April 4th
I remember when the kids were little, we had an activity book that incorporated games to cover several biblical truths to help them understand basic life skills such as obedience. There was an activity in there that talked about the umbrella of God's Protection. An actual umbrella was a part of the activity. We pulled out our umbrella and snuggled tightly under it. (We all fit, Mom, Dad, and both giggly kids). We told our children this was the umbrella of God. While we were under this umbrella, God would protect us from the bad things in the world. Then the activity prompted us to choose a child to leave the umbrella- just take a tiny step out from under it. So we chose our small son. He stepped out. Our 4 year old was very excited to play the game- so he dutifully left the circle one step. We said "Don't move- stay there” He was giddy with excitement and said "I won't Daddy!" Next- his father said "God has asked us to move clear across the room. So we all moved together. My son remained in his place; however, anxiety began to mount within him- his legs twitching nervously. He shouted... “Daddy, can I come back over there?"
My husband replied "Why son?" He said: "Cause I am afraid". We told him to take 4 steps toward us and then we took 4 steps toward him. With that movement, he ended back under the protection of the umbrella. We said, “When we take a step toward God, He will ALWAYS make one toward us because He loves us”! Next we asked our 6 year old daughter to do the same. This time she moved and we didn’t. She moved to the other side of the room while we remained still. I said there was a storm outside and she had no place to go. We reminded her it was her choice to be there. My son grew anxious for her and kept calling for her to come back. She finally did, and we concluded that being together was a wonderful thing. My husband reminded the kids that when we ask them to obey us and obey God- it is not for punishment, but for their protection. It was a powerful lesson learned that day. My son and daughter still talk about it once in a while as something they will never forget. Even today when there is an issue at home, all I have to say is "You are out from under the umbrella," and everyone knows what I am talking about.
Now, as a mom, I still need that lesson. If I am to raise my teens into great adults, I have to make sure I am the one staying under the umbrella of His protection. I need to follow and stay in obedience to the Lord, keep His word in my heart, so my kids will continue to see that this applies to adults as well as kids.
My daughter is heading off to college in the fall. We have talked about this umbrella of protection concerning her time on Face Book, her cell phone and especially the internet. The safety protection of God's umbrella will carry her during times of great temptations. Chat with your kids about it now and I know it will make an impact on them as it has our kids! Remember- it is NEVER too late to start chatting with your kids- they want it and NEED it!
My husband replied "Why son?" He said: "Cause I am afraid". We told him to take 4 steps toward us and then we took 4 steps toward him. With that movement, he ended back under the protection of the umbrella. We said, “When we take a step toward God, He will ALWAYS make one toward us because He loves us”! Next we asked our 6 year old daughter to do the same. This time she moved and we didn’t. She moved to the other side of the room while we remained still. I said there was a storm outside and she had no place to go. We reminded her it was her choice to be there. My son grew anxious for her and kept calling for her to come back. She finally did, and we concluded that being together was a wonderful thing. My husband reminded the kids that when we ask them to obey us and obey God- it is not for punishment, but for their protection. It was a powerful lesson learned that day. My son and daughter still talk about it once in a while as something they will never forget. Even today when there is an issue at home, all I have to say is "You are out from under the umbrella," and everyone knows what I am talking about.
Now, as a mom, I still need that lesson. If I am to raise my teens into great adults, I have to make sure I am the one staying under the umbrella of His protection. I need to follow and stay in obedience to the Lord, keep His word in my heart, so my kids will continue to see that this applies to adults as well as kids.
My daughter is heading off to college in the fall. We have talked about this umbrella of protection concerning her time on Face Book, her cell phone and especially the internet. The safety protection of God's umbrella will carry her during times of great temptations. Chat with your kids about it now and I know it will make an impact on them as it has our kids! Remember- it is NEVER too late to start chatting with your kids- they want it and NEED it!
Blessings!
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