In 2020, our oldest child had gone to half-day preschool. This was the first time he had ever been away from me for any extended period of time, minus being with grandparents or family members. It felt like a fairly big change, but it was only for a few days a week and a few hours at a time. A nice “baby step” into the school years.

However, like every other school that year, he spent a good portion of the Spring semester at home due to Covid-19. While the pandemic happening around us was not what anyone would have wanted, neither one of us was sad about him being home the rest of the year. A silver lining, if you will.

The following Fall, the 2020-2021 school year, was, as we all know, full of uncertainty. Will the schools be open? Will they have to social distance? When do they need to wear masks?

What a strange time to look back on. It hasn’t even been that long, and yet I’m still baffled by it sometimes.

Sending a child to Kindergarten is a whole mix of emotions in itself, but I think this year might have been a little harder because of the unusual circumstances.

After some debating about what to do, Graham and I decided to keep our two oldest at home and homeschool them for Kindergarten and Preschool that year. It wasn’t what we had originally planned to do for schooling, but I was genuinely excited to have them home with me another year.

We found a curriculum we liked, and we made the most of this new schooling plan, and to be honest, I really enjoyed most days. So much so that I started contemplating homeschooling the following year as well, which was truly NEVER the plan.

It’s almost a little comical, because I can vividly remember days when we had a 3-year-old, 2-year-old, and newborn, and I was doing the math of how many years until they could enroll in school. We listen, and we don’t judge, okay? I was a little overwhelmed at the time.

As that school year came to an end, we welcomed baby number four into the family. And while I had loved homeschooling that year, I knew that working from home, keeping up with their schooling, and caring for a newborn was beyond my juggling capabilities.

Back to praying and seeking direction for the next school year we went. There was this piece of me that kept fighting for reasons to keep them home, but in the end, Graham and I both felt led to send them to our local school the upcoming school year.

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I remember lying in bed one night that summer, worrying about a hundred different things, all related to sending the oldest two kids to Kindergarten and First grade in the Fall.

Their safety, their happiness, their ability to make friends. What if someone is mean to them? What if they learn things I didn’t want them to learn? What if they’re sad and I can’t be there for them? What if? What if? What if?

I had always been there to make sure everything was ok, to make sure they had what they needed. For the first 6 and 7 years of their lives, I was able to have control (Well, maybe it was delusional, but I liked to think I had control).

Honestly, it terrified me not to be the one watching over them. And as I lay there in bed that summer night, the only thing I could think to do was pray. To pray over them. To pray about my anxious thoughts and feelings.

And as I prayed, I felt God say, “Do I not love them even more than you do?”

Just like that, I felt all of my anxiety begin to dissipate, because I knew that was the absolute truth.

Not that we don’t play a part in protecting our kids, and we’ve most definitely been given a role to raise them to know Christ and to know the Father, but ultimately we can trust their lives to Him.

And I’ll be honest, that’s not always easy, because they feel like a piece of myself that no one could ever love more than I do, but that simply isn’t true. God loves them even more than Graham and I do, and while I like to think I can have control over their lives, He is the only one who has any real power.

So, as summer comes to an end and we enter another school year, I find myself re-learning this lesson.
Worrying comes with parenting, so regardless of how you choose to educate your kids, I hope this is a helpful reminder.

God’s love is infinite, and it is perfect. We can entrust our children to Him, and we can have faith to do what He has asked us to do concerning them.

Ephesians 3:18-19

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully.

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Life Update- It was great to take the summer and be as present as possible with the kids, but it feels good to write again as well. Hoping to do a little more of this as our life gets somewhat of a routine again.

“You’re going to mess up sometimes. You’re going to make mistakes that feel really big. There is nothing “too big” or too “shocking”.

We have this conversation with our kids fairly often. I’ll be very honest, I don’t know if this will make any difference, but I want them to at least be aware that we don’t expect perfection.

Our oldest is turning 12 this year, and so we’re still in the fairly young years. But what I want them to know, whether they choose to tell us things or not, is that they can. I want them to know that even though we hope they do the right thing and make good choices, we are also fully aware that everyone, ourselves included, messes up.

The Bible is very clear that we are all sinners, and the Bible is also very clear on our need for forgiveness, not just once, but a continual need for forgiveness. Even though God wants us to do what is right, He has laid out a path for us to follow when we, as humans in a fallen world, inevitably fail.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)

Jesus, when teaching on how to pray, included our need to go before God and ask forgiveness. He was telling us, “You’re gonna need this part too.”

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12)

There are many blessings that come from growing up in a Christian home. However, I think if we aren’t careful, the pressure on our children to be the “good kid” or the kid who “always does what’s right” can feed a very strong lie and create a lot of shame that Satan will gladly use against them.

It’s a complicated thing, because we want to raise children who know right from wrong. We want them to be respectful, teachable, and give their best.
These are all good things. But how do we keep these from becoming their identity?

Parents, teachers, coaches, club leaders, youth leaders, church leaders, family members, etc., can all identify these kids, and because they know their upbringing and background, they tend to rely on them to be leaders and good examples.

No one is intentionally creating this “good kid” identity for them, but the message comes from so many directions that it’s easy to see how that identity can form.

I love to compliment our kids, and I do think it’s beneficial to them. We all need encouragement. I want them to know we are proud of them and we see the work God is doing in their lives.
We see Paul do this when he is writing letters to the church.

For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how disciplined you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. (Colossians 2:5)

Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1Thessalonians 5:11)

So, yes. I want to encourage our children. I want to build them up in their love for the Lord.

What I hope to avoid, however, is putting them on this pedestal that falling from would feel like devastation. A pedestal they scramble to stay aboard, because that pedestal has become their identity to the people around them.

This is not something I necessarily know how to do.
It’s a balancing act I have never done before parenting.

As a teenager who grew up in a Christian home, I knew the right things to do, I knew the expectations people had (or that I assumed they had), and meeting those quickly became my identity.

An example to others around you. A mentor to younger girls. Join the worship team. Vow to sexual purity. Always give your best. Don’t follow the crowd, be different… etc.
All good things, but none of these were ever meant to define a person.

My identity, my idea of who people thought I was, was so wrapped up in this. And Satan had a field day with it. Hiding parts of my life became routine. No one could know. God would forgive me, but people would never see me the same. As much as I wanted to make changes, my fear of losing this curated person kept me from asking for help.

I have talked to others who grew up in Christian homes and felt the same need to stay on this “Good Christian Kid” pedestal. The thought of falling off begins to feel like a loss of the person you are, and perhaps that is the very thing that we have to help our kids understand.
Even when they are making all the right choices, that is not their worth. Even when teachers, coaches, friends, family, or leadership are proud of the good things they do, that is not their worth.

I know how to teach our kids their identity in Christ. The Bible is full of who we are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:6) and that nothing can separate us nor change the Father’s love for us (Romans 8:15-16, Romans 8:38-39). If our children know God, I feel confident they will be sure of God’s unwavering love for them, no matter what they do.
This is the most important.

But, how do I teach them right from wrong, encourage them when they are doing well, hold them to a standard of doing what is good, without saying, “This is who we expect you to be… not only that, but this is who you need to be.”

How do I counteract all the voices telling them, “You are a great kid, and that is where I see your value”?

How do we leave room for failure while hoping for the best?

This is the part that, as a parent, I’m still grappling with. The part I don’t know how to do, so I’m just praying for the Lord’s guidance.

I do keep coming back to this.
God desires our obedience, but he tells us we will need forgiveness, which means we will mess up sometimes. The pressure of perfection is gone.

And so maybe we work to do the same. “You’re going to mess up. Sometimes it will feel too big. Here’s the path for when that happens.”

Freedom from perfection allows the freedom to ask for help.

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All week, as Good Friday has gotten closer and closer, there’s something that has run through my mind on repeat.

Jesus knew what Judas was going to do. He knew the betrayal that would inevitably come. Yet, Jesus loved Judas and invited him to be his friend anyway. He had all the reasons in the world to claim “toxic relationship,” but still, he loved Judas. Still, he washed his feet. Still, he served Judas like he served everyone else.

