Distinguish or Discernment School is reopening, and instead of children walking to and enjoying classrooms filled with excited children, our nation is struggling to discern if it is safe for them to attend. Due to the pandemic, what was unthinkable even a few months ago has now become more and more a reality. Homeschooling has awakened, and parents have become the teachers—some of it is good and some questionable. Parents are on a quest to discern what textbooks are the “best” to use. Websites for homeschooling has skyrocketed!  Also, children, today face more screen time and virtual classrooms due to the pandemic. Some think it is beautiful, but others see…

 Prov 6 “Wise Counsel Protects Now and Later” We all have experienced broken hearts over a child that has gone astray in some way, either through poor decision choices or rebellious spirits. As a parent, we are especially vulnerable to the “broken heart syndrome” and often we hear: if only, if only. How then can we raise up children who will walk the talk and not stray from God’s way? The first piece of advice; start early implanting God’s Word. Secondly, mirror to your children the right path following Deut 6 “teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along…

As teachers and wise parents we are called to teach the message of the Word to all ages of God’s children. Christina Wilson calls us to read and share the Word. She has titled her blog: Paul’s Letter to the Colossians: Welcome to Christ’s Kingdom—Come, I’ll Show You Around By Christina Wilson. Published July 1, 2020, @ https://onesmallvoice.net/2020/07/01/pauls-letter-to-thecolossians-welcome-to-christs-kingdom-come-ill-show-you-around/OverviewThe crux of Paul’s appeal to the Colossians is the cross of Jesus Christ: his death, resurrection, and sovereigntyover all things created, by the design and will of God the Father. God transferred the Colossians from death tolife, from the dominion of darkness to the Kingdom of the Son of his love. In…

This is my week to blog and I have been thinking a lot about hymns. My godson, Jordan Edwards, a recent journalism graduate, wrote his latest post about the hymn “Wonderful Words of Life.” I hope you enjoy his writing and teach this hymn to your children. Jordan Examines: Wonderful Words of Life I mentioned before that my newfound purpose in life is to show everyone through my own experiences that life may be hard, but it is worth living, something that so many people struggle with every day. And what better way to continue on that path by analyzing a song that proclaims life’s beauty through the words of…

Here is a new website geared to grandparents and how to keep a close relationship with grandchildren who live far away https://tinyurl.com/u7cnql7 0

I would like to introduce you to Kurt Jarvis, one of our Bible.org authors. He recently returned from South Africa where he taught and modeled children’s stories. This is one he used. Kurt and Judy provided training to the school teachers and orphanage house mothers and others who work with the children and youth at this place [The Fold ] and training workshops in other locations in that region as a missions training tour. Attached is his lesson for you if you would like to use it: “Adam and Eve Script” Audience interactive story Directions: Make up audience flash signs in advance on chart paper with the words: Hooray for…

We make plans to take our children to Sunday School and church because we want them to learn about Christ. Taking children is one thing but going with them is another. Children and adults need to share in this experience so that they become familiar with the Bible, not just as a book but as stories God has for us to learn about Him. It takes work to not just read about the people and places in the Bible but to make them come alive. People long ago had the same needs as your toddler and your grade-school child and your teen have today. My third graders studied the geography…

Advent Series: 1Peter 3 to 5 Do you have a Christmas Heart? Are you busy untangling Christmas lights, shopping and wrapping gifts for others? There are only a few days left to prepare! Beyond that busyness are you taking time to read and meditate on the words of scripture that your heart might be prepared to celebrate the birth of the Christ-child? We all get busy at this time of year and find that often our hearts are more “Grinch-like” than “Christ-like.” We find ourselves busy with lights, decorations, Christmas programs at church and more. Take time each day to read selected portions of scripture that your hearts might be…

What is important? After reading again today the obituary of a precious dad and father my thoughts ran back to 2011 when we lost the last of our parents. They had lived a robust life and loved living on the farm amidst tractors and plants. Daddy F. loved the new fallen snow and loved going out to use his favorite tool, the snow-blower—even at the ripe old age of 95! I had prayed that Mother B would live to celebrate their 73rd wedding anniversary and God answered. Daddy F. died 18 days later. It was bittersweet. Why do I share that personal story? It is because as my son grew…