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Little Miracles
By: Wendy Dechert
Outline of devotions
1.
Personal mommy story
2.
Relation to other moms
3.
Biblical lesson
4.
Applicable verse—NIV
Intended purpose
1.
God to be glorified
2.
Moms to be encouraged
3.
Used in Christian newsletters/publications
4.
Published as a moms devotional book and/or part of a moms
devotional book
Little Blessing
1
Olivia was almost two and her favorite song was “Wheels on the Bus.” Whenever
anyone would sing along she would get so excited. She never wanted to finish a stanzas
she would start with the next hand motion. I was always amazed at her little arms
awkwardly going “round and round” when she attempted to sing along.
The motion of these little hands reminded me of the first time I looked at her hands. On
January 22nd, 2003 Olivia was born and the nurse said, “She has piano hands.” At that
time I dreamed about my little girl and all the wonderful things she would do with those
little hands. You have had the same dreams about your little bundle(s). This dream is
not just for our children, but also for me, and you.
God has amazing things planned for each of us as simple as a pat on the back for
someone in need, a hand-made craft project for a loved one, a meal for your family, a
project at work . . . God’s given us two hands--what can you do with them?
Colossians 3:24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a
reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for
his wrong, and there is no favoritism.
Laugh
2
My friend Lisa was visiting we hadn’t seen each other in over five years. She is one of
those friends you can pick up where you left off. What a blessing those are. Our children
Olivia and Caimon met for the first time and were sort of playing together. Usually twoyear-olds seem to play separately, but in the same room.
Then, Caimon discovered the gate to the stairs. He was strong enough to push it over.
This brought Olivia running; she isn’t strong enough to push it over herself. She would
pull the gate back up and he would push it over and then they would simultaneously look
at each other and both burst out in laughter. Oh, this was music to our ears, pure
enjoyment over the simplest things. Unbelievably every time Caimon and Olivia laughed
so did Lisa and I. This lasted for a good 15 minutes.
Remember the last time your child (ren) brought laughter to you.
Can I? Can you? Learn to laugh over the simplest things? God brings joy in unique
ways.
Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy
and be glad all our days.
Clapping
3
Being new to Danville, Indiana we visited many churches. On a visit to one Olivia made
a friend. We were singing praise songs and the nursery worker was late so Olivia was
with us in the main sanctuary. There was an older gentleman across the aisle clapping.
Olivia would give him the eye, he would smile and clap. She clapped and swayed back
and forth in response. This game was so precious. He was praising the Lord and she was
happy to be part of it.
Isn’t it fun when your child shows off a bit?
I can’t help but wonder if the nursery worker was meant to be late that Sunday.
Psalm 47 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.
The Pink Ball
4
When Olivia was one and a half my mother-in-law was visiting and so was my youngest
sister Valarie. Valarie and Olivia were at the top of the stairs and Mom was at the
bottom. Picture a HUGE, very light, beach ball. Olivia was completely and thoroughly
entertained (as evidenced by her hearty laugh) by throwing this ball down the stairs and
her grandmother throwing it back.
Family is so special and little snap shots of family together our priceless.
Soon Valarie and Mom were laughing too. Catch the contagiousness of a child’s
laughter. More importantly, remember how God pointed out the importance of the faith
of a child.
Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Touch of a Hand
5
Olivia and I have a bed time ritual of praying together. When it is obvious she doesn’t
want to be in her crib she intuitively seems to know the importance of prayer. As soon as
I say lay down to pray, she does. It doesn’t mean when we are done praying, she won’t
get up again, but the moments we pray are magical.
She willingly lies down and gives me her little hand and if I forget the other hand she
gives it to me to stroke. Hold your child’s hand today.
Couldn’t we learn from her childhood innocence and put out our hand when we need
God’s love.
Psalm 37:24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Super Sucker
6
After Olivia was born the attendant brought her to me to nurse. It was obvious she was
VERY hungry, the nurses nick named her super sucker. She nursed for over forty
minutes. Remember the first time you fed your child?--the confusion over positioning
and/or which bottle to use?