Can we wrap our minds around this type of love? I don’t know if we can.
Not fully, anyway.

To love, to serve, to wash the feet of someone who would trade our very life for 30 pieces of silver?

As a kid, I always looked at Judas with contempt and disgust. How could he have followed Jesus, as one of his closest friends, seen all that Jesus had done, and then turned on him for some money? What kind of scum of the earth would even do such a thing? To child me, this guy was the lowest of the lows.

And it’s true. Judas did betray Jesus. He played a part in why Jesus was captured and why he was tortured, and why he hung naked on the cross with thorns digging into his head. He played a part in why Jesus was mocked, spat upon, and humiliated for all to see. Judas did play a part.

But so did we.
(Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God)

We are just as responsible for Jesus dying on that cross as Judas was. Our sin is what put him there.

It’s a sobering thought to know that we are the reason Christ endured all that he did.
I know I’m guilty of occasionally “knowing” this truth without giving it the full weight it deserves.

Because it is just that – weighty.
We know the textbook answer with ease. “Jesus died on the cross for my sins.”
Any church-going Kindergartner can tell you that. But have we considered what that really means? Have we sat in awe, humbled by the very real, very costly price Jesus paid?

To be honest, I don’t do that enough.

It’s a heavy thing to think about, but it’s also what makes the entire week leading up to Easter such a beautiful thing.

Just like Jesus washed Judas’s feet while knowing he would betray him, he loved us beyond comprehension and went to the cross for us while we were yet sinners.

He knew the cost was great, but his love for us was greater.

That kind of love mentioned earlier that we can hardly fathom – that’s the exact same love he has for us, and that’s worth celebrating.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Healed. Thank you, Jesus, we are healed!

So yes, while we are the reason he bore the cross, we celebrate Good Friday because his sacrifice is the only thing that saves us.
We celebrate Good Friday to remember the weight of our sin and the day we were ransomed from it.
To rejoice, because we no longer had to be separated from God.

And we have joy in the knowledge that death was defeated… The grave could not hold him. Easter is coming.

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As a kid, my parents were fairly strict (to put it lightly) on what kind of media we were allowed to watch/listen to/read. It was incredibly annoying at the time, but I can honestly say that as I now parent my own kids, I get it. Now Graham and I are seen as the annoying ones by our children, and I think my parents might just sit in the quiet of their home, chuckling about this turn of events.

I cannot tell you the number of times we would be watching a movie, and the entire movie had been clean, but the moment my dad would walk in the room, a character would inevitably drop a curse word, and he would say, “What kind of garbage are we watching?”... or something to that effect. We still laugh about it to this day because his timing was really unbelievable.

While I hated it at the time, I do think we often take too lightly the kinds of things we allow into our and our children’s hearts and minds.

If it is wise for us to guard our hearts above all else, it sounds to me like it’s pretty important.
Above all else? That’s no joke.

The verse goes on to say that everything we do flows from our heart. Seems like a pretty good reason to guard it.

So what does it look like to guard one’s heart? I think it’s safe to say that guarding our hearts means protecting them from things that God’s Word warns against.

If we look at Mark 7:21-23, we read -

This list gives us a pretty good idea of what we need to guard our hearts against, and while our children are in our home, it’s our job to guard their hearts against these things as well.

I’m not saying we can control our children’s hearts, but I am saying that, as parents, we have some pretty significant pull over what we allow into our children’s lives, including what we allow them to watch, read, and listen to.

And we would be foolish to think that these things don’t affect the heart.

Even if we don’t partake in the behavior we see or hear, if we intake violence, sexual immorality, deceit, etc., through media on a regular basis, are we not at the very least desensitizing ourselves to it? Does it make us just as uncomfortable the 10th time as it did the 1st time? Does it offend us the same as it did the first time?
I think we tend to find this viewpoint extreme or legalistic, but the truth is, it still offends God just as much. He doesn’t change, and His Word doesn’t change.

So, when it comes to our children, do we care about the lyrics of the music they listen to? Do we pay attention to the books they’re reading? Do we have parameters for what is and isn’t allowed on TV and in movies? Are phones monitored? Is internet use monitored?

Will our children always follow our guidelines? No. Will they maybe sneak a movie they shouldn’t watch, or play a video game we don’t allow? Highly possible.
How do I know this? Because I have been a kid with strict rules who occasionally did what I wanted anyway.

But can our kids have a clear understanding of what God says is good and what God is against? Yes. Can it make a difference when our kids are grown and making their own decisions? Yes.
How do I know this? Because I’ve been there too.

From time to time, our kids get annoyed with us for having rules about media and for not letting them have a phone at age 10 (so harsh, I know), but when we explain our reasoning behind the rule, they usually get it. They don’t always like it, but they usually get it.

Today’s children are growing up in a world where they are surrounded by all kinds of media. It’s unavoidable, but by placing boundaries in our homes and explaining why it matters to God what we allow into our hearts and, by extension, our minds, we can give our children a healthy starting point.

We’ll make mistakes, we’ll let things slide that we later have to fix, we’ll allow certain media only to later recognize our error, but the important thing is that we try.

And we thank God for His grace on the days when we’re trying, and we just don’t get it right.

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It’s all about relationship. Trust is built when relationship is strengthened.

We see this often in our human relationships. I have friends who I’ve known nearly my whole life. We’ve grown up together, we’ve learned each other, and we understand each other’s character. I am confident in who they are as a person, and I trust them with more than I would trust most other people with. I can be super weird around them in ways that I wouldn’t be (purposefully) around most people.

Why? Because a foundation has built for that relationship.

It is no different with God. That foundation has to be built.

God has not asked us to blindly trust him all of the time, which he could have done because, quite frankly, he is God. But God loves us so gently and so patiently. He has given us his Word, and he has given us example after example of who he is.

When I have studied God’s Word that foundation is being formed. When I read about his character more work is done to create that foundation. When I trust him to work in my life and find that he proves himself faithful again and again, that foundation continues to be built and strengthened.

The more I work to build that foundation, the more I come to fully know he is worthy of all my trust.

In the same ways we can help our children have a firm foundation in their relationship with Christ. This is how they come to know him for themselves and experience his goodness for themselves.

This foundation is crucial for a child. Life will not always make sense. Confusing things will happen. Questions will arise that we might not be able to answer this side of heaven. We will be asked to do things, we cannot understand.
We 100% will need to simply have faith at times.

Hebrews 11:1 says -
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Assurance. Conviction. That is where our foundation comes in. Our foundation is what builds that assurance and that conviction.

If we read through Hebrews 11 we see several examples of people who didn’t know what would happen, but had faith, because they knew the One who led them.

Sarah had faith she would give birth to a son. Why? “She considered him faithful who had promised.” (Hebrews 11:11)

Abraham offered his only son as a sacrifice, why? “He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19)

And on and on it goes.

They knew who they were following.

How can we build this foundation in our children’s lives? Below are ideas that we enjoy in our home, but the options are endless!

• Read the Bible with kids. Read them Bible picture books, read to them from your Bible, or read to them from Bibles for children that may have

  easier-to-understand words. The important part is helping them know the Bible. Help them know it is true and not a fairy tale like other books you might read

  together.

• In our house, we love listening to Christian music; In the house, in the car, while we do an activity. We listen to a lot of worship music in our house, but I encourage you to research and find Christian music that might interest your kids. Do your homework, and ensure it’s solid and does not give a false message. Our kids love music and are going to listen to some kind of music. I’d rather help them find Christian artists who make the genre they enjoy… even if it’s not my favorite genre.

• Read Christian children’s books. Depending on the child’s age, you could read them picture books, chapter books, or both. There are so many Christian books with incredible messages. These are great conversation starters!

• Answer the questions! Do your best to find answers to their hard questions. There are so many resources out there; you just have to put in the time, and of course, your best resource is your Bible. I have personally loved utilizing the Blue Letter Bible app on my phone. I can quickly look up scripture, and there are a lot of trusted commentaries available for free that have helped me understand things I didn’t before.

