MOO!

Today I read to a Pre-K class of four-year olds, one of my favorite picture books and it is now one of their favorites too. David LaRochelle’s book, Moo! is a must have. Not only is the book delightfully funny with Mike Wohnoutka’s engaging illustrations, but the book is an excellent and fun teaching tool.

There is one word, moo, in the book, but that one word has so much meaning! Before I read the book to the children, I pointed out the exclamation point in the title and the children then read the title using their excited voices. The question marks invited raised voices and the large bold print encouraged large bold voices. Then we read the book together. No …, I think the children did most of the reading. We stopped often (every page), noticing how the illustrations worked with the text. There were lots of moos and laughter.

It is a book that children love to read over and over again. Even very young children can read this book aloud to you. It’s a great book for the reluctant or new reader.

You can’t go wrong. Head to your library or bookstore and check out, MOO!

New Slippers for New Footsteps

As much as I loved my ducky slippers, my feet sloshed in them and the heads jiggled and wobbled to the beat of my steps. They were distractingly fun. But, they were wearing out. The holes in the bottom of each slipper were fast becoming craters.

 

Then to my great delight, my husband surprised me with a new pair of slippers. They make me laugh. How about you?

When I put them on–no sloshing, no wobbling. Instead, they were light, comfy, and snuggly warm. I wiggled my feet up and down and watched, hoping the nose would twitch.

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I was ready to walk. Ready to make tracks–footprint. My mind dwelled on footprints and footsteps. Are there footsteps I’m following, even in my fuzzy slippers?

There are so many paths for us to choose. Some are more enticing than others. Do I want the path proclaiming easy money? How about recognition? Power?

Jesus told his disciples, “Come follow me.” I’m sure He was saying, “Go where I go. I know the path for you. Put your feet where I have walked. Learn from me.”

Some may think, That’s different. You don’t know how I’ve messed up. I’ve walked off the path too many times. I just know God ‘s washed his hands of me.

That, my friend, is a lie! God doesn’t give up on us. That’s why He sent Jesus. He can do what we can’t do.

The life of Peter shows us this truth. Peter was angry, disappointed, and devastated over the number of times he chose the wrong path. Yet, Jesus went to Peter personally, and asked him, “Do you love me?” He was saying, “Peter, I know you’ve messed up. I know the regrets. Peter, I still want you to follow me. I want to use you to reach others. I will help you. Peter, I love you and I want you to follow me.”

Peter planted his feet firmly in Jesus’ footsteps. Years later, he wrote, “Christ is your example. Follow in his steps.”

Peter learned to trust.

Peter allowed the Holy Spirit to guide him.

Peter lived forgiveness, grace, and mercy.

Peter developed a servant’s heart.

Peter followed in Jesus’ footsteps.

I looked at my new slippers–new slippers for making new footprints,

new opportunities

new beginnings.

I will walk where Jesus walked.

How about you? Want to walk in the most amazing footsteps with me?

Helen

WINTER SURVIVAL KIT

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140107Winter- (9 of 22)It’s been a long, cold winter and even though I live in an area known for snow, everyone is anxious for it to end. Snow banks, too monstrous to push, are growing higher and wider, making our visibility smaller and narrower. Too many people are walking with slumped shoulders and longing for a change. Having the coldest February in recorded history is not comforting! Gray skies weigh heavy like our dark, layered clothing. I’m tired of frigid temperatures, mountains of snow, and blizzard conditions. Are you getting cranky, too?

Sometimes our lives look like our wintry weather. The calendar may not say winter, but our heart does.

Have you been there?

Relationships become icy and cold. Or, you’re buried under the weight of life, with the pains and fears piling higher and deeper. Sometimes, our decisions lead us on paths blocked, buried, and impassable and we find ourselves getting impatient, worried, and scared. Other times, we’re tired of shoveling, with no place to throw the shovelfuls: unpaid bills, out-of-control teen-agers, failing health, and the blizzards of grief and despair lash at us.

My parents taught me to carry a winter emergency kit in my car.
Is it time for you to break out yours?

