Children's Moment: So when things get tough, I challenge you to praise the Lord

*This was written several years ago and dates are not accurate

My Grandpa Conward passed away three months ago.  I miss him severely, along with my Grandma Wanell who was his wife and passed away 7 years and 7 months ago.  I know I shouldn’t be sad for them, because they are in heaven praising the Lord together.  I just miss their sweet words and hugs and little pats on the back. 

The last two weeks we have been cleaning out their house.  It is really hard to see all of their belongings boxed-up and being moved out of their house.  In each room I enter, I remember things from my childhood.  Like making chocolate covered peanut butter balls in the kitchen with Grandma, or being tucked into bed when I stayed the night, or going with Grandpa to their room and him giving me quarters to wash my laundry or a roll of pennies to buy candy from the store, or the old couch where we sat and read the Bible many times. 

When I was at their house cleaning yesterday, I ran across one of my Grandma’s dresses and I remember sitting at the table with her one day and telling her of some troubles in my life.  My Grandma in the sweetest little voice looked at me and said “Well Carrie, sounds like we just need to praise the Lord.”  When she said that I thought – are you nuts Grandma?, here I am with all these troubles and you want me to thank God??  She went on to explain to me that though there are bad things going on around me and I may face tough circumstances, I should always praise the Lord.

Though I have often forgotten to practice this, I really thought hard on this last night and thought of some praises today.

Psalm 71:8 says” Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.”

Thank you Lord for the beautiful weather.

Praise you Lord for my family.

You Rock God for always taking care of me.

You are Awesome Jesus for giving your life for me.

Thank you Heavenly Father for bringing each of these children into your house today.

So when things get tough, I challenge you to praise the Lord.  I know that each of you can create your own praises and I hope you will share these praises with someone today.

Let’s pray.  Dear God, thank you, thank you, thank you.  We can’t say thank you enough for all of your goodness and greatness, but I do thank you today.  Thank you for allowing your son to die on the cross for our sins, so that we may know you.  Thank you for your unconditional love.  We love you and praise you today, in Jesus name, Amen.

Children's Moment: Syrup to Jelly, Go to GOD First!

Let me tell you a story about learning to make jelly.  I watched my grandma’s can and make jelly many times growing up, but because the pans were so hot and they used old canners which were dangerous, I wasn’t allowed to stay in the kitchen the whole time.  Plus, I was bothersome, I was always up under their arms trying to see everything going on. 

After Ladd and I got married, I decided I would try to make some blackberry jelly.  I read online how to make jelly and I worked hard at making it.  Well, needless to say, when my first batch was canned and ready to try, I put the spoon in to dip some out and my spoon sank to the bottom of the jar.  The jelly was complete liquid – it never set-up.  I was so upset because I was trying to impress my new husband and make good use of all the blackberries he had picked.

I called my Grandma Gregory crying afterwards and she just laughed at me.  She told me to redo my labels and label them “blackberry syrup”.  I did and gave out tons of blackberry syrup for Christmas gifts that year.  Everyone said that was the best syrup they ever ate.  My grandma told me to quit sulking, take a step back and learn from it.  She went on to tell me over the phone how to make jelly the right way.  She was patient and stayed on the phone with me for over an hour while I made a batch of jelly.  I loved the phone call, because during those breaks when my water was boiling and I was just waiting, I got to learn more about my grandma and really enjoy the time with her.  I followed her instructions and now I make some pretty darn good jelly.

I think back to that experience and realize, I often do the same with God.  I wait till I make a mistake and can’t figure out the right thing to do, then I turn to him and ask him what to do.  I will pray and read the Bible and ask God to help me.  He always does, one way or another, but just like my jelly making experience – I should call on God first like I should have called my Grandma first so I wouldn’t have had to make a mistake.  Same with God, if I will just go to God first, I could avoid many mistakes.

Hebrews 4:14-16 says

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Just like the scripture says, God isn’t some “guy” hanging out in heaven waiting for us to make a mistake, he knows how hard it is and He is there waiting all the time – he understands – He knows.  So I encourage you today, before you make any decisions or when you need help, turn to God first.  Sometimes you may have to wait a bit on God and his answers, but in the meantime, you can get to know Him better.

