There were three small bedrooms in our yellow house. I was eight years old when we moved in, and a few weeks later our family of four multiplied into a family of nine when our cousins arrived from the Philippines to have a fresh start in a new country. We made room by giving our cousins the third bedroom to share. All five of them, four children and my aunt, shared one full size bed and one twin bed. We hosted a giant sleepover for the next nine months, sharing rooms, meals, and one working bathroom. Daily we exchanged customs and words and phrases from both cultures. We tried new food like champorado, chocolate rice. They saw snow for the first time. Together we worked to build more room for them in our unfinished basement. In the crowded craziness, we shared lots of laughter, tears, and stories as we gave them the opportunity to begin a new life.
A new life. Isn’t that the message of the gospel?
Jesus says in Mark 10:14, “Let the little children come to me. Don’t stop them.” He spoke their language and embraced them. The lessons Jesus taught by example in welcoming the children are the same methods He used to reach out to all seeking Him. Jesus welcomes us to new life in His home with the same hospitality. He invites us to eat together at His table, to discover threads of familiar language and stories and memories to create and share.
When we invite children into the opportunity to experience new life by inviting them into our home, it doesn’t matter if we have enough beds or towels or food on the table. It may be for a snack, for a meal, for a sleepover, or for a short-term stay. We welcome children into the kingdom when we welcome them into our space. Maybe Jesus’s love looks like warm chocolate chip cookies or painting rocks on the porch or reading a book out loud together or skipping rocks. Jesus was interactive with those around him, reaching out to them right where they were. He invites us to run to Him, to Abba, Father, a Father who welcomes us with open arms and will squeeze us close to his chest in his embrace.
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
—Mark 10:15
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145 thoughts on "Making Room for Children"
Amen
Amen
Amen
I was a nanny for 6 years and when I tell you, I never understood unconditional love until I had a toddler to take care of. There was always fun always love and sometimes he was telling me to take deep breaths! So good!
Amen!!!!
As I read this, my house is full of my 7 grandjoys and 2 children of my niece. It is wild and chaotic, but we made physical space including making a dining room into a guest room and giving our room up to sleep on the couch. Using every opportunity to tell them about Jesus and help them see this is a, safe place where they are loved is a privilege I don’t take lightly.
Amen
I thank God for my nieces and my role in their lives as the crazy doting aunt. They teach me how simple faith can be, and how to trust Jesus completely. Happy Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating!
Praise God! I thank Him for all of you SHES in this blessed community of sisters. I appreciate all your comments and prayers. Hope all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving amongst family and friends. Especially to those of us that have no one to celebrate and give thanks with. I know that God sees you and loves you.
In Jesus, me
Happy Thanksgiving to all
I am SO moved….Transparency here. After reading the scriptures and started the DEVO I was/am moved to tears and I can’t stop right now. Please…not trying to get sympathy here. It brought back memories of my childhood. WE were 9, my dad, mom and my aunt and 6 children in one tiny (I din’t know it then) one bathroom home. BUT it was HOME! We made room for all of us! I remember sharing one large bed for my 3 sisters and I and the other for my aunt and my cousin who has ALWAYS been and ALWAYS will be my brother. My parents slept in another room with my baby brother. WE made it work! OK…back to the message. Also I thought of the my littles at work. I remind myself, they are only 4 and 5. AND some are SO tiny, and GOD has placed me there to be part of the little lives and I love them SO much and already miss them, even the hard ones! AND boy…can it be challenging. It made me think that starting Monday I need to go back to praying over the room (I’m the first one there) and all their cubbies naming them one-by-one. Sorry if I’m a little off topic. Happy Wednesday sweeties. I’m so glad to be home, resting and later starting the preparations for our meal tomorrow! Enjoying my sister, and tomorrow I get to see my nephew and wife who are here from Oklahoma!
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Wow–it’s crazy many of us take for granted just the size and comfort of our houses! I’m sure that’s why you are such the humble and grateful person you are!!
You’re so sweet Rhonda. I don’t feel so humble, but thank you. Once again, I’ve been transparent. This devotional just had me all emotional, but I’m thankful for a hard-working daddy who did the best he could. I miss him so much!
When my children were growing up, we always had foreign students at our house for all the holidays. They could learn new customs, not be homesick and my children learned about new cultures and languages. We also took in a teenage refugee from Ethiopia who had been imprisoned for speaking out against the government. Some of her family was killed. She lived with us for a year and we still are in contact. She is now married and lives in Manitoba. Each was a blessing in our lives. Have a blessed Thanksgiving everyone and safe travels.
