Once upon a time. . .

Once upon a time, there lived a lady named Sarah. Sarah was a kind-hearted and gentle soul, but she often felt a sense of emptiness and purposelessness in her life. She had everything she needed materially, yet she yearned for something more profound—a sense of inner peace and fulfillment.

One sunny Sunday morning, Sarah decided to visit the local church. She had heard stories of the transformative power of faith and wanted to explore the possibility of finding solace in something greater than herself. As she stepped into the church, she was greeted by warm smiles and a serene atmosphere that instantly made her feel welcome.

During the service, Sarah listened intently to the pastor's words, which spoke of love, forgiveness, and the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. As the congregation sang hymns of praise, Sarah felt a deep stirring in her heart. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized that her soul had found what it had been searching for.

After the service, Sarah approached the pastor, Reverend Thomas, to discuss her newfound longing for a connection with Jesus. Reverend Thomas listened attentively, offering guidance and encouragement. He spoke of the unconditional love and grace that Jesus extends to all who seek Him, emphasizing that accepting Jesus into her life would bring about a remarkable transformation.

Sarah took Reverend Thomas's words to heart and began to delve into the teachings of Jesus. She immersed herself in reading the Bible, attending church services, and engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow believers. With each passing day, Sarah's faith grew stronger, and the emptiness that had once plagued her soul began to dissipate.

As Sarah embraced Jesus Christ in her life, her actions reflected her newfound spiritual awakening. She became more compassionate towards others, lending a helping hand to those in need. She started volunteering at a local shelter, devoting her time to serve the less fortunate and sharing the message of hope and love.

Sarah's family and friends noticed a remarkable change in her. Her joyful spirit and unwavering faith inspired them, prompting some to embark on their own spiritual journeys. Sarah's husband, David, witnessed the profound impact of Jesus in her life and was moved by her transformed heart. He, too, began exploring his own beliefs, seeking a personal relationship with God.

Sarah's faith continued to guide her every step, leading her to make a difference in the lives of those around her. She founded a support group for struggling individuals, providing them with a safe space to share their burdens and find solace in the comforting presence of Jesus. Through her kindness and unwavering faith, Sarah became a beacon of hope and an instrument of God's love within her community.

Years passed, and Sarah's devotion to Jesus Christ remained steadfast. Her life had become a testament to the transformative power of faith and the unconditional love of God. People from all walks of life sought her counsel, seeking the same profound connection she had discovered.

Sarah's journey had come full circle. From a place of emptiness and searching, she had found her purpose and meaning in Jesus Christ. Through her own transformation, she had touched the lives of countless individuals, helping them find their own path to salvation and inner peace.

And so, the story of Sarah stands as a powerful reminder that even in the darkest moments, the light of Jesus can shine through, bringing hope, love, and redemption to those who open their hearts to Him.

   

   Shop Christina's Handmade Designs

When Your Child Lacks Empathy, what should you do?

Teaching children empathy through a scriptural lens can help them develop a compassionate and loving heart, mirroring the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Here are some steps to teach children empathy scripturally:

1. Lead by Example: Children learn empathy by observing and experiencing it themselves. Demonstrate empathy in your daily interactions with others, including kindness, compassion, and understanding. Be intentional about showing empathy towards your children as well.

2. Teach the Golden Rule: Share and explain Jesus' commandment in Matthew 7:12, known as the Golden Rule: "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." Help children understand the significance of treating others with kindness, respect, and empathy, just as they would like to be treated.

3. Study and Discuss Bible Stories: The Bible is rich with stories that teach empathy. Choose age-appropriate stories that highlight acts of compassion and empathy, such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) or Jesus' teachings on loving one's neighbor (Luke 10:27). Read these stories together and discuss the characters' empathy and the lessons learned.

4. Emphasize Love and Kindness: Teach children about the two greatest commandments given by Jesus: to love God and to love others (Matthew 22:37-39). Help them understand that empathy is an expression of love and kindness towards others, including those who may be different from them.

