Mountains, Mondays 'n Mamas! - A Devo at Peggie's Place!

We're back to the real world today....don't you just "love" Mondays? I believe that James, who wrote the Book of James in God's Word, lived the same godly life Monday, as he did on Sunday honoring his Mama! (Did he sing from the hymnal or "off the wall"?? - chuckle!) Read his advice to us in today's Bible reading (above) and then enjoy a devotional from Peggie's Place especially for YOUR Monday.....

I'm not a mountain climber, but I've seen the videos! Awesome, exhilarating moments when they reach the top.....and for moms, yesterday, Mother's Day, was the top of the mountain. High praises, heavenly roses--or candy, happy children--beauty and blessing all around--in sermon, in song, in family gatherings, in traditions and sharing of love--and yes, even in the ladies with courage to wear Mother's Day hats! It's a day of celebration. Jesus, even more than our kids, fills our hearts to the tiptop with joy and life; He's our reason for being--our reason for living, and how we love Him!

Uh....that's Sunday......but Monday's coming. Hey, it's here--back to the office and the email; back to the laundry and dishes; back to the time-outs and taxis for kids....back to reality! Will the joy we felt Sunday still be there on Monday? He's just as much risen TODAY as He was yesterday....and He's there to meet your daily routine needs, to give you a deep joy that doesn't fade...even when the flowers do! He's alive for the highs AND the lows of your life--whatever day it is.

Let's celebrate Jesus EVERY day...for whether it's mountains OR Mondays, HE doesn't change! Believe it, take a Mama praise break today, have a few CHOCOLATES--and a GREAT day!

MamaQuest for Mother's Day . . . Devo by Peggie: "For Those Tears He Died".

Tags: spiritual,
life, stress, parenting, mom, Mother's Day, devotional, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

'Twas the Night before Easter: An Easter Poem for Families

Your family will enjoy a parody of the classic Christmas poem:
"'Twas the Night before Easter!"

See today's Fun 'n Faith newsletter for many Easter links and resources your family will enjoy!

Have a Happy Easter from Peggie's Place - He is risen; He is risen indeed!

Tags:Easter,Bible, Christian, kids, family, Jesus, holidays, religion, family, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Secular Meets Sacred...and Christmas Will NOT Be Cancelled!

It's a secular world - look all around you! Amidst the beauty of the Christmas season, do not be deceived. As the secularists howl over words and symbols precious to our faith, they're not alone. For there's a grinch out there leading the "holiday" parade - and if you've not discovered him yet in the "happy holiday," secular correctness of our world, look again. For behind it all lurks an evil one; we live in a wicked world filled with war, crime, terror and strife.......and so should we cancel Christmas or just forget it??

NO, NO, a thousand times NO - we will never surrender...we will never forget.....We celebrate the sacred and joyous birth of our Savior, He who spoke peace to our world still speaks through His marvelous Word. Someday there will be eternal peace - for He is coming again......

Look not around you or below you as the old grinch raises havoc around our secular world. Look beyond you and above you where someday HE, the Prince of Peace, who came to us 2000 years ago, will come again to receive His own.

Cancel Christmas?? NEVER! The grinch is doomed - now believe it, worship the Christ of the sacred Christmas, fill your home with joy, laughter, and song (uh.....don't forget the good food either - chuckle!) and KNOW that the Savior has come and is coming again. Halleluia!!

The Hallelujah Chorus . . . "Hallelujah" (song) - Wikipedia

"Don't Let 'the grand old Grinch' Steal Your Christmas!"

"Not Your Ordinary Birthday Celebration" - by Pastor/Poet Greg Asimakoupoulos

It's HIS birthday, remember? -
The Indescribable Christ!
Build an online nativity scene - fun for kids
Christmas Traditions around the World

Political and Christmas correctness:
"A Politically Correct Christmas Poem" - dedicated to the Grinch!
A Politically Correct Christmas Greeting

For extended research on the secularization of Christmas: A GOOGLE Search

Be sure to visit A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place!

Photo credit: FreeFoto.com

Copyright 2007 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.

Tags: Christ,Santa,politically-correct Christmas,holiday,Bible,Christmas, Christmas devotionals, Christian, Christian living, Scripture, Jesus, God, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Christmas Mysteries: Santa and the Savior!?! - A Devo at Peggie's Place!

Bible reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-25 (NIV) . . . Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV)


I love a good mystery, be it fiction, non-fiction, real-life, and yes, even TV's late-night "Perry Mason," "Matlock" and "Murder, She Wrote!" No wonder I can't sleep - chuckle!!

So what's with the mystery of Santa? No mystery to the adults......we connive the pranks, whisper the secrets, don the outfit, buy the presents, and generally, have fun with our kids. MY dad told me Santa was dead; I told MY kids he was a fun person, a "mystery" they would need to figure out and I would tell them when they solved it! Worked fine - except when our younger son caught us putting cookies, milk and stockings under the tree one year!

So what's with the mystery of the Savior? Granted, as part of the human family, there's no way we can comprehend the wonder, the depth of love, the intricate plan put in place before the foundation of the earth - to give us a Savior, a Redeemer, a Lord. We cannot grasp such grace and such love - but the mystery HAS been made plain to us through the simple words of John 3:16, a verse memorized from childhood, and woven into the very fabric of a Christian's being.