1. Did you pack food- nonperishable food for such a time as this? (Esther 4:14)
Now is the time to pull on those scripture verses. Chew on them and let them nourish your heart, mind, and soul. Make them personal by inserting your name. You can’t think of any verses? Now is the time to start a collection in a notebook or on index cards. Read them. Memorize them for the times when you feel buried. Let God’s Word melt the snow and ice building in your life. Here’s a few to get you started:
I know that my Redeemer lives. (Job 19:25)
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help us in times of trouble. (Ps. 46:1)
I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love, I have drawn you to myself. (Jer. 31:3)

2. Did you pack warm clothes: a sweater of compassion, a hat full of kindness, a coat of humility, a shirt of gentleness, and gloves (mittens) of forgiveness? (Col. 3:12-13)

Those struggling moments, cold like winter, can chill you to the bone: increasing negativism and leaving you tempted, depressed, and anxious. That’s when God’s armor is better than any footed, fleece pajamas–protecting you from the inside out. (Eph. 6:10-18)

Don’t forget to pack the name of a friend. Friends can wrap you in warm arms, provide encouraging words, and offer a different perspective.

Friends stick close. (Prov. 18:24)
The greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for friends. (John 15:13)

3. Grab the water. Are you becoming dehydrated? Do you need to drink (John 4:10) in His Love, Promises, Blessings, and Strength?

Take a few sips. Tell God how you feel and admit your need for Him.
The Lord will guide you continually, watering your life when you are dry and keeping you healthy, too. (Isaiah 58:11)

4. Did you pack candles or a flashlight? Winters are often filled with dark, gray days. Sometimes we can’t see through the darkness of our problems.

There is light at the end of the tunnel and you don’t have to crawl in the dark. You can flip the switch or light the candle now. Let God’s Promised Light break through your blizzards (Isa. 42:16). Trust Him to lead you through the blinding snow. “I will take your hand.” (Ps. 37:24)) Believe that He knows the way. “I am the way.” (John 14:6) Don’t listen to the howling wind. Listen for the whispers, “This is the way, walk in it,” (Isa. 30:21) remembering that God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9) and let God’s light warm you.

All of us will experience seasons of winter. You can be better prepared for the blizzards with your winter survival kit. You may find the blizzard weakened to a “storm watch.”

Stay Warm,
Helen

Teddie Bear left on park bench

A Light in the Dark

A Light in the Dark

The sun hadn’t come up yet; darkness draped everything. I sat by the window waiting for my eyes to adjust to the blackness, wondering how far I could see:

fall photos from Allegheny Parkpast the trees blanketed in snow,
beyond the huddled bushes.

My eyes stopped at one of my gardens. Only the reaching branches of my lilac bush were visible above the snow. Then I saw a faint light. Or did I?

I stared hard. Yes, there was a light!

Then I realized that my solar garden light was still working. Buried in snow, it still worked! Not very bright, but it was still shining. I smiles and thought: a whisper. There are many ways that God whispers.

My glowing garden light reminded me that God fills our darkness with His light, a light that is inextinguishable. No matter how dark our life gets, He is there.

picts from the backyard after November Lake effect stormLife is full of dark moments: the test results are in and your doctor wants to see you, the principal called about your child—again, your mechanic can’t get the needed part for your car. Dark moments that send a chill down your spine and fill your stomach with fear.

These are the times when God comes with a flicker of hope and a glimmer of reassurance.

No matter what we go through, we can be certain that the Light that shines through eternity shines into our dark moments. “I am holding you by your right hand. Do not be afraid. I am here to help you.”

Yet, some may think, no way can God help me through my problems. They’re too big, or too deep, or too hopeless for God.

Remember who you’re talking about—the One who deals in BIG. Nothing is too big (too deep, too hopeless) for the One who created the universe. He is the One who strengthens the weak, gives sight to the blind, and gives hope when there is none.

Solar Eclipse at Sunset over Lake Erie

Take a chance, turn towards God’s light. Let it become more than a glimmer.

I put on my coat and boots and trudged through the dark and snow. I wanted to clean the snow off of my garden light. I wanted it to illuminate and radiate in the darkness.

I walked back towards the house.Dec. picts from Western NY

The stars were out … shining…

twinkling…

winking…

I thanked God for His whispers.

Do you have a whispered moment to share?

Oh, Great Gardener, What Am I?

Silver Creek GardensOh, Great Gardener, what kind of plant am I? I see grass spreading and covering the ground in green. ? I’d love to be grass blowing in the breeze. Am I grass?