• Do family devotions

• Pray together as a family

• Share with your kids when God is working in your life, a time when you’ve had to rely on him, or when he has answered a prayer for you or someone you know.

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What are some ways you help your family (kids, grandkids) draw closer to Christ?

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If you didn’t have a chance to read Part 1 yet, you can find it linked below.
It is not a necessary precursor to this post, but may be helpful.

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I long for our children to know that we serve a powerful and mighty God. It’s crucial in their ability to grasp, in even the smallest of ways, who God is. That same foundation will help us answer the question of why God allows hard things in our lives.

A God who can do the miraculous, create something out of nothing, speak healing into existence, is just as capable of using our hard things for our good and His glory.

Even though children might answer yes when asked if God can do anything, it is still good to give them scriptural reminders of why this is true. Answering yes because they know it’s the answer we want to hear, and answering yes because they truly believe it are two very different things.

Our kids are being raised going to church and they know a lot of very "churchy" answers to questions. We laugh because often when we ask our toddlers a question about the Bible, no matter the question, they shout, "Jesus!" They know that “Jesus” is often the answer they hear in children's church, so it's their go-to response. This is normal for a kid growing up in church, but as they continue to grow, we want to continue to help them know why they believe what they believe.
I don’t want it to be a case of them blindly following due to their upbringing. If we want them to have a personal relationship with God, we must help them understand why they believe what they believe.

When I answer one question, our kids often have 10 more to follow. Go ahead and multiply that by two if it’s close to bedtime. If you’re in the same boat, here are some scriptures that might help remind the kids in your life of God’s sovereignty.

For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’ From the east I summon a bird of prey; from a far-off land, a man to fulfill my purpose. What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do. Isaiah 46:9-11

Since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

I especially love those last two. The world declares God's greatness. When we look at the intricacy of our bodies and how they function, the massiveness of a mountain, the precise location of the earth to sustain life, and so much more, we would have to defiantly choose to not see a creator at work.

You can find plenty more, and I encourage you to read bible stories to your kids. Give them a strong foundation of who God is. That is going to be key when life is hard.

Not sure where to begin? Here are some Bible stories that our kids love and are great reminders of God's ability to do anything!

Upcoming Posts:
2/25 Firm Foundation (Helping our children trust God, by building a firm foundation)

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Discussion:
In what ways do you help the kids in your life see the reality of God’s all-mighty power?

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Happy Wednesday!

As I was thinking about what I wanted the next section of Kids Quiet Time templates to cover, I could not get the Fruit of the Spirit off my mind.

I’m not sure why I kept trying to come up with another idea (perhaps I just like making things harder than they need to be), but eventually I did come to the realization that perhaps God placed that on my mind again and again (and a few more agains) for a reason.

I love creating these templates, because I genuinely do think it’s a great way to help our children study the Bible, but I also get so much from my time in the Word while I create them.

As we walk our children through the Fruit of the Spirit, I think we’ll have the opening for great conversation and thought provoking questions with them. The Fruit of the Spirit instructs us to live in such a way that is very different than the world we see around us. This can challenge our own ideas and the culture we live in. In fact, it should challenge our own ideas and the culture we live in.

Proverbs 3:5-7
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the LORD, and turn away from evil.

Teaching our children, or children in our lives, the Fruit of the Spirit can help them see who we are called to be in Jesus. Will we have shortcomings? Of course.
This is a great opportunity to discuss sin and the forgiveness we receive through Christ. It’s a great opportunity to discuss that when we are weak, He is strong. When we don’t think we have the ability to be patient or kind or gentle, we can ask for His strength to overcome our weakness.

I hope you find these helpful! Please feel free to share these with anyone else that may enjoy them.

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The link below will take you to the templates with 1 example and 10 ready-to-use templates included.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT QUIET TIMES

Discussion

• What have you found helpful in studying the Bible with your kids/grandkids?

• How do you set aside time for reading God’s Word in your home?
  

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While I wouldn’t trade parenthood for anything in the world, there are times when it is challenging, and not only that, but it challenges my faith and my knowledge of God’s Word as well.

Our kids have come to us with some of the most intense theological questions, and I can’t help but wonder, “What kind of 4-year-old contemplates these things?!” It is both impressive and stretching!

And while Graham and I do not always have the answers in the moment, we want to always encourage our children to ask their hard questions anyway, because the few things I do know are this:
God is real, the Bible is true, and Christ is who he says he is.

So we don’t have to be afraid of our children’s hard questions. We don’t have to tell them it’s real “because we said so”. It might take some work and some studying, but we can have complete confidence that everything in the Bible is true.

It’s a comfort to me to know that, even when I don’t have all the answers, the validity and truth of the Bible never change. And what an example it is for our children to see us admit we don’t know it all, but we do know where and who to turn to.

“Why does God allow bad things to happen?”

If your kids are anything like mine, then you might have heard this question or some variation of it. Even as adults, we can struggle with this!

When our children lost a loved one, I remember my daughter coming to me and asking, “Why did God let that happen? How can anything good come from it?” This instance is actually what inspired me to include the loss of a grandparent in my children’s book, The Puzzle Maker. The question has also come up when our kids hear about someone who is very sick, when they hear stories of martyrs, or other tragic events. These things in life do stir up hard, sometimes complicated, questions.

Buy The Puzzle Maker Here

All of our kids, well, those who are old enough to understand, know that God is capable of doing all things. We’ve read them the stories of miracles and stories showing God’s great power throughout the Bible. They’ve heard them in church and devotionals and from grandparents. They’ve heard how God allowed Moses to part the Red Sea. They’ve heard how God spoke the world into existence.

This is a good thing. We do serve a big God. A God of miracles. This is important for a kid to know, but I think it naturally brings on this common question. “We know God can do anything, so why does God allow hard things?”

There are plenty of Bible references that can help us through this question, but one that we have turned to repeatedly is Romans 8:28

Why hard things? The simple and truthful answer is to work for the good of those who love him and have been called according to his purpose. When we read Romans 8:28, it does not say, “And we know that in good things, God works.” It does not say in beautiful things, or happy things, or wonderful things. It says in all things. All things. The good, the hard, the beautiful, the heartbreaking, the lovely, and the lonely.

While that might be a bit to chew on, we can take comfort in this next part. Why does God use all things? For the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. He uses all things for our good and his glory.

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Upcoming Posts:
2/11 Fruit of the Spirit Quiet Time Templates
2/18 Part two: Hard Questions & Hard Things

If you’re interested in my children’s book The Puzzle Maker, you can find it here:
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I grew up in a home where our faith was greatly encouraged and my parents were faithful in teaching us the Bible and who God is. As I would assume is normal in most homes that function this way, as kids we were also encouraged to read our Bibles by ourselves and to have quiet time or devotions.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to read my Bible in my own time (well, I’m sure that was sometimes the case), but I also didn’t know exactly how to do this. Do I just flip open to a random passage or story and start reading? Then what? Should I sit here and pray about what I read? What if I don’t understand what I read? Do I read it and think about it and move on with my day? I really had no idea, and most times, I did just find a passage, read it, and move on.

I’m not saying God didn’t use those times still. It was still God’s Word and whether I realized it or not, I think it still planted seeds. It’s like having kids with us in church. Do they understand everything said in the sermon? Maybe not, but they’re getting some of it, and it’s planting seeds to be watered.

BUT I also think our kids can benefit from being taught how to study their Bible. Even at a very basic level, we can help them build this skill, so it can grow and mature over time. My hope is that by helping my kids study the Bible with templates, such as the ones I’m going to share with you, they will eventually be able to take these tools and use them, even when they’re reading on their own.

I’ve shared this particular template a while ago through my website, but all future Quiet Time resources will be shared here on Substack. So, if this is something you enjoy or want access to for your family, I encourage you to subscribe so you don’t miss out!

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This particular resource is themed around God’s Character. It aims to help children understand who God is and why we can trust Him.

The link provided will give access to 7 free Quiet Time printables.

