Friday, October 21, 2011

Jesus wasn't Accepted - John 1:11

Good Morning! Today we are going to talk about Acceptance. We all want to be accepted right? By our friends by our parents by our teacher's . Even by the groups and teams we join. But what happens when we aren't accepted it hurts doesn't it? We feel bad and unwanted sometimes even embarrassed making us wonder what's wrong with us?

I'm here to tell you YOU AREN'T ALONE. Jesus was not accepted either. In John chapter 1 verse 11 it says in the Contemporary English Version:

11He came into his own world, but his own nation did not welcome him."

Can you imagine how that felt not being welcome in your own home or town? They saw Jesus as a stranger. But if you look at verse 12 it says "some did accept him." So some accepted him and welcomed him.

So my question to you is what do you do when you are not accepted? Do you get mad or sad or do you feel bad about yourself thinking there is something wrong with you? I'm here to tell you There's nothing wrong with you ! God made you just the way you are! And you are precious in his eyes. So now what do you think Jesus did? He could have done the things we saw above as well, but he didn't. Instead he continued with what he came to do. He came to show those in the bible and us how to live. He was our example. He also prayed to his Father asking for strength to continue what he was sent to do. And that was to teach us how to live and behave and then so we could live with God forever he would give his life for ours and take our sins away.

But today I want you to remember when you feel like you aren't accepted or welcome somewhere that you aren't alone. Jesus felt the same way.

Have a good day everyone. Bye for now.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

You Are Special

Good morning everyone welcome back to connecting with kids. My name's Debi and I am glad you are here. Let me ask you something,  have you ever  moved to a new town and  had to go to a new school where you knew no one at all?  It can be pretty scared  can't it. I know that feeling because I was the new kid several times as I grew up. see my parent's always seemed to move to a new town every year and each year I had to start over and make new friends. One time I even got lost in the hall way as I learned where my classes were. The teacher even yelled at me because I was late to class But as time went on I got used to where things were and things got easier. If you are a new student some where I hope you don't give up because as tough as it might be things will get better.

In today's story we meet Ellen And Clair, Clair was the new girl and Ellen was asked to show her around. As you read learn how Clair was the one who was shown something special. And that was the love Jesus has for each one of us and how special we are to Him. If your ready here we go-


To most Ellen Gardener was considered a “wall flower” you know, that term unpopular girls get tagged with when they aren’t as pretty as the others in their class? But Ellen didn’t feel much like a flower; flowers are supposed to be pretty and attractive and have a fragrance one can’t stay away from. She wasn’t any of those things, in her opinion and in the opinion of those she should have had protection and love from- her parents. They were always trying to change her into something she wasn’t. Something she could not become because it wasn’t in her. Because they didn’t love her for who she was she didn’t love herself. She grew up trying to be someone her parents would approve of and love. She tried to be “someone else”

Then one day at school she was asked to show the new girl around school because everyone else was too busy doing other things. So with a melancholy attitude she began her task of showing the new girl around.
“Hi “Ellen said smiling but looking down instead of straight at her.
“Hi!” The bubbly upbeat voice of the new girl responded.
“My names Clair what’s yours? “
“Ellen”
“Hey Ellen it’s really great to meet you.”
“Thanks.” Ellen said less then enthusiastic.
Suddenly a few of the “popular kids” passed by them and began to snicker and call out nasty names. As they walked the grounds and Ellen showed Clair around, Clair began to feel a need to speak from her heart.
“It may not be my place but I noticed those kids said some pretty mean things to you.”
Ellen just shrugged
“That must have hurt.”
“I’m used to it.” Ellen said nonchalantly.
“You know you aren't the only one who suffered through others name calling and teasing.”
“Really?”
“Yep, Jesus was also called names and teased.Just because of who he was and what others saw on the outside.
"Really?”
“Yep, and you know what he did-?”
“What?”
“He forgave them for they knew not what they did.”
Ellen was quiet so Clair went on-
“The Bible says in Luke 23:34 Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
" Forgive them, its just all I can do to ignore them." Ellen said lowering her voice. 
" But if you keep ignoring them they will think its alright to do that. And its not. No one should  be mean like that.

“But it hurts sometimes and I can’t take it.”
“I know. “
They both stood silent for a moment,
“May I share something else with you?”
“Sure why not, today is so not what I was expecting already."
"That can be a good thing sometimes, what I want to share with you is another passage from. Ephesians 2:10
It says:
“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus,
so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
“God, has a plan for me?”
"Yes for each of us. We are here for a reason and you are beautiful just the way you are. Don’t you see God created each of us in His glorious image it says so in Gen 1:27.”
"Sometimes though –
"I know but you know what helped me besides Gods word?"
"What?"
“The serenity prayer-"
"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Amen.”
“I like that” Ellen said smiling for the first time since they had been together.
"I’m glad, shall we say it together."
Yes I’d like that.”
They said the prayer in unison just as the bell for lunch rang.
Oh its lunch time, care to join me?:
I’d like that.”
“I think we are going to be great friends.” Ellen said smiling as they hugged.


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

A Child's first prayer circle

Joel and Sandy were expecting their first bundle of joy. The Doctor said it would be any day now and they were excited. There were prayer groups and baby showers to welcome the new lamb to the fold. They were going to name her Sarah if she were a girl and Daniel if a boy. The room had been painted and repainted, furnished and refurnished over and over to do anything to stay busy. A lamp was set in the window at night to welcome the angel that would accompany their new little child. Much like Christ, visitors came to visit the mom and dad bringing gifts of spirituality and prayer. Several left prayer books and scriptures on pillows for the child to rest his / her head. They did not want to know whether they were being given a boy or girl for which ever God sent would be a joy and gift from their Father in heaven.

The night the child was due several members from their church gathered both in the parent’s home and church to pray for the Child's safe delivery and mission on Earth. Seconds turned into minutes and minutes to hours and before long a beautiful baby girl was born to Joel and Sandy. Those that were around the family when the new life came into the world gathered around and welcomed the baby and congratulated the couple. Before long AMAZING GRACE was sang before the child was involved in her first prayer circle. But the prayer wasn’t for anyone else, it was for her.
Mom held the baby while dad stood close gathered around by angels and people alike as a prayer rang out lifting up to their heavenly Father.

“Father thank you for your safe delivery of Sarah, May she be the beacon unto your word and a light unto others paths. Keep her safely in your arms and give her strength that she will need to fight the many battles that will be in her way as she grows up. Amen.

Then  as Sarah was being held by her mother her father began praying for her using scripture  found in psalm 139: 13-16.

Sarah you are a gift from God your Heavenly Father
13 For you Father created your inner most being;
       He knitted you together in your mother's womb.
14 we praise you Father because she is fearfully and wonderfully made;
       your works are wonderful,
       we know that full well.
15 Her frame was not hidden from you Father
       when she was made in the secret place.
       When she was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw her unformed body.
       All the days ordained for her
       were written in your book
       before one of them came to be.

Amen.

Welcome

Welcome to the launching of “Connecting with kids” My name is Debi and I'm glad you stopped by to visit. Who doesn't like a good story? We were raised on them. Whether from books our folks told us while we were falling asleep or from their past and experiences. And what makes a story even better is when it has a happy ending. We all want that. But another great thing about a story is when that story has a lesson to it. How many stories do you hear that if you look hard enough got its beginning from the bible? Most good stories do. And that's what this blog shares. Lessons and stories that kids any age can relate to and learn from. Stories of success and bravery and friendship. So sit back relax and enjoy.