Why Fall Activity Books Build Essential Skills for Kids

🍂 Why Fall Activity Books Build Essential Skills for Kids

Fall is the perfect season to enjoy cozy, screen-free learning activities with your children. A Fall Activity Book for Kids is more than just seasonal fun—it’s an opportunity to strengthen essential early childhood skills while keeping little learners engaged. From writing prompts to scavenger hunts, the pages in fall activity books build essential skills for kids.

✏️ Writing & Creative Expression

Fall writing prompts encourage children to practice handwriting, vocabulary, and self-expression. When kids finish sentences like “I love fall because…” they:

• Improve fine motor skills through pencil control

• Strengthen early literacy and sentence-building

• Develop creative thinking and storytelling abilities

Writing activities also nurture self-confidence, giving kids a voice to share their thoughts and feelings.

🔍 Observation & Critical Thinking

A fall scavenger hunt combines fun with learning. Searching for leaves, acorns, and pinecones teaches kids to:

• Strengthen observation and focus skills

• Develop problem-solving as they search for items

• Connect learning to nature and real-world experiences

This activity is perfect for outdoor play and helps children appreciate seasonal changes in their environment.

🧠 Memory & Concentration

The fall memory game builds early cognitive skills. Matching cards improves:

• Short-term memory and recall

• Concentration and attention span

• Visual recognition and problem-solving

Memory games are especially important for developing executive function skills, which support lifelong learning.

🔢 Early Math Skills

Counting pumpkins, acorns, and leaves helps children connect math concepts to everyday objects. These activities:

• Strengthen number recognition

• Teach one-to-one correspondence

• Build a foundation for addition and subtraction

Hands-on, themed math makes numbers fun and less intimidating for preschool and kindergarten learners.

✂️ Fine Motor & Pre-Writing Practice

Tracing lines to help a squirrel reach its acorn or cutting and pasting patterns gives kids important fine motor practice. These activities:

• Strengthen hand muscles for writing

• Improve hand-eye coordination

• Support pre-writing skills needed for early literacy

Fine motor development is key to school readiness and overall academic success.

🎨 Creativity & Imagination

Drawing and coloring seasonal pictures—like scarecrows or pumpkins—allow kids to express themselves artistically. Creative activities:

• Encourage imagination and storytelling

• Provide a healthy outlet for emotions

• Strengthen focus and patience

Art also helps children feel proud of their accomplishments, boosting self-esteem.

🍁 The Value of Seasonal Learning

Fall-themed activities make learning exciting and relatable. By tying educational skills to seasonal fun, children are more motivated to participate and retain what they’ve learned. Parents and teachers can use fall activity books to combine academics with joy, creating meaningful learning moments at home or in the classroom.

My Fall Activity Book for Kids is more than a fun seasonal resource—it’s a powerful tool for early education. With activities that cover writing, counting, memory, creativity, and fine motor practice, children gain essential skills that prepare them for school and beyond.

If you’re looking for a way to keep your child engaged this season, a fall activity book offers the perfect blend of playful fun and educational growth. 🍂📘

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Why Fall Activity Books Build Essential Skills for Kids

Aligning Our Minds with Christ: Rejecting Satan’s Lies and Living in God’s Peace

Aligning Our Minds with Christ: Rejecting Satan’s Lies and Living in God’s Peace

As believers, we often hear about the battle for our minds—and it’s true. What we think and believe shapes the way we live. When our minds are aligned with Christ, we walk in peace, joy, and purpose. But when we allow Satan’s lies to take root, we find ourselves overwhelmed by fear, anxiety, and discouragement. The good news is that God has given us His Word and His Spirit so that we can focus on aligning our minds with Christ, rejecting Satan's lies and living in Gods peace.  The, we can live the abundant life He created us to enjoy.

The Power of Belief: Why Our Thoughts Matter

Scripture teaches that “as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). Our beliefs shape our actions, and our actions shape the course of our lives. If we believe we are unloved, we will live as if we have no value. If we believe our situation is hopeless, we will struggle to move forward.