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The song with the words.. ‘reach out and touch somebody’s hand, make this a better place if you can..’ came to mind as I read your post, Donna. ❤️
Great story, great song ❤!
My nephew who is like a son to me, had a baby girl right after Tanner’s birthday. They were having trouble getting pregnant and Isla felt like a miracle to all of us. Tanner loved babies and would have adored her. The fact that she was due with Isla right at Tanner’s birthday felt special to us all. That little girl loves me! I was never one drawn to children, but somehow she runs to me yelling, “hi TeeTee!” I swoop her up and she gives me the best hugs ever. I’m so in love.
❤!!!!!
❤️.. the love from Little people.. so innocent, so pure..
Love it, Tee Tee ❤️
Hi Traci. My mom’s name was Isla.She would have been 100 this year.She passed on just before her 98th year. And my son, who dearly loved his grandma named his daughter after her.
His kindness reaches down with blessings dear and near to our hearts
I love coming here each day! I adore SRT and this community we have. I’m thankful for you all!
AW….Sweet Mia!! We love you too!!!
Mia, it’s always good to see you here. Prayerful this Thanksgiving is not too hard for you. Surround yourself with the love of family and remember your loved ones well..
Praying your heart knows peace my love..
Hugs..❤️
Thank you, Tina! Blessings!
I love this message! I have the privilege of going to church with my nanny family 7 months out of the year and hearing Palmer, their 5 year old, wake up on Sunday ready to “go to Jesus’ house” is one of my favorite things.
This lesson is dear to my heart! I teach 2-3 year olds at church. I learned through retired missionary who taught my children at this age, that they are very open to learn about Jesus. They remember the stor
Happy Thanksgiving to you all tomorrow!
I’m leaving today to drive to Waco to be with my children and grandchildren and other friends and family. I would appreciate your prayers for safe travels. I’m praying for you all as well. Love you She’s! ❤️
Happy and safe Thanksgiving to yku, tok, Martha! Love you, too!
Happy Thanksgiving to you too! Praying for safe travels!
Travel safe Martha! Will be holding you and yours up in prayer tomorrow as you give thanks for lives that are and lives that were..
You are loved too..
Hugs..❤️
Amen❤️
I am always so encouraged reading everyone’s comments! Today I am reminded of my own children and how I long to be able to accept & embrace them in the same kind of way the Lord accepts & embraces me. Having neurodivergent kiddos has rocked me to my core these last few years, as I realize just how quick to overwhelm & judgment I can be when I’m around people or things I don’t understand. Today I am declaring radical acceptance over my mind and heart! The work I do to lay my own expectations or desires down in order to better love and understand my kids is kingdom work indeed.
Dearest Jessie
I see you. I hear you.
Kingdom work, indeed.
Take heart. He is present.
Today is my first time reading the scriptures for this week! It’s been QUITE week (& it’s only Wednesday)!!
— Anyways.. I felt led to share all my notes! May God speak to and bless you through them!!! Thankful for EACH one of you!! Here’s to MAKING ROOM!!! Amen.
***Today***
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Psalm 103:14
*we came from Him, and to Him we will return!! Let us REMEMBER that!!! Let us be/stay humble, Lord, and let us be compassionate and kind, just as You are with us!! Let us know and love, as You know and love!! Thank You Father! Amen.
-27th
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Psalm 8:2
*the first thing this verse made me think of was the quote “out of the mouths of babes” …then I read it again… I think it’s referring to Jesus’ birth, He is the avenger and answer to the enemy!! I also think it’s a reminder: God can create and use ANYONE or ANYTHING!!! Let us recognize this (& Him) and BE PREPARED!!!
-27th
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Romans 8:16-17
*May we grab onto and LIVE in the identity Christ and The Father gives us!! Let us let go of ALL other identities!!! Help us to REALIZE that to live with and in Christ, is to suffer alongside Him!! Let our focus NOT be on the suffering/waiting.. but let it be on making Him known!! So that He may be recognized, Glorified and Honored!!! There is MUCH that awaits us with Him!!!
-27th
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Mathew 18:1-6 WHO IS THE GREATEST?
*SO Powerful!!! It’s NOT what man values or deems worthy, it’s what GOD values and KNOWS!!! May we TRULY and DEEPLY understand this, especially in the Spirit!!! Amen.
**Lord, may I NEVER cause someone to fall away from You!!! Guard my heart and my mouth and help me to only point and encourage others Up and TOWARDS You!! Amen.
