| "I know God loves me because he gave us our | | | | What about knowing God's love through talents? |
| family, sister, mom, dad and dog Sam," says Jeff, | | | | Dave, 10, knows the source: "God gave me the |
| age 9. Jeff, I'm glad you mentioned Dad before your | | | | ability to play baseball, the ability to play the piano, |
| dog Sam. | | | | and the privilege to go to Briarcrest, the school |
| "God made me so that I could run, jump and play," | | | | where my mom works." |
| says Megan, 9. "He gave me a very lovable and | | | | Wait a minute, Dave! I can see God's love in the |
| obedient dog." | | | | ability to play ball, or perform a piano concerto, but |
| Megan, when you and your dog run, jump and play, | | | | are you really saying it's a privilege to go to school? |
| do you ever cross paths with Sam? You'll probably | | | | You're way ahead of me. When I was 10, I was |
| find him right beside Jeff. Sometimes, I wonder if | | | | convinced school was a prison designed to prevent |
| God created dogs to teach us about unconditional | | | | me from having fun. But now, I see it's a privilege to |
| love and loyalty. Cats -- well, that's some other | | | | learn. |
| lesson. | | | | "I know God loves me because he helps me with my |
| Let's get down to basics. Preston, 11, says he | | | | requests and answers all my prayers," says Alex, 11. |
| experiences God's love "because I get up every day, | | | | You're right on target, Alex. Letting God help you |
| and I am able to see and move all my body parts." | | | | know what to request is one key to having all your |
| How many of us thank God for body parts? | | | | prayers answered. |
| Furthermore, how often do we remember those | | | | A wise person once said: "Be careful what you |
| who have suffered the loss of movement through | | | | request from God. He may give it to you." |
| an accident or disease? | | | | So far, we have dogs, movable body parts, senses, |
| Sikas, 9, drinks in God's love through her senses: "I | | | | brains, caring parents, talents, school and answered |
| think having all those senses can make you happy. I | | | | prayers as signs of God's love. |
| can see flowers, I can taste cake, I can hear birds, I | | | | Jordan, 10, will tell us about God's greatest |
| can feel my cat, and I can smell the flowers! God | | | | demonstration of love: "I think you know God loves |
| gave us all five senses, but some people only have | | | | you because He died for us. He died because He |
| four or three." | | | | loves us. And my parents tell me that He loves us. |
| You might want to read the story of Helen Keller. | | | | "And in the Bible, it says, 'God so loved the world |
| She couldn't see or hear, but she learned to | | | | that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever |
| communicate. She became a role model for millions of | | | | believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting |
| deaf and blind people. | | | | life' (John 3:16). There is also a song, 'Jesus loves me.' |
| "I know God loves me because he gave me a smart | | | | God loves us, and he always will." |
| mind," says Chris, 9. "He gave my parents the brains | | | | Point to ponder: God's love can change your eternal |
| to do their jobs that they are doing now so that I | | | | destiny and transform your motivation. |
| will be able to keep going to my school." | | | | Scripture to remember: "But God demonstrates His |
| Have you ever thanked God for your parents' brains | | | | own love for us, in that while we were still sinners, |
| and their desire to provide for you? Furthermore, | | | | Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). |
| everyone should use their noodle to consider that | | | | Question to consider: What motivates you, God's |
| God gave us brains, health and opportunities to use | | | | love or your own fears? |
| them. | | | | |