Tag: Jesus Christ

How Would You Handle It?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I recently read an article about a family having dinner in a local restaurant. Their ten-year old is a high functioning child with autism.  And they have experienced meltdowns with him before when out in public.

This time, his older sister was teasing him and he went into meltdown mode. His mother got up, walked over to his chair, and knelt down. She rubbed his back and whispered reassuring words to him. His meltdown ceased.

After the incident the waitress came over to their table with a kind note about the mother and family. The note came from another restaurant customer who also paid for their meal. Most people who give from the heart, do not wait around for the “thank you.” This patron didn’t wait either.

Now the family, had received comments before, like asking them not to come back to the establishment. But never a comment with such a display of kindness and generosity before.  The grandfather was sure the people were really angels sent by God, because human nature appears to render aggravation rather than compassion in these situations.

What would you do or what have you done, when in a similar situation?

I guess because my husband and I are grandparents, our response is more sympathy.  And with me, I would love to go over to hold the child or help the family if I can. Sometimes if they are near us, we reassure the parents it is all part of growing up.

You see, some adults forget they were once children. And usually the ones who complain the most, were probably the more difficult child.

Now, I am not saying reward a child for bad behavior. Children can not learn how to act in public, if they are never given a chance. It is how the situation is handled which makes a difference.

Because there is nothing worse than, when a parent starts shouting at their child.  Which usually causes things to escalate. And then you know who the child models their behavior from, the parent or parents.

Have we forgotten life is an imperfect dance and children especially need a little more consideration under stressful circumstances.  Just like us, they get tired, hungry, and grumpy.  Yes, and just like adults, kids act up too.  Sometimes all that is needed is soothing words or a time out from the situation.

Parents and especially single parents, have a tough job these days. They compete with technology, media, school environments, and social environments. Not to mention the family dynamics. We the spectators, should be prepared to give a little kind consideration or maybe even some help. You can usually gauge a situation by observation and know whether to wait or to jump in and help.

Next time, think about Jesus and how He would handle the situation. Would Jesus walk over and ask them to leave? Or would He pay for their dinner and leave a kind note? Just saying.

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

 

Music Soothes the Beast

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Have you heard the saying that “music soothes the savage beast” before? I have and I utilized music as a single mom at dinnertime. Playing happy, relaxing music slows the day and creates a quality to dinner time and study time too.

Retail stores use music to keep you shopping and happy about spending your money. Why not use music to your advantage?

You can go online and look up all the studies of how different sounds and music affect the brain. Try it for yourself. All you need to do is to go to YouTube and type in “music for studying” or “music for eating.” Give your family a week of light background music for mealtimes and homework. Decide for yourself if this is something for your family to do on a regular basis.

The stress levels during these moments may become reduced and academic grades could improve! To me it is worth a try!

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

What is Joyful Parenting?

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

joyfulparenting

What does Joyful Parenting mean to you?

We know that the word joyful means full of joy.  And, the word “joy” according to the dictionary means…

1. the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying; keen pleasure; elation:

2. a source or cause of keen pleasure or delight; something or someone greatly valued or appreciated:

3. the expression or display of glad feeling; festive gaiety.

So basically “joy” is an emotion that we feel and display to the world around us. And a pretty good one if you ask me.

Joy is also described as one of the fruits of the Spirit, listed in Galatians 5:22, in the bible.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.”
I bet you are asking what does fruit of the Spirit mean.  So, this is how I will explain it according to my understanding.
Joni’s definition…
When we invite God into our lives, we receive the Holy Spirit and as we work on our relationship with God, seeds are planted into our soul. These seeds are love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness. And you have to nurture this garden every day by reading His word and spending time with God. By doing so each of the fruits of the Spirit will grow and blossom.
Most of the people who know me, know that I have a prayer closet where I spend time reading God’s word, praying, and listening to spiritual music. One of my favorite songs is “In The Garden” by Joey and Rory.  I play it every morning as part of my playlist during my time with God.  And yes, I do feel like I am in a garden with God. And yes, He walks with me and He talks with me! And, one more yes, it is very similar to cultivating a  vegetable garden. Except the garden is my soul.
Many times I have entered my prayer closet and during our time together, I find myself crying. Which is God’s way of washing my soul free from the entanglements of this world.  But it is when I leave, He gives me the joy to face another day.
Another point I would like to make is that I have heard joy described as the giver of spiritual strength. My personal experience knows this to be true, because I feel stronger when I am joyful! Don’t you?
And if you don’t believe me that joy can make you strong, read what it says in Hebrews 12:2.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”.
Wow, the joy set before Jesus helped him endure being crucified! It is no wonder joy is described as the giver of spiritual strength.  I am so grateful we do not have to endure the cross and put our joy to the strength test.
But, it is time to put the emotion joyful into play in our lives. Then we can all be joyful parents, grandparents, co-workers, and children of God!
Joni’s Guidelines for Finding and Using Joy.
1.  Read God’s word every day.  If you can find the time to be on social media sites, you can find the time to read God’s word.
2.  Speak God’s word into your life and into your children’s lives.
3.  Smile and speak positively even during times of trials and tribulations. These are only moments in our lives and God does not allow them to last forever.
4.  Get up every morning and decide that you are going to be joyful today.
5.  Pray for your family, friends, and others who need prayer.  Stepping out and helping others as a family can set your perspective straight.
6.  Make a grateful list and write each day the things that make you thankful.
7.  Love others the way Jesus loves you.
I know being joyful can be a hard task before you, especially if you are not a positive person.  But the reward for every effort you put into being joyful, spreading joy, and teaching your children joy; is greater than you can imagine. Joy can change the world. It sure changed ours’!
God Bless You!
God Bless America!