Satan’s goal is to plant lies that distort our view of God, ourselves, and our future. But God calls us to renew our minds daily (Romans 12:2), filtering every thought through His truth so we can live in freedom.

Aligning Our Minds with Christ: Rejecting Satan’s Lies and Living in God’s Peace

Recognizing and Rejecting Satan’s Lies

The enemy whispers lies to keep us bound:

• “You’ll never be good enough.”

• “God has forgotten you.”

• “Your past defines you.”

But Jesus reminds us that the devil is “the father of lies” (John 8:44). We don’t have to partner with deception. Instead, we are called to “take every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

When a thought doesn’t align with God’s Word, we have the authority to reject it and replace it with His truth.

Living in the Peace of Christ

Jesus promised, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). This peace isn’t dependent on circumstances—it flows from knowing who we are in Him.

When we align our minds with Christ:

• Fear is replaced with faith.

• Insecurity is replaced with confidence in God’s promises.

• Anxiety gives way to peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7).

This mindset shift transforms how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. Instead of living defeated, we live with hope and purpose.

Living Productively in Christ

When our thoughts reflect the truth of God’s Word, we can focus on the work He has called us to do. We become more productive—not striving in our own strength, but walking in the Spirit.

Paul encourages us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). A Christ-centered mind fuels a Christ-centered life, where every task—big or small—is done with joy, peace, and excellence.

How to Align Your Mind with Christ Daily

Here are a few practical ways to guard your thoughts and walk in truth:

1. Spend time in God’s Word daily – Let His truth replace the lies.

2. Pray continually – Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal when your thoughts don’t align with Scripture.

3. Speak life – Declare God’s promises over your situation.

4. Surround yourself with encouragement – Fellowship with believers who point you back to Christ.

5. Practice gratitude – Thankfulness shifts your focus from problems to God’s faithfulness.

When we stop believing Satan’s lies and start aligning our minds with Christ, everything changes. We begin to live peacefully and productively, just as God intended. The renewing of our minds isn’t a one-time event—it’s a daily choice to walk in truth and freedom.

As you continue your journey with Christ, remember this promise: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You” (Isaiah 26:3).

Let today be the day you choose God’s truth over the enemy’s deception. Align your mind with Christ, and you’ll discover the abundant life God created you to live.

You might enjoy:  Change Your Beliefs, Change Your Life | 21-Day Christian Devotional for Renewing Your Mind

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Aligning Our Minds with Christ: Rejecting Satan’s Lies and Living in God’s Peace

The Benefits of Fall Preschool Learning Activities

The Benefits of Fall Preschool Learning Activities

Preschool and kindergarten are exciting stages in a child’s development. This is when children build the foundation for early literacy, math, fine motor skills, and problem-solving abilities. Seasonal learning packets, like a Fall Preschool Learning Packet, provide a fun and engaging way for young learners to strengthen essential skills while enjoying seasonal themes like pumpkins, leaves, and fall animals.  Here are some of the benefits of fall preschool learning activities - key activities included in fall preschool worksheets—and why they matter for your child’s growth and learning.

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1. Trace and Color Worksheets

Tracing and coloring strengthen fine motor control, preparing children for writing. As kids follow lines to trace shapes or letters, they practice hand–eye coordination and pencil grip. Coloring adds creativity and helps children learn to stay within boundaries, improving focus and patience.

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2. Matching Shadows of Objects

“Find the Shadow” worksheets encourage visual discrimination—the ability to notice differences and similarities in shapes, sizes, and positions. This skill supports early reading (distinguishing letters like b, d, p, q) and problem-solving. Matching shadows also builds critical thinking as children analyze and compare objects.

Shadow Pairing Puzzles for Kids

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3. Counting Objects

Counting fall-themed objects, like pumpkins or leaves, introduces children to early math concepts. These worksheets strengthen number recognition, one-to-one correspondence, and the ability to connect quantities to written numerals. Preschool counting practice lays the foundation for addition and subtraction in later grades.

