What a Joy to be Daughters of the King

On Saturday morning I attended a Princess tea party with my daughter and granddaughter. When each guest arrived, two princes graciously opened the door and gave a royal bow. 

Inside the hostesses had created a little princess's dream.

Each table, set with crystal tea cups and lovely centerpieces, welcomed visitors. The breakfast table was spread with quiches, donuts, cheese and crackers, sweet treats and more. Attentive young ladies served tea and lemonade.

To top off the morning, Ariel and Cinderella sang songs and told stories to the excited little girls.

I enjoyed seeing delight in the little princesses as they enjoyed games, crafts, and fun.

This lovely event was put on by Empower Youth.

You may believe a princess is only found in fairy tales. That they live in castles and ride in fancy carriages. 

But I want all little girls to know they have a future as a princess.

Each one can become part of a royal family—God's royal family.

Each young lady has the opportunity to be a daughter of the King. The most spectacular of all Kings. As a daughter of the King, each girl, young lady, and woman can honor her 

Father by showing compassion and love to everyone.

You see, the true qualities of a princess are not outward beauty or perfect manners and speech.

The true qualities of a real princess are found in Galatians 5:22— love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

A princess who wears such lovely traits is a princess indeed.

I Cannot Do Everything

Haiku #5

Children's Nonfiction Review: The Bible Explorer’s Guide: 1,000 Amazing Facts And Photos By Nancy I. Sanders

Description:

The Bible Explorer’s Guide lets children come up close and personal with everyday life during Bible times through photos, maps, and illustrations illuminating, people, places, objects, and buildings of the Bible. What did Noah’s Ark really look like? Who was David and whom did he fight? How did 1st century citizens of Jerusalem live? Each two-page spread is filled with images that bring history alive and drawings that help bring life to people and places that we can only read about. With fascinating, brief text and full-color captivating images, this is a reference that kids will come back to again and again. A great addition to any home or school library.

My Review:

The Bible Explorer’s Guide is a great book that helps introduce the history of Biblical times. The book has great photos of artifacts and architecture. They feature various tools and artwork along with maps of the area. Each two-page spread shows information on a particular theme. So often we try to put the Bible into the context of modern times. With this book children can get a better idea of the world Jesus lived in. The book covers Old and New Testament times. This would be a great gift to anyone who is interested in exploring the Bible times. It's also a great study tool for children who want to learn more about the Bible. I received this book for free from Zonderkidz.

A Sower of Seeds

1 Corinthians 3:5-9
What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

Early this morning I went outside and dug a little ditch behind our lilies. In the row I sprinkled seeds, zinnias and forget-me-nots. The seed packets suggested I plant them in April, where they would grow in full sun. Zinnias have filled my flower beds with color before. I love the bright reds, pinks and yellows. The blue forget-me-nots will be pretty with the orange tiger lilies. Hopefully in a few weeks, I'll see little green sprouts pop out of the ground.  But, all I can do now is water and wait. I can't make them grow. That's up to God.

As Christ followers, we may plant the seed of God's word and truth in the heart of a friend. We may even do a little watering through prayer and compassion. But God is the one who brings growth. He's the one who causes the sprout to burst through the ground and mature in to a blooming flower. He's the one who leads our friend on the path to him. We have a purpose, in planting and watering, but God has the ultimate task of bringing growth.

When I was a young Christian, I thought I had to win people to Jesus all by myself. My heart ached when I couldn't find a way to bring someone completely to Christ. I even found myself getting in God's way. As I grew in the word, I began to understand my purpose. Once I figured out that I was a planter, a sower of the word. I found peace. As a Jesus' follower, plant the seed, sprinkle the water, and allow God to do the rest. He knows what he's doing!

What seeds do you like to sow?

A Little Throw Back Thursday-Way Back

I think I was about three or four years old when this photo was taken. Obviously mom got me all set to have this darling picture taken. Including cutting those super short bangs. I've had a love/hate relationship with my hair for years. I prefer it long. It's easier to take care of and so stick straight that it falls back into place most of the time. But over the years I've tried short hair, curly hair, and dyed hair. Now that I'm hovering near sixty, I'm happy to have my natural white hair down my back in a pony tail. And oh yeah-I try to keep the bangs a little longer than when I was four.

I'd love to see your childhood photos.

Children's Book Review: Love Letters From God; Bible Stories For A Girl’s Heart by Glenys Nellist , illustrated by Rachel Clowes

Description: 

In this heart-warming picture book designed for girls, author Glenys Nellist tells the inspiring stories of incredible women in the Bible. With beautiful illustrations by Rachel Clowes and sweet lift-the-flap envelopes, each story delivers a special message for children to open as they read their own personal love letters from God. Full of warmth and love, this picture book will fill girls’ hearts with the wonder of the Lord. The stories of Eve, Miriam, Esther, Mary, and more will delight children and remind them of the bond they can share with God, just like the women of the Bible.

My Thoughts:

I love this book. Glenys has chosen several wonderful stories about women, in the Bible, to retell. She's written each one in easy to understand language and shows that God values girls as the daughters he's created. The lift-the-flap letters from God are encouraging and uplifting. Rachel's artwork is just lovely. The colors, drawings, and ephemera she uses to create each piece goes beautifully with each girl's story. As my daughters grew up I wanted them to know that God loved them and valued them. This book is a great place to start if you want to encourage young ladies in their relationship with God. I will share these heartwarming stories with my granddaughters.

Glenys Nellist was born and raised in a little village in northern England.   Her stories and poems have been published in children’s magazines where her writing reflects a deep passion for bringing the Bible to life for young children. Glenys lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, David.

Rachel Clowes grew up in South London and studied illustration at Cambridge School of Art. She began her career in children’s magazines and has been illustrating ever since. Rachel lives in Yorkshire, England with her husband, also an illustrator, her three sons and two cats.