Telling Your Kids the Good & the Bad

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

Lately the media and discussions have focused on terrorism, violence, and fear. It is frightening enough to adults, but what about the children? How do you tell your child about the bad things in life?

Different parenting methods offer different opinions on this subject. I personally believe it is not one blueprint fits all situations. Each family has to decide what method is best suited for their children.

Some parents think their kids need to be totally informed and usually allow their children to consume a lot of media. Other parents believe their kids need to be shielded from media, and leave their children with blinders on.  I believe there is middle ground!

Your first consideration should be age. If a child is preschool age, there is very little they should be told other than the “Stranger Danger Rules.” A child’s safety should be a parent’s number one concern at this age. The evil in this world will enter their realm soon enough.

Now, when kids start elementary school, well… kids talk. And those who have been privy to the news and other questionable media, love to share.  Good communication between you and your children will allow your kids a comfort zone, to come talk to you about what they have heard. Then comes honesty with a buffer and your bible. God’s word gives us all of the instruction we should ever need in life on all subjects.

Remember, evil roams this earth from end to end, and children should have a safe place within their home and family structure.  Children also need to know there is good and bad in everything. How much they can be told depends on age and what you want them to know. Discuss with your spouse how to handle these questions as a team. Ask your friends with kids, how they handle the discussions about good and bad things in life.

Come up with a solid game plan to combat the evil of this world, from instilling a spirit of fear within our children.

The one thing a parent should not want to do is to bestow upon their children a spirit of fear.

Below are two great bible verses to remember when dealing with your children.

2 Timothy 1:7  “For the Spirit, God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

1 John 4:18    “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”

God Bless You!

God Bless America!

 

Hearts and Love (Valentine’s Day)

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

These days we are very conscious of “heart health.” Without going into details about all of the things our heart does to keep us alive, we know our heart is the most vital organ in our body. God tells us throughout the bible, the value of our heart to Him. For we are told in Romans 10:10, “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”

Another heart issue in the bible is King David’s heart. God’s servant King David was no saint, but we are told that David had a heart like God’s heart.  David’s heart provided the pathway for the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour!

So, the heart is also very important to your Christian daily walk and your child’s life too!

You see, right now you have the ability to help your child mold their heart; a heart which can be exactly like God’s heart. And you will do this with your actions and your words toward the child and toward others. I know, firsthand, the stress of this world and some days can seem impossible. But I know the saving Grace of Jesus Christ and falling on His feet asking for kind words and the removal of my frustration.

Every day try to be heart conscious not only with your heart, but with your child/children’s heart! Raise a child with a heart like King David’s heart and be amazed at what they will accomplish in their life for Jesus Christ.

 

Who Has Time for Manners These Days? (You Do!)

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

I love it when my grandchildren answer me with their manners.  From “yes mam”, to “please”, and “thank-you,” it is one of the  Southern traditions I am proud they still utilize every day.

When you look around at our hectic world today, faster is not always better.  Taking the time to teach your children a small level of respect for others, will produce great rewards in their futures.  Even in job interviews, remembering the polite applicant makes them hire worthy. Everyone wants to work in a pleasant environment!

When God created Adam, He basically said that Adam and all of his descendants were to be caretakers of the earth. And Jesus came along to remind us that we were to be caretakers of each other. So how did something so simple become so complicated and discarded?

Because respect is not taught these days in homes, at schools, at work, and even at play.  It is all about upping the next person, being better than they are,  and trashing our environment.  We have come a long way from Adam and it has been downhill ever since. We wonder what happened to the younger generation.  The answer is found within our older generation; us!