Isn’t this symbolism so dramatic? God used milk to describe his nourishment of a baby
Christian and solid food the nourishment of a seasoned Christian.
Are you still desperate for the milk or have you matured to the solid food?
I Peter 2:2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up
in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Hebrews 5:14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained
themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Chapped Lips
7
Little Olivia had chapped lips and I gave her some of my lip balm--well, she obviously
wanted to put it on herself. This results in her sticking her finger in the jar and putting it
on her chin. It was so cute, I show her it goes on her lips, but she is convinced it goes on
her chin. What an adorable sight. The expression on her face communicates, “I am a big
girl,” “I can do it myself;” but how silly she really is.
Your child sometimes looks silly, but innocently enough they have no idea how much.
How many times do we put something in the wrong place? God has shown our path, but
we choose to do something different. God’s wisdom is far above our human capacity-imitate him. Olivia’s lips wouldn’t be chapped if the lip balm made it to her lips.
What choices can you make to bring you closer to God’s path?
Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Lotion
8
Olivia is almost obsessed with lotion; I have to take full responsibility. Part of my daily
routine is covering myself in lotion. She loves to get some in her hands and rub it on me.
Yesterday, she decided she must put some on my toes. What does your child do to
imitate you?
This cute gesture echoes with such imagery. Jesus humbled himself to wash his
disciple’s feet. Be like Jesus, who can you serve today?
John 13:13-17 You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should do as I have
done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a
messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will
be blessed if you do them.
The Kick
9
Alternate for adoption?
I was lying down in bed and couldn’t sleep because of the normal discomforts of
pregnancy. I felt a twitch, I second guessed it, and then it happened again harder--the
first kick I was sure I felt.
Every mother remembers those first kicks and the magic feeling of the realization that a
living being is growing inside of you. Remember for a minute those first kicks . . .
Maybe your mother, husband, and/or her friend felt your tummy in hopes of sharing the
excitement. The baby is actually a part of you!
Imagine Elizabeth when John the Baptist leaped in her womb at the sight of Mary, Jesus’
mother. We might not be carrying the Savior of the world, but God has blessed us with a
miracle.
Why has God chosen you to be a mother? Are you serving Him in this role?
Luke 1:43-45 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for
joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be
accomplished!
Footprints
10
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the
Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene, he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last
scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He
noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He
also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really
bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it. “Lord, You said that once I decide to
follow you, You’d walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don’t understand why
when I needed you most you would leave me.” The Lord replied, “My son, My precious
child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
My daughter, Olivia says over and over “hold me.” Remember the first time you held
your children. This little whispered request reminds me of my heavenly father who
listens to my whispers of “hold me.”
One of my favorite poems is Footprints to imagine God carrying me in hard times gives
me such peace. What gives you peace?
It is so reassuring to know our Savior will hold us during hard times. Just reach out and
say “hold me.”
Psalm 119:76 May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your
servant.
The Teardrop
11
Olivia has several cries. The whiny fake one when she wants to get her way. The sobby
cry caused by frustration and/or just being over tired. But, then there are the crocodile
tears. It only takes one of those BIG drops to make me
weak in the knees.
The good feeling comes when you pick up your little bundle and the sobs slow, the tears
stop, and the hug grows tighter. But, even better is when the smile comes. We are
comforters just like God is our comforter. Go to God, His arms are open wide.
II Corinthians 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so
that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received
from God.
The Pat
12
One of my absolutely favorite moments is when Olivia pats me on the back. It is the best
feeling ever, to hold her in my arms and to feel her hug, then the pat--what a blessing.
Think of the wonderful blessing of holding your child.
God has given us such miracles in our children, but with that more responsibility. The
responsibility to train this little life to know their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ personally
is so important.
Proverbs 22:6 Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn
from it.
