When my granddaughter was four years old, she spent some time with us during the summer. I took her to her favourite fast-food restaurant, and she got the much-anticipated kid's meal with its treasure inside. For some unknown reason, I bought the two-for-one sandwich deal, of which I ate one and took the other with me. I had no idea what I was going to do with it. Fifteen minutes after we left the restaurant, we stopped at a stop light, and there was a homeless man. He was dirty, unshaven, and had rags for clothes. I gave him the extra sandwich and proceeded on my way. From the back of the car, I heard this little voice saying "Was that God?" I answered, "Yes, I guess it was — when we do something for someone in need, we are doing it for God."

What this incident taught me was that our little ones are watching us all the time, and we can make a big impact on them by what we do. I thank God that I had the opportunity to share this moment, and many others, with my granddaughter, and to have real input in the sculpting of her character. She is eight years old now and is truly a caring and giving soul.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. (NIV)

Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You for the gift of children. May we always realize that they are watching us and learning from what we do. Give us patience, self-control, and loving and kind hearts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

A few weeks ago, I was tested on my faith that "All things are possible with God." (Mark 10:27 NIV) I had been studying Genesis, and specifically, reading about Abraham and Sarah, and Abraham's test with the sacrifice of Isaac. At the time, thought to myself, "I hope I am prepared for the test when it comes." I just didn't expect it so soon.

One early morning two weeks later, I had put a cup of water into the microwave to heat. When I took the cup out, the boiling water shot into my face, burning my eyes and face. I was sure that I had lost my sight, because all I could see was light — no image at all. My husband rushed me to the emergency room. On the way, I remembered, "This is a test."

I started praying, and I put the situation into God's hands. An incredible peace came over me, and I knew that in some way I would be okay. Either God would heal my eyes, or He would make it possible for me to deal with my circumstances. As it turned out, my burns were just first degree, and I have healed completely. Our bodies are amazing, and especially our eyes. God is so good!

Let us thank God for His peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), which comes from His promise that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28 NKJV)

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, we know that nothing is impossible with You. Help us to remember this when life is tough and we become weak. Through faith in You, we have the strength that can move mountains. Thank You for being there every step of the way. Amen.

Editor's Note on the Danger of Superheated Water – For more on how to avoid the danger of superheating water in a microwave and having it explode when disturbed, see http://www.snopes.com/science/microwave.asp and http://amasci.com/weird/microwave/voltage2.html#coffee.

I fondly remember when I purchased my first new car and was able to pick the colour of the exterior and the interior. I loved that car. The day I got it was a very memorable day. I didn't think I could be happier.

Ten years later, after my daughter had had that same car at college for some time and it wasn't lovingly cared for and garaged, it looked nothing like the day I got it. When we sold it, I think we got a tiny fraction of what I had paid for it earlier.

The other day, I saw that same car, or one very much like it, going down the road, and it was hardly able to move. It's almost twenty years old now.

It made me realize how very fleeting our happiness with treasures of this earth really is, and it gave me a renewed goal to store up treasures in heaven which will not rust and become old and useless.

Prayer: – Dear Father in heaven, help us keep our hearts and souls focused on You and our heavenly home. Let us see earthly treasures for what they are: temporary pleasures that will be gone in a moment. Only Your gifts are everlasting. Amen.