Category: Children
The Rabbit And The Lamb written by Julie Sheppard
I wrote this children’s story some years back while I was volunteering at our local library. On that day I was working in the children’s section. I was looking through the holiday books for children and noticed that there were a number of stories and craft projects about rabbits, but after looking through all of the books I only found two crafts for lambs and they were not that great. This got me thinking. Easter is the holiday where we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the lamb of God. Yet we use rabbits to celebrate this day. This story came to me as I sat in the isle of children’s books that brings us back to The Lamb of God. I hope that you will enjoy reading it and maybe sharing the story with the children in your life.
The Rabbit and the Lamb
Julie Ann Sheppard
Lamb was sad as he watched the children gather the colorful eggs in their baskets. He saw how much fun they were having and wanted to play with them.
They chased Rabbit and looked for more eggs. Lamb sat alone while the children ignored him. Shepherd saw that Lamb was all alone, and that he was not happy.
He sat on the grass next to Lamb and asked, “What is wrong?” Lamb just watched the children as they played and sighed.
“They won’t play with me.” Lamb said to Shepherd. “They only want to look for the colorful eggs and to run after Rabbit. I am here alone with no one to play with.”
Sheppard said to Lamb, “You are not alone. I am here with you. I saw you here and that you looked sad. What can I do to make you happy?”
“Shepherd, why do they like Rabbit and the eggs more than me?” Lamb asked. “The children used to play with me, but today they ignore me.”
“It is not that they like them more than you, they have just forgotten.” Shepherd replied.
“Did they forget me?” Lamb looked up at Shepherd.
“No they have not forgotten you.” Shepherd replied.
“What have they forgotten?” asked Lamb.
“They have forgotten what today is.” Shepherd said with a tear in His eyes.
“What is today?” Lamb asked.
“Today is a very special day. The eggs are pretty and Rabbit is fun and they are all part of Father’s creation, but today is a day to celebrate what Father gave so that they could live.” Shepherd spoke as he watched the children play.
Lamb came closer to Shepherd and rested his head on Shepherd’s lap. “Father created us so didn’t He give us life then?” He asked.
“Let me tell you the story from the beginning.” Shepherd said. “Father created the earth where we live and heaven. He also created animals and man. The first man was called Adam and his wife was called Eve. They lived in a special Garden where Father would visit them often. He told them what they could do, and what they were not allowed to do to keep them safe. They did not listen to what Father had told them not to do, and this is called sin. So they had to leave the special garden where they had lived. Father still loved them so He told them one day He would send His Son. His Son would pay the price for all the wrong that people do. He would forgive us of all of our sins by giving His life for us. Then He would go back to Father and make us a new place to one day live with Him.” Shepherd sighed.
“What does today have to do with what you have told me?” Lamb still did not understand.
“Do you remember the story about Moses and how Father freed the Hebrews’ from being slaves in Egypt?” He patted Lamb on his head.
“I remember that story!” Lamb bounced up. “Before Pharaoh let them go, Father did many things so Pharaoh would free them. The last thing God told Moses to do was to have the Hebrews’ take blood from a lamb and put it on their door posts.”
Shepherd was happy with Lamb and smiled. “You are right my little friend. They had to put the blood on the doorposts, so that the firstborn sons would live when the Angel passed over. This let the Angel know that this family belonged to Father.”
“I remember that!” Lamb then asked, “But what does that have to do with today?”
“You ask a good question. You see Father’s Son Jesus is also known as the Lamb of God. Like the lambs blood in Egypt saved the Hebrew slaves and freed them, the blood of Jesus is what frees us today from being slaves to sin.” Shepherd stood up and looked up at the sky. “On this day many years ago is the day Jesus rose from the grave. When He did this, the blood and life He gave, set us free and gave to each of us who receive Him everlasting life. No longer did people need the blood of animals because Jesus gave us His.”
Lamb put his head down, and was sad again. Shepherd lifted his head in his hand, and asked, “Why are you sad now?”
“Because they do not know what you have told me.” Lamb said looking at the children playing with Rabbit.
