A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to present my books to children ranging from the ages of 6 -12 years old. Although I was excited, I wanted the presentation to be something they could relate to. So, I borrowed a few props from a friend to make it as interactive as I could. The first was about the lad in the desert with Jesus, who had two fish and five barley loaves. I asked for a volunteer, and a young boy volunteered. I asked the volunteer to hold the basket of items to display them to the group while I shared some background, then read the story. I encouraged them that no matter how small or insignificant they might feel, Jesus could use them.
While discussing the next story, I used a young man who looked strong. He represented Jephthah. We talked about how he was bullied as a child because he had a different mother than his brothers. I gave the young man a sword and a shield to hold as I explained that Jephthah had become a mighty warrior. I explained how he didn't allow his childhood rejection to determine his future. However, we also discussed how Jephthah made a rash vow to God because he wanted to be accepted by the people who hurt him. Then we talked about how we need healing from things in our past, so we don't make bad decisions.
The next story we discussed was Naomi and Ruth. I had four children volunteer and two adults. I told them how God set the children of Israel up in the promised land, but when a famine came, and there was no longer any food, the dad had taken his family away from God's promise. I told them all the men died and only the women left. I explained that Naomi told the two daughters-in-law to return to their people. And that Orpah went back to her people. Now we had just two people left, Ruth and Naomi. We talked about the promises that Ruth made to Naomi. And how Ruth's loyalty to Naomi allowed her to be in Jesus' family.
The final story got the kids to open up and share. I shared about Onesimus, the slave who stole from his master and ran away. I asked the kids if anyone had ever stolen anything, and a lot of hands went up, even the adults and mine. I shared my testimony of stealing, and the kids shared theirs. They shared how it made them feel and what lessons they learned and the consequences they received. I shared that you need to choose your friends wisely. In both situations I was in, it was the people who I was with that put me in situations where I was forced to steal. It was a wonderful hour, and I was truly blessed and honored to be able to share what the Lord had given me.
It was a wonderful hour, and I was truly blessed and honored to be able to share what the Lord had given me.
(Update: On arrival, I asked the director if the kids would volunteer. She said, if they had an incentive. She went to get some bucks to encourage them. The bucks were fake money for a store that they have onsite.)
Be willing to teach all. “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
When teaching children allow them to participate. God can use any of us. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12
Giving your time is a blessing. “I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
By doing these things…over time, I’ve been learning how to incorporate Christ into every area of my life.
Below are two books that God has inspired me to write. "The Flip Side" and "Blinded By Sight: The Heart Matters" both available now.
So… what’s this book about?
“The Flip Side” depicts the possible feelings and emotions of lesser-known Biblical characters as they navigated their lives in the shadows of the more popular characters in the Bible. While the Bible gives us snippets of their stories, we are usually left in the dark about their true motives, desires, and thoughts concerning the situations they are in. However, one certainty is that despite how little we know about these characters, they were often the catalysts to pivotal moments in the main characters’ lives.
So… what’s this book about?
Join me on a journey of self-discovery. “Blinded by Sight - The Heart Matters” is a compilation of short biblical devotions. These stories are not conclusive. They are depictions of how God is revealing my heart to me.
My prayer is, Lord, make it real for me, show me your heart, show me my heart, and give me the wisdom to change what hinders my relationship with you. I am learning that my perception is my biggest obstacle it affects my mind, what I think, and how I process my experiences. What I have experienced in my mind is expressed through my feelings and these experiences dictate my choices either consciously or subconsciously.
This devotional will allow you to explore and evaluate your past and present situations that have hindered you from seeing the heart of the matter. Simply put, look at the heart – it does matter. Your future depends on it!
I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:4
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