Let’s pray.  Dear God, thank you for being a God of understanding.  Thank you for each person here today.  I pray for anyone facing a difficult decision or undergoing a hard situation, that they have the courage to turn to you first and allow you to work out all of the details. We pray all of this in Jesus name, Amen.

Children's Moment: Too tired for a Christmas tree!

Yesterday after I had gotten done working all day, I came home, showered up and got ready to put up the Christmas tree.  Normally every year this is my favorite part of Christmas, the erection of the Christmas tree.  I usually have Mr. Ladd drag our huge Christmas tree out of storage and listen to him murmur under his breath, then out loud about how ridiculous it is that he has to bring up this huge tree. Once he gets it upstairs I never can figure out the lights so he has to figure out how all the lights plug in together and I again get to listen to him talk under his breath about how silly it is to have a tree I can’t even figure out.  He especially was talking out loud the year that our dog had chewed a little hole in the cord and Ladd grabbed it when it got plugged in.  Can we say “zzzzzzzzzzzzzzt?” 

After Ladd does his work, the kids and I usually set about decorating the tree and dragging out every Rubbermaid container and emptying it of its contents.  We will usually have something Christmas on every single wall, table and countertop in our house.  It’s like a Christmas wonderland.  When we get finished, Mr. Ladd really appreciates the beauty of all the decorations and admits, the long trip up the stairs and all the light fixing is worth it.

Well, this year, I just didn’t feel like decorating or putting up the tree.  I was tired from working and Mr. Ladd was helping a friend work on their house, so I didn’t have him as my go-to for setting-up the tree.  I started wondering, why do we even put up a tree?  Isn’t it just more work?  And Christmas isn’t about a tree right?  We all know Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, God’s only son.  This is the meaning of our celebration, so why don’t we just put up a big Jesus in our living room right?

So, I did a little research.  The reason behind a Christmas tree originated a long long long time ago, but here are some of the meanings behind the Christmas tree today.  The lights on the tree used to be candles which celebrated the birth of Jesus, kind of like the candles on the cake.  Now they represent Jesus’ birth and the light he brought into the world.  The tree itself reminds us of the wooden cross Jesus endured to give us life.  We also use evergreen trees which stay green all year round, reminding us of the hope and everlasting life we have in Jesus.  The cutting down of the tree reminds us of Jesus death and the raising of the tree reminds us of Jesus’ resurrection.  The narrow point of the tree points upward, which reminds us to turn our thoughts upward toward heaven.

Well, after reading up a bit on the Christmas tree, it made me excited to put up this symbol of Jesus birth.  We got one of our little trees, placed some of our favorite ornaments on it and a strand of lights.  Nothing fancy, just a reminder of Jesus’ light and love for us.  You know what the best part of it was?  Mr. Ladd didn’t have to set-up the tree!

Isaiah 9:6 says “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

As you get ready for the Christmas season, remember, HE, Jesus is the reason for the season!

Let’s pray.  Dear God, thank you for sending your son Jesus into this world. for giving us a reason to celebrate.  Thank you for your saving grace.  I pray that you bless each one of these children, go with them, protect them, love them as only you can.  Be with their families.  We love you, praise you and honor you in all we do, in Jesus name.  Amen

Children's Moment: Back to School with Jesus

Good morning!  Did everyone head back to school this week?  Was it lots of fun?  Anybody have a hard time getting up in the mornings?

 

Well today we are going to talk about Showing God's Love to Others!

Going back to school is tough, but what I remembered being tougher than anything else when I went back to school was loving others, even when I didn’t want to.  That’s right . . . the boy who pulled on my pigtails, or the girl who talked ugly to me, or the teacher who didn’t understand the things I was going through.  It was tough.

 

Because GOD IS LOVE, I know He loves me no matter what, and He helps me to love others as I love myself.

Do you remember what Jesus said are the two greatest Commandments? What are they? (1. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself)

How do we show God's love to others?