GOD'S CHARACTER: Kid's Quiet Time Series

Bonus Idea: You could make it a goal to memorize these verses with your child over a chosen period of time.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11

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COMING SOON: Giving Thanks Quiet Time Templates & Fruit of the Spirit Quiet Time Templates

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Our three-year-old and four-year-old were playing with their new Air Toobz toy they got for Christmas. They love building new “tracks” for the foam balls to flow through as the air pushes them along, up and down, side to side.
One of their favorite parts is turning the blower on full blast. Consequently, the foam balls fly in all directions after shooting out of the last tube on their track at full speed. As you can imagine, this is incredibly fun for them until it’s time to clean up, because now the balls have shot all over the room, and they have to search for them throughout the space in order to clean up when they’re finished.

The other day, the girls had done exactly that. They played and played, but when they were finished, I reminded them that they needed to clean up all the pieces and balls and put them back into their box. Our three-year-old lasted maybe one minute helping out.

I sat at my computer attempting to spend some time in my Bible, when she walked over and said, “Ughhh! I sweaty!” Being distracted by my reading, I didn’t put two and two together immediately, but our four-year-old followed quickly behind her to let me know her sister wasn’t helping with the clean-up.

Reminding our youngest, once again, that we have to clean up our toys when we’re done playing with them, she looked at me, completely appalled, like I was the one who needed the reminder, and said, “I sweaty!

I assured her she could still clean up even if she was sweaty, to which her jaw dropped and she exclaimed, “What?! But Mom, I sweating!”

As she walked away, begrudgingly headed to assist in cleaning up her toys, I couldn’t help but laugh a little. We don’t have to teach our kids how to take the easy route. It comes pretty naturally. We do, however, have to help them learn to have discipline and to have self-control. How to do things, even when it’s not what they want or feel like doing. I find I’m continually working on this for myself as well.

For a three-year-old, it often means cleaning up her toys when she doesn’t want to, or not punching someone when she’s angry, or refraining from sneaking candy from the pantry (to be honest, we have this one in common).

For me, it can mean many different things. It can mean controlling what I say, even when I really want to say what’s on my mind. It can mean having the self-control to do the hard things I don’t feel like doing (or the ordinary things I don’t feel like doing). It can mean controlling what I think, how I react, or how I respond even when the house feels like chaos and I’m on the verge of losing my mind.

The list is truly endless.

As this encounter with the girls was happening, I was reading Proverbs 25:28, which says

When I initially read Proverbs 25:28, I immediately understood that a man without self-control is not a good thing, but I was also scratching my head, like, “What in the world does he mean by a city broken into and left without walls?”

Maybe the deeper meaning here is clear as day to you, but not me, so onto my little digging expedition I went.

As I studied, I was reminded of the necessity of walls to ancient cities. The walls were what kept evil out, and the walls were a key part of their defenses against attacks.

Conclusion: A person without self-control, then, is a person who is open to attacks. Wide open to temptations and evil things.

Exposed. Easy prey.

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As I studied, I loved this quote from Charles Bridges:

​When our defenses are down, even something that might seem small can quickly become a big problem. The manageable can quickly become unmanageable.

Galatians 5:22-24 very clearly tells us that self-control should be evident in our lives if we are following Christ.

​Our culture loves the narrative that says “You deserve ________” or “You shouldn’t have to do _________”.

But it’s very clear that this is not what the Bible tells us. We aren’t made to do our will. We aren’t made to do the will of others. We’re made to do the will of God. And doing the will of God is often going to require self-control.

So, I think it’s healthy to ask myself often: Are there currently areas in my life that are easy prey for Satan? Are there areas where a lack of self-control, that is unattended, could lead to long-lasting effects? Are there things to work on that would positively impact my family and my witness to my kids?

As I was studying the song Firm Foundation came to mind.
Christ is my firm foundation.
The rock on which I stand.
When everything around me is shaken
I’ve never been more glad
That I’ve put my faith in Jesus
‘Cause He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would He fail now?
He won’t.

Christ is my firm foundation. He has NEVER let me down.

So, as 2026 continues, here’s to leaning on Him and letting Him work on me. To relying on Him when my own strength isn’t enough. To putting in the work to bear more fruit. To be being a better example and witness for my kids.

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I picked all the kids up from school, which is a process in itself. Three schools, between four school-aged kids (L really is a trooper for chilling in her car seat through this wildness). We aren’t even out of the first parking lot before the bickering begins. “Don’t tell me what to do!” “Stop touching me!” An unbelievable, yet real, argument over the name of a family’s eldest child, whom no one in our family even has a connection to. Can’t make this stuff up.

Parking lot number two. Pick up the third child and cue instant tears, because she does not need help getting her jacket and snow pants off, and she indeed CAN do everything in life by herself. Just ask her, she will tell you.

Off to parking lot number three. Thank goodness this child did not immediately cry, but I was getting excessive pre-teen grumpiness due to not stopping for ice cream on the way out of town.

In retrospect, maybe ice cream would have helped us all be a little less on edge that afternoon.

Home was no different. The Lego instructions weren’t clear enough; tears. A stuffed dog was unaccounted for; tears. And wouldn’t you know, we all had to get ready, because it was our preschoolers’ Christmas Program that evening.

The night played out in a similar fashion. There was a decent amount of good mixed in there. The Christmas program was adorable. The kids also had some really good, really helpful moments, but my limit for handling mild crises had been met. It didn’t take much for me to raise my voice or for me to be incredibly frustrated by the smallest of things.

Their emotions had been wacky all day, and at this point, so were mine.

As we left the program and headed to grab dinner, Graham, who had also been running around from work, to kids’ practices, to a Christmas Pageant, being the incredible man he is, gave me his truck keys, took my vehicle filled with kids, and told me to drive home in peace.

I cried out of frustration and because I felt bad for losing it on them the whole way home. Here I am wanting them to control their emotions, and I can’t even do it myself all the time.

When I parked his truck in our driveway, I turned off all the lights and cranked up the music (Graham, if you’re reading this, I just realized I never turned that down… sorry for the heart attack when you start your truck next time).

Sitting there in the dark, I played Silent Night (Heavenly Peace) by We The Kingdom on repeat. For some reason, it was the only song that kept coming to mind to play.

As the song played through for the first time, I couldn’t get over these lines.

Holy, Holy

Hope in a manger for you and for me

Bow down and worship

Come rest your eyes on the King.

Jesus, our heavenly peace.

The next time it played, I couldn’t help but worship.

“Hope in a manger for you and for me.”

“Jesus, our heavenly peace.”

That is literally what Jesus is. Hope for you and me. The only true hope we have is in Jesus. Everything else will fade. On the days when we have zero left to give, and we lose it on our kids, and we feel like we failed, our hope is in Jesus. That he will sustain us and that he will renew us. When Christmas doesn’t feel joyful or happy, and life has been nothing but hard days for quite some time, Jesus is our hope. Hope in a manger who came for you and for me.

He is our heavenly peace. This time of year can feel chaotic, and the schedules are packed full, and the to-do list is never-ending. In the end, if the to-do list doesn’t get done perfectly, if we don’t do all the Christmas traditions, it will be ok. If we can shift our focus to Jesus, he will bring us peace. And that’s what Christmas is about anyway… focusing on Jesus.

If you’re struggling this holiday season, or even struggling through a single day, I pray that you find that hope and peace. I pray that Jesus meets you right where you are. I pray that the stress and the grief and the exhaustion are no comparison to the comfort found in the true reason of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Emily

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In true Emily fashion, I have had these worksheets half way done for a week and finally told myself I either needed to complete it or move on. So here’s to completing things, even if I should have done it sooner.

As Thanksgiving gets closer, I typically like to do something with our kids to encourage hearts of gratitude. It can be easy to forget how much we have to be thankful for and in the busy world we live in, sometimes we need a little reminder to slow down and count our blessings.

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When our kids were younger, I would cut out a bunch of leaf shapes and every day we would write something we’re thankful for on a leaf, then tape that leaf to the wall. By the time we got to Thanksgiving, the wall was covered in colorful leaves, filled with reminders of all that we have to be thankful for.

