Baby in the Cradle

During this season of so much attention on this baby in the manger, let's not forget this wonderful quote.  Teach them, starting even when they're in the cradle, the truths of the Babe who was born a King. Teach them of their need for Him.

Helping First World Children

Image borrowed from World Vision Facebook

May I remind you once again of a way you can help your children think outside of themselves and curb the whining spirit and selfishness so often found in first world families? If you can at all make the sacrifice and find some "extra" funds somewhere, perhaps you as a family can sponsor a child. You can not only give to a needy one somewhere else, but teach your own young ones about the living conditions there, pray diligently for that sponsored child, even put up pictures to help those in your house remember the plight of someone else, and also remind them without lecturing that they have much to be thankful for. Sponsoring through World Vision or some other worthwhile Christian agency is a great option to achieve all these things. But most importantly you'll be fulfilling the Lord's commands found throughout Scripture not to forget the poor and needy. More information can be found here.

Lovingly,
Nanna Maxine

No Joke

 (Image source here)

Have you ever read any of those cute little prayers from children? This one is priceless:

Little boy's prayer: "Dear God, Please take care of my mommy and daddy and sister and grandma and grandpa. And please, God, take care of Yourself, or else we're all sunk!"

This was a "joke" on one of those perpetual calendars I used to have, but these childish words are no joke. They are good sound theology. Without the Lord God Almighty, this whole universe is done. We're all sunk. But God is perfectly capable of taking care of Himself along with the rest of us.

Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. I Chronicles 29:11

Having Fun!

This is an old favorite all over the place and I did post it years ago and at Pinterest, but I'd like to post it here again for the fun of it. As I said before, always be careful not to leave small children and babies alone with a dog, no matter how sweet and friendly he may be, but properly supervised what fun and affection can be had. Now, these two are have way too much fun. Adorable.

A Lesson About the Feet

Just a gentle reminder-- never grows old -- from a familiar Chinese proverb.

A Friend in Need

Love vintage pictures and you'll see plenty on our Facebook page. This was a popular one. Would anyone dare try to hurt either of these two friends without having to contend with the other? How precious is this? I hope your children can someday know the special benefits of having a pet to love and care for. We all know that very often it's their first encounter with grief, but well worth it as not only is grief an important aspect of life, but it will strengthen and build character when the whole family handles it properly. And all the blessings that come before are well worth it.

Fondly,
Nanna Maxine

He Cares For You

Of all the truths we can teach our children, this is far at the top. In the day and age we find ourselves, with the level of evil all around us, and so much more, teach them to cast their cares upon Jesus please.

Tricycle Anyone?

Tricycle anyone? Great weather for it! Let's make sure the kids of all ages get outside to play and are not only staring down at electronic devices. Not that there isn't anything to be gained from these devices, because there is, but we don't want to let that be it. Fresh air cannot be competed with!

In Stitches

We have a new board at Pinterest and thought we'd tell you about it! If you're a lover of needlework of any kind you will probably enjoy the pictures, mostly of children doing some form of needlework. Enjoy. The board is here.  Beautiful art by Lisi Martin.

Romans 8:28 Quilt

Inspired by a Keys for Kids devotional for June 1, 2015, I really liked the image of a quilt to illustrate this biblical truth. In the past I always have explained it to children with a jigsaw puzzle, but I like the quilt image just as much.

Nanna Maxine

For Better or Worse in Friendship

"A person is made better or worse by his friends." ~ Beautiful Girlhood, Karen Andreola

So true. A reason to be so careful in choosing friends. Oh what a lesson for our young people to learn.


Painting by George Elgar Hicks

Nepal Earthquake

This beautiful little girl is a reminder to us to pray for Nepal at this tragic time.

(Photo Source: Ordinary Traveler, Children of Nepal Photo Essay)

Lessons from Pets

I do love vintage pictures and think they pretty up a page and bring a certain charm. This one certainly does.  Children and pets are something I believe in strongly. It brings in an element of parenting that can teach so many good things I do believe. Everyone can't have them, but for those who do, I hope first of all, it's done right for the sake of both the children and the pets. Often these relationships bring first lessons for our kids in kindness and compassion as well as handling grief.

Love Me

I hope each of us will remember this Swedish Proverb. It can be applied in so many ways, but particularly to our own children, and children in general. I know some folks personally who are having to apply this in some very difficult circumstances.

Something to Remember

I'm continuing to collect quotes from "Leave it to Beaver" as time allows for me to watch episodes. Some of them are gems, as you well know, and many are funny. Here's another one. They're pretty popular at the Facebook page, which isn't surprising.

Waiting for Spring

Spring is coming, you can be sure. The Lord promised the seasons would continue to cycle. Speaking of cycles. This picture not only promises the coming of spring but introduces yet another cycle of the Bright Gems prayers at the Facebook page. Because of time constraintsm I do more posting there than anywhere else, so please make sure you follow us there if you haven't yet. Link to that page is over on the left. Keep trusting, this winter will be over by and by.

Lovingly,
Nanna Maxine

Gettysburg Address by Two Year Old

God Bless him. And may our country always remember this great speech. And may we teach our children.

Wally and Beaver

Our friends, Wally and Beaver of the show "Leave it to Beaver" in a cute photo I found at Tumblr. The quote is so typical of the conversations these two often had and was one of many reasons the show was so popular. You can find an old post about this show here.

Happy New Year!

Saying Happy New Year with our favorite theme quote. God bless you all with a very prosperous and Christ-filled 2015.

Nanna Maxine