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4. Fall I Spy Worksheets

“I Spy” activities boost visual scanning skills and attention to detail. Children search for and count specific fall objects, which builds focus and persistence. These worksheets also reinforce vocabulary development as kids name the objects they find.

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5. Tracing Letters, Numbers, and Words

Letter and number tracing worksheets are essential for early literacy and math readiness. Tracing letters helps children recognize the alphabet, practice letter formation, and connect sounds to symbols. Tracing numbers teaches proper number formation and strengthens early math concepts. Word tracing introduces sight words, expanding vocabulary and preparing kids for reading.

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6. Scissor Cutting Practice

Scissor skills are often overlooked, but they are critical for preschool development. Cutting along straight, zigzag, or curved lines builds hand strength, bilateral coordination, and precision. These skills transfer to writing, self-care tasks (like buttoning or using utensils), and art activities.

Scissor Skills for Toddlers and Kids

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7. Sorting Objects

Sorting activities promote early classification and categorization skills, which are the building blocks of math and science. Children learn to recognize patterns, group similar items, and understand logical sequences. Sorting also enhances critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

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Why These Skills Matter for Preschool and Kindergarten

By practicing these activities in a seasonal, engaging way, children:

• Develop fine motor skills essential for writing and daily life.

• Strengthen early literacy and math readiness.

• Improve focus, patience, and problem-solving skills.

• Build confidence as they master new challenges.

With a Fall Preschool Learning Packet, parents, teachers, and homeschool families can provide structured, fun practice that supports learning goals while keeping kids excited about school.

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✅ Perfect for Preschool, Pre-K, and Kindergarten learners
🍂 Engaging fall themes to spark interest
📝 Printable, hands-on activities for at-home or classroom use

Get your preschool learning packet here.

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The Benefits of Fall Preschool Learning Activities

God’s Comfort in Times of Loss: How He Holds Us When a Loved One Dies

God’s Comfort in Times of Loss: How He Holds Us When a Loved One Dies

Losing someone we love or deeply admire is one of life’s most painful experiences. Whether it is a family member, a dear friend, or even a spiritual leader who influenced our walk with Christ, grief can leave us feeling broken and unsure of how to move forward. Yet, in our deepest sorrow, we can rest in God's comfort in times of loss.  He holds us when a loved one dies, offering His comfort, presence, and peace.

God Is Close to the Brokenhearted

The Bible assures us that God does not leave us alone in our grief. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” When our hearts ache with loss, we can cling to the truth that God draws near to us in a special way. His presence brings the kind of comfort that human words often cannot.

The Promise of Eternal Life

One of the greatest comforts for believers is the promise that death is not the end. Jesus said in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” When we lose a loved one who trusted Christ, we grieve, but not without hope. As Paul wrote in 1 Thessalonians 4:13, we mourn differently because we look forward to a reunion in heaven.

Grieving with Hope: Walking with Jesus in Heartbreak

God’s Peace in Our Pain

Grief often stirs emotions we can’t easily control—sorrow, anger, confusion, even fear. Yet Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to bring everything to God in prayer: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God doesn’t promise to remove our pain instantly, but He does promise a peace that will steady us through it.

Comfort Through the Body of Christ

God often comforts us through His people. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 calls Him “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” When others walk beside us in prayer, with meals, a listening ear, or simply their presence, they become vessels of God’s love and comfort.

Holding On to Hope

Though grief may feel overwhelming, we can hold on to God’s promises. Revelation 21:4 assures us that one day, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” That hope sustains us when today feels unbearable.

If you are walking through the valley of grief, know that God sees you, loves you, and will carry you through. He is the God of comfort, peace, and eternal hope. Trust Him to heal your heart little by little, until the day comes when sorrow is no more and joy is complete in His presence.