-27th
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Mark 10:13-16 BLESSING THE CHILDREN
*a child’s TRUST and innocence.. such an example to us!! May we live, love and accept as little children do!! For there truly is nothing better than seeing the JOY and exuberance in a child’s eyes when they learn/understand something new!! They do it without reservation or fear, they just plunge head first in and immerse themselves!!! I want to do this Father!! So let us come to You Lord, as little children, let us, let You, gather us up in Your arms and bless us!! Teach us and set us free from all worldly understanding and just give us Your Spirit!! Let us immerse ourselves in You!! Amen.
-27th
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***Tuesday***
John 4:23-24 But an hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. Yes, the Father wants such people to worship Him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and in truth.”
*in Spirit and in Truth!!! May we LIVE in the Spirit and stand only in TRUTH!!! May we worship God alone!!! Lord, let us come into what You have called us to, and may we live UPwards in it!! Amen.
-26th
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Mathew 25:35-36
*May we do ALL these things Lord!! And may we do them not only WILLINGLY but with PLEASURE, JOY & HAPPINESS in our hearts!! Amen!
-26th
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Leviticus 19:34
*in my house growing up we had very few rules..but the rules we did have, are ones I still carry with me!!
1. put God first, always!
“As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” -Joshua 24:15
2. golden rule: “treats others the way you want to be treated.” ..as Christ followers, we can take this one step further.. no matter how we are maligned, let us treat/love others the way God treats/loves us!!
3. leave things better than the way you found them!
These 3 rules cover a LOT of ground!! They’ve pushed and guided me.. and have become a living active part of my life and walk!! May God’s Way become engrained and living in me the way these rules have!! Amen.
-26th
**Monday**
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James 1:27
*pure & undefiled, unstained from the world! WOW!!! Help me Lord to live this way!!! Amen.
-25th
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1 Timothy 5:3-8
*Wow!! There is a LOT said right here!!! It starts IN the FAMILY!! Too often we look to help/provide for an outside source, instead of right in our own family!! Our family (which God placed us in for a reason), challenges and teaches us lessons, they hold us accountable and see things, whether we want them to or not.. things that an outside source wouldn’t/couldn’t!! May we honor and please God by honoring and serving our family!! And may we remember that the family unit is a reflection of the Body of Christ, each has its own part and value, yet we are all one!! May we also allow the SERIOUSNESS of NOT serving and providing for our family sink in.. not doing as God directs and guides would mean we DENY our Faith and that we are WORSE than an unbeliever. Yikes!! Really puts things in perspective and alignment, doesn’t it?!! Lord, help us to live and give as You direct, nothing more and nothing less!! Amen.
**also, wanted to point out verses 5-6, as they really stood out to me.. Someone truly in need puts their HOPE in God!! May we realize that we are truly ALWAYS in need of You, God!! May we live BY FAITH, not by human understanding!! Let us not participate in laziness or self-indulgence, as they lead only to DEATH!!! And there is truly nothing worse than living a “dead” life!! Let us remember that death begets death and Life begets LIFE!!! Let us choose You and Your Life above ourselves and all else!! Amen.
-25th
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Isaiah 1:17
*Amen!!! Let us pursue God above ALL else and let us live as Christ did, pleasing the Father alone!!
-25th
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John 14:15-17
*love how the Holy Spirit is referred to here as The Spirit of Truth!! Also love that it explains that unless you KNOW God, and keep and honor His commands you will NOT recognize or even know the truth, let alone live in it!! This brings in a huge accountability!! Let us make a home in us, a place for the Holy Spirit, the living Truth to dwell and reside!! May we LIVE IN The Truth, and not depart from it or water it down!! May we remain salty, and may we take on the attitude and willingness of Christ!! Let us KNOW God, and recognize Him as not only our Father, but as a Father to the widowed, orphaned, unloved and unrecognized!! Let us see with His eyes and hear with His ears..let us lavish on others the way God lavishes upon us!! Amen.
-25th
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Psalm 68:4
*love the encouragement to PRAISE and acknowledge God!! May our praise go before us in ALL things, and may we recognize and reflect Him in ALL we do and see!! Amen.
-25th
ERB!!! SO GOOD to see you; I have missed you!
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I love your interpretation of Psalm 8:2. Everything you share is good! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Love and hugs! ❤
Awww!! Cee Gee you put a smile nn my face and in my heart!!! SO BLESSED to have you not only as a sister but a friends as well!! His blessings to you today and always!!
And, Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family as well!! Xoxo
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Echoing Cee Gee. Glad to read your wise uplifting words and see you on here this morning. Happy Thanksgiving to all, grateful for SRT and this community!
