Creative Corner
Let Me Help You With That!
Mark 15:21 states, “A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.”
Do you know the feeling of being overwhelmed, struggling to carry a heavy load, and feeling so exhausted that you start to stumble? Then suddenly, someone stronger comes along and reaches out to lift you or your burden.
That simple yet incredibly significant act saves you, brings relief, and helps you in ways for which you cannot express enough gratitude.
Take a moment to look around and consider small acts of service that God may be guiding you to do this summer. Think about things like organizing, cleaning, helping others, or even running errands. Write down some “SMART” goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) for the tasks you believe God has chosen for you to complete.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, my Strength, for carrying all my burdens, sins, sickness, worries, and concerns. I desire to be Your hands, feet, eyes, ears, heart, and strength to help others. As You reveal to me whom to help, how to help, and when to help, I will do so promptly and willingly, with a joyful heart. I perform these acts in Your name and for Your glory.
©2022 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com
Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!
JESUS … Be Lifted Higher!
Jesus – a beautiful, powerful, and glorious name!
Luke 1:31 states, “You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”
What’s your name? Is that the name your grandma and grandpa call you? Your teachers and coaches? How about uncles and aunts?
Jesus… what a beautiful name it is! It’s a powerful, loving, and sweet name with so much authority. It is a name given by God and has dominion above all other names. This name is so unique that at this name, all people everywhere will eventually bow, honor this name, and call Him LORD! Jesus is known as Savior, The Good Shepherd, The Way, The Truth, The Life; King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Living Water; Living Bread, Bright and Morning Star.
Here are some activities to deepen your understanding of who Jesus is and celebrate His great name:
- Search the scriptures this summer and find as many Bible verses as you can of names for Jesus.
- Create a book with all the names you found.
- Design a cover for your book with some of the names that are most important to you.
- Make a list of these names and use them in your conversations with others as you share who Jesus is.
- Use these names in your daily prayers.
- Review your learning with family and friends. Explore who Jesus says He is by creating or enjoying an electronic game with visual hints.
- Plan and invite families, neighbors, and others for a spelling bee with ice cream as everyone gets the scoop on who Jesus really is.
- Celebrate His great name with joy and gratitude.
Let’s embark on this journey of discovering the depth and significance of Jesus’ name. Embrace His love, guidance, and power as you grow in your faith.
Prayer
Write your prayer using several of the names of Jesus you studied.
Dear Lord Jesus, You alone are LORD over everything, everywhere, all the time! Thank You so much for saving us when we confess our sins and invite You into all we are and all we do. You are the only Savior of the world! I love You! Because of who You are, I bow in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving! Amen.
©2020 Penelope White
Use with author’s permission. Send request to penywhite@hotmail.com
PENELOPE ALLEN WHITE, wife, mother of two young adult sons, and G’ma puts into print her heart’s desire—that is, for all children and people to intimately know God. She is a Christian educator and speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, neighborhood tutor and still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!
FAVORites
“Can we feed the chickens?”
The children had arrived at the farm, and were ready for work. First they measured a big helping of chicken feed. Then they washed out the waterer and refilled it with fresh, clean water for their feathered-friends to drink.
“My favorite is that one.” One of the girls pointed to Faithfulness, a black and white speckled hen.
“Mine is Joy,” said another girl. Joy was pure white and treasured by many of the kids.
“I love Friar Cluck,” added a third girl with shining eyes. “Can we catch them now?”
The chickens were done eating and drinking, so I nodded my approval. The girls ran, and the chickens ran, too. Running was part of the fun! Before long, each girl gently held their best-loved chicken. Wide smiles proved that it felt good to work hard and play outside in the sunshine together.
God watches us to see who is obeying Him and loving others. When He sees us doing what is right and good, He shines His grace and favor onto us. The joy that comes from the Lord is kind of like that feeling you get when you catch your favorite chicken!
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalms 90:17
Jennifer Tirrell has worked alongside many wonderful individuals serving the underserved across the United States and beyond, as well as mucking stalls and cleaning goat pens closer to home on her daughter’s farm ministry. She loves Jesus Christ, writing, kids and everything outdoors. www.writingwithjet.com
Go To the Ant
God can use the smallest of His creation to teach us BIG lessons.
Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. (Proverbs 6:6-8).
Are you planning a summer cookout? What are you taking? Farm fresh, juicy, sweet watermelons? Cantaloupes? Berries? Peaches? How about grilled corn on the cob? Perhaps … I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream?
Did you pack the ants? No? And yet they arrived!
You won’t need to bring ants. Ants invite themselves and bring friends. They eat outdoors on the blankets, tables, lawn chairs. More than eating, they work tirelessly gathering your leftovers and preparing for winter FEASTS.
If ants had bones, you wouldn’t find one lazy bone
*READ as much as you can find about ants!
*WRITE and illustrate your story of how the ants view this lunchtime. Ask yourself: “What are ants thinking?”
Jesus is the Living Water
H2O… the way to go… to get and stay fit for GOD’s kingdom building work. JESUS is the living water. He is Who we need, yearn for, crave! He alone satisfies!
When the woman at the well asked how Jesus would draw water, he answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” John 4:13-14 (NIV).
Water Is Important to Life
- Make a list of things that need water.
- Think about your list.
- Are YOU on that list?
All living things need water. GOD MADE OUR BODIES in a very amazing and unique way. WE ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE (Psalm 139).
If we are in Christ then God lives in us. Even if we are not in Christ, it is a good idea to take care of our bodies. He made each one and wants us to take extra good care of them. Everything that we accomplish, we must do in our bodies, our “earth suits.” Our brains are about 70% water and our bodies are more than 50% water. When we give our body water, we are giving our “earth suits” the fuel it needs to perform.
You may remember Daniel, the one who had a sleepover with huge, hungry lions? Long before he went into the lion’s den he made up his mind to honor and obey God by taking the best care of his body. When told to eat and drink what was ungodly and unhealthy, Daniel asked permission to drink water and eat veggies for ten days.
Read Daniel 1 and describe how Daniel looked following his ten days of drinking water, eating vegetables, and praying.
Want to see your grades improve? Become more physically fit? Keep your mind sharp? Drink water.
Learn to discipline yourself and study, to do homework, practice over and over, and drink more WATER!
God’s wisdom proves beneficial to us every time. Are you fatigued, fuzzy-headed, frazzled, frustrated? Grab your water bottle, head to the water cooler, and drink more WATER! Water keeps us hydrated, flushes out our bodies, and keeps out blood pressure at healthy levels.
Many times we need water and don’t even know it. We may not be thirsty, but our body still needs water. In fact, when we fail to drink enough water, our body draws water from our arms and legs, muscles and vital organs. If you are hungry, drink water. Water is great for the brain, joints, skin, kidneys, digestive system, hair, nails — EVERY PART OF US! TRY IT, YOUR BODY WILL LIKE IT. Give your body more water and you will grow stronger, be better able to live healthier, and serve God more.
What Water Does for the Body Inside and Out
With the water of God’s Word and Holy Spirit, He washes us clean and quenches our thirst for friendship and fellowship with him.
He gives us our value, importance, and our purpose. JESUS is who our spirits desperately need. He is that living water WHO quenches our spiritual thirst.
Jesus said, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.”
Using a calendar, electronic device, white board — draw, illustrate, write how many glasses, cups, or bottles of water you will drink this week. Start with a goal of 8-10 each day. Now…DRINK YOUR QUOTA and keep your calendar updated.
Read your Bible and pray more about your plan to drink more water. Discuss with your family and friends what you have noticed and discovered about yourself since you have been giving your body what it truly craves — physical and spiritual water — this is what we desperately need! Consider using your Drink Water Calendar as your Drink Living Water Calendar. Each time you refill your body, read and meditate on one verse in the Bible.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You are such a great God and deserve to be praised! You made us just like You wanted us to be! You created us for worshipping YOU! Help us honor, thank, and obey You by taking good care of our bodies. We love You, Lord! Thank You, JESUS You are the Living Water that never runs out. You alone truly satisfy my thirst for friendship, fellowship, faith, and fun!. Forgive me for the many times, I have not been careful about what I eat and drink. I need You and water to be refreshed, clean and healthy- inside and out. Give me the courage to do this and then help others do it, too. Thank you, God!
