The SG Notebook

We’ve talked about the VOM Action Packs before on this blog, so I thought you might like to see this post at the Persecution Blog which has a behind the scenes photo of some children receiving them. This is just a reminder to you that this is an excellent way for you and your children to get involved and help.

I was taking my walk around the block yesterday and saw markings on a driveway for hopscotch! I was quite happy and excited about that because it means children are still playing the old-fashioned games of my childhood. Go here to read an article I wrote about outdoor games in the newsletter from May of last year. There’s a link at the end of the article which will take you to a site with the rules for this great game. Then, take a look at this short video:

Hope your kids will take a try at playing this great game this summer!

For His Glory,

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Here at Speakable Gifts, we cannot stress enough the importance of good reading materials for children. The Christian Children’s Book Review is such a good resource for parents (and grandparents, and uncles and aunts and friends). I am excited to announce that CCBR is hosting a giveaway starting today!

Go to the giveaway post to read the details. CCBR is giving away over 10 titles!

In Him,

Beverly

This is a picture of the young lady who won the title of Miss California this year, and subsequently became the first runner-up for the Miss USA contest. So she can be classified as a beauty queen. You may have heard about the controversy surrounding not just the Miss USA pageant and her answer to the judge’s question about gay marriage, but also the recent hoopla about some unfortunate photos which were taken of her prior to all this. I heard Miss Prejean being interviewed one day shortly after the pageant where she gave testimony that she is a Christian. She spoke very well about her faith and I agreed with her position as she defended her response to the judges question. However, what has transpired since then has been quite ugly to say the least.

I don’t want to get into the sordid details of this whole issue, but wanted to take the opportunity to express my disappointment and sorrow over the lack of role models which we have for our daughters in today’s society. I would like to think that our girls could have more examples of the beauty that really matters to our Lord, not that which they would think requires them to show as much of their bodies as legally possible. I wish they could see more women in today’s spotlight who are adorned with those qualities that emanate from a pure heart. It’s not for me to judge girls who paticipate in the pageants of today, but I do pray that those who claim Christ would think again. And I also pray that our daughters and granddaughters will desire the beauty that goes beyond the skin.

I thought this was a good time to put in a plug for the little book we’ve had around for a couple of years now. It’s called “Beauty Contest” and it’s designed to make young ladies in preteen and teen years think about the qualities of true beauty. I’m currently still working on a guide for parents and teachers to go along with this little booklet, and will let folks know when that’s completed. Go to the product page for this booklet to find out more about it.

In the meantime, I think it’s important for us to pray for Miss Prejean at this point in her life. I think she wants to serve the Lord from what I heard her say in her interview. Let’s pray that she will and that the Lord will speak to her heart as to how she can go on from here.

For His Glory,

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Thank God for Little Children

Thank God for little children,
Bright flowers by earth’s wayside,
The dancing, joyous lifeboats
Upon life’s stormy tide.

Thank God for little children;
When our skies are cold and gray,
They come as sunshine to our hearts,
And charm our cares away.

I almost think the angels,
Who tend life’s garden fair,
Drop down the sweet wild blossoms
That bloom around us here.

It seems a breath of heaven
Round many a cradle lies,
And every little baby
Brings a message from the skies.

Dear mothers, guard these jewels.
As sacred offerings meet,
A wealth of household treasures
To lay at Jesus’ feet.

~ Frances E. W. Harper

Remember to guard these jewels, mothers; they are precious. They are our “household treasures.” My prayer for all mothers who read this is that you will indeed lay them at the feet of Jesus.

The above photo is of the two newest treasures in our family, my two grandchildren. Need I say what my prayer is for them?

Have a blessed and Christ-honoring Mother’s Day, whether you are a mother or have one. If neither applies, may the Lord Jesus draw near to you and be your all in all. After all, that should be the case no matter what the circumstances.

For His Glory,

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna

Don’t you just love this song for your little ones? It’s a great one for them to listen to over and over, because it’s so packed with biblical truth with its simple repetitions that even the youngest can understand. It’s teaching them to be careful what they do because God is watching! I may have talked about this some time back at this place but it’s worth repeating: get your kids off to a good start by teaching them this song!

I really do like the Cedarmont Kids, and thought I’d treat you to them once again. They sound a wee bit like the kids singing this song on our children’s cassette. (It’s on sale!) My two year old granddaughter loves it and I think your kids or grandkids would too. In the cassette, my younger daughter was just five years old when she had the part which said “Oh be careful little tongue what you say.” Now she’s sixteen, so that will tell you how long that cassette has been around and how long many young children have enjoyed it. So, enjoy these children who you can hear AND see:

For His Glory,

Maxine, a/k/a Nanna