5. Encourage Perspective Taking: Help children develop the ability to see situations from another person's perspective. Discuss different points of view and ask questions like, "How do you think they might be feeling?" or "What would you do if you were in their shoes?" This exercise helps children understand and empathize with others' emotions and experiences.

6. Practice Active Listening: Teach children the importance of listening attentively and empathetically. Encourage them to truly hear what others are saying, to validate their feelings, and to respond with kindness and understanding. Model active listening skills in your conversations with them and with others.

7. Foster Acts of Kindness: Encourage children to actively seek opportunities to show empathy and kindness. Teach them to notice when someone is feeling sad, lonely, or in need and guide them in finding ways to help. Simple acts such as sharing, comforting, and being inclusive can make a significant difference.

8. Pray for Compassion: Encourage children to pray for empathy and compassion towards others. Teach them to seek God's guidance in understanding and loving others unconditionally. Pray together, asking God to help them develop a heart filled with empathy and to be a blessing to those around them.

9. Reflect on Jesus' Example: Share stories from the Gospels that demonstrate Jesus' empathy and compassion towards others, such as His healing of the sick, His interactions with the marginalized, and His forgiveness of sinners. Help children understand that Jesus is the ultimate example of empathy and encourage them to follow His teachings.

10. Reinforce Empathy Through Service: Engage children in service opportunities that allow them to practice empathy firsthand. Serve together as a family at a local shelter, volunteer at community events, or participate in acts of kindness and generosity. These experiences will help children connect their empathy with tangible actions that make a positive impact.

Remember, teaching empathy is an ongoing process. Emphasize that empathy is a character trait that grows with practice, and encourage children to embrace opportunities to show empathy in their daily lives. By grounding their understanding of empathy in scriptural teachings, children can develop a deep sense of compassion and a heart that reflects the love of Christ.

Once Upon a time. . .

Once upon a time, there lived a young couple named Emily and Mark. They were overjoyed when they learned that they were expecting their first child. As the months passed, Emily's belly grew round, and their anticipation grew with each passing day.

Emily and Mark were deeply spiritual and had a strong faith in God. They believed that prayer was a powerful tool, so they decided to start praying for their unborn baby. Every night before they went to bed, they would kneel together, hold hands, and pray earnestly to God.

"Dear Heavenly Father," Mark would begin, "we thank you for the precious gift of life growing within Emily. Please watch over our baby and keep him safe and healthy."

Emily would continue, her voice filled with love and hope. "Lord, bless our child with a kind heart, a curious mind, and a strong spirit. May they grow to know and love You, and may Your guiding light always shine upon them."

This nightly ritual became a cherished part of their routine. Sometimes, Emily would place her hand gently on her growing belly as they prayed, feeling the tiny kicks and flutters that seemed to echo the presence of their unborn child.

As the day of their baby's arrival drew near, Emily and Mark found solace in their prayers, trusting in God's plan for their family. They prayed for a safe delivery, for strength and courage during labor, and for the health and well-being of both mother and child.

Finally, the long-awaited day arrived. Emily went into labor, and Mark stood by her side, offering words of encouragement and comfort. In the midst of the pain and intensity, they continued to pray silently, seeking God's guidance and protection.

Hours later, their prayers were answered as they welcomed their beautiful baby girl into the world. Tears of joy streamed down their faces as they marveled at the miracle of life before them.

With a sense of awe and gratitude, they whispered a prayer of thanksgiving for their precious daughter. "Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this precious gift. We entrust her into Your loving care and pray that You will guide her every step of the way."

As their daughter grew, Emily and Mark continued to pray for her, offering thanks for her milestones and seeking guidance during challenges. They taught her to pray as well, nurturing her own relationship with God.

Their faith and prayers became a cornerstone of their family life. The love and devotion they poured into their daughter, along with their unwavering trust in God, created a foundation of strength and hope that would guide her throughout her life.

And so, their prayers continued, for their baby had grown into a young woman who sought God's guidance and shared His love with others. The family knew that their faith and the power of prayer had played a significant role in shaping their daughter's journey.

In this tale of love, faith, and prayer, Emily and Mark discovered that turning to God in times of joy and uncertainty not only brought them closer to Him but also filled their lives with immeasurable blessings. And as their family grew and their prayers echoed through the generations, their bond with God remained unbreakable.