©2020 Penelope White
Use with author’s permission. Send request to penywhite@hotmail.com
PENELOPE ALLEN WHITE, wife, mother of two young adult sons, and G’ma puts into print her heart’s desire—that is, for all children and people to intimately know God. She is a Christian educator and speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, neighborhood tutor and still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!
What’s Bugging You?
Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes lots of fun. Boating, swimming, camping, celebrations and family cookouts make the summertime awesome. Who doesn’t love sitting on the grass waiting for fireworks to begin after spending a happy day with family and friends? But then come the mosquitos.
Biting insects, poison ivy and sunburns can quickly turn a great day into an upsetting one. All the swatting, scratching and moisturizing only soothe the problem momentarily. If we have allowed our parents to apply sunscreen or insect repellent and if we have followed their directions to stay away from certain areas where danger might lurk, we find we are much more content at the end of the day.
Sometimes the things that bug us come from our emotions. We might have a difficulty with our brother or sister, a dilemma with a friend, or perhaps we don’t like what is served for dinner. We might think nobody understands how we feel. This is where God comes in with His special sort of assistance.
When we turn to Jesus with our problem, we are offered powerful healing. After all, He created us, and everything around us. Even poison ivy! By talking to God, we allow Him to take over our bodies and emotions in a wonderful way.
Next time you are feeling bugged, just say “Jesus, I need your help. I can’t take it. It’s bugging me. I can’t rest. Please take over!” After you have opened the door for Him to apply his special type of healing, you will find that things don’t bug you nearly so much.
You can talk to Him right now about anything that is bugging you. Go ahead and try it!
“So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
Jennifer Tirrell has worked alongside many wonderful individuals serving the underserved across the United States and beyond, as well as mucking stalls and cleaning goat pens closer to home on her daughter’s farm ministry. She loves Jesus Christ, writing, kids and everything outdoors. www.writingwithjet.com
Don’t Be Afraid to Fly Your Plane
“Don’t be afraid to fly the plane, Catlin.”
Mike coached her gently. Catlin felt like she was always late, always wrong. Her self-esteem was low, and any nearby adult could spot it. Her parents allowed her to attend Aviation Boot Camp at the last minute when they had heard a scholarship was available.
“Here do like me, make your hands like mine.” She looked at Mike’s hand position on the yoke and copied it. “Good Job!”
Catlin smiled and started to relax. The troubles of her teenage life were far below as the plane climbed to new heights.
“Jesus says in Jeremiah 17:7 ‘But blessed is the one who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in him,’” Mike said. “I believe you can do this.” He removed his hands from the yoke.
“I’m doing it! I’m doing it!” Catlin shouted.
“There isn’t anything you can’t accomplish when you are in the Lords will. He loves you and wants only the best for you. Do you believe that?”
“With all my heart.” Catlin said. “I can do all things through Christ who strengths me.”
“Hey, that’s scripture. Philippians 4:13. You’re amazing and you can fly!”
“Thanks. Let’s go find my house.” Catlin grinned as she slowly turned the plane.
Mike folded his arms and nodded at the confident young lady. “You’re going to be just fine.”
Nathan was tapping his foot nervously. It was his turn next.
Lori Layne is a pilot and author. She is a missionary pilot for Pilots for Christ in Michigan. She is married with six adult children and fifteen grandchildren. She lives in west Michigan with her husband, Tim, and German Shepherd, named Shadow. She loves to express herself and the grace of God in her writing.
Advent In Action – Week 2 — Humble Ourselves
Jesus Who is King of all kings; He is God Himself shows humility by leaving His, throne, home, Father to become a tiny, helpless, human baby during this season! Imagine a King doing that for you, for all the world! Yes, everyone! That’s what JESUS did because HE loves us! Think of some ways you will not brag or boast about yourself. Actions you can take to show humility and wanting to more like Jesus.
