Melissa, too."
MEMORY VERSE: Do not grumble against one another. James 5:9
HOW ABOUT YOU? What kind of attitudes do you have? Are you still grumbling about something that happened quite a while ago? Are you carrying a grudge against someone who offended you? Ask God to help you get rid of it today. Ask Him to give you a sweet and forgiving spirit with which to start the coming year.
THE KEY: Don't hold grudges

Use the Skills God Gave to You

2007-12-30T22:06:00.000-08:00

TITLE: Just Different
SCRIPTURE: Romans 12:4-11
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"A few more days," said Jerry, "and we can watch the best ball game of the year." He picked up the football he had received for Christmas. "The next best thing to playing football," he declared, "is watching the Rose Bowl game."
"Huh!" scoffed his sister Beth. "The best thing about football is that the season's almost over." She picked up her new tennis racquet and some fuzzy balls. "Now this is much better," she declared. "Better than your silly old football."
Mom looked up. "Well, I think my new bowling ball is the best one. It's big and beautiful and heavy! It's going to help me knock down lots of bowling pins."
Dad spoke up. "It's big all right," he agreed, "but if you want to see beauty, you need to take a look at my golf balls." Glancing around at his family, Dad grinned. "Whoever would have thought that buying everybody sports equipment for Christmas would start a family feud?"
"Well, I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree," said Mom with a smile. "Better yet, let's agree that everybody's sport is great. Tennis balls or golf balls, bowling balls or footballs-no one kind is better than the others. They're just all different. Each is designed to do the best job possible for its own sport."
"That's true," said Beth. "You wouldn't knock many bowling pins over with my tennis balls."
"No," agreed Jerry, "and I can just imagine you trying to play tennis with Dad's golf balls while he plays golf with my football."
Beth laughed. "And you trying to play football with Mom's bowling ball," she said. "That would be funniest of all."
"You know," said Dad, "that's the way it is with people, too. We all have talent for something. Some can sing or speak well. Still others do a good job taking care of little children or building homes. Some are good in science or sports or math. But that doesn't make one person better than another. Just like it's unfair to compare a tennis ball and a bowling ball, it's unfair to compare people with each other. God made each one different and gave each one . . ."
"Talents!" chorused the kids together. Dad smiled and nodded.
MEMORY VERSE: Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them. Romans 12:6
HOW ABOUT YOU? Can you think of someone who can do something better than you? Do you think that makes him more special, or valuable, than you are? Wrong! Or do you think you're better than someone else because you can do something he can't? Wrong again! God made each person different and special. Develop the skills He gave you. Recognize that others have different abilities, and don't be envious of them.
THE KEY: Use the skills God gave to you

Learn From Problems

2007-12-29T15:39:00.000-08:00

TITLE: The Stone Bracelet
SCRIPTURE: Romans 5:1-5
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
Anna plunked herself down on the sofa, and tears filled her eyes. "First my kitten disappeared, then I ruined my favorite shirt, and now my best friend is leaving. It isn't fair!" she cried.
"I'm sorry, honey," soothed Mom. "Can you trust God to teach you through these things He's allowed to happen?"
Anna sniffed. "I don't want to learn," she said. "I just want things back the way they were before."
Mom looked at Anna thoughtfully and then left the room. Soon she came back with a box, which she placed on the table. "These are stones I picked up long ago when we were on a trip to the Black Hills," said Mom. "The bracelet you're wearing is made of stones, so . . . would you be willing to trade it for these stones?"
Anna looked at her bracelet. "Why would I do that?" she asked. "The stones in this box are rough and dull and dirty. Those in my bracelet are smooth and shiny." She glanced at her mother suspiciously. "What are you getting at, Mom?"
Mom smiled. "Well, I originally intended to have these polished and used in jewelry," she said, "but I never got around to it, so they've just been laying around, enjoying an easy life. Those in your bracelet had a rougher time. They've been tumbled around with sand and other stones. The sharp edges have been ground off, and the stones have been rubbed to make them shine. All that rough treatment made them beautiful, didn't it?" Mom paused. "Our lives are something like that," she added. "When difficult things happen to us, some of our 'rough edges' get polished off. We may not like what's happening, but God often uses those hard times to 'polish' and improve us."
"I don't see how the things happening to me can improve me!" mumbled Anna.
"Maybe losing Whiskers helps you understand how others feel when they lose someone they love," suggested Mom. "I think ruining your blouse has already taught you to be careful. And having your best friend move may help you be more friendly to others kids who don't have a best friend." She gave Anna a hug. "Trust God, and allow those things to make you a more caring person."
MEMORY VERSE: We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance. Romans 5:3
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you feel like you're being bumped around by circumstances? Maybe the Lord wants to polish off a few more rough edges. What lesson can you learn from what's happening in your life? Have you had a rainy day? Did you allow it to help you appreciate the sun more? Have you been sick? Did it make you thankful for days when you feel good? Have you been lonesome? Did it make you willing to spend time with someone else who is lonely? Learn from all the experiences God allows in your life.
THE KEY: Learn from problems