Awww! Such a BLESSING you are AZ!!! Incredibly grateful for you and this amazing community!!! Encouragement to your beautiful heart this morning and a very happy thanksgiving to you and everyone!!! Xoxo
ERB!!!!! WE’ve missed you!!
SO appreciate you Mari!! God bless you sweet sister!! My prayers are with and for you!! Happy Thanksgiving!! Xoxo
ERB!❤️
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You have been missed!
Like any good friendship, you turn up with goods as if there has been no time lapse! Absolutely thankful for you..
God bless you..
Hugs covered in much love. ❤️
Awww! ❤️ SO incredibly Thankful for you, Tina!! Always very blessed by your thoughts and insights!! Love your heart and love for God and His Way!! So encouraging and uplifting!! Blessings and (((Hugs))) wrapped with love, especially for you!! Xoxo
ERB! I’ve been looking for you, sister! ❤️
GM-
When the topic comes to children and loving them as a whole (a group) it always takes me to the short (very, very short) few weeks when I “tried” substituting teaching. My sister was a pro and did it basically full time at one point and always had cute and funny stories that made it seem appealing. Well, I did 3 days- third and first grade, and kindergarten. Let’s just say I was not cut out for it. They basically throw you in with no instruction at all! And you try to figure it out in the moment, all day!
I don’t know how teachers keep the love, especially in the last 20 years when the children (and parents) seem to have more authority than the teachers! I love all our She teachers and have such a respect for you, and pray that you look to him for guidance and strength. Keep getting your cup filled from Him alone. We thank you for your diligence and steadfastness. Also those that work in the kids ministries, and home school and any other children organizations. Those that adopt and foster! And even us grandparents that try to not only show Jesus in our actions, but vocally teach them to love Jesus, pray, and learn the Bible. It truly is an urgency and a call from God to sow into them so they may be trained up correctly in the way of the Lord!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I am excited to go see my jail butterflies today to brighten this hard time. Not that many have good memories anyway like most of us do of family meals, but they do miss their children. If you could say a little prayer that I “show them how to be thankful for the gift of salvation” no matter their situation! I am by myself today, everyone else had plans. But it is fine, as long as no new disruptive ones come! lol. But God knows how needs to be there. Let his will, not mine be done!
Happy Thanksgiving Rhonda, I pray your presence will lift up their spirits. I give a small monthly donation to Prison Fellowship an organization that sends their kids to summer camp and helps out with their Christmas gifts. I really admire you for all your doing and pray it all goes well!
That’s wonderful! What a blessing for them to have that done for their children.
Hard to believe I have been going weekly now for about 22 months!! I would have never dreamed God would lead me to this Ministry—but so blessed he did!! I appreciate your words AZ Walker..and have missed you!
Rhonda….I had to laugh a little (hope that’s ok). YOU are not the first or last to say what you did about teaching little ones. Upper grade teachers and others have walked in our TK room and have said, “I don’t know how you do it.” I smile and say, “I love it!” and yes even when it gets hard. Yesterday I had a “self-regulated” meltdown (quietly). Taking deep breaths….
Trust me…I laugh at it! I was a mess! But it was a good lesson to appreciate all you great teachers! :)
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Father that I make room for all Your children. In Jesus name, Amen
My own children are such an inspiration to me in the way they are beginning to live out their faith journeys. My son, who is 2, literally jumps for joy each night when we read about how God made the rainbow (it is currently his favourite story so we are leaning in… deep ;)). I found myself wondering the other day what would it look like if adults (including myself) found such deep JOY in reading about the amazing things God has done, no matter how many times we have heard the story before.
My daughter, who is 3, doesn’t like driving in the dark. It is almost unavoidable this time of year where we live (it is fully dark by 5:00pm). I always try to speak words of life into her when she feels afraid. We spend much of our car rides praying for bravery and comfort and that we would remember that He is our light. Last weekend, she asked me to put on the song “Fear Not” by Ellie Holcomb when we got in the car in the evening. She said “it’s a God song and says God will be my light when I am ‘fraid'”. I literally wept in the front seat as the song played and she tried so hard to keep up and sing along. My sweet girl at 3 years old has the foundation of faith that tells her to call on the Father when she feels afraid.
I know that trials and difficult seasons with both of them will come, but seeing how the Holy Spirit lives and works in their tiny little bodies encourages me to dive deeper in my own faith. I pray that the seeds that are sown in their childhoods last throughout their lifetimes.