Scripture reading, memorization—Philippians 2:5-11
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”
Advent In Action
Let’s humble ourselves this Advent season by:
- Meekly kneeling before GOD in daily prayer
- Allowing someone to go ahead of us in the line
- Quickly acknowledging causing hurt; honestly apologizing and seeking forgiveness from GOD and people
- Cleaning up a mess made by another
- Completing a chore or task that is not yours
- Carrying a package; holding a door
Week 2 Advent Prayer
Dear LORD, You are so, so high! You are a King ! You are The Son of God equal with God! We can hardly understand how You could love us so much that You would push all that aside to come to earth! You showed us how to live and obey our Father God; how to love all people even those who hurt us on purpose. Thank You! Because of what You did, God gave You a name higher, greater, bigger, better than any name anywhere. You are on Your throne right next to Your Father now. Help us to follow your example. We love You Lord. Amen
©2020 Penelope White
Use with author’s permission. Send request to penywhite@hotmail.com
PENELOPE ALLEN WHITE, wife, mother of two young adult sons, and G’ma puts into print her heart’s desire—that is, for all children and people to intimately know God. She is a Christian educator and speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, neighborhood tutor and still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!
Advent In Action – Week 1 — Put Your Faith In GOD to Work
We celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but Jesus is always coming to us. The heart of Jesus is to come and love us, always. Enjoy this fun way to celebrate Jesus coming to you today and everyday. We encourage kids to reproduce this Jesus Coming activity and add or draw your own pictures next to words that speak to you. – Devokids Staff
“Beloved, let us love one another 1 John 4:7
God helps us to prepare our hearts, minds , bodies, and spirits for celebrating JESUS’ birth . GET READY , ALL SET, now LOVE!
Week 1: “Love one another.”
Scripture reading, memorization—1 John 4: 7, 8
“On coming to the house, they [wise men] saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.””
Advent In Action
Activity: write about, draw, or take a picture encourage the winner as you smile, congratulate him/her by offering a high five, fist bump, or thumbs up! Pray about and think of ways you can show the love of Christ during these times. Perhaps you will invite or encourage someone you have never shared this activity with before. Maybe, when the activity ends, you can congratulate the winner as you or offer a high five or thumbs
Week 1 Advent Prayer
“Dear LORD as YOU (we) prepare our hearts for CHRISTmas, help us love one another, for love comes from You. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Thank YOU, Father! Amen.”
©2019 Penelope White
Use with author’s permission. Send request to penywhite@hotmail.com
PENELOPE ALLEN WHITE, wife, mother of two young adult sons, and G’ma puts into print her heart’s desire—that is, for all children and people to intimately know God. She is a Christian educator and speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, neighborhood tutor and still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!
Twelve Days of Christmas
Twelve Days of Christmas Crossword Puzzle
Puzzle Words
The answers are:
Partridge
doves
hens
pipers
geese
swans
maids
birds
ladies
lords
rings
drummers
Hints:
Across
2. one
6. nine
7. six
9. four
10. eight
11. ten
Down
1. three
3. five
4. two
5. eleven
8. twelve
12. seven
More Hints:
Twelve lords leaping
Eleven ladies dancing
Ten pipers piping
Nine durmmers drumming
Eight maids milking
Seven swans swimming
Six geese laying
Five gold rings
Four colly birds
Three french hens
Two turles doves
A partridge in a pear tree
Twelve Days of Christmas Number Puzzle
Try to fill in the missing numbers.
The missing numbers are integers between 2 and 10.
The numbers in each row add up to totals to the right.
The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom.
The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right.
Site Editor
If it’s in the Bible, The Pirate Preacher knows the story. The gospel he teaches and preaches is not his own nor is it the opinion and words of theologians and scholars who study Scripture as though God’s word is dead.
Rather, he receives teaching daily by revelation from the living Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Monday nights he leads a “Jesus Study” in Moore Square, Raleigh, NC. Each Sunday you will find him in the park and at the bus station helping others enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised. Our Lord says, “I came that you might have life and that you would have life in all its fullness.” (John 10:10) The Pirate Preacher believes we are to participate in making the fullness of Jesus complete in others.
The Pirate Preacher helped launch Christian Devotions Ministries and is the former CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, a Christian book publishing company. He’s also a Writers’ Coach.
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Jehovah Jireh: The Incredible Provider — A super Hero Graphic Novel
