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Work in progress 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