I truly loved doing this with our kids. It was fun to hear what there young selves were thankful for, even if it was sometimes things like Minnie Mouse or Paw Patrol, because there were also the leaves that said things like God or Jesus saving us.

As they got older and our days got busier, this was harder and harder to maintain (although, now I’m feeling nostalgic and think I just might try to implement this again next year). With busier schedules, I wanted something we could do as a family that would still encourage us to be thankful and remind us of the blessings we have in our lives. I especially wanted it to be based on our faith and why, even when life gets hard, we will always have that to be thankful for.

So, I’m including this 10 Days of Giving Thanks freebie. Not going to lie, this was originally 12 Days of Giving Thanks freebie, but that whole procrastination thing got the best of me.

10 worksheets are included plus one bonus worksheet just for good measure. Each has a verse and question or prompt to start discussion and each can be used as coloring pages as well.

I hope you find them helpful! I’d love to hear any of the sweet things your kids are thankful for or comments they make while having family discussion. Kids are often a great reminder for us adults of how to have a thankful heart.

CLICK HERE - 10 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS

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There was a time, early on in motherhood, when I felt like I was missing out on so many things.

I can remember bringing home our first baby. While I couldn’t have been happier, I would be lying if I didn’t tell you that at the same time of being obsessed with this incredible, tiny boy, there was also some shock value that our lives had just been altered in a huge way, forever.

Growing up and into early adulthood, I was used to being involved in a lot. I liked filling my time by going places, getting more involved in my family’s business, volunteering for stuff, working out, doing things at church, and spending time with friends. It felt like there were plenty of opportunities to serve God and plenty of ways to stay active in the community.

I was 23 when our first child was born, and less than 14 months later, our second child was born. The days of coming and going as I pleased, of leaving the house quickly, or having the time to be a part of all the things I once was, were quickly leaving. Not only did we have two under two, but it was all brand new. It was figuring out motherhood for the very first time (but also, do we ever really figure out motherhood?)

I absolutely loved being a mom. There’s nothing in the world I have ever wanted more, and I loved it. But you can love something and still struggle with how much your life has changed.

I remember dealing with this quite often. I wouldn’t have traded my life for anything, but there were times when I felt like I wasn’t doing anything impactful. I wasn’t involved in nearly as much. I wasn’t able to volunteer my time towards things as often. I began to feel guilty and a little anxious at times. I wanted to do things that brought God glory, but I didn’t feel like I could fit that into my life at the time… or at least I didn’t know how.

I remember struggling through this with God. I felt a sense of guilt, like I hadn’t done anything to serve Him or others in so long, and though we know our salvation isn’t earned through our actions, when we love God, we want to serve Him. I wanted to serve Him, but felt like my life had been hijacked by two very small, very adorable little kids.

Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

As I wrestled through this one day, I felt God say, “This is serving me. Being a mom is what I’m asking you to do right now.”

That changed my perspective on motherhood. It wasn’t just this dream I’d had since I was a kid that I finally got to live out. It is so much more.

It’s raising the next generation and pointing them towards the only One worth living for. It’s beautiful and it’s chaotic. Some days are easy, and some days feel like an uphill battle.

It’s giving up the days that were once entirely our own and investing those days into these tiny humans, with eternal souls that God has entrusted to us.

It’s praying for them in the middle of the night because the world we live in is a scary place to raise a child, and learning to trust God with the most precious gift you’ve ever been given because, while incomprehensible, His love for them is even greater than our own.

Some days are going to feel like you’re missing out. Some days it’s going to feel repetitive, and you might start to wonder if your life has boiled down to doing laundry and changing diapers.

But the reality is, in all the mundane, in the making meals, the washing dishes, the bath time routines, the picking up toys… God is at work. He is working in you and through you.

Motherhood is not pulling you away from serving God.
Motherhood is serving God in a beautiful and unique way.

I’m not sure why, but for whatever reason, God reminded me of when life felt this way. Some days it still can, but it certainly changes as the kids get older.

But whatever the reason God placed those early days on my mind, I thought there might be someone else out there feeling similar things.

So if that’s you, or you know a mom who is struggling with leaving behind life as they once knew it, it’s ok to occasionally miss the way things were. But it’s also an incredible privilege to think about the new path God has placed in our lives and to know we are part of something that has eternal value.

We may not feel equipped, and we may not always know what to do. We might feel tired and like we have nothing left to give, but God promises to be with us in the middle of it all.

Please Note: I’m not saying you can’t still do a lot/be involved in plenty while being a mom, but the way you do things will inevitably change, especially when you are doing it all for the first time. And if we’re honest, sometimes that’s just difficult.

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The door creaked, and the bell above it rang as the boy walked through the entrance. He passed the walls of puzzles and made his way to an old wooden chair near an old wooden desk.

He knew this place well, and he came here often.

The puzzle shop was a place of comfort and safety to Cal these days, but it had not always been that way. He vividly remembered the first time he found the small shop tucked between two larger buildings on the street. He recalled the uncertainty he felt upon first meeting The Puzzle Maker and fondly remembered the friendship that quickly formed that first day.

Cal placed himself in the seat he so often sat in and observed The Puzzle Maker craft a beautiful puzzle piece.

“Which piece has left you… puzzled?” the old man said with a slight grin, knowing that Cal would get a chuckle out of his playfulness.

Cal tried to hide a grin, then held up a puzzle piece that was a swirl of greys and blues. “Todd’s family is leaving on Sunday. He’s been my best friend since first grade, and now he’ll be all the way across the country while I go into sixth grade completely alone.”

Cal threw the puzzle piece up in the air and caught it again. “And there isn’t a thing I can do to change it.”

The Puzzle Maker paused his work and faced Cal. “That, my friend, is not an easy change.”

Cal abruptly looked up at The Puzzle Maker with confusion. He was hoping the man would have more to say. A suggestion… a plan on how to fix this… really anything!

But The Puzzle Maker said nothing further.

“Yeah.”, Cal said curtly. “Well, anyway, I’d better go. I have to get home for dinner.” Then he stood and headed towards the shop door.

“Cal,” said The Puzzle Maker. “I’m sorry you’re hurting. I care about you. Come back soon, yes?”

Cal nodded yes, but inside, he was unsure if he wanted to return to the puzzle shop soon. He didn’t feel like talking, and he didn’t feel like hearing more of the same old, “This piece is going to help you grow,” or “This piece is hard, but you’re learning through it,” or “You have to trust the one who makes the puzzle.”

Cal’s life was rapidly changing, and he didn’t know how to handle all the changes heading in his direction. As he rode his bike toward home, his mind swarmed with thoughts, and the more he thought, the angrier he got.

“What good is my friendship with The Puzzle Maker if he can’t help me stop these unwanted things from happening?” His legs pedaled in steady motion.
“Why is he always asking me to trust him, even when I can’t see any good coming from things?” Faster, his legs circled, propelling his bike down the road.
“Why doesn’t he give me more answers? Why can’t everything just be good?” Faster and harder, Cal’s legs pushed on his bike pedals, zooming further along the road.
“If we’re such good friends, he could give me only good puzzle pieces. He could if he wanted to.”

Cal squeezed his brakes, screeching to a halt right in front of Todd’s house. As he sat there looking at his friend’s home, anger burning in his body, he made a decision.

A week had passed since Todd’s family moved away, and Cal had not returned to visit The Puzzle Maker. Anger still seized his body, holding on tight like an unwanted claw. He was in no mood to visit with the old man. Puzzle pieces still made their appearance, whether Cal wanted them to or not.

Life continued, and summer flew by like summers usually do. Fall was now here, and school would soon be back in session.

Cal’s anger had begun to slowly fade, but he still hadn’t returned to see The Puzzle Maker.

Hopping on his bike, he rode up and down the streets, the brisk autumn breeze bringing cool air into his lungs, and he thought about what he should do. He was nervous to return to The Puzzle Maker. He didn’t know what their friendship would look like after refusing to visit for such a long time.

Rounding a corner, Cal saw a family carrying boxes into Todd’s old house. A girl who looked to be Cal’s age sat on the old swing hanging from the large sycamore tree in the front yard.