Thank you, God, for the gift of children, whether biological or from our communities. May we learn from watching them as much as they learn from watching us.
I often pray for the ability to remember in times of struggle that the same way I once held my babies with one hand, so too does my Heavenly Father still hold me.
What beautiful, sweet testimony of the present, moving of Jesus in their little hearts. ❤️
This reminded me of the veggie-tales song, God is bigger than the boogie man…
How beautiful!! I remember my son singing Jesus songs along with the radio and how it warmed my heart (and then the grandchildren)! Then it was my young neighbor I would babysit! Jesus music goes a long way to feed truth into them!You are doing a good job momma!!
Beautiful! As a momma of a pre teen, freshman and senior this really touched my heart. I so miss those days of their sweet and pure childlike faith. So thankful for my big kids and their walks with the Lord but man I miss those days! Soak it all in:)
That is precious!
What a blessing!
Hugs to you and your littles ❤️
When my daughters were little, they listened to a CD called “Hide ‘Em in Your Heart” by Steve Green. It was Bible verses put to music. On one particular day, my daughter, who was 4, had broken her elbow and we were going to the doctor to have it casted. When I opened her car door to get her out of her car seat, she was softly singing “when am afraid, I will trust in you, in God whose word I praise.” Psalm 56:3. She is now preparing to graduate from college in May and is filling out job applications in states that are far from home. But her faith is firmly planted on Jesus and I have full confidence that He will keep her in His hand. He is directing her path and walking with her and ahead of her.
My children and I listened to that all the time! I still play them during morning playtime at preschool. When I read various passages, “Hide Em in Your Heart” tunes pop into my head. I still use music to help me memorize scriptures.
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My kids grew up on these too and I personally still remember so many of these songs and the scriptures! Steve is the uncle of one of my daughter’s best friends. I may tell her of this conversation and how those songs are still impacting generations! So sweet!
This is so so beautiful Becka! I want to hug these little people..
Out of the mouths of babes, and your example to them. Keep raising the next generation of warriors for the Lord..
Blessings..❤️
I grew up in the generation where kids were to “stay out of the way and be quiet” mentality. That way of thinking pretty much followed me into adulthood…It has taken quite some time to change my way of thinking – but God who is so gracious and kind, has been very patient with me. I went from, “please take that crying baby out of the worship service” to “Praise God for this little baby!”…I now see children in a whole new light, and I love being with them — I learn so much!
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Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels for all of you who will be going away.
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Continued prayers for all your requests! on how to come to Christ as a child-
♥️Love your ♥️, Sharon! I totally “get” where you’re coming from! I marvel at the way my daughters love children so well! I am always learning from them!! ♥️ Thanksgiving Blessings to you and your family… and ALL the families represented here!!
Blessings to you dear Sharon..❤️
SHEs I need a prayer for patience and guidance. Yesterday, we were discussing the idea of “making room” for close strangers, and I mentioned that I just don’t like drama. I also mentioned previously that my mom lives with us, which I love. But some days, I need patience… like today. This morning my mom came to the room where I was getting ready to do my devotional, and shared that she hadn’t sleep because she’d been catching up in a scandal at Daystar, the Christian channel. She went into every minute detail, some of it graphic. I felt deeply unsettled by the conversation. I felt it in my spirit. It made me so uncomfortable that I found myself looking away from her while she spoke. I felt convicted that this wasn’t a conversation we should be having, so I asked her to not share those things with me because it was deeply uncomfortable. She became upset, saying, “I don’t complain when you tell me things,”and walked away. Moments like these are so exhausting because I feel that, in trying to be honest, I’m making her mad. She tends to be very sensitive at times, and it’s like walking on eggshells at time.
I’m so sorry Maria. I’m sure it can be very hard having a parent live with you. Prayers that God will give you the patience you need and guidance in how to respond. ❤️
Maria, please know that I hear your heart and am praying for you and your Mom!! May you both feel the Presence of God and may the Holy Spirit surround and fill you in a way where you cannot leave His PEACEFUL and commanding presence!! Let there not be ANY distractions, only Him!!! God has GOT both you and your Mom, and He is walking with each of you!! Different paths..but the SAME place: His Presence!!! May you hear, make room for and see each other the way God does for each of you!! Giving you (& your Mom) a BIG (((HUG))) xoxo
ERB!! So good to see you my friend!!
GREAT to see all of you!!! My love and prayers are with each one of you everyday!!! ❤️
Maria, I can totally relate (in a way),
My mother doesn’t live with us, but I have had to draw some boundaries. It’s hard. I have to honor her, but oh my goodness!