Bubbles Bubbles
13
Olivia has always loved bubbles since she was a small infant. The wonderment in her
eyes the first time I blew bubbles for her was priceless.
Olivia has gotten to the point now where she wants them in her bath. As soon as she gets
in the water . . . bubbles, bubbles.
O.K., Moms. . . How many of you have used bubbles to entertain your children? They
are perfect for infants, toddlers, pre-schoolers and even older children.
There is something completely magical about soapy water turning into floating spheres.
What simple pleasures can create magic in your life? What simple pleasures can bring
you closer to God?
I Thessalonians 4:1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please
God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this
more and more.
Mine!!
14
One day Olivia and I were at our weekly outing to Wal-Mart. Everything she saw she
declared was “MINE!”
The infamous toddler word . . . No-one tells them this word it must be in-born.
In a way she is just like us adults with our prayer request lists. MINE, MINE, and MINE.
Fortunately for us God knows better, He understands our sinful nature. Fortunately, for
us God knows better and the answers might be no, maybe, and wait. Aren’t we blessed to
have a God who sees the big picture?
Matthew 6:7-8 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think
they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father
knows what you need before you ask him.
Communion
15
My husband, Stephan and I were taking communion and Olivia stuck her fingers right
into the cup. Simultaneously we both felt awkward, but smiled.
Has your child embarrassed you, but at the same moment made you proud?
God sees our mistakes and does the same thing. He understands our sinful nature, but
acknowledges our ignorance.
Romans 6:36 The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus
our Lord.
Duck Tape
16
I always know it is time to wake up when I hear, “mummy,” “mummy.” Well, for a
couple days in a row Olivia was completely naked, in the winter, with a dirty diaper when
I went in to get her. So, we completely banned snap and zipper pajamas. The poor girl
lived in sweat suits. The sweat suits started to get too small so I tried duck tape.
My friend Kelly told me to just put a little strip of duck tape on the top of the zipper or
snaps! Wow! Magic it worked. Olivia now asks for her sticker!!
What struggles in our life have a simple solution maybe a child-like faith?
God has made our purpose so clear.
Hebrews 11:40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us
would they be made perfect.
Stinky Feet
17
We were visiting my brother and sister-in-law in Florida for a mini-vacation. Sue was so
taken with her niece Olivia. One thing she did that was so endearing was grab little
Olivia’s feet and say stinky in a silly voice. They would both laugh and Olivia would
stick her feet out again and again!
What silly games does your child want to play over and over?
This reminds me of my heavenly father. God might see the “stench” of our life, but he
loves us anyway and embraces even that.
I Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Belly Wet-Wipe
18
We were eating dinner and Olivia asked for a wet-wipe. I thought she was going to wipe
the mashed potatoes off her hands. She lifts up her shirt and starts to wipe her belly.
Aren’t meal messes fun? Usually there’re cleanable with some bleach, spot remover,
and/or detergent. What messes spiritually need God’s cleanliness?
John 15:3-4a You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain
in me, and I will remain in you.
Fake Pocket
19
My husband just came back from work and he had a pen clipped inside the neck of his
unbuttoned polo shirt. Olivia was in his arms and pulled the pen out. Stephan took the
pen from her and then she stuck her hand down his shirt; saying pocket, pocket. We both
laughed and tried to convince her there wasn’t a pocket and there wasn’t anything else in
his shirt.
Remember a time your child needed some convincing. Are we grabbing at imaginary
things? Is God trying to tell us nothing is there? My biggest obstacle is worry,
unnecessary worry. What is your imaginary straw? Stop grasping.
Matthew 6:25-27 Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or
drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and
the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or
reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much
more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Bobbies
20
Olivia loves her pacifier and the name she gave her pacifier was bobbies. When she
would ask for bobbies people would look at us like, what? We never knew why she
asked for bobbies. Well, one day I was getting out of the shower and she pointed at my
breasts and said bobbies, oh no! I am so glad she didn‘t pronounce that word correctly.