“Do not be sad my little friend. It is now your turn to share with them what I have given to you.” Shepherd spoke in a kind voice.
Lamb looked away, “But they won’t listen to me. They haven’t even looked at me today. I am nobody.”
Shepherd stroked Lamb’s wool and said, “You are somebody very special. I love you, and Jesus loves you. Do not be afraid, you are not alone. I will go with you, and you will share this love and they will hear the words you will speak. Then they will remember, and share what you have given to them with others. Then one day when everyone has heard this good news, Father will send Jesus back to take us all home.
Lamb was happy and ran to the children and Rabbit to share what Shepherd had taught him.
Reblog: Helping your anxious child by Domain for Truth
Worth Saving / Book review
Worth Saving by William Crews
It has been a while since I have written a review for a book that I have read, and I have not written many reviews either. I have just finished reading a this book and I feel the need to recommend for others to read it as well. I am not a parent of any special needs children, but in the past I have worked with children with special needs that ranged from, Down’s syndrome, ADD, ADHD, Autism, and the list goes on. I only wish I had this book back then. It would have helped me so much to have a better understanding of both what the child and parents faced each day. Then I might have been a better help to them.
I was pulled into this family’s story from the very first chapter and I could not put it down. I will admit that their story was at times was difficult for me to read because of the battles they had to fight and did make me emotional. Their faith is inspiring and how they fought for their child is amazing. I would like to share what and how this couple and their family overcame so much but I do not want to spoil the story for you. I want you to be able to read for yourself and discover how with faith and love this family raised a child and never gave up on him no matter what challenges they faced.
If you do not have a special needs child in your life this book will still touch your heart. For those of you who are parents or know someone who is that have a child with any special needs please read this book. It will bring comfort and encouragement to you and them.
Here are some links where you can find this book;
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worth-saving-william-crews/1125434852
https://www.scribd.com/book/624458632/Worth-Saving
You were supposed to protect me
Many years ago while I was living back in California There was a child abuse case that had me enraged. I was not personally involved in it but as I read the newspaper article I could not believe who had been abusing these children. A C.P.S. worker whose job was to transport these children had been molesting children who were already victims of abuse during transport. This man who was supposed to be a protector had victims literally dropped into his lap. Though he was convicted he received a sentence that shocked me on how short it was and was being released to live in my neighborhood. As I read this article I remember my mother to telling me I needed to stop reading the news because it upset me too much.
The outrage was not mine alone neighbors were afraid of having a sex offender who victimized children in their neighborhood. This man was supposed to protect these already traumatized children. It was his job. He was a first responder to emergency situations where children had to be immediately removed from homes. In my eyes this man is a monster who preyed on the weak and injured. I could not believe that after being convicted this man was given such a light sentence which seemed to be not much more than a slap on the wrist.
So after all these years why write about it now? To be honest I do not know what brought this back to my mind. He was not the one who had abused me. Yet the memory of this incident is fresh in my mind today. There are so many children in the world today who are being abused in one way or another. Who is protecting them? Who is fighting for them? Thankfully there are some groups who are doing this but they are limited in what they can do. They can’t prevent what is being done and are not able to know about victims until it is too late for some.
Those who are in the homes and lives of these children are the first line of defense. Yet how many times is a blind eye turned. People do not want to get involved and even worse when one parent knows what is going on but does nothing. What are these children supposed to think? Who can they trust? What happens to them? How does this effect the person they grow up to be?
