Are We There Yet?

This past summer we took our children to the beach for our family vacation.  Due to their excitement they continuously asked the infamous question; “are we there yet”?  Mom, when are we going to get there?  Why is it taking so long?  There have been many days that I have almost lost my mind and hair from hearing those questions repeated every 10 minutes!  I’m sure those of you who are parents understand exactly where I’m coming from.  Wives, don’t you ever wonder why these precious little people never asked their Dad these repetitive questions?  Anyway, they wouldn’t be kids if they didn’t become a little impatient while waiting. 

Let’s face it; no one wants to wait for the thing that they know will bring them happiness.  In our relationship with our heavenly father, we are much like our kids.  But, no matter how much we dislike the wait, we don’t have a choice because everything takes time.  Even when you put food in a microwave, it still takes a certain amount of time.  Therefore beloved, we need to embrace the time that it takes to get what He has promised and use that time wisely.

Although God does not live in time, He has designed us to do just that.  He has ordained certain times for certain things and events in our lives according to Ecclesiastes chapter 3.  You see embracing the time that God has given you will actually help you to mature as a Christian.  It allows you to see the fullness of His grace and at times His mercy displayed your life.  We all know that beholding Gods grace and mercy is not something to be scoffed at.  For although we all need it, He extends it to whom He wants to for that time.  Because He is God and His ways are above ours.

So, even while you are asking “are we there yet?” allow perseverance to finish its work in you.  For if you do, you will be strengthened by God’s power and the glory of the Lord will be revealed in your life.

Stay Strong

Your First Lady

Kingdom Fasting for Kids

During this time of year when Pastor Andy and I are fasting, we also have our children consecrating with us.  We realize that as our children grow older and become more aware, it is our responsibility to teach them the blessing and importance of sacrificing for their spiritual growth.

My children have benefited quite a bit from these times of fasting and prayer.  I believe it has made this great big God we serve more personal to them.

I want to encourage you to give it a try, and have your kids join you this year in giving God a 10th of 2012.  Here are a few of my kid friendly fasting ideas.

FOOD

Preschool to High School:

Abstain from chips, juice, soda, candy and all junk foods.  This includes, but is not limited to, trips to fast food places, such as Wendy’s, Mcdonalds, Bojanles, Biscuitville, etc.

Middle School to High School (Our daughters Kayla’s fast):

Eat fruits and vegetables instead of regular meals and only drinking water.

ELECTRONICS

All Ages:

Reducing the amount of TV time as well as video games usage.

READING PLANS AND DEVOTIONALS

All Ages:

It’s always wise to add spiritual edification along with the sacrifice of the things we give up during a time of fasting. So, here are some reading plans for your kids.

Preschool to Kindergarten: (2 Scripture memorizations)

It is easier for them to memorize when the scripture is shortened or put to song.

Ephesians 6:1

Children obey your parents in the Lord for this is right.

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son.

Elementary School:

Memorize the books of the bible in a song.  Sing it with them as they are preparing for school or in the car on the way to school each day.  Try this CD “I Love My Bible” by Kids On The Move on itunes.

Have each of your children take turns every evening reading a familiar bible story to you and their siblings while you make dinner or do a chore.  Use it for a time of discussion and allow them to give their thoughts.  

A few of my favorites are:

The Birth of Jesus
The Birth of John the Baptist
The Creation
Adam and Eve
3 Hebrew boys: Shadrack, Meshack, and Abendigo
Queen Esther
Sampson the Strong
David and Goliath
Job
Deborah the Judge

Middle School to High School:

Read a Bible verse on www.biblegateway.com every morning before school each day.

Read one Proverb each day during the consecration.

Have your pre-teen or teenager take turns taking prayer request and praying for everyone in your family while in the car on the way to school regarding grades, tests, friends, work etc.

My prayer is that this will become a family tradition in your home that extends to the generations to follow.

Your First Lady