Olivia uses her pacifier for comfort. How does your child find comfort?
Lucky for our children they have a comforter far superior to us. Let God comfort and
nurture your child through you.
Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; . . .
Mommy Where You?
21
Olivia is so cute she asks “Mommy, where you?” The way she leaves out are, is so
priceless. I am in the bathroom, in the kitchen, in the laundry room. Every mom
understands this. That minute to yourself is so invaluable and sometimes unattainable.
Imagine if God needed a minute to himself? I am so glad God is always available to us.
I John 5: 14-15 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask
anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us--whatever
we ask--we know that we have what we asked of him.
My Daddy, My Mommy
22
When Olivia wants to make a strong point to Stephan or I she says, “My Daddy,” and /or
“my mommy.” She didn’t want Stephan to put her to bed. No my daddy. How does
your child make their point?
What responsibility this little phrase brings with it. God has entrusted these little ones to
us.
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers [mothers], do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them
up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Eeyore
23
Olivia, Stephan, and I were singing Olivia’s favorite song “Wheels on the Bus.” Instead
of doing the motions herself, she was doing the motions with her stuffed Eeyore. She
was doing the motions for him, just like I had previously done with her--before she could
do them herself.
What does your child do that mimics something you have done? God has given us an
audience in our children. They will learn so much from us both the positive and the
negative. Remember the very important responsibility God has given you.
Hebrews 6:12 We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith
and patience inherit what has been promised.
I Wuv You
24
The first time Olivia said that to me, I was so touched--my heart almost ached. I always
tell Olivia I love her before I leave her room after tucking her in. Now she says I wuv
you back. I know she really doesn’t understand the significance of those words, but she
knows they are good to say and they also get a loving reaction from me.
As mothers we are truly given a huge responsibility with teaching are children what love
is. Lucky we aren’t in this alone; the only one who can even begin to express
unconditional love is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
How lucky we are to have God’s unconditional love. Take a minute today to let God’s
love be expressed through you to your child. Even better let God use your little miracle
to express His love to you . . . even if the love is pronounced wuv.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still
sinners, Christ died for us.
O.K., O.K.
25
Whenever Olivia hurts herself whether by falling or pinching a finger she has one of two
reactions: the first is the wailing, then I know to come running and hug and kiss her
which usually does the trick. The second is the explanation of O.K.--O.K. Most of the
time when she has an accident she gets up and says O.K.--O.K. . . . Then I know she
will be alright and the injury is minor.
--lesson--injury
Wee Willy
26
My father and Olivia have a little game they play called Wee Willy. Dad touches each
finger and sings wee-willy-wee-willy. Then his finger falls into the crease between her
fingers and thumb and he sings woops and Olivia giggles. Finally he touches her thumb
and ends with the final willy. It never fails she says again--again.
Singing with your children can be such an amazing thing. God enjoys our singing too;
even more than our children do. Sing in praise to the Lord today.
Psalm 13:4 I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.
Silence
27
Olivia is a talker, talker, talker . . . She talks to herself while falling asleep and while
playing alone. When people or stuffed animals are around she talks to them. Her voice
is music to my ears. I am so grateful for her little, high, sing-songy voice.
I had an experience in the late nineties that was quite the contrary. I was on a mission
trip and was living with a family in Australia. The little girl of the family did not talk.
She was probably about three or four. She had been abused by her older brother. The
doctor and teachers said this was why she didn’t talk.
Thank the Lord today for your child’s voice; for your own voice. God gave us each a
voice to use for his purpose.
Mark 15:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the good news to all
creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe
will be condemned.
Bald Babies
28
I was practically bald until I was two years old. So imagine the shock when the first
words out of the delivery obstetrician mouth during Olivia’s birth were; “she has more
hair than her Dad.” Stephan, my husband, shaves his head. Olivia had a full head of
black hair. It now has changed to light brown.