T.D. Jakes made a movie Woman Thou Art Loosed that was based on a woman who had been sexually abused as a child and how as an adult it was still effecting her life. Tyler Perry’s movie, Family Reunion included a story of one of the daughters who had not only been molested by her stepfather the mother even groomed her daughter for her husband. How unfortunate that even though these movies are fictional they are based on things that happen in real life. Real victims who have people in their lives who turn their backs on them. People who could stop the pain and suffering. Parents, family, friends, care takers, and neighbors to name those who are closest to these children. For what ever reason they do not get involved they do nothing to protect these children. Yet these same people turn and blame God not realizing that God wanted to work through them, to use them to protect and defend. In the movie, The Encounter, there is a scene that I remember vividly. In this scene a teenage girl who had been sexually abused by her stepfather was yelling at Jesus asking Him where was He? His response has stuck with me. He said, ‘I was there yelling into his ear to stop’ but because of free will, all He could do was plead with her stepfather. Yes God is powerful enough to stop us in our tracks but He does not because of the gift of free will. Something He won’t give to just one and deny another. We are His hands and feet. He wants us to take action to be watchmen and guards who protect.
Ephesians 6:4 ESV Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
John 17:15 ESV I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.
I grew up believing my mother left me to my father who had abused her and then becoming the one he abused. Angry that she had left me behind only to save herself. Unfortunately it was only six years ago that I learned she had to make a sacrifice that she never spoke of. After one very horrifying act against my mother, he threatened her with me and my brother. Making it clear that if she did not leave us with him and give him custody I would not be alive today. There were relatives of his that knew what he was doing yet did nothing and even let me believe the terrible things he said to me about her. Even to this day they defend him. As I grew up my mother even let me speak any disrespectful words about him around her. She did not defend herself either. I am only sorry that we had only began to heal our relationship before she died suddenly of a massive stroke. I am still heartbroken that t took a tragedy inflected upon me by my stepmother and father to reveal what was done to her, how much of my life was wasted being angry at her and the guilt and shame she lived with so I could still be alive today. She couldn’t stop him from hurting me but she did keep me alive and for this I will be forever grateful. I know this is just a small piece of my life. At least I can say now I know she did her best to protect me. (I love and miss you Momma.)
Giving Thanks December 30, 2016 – Thankful For Children
Psalms 127:3 – Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
John 16:21 – A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
Isaiah 54:13 – And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great [shall be] the peace of thy children.
Proverbs 17:6 – Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
3 John 1:4 – I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Matthew 18:10 – Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
Mark 10:14 – But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Children are gifts from God. They can bring joy and laughter. They can also bring tears and heartache. Yet life without them is empty. Thankful for all of the children who have blessed my life.
Miss them for a day they will come home
If you are a parent and your children have begun school, you know the anxiety of that first day you send them off to school. They are no longer under only your care. You have sent them off into the world and you will not be there to hold their hand. Now think about the first weekend they went to spend at a friends house, and then to summer camp. You want them to have fun and enjoy themselves but you worry about them getting hurt and not being there. Now think about God. He is our Heavenly Father. Jesus our Savior is His Son. Think about the day He sent Jesus to born to Mary. Jesus wasn’t going to be gone for a day, or a week, or even a month. Luke 3;23 states Jesus was 30 years old when He began His ministry. They spent over 30 years physically separated. Yes they both knew the other was there and Jesus prayed to His Father, but you know the difference in a conversation over the phone and one that is face to face. They must have missed each other in ways we could not imagine.
Watch KELLY NELON-THOMPSON – HEAVEN MUST HAVE MISSED YOU on Youtube
They sacrificed their time together not so that Jesus could go off and have an enjoyable trip. He was not on vacation. He didn’t come here to ski or surf. He didn’t plan a shopping trip or stay in some five star hotel. He didn’t eat at restaurants that you needed a reservation only to be waited on by some snobby waiter.
No He left His Father’s house to come to be with people who would hate and reject Him. Who mocked and ridiculed Him. Who plotted to take His life. Who beat and spit on Him. Who falsely accused him. Who abandoned Him. Who crucified Him.