30 Days of Comfort: A Devotional for Processing Death with the Word of God

When someone we love passes away, our world is shaken. Grief brings waves of sorrow, anger, numbness, guilt, and confusion. While the world seems to move forward, our hearts can remain still, aching in silence. But God’s Word reminds us that we are never alone in our mourning.

30 Days of Comfort is a devotional designed to gently guide you through the valley of grief, one day at a time, with truth, hope, and the promises of God. Whether your loss is recent or decades old, this resource offers space to process your pain through Scripture and reflection.

Why This Devotional Matters

Grief looks different for everyone. Some face the sudden loss of a loved one, while others walk through a long season of goodbyes. No matter how it comes, grief leaves us searching for peace. The Bible is not silent about sorrow—Jesus Himself wept at the tomb of His friend. God’s Word is filled with comfort, assurance, and promises for the brokenhearted.

This devotional was created to walk alongside you through thirty days of Scripture, reflection, and healing. Each day helps you take one gentle step toward peace without rushing your grief or demanding you “move on.”

What You’ll Find Inside

Each day of the devotional includes:

• A Bible verse with translation, offering comfort, hope, or perspective

• A devotional insight to help you reflect on God’s promises in your season of loss

• A self-reflection question to guide honest conversations between you and the Lord

Examples from the first week include:

• Day 1: God Sees Your Grief (Psalm 56:8 – “You keep track of all my sorrows…”)

• Day 2: The Lord Is Close (Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”)

• Day 4: Jesus Wept Too (John 11:35 – “Jesus wept.”)

• Day 7: It’s Okay to Be Angry (Job 7:11 – “I will not keep silent; I will speak out…”)

These daily moments of reflection give you permission to feel, to mourn, and to trust God with the depths of your sorrow.

Who This Devotional Is For

This 30-day journey is for anyone carrying grief:

• The loss of a spouse, parent, child, or friend

• The grief of a miscarriage, broken dream, or painful season

• Those supporting loved ones through grief and needing encouragement themselves

Whether your pain is new or long-standing, this devotional invites you to sit with the God who collects every tear, hears every prayer, and promises to bring beauty from ashes.

The Promise of Comfort

Grief does not have to be carried alone. God’s Spirit meets us in our pain, His Word speaks life into silence, and His presence brings peace when nothing else can.

As Matthew 5:4 (ESV) reminds us:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

Let this devotional be your companion for the next thirty days as you open your heart to the healing comfort only God can provide.

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God’s Comfort in Times of Loss: How He Holds Us When a Loved One Dies

How to Talk to Children About Grief and Loss of Life

How to Talk to Children About Grief and Loss of Life

Grief is one of life’s hardest experiences, and it can be especially confusing for children. They may not understand why someone they love is no longer with them, and they may struggle with emotions they’ve never felt before. As parents, grandparents, and caregivers, we have the privilege of helping children walk through grief with honesty, compassion, and faith. The Bible provides us with wisdom and comfort, giving us the tools to guide young hearts through sorrow.  Here are suggestions about how to talk to children about grief and loss of life. 

Speak Honestly, But Gently

Children need honesty, but in words they can understand. Scripture reminds us that there is “a time to be born, and a time to die” (Ecclesiastes 3:2). Explaining death as a natural part of life, while assuring them of God’s love, helps children begin to process loss. Avoid phrases like “they went to sleep” or “we lost them,” which can cause fear or confusion. Instead, gently say that their loved one has died, but also share the hope we have in Christ.

Ecclesiastes 3:4 Plaque

Remind Them of God’s Presence

In moments of sadness, children need reassurance that they are not alone. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let your child know that God sees their tears and is near to them. Pray with them and encourage them to talk to God about how they feel. Sometimes, just reminding them that God listens brings comfort.

Encourage Expression of Emotions

Jesus Himself wept when His friend Lazarus died (John 11:35). This shows children that sadness and tears are not only normal but also God-given ways to express grief. Encourage them to draw, write, talk, or even cry when they feel sorrow. Let them know it’s okay to feel angry, confused, or scared. When children see adults grieving in healthy ways, they learn that emotions are not something to hide but something God understands.

