This is one of the 100 stories in my book, Today’s Joy, Tomorrow’s Hope, and I hope it blesses you during this Christmas season.
Raising two sons, it was important to my husband and me that they had the material things they needed and many of the things they wanted. I also knew they needed to have a firm foundation for their Christian faith, so I read Bible stories, said prayers, and sang praise songs with them. Looking back on their childhood, they have memories of many good times, and that makes me glad!
Our sons are grown, with children of their own, and making more sweet memories. Thinking about happy times, especially now with my grandchildren, I make it a point to laugh every chance I get, to “happy dance” when we’re together, and to let them know they are cherished.
The Bible tells us we’re to think on good things. Jesus Christ, our Savior, came so that we can have life and have it more abundantly. Knowing that God is in control keeps us focused on joy-filled living. That’s a gift worth giving to the children we love; seeing us contentedly trusting our Heavenly Father. They will see us being strong, because the joy of the Lord is our strength. They will see us expectantly and patiently waiting for God’s answers instead of worrying and fretting as we go through hard times. They will feel secure, knowing that our powerful, mighty God is watching over them.
There are many gifts we can give to our children. One of the priceless gifts is the gift of showing them the joy we in have in Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:8 Though you have not seen him, you love him and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy
Amen! Beautiful. I’m so happy you gave them such beautiful memories.
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Thank you! I have always felt very blessed to be their mom and the happy memories of their childhood still make me smile! Thankfully, the Lord continues to allow us to make more happy memories.
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Amen! This is so beautiful! Yes, demonstrating joy is so important… joy and loving-kindness draw people to Christ. Beautiful post as I suspect your book is beautiful as well! Merry Christmas, Dorissa!
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Thank you, Lynn. Merry Christmas to you and your family, too, and loads of blessings in the New Year! No telling what surprises our Father has in store for us, huh?
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