Stuart's Map

I really enjoy reading the Bible. Not that I'm perfectly consistent in a daily reading plan, but I do love hearing from God's word. When the kids were infants and toddlers, I just read aloud whatever I was reading at the time.
As they got older, I wanted something we could read together. Of course I could tell them the stories and about what God told me, but I wanted them to read for themselves and learn to love reading the scriptures.
I searched for a long time for a great Children's bible. Most I read leaned toward works and legalism in very subtle ways. Most only retold the stories and put man or the child as the center. They didn't give the overall point of the bible: God. Then our boys' JK teacher at CCS used the Jesus Storybook Bible in class. We checked it out from the library. The kids loved reading it, so we bought one. And now we've bought two. The book gives the best picture of the bible; it's the story of God. He includes us in His story and the way He does that is through the rescuer, Jesus. Every story, from Joseph to Naaham, points to Jesus.

Each of the kids will pick it up to read it or look at the wonderful illustrations; however, Stuart loves it the most. He will often choose that as his story to read and one story is never enough. It's so endearing to see his love of hearing the word of God. He really wants to be baptized, but I'm not sure he's ready. I do see evidence in his life of living with Jesus, but he seems so young.

Anyway, in the car the other day, Stuart was flipping through Chase's bible that happened to be in the back.
"Mom, the bible is like a map."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, the whole bible talks about Jesus. Every story is like part of the map to Jesus."

Wow, he's really getting it!

So, if you are looking for a phenomenal children's bible, I highly recommend it!

http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com/ 

SOAP today

S:
Psalm 119:34-35
Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
and observe it with my whole heart.
Lead me in the path of your commandments,
for I delight in it.


O:
We need understanding in order to live by Kingdom ways. That I can observe with my whole heart. The psalmist asks God to give him understanding. Understanding isn't gained; it's given. It's given in order to change our lives. The psalmists asked to be lead. He delights in the commandants of God, but recognizes he can't find it alone. Beginning with understanding and then asking to be lead.

A:
God is so gracious that He gives us the understanding to live His way. I want to walk in the right path, because I do delight in the freedom of living by Kingdom ways. Today I ask God to give me understanding, that I can follow Him.

P:
Jesus, you paid the price that I don't have to keep every rule of the law to enter your Kingdom. You have justified my sin by your sacrifice. Sanctify me, change me to live and observe your ways with my whole heart. Give me understanding and wisdom. I need you today; lead my down Your path. Holy Spirit give me understanding that I will whole-heartedly observe your perfect law, because it is a delight!


Delighting in God's ways doesn't mean I'm always happy. Psalm 119:50,"This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life." My comfort isn't that things change, but that I have life based on the unchanging promise of God.

Hiccup Bible Verse

I know I'm biased, but this is one of the cutest things ever.
I just want to remember what she sounded like when she said this with the hiccups!

Melt your heart

We're memorizing scripture this summer—just one verse a week.

This past week we did Genesis 1:1. Spending a lot of time outside, we've been talking a lot about God's creation and this verse.

It's really neat because everyone—Chase, Stu, & Sabrina— can quote the entire verse and reference. Sabrina reminds me "1:1" is I forget to include the reference when they repeat the verse! And how cute is it to hear a 2-year-old say "Genesis"? They love taking turns showing Daddy that they can say their verse.

Tonight I was saying good night to Sabrina, after stories, songs, & prayers, I kissed her Good night and she says, "Mama, wait. In da beginning, God crated da heavens and da earf. Gensis 1:1"

Oh, my sweet girl, may your heart for God just grow and grow and grow!