Lifting prayers for you today sweet sister ❤️
Praying for patience for your Maria and wisdom on dealing with your mother in law. When my daughter was little I would always pray with her for patience for me and self control for her. Meditating on the gifts of the spirit in the moment. Praying things will smooth over and you have a nice Thanksgiving.
OH…Maria…I feel you!!! I really do! I live with my mom. This is my parents home. I get you! Have had similar incidents happen where my mom is SO sensitive (and ALWAYS has been). She does not understand boundaries! Let’s pray for one another. My mom loves JESUS! AND us but some how still holds on to old traditions and ways that are not healthy.
Maria, praying for patience and grace for both of you. Sending you love a d hugs totally wrapped in prayers..❤️
I am struggling with some infertility issues and some frustration along with it. This reading today was exactly what I needed to hear. I already have one child and it reminded me to be thankful for what I do have and to appreciate every moment I have with her because she was a gift from God.
Praying Madison. This time last year I was dealing with infertility too and I remember on Thanksgiving praying for gratitude bc I couldnt muster up a thing I was grateful for in that moment and I felt very guilty about that. This year God has filled my cup. I couldn’t be more grateful with baby girl. I pray you will see a breakthrough soon
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Please share another picture of our little princess with us on FB!! I am just so happy for you Lanie!!
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I will be praying for you Madison. So thankful that you do have a precious daughter. ❤️
I’m sorry this is your struggle and heartache. Have prayed for you right now❤️
Sorry for your struggles Madison! Be joyful in the wait, God sees you and knows your heart!
Amen, Rhonda.
Holding you up in prayer Madison..
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Hugs to your little one..❤️
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Praying for you right now Madison.
God is so kind. I literally am tearing up at these verses. I really needed them.
I have been repeating Psalm 103:14 for months, but literally this week almost put it in my Instagram bio, I identify with it so much.
“for He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.”
I say that verse to encourage myself (and others when I pray it over them) that Jesus can identify with our weakness and deal kindly with us. If you read the context around the verse, verse 13 says God like a father pities his children and in verse 15 it talks about how short our lives are, like grass and flowers in the field. And the whole Psalm is praising God for His unending mercy towards us. Verse 10 says, “He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.”
Whenever I need encouragement, I usually turn to this psalm. It reminds me of how loving and patient God is. I pray that this Psalm touches you ladies today, like it did for me. It is like balm to my soul. God bless you all. ❤️
Amen! Thank you Michelle! ❤️
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This was a convicting read. I’m not a parent yet, but I’m a teacher and I have a challenging group of students this year. I have seen some improvement in their behaviour since August, but I still find myself getting frustrated and impatient with them sometimes. I know I need to be more compassionate and loving while still being firm with expectations and discipline. I’ve been praying about it but still find myself failing in the moment. Please pray for me.
Father God, please help Kristi to be more loving and compassionate with those she teaches. It can be frustrating and stressful at times, but give her the strength she needs and the wisdom to intertwine love and compassion with discipline. In Jesus Name, Amen.
As a former teacher I feel your frustration. I just want you to be encouraged today. The fact that you are reaching out to your Heavenly Father means that “Help is on the Way”. You
just keeping making the effort. Love those children, stay consistent, and follow through what you say. They will sense your love and the Lord your God will be with you. Praying for you today!
Kristi,
During pregnancy I hated going to work. I would pray every single morning God help me show compassion and patience with your children today. Help me be joyful and grateful and forgive me for grumbling. I never felt this huge difference. It was still difficult every day, but one day one of my patients who is not a believer said to me, “You are one of the most positive people I’ve ever met. How are you so pregnant and still showing up so happy all the time”. And I answered with prayer and the grace of God. I told her the exact story I just shared with you. Even though I didn’t feel different, apparently I was acting differently lol. Pray every day and God will do it!
God Bless you and all Godly Teachers!
Praying for you Kristi! I’m a para in TK. I get you! YOU ARE doing GREAT!!! I bet those students know they are SAFE with you!!
Will do Kristi! You have a difficult profession, hats of to you and other teachers.
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A story to share about my 11 year old grandson, the one who had a biopsy this week. When he was younger, just old enough to ride a bike on his own, he was on a bike ride with his parents. They came upon an ambulance outside a neighbor’s home. The ambulance was picking up an infant. My grandson was concerned. His dad told him all we can do is pray. My young grandson got off his bike, put his hands together and began to pray, right there in the middle of the street. No praying when they got home, no praying in silence, but right in the middle of where prayer was needed. Oh, to have the faith of a child. Thank you for your prayers this week. Preliminary results are looking good. But God!