We became so caught up in “have it all” mentality, that we forgot our stay here is temporary. And we do have it all! We have God’s grace, and love. Yet, Mothers who stay home to raise their children are looked upon as a lower class.  Women having babies by themselves is applauded and encouraged.  And the fathers, yes, where are the fathers?  We have been divided and conquered by things, lifestyles, and media.

So, how can we turn it around? With respect and manners! Teach the next generation some simple manners and show them this is not a throw away world. Make them the caretakers of the people and their earth once again.

respect

Easter at Pop Nelson’s Pond

Posted on by jonithetentmaker

pond

The Turtle family lived in a quiet meadow on Pop Nelson’s farm. Now, Pop was an elderly man who lovingly took care of all of the animals on the farm.  Every morning, during his morning walk, he would bring food to the pond animals. Pop had duck food, turtle food, fish food, and bird food in his backpack.

The pond had been the Turtle’s home since Pop’s great grandfather owned the farm. And the Turtles live in the same mud hutch that their great grandparents lived in.  Grandma and Grandpa Turtle lived in the mud hutch right beside them too! Everyone’s life was very happy at Pop Nelson’s pond.

One day during Easter season, Tom and his older sister Tabitha were in the kitchen helping Mama dye Easter eggs.  Tom was in a pouty mood because he felt like his friends got to dye more eggs and got better toys for Easter than he did.

“Mom why can we only dye three eggs a piece?” whined Tom.

“Because Easter is about Jesus Christ and not eggs.” Mom said firmly.

Seeing her young son’s pouty face, Mom decided to try to make him understand the real reason for Easter. And it was not dyed eggs, bunny rabbits, and gifts!

“Tom,” Mom said gently, “We dye three eggs because each egg represents something very important at Easter.”

“Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!” chimed in Tabitha.

“That is right, Tabitha.” Mom said.

Mom went on to explain, “Easter is about Jesus Christ, who was sent by the Father, to take away our sin to give us everlasting life.”

“Before Jesus left to go back to heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us out in this life and to give us a connection to Him and the Father, until we go to heaven.”

“Mom, I know all of that,” Tom said, “we learned about it in Sunday school.”  “I want to know why we cannot dye a dozen eggs and get a cool toy for Easter, like all of our friends do.”

Mom sat down at the kitchen table and motioned for Tom and Tabitha to sit down. This was going to be a very important talk and she wanted their full attention.

“I believe it is my job to keep our family focused on the right things in life.”

“For us to dye twelve hard boiled eggs and no one eats the eggs is wasteful to me.”

“There are too many in this world who do not have food to eat.”

Mom continued.

“And, your father and I feel like for you to get a cool toy is disrespectful to the meaning of Easter, but a small thoughtful one is ok.”

With a smile on her face, Mom decided to let Tom and Tabitha in on a little secret!

“Besides we have a neighborhood Easter egg hunt every year, and we use over 100 plastic eggs.”

“That we put paper crowns and crosses in, to keep our friends remembering the real reason for Easter!” Tabitha said, trying to act like Mom.

Tom stuck his tongue out at his sister. Tabitha always tried to act like she was an adult too, and it annoyed him.

Mom ignored the faces being made between the two of them.

“And this year there will be a surprise at the egg hunt!”

“Huh?” Tabitha and Tom said together, thus stopping their silly face making.

“One of the eggs will have this beautiful gold cross in it,” Mom pulled out a small gold cross from her apron pocket, “and whoever finds it will keep the gold cross.”

A sly grin came over Mom’s face.

“Oh yes, along with a special prize!”

Tom jumped out of his chair and said, “I will help you pick out the plastic egg to put the gold cross in Mom!”

“Tom” Tabitha put her hands on her hips. “You can’t do that, it would not be fair!”

Before a good argument got going, Mom stood up and stated, “Only, Mayor Sam Duck will know because he gets to put the gold cross in the winning egg.”

“I won’t even know,” Mom said.

“Do you know what the surprise is going to be?” Tabitha asked.

“No, that job was for Pastor Peacock.”

“Oooooh,” both children happily said together, “Pastor Peacock finds the most fun things for us kids at church.”

“Come on now,” Mom lovingly touched each of their turtle heads, “We still have the plastic eggs to fill.”

Mom, Tom, and Tabitha filled all of the plastic eggs with the paper crowns and crosses. Tom and Tabitha eagerly ate their dinner, washed, said their prayers, and went to bed. They wanted Easter to hurry up and come!