It's In Other Words Tuesday and Nina of Mama's Little Treasures is our host for this week. The following is the quote she choose for us today:
There's something about children that touches my heart. They're like little vacuums as they absorb and learn from all the influences in their lives.
I always wanted to have children but was unable to have them.
However, I was honored to be asked into leadership in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) as a children's leader. I loved every minute of the 8 years I served in that capacity.
I clearly remember the first day I shared the bible lesson with my group of four year olds in the Panda class. As soon as I completed the bible story, the entire group came running to me with open arms, giving me a group hug.
At that moment, I felt the Lord saying to my heart that He never forgot my desire for children. He was blessing me by giving me the privilege and the opportunity to teach the children about Jesus.
Oh how my eyes filled ...with tears of gratitude and joy!
At the conclusion of each BSF year, there's a sharing day. The women who attended that year have the opportunity to stand and share something they learned that year. I would often hear young mothers stand up and share lessons they learned from their child who was being taught in the children's class.
Many times there were grandmothers who enrolled their grandchild. They often shared stories of how the child would ask their parents if they could pray before they ate, just like they did at bible study. And several even asked for a quiet time when they would lie down on their blanket. This is something they were taught in their class. They would have a time to quietly talk to God or think about God but it wasn't a time for sleep.
How precious is that? Talk about a child's heart reaching the world's heart. It doesn't get any better than that.
Can you tell what touches my heart when you look at this photo?
I just want to add a special thank you for all the awesome birthday wishes yesterday. My blogging friends have touched my heart in such a special way too and for that ...I'm so grateful.
Blessings,
I so agree with you on what you say and echoing with Rudyard Kiplings statement. Thank you for putting it so beautifully - what does the photo say to me
ReplyDelete"I love to play like a child again!"
I just couldn't agree more. I too have such a heart for children. They can say and do just the sweetest things, and your right, they are just like little sponges. I can't believe HOW MUCH they really do retain. I have often been struck by the responsibility that brings as they of course retain EVERYTHING that see and learn. Happy belated birthday Debbie, hope you had an awesome day. Hugs, Debbie
ReplyDeleteChildren have such a pure heart towards God. The grand-boy has such a hunger and desire for God's word. It just blesses me. Thanks so much for sharing this. Blessings, SusanD
ReplyDeleteMy BSF days were pre-kids but I know how vital that ministry was for the moms attending. Bless you for sharing in children's ministry!
ReplyDeleteDebbie:
ReplyDeleteWell that just gave me tears! And the picture of you with all the kids... you are precious Debbie!
I am so sorry I didn't know it was your birthday. I join in wishing you a belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY , and a very special prayer that this year ahead will be your BEST ONE YET, that God will bless you in many new ways as you continue your walk with Him.
Love you my friend,
Sonja
About 23 years ago (oh my! I can't believe it's been that long ago!) I was a children's leader (2 year olds) for BSF. What a joy it was to teach these children each week. It was a wonderful program.
ReplyDeleteBlessings.
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI loved this! That "group hug" choked me up. How wonderful. You are obviously a gifted leader to those precious kids!
Hugs,
Genny
children are little sponges....what a beautiful post....thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteGreat picture, Debbie! I agree with you...I'm one of the grandmas now who makes sure our little one gets to all the church activities available. Like his mother, he just can't wait for the next time to go.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words today.
Debbie~ I was off line yesterday (family unplugged day) and am so sorry that I missed wishing you a happy birthday!!!!! Oh, I hope it was a special one, and that this next year of your life will be the "best ever!"
ReplyDeleteI was the Teaching Director for our local Community Bible Study class (much like BSF), and can attest to the powerful influence our children's teachers were. As I would visit the children's classes, I was always blessed. And I still sing some of the Bible verse songs I learned from our children's lessons. The Lord will use your investment in those children for years to come!
Again - I'm so sorry I missed your birthday... I love you and am praying for you daily~
Jennifer
Kids are special aren't they. I love teaching them. They are like little sponges and its so important they absorb all the right stuff.
ReplyDeleteThat is so beautiful Debbie. I'm sure you were such a blessing to those children as well.
ReplyDelete(((hugs)))
I absolutely LOVE "come as little children".... to HIM....nothing is more innocent, no wonder He used them as our examples!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd, Happy Late One Miss Debbie-o!
Would've eaten some blutkakke (sp) with you if I'd have been there!
xxxxxxxx
Carol Joy
Oh Debbie,
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing that precious photo once before and it blessed me then and made me smile and did the same this time. Speaks to the heart of a loving, fun child that you have and it speaks to your heart for children.
You are ABBA's little girl --precious in His sight.
I pray your Birthday reflected just how special you are to HIM and to your loved ones and to all of us. I love you and thank you for sharing this special message with us.
Such a sweet, photo of pure joy! It is such an honor to be able to touch and affect the lives of little ones! One of the many things that blessedsme when in the children's church services or nurseries, or teaching art classes to young ones...was their willingness to learn and share what was taught. ..another blessing is an unselfish love that a child would show in a smile or hug, once that relationship grew.
ReplyDeleteBlessings & Aloha!
..and a belated Happy Birthday!
What a lovely reflection of your heart. I know your love for children, and always love to hear the BSF stories. Their program is second to none. I have the priviledge of taking two little ones, along with their mom to the class. The little boy especially is so excited to go. What a blessing he is to me.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course I loved the pic. - my grandson is in it! Love you.
All children need people in their lives like you, Debbie. You are a gift.
ReplyDeleteDear Terry,
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday.
Hope you had a wonderful celebration.
I love Sunday school and the teachers there.
They are the most important workers of the church, that's for sure.What a child has learned at a young age, will stay engraved in the heart forever.
Our queen Sonia said, "She who takes the child by the hand, takes the mother by the heart.
Be sure you have touched many an adult too by your kindness towards their children.
be forever blessed.
From Felisol
That's so precious to read how those little lives were touched for Jesus. I'm glad you had that opportunity to work with kids.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a good day.
Bethany
How sweet Debbie that you had the opportunity to serve the little ones at your church :) - I truly believe that when Jesus gets a hold of the heart of a child, the child will carry the love and hope of Jesus into their families. I think that children are the best evangelists :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this powerful quote.
Be blessed today and always...
Iris