First Corinthians 13:4-7 says:

Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Discover God Bible, (NLT).

According to these verses, what is love?

          Patient

          Kind

          Not envious [wish you had something others may have]

          Is not boastful [doesn't brag]

          Is not proud [thinking more highly of yourself than you should]

          Is not rude 

          Is not self-seeking [selfish, desiring the best for yourself]

          Does not get angry easily

          Doesn't keep track of others mistakes

          Seeks truth rather than evil 

          Protects

          Trusts

          Hopes

          Perseveres [sticks with it - doesn't give up easily or quit]

Sometimes it is not easy to do all of these things, but I encourage you to stay connected to God through prayer and Bible reading and to work on these areas.  Work on being patient with others when they get on your nerves or to be nice to the girl on the playground that bugs you or to just forget when someone has done wrong to you.  Protect other kids who can’t protect themselves, trust and hope in God and never give up.

Let’s pray:  Dear heavenly father, thank you for our first week back to school.  I thank you that each of these children here today have the opportunity to know of you and your love and can share that love with others.  Be with each of these children in their day-to-day walk with you, encourage them and help them in whatever ways they need.  Jesus, we praise you and love you, in your name we pray, amen.

Children's Moment: Jesus is MY Best Fried

JESUS IS MY BEST FRIEND, that is what today’s lesson is about.

 When I was a little girl, I often stayed Saturday nights with my Grandpa Conward and Grandma Wanell.  Partly because I loved her cornmeal chicken dinners, but mainly because I loved spending time with them.  My favorite part of Saturday nights was that my Grandpa always pulled out his guitar and tuned it up for Sunday mornings.  My Grandma would sing and Grandpa would pick away at his guitar.  When I was preparing for this lesson, one of my favorite songs they used to sing came to mind.  Would you mind if I shared it with you?  And congregation, if you know the song, feel free to join in.

I once was lost in sin but Jesus took me in 
And then a little light from heaven filled my soul 
He bathed my heart in love and wrote my name above 
And just a little talk with my Jesus made me whole 
(Now let us) have a little talk with Jesus (let us) tell him all about our troubles 
(He will) hear our faintest cry (and he will) answer by and by 
(Now when you) feel a little pray'r wheel turning 
(Then you'll) know a little fire is burning 
(You will) find a little talk with Jesus makes it right 

I may have doubts and fears my eyes be filled with tears 
But Jesus is a friend who watches day and night 
I go to him in prayer he knows my every care 
And just a little talk with my Jesus makes it right 
(Now let us) have a little talk with Jesus (let us) tell him all about our troubles 
(He will) hear our faintest cry (and he will) answer by and by 
(Now when you) feel a little pray'r wheel turning 
(Then you'll) know a little fire is burning 
(You will) find a little talk with Jesus makes it right 

In John 15:15 it says, I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

Isn’t it exciting to know that Jesus wants to be our best friend?  What do you do with your best friend? Do you hang out with them? Do you tell them all of your secrets?  Do you look forward to seeing them?

A friend is someone who accepts you just the way you are, believes in you and encourages you. Someone who is trustworthy, who never forsakes you, who forgives your mistakes, who enjoys being with you, and who makes you laugh.
Jesus wants to be this way with us. He is not a far away God. He wants us to spend time with Him. He wants to be your very best friend, and He wants you to be His!
Jesus is the best of everything we look for in a friend.

So the next time you think of sharing something with a friend, share it with Jesus.  Like the song says “have a little talk with Jesus”.

Let’s pray.

Dear Jesus, thank you for allowing us to have such a great friend in you.  Who could ask for more? We don’t have to wait to pick-up a phone and call you or to drive to your house to visit.  You are always there.  Always available.  Always ready to be our friend.  Thank you for this and thank you for each of the children who are here today and those that are not.  I pray that you would guide these children and their parents in their loving friendship with you.  We praise you and love you.  It’s in Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Children's Moment: Everyone has a place and a purpose in God’s family

Does everyone see this beautiful necklace?  Aggie spent a really long time crafting this beautiful necklace bead by bead.  She chose each color carefully and created patterns which really accent this piece.  Doesn’t this look beautiful?  What do you think makes this necklace so beautiful?  Is it the translucent beads which shine in the light?  The beads in special patterns? The bright colors? 

