heartofdakota.com

I wanted to share something neat that happened today. This year, I've been coming up with my own plans after having used LHFHG last year. We were studying the birth of Jesus today, and I decided to go back and use some of the activities from LHFHG Units 11 and 12. The specific activity I'm referring to is the one where kids simply answer "yes" and "no" to statements by clapping and nodding for "yes", bowing and shaking heads for "no." (Unit 12 Day 1). Well anyway, I know my kids like activities like this, and I figured it was "just for fun",not expecting us to get much more than fun from it.

Well, as I was going through the statements, I came to the one that said, "You love Jesus." My dd had been clapping and nodding enthusiastically for others, and on this one, she seemed to hesitate and sort of nod. I noticed this, and asked something like, "Oh, are you not sure?" She nodded and started to cry! (When discussions have come up in the past about accepting Jesus, she's said she wasn't ready yet, and I told her that was OK). So I gently probed a little. I asked her why she wasn't sure and she said she didn't know. I asked if she wasn't sure if God or Jesus were real (something like that) and she said, "Yes." So there it is... I now know WHY she's been hesitant and it gave me the opportunity to share with her how I've had doubts like that, too, and that it is perfectly normal to question this! I told her how in college I worried about it (very little detail, of course!) and how the question can cross my mind. I also shared that belief comes by faith and God gives that faith. And I told her that her relationship with Jesus has to be her own - I can't do it for her. I encouraged her about how creation shows God's existence, and how I've experienced God and Jesus personally.That when we experience God, that is when we "know".

I think she was relieved to know she wasn't "the only one!" I know it can seem like a lot of pressure to "believe" when you live in a Christian home, go to church, go to AWANA, etc, and you feel everyone else "gets it" and you don't. I've been there! So it was good to see her relief and to know that it's OK to question. And she's only 7!! Satan wants us to feel isolated and like we are "the only one". Her admittance of this and bringing it out into the light weakens that ploy of Satan.

Bottom line, how cool is it that God took such a simple activity and used it to help my dd and I have a much needed conversation... giving me insight on what's going on in my little sweetie's head. She is such a good girl, and I think she's worried about disappointing me if she admitted this. What a wonderful opportunity for reassurance. I prayed with her that God would give her faith, and I know God gives good things to his children! He is faithful and just!

On another note, I've been debating on coming back to HOD this year... and I think this was God's confirmation that, yes, this is the direction to take!

Thanks to Carrie for following God's lead, and thanks to the Lord for using this curriculum in our lives!

That's so awesome!

That is an absolutely wonderful opportunity you had with your daughter. How mature of her to be willing to admit her feelings and that you were able to have a teachable moment that far outshines what she has learned academically. She won't soon forget this lesson on faith. Yeah!!!!!

that is a touching story. I'm so glad she was able to talk to you about it.

How wonderful that we get to touch our dc's hearts like that! I know just what you mean. We have many heart talks from this wonderful program. I also am happy that now your dd knows she is not the "only one" my dc have shared this kind of stuff too. It is amazing how the enemy wants us to feel so alone. What an encouraging testimony you (we) have!

God Bless!!

That was a wonderful moment of insight God gave - and I do think HOD brings thoughts and feelings like this to the surface more easily. You handled that so well and gave your dd wise counsel. I remember that activity too, and I was waiting for my ds's response too on that question. Such a simple question - but the answer speaks volumes. How precious she feels close enough to you to share her innermost doubts. We've found HOD brings moments like these up in our conversations. We've done all of the HOD guides and are completing PHFHG in about 7 weeks. It is truly an amazing gift to watch our dc's faith grow through the grace of God, and by the Christ-saturated plans of HOD. I'm so glad you are coming back to HOD - you will love to see your dc's faith grow over the years - it is an incredible blessing.

In Christ,
Julie

How wonderful He gave you this opportunity. We have found that using HOD gives us a lot of opportunity to talk about our faith. My two littlest ones I really believe became convicted to accept Christ I really believe at least in a big part because of HOD. I love the way the character and Bible is weaved through everything. It just really helps them to apply the Word to their life. I think God gave you wonderful confirmation about HOD. I had a God moment when I knew we were supposed to use HOD as well. I just made a list of what I wanted for my kids and what I thought and knew God wanted. When I looked at what I thought would really matter when I had to give an account to Him for educating my kids my choice was clear and HOD was it. I have never looked back. There is so much peace in knowing what you will use year in and year out and knowing the quality will be the same if not better (which is hard to imagine but it does seem to be the case just watching the new programs come out each year). I think you made a great decision. It is the one thing that dh and I are absolutely sure about in educating our children. I think if you want God honoring you have found it. Thanks for sharing your story! I love to hear about how God works through the heart of little ones!

Tricia,

Thanks for sharing your sweet moment with your precious daughter. Those are the moments that are so faith-building for kiddos as they understand that drawing closer to Christ is a life-long journey. It sounds like you did a wonderful job of sharing your own walk with the Lord.

Blessings,
Carrie

Tricia, that's just the greatest thing I've heard in awhile . Definately made me smile! What a precious little girl, and you are a wonderful mother. You are a blessing to her and the Lord will richly reward you.
Blessings,
Donna

Thanks, ladies. It's such a challenge to know how to deal with these things, and I so often feel I do it "wrong"! My husband keeps encouraging me with the verse in James 1:5 :"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." I'm definitely going to be praying for wisdom so I'll know how to properly work with my dd and encourage her (and my boys, too!) through any doubts.

I also wanted to post just as an encouragement to Carrie... so she can see how wonderfully the Lord uses her work! It's such a blessing to us.

I'll be interested to hear your stories in the future of how God is working in your lives as your home school, too! That's part of the joy of this board! I'm so glad I'm back!

Thanks for sharing this. I often wonder in the back of my mind if my two older daughters are giving me answers they know I want to hear or if they truly mean in their heart what they are telling me. I told them about how your daughter was feeling and asked them if they had any questions or doubts about Jesus. They assured me they both loved Jesus and believed he was real. I really believe they meant what they said, and I'm thankful you shared your experience because it gave me the opportunity to discuss things with my daughters. I feel much better now after having talked to them and pray they keep their childlike faith all the days of their life!

Faith 0428,
Thanks for sharing that! I'm glad the Lord used the situation in that way!