Everyone else bustled around, carrying boxes from the moving truck and into the home, but not the girl.

She looked lonely sitting on the motionless swing, and after a summer without his best friend, he knew that feeling well.

Setting his bike in the grass, Cal walked towards the swing with the girl and waved, but she didn’t wave back.

“Hello?” Cal said, slightly confused and wondering if the girl wanted to be left alone.

“Oh! You scared me a little; I didn’t hear you coming”, the girl said with a little laugh.

“I waved to you,” Cal explained.

The girl giggled and said, “Well, that explains why you sound confused. I’m blind, so waving doesn’t usually get my attention too well.” She said with a smirk.

Cal shuffled awkwardly on his feet. “I… I’m so sorry,” he stuttered. “That, well, it must be... um…”

The girl stuck out her hand and said, “I’m Quinn, and you don’t need to be sorry. What’s your name?”

“Cal,” he said as he shook Quinn’s hand. “I live right around the corner.”

“Neighbors? Cool! Take a seat, Cal.”

He took a seat next to the sycamore trunk, leaves falling around them with the occasional breeze.

Cal sat there fidgeting, then said, “Blind, huh? That must be hard.”

“Sometimes”, Quinn said. “I was born this way, so it’s all I’ve ever known,” she pushed off the ground with her toes to propel the swing. “It used to upset me more, but I’ve realized there are some circumstances in life we just won’t understand.” She pumped her legs, keeping the swing going. “Plus, being blind has brought me a lot of good things, like unexpected friendships and opportunities I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

Cal thought about that for a moment. Perhaps Quinn was right. Maybe he wouldn’t always understand the hard things in life, but it didn’t mean good things couldn’t still come.

He was thankful to have met Quinn today. Thankful for the start of a new friendship.

He stood up, walked behind Quinn, and shouted, “Hold on tight!” sending Quinn flying through the air on the old swing. Both of them laughed, feeling the joy of new beginnings.

And just like that, a brightly colored puzzle piece appeared, and Cal couldn’t help but grin. There was no denying he still loved receiving these beautiful pieces. They surely were a gift.

As Cal left Quinn’s yard that day, he could hold off no longer. He knew what he needed to do.

The bell above the door rang inside the crowded puzzle shop. It had been a long time since Cal was here, and he was nervous, but he wandered towards the back of the shop as he had done so many times before.

He cleared his throat and said, “Hi.”

He looked down, feeling uncomfortable and unsure of what to expect, but before he even knew what was happening, large arms wrapped him in the warmest hug.

“I am so happy you’re back,” whispered The Puzzle Maker in his gentle voice.

Cal’s unease immediately melted away, and he hugged The Puzzle Maker back. “I messed up”, Cal said. “I got angry about my circumstances and blamed you.” He let go of The Puzzle Maker and sighed, “But I was wrong.”

The Puzzle Maker smiled at Cal and patted an empty chair, “Come. Tell me what you figured out.”

Cal sat and said, “Even though we’ve become friends, hard things will still happen in life. It’s not because you don’t care about me. The world is broken, so it’s the way it is for now, but you never stop working, and using, and creating. You do that, because you love me.”

Cal looked around the shop at the hundreds of puzzles filling the room.

“It won’t always make sense to me, but being your friend means I never have to go through it alone.”

The Puzzle Maker smiled at Cal, nodded in agreement, and then said, “Oh, how I’ve missed your company, Cal.”

Cal looked down. “I’m sorry it took me so long to come back.” Nerves and unease started to creep back in, but before the bad feelings could settle, he felt The Puzzle Maker lift his head.

“You are always welcome back here, Cal. No matter how long it has been. No matter what happens in between. You are welcome here.”

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1. Have you ever had something happen in your life that you wish God would have stopped from happening? Or have you ever asked God to change something in your life, but His answer is no or not yet?

2. This can be hard, but when we know the God we follow, we can more easily trust Him, even with the hard stuff that happens.

   1. God is love - For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

   2. God is light - This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim unto you, that God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

   3. God is our safety - Trust in Him at all times O people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

3. Do you think you can ever ignore God for too long and not be able to come running back to Him? You can’t! No matter what happens in your life, God will joyfully welcome you back to Him.
   Psalm 86:5
   For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.

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I sat on my daughter’s bed one night last week as we went through a routine that is quite familiar in our house. Like many of us, her anxious thoughts can get the best of her while she lies in bed. Without the distractions of the day, as she lies there in the quiet, she often comes to Graham or me with worries or fears that her mind has conjured up. 

On this night, like so many others, I went to her room and we talked through all the things that had her feeling afraid. I’ve often found it somewhat challenging to help ease these fears because some of them are things that, while unlikely, aren’t entirely outside the realm of possibility.

What if there’s a house fire? What if someone gets really sick? What if a loved one dies soon? 

Even when our kids were toddlers and had fears of realistic things, I’ve always felt very hesitant to calm their fears with false promises. Could I tell them there won’t be a house fire? I could, and most likely I would be correct; most likely, they would have taken my word for it and gone to sleep. However, the fact is that I can’t make these promises and back them 100%. I’m just as powerless to keep the bad things from happening to them as they are, which is not the most comforting thing you can tell your child when they’re afraid. 

“Yes, the house could burn down, but I really can’t control it. Go to sleep.”
I can just picture them with their future therapist now… 

In all seriousness, I have found only one way to truly help our kids with their anxious feelings. There is only one thing that has ever consistently worked, time and time again, without fail. 

As I sat with my daughter the other night, we went through the routine we have gone through so many times before. We talked about the ways we try to keep our home safe. Practical things like smoke detectors, house alarms, and door locks. Then we got to the thing that calms their anxious thoughts every single time.
We recited Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus.

God’s Word tells us not to be anxious about anything, but instead to pray about everything. I love that… don’t do this, always do this.
And there is a promise in this verse. The promise is that when we take everything to God, He will give us a peace that is beyond our understanding, and it will guard our hearts and our minds. 

It’s a promise. 
As kids my siblings and I used to tell each other, “A promise is a promise!”, which was our way of saying, no changing your mind now!
With God, His promises are always just that. They never change, they are true again and again.

Every time our kids have taken this verse into practice, they have been able to fall asleep quickly afterward. 

My sister recently shared a quote on her social media that said,

The first time I read that, it resonated deeply with me. As parents, we naturally want to be what our children need, and in many ways, God equips us to do so; however, their ultimate needs can only be met by Him. 

There are so many things I can’t fix for my kids, needs I can’t meet, fears I can’t still, and there will only be more as they get older. But the one thing I can do is point them to the One who is able.

If nothing else, I want them to know with confidence that Jesus can satisfy every need they might ever have.

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Do you have specific verses that your family often uses to calm anxious thoughts and feelings? Or do you have favorite verses that have been helpful to your family in other ways? I’d love for you to share!

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Happy September! It’s hard to believe Fall is already here, but I’m not going to lie, after such a hot and humid summer I welcome the cooler temperatures! I live for days where windows are open, campfires are cozy, the leaves start changing, and coffee is somehow even better than it normally is.

As some of you know, I published my first children’s, The Puzzle Maker, last Fall. As a continuation of that story, I decided to create a Substack series with the same, plus some new, characters. These will be little short stories that can be shared with your kids, or any kids in your life, with valuable lessons built in.

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Each story will have discussion ideas at the end, and I’m hoping to include an audio version of each story. As a mom, I know life can be super busy, so I thought it might be a fun idea to include an audio version for those of you who are equal parts chauffeur and mother.

The incredibly talented Vivien Sarkany, who illustrated my book, is creating some beautiful artwork to go along with this as well. She is insanely good at what she does, so I’m excited to see those finished images.

It is, perhaps, easy for us to know that God is good and to say he uses all things for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28). It is another thing to fully accept th

at and to trust him with all our circumstances. To know God is good and to know he can do anything, yet still have hard things happen puts us in a place where faith meets real life. Where trusting God collides with trusting our flesh.

As our kids grow, I want them to know that even when they struggle with their faith, and even if they are upset with God at times, they can always come running back to him. He will always be there, without fail.

