Most of us do not think our feet are very attractive. Many people have aching feet. Did you know one-fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet? There are 54 bones, 19 muscles and 100 ligaments and tendons. The average American walks 70,000 miles in a lifetime!

The Bible talks about our feet and the steps we take. “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he will make his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23). God cares so much about our feet, He even counts our steps. “Does he not see my ways and count my every step” (Job 31:4). In the next verse God tells us who has beautiful feet. “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news” (Isaiah 52:7).

When I see a newborn baby, I always look at their precious hands and feet. I love baby’s feet! It makes me think of all the places they will go and what they will accomplish in their life. The next time you look at your feet or someone else’s feet, remember these Bible verses.

Feet can be beautiful, especially if they are walking on the right path and sharing the Good News!

Quotes for Father’s Day

 

As you read these quotes, take a moment and thank God for the special men in your life!

“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.”  Billy Graham

“The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” Theodore Hesburgh, Catholic Priest and President Emeritus of the University of Notre Dame

“Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.” Unknown

“A man’s children and his garden both reflect the amount of weeding done during the growing season.”Unknown

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.” Sigmund Freud

“A truly rich man is one whose children run into his arms when his hands are empty.” Unknown

“Small boy’s definition of Father’s Day: It’s just like Mother’s Day only you don’t spend so much.”  Unknown

“A father is a guy who has snapshots in his wallet where his money used to be.”  Unknown

“Life was a lot simpler when what we honored was father and mother rather than all major credit cards.” Robert Orben

“If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right.” Bill Cosby

…and in honor of my son-in-law, Justin LoBello who played collegiate baseball for years!

Jimmy Piersal, on How to Diaper a Baby “Spread the diaper in the position of the diamond with you at bat. Then, fold second base down to home and set the baby on the pitcher’s mound. Put first base and third together, bring up home plate and pin the three together. Of course, in case of rain, you gotta call the game and start all over again.”

Let The Games Begin! What can you do when the kids say, “I’m bored!” Invite some friends to join you in the backyard and let the games begin. If you do not have a swimming pool, just turn on a sprinkler and play with wet splash balls! Here are some ideas for fun:

1. Water Volleyball

2. Water Baseball

3. Balloon Blanket Toss

This game needs 2 large sheets and a steady supply of filled water balloons.  Divide into 2 teams.  Space people evenly around the edge of the sheets and place a filled water balloon in the center of one of the sheets.  Have the teams work together and toss the balloon back and forth.  Give prizes to each team member.

4. Water Balloon Catch

 Jump off the diving board and try to catch large water balloon or divide in teams and toss from one team to the other.

5. Blow out the Candles

Line candles on a table and give each participant a large water gun.  Try to put the candles out with the water.  First to put all the candles out with the water wins.

6.  Feet Freeze

Fill a small wading pool with water and ice cubes.  Pour in a bag or two of clear marbles.  The object is to pick up as many marbles with your toes as you can and put them in a plastic bucket.  You may have everyone sit around the pool and play at the same time, or one person stand in the pool and hunt for marbles with their feet while another person holds the bucket to catch the marbles.  Set a time limit of 10, 15 or 20 seconds.

Do not forget the sunscreen, water to drink and Popsicles!

Helping your children learn about God and His Word is part of your task as the primary spiritual leader in your children’s lives.  You might ask, “How can I do this?”  Here are some quick tips to use at home with your children:

• Model the importance of Bible study by setting aside a regular time for family devotions.
• Read Scripture together.  It doesn’t have to be much, but it has to be clear that God’s Word is an important resource and part of daily life.
• Pray daily with and for your children.
• Memorize one verse together as a family each week.
• Review Sunday take-home papers.  Do the activities together.  Talk through the recommended discussion questions.

One of my favorite devotion books is Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. She has adapted her original book into a daily devotional for kids ages 8 to 12. Each devotion is written from Jesus’ point of view and rose out of the author’s own experiences with Christ. GREAT tool for pre-teens! www.christianbook.com

 

Is your child having trouble sleeping or having nightmares? Consider taking a different approach to prepare for peaceful rest.

A recent study has found playing video games before bed is not a good idea if you want a good night’s sleep. Due to the emotional stimulation of the action, as well as the backlighting on the screen, natural melatonin levels are likely to be disrupted. Reading a book and listening to soft music are more effective bedtime activities.

Your child will benefit physically and emotionally from good sleep habits—not to mention the plus for you!

 

Finding family volunteer opportunities is important. Kids learn empathy for others, problem solving, and are educated regarding how early life choices can have long reaching impacts.  A recent study found that children who serve others on a regular basis are less likely to become involved in at-risk behaviors.

Seventy-three percent of kids ages 6 to 11 said sharing, being kind, and helping others are just as valuable to learn as reading, writing, and math to be successful in life. This C&R Research study also found that when kids are exposed to these character building skills, they volunteer in their community more frequently.

Jesus modeled a servant’s attitude. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus as we reach out to others.