Why?

A weird thing happened to me today. I found out that an organization that has nothing to do with us, Christian ministry or parenting had created a website using our name and a welcome video using our stated purposes, requesting that you give your name and e-mail address to join the “Legacy Moms Movement.” Well, I’m still not sure what their real intent was in this, but needless to say since Legacy Moms® is a registered trademark, those things have all been removed from the internet.

This got me thinking today about why some people will do things that they clearly know are illegal, unethical, immoral, or deceptive, just until they get caught. My guess is that when you have no moral compass or framework to judge right and wrong, then it is easy to think that the ends justify the means and that rules, laws and boundaries only matter when someone enforces them. The question is, how can we; as moms, teach our children to do the right thing-just because it is the right and moral thing, whether or not anyone would ever find out or not?

I believe the answer is in the way we present rules, boundaries and consequences. If we tell our kids what to do and what not to do, and imply that the only reason we obey rules is to avoid to consequences, then we are raising kids that can act moral when they need to, but don’t really have morals in their heart. This leads to adults who only stay within boundaries and laws when there is a risk of getting caught, and spend a lot of time finding ways to sneak around and hide their actions and choices. It also leads to the false belief that whatever pleasure or benefit comes from the choice is worth the consequence if and when it comes.

The remedy for this is to know why we do certain things, and why we don’t do other things in light of God’s Word because He is God and His Word is Truth. There is an absolute standard of right and wrong and it is found in the Bible. If we do the right thing because we love Him and have a personal relationship with Him, because we want to honor Him, and because we know that the boundaries of right and wrong laid out in the Bible are there for our own good, then we more often make moral decisions that hold others in high esteem and show personal dignity and responsibility. It’s not to avoid consequences, it’s because it sets us apart as believers. It’s all in the “why.”

By the way, if you happened to go to a site that you thought was us, and it sounded like us and what we are all about, yet required you to give your information to join, please let us know, especially if you are contacted for any reason.

Genesis 50:20 (New Living Translation)
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good."

Blessings!

Easter activity that creates memories!

If you have young children or grandchildren, this is a simple yet meaningful activity to do with them that really helps them grasp the true meaning of Easter. We will be doing this with our kids on Saturday night, hope you will too!

You will make these cookies and explain each part the night before Easter.

You need the following:

1 cup whole pecans
1 tsp. vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch salt
1 cup sugar
zipper baggie
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this is important-don’t wait until you’re half done with the recipe!)

Place pecans in zipper baggie and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.
Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3.

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp. vinegar into mixing bowl.
Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross, He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30.

Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life.
Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each child’s hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27.

So far, the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matt. 27:57-60.

Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matt. 27:65-66.

GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter, Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matt. 28:1-9

Have a blessed Easter!