A Little More Like Jesus,  by Zach Williams and illustrated by Lisa Molloy

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” Hebrews 12:1 (English Standard Version)

The right way is usually not the easy way, and we KNOW this as adults.  Doing and saying the right thing in the midst of conflict or a certain politcal climate can be challenging. And responding as believers can be even more challenging…..for adults as well as for our children.

As Christians, our responses to challenges that involve people should look different from what the world proposes.  We are told in God’s Word to live differently, radically, and to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, and to be a light in the darkness. We are taught to allow Jesus to be our role model.

As we parent, this is something to keep in mind as we coach our children through making choices and solving problems.   The mindset of being a humble servant, a kind friend who puts others first is not one that our children are going to learn unless we teach it intentionally.

Zach Williams’s song, A Little Less Like Me speaks of this idea…of being more like Jesus and being less like “me”.  Here are some of the lyrics:

… Oh, I have days I lose the fight
Try my best but just don’t get it right
Where I talk a talk that I don’t walk
And miss the moments right before my eyes

… Somebody with a hurt that I could have helped
Somebody with a hand that I could have held
When I just can’t see past myself
Lord, help me be

… A little more like mercy, a little more like grace
A little more like kindness, goodness, love, and faith
A little more like patience, a little more like peace
A little more like Jesus, a little less like me

… Yeah, there’s no denying I have changed
‘Cause I’ve been saved from who I used to be
But even at my best, I must confess
I still need help to see the way You see

(Lyrics, Less Like Me)

I was looking up children’s books that may teach this idea of living like Jesus-  and I honestly had no idea that Zach Williams had written a book based on his song!  How precious that this beautiful song has given birth to a book that we can use to lead our littles in living like Jesus, in making wise decisions.  As Christians, we are called to do things God’s way, not the easy way.  We are called to run a race, a race towards truth and purity.   We’re called to run with endurance, indicating that strength and perseverance will be needed.  This is not the simplest way…. but it’s the right way. 

As we BOOK TIME WITH OUR KIDS, let’s give them strategies to solve problems the way Jesus would want us to.  It’s an eternal perspective that may require more effort and self-control.   It’s not easy to teach because it’s not easy to live out.  I know I personally need help with both living it out and modeling it….so yes, I ordered the book 😊.

A Little More Like Jesus, Zach Williams

Thanks for readiing- please subscribe and share!

The Work of His Hands

“The heavens declare the glory of the Lord; the skies proclaim the work of His Hands”, Psalms 19:1.

Autumn in North Carolina is my absolute favorite season. The vibrant colors of the changing leaves, the crisp air, and the Carolina blue skies provide a skyscape of beauty.

We’ve had a dry summer/fall here in NC (with the exception of the Hurricane Helene!). According to Smithsonian.com, “The best colors are produced when the weather is dry, sunny and cool“. Well, this year the colors here are spectular. How and why does this happen?

Trees that have leaves that change color in the fall are deciduous trees. Trees with needles, evergreens, stay green and continue the photosynthesis process through the winter and are called coniferous trees. So, this beautiful changing of colors happens in deciduous trees.

According to Smithsonian.com, “Much of the year, leaves are green because of the chlorophyll they use to absorb energy from sunlight during photosynthesis. The leaves convert the energy into sugars to feed the tree. As the seasons change and temperatures drop , trees get less direct sunlight. This causes chlorophyll in the leaves to break down.

This lack of chlorophyll reveals yellow and orange pigments that were in the leaves but hidden during the warmer months. Darker red leaves come from a chemical change involving sugars that can get trapped in the leaves. Trees like oaks and dogwoods are likely to reveal these vibrant reds.

A protective seal forms between leaves and their branches as the weather changes. Trees take in as many nutrients as possible from the leaves, but leaves can’t survive the winter and would make trees vulnerable to damage. So, the leaves are cut off from the fluid in the branches, they separate, and they drop to the ground.“

This just screams DESIGN, right?! This is just one small yet incredible example of God’s design over creation. This process is lovely, full of design, full of science, and is something we can use to point our littles to the CREATOR Himself. This also holds beautiful symbolism for us as believers; how new life and beauty emerges from changes/endings.

As we BOOK TIME WITH OUR KIDS, we can use children’s books to teach this process: I personally need this assistance. I just ordered a couple of sweet books that explain the process clearly and provide vibrant illustrations as well:

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf, by Lois Ehlert

Leaves, by Brenna Maloney

I believe that where we need to be intentional is with providing perspective. Instead of just focusing on random beauty around us, we are called to point to The One Who created the skies, (the heavens) the trees, the leaves, and life itself. It’s our job to lead our littles in faith. This time of year, He almost makes it too easy for us by providing this changing, colorful palate of life and design.

Thanks for reading! Please share and subscribe for a weekly idea of how we can BOOK TIME WITH OUR KIDS!