How to teach our children to pray scripturally

 

Teaching children how to pray scripturally is a wonderful way to instill spiritual values and connect them with their faith. Here are some steps and guidelines to help you teach your children how to pray scripturally:

1. Set an Example: Children learn by observing their parents and caregivers. Demonstrate a consistent prayer life by praying regularly and openly. Let your children see you praying and engaging in personal devotion.

2. Teach the Purpose of Prayer: Help your children understand that prayer is a way to communicate with God, express gratitude, seek guidance, and present their needs and concerns. Explain that prayer is a conversation with God and a way to build a relationship with Him.

3. Read Scripture Together: Select age-appropriate Bible verses that relate to prayer, such as the Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). Read and discuss these verses together, explaining their meaning and significance. This will help children understand the biblical foundation of prayer.

4. Teach the ACTS Model: One effective method to guide children in prayer is to use the ACTS model: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication.

   • Adoration: Teach your children to start their prayers by praising and worshiping God. Encourage them to express their love and admiration for Him.
   • Confession: Help children understand the importance of confessing their sins and seeking God's forgiveness. Teach them to reflect on their actions and ask for forgiveness sincerely.
   • Thanksgiving: Guide your children to express gratitude to God for His blessings, both big and small. Encourage them to develop a thankful heart.
   • Supplication: Teach your children to present their requests and needs to God. Help them understand that it is appropriate to ask God for help, guidance, and protection.

5. Encourage Personal Expression: While teaching a structure like the ACTS model, also emphasize that prayer can be a personal conversation with God. Encourage your children to speak to God in their own words, sharing their joys, concerns, and desires.

6. Provide Prayer Prompts: Offer your children suggestions or prompts for their prayers. For example, you can suggest praying for family members, friends, teachers, or those in need. Help them broaden their prayer focus beyond personal needs.

7. Make Prayer a Routine: Establish regular times for family prayer, such as before meals, bedtime, or morning devotion. Consistency will help children develop a habit of prayer and understand its significance in their daily lives.

8. Emphasize Listening: Teach your children to listen for God's voice in their prayers. Encourage them to spend quiet moments after praying, allowing time for God to speak to their hearts through His Word or impressions.

9. Answer Questions: Be open to your children's questions about prayer and provide thoughtful and age-appropriate answers. Help them understand that not all prayers are answered exactly as requested and that God's plans are sometimes different from ours.

10. Foster a Personal Relationship: Ultimately, encourage your children to develop a personal relationship with God. Teach them that prayer is not just a ritual but a genuine connection with their loving Heavenly Father.

Remember, teaching children to pray scripturally is a gradual and ongoing process. Be patient, and allow them to grow in their understanding and practice of prayer at their own pace.

Why is it Important to Pray Scripturally for our Children?

1. Spiritual Guidance: Praying with scriptures allows us to seek spiritual guidance and wisdom for our children. We can find comfort and inspiration in the teachings of our faith and use these teachings as a foundation for our prayers. Scriptures often contain timeless principles and values that can guide us in praying for our children's well-being and character development.

2. Protection and Safety: As Parents, we often pray for the safety and protection of our children. By using scriptures in our prayers, we can invoke the promises of divine protection and ask for God's watchful care over our children. Scriptures such as Psalm 91:11 ("For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways") can provide a sense of assurance and peace.

3. Blessings and Favor: Praying with scriptures enables us to ask for blessings and favor upon our children's lives. We can claim the promises found in scriptures and ask for God's grace, wisdom, provision, and guidance to be upon our children. For example, we might pray for our children's academic success, emotional well-being, or the development of their talents and gifts.

4. Moral and Spiritual Development: Scriptures often contain teachings on morality, ethics, and spiritual growth. By praying with scriptures, we can intercede for our children's moral and spiritual development. We can pray for our children to develop strong character, make wise choices, and grow in their faith.

