Hi Fam,
It’s about that time of the week when I get to slide into your inbox and bring a smile to your lovely face. How are you doing, and how has your week been so far? Over here, I've had quite an intense week - which explains the slight delay in getting this newsletter out to you; I apologize for that. But hey, better late than never, right?
It is encouraging to know that even in the toughest times, God is an ever-present help. Have you heard of the poem "Footprints in the Sand" by Mary Stevenson? Growing up, my family had that poem inscribed on a lovely framed artwork in our living room. This week has been one of the moments when that poem speaks to me on a whole new level. With everything going on, I've felt its powerful message in a way I never have before. I have felt God literally carry me in his arms this week. Are you having days when everything just seems to go wrong, and all you want to do is let out a deep sigh and crawl back to bed? I totally get it. But you know what's amazing? No matter how tough things get, we can always count on God to be there for us - to lift us up, guide us, and carry us through it all. So, my dear friend, I pray for you that you experience God's presence in a whole new way this week.
Photo credit: Printablee
Curated Resources
Weekly Bible lessons for the kids
Our lesson for the kids this week is God’s promises. Just a couple of days ago, I picked up my prayer journal from 2018 and read through some of my journal entries where I documented promises that God made to me way back then. My heart leaped for joy as I read through because, interestingly, God had fulfilled most of those promises. It is beautiful how honourable our God is: He makes a promise and keeps it to the letter. It is intriguing that I get to teach my kids that God keeps His promises - not just using Biblical examples but also including my personal testimonies of victory. Hallelujah!
Watch a video version of the lesson on my YouTube channel. As you teach your kids this lesson, feel free to infuse your own testimonies to help your child relate better to the lesson. You can download the PowerPoint file used in preparing this lesson and use it as a guide for teaching your children this lesson in your own words.
An Amazing App for the Kids
I recently started using the YouVersion Bible App for Kids with my son. This app is a total game-changer, especially for mums who want to sneak in some extra Bible lessons for their kids. We have been using it for a few weeks now, and let me tell you, it's been AMAZING. First things first, the interface. The app is so interactive and engaging, even for young children who might not be confident readers yet. The app reads out Bible verses for each story, so kids can listen and learn. Plus, the animated avatars are so cute and make learning fun for kids. As a busy mom, I love that when I need a few minutes of peace and quiet (okay, you know I'm not alone on this one), it's like a "phone game" that you can actually feel good about. It also makes a nice supplement for our home Bible lessons. The best part? My son LOVES it. Whenever he sees my phone these days, he screams, "bible!" I've never seen him so excited to learn about the Bible. That’s the kind of effect the app has on kids. The YouVersion Bible App for Kids is a must-download for anyone who wants to teach their kids about God's love in a fun, engaging way.
Fun Activity for YOU
Before I delve into the fun activity suggestion I have for you this week, here is a quick question:
I started keeping a prayer journal sometime in 2015. At the time, my prayer journal was more of a gratitude journal where I documented whatever I was grateful for during the course of my day. In 2018, I started keeping more detailed prayer journals that documented everything from Bible verses God laid in my heart during my quiet time to songs that God used to minister to me. I also included my daily prayer points and what God spoke to me about during my prayer time. Keeping a prayer journal has been a transforming experience for me. I would be glad to hear about your experiences with prayer journaling if you have one. If you do not keep one, I highly encourage you to try it - even if you do so for only a week. If you are looking for inspiration to start keeping your prayer journal, you can check out my free 13-day prayer journal here. Let me know how it goes!
Prayer for the week
My prayer for you this week is beautifully encapsulated in this song by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes.
“The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
Declare with me: Today and every day of our lives, the abiding grace of God continues to brighten our paths on this journey of life. Though surrounded by ills in these perilous times, we are divinely held and kept by God. The Lord speaks his peace over every raging storm, and we dwell in the safety and warmth of God’s presence. Everything our hands touch shall turn to gold; I am not talking about not the Midas’ touch with its flaws, but the perfection of the Master’s touch.
This poem literally got tears running down my eyes. I didn't expect the wave of love that hit me when I read the last paragraph! God bless you, Mrs Pearl.