Mysteries? Lots of them in life - things we can't understand, can't figure out - the hurts, pain, suffering in our own lives and in our world; man's inhumanity to man; terror; natural disasters; tragedies - the list goes on and on...unsolvable mysteries, except for one....

He LOVES us! There's no mystery about His love and His grace for us all. Bring YOUR mysteries to the Lord and leave them there. He's the One who understands all, knows all - there are no mysteries with Him. Kneel at the manger, kneel at the Cross - love and adore Him - proclaim and make plain, in your own simple words, "the mystery of Christ" to a needy world, wherever on Planet Earth you may live this day!

"The Mystery of God Incarnate"
"The Word Became Flesh" - John Piper
Ravi Zacharias International Ministries - Christian apologetist

"Understanding God in a Suffering World" - Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society

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"Why Jesus Is Better than Santa Claus"

"How to Explain Santa Claus to Christian Children"
"Reclaiming Santa" - ChristianityToday
"The Turth About Santa Claus: When Your Child is Ready to Hear..." (Amazon.com)
"How Physics Killed Santa Claus"

Copyright 2007 by Peggie C. Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.

Visit "A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place!"

Santa graphic: Free Christmas graphics.

Tags: Christ,Santa,Santa Claus,holiday,Bible,Christmas, Christmas devotionals, Christian, Christian living, Scripture, Jesus, God, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Sounds like a Real Mama to Me - A Christian devo at Peggie's Place!

Take a Mama break - Daily Manna's Bible reading: Romans 12:3-8 (NIV)

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Do me a favor - read the above Bible verses again - through the eyes of the Mom you are, the Mom you have or the Mom who's mothered your kids......sounds like a real MAMA to me, how about you?

Mamas work so hard - in and out of the home - and don't let one human being deny that, or you're in big trouble with the woman in your life! And yet, Moms, we find so much fault with ourselves, pointing the figure inward - we are not smart enough, wise enough, good enough, spiritual enough - HOGWASH! God wants us to have a healthy perspective of ourselves.....believe it and start living it - me included!

But there's more....read on....we are gifted - we serve, we teach, we encourage, we "contribute to the needs of others" (!!), we give, we lead, we govern, we show mercy - AND we're cheerful (uh....sometimes....chuckle!)

Being a mom is the greatest, biggest, most important job in the whole world, and if you know one, if you are one, give her a hug - it's Mother's Day weekend and we honor and love our moms, OURSELVES included! Now believe THAT, give YOURSELF a hug, and in the words of "My Fair Lady," - "I'm a good girl, I am" - say it to yourself all weekend, every day - go snitch some extra chocolate and have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Featured links: MamaQuest at Peggie's Place! . . . Family Fun at Peggie's Place

TAGS: holidays, Mother's Day, Mom, devotional. Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

How Heavy Is Your Heart?

Is there a doctor in the house? He'd tell us exactly how heavy our hearts are--or would he? For I'm not talking about the weight of the heart inside your body; I'm talking about the weight of the burden inside your heart--and there's a big difference!
The Bible uses the word "heart" as an all-inclusive way of referring to our spirit, mind and soul--the seat of our emotions, our thoughts and desires, and our will. Sometimes it's light as a feather, as we tiptoe through life with joyful spirits, creative minds and uplifted spirits--those are the good days!

But hang on, for as sure as that heart muscle beats within your body, the burdens are sure to come. Responsibilities of family, work, church, home, school, all weigh us down and it can get pretty heavy! Sometimes it overwhelms us--we've all been there. It's heavy--but it's NOT a heavy heart! So what IS it??

A heavy heart happens when the responsibilities and concerns of life move down into your spirit--when anger, depression, false guilt or fear overwhelm us, weighing us down in discouragement, defeat and despair. Ever been there? Someone else has been there too--matter of fact, he's the cause of it all! The father of lies loves to load down Christians with emotional weights too heavy to carry, then delight in our dilemma. He's a heavy heart specialist...and he's good at what he does. So is there a REAL Heart Doctor in the house?

Yes, a thousand times, yes! He's the heavenly Heart Specialist--and He's here to help and heal your heavy heart today. He is STILL the Great Physician for the mind, the soul and the spirit, as well as the body. Come with that burdened, heavy heart, be it weighed down with anger, depression, false guilt or fear. Bring it to the Lord...and let HIM lift the load. Believe it--He will lift your heavy heart--and you will have a wonderful day!

Scripture: "...When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)"

Prayer: "Lord, my heart is heavy today--with emotions for which there are no words. You see deep within me; You know what I feel and why I feel it. Thou Great Physician, lift the heavy weight within my heart this day. Replace the load with Your love, peace and joy. I trust You, Healer of my heart, In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Copyright 2001 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved. Not to be copied without permission.

Tags: life, stress, heartbreak, devotional. Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith, Spiritual warfare.

How Heavy Is Your Heart? - A Christian devo at Peggie's Place

For moms who need encouragement:

Is there a doctor in the house? He'd tell us exactly how heavy our hearts are--or would he? For I'm not talking about the weight of the heart inside your body; I'm talking about the weight of the burden inside your heart--and there's a big difference!
The Bible uses the word "heart" as an all-inclusive way of referring to our spirit, mind and soul--the seat of our emotions, our thoughts and desires, and our will. Sometimes it's light as a feather, as we tiptoe through life with joyful spirits, creative minds and uplifted spirits--those are the good days!

