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Regina McIntosh's avatar

I empathize - with you and the 3rd grader! This is such a intriguing, thoughtful and thought provoking essay. Enjoyed and also, to its credit, got me thinking even more than I usually do. God bless you with many more inspirations for your readers.

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Abigail's avatar

I loved this piece. YES to asking questions! A couple of weeks ago I was teaching elementary age Sunday School about the temple and the tabernacle and the students were sooo confused about why God cared about the building. They kept reassuring me that he only cares about our hearts and it doesn't matter what the outside looks like. I had to sit with their questions and make them feel heard before they could appreciate this distinction between the old and new testament: how the outward symbols point us to the heart of what God is after. Their questions and confusion slowed me down to really grasp the enormity of what Christ did for us in declaring that we are now the temple and can now be filled with his Spirit. Your writing blessed me this morning. Thank you!

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Sarah K. Butterfield's avatar

I love that you took the time to sit with their questions. That is so validating for them! And it's especially awesome that those questions prompted you to ponder the enormity of what Christ has done for us. Teaching kids has stretched my faith in all kinds of good ways! And thank you for your encouragement this morning!

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Stories from Sweetbay Street's avatar

Love this post, Sarah! And I love how you’re encouraging those wondering questions! We are asking our kiddos why Jesus is better than anything each week- trying to instill a real love within their hearts instead of morality lessons. This can be difficult especially with the littles!

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Sarah K. Butterfield's avatar

That’s such a great framework to pass on to your kids! Love it!

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Jane Babich's avatar

Sarah, I love this post about asking questions we do not understand. It was life changing when in my 50’s a wonderful Biblical teacher encouraged me to ask questions about what I didn't understand.

To be honest, it took me time to get ok with asking God to help me with a scripture.🙃But, I am grateful that I did, and haven’t stopped.

Thanks again for encouraging us all to just ask…❣️

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Sarah K. Butterfield's avatar

I’m so glad that Bible teacher encouraged you to ask your questions! It can make such a difference to our faith!

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S Tomlinson's avatar

This is such an eye opening piece! I was that child who wondered and asked and it’s only now I’ve stepped into really seeking and going after the wondering with curiosity. And thank you so much for giving my post a mention too ❤️❤️❤️

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Sarah K. Butterfield's avatar

Happy to! And I'm so glad you are able to embrace your questions and your seeking!

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Mel Bjorgen's avatar

I was taught not to be too curious about the Bible. Now I am and I’m loving it. :-)

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Sarah K. Butterfield's avatar

It opens up a whole new world, doesn't it?

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