Paulette’s home is tucked off the road, among a thick growth of trees, between two spring fed lakes. It is a haven for her family and guests, both human and animal. The beaver have their own lodge, which on occasions had been remodeled from the trees along the lake. A mama Canadian goose led five huge goslings, with papa falling in line last of all, as they swam across the lake in a perfect line. When they reached the other shore, they climbed out for a picnic lunch under the trees. If she gave a parenting conference, I would attend. In stark contrast, the male Mallard ducks feed brazenly at the edge of the pond, while the mama hides her babies from predators in the tall grass along the waters edge. They seem to understand the potential danger and swim around and around her without venturing very far.
Colorful birds of all sizes and varieties arrive at the feeders for breakfast and dinner, singing and dancing for their next meal. Crickets play their fiddles and frogs sing along, at least that’s what it sounds like to me.
But occasionally a guest will comment to Paulette, “This is a noisy place.”
But I would describe the sounds as music…peaceful, soothing melody…played by a gifted symphony, performed for their audience of one, their creator. Maybe they sing because they’re happy. Perhaps they’re communicating, or maybe they sing because that’s what they were made to do. I prefer to believe they are fulfilling their God-given purpose with their songs.
Scripture says, “Let everything that hath breathe praise the Lord.” When we help children move into sincere praise, we are helping them move into God’s purpose for their life—to glorify God.
To some people the melody of children’s praise sounds like noise. They don’t understand that perfect praise comes from the mouth of children. The praises that comes from the hearts of children isn’t formed to satisfy the ears of critics; it is formed to penetrate the heavens, all the way to the heart of God. Matthew 21:16 (KJV) ”And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say ? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?”
Help children realize three things about praise:
1. God desires their praise. Nobody can praise for them. God made them because He wanted relationship with them.
2. Real praise is an expression of love to God. It must be sincere and heartfelt.
3. Praise is not praise until it is expressed. You can express it by clapping, giving, saying words, playing a musical instrument, singing, raising your hands or serving.
Colorful birds of all sizes and varieties arrive at the feeders for breakfast and dinner, singing and dancing for their next meal. Crickets play their fiddles and frogs sing along, at least that’s what it sounds like to me.
But occasionally a guest will comment to Paulette, “This is a noisy place.”
But I would describe the sounds as music…peaceful, soothing melody…played by a gifted symphony, performed for their audience of one, their creator. Maybe they sing because they’re happy. Perhaps they’re communicating, or maybe they sing because that’s what they were made to do. I prefer to believe they are fulfilling their God-given purpose with their songs.
Scripture says, “Let everything that hath breathe praise the Lord.” When we help children move into sincere praise, we are helping them move into God’s purpose for their life—to glorify God.
To some people the melody of children’s praise sounds like noise. They don’t understand that perfect praise comes from the mouth of children. The praises that comes from the hearts of children isn’t formed to satisfy the ears of critics; it is formed to penetrate the heavens, all the way to the heart of God. Matthew 21:16 (KJV) ”And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say ? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?”
Help children realize three things about praise:
1. God desires their praise. Nobody can praise for them. God made them because He wanted relationship with them.
2. Real praise is an expression of love to God. It must be sincere and heartfelt.
3. Praise is not praise until it is expressed. You can express it by clapping, giving, saying words, playing a musical instrument, singing, raising your hands or serving.
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