Altitude of Gratitude

      Have you ever receive a gift from your parents, relatives, or friends? Did you remember to say  "thank you" ? If you did, give yourself a high-five! In a world where the words "thank you" is slowly becoming extinct, hearing or saying thank you is like a breath of fresh air.
      Being grateful is learning to count our blessings. From the moment we wake up, it is something to be grateful for already because we were given a chance to live another day.
There are many things you could be grateful for like if someone made a delicious meal for you, or someone took care of your pets while you're away, or it maybe someone who teaches you new things in school and a whole lot more that we can list down. Being thankful is a mystical way to reach the highest altitude in life.
     When someone gives you a gift or does something for you, don't forget to show your gratitude by saying thank you! 

Prayer
Lord
      Help me always say thank you for the things someone has done for me,or if someone has given me something. Help me to be always grateful in everything.Thank you Lord, In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:18

-by Jerry-

Idiom of the Day: In Deep Water

Meaning: 

      If someone is "in deep water" , it means that the person is into serious trouble.

Example: 

      You are in deep water now for stealing that candy bar.

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Idiom of the Day: Be a Cut Above

Meaning:
      The expression "a cut above" means that someone or something is better than someone or something else.

Example:
      John was a cut above the wrestlers because he was very large and very strong.

Idiom of the Day: Run around like a Headless Chicken

Meaning:
      When you say that someone is "running around like a headless chicken", you mean that they are panicking.

Example:
      If everyone is running around like a headless chicken, we won’t be able to get out of here!

Are you Afraid of the Dark?

 "I am with you always."

Matthew 28: 20

     Today, while I was checking out some old photos of my third grade homeschool projects, I came across this picture of one of my Bible verse cursive writing activities. Upon reading the verse, a childhood memory flashed into my mind.
      I remember when I was a small child. I was always afraid to be left alone in the darkness. I would always think that someone or something might hurt or get me. One time, as me and my brother was preparing to go to sleep. I was checking out something in our living room. Until, I heard a slam of the door! My brother locked me out of our bedroom! I was alone in the darkness and feeling very scared. My mom, upon hearing the banging of the door, she opened it and let me in. After having settled my emotions, my mom reminded me that God was there for me and there's nothing to be scared of. 
     This bible verse from Matthew 28:20 is a confirmation that God is with us and that he will never leave us. Today, I am not scared to go into the darkness even if I'm alone because of God's help. I hope you can be like me and soon face your fears with the help of God! 


Prayer
Lord,
      Let me not be scared anymore knowing You are with me Lord. Help me to be brave enough to confront the fears that frightens me most. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

-by Tim-

Idiom of the Day: Be Asking for Trouble

Meaning:    
      If someone is "asking for trouble", they are behaving in a way that may hurt them or give them problem.

Example:

      I tell you, if you keep jumping on the bed, you are really asking for trouble.

Interesting or Uninteresting?

      I am not easily bored, but there are times, doing my school works is a bit boring and uninteresting to me. I know that some kids think that school is a waste of time and that they will rather do the things they like than go to school. However, going to school is a blessing from God. Being given the chance to go to school, helps us to learn different life lessons. In our schooling, God gave us a venue to explore our talents and giftings through the different school subjects such as Math, English, History, Music, and a whole lot more.

      So next time you think school is boring, uninteresting, or irksome, remember it's a gift from God that we should value and be thankful for.

Prayer

Lord

      I thank you for giving me a school. Let me understand that school is also a way I could know more about you. It teaches me life lessons and helps me by teaching me subjects that I will use once I grow up. Help me to always be grateful for an interesting gift of "school". Thank you Lord, in Jesus name, I pray, Amen. 