Well, with Aggie’s permission, she is going to allow me to show you what makes this necklace so beautiful.  The true beauty in this necklace is completely hidden.  (have Aggie help me cut the necklace over the bowl and hold up necklace string).

Wow!  Is this necklace completely beautiful now?  Did you know God thinks this necklace is still beautiful?

In 1 Corinthians 12:22 Paul tells us

²² In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 

Now after seeing this necklace cut, what do you think the most important or beautiful part of this necklace really was?  The beads or the string holding the beads together?  Did you know that even as a child, you play a really important role in our church, your school, within your group or friends and in your family?  God made you special, unique and full of purpose.

Everyone has a place and a purpose in God’s family.  Some are meant to teach, others are meant listen, some are meant to do hard physical labor, while others are meant to pray or to encourage others.  As a child, you can help others around you by saying kind words, doing nice things such as opening a door for someone or even by helping your parents by doing your homework, keeping your rooms clean, and obeying the rules they set for you.

Everyone has a place and a purpose and I wanted to tell you today that you are like this string.  Strong and purposeful.  God loves you and I love you and this congregation loves you.  Can everyone say amen to that?

Let us pray: “Dear God, thank you for bringing these children into your house of worship today.  I pray that each child knows and learns or your love and their purpose in your family.  Help us as parents, friends, family and members of this congregation encourage each child to learn their gifts and how they uniquely fit into your family.  We love and praise you.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

Children's Moment: Veteran's Day

This morning I was all ready to explain to you about the stars and stripes and all about the meanings of Veteran’s day.  I had it all laid out, then something happened and I changed my mind.  While I was looking over my Children’s Sermon, Adam stopped by my desk and handed me this little square.  I’ve been a little clumsy lately and so he thought I might need this.  On one side it has a beautiful cross and on the other side it says “do not be afraid for I am with you.” 

Has anyone seen one of these?  Well, if you haven’t I will explain what it is.  This is a pocket prayer.  You are supposed to carry it in your pocket and if you feel afraid, lonely, sad or even happy, you can just reach into your pocket and be reminded that you are not alone and can pray to God.  Even though you have God with you ALL the time, this is just a reminder to pray to God.

This made me think of all of the armed service Veteran’s who are with us today.  These are men and women who have served in the armed forces.  These men and women have fought for our freedoms.  Did you know it is a freedom to attend church? Pray out loud? Go to the store and buy what you want? Attend your favorite school? Live in the home that you choose?  Wear the clothes you think are cool? Or even just make your own decisions?

Without the service of these men and women, we may not have these choices or freedoms.  I thought about these men and women as they served on the front lines.  I wonder what gave them encouragement when they were faced with danger or loneliness?  For some it was a letter from someone that loved them, for others it was knowing they were doing the right thing and serving our country, and then maybe some had a pocket reminder of God’s love.  They knew that no matter what, God loved them and was with them.  They trusted God.

In Isaiah 41:10 it says

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Although you may not be a soldier serving right now, you should know that God is with you every single day, giving you strength and holding you in his care.  He loves you.

Before we end today’s sermon I want say thank you to the men and women who have served to provide us our many freedoms.  Thank you for loving our country, your family and friends and most importantly, God, enough to serve in such a significant way.  There is not a day that goes by that you are not thought of and appreciated.  And on the count of three we will all say “THANK YOU!” 1, 2, 3 thank you

Let’s pray: Heavenly father, thank you today for loving us so much.  Although it is often nice to have a reminder of your love and care, the truth is, you are with us always.  Thank you today for those who have served in such a way to protect our freedoms.  I pray that you be with them and their families.  Be with the children who are here today.  I pray they be encouraged and know every single day of your love.  We honor you and adore you, in Jesus name and everyone who agrees says AMEN.