We’ll take a break from 1 John, in this issue, as I wish to share
with you a lesson the Lord taught me last November. A lesson that I’m still in the process of learning….
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Original Message -----
From: Daniel
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2005 11:09 PM
Subject: TEACHABLE MOMENTS
TEACHABLE MOMENTS:
Julee and I have been learning important lessons in life from the
Lord; lessons from experience, from instructions, from sermons and
messages, and from God's Word... One such valuable lesson that was passed
my way is the importance to just say no. To say no to my self and my
personal wishes, desires, and selfish wants, and to step back from seeking my
personal satisfaction and happiness and to look up to seek Gods will and desires
for and in life.
Julee shared with our pastor how she learned this lesson of saying
no as well. Pastor Jay shared with her some of the blessings he received
from a teens seminar he attended and how at times we, as parents (of teens)
must say no to our wants to ensure we train up our children in the way they
should go. For example, you have just finished a long day that may have
begun as early a 04:00 am, your day has been excruciatingly long and tedious,
and your mind is in the process of a full meltdown. The evening has fallen, and the hour of sleep has called
forth with a rumbling sound in the thoughts.
Crawling into bed ad shutting the eye's might be what the body craves,
but when that “teachable moment” comes at 10:45 p.m., instead of waiting
till the next day (and lose the precious moment at hand as a teachable moment to
share God's truth with the child), say no to the self and yes to the moment God
has given you.
Julee & I had such a teachable moment with our second eldest
child a few months back. Carolyn
had been fighting the flu, when she finally had a real break through in feeling
better. In the thick of the maddening illness, Julee purchased a little
mermaid Barbie doll, with a shiny plastic ring. This was to help ease our
daughter’s cabin fever and frustrations with the sickness she was overcoming.
Carolyn fell I love with both items instantly! When Carolyn went to
bed, she noticed that the ring was lost. Carolyn was in tears that will
break any father's heart.
Recalling the lesson that pastor shared with Julee (who shared
it with me), I wanted to seize the moment and to show Carolyn how we can go
to our Heavenly Father and ask for HIS help. Setting the world aside, we
embraced and said a prayer thanking the Lord for our Father's love, and knowing
that even things as tiny as plastic rings can be important to HIM (not
because of value, or needs for toy rings in ministry; but because even through
this HE can be glorified and honored). We asked that we might find the
ring within the next few minutes, before going to bed.
Clasping Carolyn's arm, once the prayer was finished, I immediately
said, "Let's go find that ring!" And off we went.
About 2 minutes later, Carolyn & I were back in her room,
without the ring, and with extreme sadness in her eyes.
She was ready to count it as lost forever. Continuing to look, I
continued praying silently that the Lord would help us find the ring, so that
Carolyn might see and experience God's love in her life.
Shortly after checking the top of Carolyn's desk, some pencils fell
to the floor. I was a little discouraged, as I did not want to pick up al
those pencils; I wanted to find the ring. Kneeling down to grab the fallen
objects, a shiny plastic ring glistened in my eyes. I did NOT find the
ring, the Lord pointed me in the direction, and in a manner I was not expecting.
HE answered our prayers, and made a joyful little girl as well!
Taking Carolyn in my arms, I shared with her how God loves
her, and how HE answered our prayer to help us to find where the ring was.
I let her know that God does not always say yes to what we want or ask for,
because HE knows what is best for us even when we think we know better.
And no matter how HE answer's, we need to thank HIM for HIS love, guidance,
and provisions.
We thanked the Lord and gave HIM praise. And I believe
Carolyn learned that God does indeed care about her and loves her very much....
And Julee & I also learned that God loves our children even more than we
could ever love them, and HE loves us too. We also learned that small
things, such as a tiny piece of inexpensive plastic, could be a valuable and
priceless tool to teach a child about God's love and HIS desire to for us to
recognize HIM and to give HIM glory, honor, worship, and praise.
PRAISE HIS NAME!!!
I feel somewhat like the lady who found the lost coin and asked for
rejoicing with others! I share this rejoicing with you and hope you
too are blessed, and experience God's greatness and mighty love - through
something as simple as a story about a ring, and in your own “teachable
moments” as well!
May we always take time out of the busy hustle, bustle, and
routine, and continue to focus on the true the love of God and HIS guidance in
our life.... remember God does indeed love you, and so do I!
Daniel
Phil 1:6
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