Fathers and mothers, however pressing your business, do not fail to gather your family around God’s altar. Ask for the guardianship of holy angels in your home. Remember that your dear ones are exposed to temptations. Daily annoyances beset the path of young and old. Those who would live patient, loving, cheerful lives must pray. Only by receiving constant help from God can we gain the victory over self.
Ministry of Healing, 393
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11
Photo Credit: Black-Necked Stilt ©2010 Nathan Clark. Used by permission.
From the earliest dawn of intellect she had taught her son to love and reverence God and to regard himself as the Lord’s. By every familiar object surrounding him she had sought to lead his thoughts up to the Creator. When separated from her child, the faithful mother’s solicitude did not cease. Every day he was the subject of her prayers. Every year she made, with her own hands, a robe of service for him; and as she went up with her husband to worship at Shiloh, she gave the child this reminder of her love. Every fiber of the little garment had been woven with a prayer that he might be pure, noble, and true. She did not ask for her son worldly greatness, but she earnestly pleaded that he might attain that greatness which Heaven values–that he might honor God and bless his fellow men. – Patriarchs and Prophets
Hannah’s Sunshine:
1. She taught her son to love and reverence God.
2. She taught him that he belonged to God.
3. Everything in her home was to lead Samuel to thoughts of God, our Creator.
4. She prayed for him night and day that he would be pure, noble, and true.
5. She made him a coat of service as a reminder of her love.
Let praise and thanksgiving be expressed in song. When tempted, instead of giving utterance to our feelings, let us by faith lift up a song of thanksgiving to God.
We praise Thee, O God, for the Son of Thy love,—
For Jesus who died and is now gone above.We praise Thee, O God, for Thy Spirit of light,
Who has shown us our Saviour, and scattered our night.All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain,
Who has borne all our sins, and has cleansed every stain.All glory and praise to the God of all grace,
Who has bought us, and sought us, and guided our ways.Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May each soul be rekindled with fire from above.Chorus: Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! amen; Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Revive us again.
Song is a weapon that we can always use against discouragement. As we thus open the heart to the sunlight of the Saviour’s presence, we shall have health and His blessing.
Ministry of Healing, 254
“For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” Exodus 20:11
“Go to the ant…consider her ways and be wise.” Proverbs 6:6
Photo Credit: Leaf Cutter Ant ©2011 Nathan Clark. Used by permission.
Many of our AHE families not just in the U.S. but around the world will be gathering with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving next week. If you are taking a break from your regular studies but would enjoy a few activity or craft ideas to enjoy in the coming days, here are a few fun links that I found on Pinterest. Clicking on the photo will take you to my pin board and the link below the photo goes directly to the source page. Enjoy!
Free Thanksgiving Printables
Source: paperglitter.blogspot.com via Ann on Pinterest
A Quick Fun Craft Idea
Source: busybeekidscrafts.com via Ann on Pinterest
Centerpiece Idea To Make Together
Source: crafts-for-all-seasons.com via Ann on Pinterest
A Healthy “Turkey” that Your Children Could Create
Source: livinglocurto.com via Ann on Pinterest
Above all things else, let parents surround their children with an atmosphere of cheerfulness, courtesy, and love. Ministry of Healing pg. 386
Yesterday, I took my younger children to a swimming party. While waiting in line, a mother, father and two little children passed in front of me as I waited at the desk. The mother said to the older child (about 5 years old), “Say excuse me honey.” The little girl happily said “Excuse me”.
That may sound trivial to some, but I thought that was the sweetest kindest thing! First that the mom took the time to say excuse me herself and then kindly had her child say it as they passed. Beautiful.
Too many times at stores, I have had people step right in front of me as though I was not there. It is a very rude practice.
So, I experienced another “Momma’s Sunshine” in my own life yesterday and thought I would share that with you.
I guess “Momma’s Sunshine” can affect adults too.
Hebrews 10:24
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works
Tonya shares more about sunshine in the home on her blog, Momma’s Sunshine
The Adventist Home Educator 