I can do my best to try to shield my kids from the messages I hear around us.
You know, the commercials that “work” because they breed discontentment and the “if only”s. The verbiage that it only matters that we try our best, but the obvious glory assigned to winning and being the best. Be stronger. Do more. Say different things. Wear different things. Live somewhere different. Be someone different.
But, I can’t keep them from hearing it. But, I can speak truth to them and make sure they hear some other messages.
We watched the new Veggie Tales movie this week–The Penniless Princess, their take on the old Shirley Temple classic, a story of riches to rags, of knowing who you really are, of sacrificial giving, of loving the least of these, of knowing the Truth and living it out even when it seems impossible, of great loss and redemption, of an earthly adoption. A story chock full of the messages I want them to hear…
“You’re never alone”
“You’re a child of the King.”
“In good times and bad times, He’s right by your side.”
“Even if we look like servants on the outside, we’re princesses on the inside.”
“Kindness is contagious; when others see our kindness, they realize how much they have to give.”
and my favorite…
“No matter what, I am loved; so I will love, no matter what.”
And, as I sat there to watch it with them, I realized these are messages I need to hear too.
Yup, God can speak through animated celery stalks, asparagus spears, and bunches of broccoli.
We all liked it so much around here that we want you to have your own copy. Watch it with your kids. Or, watch it alone and be fed through some organic greens.
Just leave a comment before the end of the day Thursday with a message you’ve heard recently that was just what you needed to hear. Maybe it was from something you read online, an encouraging or challenging word from your child or a friend, the message sent just to you through a song you heard in the car…share whatever it was (and a way to contact you).
On Friday, we’ll randomly pick one of ya’ll to get your own copy of The Penniless Princess.
Looking forward to reading some comments here.
I read a post about nice things to say to your kids. My three year old has been so incredibly difficult lately, it was a good reminder!
Sounds wonderful!
Tonight as I was putting my daughter to bed we were talking about how she was a little nervous about starting 1st grade tomorrow. I reminded her that when we are nervous we can pray.
As I sat there with her the song “Carry Me to the Cross” by Kutless came on and we sang:
“Hallelujah – You carry me every day, You carry me all the way. Hallelujah – You carry me to the, You carry me to the cross.”
Such an awesome reminder that he is always with us!
My 2 year old daughter has taken to saying what I’ve said to her since she came home –& said it to her older brother this am, “I love you, Jacob, no matter what–no matter what, Jacob, ok?” Truly melted my heart…
Oh, I just can’t wait to see this new veggie tale!! Sounds just so wonderful, The message that I really needed to hear was in psalm 25 vs 4-9
Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
It was humbling to me to know that I will be guided in what is right, when my heart is humble before the Lord.
Now, this came at a time when I was very angry at a certain person for the injustice he did to my husband….but the Lord was able to soften my heart….and bring me peace and humility so that I wouldn’t miss HIS purposes in all the mess! LOL
Reminded today that miracles are for anything. Not just sicknesses. That our faith allows us to see them come to pass!!!! Great reminderthat God works all things together for the good of the ones who are called according to his purpose.
I read a quote that really touched home for me “God doesn’t give you the people you want, he gives you the people you need. To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you the person you were meant to be.” Couldn’t of said it better myself!
randi@sahmscrazylife.com
We would love a copy for Alyzabeth. She was in a Christian pre-school, now going into Kindergarten so the message would be perfect when she gets exposed to more of the public.
Thanks!
Alyson
I am always amazed at how pandora can speak to what I need to hear. We have been feeling a little stressed about our adoption and Praise You In This Storm came on. Recharged us that day.
Don’t conform the Cross to your way of life, conform your way of life to the Cross. Our message at church yesterday was about Pop Culture, the Truth, and Scripture. That phrase stuck with me. So true. The cross doesn’t bend. We do. It shouldn’t be a “whatever works for you” mentality. It’s whatever the bible says. The whole bible, not just the parts that are most convenient for our life. bradandjj@yahoo.com
Oh how we love Veggie Tales!! God never fails!
Would love to win!!
I recently heard “Every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.” It has resonated with me in the past week when I’ve been judgmental.
Love Veggie Tales! This will be a big hit here.
Love this!! Definitely can’t wait to check it out.
Yesterday, a guest speaker spoke at church about living a missional life. He said it was really easy once you figure out for yourself just exactly why you can’t live without Jesus as your Lord. Then you just share that story with others. He also boiled it down to five things to DO. Which I loved, cuz I love an action plan after a good heart convicting sermon.
