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Emma and Ethan
Laugh Again
One
day, mother picked up Emma and Ethan after school.
Emma was crying, and Ethan was trying not to cry.
They had a bad day.
"What's going on, precious? Oh, sweetie..."
Mother hugged the children and comforted them. Then, she told them
what her mother taught her when she was a little girl,
"When you are going through a hard time, you should pray.
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins,
as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation,
but rescue us from the evil one."
Emma and Ethan listened real close, and mother added,
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father
will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father
will not forgive your sins."
"Oh, Mommy, I love you!"
"You're the best!"
"Are you both all better now?"
Emma answered, "I'm so happy, Mommy. What else did your
mommy--grandma--tell you?"
"Yeah, mom, tell us!"
"When you are happy, you should sing praises to God. Psalm 150 tells us,
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!
Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn;
praise him with the lyre and harp!
Praise him with the tambourine and dancing;
praise him with strings and flutes!
Praise him with a clash of cymbals;
praise him with loud clanging cymbals.
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord!"
"Praise the Lord!" Emma and Ethan said at the same time,
then they all started laughing together.
"That's the joy of The Lord, children, the wonderful, awesome
joy of the Lord! Jesus is our strength..."
"Thanks Mom."
"Good night, Ethan. Good night, Emma."
"Good night!" They answered at the same time, then started giggling.
"Oh, you two, go to bed!"
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Reference: James 5, Matthew 6, Psalm 150 (NLT)
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