Remember your child’s bald head and/or hairy tuft. Think how much God loves your
child. Your child is so precious to God. He even can count each hair on their little heads.
Luke 12:6-7 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten
by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are
worth more than many sparrows.
Naps
29
Olivia like every toddler needs a nap! She understands that when I put her to bed and
close the door she sleeps. Sometimes she cries, but eventually will give up.
But, lately disruptions have changed the sleep bliss. My in-laws graciously watched
Olivia for four days while Stephan and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary.
Grandparents are supposed to spoil—well that’s what they did! Oma had time to lay with
Olivia for two hours, but I can’t.
A visit to my 94 year old grandma threw us both in another spin. Olivia and I shared the
only bed and every time the train went by. Mommy a train—get up!
Then the return to work, I work a few hours a day at a day-care. This week I worked
during nap time, lets just say Olivia wasn’t cooperative!
Yikes! A sleep-deprived two year old . . . Children make it very easy to fall out of a
routine. How is your routine, or lack of?
Christians sometimes fall out of their routine: church attendance, small group, devotions
etc. Are you spiritually deprived? Yikes! A spiritually deprived mommy . . . Get back
to church, start a mommy group, make your devotions a daily requirement. God wants
you to grow closer to Him.
Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your
bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of
worship.
ABC’s
30
Olivia loves to sing her ABC’s. It is amazing when you hear your two year old sing the
ABC’s by themselves. When something is repeated over and over again a child absorbs
it so well.
What are we repeating to our children?
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget
the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach
them to your children and to their children offer them.
Bobbies
31
Desperate for a way to break Olivia from her pacifier; I started cutting little pieces off of
the pacifier.
Gasp! I know choking hazard!
Well, one morning she said to me. “I am going to throw out my pacey, it is broken.” I
said, “O.K.” knowing that night when it was time to sleep she would freak out! I
reminded her she wouldn’t have it tonight—she said nothing. Have you had to break
your child from the bottle, pacifier, and/or thumb?
Are we grasping at something we don’t really need? Is God trying to break us of a bad
habit?
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you
may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
I Want My Mommy
32
Olivia is in a bad stage at school. She used to see me in the hall, on the playground etc.
and wave give me a kiss or hug and that was it.
Now she has a complete melt down? Yesterday, I went into the two-year-old room to
teach music she greeted me happily, but clung to me, and had a major melt down when I
left YIKES mother’s guilt.
Should she be in the program? Is this just terrible twos? Should I stay home with her
full-time? Does she need the solitude? What has caused your mother’s guilt?
Worry is my biggest problem? My struggle with sin. What are you worrying about?
God is in control.
Job 37:23-24 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power; in his justice and
great righteousness, he does not oppress. Therefore, men revere him, for does he not
have regard for all the wise in heart?”
Storybook Tree
33
Olivia’s favorite video right now is “Storybook Tree” a Christian video I found at the
dollar store. She would watch it over and over and over again, if I let her! What causes
your child to say; again, again . . .?
Why do kids like familiarity? Why do we resist change, especially when God wants us to
change? We baulk when God wants to change our job, our routine, over church, our life?
What change is God trying to make in your life.
Matthew 18:2-4 He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: ‘I
tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter
the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven.
Oma & Opa
34
Olivia calls my in-laws Oma and Pa Pa. What is funny about this is my mother-in-law
would rather be called Grandma and my father-in-law would rather be called Opa. My
in-laws were born and raised Canadian, but they are both 100% German.
My father-in-law knew I called my grandfather Pop Pop—so the name my niece called
him wouldn’t work. So he called himself Opa and his wife Oma.
You could tell Mom wanted to be called Grandma but my husband bought (from Olivia)
mugs for them that said Oma and Opa. Since then they both call themselves the
traditional German name, but you could tell my little Olivia 30 times Grandma and Opa
and she still says Oma and Pa Pa. What relatives have special names your children call
them?