Share the Hope of Heaven

For children who know Jesus, grief can be softened with the promise of eternal life. Remind them of Jesus’ words in John 14:2-3: “In My Father’s house are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you.” Explain that believers in Christ live forever with Him, and one day, we will be reunited. This truth doesn’t erase the pain, but it plants seeds of hope in young hearts.

Keep Talking, Keep Listening

Grief doesn’t end after the funeral or a few weeks of sadness. Children may ask the same questions over and over, or their grief may surface months later. Continue to be patient and open. Proverbs 22:6 encourages us to “train up a child in the way he should go.” Part of that training is guiding them through difficult seasons of life, pointing them back to God’s love and truth again and again.

Talking to children about grief is never easy, but God equips us to guide them with honesty, compassion, and hope. By sharing the truth of Scripture, acknowledging their emotions, and reminding them of God’s presence, we can help them see that even in sorrow, Jesus is our comforter. As we walk alongside them, we not only ease their pain but also teach them to lean on the One who “wipes away every tear” (Revelation 21:4).

Helping Children Process Grief with Bible Verse Memory Cards

Grief can be especially difficult for children to understand. They may not have the words to express their feelings, but they can feel the weight of sadness, confusion, and even fear when someone they love is gone. As parents, grandparents, or teachers, we want to offer them comfort and assurance—and God’s Word gives us exactly that.

That’s why I created these Bible Verse Memory Cards designed to help children process grief and loss. Each card features a simple, comforting scripture paired with a child-friendly illustration of Jesus. Verses like “He will wipe every tear from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4) and “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid” (Hebrews 13:6) remind kids that God is close to the brokenhearted and always with them.

These cards can be used in many ways:

• As memory verses to hide God’s promises in their hearts.

• As conversation starters when children are ready to talk about their feelings.

• As daily reminders tucked into a lunchbox, pinned on the fridge, or placed beside their bed.

Children may not understand all the “why” questions that come with grief, but they can understand the love and comfort of Jesus. By surrounding them with God’s Word in simple, tangible ways, we can help them feel secure, hopeful, and loved—even in the midst of loss.

If you’d like to use these in your own home, classroom, or church, you can find the set of printable Bible Verse Memory Cards here.

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How to Talk to Children About Grief and Loss of Life

Seven Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize

Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize

Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize

Helping children memorize Bible verses is one of the most meaningful gifts parents and teachers can offer. Memorizing Scripture not only grounds kids in their faith but also helps them grow cognitively, socially, and emotionally. By instilling God’s Word in their hearts early on, children build a foundation that will guide them for life.  Today, to help your kids get started, we are highlighting seven Bible verses for kids to memorize.

The Benefits of Memorizing Scripture

Cognitive Growth

When kids memorize Bible verses, they’re strengthening their memory, focus, and language skills. Repetition and recitation engage both short-term and long-term memory. This practice improves concentration and enhances their ability to learn other subjects, such as reading and writing. Just as school lessons expand the mind, Scripture memory sharpens mental capacity while teaching eternal truths.

Social Skills

Sharing Bible verses with others—whether in Sunday school, children’s church, or at home—encourages kids to communicate clearly and confidently. Group memorization activities foster teamwork, cooperation, and encouragement. Children learn to celebrate each other’s progress, building positive social connections rooted in God’s Word.

Emotional Strength

Memorized verses become tools kids can draw upon in moments of fear, sadness, or uncertainty. Verses about God’s love, peace, and guidance provide comfort and reassurance. Having Scripture hidden in their hearts equips children with hope and resilience, reminding them that they are never alone.

Easy Bible Verses for Kids to Learn

When working with young children, shorter and simpler verses are most effective. Here are some age-appropriate and meaningful options:

• John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

• Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

• Ephesians 6:1 – “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.”

• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

• Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16 – “Rejoice always.”

• Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”

Tips for Helping Kids Memorize Verses

1. Make It Fun – Turn memorization into a game with flashcards, songs, or hand motions. Kids learn best when they’re enjoying the process.

2. Practice Daily – Just a few minutes each day can help children retain what they’ve learned. Repetition is key.

3. Use Visual Aids – Post verses on the fridge, in bedrooms, or on a family chalkboard. Seeing God’s Word often reinforces memory.

4. Apply the Verses – Encourage kids to use their verses in everyday situations, such as praying before bed or sharing with a friend.

Planting Seeds for a Lifetime

Teaching kids to memorize Bible verses is about more than just reciting words. It’s planting seeds of truth that will grow with them throughout their lives. By helping children hide God’s Word in their hearts, parents and teachers equip them with the wisdom, strength, and encouragement they need for every season of life.

Whether you’re starting with simple verses or moving on to longer passages, the benefits are profound. Encouraging Scripture memory builds faith, sharpens the mind, strengthens friendships, and comforts the heart—making it one of the most valuable spiritual habits a child can develop.

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Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize

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It has been one week since Charlie Kirk, the conservative founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.  I was shocked.  My country was shocked, and I soon realized the entire world was shocked.  Responses started pouring in immediately.  I spent the next several days reading post after post and watching video after video.  I had watched Charlie's ministry for several years.  I knew he was popular, but I had no idea his influence reached around the world.  My heart is still heavy.  Charlie was a brilliant young man of 31 years with a beautiful, Godly wife and two very young children.  His future was incredibly bright.  Only God knows the impact Charlie would have had on the world if he had been allowed to live out his future.  But that future won't happen for him now, not here on Earth.  Charlie Kirk's life was ended by a coward who chose murder over dialogue.  How should I respond to this senseless tragedy?  Honestly, I have been at a loss for words.  I've spent the week since Charlie's assassination grieving with people here locally and with others whose posts I've read and videos I've watched - sometimes with tears.  As for my personal response, I've had no idea what to write.  My heart is shattered, so responding Biblically to the assassination of Charlie Kirk has, for me, been more private than public.  However, Charlie's boldness was inspiring, so I'm making my best effort to express my heart here on the blog about what happened and, if you are reading this, how we can move forward into the seasons ahead with the boldness that Charlie Kirk modeled for those of us who admired him.

Responding Biblically to the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

We can turn to Jesus.

I've seen a few people make negative remarks about pastors who didn't mention Charlie's assassination during church this past Sunday.  While I'm glad our pastor appropriately mentioned this senseless tragedy, and I lean toward the idea that all pastors should have, it's not up to me to dictate what pastors preach.  That's between them and God, as they trust the Holy Spirit to speak through them during their sermons.  

I appreciated Brandon Lake's response when he spoke to his followers about the time he took to process what happened before he went public with it.  Keep in mind that some of us take a little longer to process events to respond appropriately.

When something tragic happens, the first place we should turn to is not social media, YouTube, blogs, or other websites.  We should turn to the very source of truth, knowledge, wisdom, and comfort - Jesus.

We can turn to Scripture.

If you've been a Christ-follower for a while, you've probably heard at least one person say that the Bible is God's love letter to us.  God speaks to us through His Word.  The Bible isn't just pages and ink.  It's God's living and active voice.

For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  (Hebrews 4:12)

Here are a few other Bible verses to comfort us during times of loss.

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven - a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.  (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?"  (John 11:25-26)

And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. (Revelation 21:4)

Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will also help you, I will also uphold you with My righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms; if that were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will take you to Myself, so that where I am, there you also will be. And you know the way where I am going. (John 14:1-4)

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

The Lord is my shepherd, 

I will not be in need.

He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For the sake of His name.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
Certainly goodness and faithfulness will follow me all the days of my life,
And my dwelling will be in the house of the Lord forever.  (Psalm 23)

We can turn down the noise.