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Hoping to have this ready to share with you all by the end of the month. If you know someone who might enjoy reading/listening to this with their kids, I would be so thankful if you share it with them.

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If you have an important topic you think Cal and the Puzzle Maker should help kids understand, please feel free to send ideas my way!

Ever feel like Satan just knows how to hit you when you're down? The thing is, sometimes I can practically see it's happening, but I don't always know how to take control of it. 

It makes me think of 2 Corinthians, where Paul says, "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete." 

I wouldn't typically come out and say that I have opinions that are against the knowledge of God. I don't like to think that's true, but in reality, how often am I letting the world/culture around me color the way I view things? This could go in so many directions, but this week was a genuine struggle for me. One of the biggest challenges I faced was fighting the feelings in my head versus trusting the truth that comes from God. 

Insecure thoughts.
Questioning my worth and value.
Attacks on all that comes with being a mom. 

I think we've all been there in some way, shape, or form. 

We had some unexpected events this week, which included a fun little trip to the dentist to get our 4-year-old's teeth x-rayed. Will they fall out from being damaged? Apparently, only time will tell. Did she look like she had received a double dose of lip filler for a couple of days? Why yes, yes she did. 

(If we don't laugh, we cry… so there's that)

But in all honesty, I had ALL the feelings this week. It was the teeth injury, with some other things sprinkled on top, but let's just say I wasn't thinking I was too great at basically anything, along with some good old, "What the heck do you think you're even doing?" 

It was a fun time. 

As the feelings started to take over, a part of me knew it wasn't truth, but the other part of me couldn't help but believe it a little bit. I'm not sure about you, but once I let the lies gain even the slightest bit of ground, they seem to take over quickly, and it's that much harder to gain control again. 

That part in 2 Corinthians that says, "Take every thought captive".... Failed. Those thoughts were running WILD. 

It reminds me of the landscaping in front of our house. If I keep up on the weeds semi-regularly, it's incredibly simple to pull a few here and there before they take over. However, if I ignore them, or worse yet, I see them starting to become a problem and do nothing about it, they quickly spread, and before I know it, the landscaping is unrecognizable, and the weed-pulling process is going to take some serious work. If you would like proof, enjoy this embarrassing picture below. 

*** Questioning my sanity in sharing this with you guys. All children were fed & taken to their 3 billion activities though. So….yeah. Moving on***

The same is true of our thoughts, though. If I recognize the lies Satan would love me to believe about myself, and I pull that weed right away, it takes some work, but it's fairly minimal. If I don't do that, well, before I know it, my whole mind is weeds, and now I need to take some serious time to get it back to the way it should be. 

So, the question is, how do we keep the lies from taking root? 

One passage I was led to during this week was Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus says this – 

"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."

There are multiple ways we can counteract the lies, but these verses really impacted me.

As I struggled with my mind this week, I longed for rest, and Jesus says it plainly. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest". 

So, that was step one… go to Jesus with all of it. Go to him with all the thoughts, all the things, all of the burdens.

Step two… Walk with and learn from Jesus. 

"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." 

I like step two because it reminds me that coming to Jesus is good, but He also asks me to do something as well. Walk beside Him. Learn from Him. If I'm doing those things and do them consistently, His leading and the absolute truth of God's Word are going to have a much better chance of countering those weedy thoughts and keeping them from gaining control. 

"For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light". Will it take some work? Sure. But Jesus will shoulder the burden beside us. When we're yoked with Him, He is continually and gently guiding us in the right direction. 

If you got nothing else, I hope this brightened your day and made you feel a little better about yourself as you looked at how sad my landscaping got this summer. I would like you to know that I have weeded it, with the help of some child labor, just in time for winter, when it won't matter at all. 

But if this resonates with you at all and you, like me, struggle with taking your thoughts captive, I hope you know you're loved. I hope you continue to run towards Jesus and learn from Him. I hope you believe with all your being the truth of who God says you are. 

Share with us – 

Share a favorite passage or a favorite verse in the comments that has helped you combat the lies Satan wants you to believe.  Let's give each other some ammo and some truth to take hold of when for when we’re feeling weak.

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We had been praying for weeks, searching for an answer, a nudge in the right direction. It was a decision that would affect our whole family, and Graham and I were desperate for some wisdom to know which direction to go. 

In the evenings, we would talk over all the pros and cons. We did research (well, Graham did research… he thrives there). We listed off all the things to consider, and there were many. Each time we’d get done talking and end with, “We’ll keep praying about it.”

I’ll admit, sometimes I neglect to pray about things as much as I should, but this time I genuinely did pray over this decision often. It was on my mind frequently throughout the day, and each time I would say a quick prayer asking for direction and wisdom. 

My days, especially in the summer, are filled with a multitude of questions and needs. Somehow, it’s always time to start making another meal to feed the five very hungry mouths in our house. The schedules are busy, and we’re often in and out of the house, on the road to another destination multiple times in a day. This isn’t a complaint. I’m sharing this so you understand what my prayers looked like during this time. 

Spreading peanut butter on bread, “God, please help us know what you want us to do”, slap the peanut butter side together with the jelly side, and hand it to the next kid. 

Buckling a toddler into a car seat, “God, show us the best path”, close the door, jump in the driver’s side, and head down the driveway. 

There’s nothing wrong with these quick prayers. I think God wants us to call out to him whenever it comes to mind. Just like we might shoot a quick text to a friend between tasks, simply because they’re on our mind, God loves relationship, and so I think these prayers are welcome. 

As weeks went on, I texted my mom one day, talking about this particular situation. I told her I would feel good about Graham and I making a decision if I just knew with certainty what God wanted us to do. Then I could feel confident that it would be the right thing, even if there will still unknowns in the details.

I had grown somewhat discouraged. I felt like I was constantly shooting up prayers over this same thing, and I still had no idea what we should do. 

Then one day, I was working at my computer, all of the kids were outside playing, and I felt the urge to stop what I was doing and pray. The house was completely silent, which, if you’ve ever been to our home, you would know is a rarity. In that complete and total silence, I prayed desperately for answers. I pleaded with God to help us know, if for no other reason, so we could do what he wanted us to do. Then I sat in the silence, eyes closed, and felt the same answer over and over again.

Because I wanted clarity, I prayed again. “Please help me know where you’re leading us. Please make it clear. Take other thoughts out of my mind, take my own desires out of my mind.”

And again, I felt the same answer repeated.

It wasn’t an audible voice, but the same words ran through my mind. One of the options we had been praying about ran on repeat along with “Trust me”, “Doors have been opened”, “I will provide”, “I will make a way”, “Trust me”, “I will take care of your needs”, “Trust me”

The kids still played outside, and I sat at my desk in literal awe. Overwhelmed by amazement, feeling completely overcome with gratitude, I realized the song El Shaddai by Amy Grant was playing through my head.

When was the last time I heard this song? Couldn’t tell you. Quite frankly, I forgot this song even existed. So, of course, I was incredibly curious and looked up the meaning of El Shaddai and also the lyrics to the song. 

- Definition -

El Shaddai : God Almighty

Verse One of El Shaddai by Amy Grant

Through your love and through the ram,
You saved the son of Abraham;
Through the power of your hand,
Turned the sea into dry land.
To the outcast on her knees,
You were the God who really sees,
And by Your might,
You set Your children free.

It sounds a lot like “Doors have been opened,” and “I will provide,” and “I will make a way” when I read that verse. 

I ran and grabbed a journal and wrote as fast as I could. I wanted to remember this day. I HAD to remember this day. Our God is so, so good. So much better than we can ever comprehend. 

He didn’t have to show up like that. He could have given us an answer in a thousand different ways, and I would say most often in my life, I have not been given answers in such an awesome way.

But God saw me.

He saw how much I needed to hear from him and answered. I love the line of I Trust In God that says, “I sought the Lord, and he heard, and he answered”. 

What an incredible thing that El Shaddai, God Almighty, would care so deeply about me and about you. That he, the God who created the universe, would hear our cries and would graciously provide for our needs. 

