Jesus Has Blessed Me Big

 

I have been blessed – I have been challenged to study deeper – and I have experienced God’s touch as I have had the privilege to teach children and women God’s Word. During these years, I have been awakened with a WORD- a confirmation-or a verse to guide me in whatever study I was undertaking.  As I looked into the eyes of little ones when they tasted the Passover Lamb or shared from their heart what the Master Teacher was teaching them – I saw Jesus and I left that classroom changed! 

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As I now sort over 50 years of teaching aides from guiding littles, coordinating Sunday School curriculum and writing lessons for workshops and women’s classes my heart is touched anew.  It’s been difficult to toss those old Bible Game posters that were over 50 years old – it was like walking away from an old friend.  I sorted, saved and yes, even tossed some – but my heart was touched and I was reminded anew as the old song says, “Jesus led me all the way.”

 Recently I was asked to write a devotional for Seniors -- these thoughts came during my quiet time.

All Nana Knows

Set your mind on things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Colossians 3:1

When our oldest granddaughter was about 3, she was in Redeemer Pre-school and the time rolled around for Dr. Suess’s birthday.  Campbell asked her momma, “How old is Dr. Suess?”  Bethany replied – “I don’t know – ask Nana”.  To which Campbell replied – “All Nana knows about is Jesus.”

I’ve often thought about that – wondering is that still true?  It was a time in my life that because of the time I spent planning curriculum and teaching the Bible weekly to different groups of children - I was saturated in the stories of our Jesus.  My life was enriched – these stories came to mind as I walked through my days.

When I became the children’s Sunday School coordinator for our church plant, God impressed this message on my heart as I sought Him about  how to handle this challenge – I heard --“It’s all in the Bible stories”.

Many today have found their faith enlivened by The Chosen.  While the writers have created a back story not always found in Scriptures word for word, we find ourselves falling in love with Jesus over and over again- hungry for the next episode.

Living in the life and love of Jesus guides our days. 

We as grandparents and mentoring seniors to children. not always our own, have the opportunity to help them live in the love and life of Jesus.  We pass on a legacy of faith to our little ones and our adult children. 

I remember watching and learning from my parents how to handle the life changes that come with aging and health difficulties.  I witnessed their prayers and saw them lean on the sacred scriptures.

As they encountered transitions, their challenges were met with faith.  They were already “moving in” to their eternal home in their minds.

I recently read – the more we think of Heaven the more our lives are filled with purpose and Joy.

Living in the life of Jesus glorifies our days.

 

Father,

Our thoughts go many times throughout our day to our family of children, their spouses and our grandchildren and extended family.   Guide us as we pass on our legacy of faith to give them the seeds for their faith to flourish.   You promise your love to a thousand generations of those who seek you. We know that it even surpasses the love that we have for our big and little people -- 

Thank you Lord,

In your Son Jesus