I feel bumped around all right...to the point I can't do my job of keeping house, feeding my animals, and raising my kids in God's ways. I'm not sure what lesson is to be learned other than I'm unable to do anything in my own strength. My husband says the lesson to be learned is to listen to him and obey him. I would if I could. I'm lonesome allright, but it doesn't make me want to spend time with others. I feel like poison to everyone when I'm like this. I reach out to others when I'm well. I look for ones struggling with deperssion that I can pray with and encourage. When I reach out when I'm like this, the rejection and criticism from others just makes the wounds deeper. I'll try to learn whatever it is God is trying to teach me. I do want to learn. The saga goes on. I will be changed some day. Oh how I look forward to that.

Don't Judge Others By What They Own

2007-12-28T17:03:00.000-08:00

TITLE: Just Different (Cont'd.)
SCRIPTURE: James 2:1-9
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"I saw that new boy-Lon-come out sledding today," announced Beth one evening, "but Jerry and his friends were mean to him, Dad." Jerry scowled at his sister.
"Is that true?" asked Dad, looking at Jerry.
"We weren't that bad," growled Jerry. "But they must be poor or something. Lon was using the cover of a plastic garbage can to slide on!"
"You could have shared your sled," said Beth.
Jerry glared at her. "I didn't see you share," he muttered. "Besides, just wait till his sister comes out and wants to play with you! He has a sister, you know."
"I know that," said Beth. She frowned. "I think you're right. I think they are poor. Lon's sister wears such old-fashioned clothes!"
"I think you're both forgetting something," said Dad. "Just yesterday we talked about how balls used in various sports are all different, but that doesn't make one better than another, remember? It's the same with people, right?"
"Well . . . I guess so," said Beth uncertainly.
Dad continued. "You know, some sports balls have inexpensive covers . . ."
"Yeah, Beth, like your cheap, fuzzy, tennis balls," interrupted Jerry.
"As I started to say," said Dad, "the cost of the covering is not the important thing. It's not what gives the item value. It doesn't matter if it's a cheap covering or an expensive one. And neither does a person's 'covering,' or wealth, determine his or her value." Dad looked straight at Jerry. You have a sled, but Karl, who lives down the street, has a snowmobile. Does that make him better than you?"
Jerry blushed and shook his head. "No," he said.
"And," continued Dad, now looking at Beth, "some people buy rings at the discount store, and others own expensive ones. Are people with cheaper rings less valuable than the others?"
Beth looked at the cheap ring on her hand. "Okay," she said. "I get the point."
Jerry nodded. "Me, too," he agreed. After a moment, he added. "Actually, it was pretty clever of Lon to use that can cover. It worked really good. Maybe I'll try ours!"
MEMORY VERSE: The rich and the poor have this in common, the Lord is the maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2
HOW ABOUT YOU? Do you judge people by the material things they have? God doesn't. In fact, He's very specific about the importance of treating all alike. He looks at a person's heart, not at what kind of clothes he wears or what things he owns. Beautiful clothes, expensive toys, wealthy parents, and nice homes are not what really matter. In the Bible, judging others according to such things is called "showing partiality," and God says you are not to do that.
THE KEY: Don't judge others by what they own

1 Samual Chapter 1

2007-12-28T08:57:00.000-08:00

In this chapter about Hannah being treated badly by her husband's other wife because she did not have children, I see such a difference between our culture and theirs.

