There once was a butterfly that was as still as a stone. Her wings were flat as a mat. She was carefully laid inside a protective case. There were other butterflies also in the case and that case was placed in a cold, dark room. For many weeks, the butterfly lay still wondering what might... Continue Reading →
…touch is as important to infants and children as eating and sleeping. -Tiffany Field, Touch Research Institute Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. -Matthew 8:3 When Jesus healed, he often also touched. He gathered children around him and placed his hands on them. He washed his disciples feet. At the most fundamental... Continue Reading →
…this I know, for the Bible tells me so… -Anna Warner and William Bradbury For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him will not perish, but have everlasting life. -Jesus (John 3:16) The famous song, called "Jesus Loves Me," was written as a poem by Anna... Continue Reading →
Wisdom begins in wonder. -Socrates What do you think about this? -Jesus (Matthew 21:28) A good, well-timed, thoughtful question can turn drab into fab! Here are some qualities of a great, relationship-building question. Open-ended not closed allows for more than one word answers. After asking, allow silence to process. Follow it up with, “Tell... Continue Reading →
We were created to love. We were created to give. We were created to care. -Sue Miller and Adam Duckworth You will never know fulfillment, deep satisfaction and gratifying joy until you serve. The more you strive to feed your greed, the more you’ll feel your gut in a rut. You’ll remain empty until you... Continue Reading →
This link is a helpful perspective for anyone fighting through various degrees of depression. Did Jesus Battle Depression?.
In relationships, winning can be difficult to identify. In ministry, to me, winning relationships are marked by the presence of Christ. I'm not talking about flashes of light or some awesome supernatural experiences, which on occasion throughout history have happened. I just mean the simple awareness that God is close and making us a little more... Continue Reading →
One day, Jesus went for an afternoon of sunbathing on his fancy boat. He was so excited to waste the day sipping lemonade, lying around and avoiding people except a couple friends. Of course there's nothing wrong with resting once in awhile, but...well, you'll see. However, he eventually got tired of that so he wanted... Continue Reading →
With children, our energy can become quickly depleted. But when we are caught up in the great mission of leading them to Jesus, we gain energy afresh. As Isaiah reminds us: "Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength."
I can get emotionally wrecked quickly when I hear about or see children being damaged. The real question is, however, what accountability and protections are we putting in place to prevent it from happening on our watch?
Pastor Steve is a Children's and Family Pastor. He communicates about parenting, family and children's ministry.
StevenBourque.com 