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Somehow, here we are: Time for the kids to go back to school. 

Without fail, I find myself scrambling the last week or two before they return to school. Scrambling to make sure everyone has all the supplies they need, and decent shoes that fit. Scrambling to fit in all the final summer things we wanted to do, last-minute trips to the pool, trying to be super intentional with our days and what we can fit in them. And of course, scrambling to make sure they are prepared to go back to school mentally and spiritually. 

If all the other things don’t get done quite perfectly, if we don’t get the exact number of markers per the school supply list, or we don’t finish all the fun activities we hoped to squeeze in, I especially don’t want to neglect preparing them spiritually. 

Typically, when our kids are getting ready to go back to school, we sit them down and make sure to go over character things that we think are really important. We want to remind them to be kind to everyone and to stand up for someone when others aren’t treating them well. We try to remind them to be thoughtful of others and to remember that not everyone has the same life experiences they have. Some kids might come back to school excited about a trip to Disney World, and some kids might come back to school ecstatic about a trip to the local splash pad. We can be equally happy and excited for both of those kids, because everyone wants to feel like what they did, and their favorite moments, matter. 

This summer, the kids and I have been reading through Daniel together, and I can’t help but think of what a great example Daniel is for our children. Even if we only read Daniel chapter one, there is so much to gain. 

As we head back to school this year, I plan to have that first conversation with our kids, still, because I do think it’s an important reminder. More importantly, perhaps, I also want to circle back to Daniel chapter one and talk about the incredible example Daniel sets as he and his friends are pulled away from all they know, and put in a place where “normal” and “acceptable” look very different than the way their families raised them. 

If you haven’t read Daniel in a while (which I admittedly hadn’t read in quite some time until recently), you can read it below. I’ve included chapter one, and some brief discussion questions you can do with your children. Even if your children are already in school by the time you read this, it is still a great story to share, and I think you’ll find it can lead to some great conversations. 

I also want to take this time to pray over you and your children as the school year begins. Whether you send your children to public school, private school, or you homeschool, there are a lot of emotions that come with starting a new school year.

Lord,

We thank you for your Word and the instruction and encouragement you give us through it. We thank you that even as we go into a new school year, you are with us and with our children, and that every day is already known to you.

God, I pray that you would instill in our children courage and integrity like we see in Daniel, and that they would be willing to stand up for you and for what is right, even if they are different from everyone around them. 

Please give peace to each parent/guardian, whether they send their children to school or homeschool. Please prepare us to lead our children in a way that honors you. 

Amen 

Daniel’s Training in Babylon

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord delivered Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. These he carried off to the temple of his god in Babylonia[a] and put in the treasure house of his god.

3 Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— 4 young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.[b] 5 The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service.

6 Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. 7 The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, 10 but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your[c] food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”

11 Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, 12 “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” 14 So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.

15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.

17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

21 And Daniel remained there until the first year of King Cyrus.

Discussion

NOTE: These are just ideas. Depending on the ages of your kids, you might only choose some to discuss, or you might choose all. Do what works best for your family.

• The King wanted the young Israelites to be trained in the ways of Babylon for 3 years. He even went as far as to change their names. Why do you think he cared to change their names? Hint: Their Jewish names all honored God. Do you think the King wanted to send a message that he didn't care about their God and their customs?

• The King said they would eat of the best food, from his own table, and be given wine. The Israelites had strict rules on what foods they could eat according to God, and these foods from the King went against God’s laws. Do you think it was a little scary for Daniel and his friends to go against the King's order? Do you think they possibly even risked death by going against the King’s demands? Did Daniel throw a fit about the food provided, or did he try to be respectful? Do you think this is important when we disagree with someone?

• Daniel and his friends were just teenagers when all of this was happening. They were taken to a strange kingdom, with none of their parents or religious leaders around. They could have eaten the food, and none of their parents, who taught them the ways of God, would have known. Why do you think Daniel and his friends chose to do what was right, even though they could have easily come up with reasons to follow what the King ordered? Do you think it matters to follow God in small ways of obedience just as much as big ways of obedience?

• Daniel and his friends clearly thought it mattered to follow God in even small things, and because of their obedience, God blessed them. They were healthier and better nourished than all the other young men, even though eating only vegetables and no protein would usually make them weaker. But God blessed them. God also blessed them in other ways. What are some ways God blessed them?

Just like Daniel, we can choose to do what is right, even when others around us are making different choices. It might be hard and it might be scary, but we can be brave, because God is always with us!

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Sources

Daniel 1 (NIV) - In the third year of. Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/dan/1/1/s_851001

Recently, Graham and I were attempting to get some jobs done around the house. The kids had helped all day, and evening was approaching. The sky was overcast, and it looked like more rain would soon be falling, so instead of sending them outside to play, we offered the kids a deal.

Since they had been helpful all day, we would allow them to watch a movie in “The Green Room”, which is so cleverly named because it is, in fact, a room painted green. The Green Room has a set of French doors, so it’s easy for us to close it off from the main living space.

The deal was this: the kids get settled in and watch a movie, while Graham and I get to finish the jobs on our list without interruption. That meant the doors to The Green Room were to stay closed while we finished up our to-do list, and no fights were to break out (if you know, you know). If the kids could not stick to those few simple rules, they would have to finish the night by helping with the rest of the chores. More than fair, we thought.

As soon as the stipulations were out of Graham’s mouth, the kids were asking things like, “But what if we come in and you don’t see us?” or “What if we go out of the room another way and do something else?” or "What if we sneak past you, grab a snack and sneak back in?"

Our kids love to play a little game that I loathe, called the What-If game, where they come up with every outlandish circumstance or scenario and ask me, “What-if”?

As this went on, and I sat there dumbstruck about why they were trying to figure out ways around watching a new movie and not appreciating the fact that they were excused from chores, I realized one major issue.

Sure, they weren’t being very appreciative, and sure, they were playing my least favorite game of all time, but the real issue was that their entire mission was to find a way around doing what we asked of them. Instead of being willing to obey, they devised every way they could to skirt the rules and get away with it.

I’m currently reading CounterCultural Parenting by Lee Nienhuis, so perhaps that is why I recognized this character issue on this particular day. In the book, Lee does an incredible job of explaining that when our kids' actions exhibit bad character (for example, disobeying to do what they want instead), we should point them to God’s character as our goal.

I often find myself disciplining my kids and focusing on what the consequence will be for their actions. And while actions do have consequences, and I want my kids to learn that, there is something I occasionally neglect to place proper focus on. The goal isn’t for them to learn to avoid consequences. The goal isn’t for them to please me all the time. The goal is for them to recognize that their character should be a reflection of God’s character.

If we want our kids to make good choices on their own eventually, it needs to go deeper than just avoiding trouble, and it certainly needs to go deeper than trying to please Graham and I. If we can teach them to see the value in following God and keeping His commands, then their character can really develop in a way that we pray to see.

It’s true for them, but it’s true for us as well. If our goal isn’t to reflect God’s character in our character, then we’re missing the mark. If we find ways to circumvent the rules when no one will notice, it’s a good idea to examine our hearts. If we want our kids to have integrity and good character, we need to take a good look at our own as well. And thankfully, God never leaves us or forsakes us. If we find that we have some work to do, he is faithful to guide us gently and patiently.

Philippians 1:5-6 says this: Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

I sometimes wonder how I can tell my kids to have patience with each other when I find myself losing patience with them. It’s humbling to be a parent. Our shortcomings can often become so obvious. But God is continually doing a good work in those who love Him.

It can be easy for me to doubt my ability to raise my kids in Godly character when I know I have so many areas of my own life that need to be transformed. BUT, we have been given our children by God and He walks beside us as we raise them. We can be honest with our children when our shortcomings are showing. We can tell them that we, just like them, still need God to work on us and show us how to be more like Him. We can remind them that God promises to keep guiding those who follow Him.

Psalm 25:8-10 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore, he instructs sinners in his ways. He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

NOTE: If you’re looking for a book to read, I would highly recommend CounterCultural Parenting by Lee Nienhuis.