God has so many names. Are we like small children and only call Him whatever we
want: Savior, Father, friend instead of Master, Lord.
Which aspect of God do we need to acknowledge more in our lives?
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his
shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.
The Gallop
35
Olivia and I started doing a Mommy and Me workout video. It is so cute to watch a two
year old imitate dance moves. In the video we do a sashay. Now we will be at the mall,
the grocery store, church etc. and she starts doing her version of the sashay it looks more
like a gallop, a very awkward (but extremely happy) gallop.
I just look at her and laugh. Is God looking down at us doing a gallop in our failed
attempts to do a sashay? God is so much more than we can comprehend. Olivia can not
comprehend that her moves need rhythm and grace—or even that she needs to get both
feet off the ground. But, I see all these flaws. What causes this same smile when you
watch your child?
God watches us even at our happiest, and is content and even smiles at our flaws. Just
like I love watching Olivia; God loves and accepts us even with our mistakes.
Jeremiah 31:10 “Hear the word of the Lord, O Nations; proclaim it in distant
coastlands: ‘He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a
shepherd.’
Devotions
36
Olivia and I have a bed time routine. One of our routines is to read a daily, children’s
devotional.
One day when I was getting ready to read her the devotion she went over to her puppy
calendar—pointed to a date—and said 18. It wasn’t the 18th, but wow how cute—I must
have gone over to the calendar to check the date before a devotional and she remembered.
Wow, our children imitate everything! What are you doing that God would be pleased at
its imitation?
3 John 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is ever but what is good. Anyone who does
what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.
“Let’s Go Shoppin’”
37
Jesus Loves Me
38
Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so little ones to Him belong they are
weak, but He is strong, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me, yes Jesus loves me the
Bible tells me so.
I think my parents and in-laws melted the first time they heard Olivia sing these words.
What little blessings make you proud of your child?
God rejoices when we teach our children about Christ. How can you teach your kids
about Christ?
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the
training and instruction of the Lord.
Peek-a-boo
39
Watching Olivia with her Opa play peek-a-boo was so priceless.
Hiding scripture
Licker-Kisser
40
My sister Valarie was visiting and she brought along the family dog, Gunther. Olivia
loves Gunther! She chases him, plays with him, dresses him, and even sleeps with him.
And she kisses him; she calls him the licker-kisser. Only an almost three year old would
think of such a priceless name.
Does your child like animals? Does your child come up with funny names? What great
lessons we can learn from animals: responsibility, caring, unconditional love, dedication,
devotion etc. etc. Job thought animals had a spiritual lesson to teach us too.
Job 12: 7-10 But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they
will tell you; or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that
the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and the
breath of all mankind.
I Like This Head
41
My husband shaves his head bald—he is one of those lucky guys that actually looks
awesome bald. He hadn’t shaved his head in awhile and had auburn stubble for several
days—even almost a crew cut. The morning he shaved his head little Olivia walked in
and said, “I like this head.” I guess she thinks he looks good bald too.
What observations is your child making, and I am sure telling you what they think about
things too.
What Christian principals have you observed and want your child to imitate in you?
Deuteronomy 4:9 Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget
the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach
them to your children and to their children after them.
My Kids
42
I returned to teaching full-time in the fall and Olivia started attending The Sonshine
School. This is a great day-care and she is learning Bible songs and stories. Well being
the bossy leader type that little Olivia is she likes to lead them in singing their Bible
songs. Oh, I wonder where she gets that from? At home she will talk about her
classmates as “my kids.”
Who has your child connected with? Who is making a positive influence in their lives?
God can use many people to influence a child. Who can you connect with to socialize
your child with other fellow believers?
Verse on fellowship
Princess Olivia
43
I was mortified to find out a few months after Olivia started at The Sonshine School how
her first introduction in class went. Her class was sitting in a circle introducing
themselves and the teacher Ms. Dee says and your name is Olivia. And my precious
Olivia says no my name is Princess Olivia. The teachers indulged her and called her
Princess Olivia . . . I still hear them say that every once in awhile.