Beautiful story Sherry – thank you for sharing! I have prayed for your grandson, how did his surgery go? And for you, when do you hear back from your biopsy?…continued prayers! ❤️
Results are expected next week. Thank you!
What a beautiful illustration ❤️
❤️❤️❤️ Amen! This!!
Another beautiful, sweet testimony this morning of the present, moving of Jesus in their little hearts. There is joy, encouragement and freedom in a childlike faith that we can learn from and desire for ourselves❤️
Ahh, my heart!
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Yes, to have the faith of a child!
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Continued prayers for this precious little one.
❤️❤️❤️❤️
Pondering what trait(s) of a child that Jesus is asking that we have to enter the Kingdom.
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Dependency
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Teachable
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Trust
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What do you think?
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SHERRY – praying you and your grandson have peace as you both wait for your biopsy results.
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Praying for those travelers today.
My husband and I are heading to VA for Thanksgiving with my mom, step-dad, brother, and his family. Pray I will apply God’s wisdom to the gathering.
I was pondering the same thing Kelly and made a list: humble, kind, open-hearted, trusting, faithful, loyal, innocent, accepting of others, honest, loving. They are not malicious and do not have ulterior motives or a hidden agenda.
I’m thinking I need to see my 6th grade students in a different light today and follow Jesus’s example of welcoming all of the children (even the ones who get under my skin:) Safe travels! Happy Thanksgiving!
Yes Tami and Kelly, your lists got me thinking what are the qualities of a child. I thought humble as well. Innocent is a good one and I think about how do we have innocence when approaching God.
Kelly joining you in praying how to apply what we’re learning as we gather with family. I too am praying how to show love while also remaining to get healthy in the family dynamics. Challenging But God will be with us.
♥️praying for your family gathering… and all of our families… we all need your wisdom, guidance and a huge helping of grace! Thank you, Dear Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… that we can fully trust You to indwell us and direct our steps and our words and our actions! ♥️
I have a list too,on how to come to Christ as a child – but with the help of the commentary, Enduring word…
-be of no importance, subject to authority (in Jewish society children were of no importance)
-be non threatening (as opposed to tough & intimidating)
-do not deceive, children are not good at deceiving
-be humble & unconcerned with social status.
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Safe travels!
Covering you, dear Kelly in prayer as you travel and in your family gathering. ❤️
Timely topic as the house is quiet this morning for the first time this week … no wrestling matches or Lego wars, no tattling of he did this or that or where’s my ______ ? Without children of our own, it’s been a learning experience as we have stepped in over the years when needed (or allowed) to help with our sibling’s children and grandchildren, plenty of missteps and a lot of joy.
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In reading and thinking about Christ’s words this morning, to come to Him as a little child, to humble ourselves as a child – I thought about how trusting little children are, how eager they are to learn, how their minds absorb information like a sponge, how quick they are to love and forgive, how they will call you out for not doing/saying as you tell them to do/say. Good lessons for me.
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Praying for our sisters (and myself) with an empty chair(s) at the table tomorrow for those celebrating Thanksgiving, for our sisters who are caregivers and things look different or are more isolated than in the past, for those unable to be with family for countless reasons. I am thankful for each of you as we study together and strengthen faith.
Yes, Amen sister.. we lift up our sister caregivers who are here with us. God bless and keep you in this holiday season, may He encourage you and give you rest, in Jesus’s name. ❤️
Dear “Searching”… On this Thanksgiving Eve, I give thanks for you, and the many others who faithfully share your hearts with us on this forum! I’ve been with SRT almost since the beginning, I believe…and comment occasionally. I want to acknowledge the impact your sharing (and all of the other’s) has on this community. I often tell women who feel alone… “start with SRT… it’s like a world-wide small group”! Thanksgiving Blessings to each one represented here! ♥️
Searching, I join with you in your prayer. ❤️
Joining you dearest Searching in your prayer. And virtually taling your hand and giving it a loving sister squeeze..
Love you muchly..T❤️
I second that motion Carol!
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I have often been known to call Searching my prayer warrior… But truly, this journey is made the best in this ‘company of like minded ‘hungry for God’ sisters. So yes, THANKFUL for all here, commenter or otherwise, true blessings!❤️❤️
Agreeing in your prayer! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Love you! ❤
As a quick flashback to yesterday, if you have the study guide, don’t miss the chart on pages 52-53!! No way to wiggle out of loving everyone – all made in the image of God!!