In my life, I feel that I've been treated very poorly by others because I have more than 2 children. The persecution started when Philip was born. He was my third, and there is no doubt in my mind that he was an answer to my prayer for God's will to prevail in my life.

You see, I had no intention of having more children. I was relieved to have raised my two to the point that they were both walking and I didn't have to carry them any longer along with everything else I had to carry. Physically I was very weak and in pain most of the time. I was not longing for more children and was taking steps to prevent conception. So, when Philip was conceived, I knew it was an act of God, and I treasure him as an extra special blesssing from God.

Anyhow, I was so excited at his birth, and had just assumed others would be just as excited. I took him to Tennessee to show him off to a friend. She was very cruel...gave me a lecture about overpopulating the planet. I was very sad, but had thought she was unique in her thinking, only later to learn that most everyone either feels it is irresponsible to have more than two children for the wellbeing of our planet, or for the wellbeing of our other children. Lectures from my older sister and stepmother have been the most painful. I tell myself it is because they care about me, but deep down I grieve because they will never understand the treasure that these children are.

They are much more precious than the biggest house or bank account. And while we do struggle for space and paying bills, the Lord provides. We are so rich by the standards of the world. I just read that 80% of the world does not have basic necessities such as housing, food, education. We are so very blessed. We have a roof over our head with heat and air conditioning, access to a wonderful library, and food for every meal of the day plus snacks. And now to take some of the load off of me while I'm recovering my health, two of my children are in private school taught by a team of Christians who love and serve the Lord.

I don't know what the future holds, but am very excited about a phone company my husband and his friend have started which has the potential to bring in income while we are overseas. For as long as I can remember, I've never felt comfortable in our culture where the goal is to have a certain "look" or accomplish a certain career status. When I was in Haiti, there was such a freedom from that mentality. There are so many needs, that what brand of clothing you are wearing is the furthest thing from anyone's mind. I have always wanted to return and work in an orphanage there. And now I have a friend who does exactly that. She adopted two children from an orphanage called House of Hope, and works diligently raising money and taking frequent trips to minister to the children there. Also, I have met people who have ministered in Romania and I feel a tug in my heart to go there. We have had an invitation to Hungary, and it didn't work out. Our missionary friends unexpectedly had to return home before we were able to go.

Anyhow, I'm identifying with Hannah in that she wanted to give her son back to the Lord. I feel that each of my children belong to the Lord, and that it's my responsibility to train them in His ways and to help them find Him. Everything else is secondary. It breaks my heart the point we are in now...my oldest daughter telling me I'm a joke, my second daughter grieving because there was one thing on her Christmas list that she didn't get, my son more interested in video games than anything else, my two year old watching junk on TV because I'm too bombarded with chemical exposures to be able to involve her in other activities, and my husband working himself into an early grave trying to meet the insane financial demands of our culture. I know it's time for a change. I'm excited about the possibilities of God using us as a family for His glory, and how it's going to change us to be closer to Him.

See, I've had it all wrong. I've been grieving because I've felt that me caring for my family has been keeping me from serving in the church. Also, the many chemical exposures in this area as well as the stress brought on by the disaproval of my extended family and peers have kept me in a bondage of sorts...paralyzed physically, emotionally, and even spiritually to the extent that I've allowed it. But now I can see opportunity for my whole family to serve in God's church as a unit, together, to further His kingdom and to bring him glory. Now is the time. I dedicate my children and my family to Him to use in his kingdom. Amen.

Christ is Greater

2007-12-27T04:05:00.000-08:00

Today's meditation is taken from:
THE STRENGTH OF SEEING
By Chip Brogden
http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/seeing.html

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world" (I John 4:4).
John declares that no matter what comes against us, the One within us is Greater. It does not matter what you feel like, what you see, what you hear, what people say, or what the devil does. It does not matter if Lazarus is dead for four days and is beginning to stink. It does not matter if the girl dies before Jesus can get there. It does not matter if the waves are about to capsize the boat. It does not matter if Paul is stoned and left for dead. Lazarus will be raised, the girl will be brought back to life, and the storm will be silenced, and Paul will preach again.
The Greater is always Greater, and the Lesser is always Lesser. We only have a problem when see everything else as "greater" and see Christ as "lesser".