Being a parent would you knowingly send your child on a trip where you knew without a doubt they would be hurt? You would say ‘No!’ If you had a choice of laying down your life to save your child’s you would do it in a split second. Yet if it was a person who hated you and made your life miserable and even tried to take your life, would you sacrifice your own life, or the life of your child? Once again the answer is ‘No! Yet that is what God, our Heavenly Father, and Jesus have done for us. God did not say no to Jesus leaving Heaven, and Jesus did not beg to stay in the comfort of His own Home. A home free from sin and hate. He left home not for a day, a week, or a month. He was away from His home for years, and they were not comfortable or easy ones. He said He didn’t even have a place to lay His head in Luke 9:58. Look at all the beds that are sold today. We have all the man made comforts because we don’t like to be uncomfortable. Headache? Take a pill. Muscles hurt, rub some icy-hot on it. Want something to eat and in a hurry pop something in the microwave or go to a face food restaurant. Jesus did not wait for the luxuries we now have. He came when the earth was your bed and there was no running water. No X-box or Nintendo to entertain the kids. How Jesus loves the children. He even rebuked a disciple for trying to send the children away. He told them let the children come to Him. Luke 18:15-17.
How much love they must have for each of us to know the life He would have on earth and all the pain and suffering that He would endure because of us. Yet this knowledge did not stop Him from coming the first time. people get ready He hasn’t given up on us and He is coming back to take us home. Now that will be a homecoming of a lifetime!
A little note for those who have children who have gone on to be with the Father and have left you here. I have not forgotten about you. This for you is written with reverse roles and my prayers are for you.
When Children Think They know Better
I once saw a bumper sticker that said, ‘Hire a teenager while they still know everything’. I remember the conversations I had with my friends when I was a teenager, where we discussed ow different we would be as parents. If I only knew then what I know now. My childhood was no paradise and I had a an abusive parent and one who I had thought had abandoned me but that is a story for a different time. Yet no matter how bad or good my parents may have been, I was still a youth and still had much to learn. In my anger and hate I made some terrible mistakes, like so many others have.
Now here are two daughters who made a very bad decision and the result of their action.
Genesis 19:30-38 / Lot and His Daughters
30 Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. 31 And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth. 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 33 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.
34 The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.”35 So they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 36 Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab.[b] He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 The younger also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi.[c] He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.
Footnotes:
- Genesis 19:22 Zoar means little
- Genesis 19:37 Moab sounds like the Hebrew for from father
- Genesis 19:38 Ben-ammi means son of my people
The sons these women gave birth to became the fathers of the nations that became enemies of Israel. They were conceived in in sin. They had perverted the relationship with their father. Scripture tells us how important it is for us to honor our parents.
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long,and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.
For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’
Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’
You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’”
You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness,Honor your father and mother.’”
“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise),
English Standard Version (ESV)The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
As children of God our Lord and creator we still act like children towards are earthly parents no matter what our age is. We think we can do it better and that we know best, but guess what? We don’t and we are wrong.
The Lord knows the thoughts of man, That they are futile.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Do you remember the old T.V.show ‘Father knows Best?’
Well the title of this show is true, Our Father in Heaven truly knows what is best for us, and we need to stop arguing with Him and learn to honor Him truly. Don’t think you are arguing with Him? Okay, when was the last time you did something your own way? You didn’t have to say a word your actions said it all. You trusted in your own ability instead of seeking His guidance.
Jesus told us if we loved Him we will keep His commands. We like to rate which commands are more important and which sins are the worst. We also like to judge each other and point out each others faults. Hateful looks are given and we reject someone when they are down. I hate to say I have been guilty of this myself. So you can call me a hypocrite and you would be right. Thank God that I have acknowledged this flaw in myself and that He is teaching me how to change, not just in word or action but He is changing my heart and mind. I failed in honoring my mother and father when I was a child and I have failed to honor my Heavenly Father, so I am thankful for His grace and forgiveness and for the ability to repent and change. I pray now to honor Him with all of me, even when I face troubles and attacks. For honoring Him truly blesses with me. For He forgives me and gives me eternal life through Jesus, His son.
I admit now I don’t know it all but I m willing to be taught by The Greatest Teacher, Jesus. For He is the Word, and His Word lights the path I am to follow.
Ben the Bear For the Kids
Ben is a bear.
Ben likes to bake.
He bakes bread, pies, and cake.
ALICE (one for the kids)
Alice is an alligator.
Alice wears an apron.
Alice likes apples.
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