What profound things have your children requested? Who has placed this independence
in their little head? Do we do the same things to God—demanding titles, recognition,
and special attention? Isn’t it a relief to know our God loves us no matter how proud or
silly our demands.
Psalm 21:7 For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High
he will not be shaken.
Poodle
44
O.K. my daughter is almost three I have already accumulated a lot of mortifying day care
stories. We still have no idea how Olivia came up with the word poodle for a certain
private part but . . . Olivia and a class mate were taken to the potty at school. Usually the
boys and girls go separately, but these two needed to be taken right away. Olivia says to
her teacher, “Dominic has a poodle, I don’t have a poodle, my Daddy has a poodle but it
is much bigger than Dominic’s” Lets just say my face turned red then crimson when the
teacher told me this story.
Has your child ever embarrassed you? Do we embarrass God? How can we make our
heavenly father proud?
Verse on making God proud
Mommy “I Pee”
45
At Olivia’s day care they perform the potty dance. “Mommy,” I pee now requires the
potty dance. Olivia’s friend, from day care, was out with his daddy in a public restroom.
When his daddy started peeing the little boy said. “Yeah, Daddy!” His dad left the
bathroom with a couple men clapping, and laughing, and saying “Go Daddy.”
Realize that God is cheering us on—even in the simple things.
Verse on cheering on
Nails
46
“I want to get my nails done.” Yes Olivia is a complete girly girl. My three year old has
been going with me to the nail salon for over a year now. They hooked her from the first.
I was getting my nails done and the owner picked her up and painted her nails. Now they
have movies for her and even add little flowers to her nails.
Lesson and verse
Cheese
47
Olivia has two looks in pictures. Small slits for eyes or a very surprised look. Whenever
I say smile she closes her eyes to two small almost closed slits. This is of course very
disappointing to me when I want to see her big, beautiful eyes. My reaction is to make a
really weird face with my eyes opened very large (a surprised face). I quickly tell her to
do that then we have an even worse picture with a weird face. Somehow we rarely get
the in between.
Does your child have any funny face expressions for the camera? Do you have a favorite
photo that captures the perfect memory? One you will keep forever.
Everything about us is put permanently in Christ’s memory like a picture He can hold.
Verse faces/omniscient verse
I’m Scared of the Shadows
48
Little Olivia wakes up a lot at night with excuses to get out of bad dreams, potty breaks,
water etc. etc. Her latest was last night. Mommy, Mommy I am scared of the shadows.
How many times has your little one tried to get out of going to bed? Maybe they really
are scared. It is so wonderful to know we have God’s protection. The joy of praying for
God’s blessing and protection on our children . . .
Psalm 5: 11-12 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a
shield.
Talking Vitamins
49
Olivia takes Flintstone vitamins and she thinks of them like candy. One night we were
watching T.V. and she saw an M & M commercial. She says wow those are talking
vitamins. Of course I got a chuckle out of that and thought of Mary Poppins “a spoonful
of sugar helps the medicine go down—in the most delightful way.” Olivia takes her
vitamins because she thinks they are candy. Is there something that is good for your
child that you disguise as fun?
As Christians does Christianity always have to be fun like candy? Does it have to please
our senses? Or can we take our vitamins?
Better explanation of lesson and verse
Non-Talkable
50
Have Some Lunch
51
Ephesians 4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over
all and through all and in all.
It’s Pouring Outside and Raining Too
52
Olivia and I were having our Friday dinner with my teacher friends. A handful of
teachers at my high school have dinner occasionally on Friday evenings and Olivia
always goes with me. We were getting ready to leave and Olivia says in a very dramatic
voice, “it’s raining and pouring too.” What is her three year old mind thinking pouring
and raining mean? What thought processes baffle you in regards to your child (ren)?