But hang on, for as sure as that heart muscle beats within your body, the burdens are sure to come. Responsibilities of family, work, church, home, school, all weigh us down and it can get pretty heavy! Sometimes it overwhelms us--we've all been there. It's heavy--but it's NOT a heavy heart! So what IS it??

A heavy heart happens when the responsibilities and concerns of life move down into your spirit--when anger, depression, false guilt or fear overwhelm us, weighing us down in discouragement, defeat and despair. Ever been there? Someone else has been there too--matter of fact, he's the cause of it all! The father of lies loves to load down Christians with emotional weights too heavy to carry, then delight in our dilemma. He's a heavy heart specialist...and he's good at what he does. So is there a REAL Heart Doctor in the house?

Yes, a thousand times, yes! He's the heavenly Heart Specialist--and He's here to help and heal your heavy heart today. He is STILL the Great Physician for the mind, the soul and the spirit, as well as the body. Come with that burdened, heavy heart, be it weighed down with anger, depression, false guilt or fear. Bring it to the Lord...and let HIM lift the load. Believe it--He will lift your heavy heart--and you will have a wonderful day!

Scripture: "...When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. (Psalm 61:2)"

Prayer: "Lord, my heart is heavy today--with emotions for which there are no words. You see deep within me; You know what I feel and why I feel it. Thou Great Physician, lift the heavy weight within my heart this day. Replace the load with Your love, peace and joy. I trust You, Healer of my heart, In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Copyright 2001 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.
Visit Peggie's Place on the Web.

Featured link: The Emergency Room at Peggie's Place

Tags: life, stress, heartbreak, devotional. Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith, discouragement, crisis, depression, emotional issues.

Surfing Kidz - fun links for kids & families

Easter Resources and links for family fun:

Bible Story - The Story of Easter . . . Resources for Easter - coloring pages, crafts & more

'Twas the Night before Easter - the Easter story in rhyme that kids will love!

The Jelly Bean Prayer
Resurrection Cookies--interactive for families!

Easter for Kids!
Bonus.com's "Got Eggs?" Easter page--fun and safe site for kids

Easter quilt patch--Cherbear's Den
Easter Story Eggs for kids from Annie's Home Page
Resurrection Eggs

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Brain Teaser Resources for Kids

Sudoku for Kids . . . The Daily Sudoku for Kids

Child Sudoku: Solve and Create Sudoku Puzzles

Niehs Kids' Pages - Optical Illusions

Trivia--from Surfing the Net with Kids

Brainteasers: Surfing the Net with Kids
Crossword Puzzles--from "Surfing the Net with Kids"
Bible Quizzes, Puzzles and Riddles - Childrens Corner

Tags: Bible stories, Easter, Sudoku+for+kids, brain teasers for kids, mom, discouragement, Easter resources for kids, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

'Twas the Night before Easter: An Easter Parody at Peggie's Place!

Kids of all ages and generations have loved and memorized "'Twas the Night before Christmas!" - it's a classic we all love. How about a night before EASTER? It's here - and you can find this popular Easter parody, based on the classic poem, at Peggie's Place: "'Twas the Night before Easter!". While it is basically written for adults, it's a wonderful introduction to the wonder of Easter for children. Parents, feel free to use this poem at family time or devotions to make the Easter story come alive for your kids!

In addition, if you have teens in your family, here's a contemporary topic for both parents and teens: The Lost Tomb of Jesus! It's all over the news - and there's a Christian perspective you will enjoy at Peggie's Place, a page to strengthen your faith as a Christian parent and/or teenager. See The Resurrection Connection for newslinks, Christian commentary and inspiration.

Tags: Easter, Lent, Resurrection, children,poetry, Jesus Tomb, Lost Tomb, devotional. Christian, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith, Christian family, Christian teens, parents.

A Birthday Party for Jesus at Peggie's Place

Note to Mama: Enjoy these two links with your children. Modify the text as necessary to fit the age-appropriateness for your child. Then follow the instructions for a family birthday party for Jesus.

A Birthday Party . . . . . A Special Invitation to a Birthday Party.

Birthday parties mean birthday cakes! Find a simple box recipe for a cake and let your kid(s) help you make it. Decorate it to say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus" and add as many candles as you like - Jesus is ageless!

It's time for the party - after the kids help you decorate the room - simple ideas like balloons will be fine! of course, you'll want to sing carols and perhaps play a charade game with the titles of Christmas carols. A drama of the Christmas story would be fun for the whole family. Be sure to read the Christmas story from Luke 2.

Then light the candles and let everyone join in singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. Blow out the candles, let each person pray a sentence prayer thanking God for sending Jesus, and then - what's next? - why, of course, eating the CAKE!

A family hug would be in order too - enjoy this special time with your family! Merry Christmas!

P.S. Christmas resources are abundant at Peggie's Place. Visit A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place and a special resource page for lots of fun!

Tags: Christmas, devotional, holiday, Christian, Jesus, Bible, kids, Christianity, family, Christian faith.

