Say What?

So, everyone knows that kids will ask a multitude of questions. Some out of genuine curiosity, and some out of the desire just because they know how to say "why?"

Well, on this particular evening, we were sitting at the dinner table having a conversation when Elsie stops and asks, "daddy, what's faith?"

I looked over at Dana with a big smile thinking... what a great opportunity.... but NOW what do I say?? I said a really quick prayer for a bit of wisdom and started thinking about Ephesians 2:8 and how we have faith in God and His son Jesus.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God..."

My prayer was answered in the form of a napkin.

I grabbed the napkin, wadded it up in my hand and asked Elsie, "Elsie, do you believe that I have a napkin in my hand?"

"Yes!"

I explained to her that she had faith and trust in the fact that there was a napkin in my hand even though she couldn't see it. Faith is knowing and believing without seeing I explained to her.

I know it was an imperfect analogy and will probably have to be revisited several times, but I'm thankful that her curiosity is providing opportunities to teach her.

Dedication verses for Elias

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

- Psalm 139: 13-16

The Refiner's Fire

But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.

- Micah 3: 2-3

Our Refuge and Strength

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

- Psalm 46: 1-3

Elsie's Dedication Verses

And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience a with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light.

- Colossians 1: 9-12