Verse on thoughts/rain
Eyelashes
53
“These are girl ones these are boy ones.” “She just lost her eyelashes.” Olivia’s
explanation of her drawing was so cute. Where do our children learn their gender roles
are they inborn, environmental. I definitely hear arguments on both sides.
But what does God want? We are to teach are children his ways.
Verse on male/female roles
54
He settles the barren woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Psalm 113:9
55
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take
refuge. Psalm 18:2
Rub My Back
56
We finally got Olivia back into her own bed. She now tries to delay the inevitable. She
wants us to lay in her bed and rub her back. Yes, she’s spoiled . . . one step at a time.
What bed time demands do you indulge, snack, drink, extra story etc.etc. I love to sleep,
why don’t kids love to sleep?
Asleep in faith?
Verse
57
“I hit my tongue on the bed.”
ER
58
Olivia was sitting next to Stephan while he was eating pistachio nuts. She became
fascinated with breaking them open and tried some herself. She started to gag—we
assumed she just didn’t like them. Then she started itching her eyes. Again I assumed
she was just tired—it was past her bed time. I put her to bed—when I check on her—her
eyes are slits and she is having trouble breathing. Yikes—needless to say we ended up in
the emergency room. Poor little Olivia had a breathing treatment, I.V., and a chest x-ray.
She is severely allergic to pistachio nuts.
Every parent has a high tense story: the broken bone, the stitches, etc.etc.
God is in control—even when we are not!
verse
AWANA
(Approved Workman are Not Ashamed)
59
Olivia is so proud of being a Cubbie. Cubbies are three and four year olds in a church
group called AWANA. The main premise is learning scripture. Each Cubbie has a cute,
little blue vest and is rewarded with badges, pins etc. for memory verses, Sunday school
attendance, mission activities etc.
What a wonderful program! God can mold your children in so many ways. How does
God mold your children?
Verse on children/molding/responsibility/go through AWANA book
When are You Coming Back?
60
I went on a two-day trip to Florida for a high school teacher/principal conference. I had
never left Olivia overnight with Stephan by herself. Have you ever left your child
overnight? Remember the first time? The fears you faced? The worries you conquered?
Isn’t it nice to know God is in complete control?
Verse on worry
Caboose
61
Olivia started taking ballet it is very cute. Every student wears pink tights, a black
leotard, pink ballet slippers, and their hair in a bun. They wear cute bun covers over
their buns. The leader for the night wears a tiara and the end of the line, the caboose,
wears a pink tutu. It is soooo cute. Watching Olivia’s dance steps and interactions with
other children puts a smile on my face.
What activities does your child participate in that puts a smile on your face? That cute
bun with all the hair—God knows the number of hairs on her head and on your child’s
head.
Verse on number of hairs on their head
Baby Pool
62
I bought Olivia’s baby pool late in the season on sale. I never inflated it. She asks for
her baby pool—I explained to her it was to cold. She then decided the kitchen was a
wonderful place. I didn’t put it there. She occasionally asks to swim in her pool. Are
there requests you have not granted your children.
God sees the big picture—do we want things in the wrong season of life? Can we let go
and trust in God?
Time and place for everything verse
The Restroom
63
This morning I went in to wake-up Olivia. She wasn’t in her bed. She was in the
bathroom lying on the floor. Her pull-up was around her waste—her pajamas on the
floor. She was sound asleep with her head on a roll of toilet paper. I about panicked!
We didn’t hear her get up. We didn’t know she was even in the bathroom. I felt the
mommy guilt feelings. “Do I need to use the baby monitor again? No, she is almost
four.” I am so glad God is always watching over her.
Toilet Paper
64
“There is toilet-paper stuck in my bum!” It gets better . . . we are in the lobby of ballet.
She has her hand in her pants trying to get the paper out! I run over . . . lets go to the
bathroom. The other parents still laugh about this obviously loud declaration.
Do you have an embarrassing moment?
Verse on embarrassing