Jesus' Healing Hands

 

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23 NIV

Hospice interrupted our drawings. Five and three-year-old fingers gripped Crayola's while Dad was slipping away. He only had hours and I needed to go. But what do I tell my grandchildren? How do you explain you're saying good-bye to your dad without frightening them?

They'd already experienced the loss of their grandmother less than a year ago, so they were familiar with good-byes. I wish I could spare them, but these kids are inquisitive and intuitive. While I fumbled for my shoes and waited for their dad to arrive, they asked the question.

"Where are you going Grams?"

(Sharing my heart on Christian Children's Authors blog. Click here to see how God orchestrated this conversation).

Hide 'n Seek

 

 

'You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord..." Jeremiah 29:13-14

His toddler feet pedal past me resting only when he's found a suitable hiding place behind the rungs of a dining room chair - the one his daddy usually occupies. Through uncontainable giggles he yells, "Come find me, Grams!"

Playing along, I seek him out behind curtains, under the couch, around corners and with every failed attempt he squeals, "I'm here, Grams! I'm here!"

Amused by his own clever hiding skills he's more excited about being found than staying hidden. His heart soars when I finally spot his big blue eyes twinkling between the rungs of his hiding place and he runs to catch my embrace as I announce, "I found you!"

There's something about that pursuit that thrills this little boy...

(The {story is hiding in plain sight over at {re}fresh. Just click here.)

Helping Our Kids Recognize God's Love

 

…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. Romans 5:5b

Valentine’s Day conjures up fun childhood memories like: red and pink construction paper hearts, paper-lace doilies, lollipops and chocolates. Oh, and remember taping heart-shaped mailboxes to our school desks?

I treasured every classmate’s Valentine’s Day cards as if they were meant just for me, ignoring the fact that every classmate got the same or similar message. I’d read and re-read every card and tack each one to my corkboard above my bed as a reminder of their affection.

Holding my newborn son, I wondered how I could ever communicate God’s affection for him. It wasn’t as easy as sending him a red heart on Valentine’s Day or giving him a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Of course I would show him God’s love through my own affection and care, but how would he concretely know the love of an invisible God?

(To read on, click here.)