No, you are not grass, Little Plant. Be patient. I have wonderful plans for  you. You’re not finished yet.

Great Gardner, those tall flowers are beautiful—tall, waving in the breeze, blazing with color. Is that what I am? I’d love to blaze with color and sway to the breeze.

No, Little Plant, you are not a tall swaying plant.

Be patient.. You will see. I have wonderful plans for you. You are  not finished yet.

fall photos from Allegheny Park

Then I must be a tree! Am I a mighty tree? I don’t know if I have the patience to wait that long. Am I a tree, Great Gardener?

No, Little Plant, you are not a mighty tree. Wait patiently, you will see. You are not finished yet. SCPC demo

If I’m not grass, or tall flowering plants, or a tree, then I must be a smaller plant. Am I a lower-to-the-ground flowering plant? What am I, Great Gardner?

Oh, my Little Plant, you are so anxious and worried. You are not a low-to-the-ground plant. Be patience. I have a wonderful plan for you. You are not finished yet.

I GIVE UP!IMG_0218-240x270

That, my Little Plant, is what I’ve been waiting to hear. Worrying or impatience will not  help to bring the results any sooner. Trust me! I have a wonderful plan for you. You are not finished yet.

 My  Little Plant, you will be taller than the tall flowering plants. You will  blow and sway in the breeze. You will be a shelter from the weather and haven for my birds, butterflies, and insects. You will spread wide and tall and your dense clusters of white flowers will fill others with the hope and joy that comes from me.

Oh, thank you, Great Gardener!

flowers from SC Gardens

much more than I could imagine. I am: Spreading, yet compact, Delicate, yet sturdy, Vulnerable, yet protecting, Lofty, yet yielding, and a delight to your creatures.

Thank you and thank you for not giving up on me. Your ways are the best ways, Great Gardner!

Oh look,  Great Gardener, look at that yellow flower. He reminds me of myself. Perhaps I should talk with him about growing in strength, patience, and waiting?

      Perhaps you should.

Lost Expectancy

Yesterday was a beautiful garden day—the first chance I’ve had inSahnnon and Meghan Spring picts weeks. I dug spreading weeds, planted, mulched, and listened.

Birds chattered to each other. The breeze danced across the gardens. High and low leaves responded. My ears were tickled. My attention reached. I stopped digging and listened, with more than with my ears, but with my heart.

The last few weeks I had been on overload- too much and too many. Even though I knew I needed and depended on God to lead me through it all, I realized that the number of times I talked and God listened were too many and too much. My relationship was becoming one-sided.

Had I become indifferent and passive in my belief that God wanted to speak to me? Had I lost my excitement and expectancy that He wanted to and would speak to me when I approached Him through prayer, reading the Bible, and worship?

I am not saying that God wanted to speak with audible words. His ways are many and tailored to each of us. He brings insight, understanding, hope, peace, guidance through encouragement of others and Scripture, and if He chooses, He may be audible.

Sometimes life gets messy, painful, and heartbreaking, and we become discouraged or lose confidence that God will answer our prayers. Sometimes we become indifferent. We talk, yet we don’t listen. We don’t wait for a response.

I needed to listen! I grabbed my Bible, sat in my garden, prayed, and read with confidence, expecting that God wanted to speak to me.  I read favorite verses with a different perspective, with new eyes and an open heart, with anticipation.

Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you don’t know. (Jeremiah 33:3)

 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God, my Savior; my God will hear me.(Micah 7:7)

 Look … and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you wouldn’t believe, even if you were told. (Habakkuk 1:5)

 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. (John 10:27)

 I reread that verse asking for understanding, clarity.

Listening “to my voice”

A Voice of the One who protects, nurtures, guides, leads, and loves. A Voice that is recognized, known from time spent together.

A RelationshipI know them”

A bond, a family, a relationship built over time. Times of listening, growing, and trusting until the relationship become one of knowing and following.

flowers from SC Gardens

flowers from SC Gardens

An Intimacy-

a loving relationship recognizing that God is Sovereign, Lord, and because He loves us, He wants to spend time together.

This is what we’re offered, an intimate relationship that comes when we listen with expectancy and anticipation.

Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

I am humbled, filled with gratitude, and thank God for His whispers … in my gardens, in His Word, and in my heart.

If you have lost your expectancy of God speaking to you, ask Him to speak to you today and for you to hear and discern His Voice.

He’s all about relationships.

Helen

Let It Go

 La150424AliJak029st week, my husband and I attended our grandchildren’s end-of-the-school year talent show. All though I may be bias, I’m sure our granddaughter’s guitar solo was the best act. Other talents included jump roping, hula hooping, dancing, and singing.

The song, Let It Go, from the Disney movie, Frozen was sung. Even though the song has topped billboard charts, I had not heard it. I didn’t know the lyrics. A trio of six-graders sang the song and I recognized my anxiety level and discomfort increasing. The girls did a fine job and performing in front of others takes courage. It was not their performance, but the choice of songs that lead to my discomfort. The song lyrics were troubling. Not a song I would choose for my daughter or granddaughters to sing. Perhaps I didn’t hear correctly.

Later in the talent show, a third grader sang the same song. She did an excellent job, projecting passion and emotion. I listened intently. I had heard correctly!

Let it go, let it go

Run away and slam the door …

It’s time to see what I can do

To test the limits and break through

No right, no wrong, no rules for me, I’m free

Letting go is one of the lessons I’d like my grandchildren to learn, but letting go to trust God. Letting go is not turning your back on everything and everyone. It is not turning away and slamming the door. It is not relying only on you, believing there are no limits, no right, no wrong, no rules.  History has proven such actions only lead to chaos. Many believe this song is about empowering.

Letting go is all about trusting in God who takes your hand and says don’t be afraid. I’m going with you and I’ll never leave you. Yes, there are things that are hard, painful, and messy so I’ll show you the way. Stay with me, I’ll get you through it all. Trust me. That is empowering.

I listened to the song and wanted to scoop up my grandchildren and shelter them, not only from the song, but also from behaviors and beliefs being promoted. But scooping and sheltering weren’t the answer. The solution isn’t in hiding. It’s in giving, giving of yourself- your time, talents, and possessions to help others in loving ways.

I asked my granddaughter about the song and she said all the girls sing it … all the time and she couldn’t stand it.

HERE WAS A MOMENT, A WINDOW, AN OPPORTUNITY.

We needed to watch the movie together and see the song in the context of the movie.

I was surprised and amazed. The song, Let It Go, in the context of the movie has a different message. The message of sacrificial love is in the movie.150424AliJak076

Life isn’t about letting go, turning away, slamming the door, but reaching out to others in love. Only by restraining her powers through love did Elsa find happiness and because of love, her sister, Anna refused to let Elsa go.

Sometimes we protect our children by sheltering them from the influences of the world and sometimes we need to use these influences as an opportunity to teach. Helping my grandchildren understand why the words of this song, when taken out of the context of the movie, are contrary to what we want for them and for others will have a greater impact than trying to shelter them. (These grandchildren are old enough to understand.)

130817-ME-Falls-040Train up your child. Give them the tools to make better decisions: teach them of Jesus and his love, live and demonstrate a life of sacrificial love. Then they can make wise, discerning decisions about what they want to think, say, and do (sing).

While I’m writing this piece, my grandson wanted me to read to him. He chose the children’s Bible. I wanted to finish my thought, my piece, but …

HERE WAS A MOMENT, AN OPPORTUNITY.

He selected storied from the New Testament. We talked about Jesus showing us God’s love, God’s forgiving love, and making choices.

130817-ME-Falls-222-519x270“When I have a bad attitude, then I’m not showing love, am I?” he asked.

(We are working on attitude.) I silently thanked God for this moment- a moment to share God’s love with my grandson in a way he could understand, a way that was meaningful to him.

Look for those teachable moments. The little whispers and nudges.

Winter Is Here. Bring on the Books

Perhaps Winter wasn’t getting enough attention and retaliated. So while much of the East coast digs out from an avalanche of snow, I’m thankful for living in a snow belt area that did not get snow (this time). And I’m very thankful for living in an area that owns snowplows and salt/ sand trucks.

WinterPictures from Silver Creek Area - Jan25,13

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So find a cozy spot to snuggle with your little ones and read a stack of winter picture books.

