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It is important that we show our love and appreciation to those whom God
has placed in our care. We must let them know that they are special and
have been given abilities that no one else possesses. We are to lift up
our children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and instill within their
hearts the confidence they require to move ahead in life knowing that
victory is within their grasp. We should never allow ourselves to belittle
their accomplishments or make them doubt their ability. Our role must be
one of encouragement and affirmation cheering on their successes and
comforting them when they fail. We are to let them know that nobody is
perfect and all have fallen short at one time or another. By building
their self-esteem and showing them our love, we will build mighty warriors
who will go forth making our world a better place and we will remind all
that there is great power in encouraging and affirming those who have been
entrusted into our care. (Romans 12:5-10) (Romans 3:23) (Galatians 6:2-4)
I hope this message challenges your heart be an encourager in life. Show
those who are nearest to you how special they truly are. Speak words of
encouragement into their lives and let them know that they can accomplish
anything that they set their mind to do.
PROUDLY DISPLAYED
I've had fridge art from three grandchildren.
They're all priceless works, so some samples have been kept to delight me
with pleasant memories during rainy-day treasure hunts.
Sometimes there are ancient discoveries -- works done by their mom some
thirty years ago. Like the plastic butter dish used to mount a drawing of
her family. Three people sporting age-labeled T-shirts. Herself with a 6.
Me, at 27, red hair still intact! Her dad, with a huge 43. He did not
appreciate her momentary dyslexia! He was 34.
I, on the other hand, was tickled by this production. I became her stepmom
just months earlier. She lived with us, but it was still a proud surprise
to be included in her family portrait.
Then there's her seashell decorated with paper and marker saying, “I'm
sorry. I will never forget you.” I no longer recall what transgression
preceded this declaration. It may have come after a spousal argument that
left her suspecting I would leave. If so, it was certainly a more
heartwarming sentiment than her reaction on another such occasion when she
tearfully whimpered, “Are you going to take your stereo?”
Her works of art are mostly buried in boxes, but the queen of my kid art
mementos sits in a kitchen cupboard. Yes, it's housed in the catch-all
cupboard, but it's on the front of the top shelf where I can see it.
My daughter made it when she was 7. A detergent bottle cap with a
styrofoam ball. Plastic fork, handle broken and inserted to stick out just
enough to hold a recipe card. Pink carnation to cover the ball, pink
ribbon trimming the bottle cap, and voila! The absolute best recipe holder
ever!
And indeed it is. Because it was my first Mother's Day gift ever! It's not
packed away. It's there where I can glance at it occasionally, a reminder
of a little girl who stole my heart and made my life complete. One who
every now and then, with a butter dish family portrait or a detergent cap
recipe holder, made me feel loved -- something that showed me I had made
it! I was really accepted! I was in!
And isn't that what kid art always is? Kids bestow their gifts upon us to
show their love and affection. They don't fake it. Every piece of kid art
ever handed to us is a seal of approval, a medal of honor. Don't take it
lightly! If you get kid art, you know that in the eyes of that child, you
are special and deserve the best. Display that award proudly.
Come to think of it, I think a certain recipe holder needs a better spot.
By Beth Fryer
bfryer@nbn.net
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify
one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know
them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish
you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be
at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that
are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward
all men.”
1 John 4:7-11 “Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and
every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not
knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God
toward us, because that God sent His only begotten Son into the world,
that we might live through Him. Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our
sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.”
Ephesians 4:1-6 “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that
ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness
and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There
is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who
is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: WISE WORDS
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem109.htm
Today's Selected Testimony: GOD'S ALIVE AND WELL
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony34.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
God’s Work Ministry |