 "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

Philippians 4:9

-by Jerry-

Time for a Change

      I have this habit that when my clothes get dirty, even if it's just a small spot of dirt, I would change it. Would you do the same thing as I did? 
      Sadly, it is not that easy when it comes to our heart. Even though we can change our shirt to a clean one, if we have a dirty heart, we can't change that easily like the dirty shirt. For us to have a change of heart, we will need to ask God for forgiveness for making our hearts dirty and we can clean your hearts, by repenting on the things that makes our hearts dirty.
      If we need help on something like a bad habit ask God for help, so that we can stop it in making our hearts dirty again.


Prayer
Lord,
      I really need your help in cleaning my heart. Please help me deal with the things that make it dirty.Bless me your guidance and love to strengthen me Lord always. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

"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

-by Tim-

Idiom of the Day: As strong as an ox

Meaning:

      The expression "as strong as an ox" refers to someone who is very strong physically.

       

Example:

     That wrestler looks as strong as an ox because he could lift a car!

Meanness is Weakness

      I remember a time where me and my brother were going to the playground, to have our usual playtime. While I was biking around,  Tim went picking flowers to give to our mom, who was not feeling well. Then, a boy who was following me, said "He's a girl." The boy was pertaining to my brother.  I knew what he said about my brother was wrong so I calmly told him that "My brother wasn't a girl."

       There are times we cannot avoid people who would say, do or think mean things about us. Like that moment, the boy thought that by saying mean words would make him look cool and funny. But that's really wrong. Making fun of others and saying discouraging words  are not cool and does not make us a better person than the other. God wants us to be kind, respectful, and loving not only in our actions, but also in our words. So next time you're in a situation when someone is doing mean things to others, don't join them but instead, stick up for the person who is being put down. Lastly, pray that the mean person would feel God's love for him and would choose to change his ways.

       

Prayer

Lord

      Please help me think twice for the actions that I'm going to do. Help me be careful on the words that I am going to say and be mindful of the thoughts that I'm going to think about others. Help me to be a kind, respectful, and loving person to those who think being mean is cool and funny and those who were being put down. Thank you Lord, in Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you."

Luke 6:27-28

-by Jerry-

Idiom of the Day: Like a bull at a gate

Meaning:

      When we say that somebody goes at something "like a bull at a gate", it means that they did something hurriedly without planning.

       

Example:

      If you want to finish making this chair, then stop being like a bull at a gate! Instead, you need to plan carefully how to finish it.

Trust Fall

      Have you ever done a trust fall? A trust fall is when you fall backward and a person behind should catch you. Sounds hard right? Especially if you don't know the person at your back.
      I remember, one time, in our Sunday school,our teachers asked our class to do a trust fall as part of our games. Excited with this activity, I quickly partnered with my brother, whom I thought was the most trusted person I knew besides my parents. When our teachers instructed us to fall. Lo and behold! I fell... going forward instead of backward! And my brother didn't even try to catch me! Instead, he pushed me! I was a bit hurt after the game, but I did not take it against my brother. What I learn from the activity was, giving our trust to God is like the game "trust fall". But, unlike people, God is different. God can be trusted. He will not allow us to fall and be hurt. Like in trust fall, we don't know what will happen once we let go but rest assured we can trust God to catch us when we fall.

Prayer
Lord,
      Help me trust you more, even if sometimes, the things in my life don't go as I expected them to be. Help me to hold on to your promises that you will never leave me nor forsake me. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Proverbs 3:5-6

-by Tim-

What's in it for Me?

      Was there a time that you helped somebody not because you really wanted to help but simply you are expecting something in return? Or have you asked yourself, "What's in it for me, if I help you?" In the Parable of Good Samaritan, the Samaritan helped a man who was robbed. He helped him without thinking he would have something in return. Just like the Good Samaritan, we help because that is what God asked us to do. We help because God Himself helped us first by saving us from death through Jesus Christ. By helping others, we are showing the spitting image of Jesus Himself through our actions.