You Can Know Jesus Personally

2007-12-22T23:26:00.000-08:00

TITLE: One Small Word
SCRIPTURE: 1 John 5:11-13
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
Kevin listened politely as his elderly neighbor chattered on. "You and my grandson Allen would get along so well together," Mrs Crane was saying. "He really enjoys skating. And did I tell you that he plays football?"
Kevin nodded. "And that he's in my grade in school," he said, "and that he has a baseball card collection."
Mrs Crane nodded happily as she left.
Kevin turned to his mother. "I don't know how often Mrs. Crane has told me about her grandson," he said. "I think I must know just about all there is to know about him. He sounds like a nice guy, but to tell the truth, I'm tired of hearing about him. I wish she'd either introduce us or forget the whole thing."
The next Saturday, it happened! The doorbell rang, and there was Mrs. Crane and a boy about Kevin's age. "Hi, Kevin," said Mrs. Crane. "This is Allen, my grandson." She smiled at Allen. "And this is Kevin," she added.
Allen was visiting his grandmother for a week, so the boys played together often. Both had a great time.
"I'm glad Mrs. Crane finally introduced Allen and me," Kevin told his parents one day. "I knew all about him for a long time, but now I actually know him."
Mom smiled. "You can 'know about,' or you can 'know.' The elimination of one small word makes a lot of difference, doesn't it?" she asked.
Dad nodded. "It's like that when it comes to Jesus, too," he said. "Some people know about Him, yet they don't know Him personally."
"I often think of that at this time of year," added Mom. "Many have heard the Christmas story over and over. But knowing about Jesus isn't enough. It's as useless as knowing about Allen."
Kevin nodded. "I was really tired of hearing Mrs. Crane talk about him," he said. "Knowing somebody personally is so much better than just hearing about him. I'm glad I know Allen now, and I'm especially glad I know Jesus."
MEMORY VERSE: You may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
HOW ABOUT YOU? Have you heard over and over how Jesus came to earth as a baby? Perhaps you've also heard how He died on the cross to save sinners. Is it getting boring to hear the same stories again and again? Maybe that's because you only know about Jesus, but you don't know Him personally. You need to realize what He did for you and get to actually know Him. Accept Him as your Savior and friend today. (See the ABCs at the end of this book.)
THE KEY: You can know Jesus personally

Follow God, Not the Crowd

2007-12-22T20:02:00.000-08:00

TITLE: Which Path?
SCRIPTURE: Proverbs 4:10-15, 18-19
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"This is such fun!" exclaimed Tracie as she tramped along through the snow with the other kids from her church.
"Yeah," agreed Sarah. "It's cool. Mr. Bailey is a good camp director."
Soon they came to a fork in the path. The kids ahead of them took the path to the right. "Wait!" called Tracie. "Mr. Bailey said to turn left at each fork, and then we'll end up back at camp."
The other campers hesitated. "Yeah, but look! This path on the right is full of footprints. There aren't nearly as many in the path to the left," argued one of the boys. "I think we should take the one everybody else used." Most of the kids agreed, and they all continued down the well-trodden path.
Tracie and Sarah didn't know what to do. "Mr. Bailey said to take the fork to the left," insisted Sarah. "I think we should do that."
"I do, too," agreed Tracie. "Let's at least take it for a little way. If we don't get back to camp soon, we can turn around." Sarah nodded, and they started off.
To the girls' delight, it wasn't long before they did, indeed, arrive back at the camp. They explained to Mr. Bailey why the other campers weren't with them. He shook his head. "They'll come to a dead end and have to turn around," he said. "I'll send someone out on a snowmobile just to make sure they're all right. I guess I should have sent a guide along, after all."
During camp devotions that evening, Mr. Bailey grinned at the group. "We have some tired campers tonight," he said. "Most of you took a longer hike than you planned. You didn't follow the directions you were given. You chose, instead, to follow where others had gone." He opened his Bible. "I believe there's a lesson for you in your afternoon hiking experience," continued Mr. Bailey after he read aloud some verses from Proverbs. "The people whose footsteps you followed this afternoon probably didn't know where they were going. Fortunately, they only led you out of your way and not into any danger. But I want you to remember that when you're tempted to forsake the teachings of God's Word in favor of following the crowd, that well-worn path may lead to disaster. Choose God's way every time. The crowd could be wrong, but He is always right!"
MEMORY VERSE: Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Proverbs 4:14
HOW ABOUT YOU? Is it hard for you to go a different way from others around you? Do kids tease and call you "chicken" if you don't go along with what they're doing? Sometimes it's easier to join in with the crowd than it is to stand up for what is right, but in the long run, it doesn't pay. The Bible says "the way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1:6).
THE KEY: Follow God, not the crowd