Fun Links for the Christian Family

Enjoy a tour of Peggie's Place to find resources of interest and fun for Christian families!

The Fun Room
Fun for Families
Fun Reading for Kids

Homeschooling Resources for Parents
Family Resources for Parents

Sports resources
Space resources

JungleWorld for Kids: A series of Christian learning and fun for kids!!

Coming soon: Thanksgiving! and "Don't Let the Grinch Steal Your Thanksgiving."

Tickles 'n Truth - humor and inspiration at Peggie's Place - for parent who need a laugh and a lift out of life's pressures!

Enjoy lots of humor and inspiration? You'll find additional links at Fun 'n' Faith resources.

Tags: fun, children, mom, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Kids and Crisis: Talking about 9-11

Each year on September 11, we remember the tragedy of 9-11. We as adults have difficulty coping with the terror and tragedy of that day--and we turn to God, our only hope and find comfort and hope.

But what about the kids? How do they cope? Are they afraid? Of course! How do you as a parent or teacher explain 9-11 and terror to preschoolers and elementary kids? Let's begin by turning children's thoughts to a God who loves them and who cares when we are sad.

Here are a few links of sites to direct your children's thoughts to God and His Love:
Kids Talk about God
JungleWorld for Kids - a series for kids begun by Peggie
FamilyFun at Peggie's Place

911--related sites to share with children:
5-minute Video of President Bush with the children on 911

Follow the video with a learning activity: Explain simply what happened on 9-11. Encourage your kids to draw their own story of 9-11. This is one way for kids to cope with tragedy and fear. Then share this site and pray with your children for the kids of 9-11: The Children of 9-11.

There are helps on the Web for you as a parent to review and find help as you discuss tragedy with your children and specifically the 9-11 tragedy.

Four Things to Tell Children after 911
Annie's Links to Christian Sites of Comfort and Tribute
A Christian site with 911 resources (scroll down for a section by kids and for kids on 911)

Connect for Kids: Helping Kids Cope with Trauma
Helping Children to Cope with Tragedy
NASP - A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope
NASP Resources - Coping in Unsettling Times
Helping Children Cope with Terror

American Library Association/Children and 9/11 - Books That Help Children

Tags: 911, terror, children, tragedy, mom, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

God of the Empty Nest - A Peggie's Place Devo for Mama!

Excerpted from Fun 'n Faith Newsletter - Back to School Edition.
One of the many features at Peggie's Place, the most fun Christian home on the Web!

It's nest-emptying season as little kids soon begin kindergarten, bigger kids begin elementary school, big kids start high school and the really big kids head for campuses across our nation and world. Moms and Dads feel a loss and there's grief--it's to be expected. Kids haven't a clue, except the kindergartners with a little "I don't want to leave my Mom. I'm scared" feeling!

So what's it like out there in the big world? Mama worries; Mama's kids wonder--but off they go, into a new world of adventure and learning. It's another school year--who knows all the apprehensions, anxieties and adventurous spirits that young and old experience with "new beginnings"--whether it's mom or her kids, it's there! Is there ANYONE who can identify/relate, actually help us through it all?

Yes, yes--a thousand times yes! For "once upon a time"--and it's NO fairy tale--a loving heavenly Father said to His Son, "Go! Leave this beautiful place called heaven. There's alot of people down on earth who need Our love, Our help--and Our redemptive plan. Go--save the world; bring them back to me--I've got a wonderful plan, but You must leave home for it to work!"

And leave He did. Our Savior left the ivory palaces to come to our dirty, grungy world...right where we live. He left the nest--but it was necessary, for God had a plan, a plan with PURPOSE, to one day FILL that nest again--with folk like you and me! Thank God He emptied heaven's nest so WE could be included--and thank God that HE knows how it feels! Remember, whether you're a mom, dad, grandma, grandpa emptying the nest--or you're the kid leaving the nest--He knows!

College student, away from home for the first time--after that initial fling of freedom, you're going to miss home! Honest! But take comfort--for He knows! He's been there...Jesus left His home in heaven--with purpose--and He moves you out of the nest also with purpose--for the work He is preparing you to do!

Have a great school year in that great big NEW nest God has prepared for you....Come back once in a while, OK? Hamburgers will be on the grill, pizza in the fridge, pasta on the table--and plenty of love in our hearts! We're going to make it, you know--for we serve the God of the empty nest--He KNOWS--and HE'S gonna help us all! Believe it--and have a great year!
P.S. If you're not a "nester," forward this devo on to someone you know who IS--it may help them more than you will ever know!

Scripture: "As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings, so the Lord alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him (Deuteronomy 32:11)."

See also "He's MY Child Too"

Prayer: Lord, all the "nesters" of our world come before You today, some with apprehensive, anxious hearts, some with anticipating, adventurous spirits--we gather before Your Throne knowing that You KNOW us, better than we know ourselves! You've been there--You've sent YOUR Son from Heaven's home so we too might be included in your heavenly plan. Thank You for being there for each of us--wherever in the world we find ourselves this day--YOU are there--and we thank You, In Jesus' Name, Amen."

Copyright 2000 by Peggie Bohanon, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.