Father, give us Your heart to love all we encounter, stranger or family/friend!
I heard a story on Saturday of a young friend in her thirties, unmarried, who lost her best friend to cancer earlier this year. Her best friend had three little children. You know what she has done?
She has moved heaven and earth and has recently adopted them!
I have tears. I have not seen Lydia for a couple of years now, but,, my God, if this is not what the above title means, then someone explain to me what does!
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I have known Lydia for nearly fifteen years. A beautiful young lady whose father was a stand up member of our church. She loves Jesus! When she was 10 she came home from school to find her mama in the garden, having had a heart attack and died..
I absolutely know her heart.. The journey of losing a mama at a young age has spurred her on to make this beautiful decision to make room for these little people who face life without their birth mama…
Lord I do pray your hand be over the changed dynamics for the children and Lydia.I am so very thankful Lydia has been in the children’s lives since birth, and that they have known her all their lives.. It reminds me of the words in Esther 4:14..'”.. And who knows you have come to your royal position for such a time as this… ” I pray you are with them each day, in Grace and love and wisdom.. Provide, Lord God all they need and I pray Lord God, the children’s hearts will know peace and that Lydias arms will be opened wide in those moments of sadness..
Father God, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray ..
AMEN.
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BUT GOD..
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Happy Wednesday, dear hearts, covered in much love, and wrapped in prayers..❤
Amen and hugs for this new family
What an honor for Lydia to be trusted by the Lord and the courts to care for and raise up these children! How blessed both she and the children are – her friend’s memory will stay fresh because Lydia will see her in the children, and she will be able to keep the children’s memories of their birth mom alive with memories of her own as time passes … remember when … ?
What a beautiful story❣️
Talk about living today’s scripture in real time. I pray for your friend Lydia and these sweet children who lost their mom. May God cover them with love, protection and health. And may he guide her as she embarks on this journey into motherhood.
That’s beautiful that Lydia did that, God bless her!
Beautiful. We need more Lydia’s in this world!
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Happy Wednesday dear, sweet Tina!
Wow!❤️
Bless Lydia Father, be with these children as they grieve their momma. Thank you Lord for hearts like Lydia!
Oh my heart ❤️
This made me cry. What a blessing Lydia is to those precious children.
Thank you for sharing, Tina
I do feel that God was preparing Lydia for “such a time as this”. It is a beautiful visual of God’s love and Lydia’s faithfulness. Tina have you felt that we have gone through the loss of our children to help others that have or will go through this tragic loss? I have felt this for awhile now.
This is true Traci, It is like we are equipped to sit silently, listen, hug and love, be there present and hearing, and just be, because though the journey is different, thst loss makes us able to understand their heart..
Hope your heart is knowing peace Traci, and that your daily memories of Tanner make you smile.
Much love to you..❤️
Much love to you Tina
Beautiful Tina!! SO beautiful!!
Yes,Tina
What a mighty God we serve. Watch Him at work.
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Would appreciate prayers for my youngest son (6years). He fell and hit his mouth on a rock yesterday. Thankfully, no damage to the teeth (except his baby teeth may fall out sooner). He has an underbite now. The dentist didn’t seem that concerned, but said to come back in 6 months if it is still a problem. Please pray. The injury and the underbite is causing it very hard for him to eat. Thankfully, other than the initial shock, he has been able to be in a pretty good mood and get on with it. I am still shaken up by it. He looks pretty bad, I don’t know how to not make it a big deal myself as I feel queasy. Also, I know this isn’t about me, but his healing.
I was very thankful to God to get the news his teeth were actually ok. Please thank God for that. Thank you.
A. Walton.
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Breathe..
Breathe..
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It is well.
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Will pray for your mama heart.. I get it. I truly do! My son, now 43, when he was four, slipped on the outside stairs and his top teeth embedded themselves into his bottom lip.. My neighbours had to sort him out as I was in a corner shaking with ‘mama heart’s fear! He still has the scar.. ❤
I’ll be praying A Walton. Praying for peace for your mama heart and that your little’s teeth will be fine.
Joining Tina & Tricia in prayer for your son, A WALTON, for quick healing and that you receive a good report at the 6 month check up. Thankful his teeth are ok!
Praying for you and your son. ❤️
Prayers A Walton!
Praying for you and your son. Face injuries are so hard. Praying a quick healing for him and for your mama heart.
❤️ said a prayer to heal your heart and Son’s injury. God is a God of restoration amen!
Ouch… will be praying for you both!