5. Hope and Encouragement: Parenting can be challenging, and praying with scriptures can provide hope and encouragement. Scriptures reminds us of God's faithfulness, love, and promises. Through prayers rooted in scripture, we can find solace, strength, and inspiration in our parenting journey.

Praying over our children is a beautiful way to bless and protect them.

 Praying over our children is a beautiful way to bless and protect them. Here are some powerful scriptures that you can use as a basis for your prayers:

1. Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Pray for wisdom and guidance in raising your children and ask God to help them walk in His ways throughout their lives.

2. Psalm 127:3: "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him." Thank God for the gift of your children and pray for His blessings, protection, and provision over their lives.
   

3. Isaiah 54:13: "All your children will be taught by the LORD, and great will be their peace." Pray that your children will have a deep understanding of God's truth and that they will experience His peace in every aspect of their lives.

4. Psalm 91:11: "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." Pray for angelic protection over your children, asking God to surround them with His heavenly hosts and keep them safe from harm.

5. Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Pray that your children will discover God's unique purpose for their lives and that they will walk in His plans, filled with hope and expectation.

6. Ephesians 6:1-3: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" Pray that your children will develop a heart of obedience, respect, and honor towards both God and their parents, leading to a life of blessings and longevity.

7. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Pray that your children will grow in the knowledge of their strength and abilities through Christ, empowering them to overcome challenges and fulfill their God-given potential.

Remember, prayer is not about reciting words alone but engaging in a heartfelt conversation with God. Personalize these scriptures and add specific details about your children as you pray, trusting in God's love, guidance, and protection over them.

- Christina Ewanga

The Little Seed's Big Dream

Shop Christina's Luxury handmade scrunchies 

Once upon a time, in a beautiful garden filled with vibrant flowers and towering trees, there lived a tiny seed named Sammy. Sammy was a small and ordinary seed, just like all the other seeds in the garden. But deep inside, Sammy had a big dream—to become the tallest, most magnificent tree in the entire garden.

Every day, Sammy watched as the other seeds sprouted and grew into lovely flowers and strong trees. They whispered tales of sunshine and rain, which they believed were the secret ingredients for their growth. But Sammy knew that determination was the key to making dreams come true.

Undeterred by the doubt and uncertainty around, Sammy planted itself firmly in the fertile soil and stretched its roots deep into the ground. The sun shone warmly, and the raindrops fell gently, nourishing Sammy's dream. Day after day, Sammy stood tall, its little stem growing bit by bit.

As Sammy grew, challenges appeared along the way. Strong winds would blow, trying to uproot Sammy's tiny frame. But Sammy held on tightly, swaying with the wind but never giving up. It knew that with determination, it could overcome any obstacle.

Seasons changed, and the years went by. Sammy's stem grew thicker and stronger. Its branches began to reach for the sky, extending higher and higher, just like it had always dreamed. The other plants and animals marveled at Sammy's perseverance and admired its resilience.

One sunny day, a group of children entered the garden. Their eyes sparkled with wonder as they saw Sammy, now a grand and majestic tree, with beautiful leaves providing shade and shelter to all creatures beneath. The children gathered around, amazed by the journey that Sammy had undertaken.

"What is your secret?" one child asked.

Sammy smiled and whispered, "Determination! I believed in my dream and never gave up, even when things were tough. With determination, anything is possible!"

The children listened intently, inspired by Sammy's story. They realized that dreams could come true if they were fueled by determination and hard work.

From that day forward, the children called Sammy "The Dream Tree" and shared its story with others. They learned to be determined like Sammy, to persevere through challenges and setbacks, knowing that their dreams were within reach.

And so, the little seed's big dream became a guiding light for generations to come, reminding them that with unwavering determination, even the smallest seeds can grow into the mightiest trees and accomplish incredible things.

The end.

Remember, my dear reader, just like Sammy, you too can achieve your dreams with determination and perseverance. Never give up, for within you lies the power to make your dreams come true!

Short Educational Stories by Christina Ewanga

Shop Christina's Luxury handmade scrunchies 

                                          

Shop Christina's Luxury handmade scrunchies 

Short Educational Stories by Christina Ewanga

Shop Christina's Luxury handmade scrunchies