Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil.4:6-7
Cole's favorite homeschool subject is Bible. And because of Cole's inquisitive nature, it also is my favorite to teach. Well, actually I am not sure I am the one doing the teaching. I learn more from God through Cole while trying to answer his questions than I ever thought possible.
A few days ago, I was explaining to Cole that the Word teaches us how God made man, in His own imagine, from the dust of the earth, and then He breathed life into him.
Cole responded by asking a series of interesting questions. First, He asked, "So, what you are saying is that my life was put inside my body by God's breath, right?"
"Yes," I answered.
Next he asked, "So that means when I die, my life will leave this body and go to heaven with God, Right?"
'Yes, that's right also, Cole."
Then he said, "I sure hope my next body in heaven isn't made out of dirt like this one. You don't think God will make our next bodies in heaven out of dirt do you Mom?"
"Never thought about that before Cole, but I hope you're right. Perhaps our next bodies will be made out of something much better than dust."
(HHMMM?)
"There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another."
ICorinthians. 15:40
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We had our last Esther Bible study at my house tonight. What a great ten weeks we, 12 women, had together, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ - learning to be less fearful, insecure and controlling women, and to trust the love and plan of God for us more.
Anyhow, just as study was ending, my children came running in the house (having spent the evening with their Nanna Marks.) Maya ran straight for the left-over treats from study while Cole began walking around greeting all the ladies; he's very interested in people. Soon after he came up to me and Tamara (one of the lovely women from the study) and said, "Excuse me Mom but I have a question to ask you."
What is it Son?" I answered.
"Mom, I wanted to know if it is better to go back to the past or to look to the future?"
"Here we go," I thought. The words, "Think Kerry think!," kept crossing my mind.
"What exactly are you talking about, Cole?" I finally asked out-loud.
"Well, I am just wondering if you think I should worry about what I have lost in the past or if I should keep moving forward and forget about it?"
"Remember, I lost my favorite toy, Stripey?" He said in order to clarify for me.
"Well, Cole, I think that you should mostly focus on what is ahead, but it doesn't hurt to pray about what you've lost from the past...putting it in God's hands and maybe God will bring it back around again or help you not to be so sad. The Bible does tell us to ask God in prayer about such things, and that God, who knows where everything is, will help us get through the loss or to find it again. So, if it is important that you have it again, God will see to it that you do. If not, then you will be fine without it in the future.
Not really sure if my words were making sense to him, or even to me really, therefore, I decided to get his perspective on the matter. I asked the question back to him, "Cole, what do YOU think you should do?"
He answered, "Well, I have heard a couple of people say before that you should not look back in the past but that you should keep moving forward. So, I think that is what I should do. But it is hard sometimes because I miss him (Stripey, that is). But I think I should maybe be somewhere in the middle...like not way ahead and not in the past!"
He then held up his hand and said, "Mom, if this is the future here (and pointed to his wrist), and that is the past (pointing to his fingers tips), then I think I should be right here in the middle, (pointing to his palm)!" "You understand mom?"
"Yes, I understand and I agree with you. I think that is what's called the present (the now)." I responded.
"Cole, you are right, we are to live in the moment - right now - trusting God about the things lost in the past, using the power God gives you through prayer, and not worry about the future without Stripey." I said.
Later that night, Cole brought the whole thing up again. He said that he decided it would be ok if sometimes he thought about Stripey and that even if he gets a little sad he shouldn't stay back there in the past too long or he would miss what is going on right now and all that is coming up ahead.
WOW - WOW! Now that is some good doctrine from the mouth of a seven-year-old!
Wonderful words from Cole and the Word. So glad he is learning that God's word has all the answers we need.
Posted by: JulieinCA | June 03, 2009 at 01:31 AM
Cole is a man of wisdom, understanding, and purity. "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall SEE God." He reminds me of my oldest at that age. I only wish I had listened more with my spirit -- I would have found so much wisdom and peace in his words!!! You are blessed. I know you know that. From a mom of 7 (4 here, 3 w/ Jesus), keep listening w/ your physical AND spiritual ears. We learn so much more from our kids than they do from us. Many blessings to, & prayers going forth to Jesus for, your wonderful family.
Posted by: Claudine T in MD | June 03, 2009 at 08:53 AM
Wow.......little Cole! Such big stuff coming from such a little guy. Makes me remember when Jesus was 12 years old and his parents were journeying home from the Feast of the Passover and realized he was not with them, they traveled back to Jerusalem to search for Him and He told them..."Did you not know that I would be about My Father's business?" They didn't quite understand what He meant then, but His mother kept all His sayings in her heart. I believe this is what you are experiencing with Cole. God's going to use Him in a mighty way, I believe! God bless you as you lead him.
Posted by: Debbie from Ohio | June 03, 2009 at 09:05 AM
Dear Kerry:
I love it when you share about your children. Cole is such a special young man. Actually, what you wrote today has really been timely for me to hear. The Lord has been speaking about this very thing to me, and this is yet another confirmation about what He is saying. Thank you for sharing. Please tell Cole thank you, too.
Blessings,
Stephanie (from Michigan)
Posted by: Stephanie | June 03, 2009 at 08:03 PM
you do have a very wise boy on your hands. I believe God has given him the gifts of wisdom AND faith. Treasure him and treasure what God teaches you through him. My oldest daughter is much the same way. She often has an understanding way beyond her years. I value her thoughts.
Posted by: Susanna | June 04, 2009 at 10:37 AM
I have to second your WOW...or, I think Third:) your second WOW!!! Again...and, a little child shall lead us!
WOW!!! Could you do your blog friends a big favor while reading the Bible today with Cole, Kerry? Could you just give him a big old squeeze hug of thanks from all of us this side of the screen:)?
Have an awesome day....to all !!!!
Posted by: Diane Sourwine | June 05, 2009 at 10:10 AM
With great pleasure I leave your feedback. I belong just to the women calling. But believe me, though, so to speak from the height of my entity, service, vocation, I can say one thing - being a mother, wife, is also calling
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