The Secret to Overcoming- The Remnant Principle

2007-12-22T19:56:00.001-08:00

Today's meditation is taken from:THE REMNANT PRINCIPLE
By Chip Brogden
http://www.theschoolofchrist.org/articles/daniel3.html

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).This is the secret to overcoming. It is not asking God to come down to where we are and bless our little ministry or work. Not at all. Instead, we leave our ground altogether and come onto the Lord's ground. We leave our earthly position and align ourselves with Heaven. We discern what the Lord's eternal Purpose is, and we set ourselves to cooperate with THAT. And when we are thus in conformity to THAT Purpose, all of Heaven is moved on our behalf. When our ministry or work is in harmony with that great movement of God then we cannot help but overcome.

It's OK to Cry

2007-12-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

Keys for Kids Daily Devotional for December 22, 2007
TITLE: Healing Tears
SCRIPTURE: John 11:11-17, 34-36
AUDIO: listen here
THE STORY FOR TODAY:
"Oh-h-h-h-h!" Mark gasped as his bike flipped through the air. A searing pain ripped through his palms and knees. Angrily, he brushed away his tears. "I will not cry!" he said aloud. He picked up his bike and hobbled home.
Mark's hands and knees ached almost as much as his heart did. Ever since his grandpa had died two weeks before, tears had been hiding right behind his eyes. But he was eleven now-too big to cry.
Mark limped into the kitchen. "Oh, you're hurt!" Mom exclaimed.
"I was riding my bike, and I fell." Mark's voice trembled as he spoke.
"Come into the bathroom and let's get you cleaned up. Then I'll bandage those sore spots," said Mom. Gently, she washed away the dirt and then applied disinfectant to Mark's injured knees. Mark gritted his teeth as the medicine stung. "I know it hurts a lot," Mom sympathized, "but it's cleaning the wounds so they can heal."
Mark took a deep gulp of air and sniffed. Mom put her arm around his shoulders and drew him to her. Mark stiffened and pulled away. I will not cry, he said to himself. Eleven-year-old boys do not cry.
Mom seemed to know what he was thinking. "Honey," she said, "it's okay to cry when you hurt." Mark shook his head angrily. "But it is," Mom insisted. "Did you know that your daddy cried when Grandpa died?"
Mark was startled. "He did? I-I-I didn't think men c-c-cried," he stammered.
"But they do," Mom assured him. "Even Jesus cried. Tears are like the disinfectant I put on those sore spots. Tears help wash out grief and speed the healing process." Mark kept his eyes on his stinging palms. Mom put her hands on his shoulders. "God knows we hurt sometimes," she said. "We don't have to hide our hurt. You may cry-God gave us tears to help us. And Jesus tells us to cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Wouldn't you like to tell Him right now about your hurt hands and knees, honey-and about how much you miss your grandpa?"
Mark nodded, and the tears began to flow.
MEMORY VERSE: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5
HOW ABOUT YOU? It's okay to cry-God gave you laughter and tears. Even men and boys can cry; Jesus did. Neither boys nor girls have to try to be tough and pretend they don't hurt. Remember that Jesus wants you to go to Him with all your hurts-whether they're from injury, sickness, or sad things that happen. He cares for you and wants to help you.
THE KEY: It's okay to cry