Prayer
Lord,

      Help me try not asking people to give me something in return for helping them. Let me just help people for you Lord. Give me the chance to help other people in need Lord. And please let me be a big blessing to other people. in Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

Matthew 7:12

-by Tim-

Bite It Back

      When I was young, I remember a time someone called me crazy at school. Once I reached my home, I told my mom about what my classmate just said about me. My mom told me that we can't control what others will say about us. When someone says something bad to you like "Oh, you are not smart" or "You are so annoying", you might want to say something bad back to them. But don't do it! We can't control what others will say about us, but we can control ourselves. So next time you want to say something bad to someone, bite it back.

Prayer

Lord

      Help me control my tongue so I won't hurt my oppressors. Even if I am angry to those who say bad things about me, remind me to control myself. Thank you Lord, in Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

 "Your tongue has the power of life and death.
    Those who love to talk will eat the fruit of their words."

Proverbs 18:21

-by Jerry-

I Love You!

      You might say to your mom and dad before leaving the house or before you sleep at night, "Love you dad! Love you mom!" But there are other ways to say I love you, you could do chores around the house, or you could help your dad to wash the car. What about getting good grades at school? Love can be shown not only by words but also through our actions. Remember, every time we express our love to our parents, we are also expressing our love to God.

Prayer
Lord,
      Help me to show my love to my parents by saying I love you through words and actions. Help me love them as I love you. Thank you Lord for letting them be my parents. In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

“We love because he first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

-by Tim-

Rules are Cool!

      In our house, me and my brother have to follow several rules. Rules like:

             1. Don't speak bad or disrespectful words

             2. No fighting 

             3. Respect everyone 

             4. And a lot more…

      At first, I don't really like rules. Rules are like a prison that limits my joy and fun. But now, I came to realize that everybody, young or old, girl or boy, needs rules. Rules enforce discipline, respect to authority, peace, and order. They were made to make things orderly and I have to obey them. God gave us rules, like the Ten Commandments, to keep us away from danger and being a danger ourselves. Without rules, the world will be in great chaos and confusions!

 Prayer

  Lord,

     Thank you for giving us rules to make life orderly. Please help me understand why rules were made. Let me have a happy heart when obeying the rules. Thank you Lord, in Jesus name, I pray Amen.

"Obey the government, for God is the One who has put it there. … So those who refuse to obey the law of the land are refusing to obey God, and punishment will follow."

Romans 13:1-2

-by Jerry-

      

When Someone is Hurting

      When someone feels bad, you could help them by encouraging them or hanging out with them. No matter if the person is a friend or not. It's God's purpose for you and me that when someone is hurting, we help by comforting them. We need to always remind ourselves that God's love and comfort is not only for ourselves but it's meant to be shared to everyone.

Prayer
Lord,
      Thank you for giving me a purpose in life, let me show your love to whoever needs comfort. When they're hurt, help me to let them feel your love and kindness to them. In Jesus Name, I pray. Amen!

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1

-by Tim-

God's Gifts

      Christmas is just around the corner. Like most children, it's my favorite time of the year because I get to receive a lot of gifts. My gifts come in many forms such as money, clothes, videogames (pretend that you didn't read that), and of course, a lot of toys. But, I learned that gifts don't come only in material forms. Look at your mom, dad, or your brother. They are a perfect example of God's gifts which is not material. We should thank God for giving us these fantastic gifts!

Prayer
 Lord, 
      Thank you for giving me such wonderful parents and sibling/s. They help me when I'm troubled and spend time with me especially when I'm in need of comfort. They also guide me to know you more and be more closer to you. Thank you Lord, in Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

James 1: 17

-by Jerry-

Attitude Adjustment

     If your brother hurts you or if he had done something not nice, you get mad. Right? Wrong! In the Bible, a boy named Cain got so mad to his brother Abel that he ended up killing him! Scary what anger can do to us! So if you get mad, don't let the anger control you, instead ask God to help you fight it!

Prayer

Lord,

         Don't let the Cain and Abel story happen again. Help me love not only my brother but others as well. Help me control all of the anger in me. In Jesus Name, I pray, Amen.

"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel."

Proverbs 15:18

-by Tim-