Teddie Bear left on park bench

These are some of my favorites winter picture books:

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Of course, you’ll have to take a hot cocoa break and while you dip graham crackers into your hot cocoa, let the conversations flow.

“Are all snowmen (snow people) made with three snowballs?”
“Do snowmen get cold?”
“Why do some have mittens or a scarf or a hat?”
“Do snow people get hungry?”
“What would they eat? Ice cream? Icicles?”

At story time, the children created a snowman who loves listening to stories. And he doesn’t leave puddles on the floor.
Reading time Snowman

dressing up the snowman

Decorating a snowman at Anderson Lee Library

 His favorite picture book is Snowballs by Lois Ehlert.
  We made more snow people. The best part is … no frigid freezing fingers.
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So hop on over to my activity page and try the winter activities.
Stay warm!
Helen

 

 

Snow

Teddie Bear left on park benchSnow
Even if you live in an area where it doesn’t snow, you can still have fun with these snow activities.

Never-to-Melt Snowman
Create an indoor never-to-melt snowman out of Paper Mache’. We mixed flour and water to form a paste and glued strips of paper over our chicken wire form. Small pieces of PVC pipe were inserted in the places where we wanted the facial features, arms, and buttons. When our snowman was dry, the children painted it –a painting party.

making a snowman
the snowman's frame
making a snowman
filling out the frame
making a snowman
a little paper machete
Reading time Snowman
starting to decorate
Snowman Reading Day at Anderson Lee Lib
adding more details
Reading time Snowman
dressing up the snowman

Flyswatters make good arms. Miss-matched mittens, over mitts, garden gloves create wonderful hands. We used toy foods for the face, bells and plastic lids for buttons. Handles were attached to the facial parts and inserted in the pre-formed holes. If that’s not an option, duct tape will always work.  Add to your collection a variety of hats, scarves, and ribbons, and your children will have a grand time decorating your snowman.

Reading time Snowman
Sock Snowman
Stuff a child-sized sock with cotton batting. Twist a rubber band around the top and fold down the top edge of the sock to form a hat. Loosely twist a rubber band around the center of the sock, forming two snowballs. Decorate your snowman with markers or paint or glue (hot glue) buttons, jewels, pompoms, and ribbons. We used a small piece of orange chenille stem (pipe cleaners) for a carrot nose.

Snowball Throwing
If you can’t take your children outside to throw snowballs, try these indoor snowballs. Make a sock ball by rolling a sock and folding the top over it. Styrofoam balls also make good snowballs. Place a basket or box by the wall and have your children throw their snowballs into the basket. Suspend a hula hoop and then throw the sock balls through it. Children will have to stand back far enough to stretch those muscles.

Matching Snowflakes
Glue foam snowflake or stickers, (snowmen, penguins) onto 3×5 index cards or pieces of cut construction paper. You will need two of each snowflake(sticker) for your child to find matching pairs.

Counting Snowflakes
Stickers are great for creating counting games. You will need snowflake stickers, paper strips, and numbers 1-10. Cut ten strips of paper and place the snowflake stickers on each strip. One sticker on one, two on the next, three on the next, until stickers are placed on all ten strips. Write the number of snowflakes on the back of the card for self-checking. Have your children count the snowflakes. Then find the corresponding number and place it on the snowflake card.

 

Sensory Table Fun
Fill a container with shredded white paper or packing peanuts. Hide white objects in the container for your children to find. Increase the challenge by having them wear mittens, or use ice cube tongs to pick up the objects. Objects might include: cotton balls, pompoms, felt shapes, foam snowflakes, white toys-polar bears, eggs.

 

Shaving Cream Fun
Squirt shaving cream on a tray or shallow pan. Your children’s hands will never get cold in this “snow”. Add ice cubes and enjoy!

Exploring: I wonder what happens if…
Conduct experiments with your children. Have them make predictions, conduct the experiment and then discuss the results, answering the “whys”.  I wonder what happens if we put a cup of snow (an ice cube) under a blanket? Which do you think will melt faster- the ice cube in the dark cupboard or the ice cube by the sunny spot?  If we put a heavy dark cloth over an ice cube and a light-weight, light-colored cloth over another ice cube and then place both ice cubes side by side, what will happen? After the experiment, talk about clothes you wear in the summer and those you wear in the winter.