BOOK COLLECTION - NATHLEE AND ZOWAYNE

 

STORES

 Apple

Barnes And Noble

liseuses Vivlio

Rakuten Kobo

A Mother’s Journey to Healing and Redemption

STORES

Paperback Edition

Amazon paperback

eBooks
 Apple
Barnes And Noble
liseuses Vivlio
Rakuten Kobo

Educational Technology with Nathlee R.Grant

 

Barabbas and Me

Barabbas and Me

By: Nathlee Grant

In chains I came, bound to death

my fears I tried, desperately to forget

How can I face them, what an embarrassment?

I am doomed! Today I am dead.

In just a few minutes, my name will be called

And there is no miracle that would free me at all

At least that what I thought

…..  “I’ll take his place” says a still small voice

with such authority and power, calm and mild

I was lost for words and could only cry

For me?

Who would want to trade this place for me?

A wretched, self-centered, pigheaded sinner me.

“Yes” he said

I will take your chains for your freedom means much to me.

My Freedom, I cannot brag

As a matter of fact, I am still taken aback.

Who is that guy that took my place?

I mean that much to him, I am still amaze

What could my freedom mean to him?

I need to know, so that I can thank him.

He is my savior, I should make him my King

But embarrassingly I know nothing of him.

This will change, for if my freedom means much to him

Then it is my duty to know all about him.

His name is Jesus, the name they called

when they jeered, “Crucify him!”

I am forever grateful

Though I don’t understand

I am given freedom 

and I will live!

In Jesus’ Name!

Appreciate, Affirm, Accept and show Affection to Your Children

Appreciate, Affirm, Accept and show Affection to Your Children
By: Nathlee Grant

When we appreciate, affirm, accept and show affection to our children we give them materials that build self-esteem and confidence. This encourages them to confidently stand up for what they believe in and motivate them to do that which they aspire to do. When these materials are missing, the opposite is true, there is no self-esteem or confidence and as a result they shy away from situations.

I would only condemn me if I condemn you.

In reflecting of my love for my children, maybe two years ago, I realized that though I love them I was not able to express it. My expressions were anger and frustration which were results of unmet expectations. These unrealistic expectations only filled my heart with anxiety and fear that produces anger and rage. Pointing out their faults and flaws was easy since these would be the visible things in these moments. Constant strings of failure reminded them that they are failures. I was not in a position to authentically express appreciation, nor to affirm, accept and give loving affections to my children. I was too caught up with self-pity and doubt. I was relationally unhealthy. But you know, until we receive and accept God’s love we are not able or capable of giving love.

A mother responded to her child’s request, when he asked for help with putting on his shirt, saying “Are you a handicap, didn’t God give you two hands, don’t bother me and hurry up”. The child cried until he got the shirt on. Days later the mother was doing her laundry and wanted to have a conversation with her son, so she asked, “Son do you want to help me with the laundry?” Should I tell you what his response was? I will tell you nonetheless. He said, “Mommy I will answer you just as you answered me. ‘Are you a handicap, didn’t God give you two hands, don’t bother me?” Don’t think I am making this up, because I am not. Could he have known any other response considering this is the response he has gotten accustom to.

We can change the pattern:

I had to take a silent moment and honestly assess my feelings towards my children. I started by asking the tough questions:

•       Do I accept them for who they are?
•       Do I appreciate them?
•       If I do, can I affirm them?

 I went as far as to imagine some terrible things they could do and ask ‘can I authentically hug them in this’.

Our children need us so that they can be secure in who they are and whose they are.

Listen to Dr. Kathy Koch on Focus on the Family as she explains the 5 Core needs of a child.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_btaXpbk9g

Who are my enemies?

By: Nathlee Grant

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Romans 12:21

It is so easy to believe that once our spirits are against persons, they automatically become your enemies. Those persons who did us wrong; lied on us, teased, jeered, scorned, spread rumours, etc. were certainly not our friends and therefore are considered number 1 our enemies. Today I see differently and considered them indifferent, indifferent to me. The truth is, if I should be in some serious trouble and in need of help, I am more than confident that one of those persons mentioned would assist. So, who are my enemies?

My enemies are:

• ·       The bitterness that consumes my heart
• ·       The hatred that boils within
• ·       That anger that would make me kill and
• ·       Those bad-words I spoke about others

These are my enemies, my enemy is me; I breed them, feed them and live them. The very things that betray my soul.  But there is an antidote, LOVE; another language that requires learning. Love is not the butterflying feeling that hops in and out depending on the day, mood or seasons. Love is sacrificial choice that can only be learnt through perseverance & dedication.

¹¹ And so encourage one another and help one another, just as you are now doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11Good News Translation (GNT)

We are our brother keepers, indifferent as we are; we are here to help & serve each other.

¹⁹ Encourage each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord. ²⁰ Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ²¹ Be willing to serve each other out of respect for Christ. Ephesians 5:19-21

 ⁸ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: 1 Peter 5:8 

Romans 12:21New International Version (NIV)

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Imperfection and its place