MEMORIES, OLD AND NEW: KIDS CAN HAVE FUN DOING JUST ABOUT ANYTHING!

OH, THE MEMORIES OF BEING A CHILD

Looking at this picture, I cant even begin to imagine how much fun living 'in the woods' could possibly be. No matter the season, all the tall trees (ours happen to be white oak mingled with a pine tree here and there). This picture shows the happiness on this child's face, I can only imagine that perhaps they were playing "hide and seek", maybe even throwing snowballs at each other once they have found the one's hiding. More than likely they would have built snowmen, and had snowball fights, also done a little sleigh riding. When I was a child, we even went sleigh riding on an old car hood.. you couldn't steer it, but a lot of kids could pile on.. Giggling all the way down the hill, and running into something at the bottom and falling off, or bailing off before you hit whatever it may have been, and laying in the snow laughing! Then again, raising 3 children of our own (all 100% boys) and having a foster son for 11 months... and then babysitting all my life (I started babysitting at age 10, things were different then and you could trust younger kids with other children), also running a day care for 11 years... I realize that 'KIDS CAN HAVE FUN DOING JUST ABOUT ANYTHING! AH, and the laughter!!! Thrills my heart even today, hearing children really laugh! Something so special about it, I guess only a mother can feel. No wonder Jesus loves the children so much! Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Matthew 18:2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, Our God is an awesome God, for sure!

Now, don't get me wrong, I am not saying I would like to be a child again... not by any means! Except being a child of God! Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. Matthew 18:4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.... But the memories of my own childhood (my siblings and my friends) , and memories of my children's childhood, and even all the many, many children that has been 'in my care' over my lifetime... The memories are wonderful and at the top of the list is the happiness and laughter of the children! Secondly (the pay wasn't all of that) but the love, devotion, and the hugs made up for it! Thankfully, they made it all worth while! I always said 'jokingly' that when I get to heaven, perhaps I will be assigned to the nursery, and that would be fine with me. LOL : }

Sad to say, seems like a lot of little children don't get the chance for all the happiness and laughter. So many are neglected, or abused in all kinds of ways. I know it breaks God's heart to see the children treated and mistreated like so many of them are now days. But we still have to believe that GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL. He knew things like this would happen when he allowed 'free will' and He made allowances for it Matthew 25:40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Personally, I think there will be extra punishment for those that abuse children! Perhaps He will have them to stoke hell up just a little hotter for them! Who knows, but I do believe that He has plans for them, the Bible tells me so! You can't talk about children now days, and leave out this sad chapter in many of their lives. God bless and protect each of them, please and thank You in Jesus name.

But, back to the bright side of children and memories. One of the best memories is that when my husband and I were children, you never heard of all the abuse. Times were a little harder and we had more responsibilities (by far) and chores and such, but there was nothing wrong with that. We didn't have all the modern things such as computers, and fancy electronic games and such, but we sure did enjoy going outside and spending time with each other and our friends. It only made our play time even more special! Back then, you felt completely safe in your own neighborhood. Hope your childhood and memories are as special and heartwarming as mine are! God bless each of you! Love and prayers for everyone that takes the time to read my humble little blog. One of my favorite songs as a child was

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,

For the Bible tells me so.

Little ones to Him belong,

They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me,

The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me, He who died,

Heaven's gates to open wide,

He will wash away my sin,

Let His little child come in.