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Note: Busy parents buying school supplies are much too busy to read ONE fun or faith link!
Take a break, everyone, and choose your favorite links from the archives below - and Happy Shopping, Mom and Dad!

A FEW FAVORITES FROM PEGGIE'S PLACE...
Back to School Resources
The School Room
Homeschooling
School Resources

--Read entire newsletter: Fun 'n Faith Newsletter - Back to School edition.

Tags:Mom, school, devotional, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, homeschool.

Fun links for Christian kids and families

Hi, Mama and family!

Here is a space-related fun link for the whole family to enjoy....

Heaven Quest Universe - Christian sci-fi for kids.

Then, here's a favorite you might want to bookmark for more space adventures from the real world of space and astronomy:
"Let's Blast Off to Space" - a Peggie's Place feature for kids and adults.

Don't go yet - take your kids to Tigers 'n Teddies: A JungleWorld Adventure at Peggie's Place for some fun space-related links for kids.

When you come back from outer space, be sure to take your family to FamilyFun at Peggie's Place - lots of links and family-friendly resources for Christian kids.

TAGS: Science fictionscience, kids,
space, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, Creation, Christianity, faith, fun, Christian faith.

A Child Prays

As July 4 approaches, Christian families in the USA will pray for America, the country they love. You will be touched by this awesome flash presentation of a child praying for America and the world. Invite your children to listen and view this presentation with you - then take a moment to pray with them for America and the world.

An audio and video flash presention: A Child Prays.

For many Fourth of July links and resources, see these pages:
God Bless America (Revisited)
Fun, Faith 'n Freedom: Celebrating the Fourth at Peggie's Place
Fourth of July and Freedom-Related Devotionals at Peggie's Place

--See Fun 'n Faith Newsletter for many more holiday links.

Wishing you a happy and safe Fourth of July....God bless America!

Tags: America, july 4, holiday, prayer. Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith, freedom.

All Aboard MRS. Noah's Ark - for MOMS!

Mom, it's time for a break - enjoy these Mother's Day-related pages (Note: The first devo, "All Aboard MRS. Noah's Ark," is extremely popular on the Net.)

All Aboard MRS. Noah's Ark
Lessons Learned in Mom's Taxi
Lifelong Lessons for Making Mama Happy
Meet MRS. Jabez
The MAD Hatter
Where's the Proverbs 31 Woman?

Tags: spiritual, mother's day, mom, devotional, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Easter Resources for the Christian Family

Enjoy 'Twas the Night Before Easter, an Easter parody by Peggie Bohanon, especially popular during the Easter season and a family/church favorite on the Internet.

Holy Week Reflections - Devos for Mom & Dad.

Here's a few more links to enjoy:

The Easter Story.

Annie's Resurrection Cookies Page.
Back to the Bible Easter drama: The Twelve Voices of Easter.

Easter Egg Story for Kids

DaySpring movies
The Walk
He Is Risen

Jeremy and the Easter Egg

Ten Top Reasons Why Jesus Is Better than the Easter Bunny

Easter dinner
Georgia's Ukrainian Easter Eggs

Find many more links at Easter Resources at Peggie's Place!

Tags: Holy Week, children, kidsLent, Easter, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Tigers 'n Teddies: A JungleWorld Adventure, #7

Tigers 'n Teddies: A JungleWorld Adventure!
"Where kids growl, grin and grow in God's love!"

Created & Edited by Peggie C. Bohanon, writer, editor, webmaster of Peggie's Place!

Jungle World, Issue #7 – Pilgrim's Progress for Kids, Part 1.
For preschoolers and early elementary kids!

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TigerTime
A jungle playground where I play, play, play!

(Use easy-to-make "Turn-Around Twins" puppets-on-a-straw – with circle faces taped at the top of the straw, back-to-back – one is "Tiger" and the other, "Teddie." You will also need two grocery sacks, each one with the animal's name on it. If you can also find a stuffed-animal lion, that would be great!)

Tiger (with a big sack on his back, titled "Tiger's Sack"): Ohhhhh, this is so heavy, and I HAVE to carry it 'cause MY NAME is written on it.

Teddie: I'm sorry, Tiger....but I'm glad I don't have a big heavy sack to carry!

(Just then, Teddie groans, because a mysterious stranger just put a big heavy sack on HIS back, and HIS name was on it.

Tiger: Oh, no, Teddie - this is awful and I am getting VERY tired. We have far to go today. We will be visiting the Lion's Den.

Teddie: I can't carry this all the way to see the Lion - you must be crazy!


Tiger: Well, we have no choice - check it out--the sacks are taped tightly to our backs! We would need SUPER strength to ever get these heavy things off our poor, hurting backs.

(Tiger and Teddie kept going, walking slower and slower, bent over with the heavy sacks on their backs - but they FINALLY got to the Lion's Den.)

Teddie: Is this going to be scary? I don't like scary things!!

Tiger: No, my best friend, Sammy Squirrel, told me that it is the best place to visit in the whole wide world. I wonder what he meant!

Teddie: Well, we'll find out right NOW cause we are here. Whew, I'm tired!

(Tiger and Teddie knocked on the door and the most friendly Lion they had ever seen greeted them. But before he invited them into His den, He said, "Please - lay down those heavy sacks by the gate.")

Tiger: We'll try but we can't do it by ourselves. The sacks are taped tightly to our backs.

(The Lion moved closer to Tiger and Teddie. "Why, don't worry; that's what I am here for. Would you like Me to help you?

Tiger and Teddie: YES, YES - please do. We don't want to carry them any more.

(And that's exactly what the Lion did. He easily removed the sacks and helped Tiger and Teddie place them by the gate. OH, it felt SO good not to have those heavy sacks on their backs!)

Tiger and Teddie: Thank You, thank You, but HOW did You do that?

Lion: Come on into my den. It's warm and cozy, and I have a wonderful story to tell you.

(Would YOU like to hear it too? Then come back next week for another part of the story. Lion is a very special Friend to all of us. You'll see!)

BUT don't leave yet! I have another story to read and show you on the Internet. It is especially written for kids, based on a very famous story for adults many years ago. The book is titled, "Pilgrim's Progress," and it will remind you of the Lion story you just heard! Let's go surf the Net!

;-) --------------------------------

TogetherTime
A jungle tour thru the Bible where I learn awesome Bible stories!

Today's Bible story: Read (or let an older child read) part 1 of an exciting story, "Pilgrim's Progress," especially written for kids (it is quite long so you may want to take an entire week to read it--a portion each night.) Thanks to the Web site of Online Bible for Children. (Visit this site for many more stories your child will enjoy.)

;-) ----------------------------------

Ted & Teddie Time (for boy & girl teds & teddies)
A jungle talk-time where I learn to love God, family, friends & ME!'

Give your child (or children) a paper grocery sack, crayons and decorative items or colored paper, paste and child-safe scissors. Work closely together decorating the sack (silly or serious) and then help your child print his/her name in large letters on the sack. (Be sure to make one for yourself too!)

Now pretend you are both on a journey with HEAVY sacks on your backs. With bent-over posture, pretending the bag is heavy, hop, skip, jump, run or walk on a pretend path to a pretend lion's den (could be a big cardboard box, decorated if you wish). Roleplay the skit above, concluding with a hint of who the Lion is (Jesus Christ, Savior of the world). Let your child anticipate the next chapter in the story.

Pray, thanking Jesus that He is our Savior, and a Helper to us all. When we are sad, lonely or afraid, He will be there just as the Lion was there for Tiger and Teddie!

;-) ----------------------------------


Time to JungleSurf !
A family visit to cyberspace with fun links for kids!

Today's Featured Link:

As your family prepares for Easter, read 'Twas the Night Before Easter - you will be reading it several more times in the next few weeks approaching Easter.

That's all, folks! See you next time!
Your friends, Tiger & Teddie

Tigers (National Geographic for Kids) . . . .
Brown Bears (National Geographic for Kids) . . . . Lions.

Copyright 2006 by Peggie C. Bohanon of Peggie's Place, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.

Tags:
story, kids, Christian kids, children, mom, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, Pilgrim's Progress, Christian faith.

Where in the World ARE You??

A Christian devotional for the hard times.......all families have them!

Remember Waldo--the horn-rimmed glasses guy who sold books, puzzles and games as we searched the world for him? Fun for kids of all ages, to be sure! But this isn't that kind of a fun search. For when trapped miners die, when an Olympic bomb explodes, when a plane crashes, when an earthquake devastates, we look up into the night sky and cry, "Where in the world ARE You?" And THAT'S no fun!

But let's bring it closer home. For when a child lies dying of a terminal illness, when a teen loses her virtue to a mad rapist, when a dad slams the door on his family, when a wife is beaten by a crazed husband, we look up into the night sky and cry again, "Where in the world ARE You?"

A letter came across my desk some time ago, relating a story of a 38-year-old woman and an unbelievable account of abuse, pain, and heartache. This woman looks at her pastor and asks, "Where was God when all this happened to me?" What do you say? What answers do you give? Are there any answers at all?

The humanity in me wants to scream, "I DON'T KNOW! THERE ARE NO ANSWERS." And then the Spirit of Christ within me speaks, "I Am the Answer. It is found in Me." And so from thoughts and stirrings deep within my heart, I share my soul with you. I hope someone, somewhere, will feel and know the presence of the Lord in the midst of their pain.

Where in the World WERE You?

He was there--on the Cross, suffering the agony of your pain, your abuse, your heartbreak. All hell broke loose on the Son of God as He hung on the Cross bringing salvation to our world and to your soul. Yes, He WAS there, feeling every pain, every abuse, every injustice. He has suffered it for us and with us. And He will be there for you. Look upon His Cross, and know that there is room there for YOU. For where there is unspeakable evil, there is unspeakable grace. Believe it, and LIVE!

Where in the World ARE You?

He is HERE, in your life, waiting for a personal relationship with you, stronger and more intimate than you have ever known. For He is the "ever-present help in time of trouble." The Omnipresent One. The One who wants to walk, talk, and breathe with you, to be involved in your life.

For He's a personal Christ. A Christ Who reveals Himself to YOU! A Christ Who becomes Rhema, the living Word, to YOU! And the Christ who awaits your personal response to Him. HE is the Answer to your questions. But trust is only cultivated in close, loving relationships. Are you willing to be transparent with Him? To divulge your deepest, darkest secret to Him? You will find no condemnation; only love. He will be there to understand and to uphold you in any circumstance. In any evil. For where there is unspeakable evil, there is unspeakable grace. Trust Him, and LIVE!

Where in the World Will You Be?

He WILL be there in every tomorrow. For the Power of the Cross not only cancels the past and comforts the present, it controls the future. Nothing can come to you without first passing through Him. No problem. No heartbreak. No evil. He sits upon His Throne, mighty to the pulling down of every stronghold in your life, past, present, and future. He is enough for time and for eternity. Unspeakable evil will never conquer His unspeakable grace!

Someday the last question will be asked. The last injustice will be inflicted upon humanity. For He will indeed have the last word. It will be a word of authority, casting down dominions and powers and evils from the beginning of time, and for all eternity.. Satan Himself will be cast down, no longer to molest, harm, and malign the people of the Cross. And HE shall reign forever and ever. Until that day, we believe. We trust. We wait, knowing the ultimate answer is in His keeping. And all is well!

And that's just a word...or two, from my heart to yours!

Scripture: "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)."

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away (Revelation 21:4 KJV)."

Prayer: "Lord, I am full to the brim with unanswerable questions, both for my world and for my life. There ARE no answers, only YOU. Help me to know that You are enough; where there has been unspeakable evil, there will be unspeakable grace. I trust You, and commit the unanswered questions of my life into Your safe keeping. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

;-) ----------------------------------

Devos to turn January from blue to blessed....you WILL survive!
Battle of the Blues ... How the Beat the Jelly Belly Blues ... More Jelly Belly Beatin' the Blues!
Breakdown Blues ... The Monday Mornin' Washing Machine Blues ... Shadows on the Wall ... A Song in the Night"

Tags: depression, life, stress, article, devotional. Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

When Life Hands You a Lemon

For Mama in the kitchen: When life sends you a lemon, make lemon bars!! (Scroll below for two Christian devotionals based on LEMONS!)

A Yummy-Good Snack for the Family!

Combine 1 cup flour, 1/2 cup butter, 1/4 cup confectioners sugar. Mix well and pat down into a greased 8 x 8 pan or glass baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

While baking, get ready to put on top: 1 cup sugar, 2 eggs beaten well, 2 T. flour, 2 T. lemon juice (optional for best flavor: use fresh lemons), 1/4 t. vanilla.

Pour this over the first layer and bake 25-30 minutes more. When cool, add a glaze of powdered sugar, a little hot water and a pinch of salt. Add chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) over top of the glaze before the glaze sets. Cut into small bars or squares when glaze is firm--and ENJOY!

NOTE: Double the recipe, using a 9 x 13 pan, for a larger crowd.

Want a taste of spiritual food?
See Lemon Bars and also The Lemonade Stand - enjoy devotionals based on lemon bars!

Tags: Tags:recipes, kitchen, life, stress, article, devotional. Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Tigers 'n Teddies: A JungleWorld Adventure, #6

Tigers 'n Teddies: A JungleWorld Adventure!
"Where kids growl, grin and grow in God's love!"

Created by Peggie C. Bohanon, writer, editor, webmaster of Peggie's Place!

Jungle World, Issue #6 – For preschoolers and early elementary kids!

;-) --------------------------------------------------

TigerTime
A jungle playground where I play, play, play!

(Use easy-to-make "Turn-Around Twins" puppets-on-a-straw – with circle faces taped at the top of the straw, back-to-back – one is "Tiger" and the other, "Teddie." You will also need two small mirrors, gift-wrap and several boxes.)

Tiger (carrying a BIG box): I know a secret, I know a secret.....

Teddie: Tell me, please......puleeze???

Tiger: Nope - it's MY secret and I'm keepin' it......In fact, this is MY gift and I'm keepin' it too!

Teddie: That's selfish - I don't want to be your friend anymore. I'll just go buy MYSELF a present all for ME!

Tiger: Go ahead -- it won't be as nice as mine, I know!!

(Teddie goes off to WalMart, finds a present that SHE likes, wraps it, and returns to the land of the TIGER!)

Teddie (carrying a TINY box): I know a secret, I know a secret......

Tiger: Tell me, please....puleeze???

Teddie: NOPE - it's MY secret and I'm keepin' it.....in fact, this is MY gift and I'm keepin' it too.......

Tiger: That's selfish - I don't want to be your friend anymore.

(There is silence out in tiger and teddie country, both Tiger and Teddie very unhappy. THEN, Teddie has an idea.........)

Teddie: Hey, Tiger, wanna trade? You take MY gift and I'll take YOURS........

Tiger: Hmmmmm....that might be interesting. If you bought your OWN gift, it is probably pretty nice........hmmmmm..........OK, let's trade......

(Teddie and Tiger exchange gifts. They open the presents and both of them let out a YELP......YELP..........I don't believe it...........)

Teddie: Thank you for the mirror, Tiger, the better to see myself....but oh, I look a little selfish.......

Tiger: Thank YOU for the mirror, Teddie, the better to see ME with.......but oh, I look a LOT mean.......

(Oh, NO - they each bought a gift for themselves, something they would like and what was it? A mirror so they could see how they REALLY looked to other people.....handsome and beautiful, of course!)

Teddie and Tiger (now laughing): What a trick we played on ourselves. But we found out something i- When we smile in the mirror, the mirror smiles back - it looks lots better than when we were mad! AND know what? It is LOTS more fun to GIVE a gift to someone than even to get one yourself!

As Teddie and Tiger walked off, almost bumping into each other, looking into their mirrors, they decided gift-giving really WAS fun!

Teddie: Merry Christmas, Tiger......you are SOOO handsome.......thanks for protecting me - and thanks for the mirror - it is the bestest gift I ever had.

Tiger: Merry Christmas, Teddie........you are SOOO beautiful.......thanks for making me feel better when I am sad - and thanks for the mirror - it is the bestest gift that I ever had too!

Friends again. And all because of two Christmas mirrors let them see how beautiful they could become - if they would just laugh at themselves and love each other and each be thankful for a bestest gift from a bestest friend.

That's exactly what happened with a special Gift that God gave to us one starry night long ago.....Listen to the story!

;-) ----------------------------------------------------

TogetherTime
A jungle tour thru the Bible where I learn awesome Bible stories!

Today's Bible story: "The Greatest Gift" (by Jennifer Edwards)

Be sure to learn the Bible verse that is in this story activity!

by Linda Edwards –
The Children's Chapel . . .
God's Story for Children

Another great Bible story site: Online Bible for Children.

;-) -------------------------------------------------

Ted & Teddie Time (for boy & girl teds & teddies)
A jungle talk-time where I learn to love God, family, friends & ME!'



Play a neat trick on someone in your family. Ask mom or dad to let you borrow a small mirror. Print a little note saying, "I love you, ______________ (insert name), just the way you are! You are beautiful (or handsome or pretty. I'm glad God gave you to me to be a part of my family. Love, __________ (sign your name).

Carefully wrap up the mirror and note in Christmas gift-wrap and put it in a lot of "nested" boxes so it takes the gift-receiver a LONG time to find the gift. Be sure that person reads the note out loud and then all can play the "Merry or Mad" game. See who is the winner of the merriest and the maddest faces and give them a Candy Cane.

Have fun and then pray, thanking God for each person in the family, God's gift to each one--on the good days and the bad days too. Be sure to thank God for the very special Gift He gave to us all at Christmas - His Son, Jesus Christ, who loves us when we are merry AND when we are mad....and wants to help us be loving, smiling gifts to each other - so when we look in the mirror, we see a smiling face that pleases the Lord!

;-) -----------------------------------------------

Time to JungleSurf !
A family visit to cyberspace with fun links for kids!

Today's Featured Links:

Christmas at Peggie's Place - Visit A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place for LOTS of fun links for the whole family!


That's all, folks! See you next time!
Merry Christmas from Tiger & Teddie

Tigers (National Geographic for Kids)
Brown Bears (National Geographic for Kids)

Copyright 2005 by Peggie C. Bohanon of Peggie's Place, Springfield, MO. All rights reserved.

Thanks, Grandma George, for the Kids line graphic.

Tags: Tags: Christmas, kids, children, spiritual,
life, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Christmas Is for Kids!?!

And we're ALL kids, right? Here are family-friendly Christmas links for the entire family to enjoy, from "A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place"! - have fun, but let's remember, it's HIS birthday!

A Top Ten Christmas at Peggie's Place

Top Ten Reasons to Celebrate Christmas

Top Ten People to Invite for Christmas

Top Ten Places to Celebrate Christmas

Peggie's Christmas devotionals

Christmas Resources

Your Invitation to a Birthday Party (1)

A Special Invitation to a Birthday Party (2)

In Search of the Christmas Beast

The Christmas Rose

'Twas the Night before Christmas (Politically Correct)

The Christmas Carol Quiz

Peggie's Italian Cookies

Merry Christmas from Peggie's Place!


Tags: Mama's Place: Christmas, kids, children,
spiritual,
life, parenting, Christian, Christian family, family, Jesus, Bible, religion, Christianity, faith, spirituality, Christian faith.

Turkey Humor for Kids

What does a turkey say?
"Gobble, gobble, gobble"?
Not always!

A jewelry-lovin' turkey?
"Bauble bauble bauble"

A dyslexic turkey say?
"Boggle boggle boggle"

A turkey in the shoe repair shop say?
"Cobble cobble cobble"

A turkey with a sore leg say?
"Hobble hobble hobble."

A football turkey say?
"Huddle, huddle, huddle"

A dieting turkey:
"Nibble, nibble nibble."

A one-legged Cockney turkey
"'Obble 'obble 'obble"

A turkey who argues a lot:
"Squabble squabble squabble."

What does Dr. Seuss' turkey say?
"Tweedle beetle paddle battle puddle wobble hobble gobble."

Then there was the dizzy Turkey who just went:
"Wobble wobble wobble!"

;-) ---------------------------------------------

For Mom and Dad:

Know how to prevent sagging? Just eat till the wrinkles fill out.

;) ------------------------------------------------

--Selected from Mikey's Funnies.

;-) -----------------------------------------------

Recommended Web site for kids:
Turkey Talk Fun.

;-) -----------------------------------------------

Tags: humor, kids, thanksgiving, mom, Christian, Christian family, family, Christian faith.