All it takes to live a missional life is these five things:
Pray
Love
Tell
Serve
Give
Hit home for me for sure!
A good friend experienced her “gotcha day” today. In her blog she wrote this: ‘…Little Monkey did her best to show him toys and stop the flow of tears. Finally she patted him on the checks and said, “Don’t worry Isaac. I am adopted too. It will be okay.” That was my undoing…’
The account brought tears to my eyes, especially knowing how hard this big sister’s own adjustment has been since she was adopted less than two years ago. what a blessing each and every adoption story is!
I read this (http://www.domestickingdom.com/2012/08/13/showing-hospitality-despite-our-messes) today and it was just the challenging word I needed to hear. I struggle SO much with feeling inadequate and the message that JESUS IS ENOUGH, is what I need printed to the inside of my eyelids!
Thanks for a chance to win! :D
Through a daily email encouragement –
“Your greatest act of love toward your spouse is to encourage one another to “put on the whole armor of God.” “
I so needed this!!
–kristen.
I was reading a Karen Kingsbury book(I can’t remember which one since I’ve read 12 within the last 2 months)and was reminded by a sentence in the book “Pray without ceasing”
Stacey V
verguldi@verizon.net
Oh this sounds wonderful.
My little one finally had the courage to have a birthday party and wanted something very simple. We worked together to have friendly, encouraging girls there, and made the whole party from scratch. After the party, Ahnalin grabbed me and hugged me and said “Mama, I am so glad that God knew what mama I needed, even though I was a baby in a box.” it made me cry. And she was so very happy. She has come a very long way and I am so proud lf her.
Awww. I think that last comment is AWESOME!!!
This movie sounds WONDERFUL and I hope that I can teach my children these traits. I hope that they one day KNOW that they have a loving Father in Heaven, above all else………..and KNOW that He TRULY loves them more than they understand now or will ever know this side of Heaven. I pray that we can be the parents that He intended us to be when He blessed us with their care……….and that they KNOW we love them NO MATTER WHAT and that they are PRECIOUS, to us AND to HIM.
Not sure what you wanted us to post, but thank you for doing this. I haven’t been to lifeway in a while and hadn’t seen this one……..it looks great and WILL be added to my collection, regardless. :):):)
My husband taught my 2 year old a prayer, I heard it for the first time the other night…
“jesus thank you love me, ah-men”
Jesus, thank you for loving me.
Who doesn’t need to be reminded of that.
Two come immediately to mind: “Love , don’t get distracted” and ” we need to be more comfortable being uncomfortable”. Both from a sermon at church a few weeks ago that I am still thinking about.
I. LOVE. Veggie tales. I always am convicted when I watch it- especially Larry Boy and the Big Apple which is about temptation….that one gets me every time! :)
I love Veggietales! And this new movie sounds SOOO good. Today, feeling a bit discouraged right from the get-go, I opened my email and found a beautiful reminder that was posted on FB. “God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggles, a reward for your faithfulness. Don’t Give Up. Trust HIM.”
Doesn’t get much better than that.
Would love to win a copy–but appreciate the heads up regardless so I can do a little shopping too!
-Valerie
Just started a study on generosity with my kids. This sounds like exactly what we’ve been talking about. Time to place an order.
I was reminded to slow down and be thankful by my 19 mmonth old daughter when she insisted on holding hands before our meal to pray. Something I was passing over so I could get to the next thing.
today our newest home (now 4 years old and 2 months home) said in response to my comment about how i have the best two little boys in the whole world, and with a HUGE smile, “I get to stay here FOREVER!”. nothing like a big peek into a little heart newly ours!
erika
My kids love VT movies. We still have some from about 15 years ago when they first came out!
I was recently struggling with something someone said about Birthparents in a group and several people responded to me recently saying how much they appreciate my family’s open adoption. What seemed to be a bad thing ended up reassuring me about many good people with healthy adoptions out there! I’m so grateful!!
“Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.” Hab. 3:17-18
These two verses have always been a favorite of mine, but recently I saw them personalized for a mommy. Something to the effect of:
“Though the dishes are piled up, and the toys don’t stay put away, though there is rarely a quiet moment and the laundry never ends…YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD”
Just the reminder I needed to rejoice in the midst of the glorious mess that is my life.
Naomi ministers to me all the time through Veggie Tales and other songs that she loves to sing around the house. I told Brad that I’m not sure who profits more from watching Veggie Tales, her or us! Somehow the message they are teaching always seems to be just the one I need to hear. :)