After we have turned to Jesus and found comfort in His Word, we might start reading what other people have to say about the tragedy that troubles us.  We might watch a lot of videos.  I certainly did after Charlie's death.  However, let's not get caught up in theories, half-truths, or flat-out lies.  Let's focus on what we know to be true.  In this case, my heart aches for what we know to be true.

Charlie's life was taken much too soon.  He was an intelligent young man with a bright future ahead.  God's plan for Charlie was good, but Charlie was too much of a threat to the enemy, so the enemy quieted him by killing him, using a young man to do it.

We know Charlie's wife, Erika, and two young children grieve an unimaginable grief.  A young wife has lost her young love.  Two babies have lost their daddy.  I can't even begin to imagine the pain this family is suffering.  

Charlie's parents lost a beloved son.  My husband and I have three grown children here on Earth and one in Heaven.  No parent should ever have to bury a child, but Charlie's parents lost their son in such a public and tragic way.  Who knows how many times they have relived the moment they realized their son was gone, and everything within them must have begged to have him back.  I don't know much about Charlie's parents, but I'm praying for God, who created Charlie and blessed the Kirks with him almost 32 years ago, to hold them and comfort them like only He can.

The shooter's parents lost their son, too.  I don't know anything about this family, but one thing I am certain of is that they will never be the same.  Their son will either spend a lifetime in prison or face the death penalty.  

We can turn to prayer.

We've turned to Jesus.  We've turned to Scripture.  We've filtered facts through all the noise.  Now we know how to pray.  Or we still don't know how to pray because there is too much hurt, too much pain, and too much sorrow.  It's all just too much, but again, we can turn to God and His Word for help with that as well.  When we can't find the words, His Holy Spirit intercedes for us. 

Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:26-28)

We can turn to Healing.

Heartache will linger for a while, perhaps forever, but those closest to Charlie Kirk have made it more than clear that his ministry will continue.  I knew he was popular, but I had no idea how far his reach was.  Since Charlie Kirk's death, evil has been evident in those who celebrate such a horrific tragedy, but I'm choosing to focus on the revival I see happening all over the world.  Millions of people in countries all over the globe are paying respects to Charlie and his family and also vowing to live boldly for Jesus as Charlie did.  Yesterday, I read that Turning Point USA has received over 50,000 new applications for its chapters in high schools and colleges across the United States. 

Our church was packed out this past Sunday.  We had to bring out extra chairs until we almost ran out of them.  A sister church in our area baptised 20 people - TWENTY PEOPLE on one Sunday!  

Lives are changing.  People are turning to Jesus.  People are deciding to live more boldly for the cause of Christ, not just in the USA, but around the world.  

The movement is just beginning.

The movement is just beginning, and I want to be part of it.  I'm not sure what that looks like just yet.  I'm a 55-year-old grandmother, but I do know this:

I'll resolve to be the wife to my husband, the kind of wife God created me to be, and the kind of wife my husband deserves.

I'll resolve to be the mother God created me to be, the kind of mother my children deserve.

I'll resolve to be the Nonnie God created me to be to my granddaughter and any grandchildren God gives me in the future.  God has given me the blessing of influencing another generation, and I do not take that responsibility lightly.  Every time my grandchildren look my way, I want them to see Jesus in me.

I'll resolve, like so many others over the past week, to live more boldly for Jesus no matter the cost.  This is no time to shy away from hard topics.  Years ago, I saw a meme that said something like, 'Let me live my life such that when my feet hit the floor in the morning, the devil cries, "Oh no!  She's up!"'  

That meme was meant to be funny, but it's true.  That's the way I want to live, whether my life remains simple or becomes something else.  I want my life to be a threat to the enemy.  If I ever have to die for a cause, then let it be for the cause of Christ.  I heard another phrase this week that resonated with me.  I think whoever said it was referring to the evil celebrations over Charlie's assassination.  I'll end this post with that statement because I can relate to it.

"I hope that I live the rest of my life in such a way that when I die, the demons rejoice over my death, too."

Go live your life abundantly in Jesus today,

Tina

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Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons