CrossRoads Messages

05/21/2026

Memorial Day Service: Lenora, Kansas Sunday May 26, 2019

Invocation: I want to thank everyone for coming. I want to express appreciation for all who has made it possible for us be able to join together to remember those who paid the ultimate price with their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. For this day is set aside to remember and honor those who died serving our country, those who did not get to take off the uniform.

Pennie and I rode our motorcycle into Gettysburg, Pennsylvania – as we rode into the city you could feel the cost, lives lost, the sobering feeling of the reality of the bloodshed of sons, fathers, husbands, the brave men who died in battle. I would like to share the words of President Lincoln who wrote in what is believed to be the second draft of the Gettysburg’s Address, which is owned by the Library of Congress. President Lincoln wrote, “It is fitting and proper that we should do this…” To do what, to take time to honor those who have died serving our country.

Let us Pray: “Lord we want to thank you for giving us this day to honor those who have died for the freedoms we enjoy. I want to thank you for all who has done the hard work of getting everything in order so we may honor your soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives, men and woman whom you had raised up to fight for us. May your Holy Spirit be in every Memorial Day service being held this week. In Jesus Name I pray.”

Message: Those who have taken time to do the hard work of study and research have come to understand what one of America's Founding fathers, John Jay, knew – “After careful investigation along with fair reasoning of the whole of Scripture, which record institutions, declarations, and interpositions of the Almighty God, one can only determine that war is as lawful today as in the day of Abraham.” This is especially true in a nation with the motto, “In God We Trust.”

In the Book of Psalms, (Psalm 83:1-8) there is a description of nations whom will always have hostility toward the people who believe in God. There has been from Biblical times to the present day, the necessity of battles and war to protect a people whose desire is to live out what is good and right, protection from those whose desire to be dictators and tyrants. General George Washington said, "One of the best ways to keep peace is to be prepared for war."

From Biblical times to the present, there has been and will be those who pay the ultimate sacrifice – their lives in battle. Just as King David took time and told the people he ruled over to remember those who have fallen in battle (2 Samuel 1:17) – we are told in the Bible to give honor to those who deserve honor. (Romans 13:7)

The Words of Abraham Lincoln, “It is fitting a proper we should…” honor those who have fallen in battle. There are true accounts of fallen soldiers which should be shared about on the nightly news which long surpass the media’s coverage of the upcoming elections. It would be good for Americans to be reminded, especially in May, which is Military Appreciation month to hear daily of the lives sacrificed for our freedoms which out ways covering issues of the day of confusion over sexuality and good morals. The media and especially social media would be better off they would set their focus on brave men and women who are being awarded with medals of valor, which overshadow the Grammy’s, The Oscar’s and the Bill Board awards.

According to the U.S Department of Affairs, Memorial Day is not only to commemorate those who have died in battle, but to give honor to those who live with the scars of battle received in seasons of war. I think of Buck Doyle, a gunnery sergeant in the U.S Marines Corps. He stood in a snipers direct line of fire in order to help a close friend, Sgt. Nick Walsh, who had just been hit by the sniper’s bullet, while Sgt. Walsh was being drug to safety.

There is the account of Cpl. Kyle Carpenter who received the Medal of Honor for jumping on a gr***de to save his friend while in combat in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. His wounds were countless shattered bones throughout the body, shrapnel in both legs, carotid artery in neck punctured, he lost most of his teeth, had a collapsed right lung, lost most of his jaw, lost vision in right eye, he had brain surgery to remove shrapnel, had a fractured skull, and he flat-lined three times.

Much of his body suffered from the effects of the blast, there was a tattoo on his right side which was untouched, stating Psalm 144:1 “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.”

During a Fox and Friends interview, Cpl. Kyle Carpenter was asked about his tattoo. Listen to his reply: “My fellow Marines and I understand the mortal nature of the profession, and my faith is important to me. This absolutely pertained to me and my fellow Marines that were going to be to the right and the left, fighting day in and day out. We all understood that there was a good chance that many of us were not going to make it back.”

Jesus said, there will be wars and rumors of war until the end. (Matthew 24:6) There will be those who will not make it back and there will be those who suffer the physical and mental scars of war. President Lincoln’s statement is as true today as it was at the Gettysburg’s Address, “It is fitting and proper [we should honor them].” Make time and effort to show compassion to families who have lost loved ones, fighting for the United States of America. Be creative in helping and assisting those who live with the physical scars of severing in the Armed Forces. Thanks for listening and make time to thank a veteran of the Armed Forces.

Benediction: Army Ranger, Captian Russle Rippetoe valiantly gave his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had earned the “Bronze Star” and the “Purple Heart.” While his body was laid to rest, his father Lieutenant Colonel Joe Rippetoe gave a farewell solute after a passage of Scripture, which was engraved on his dog tags was read. It was a promise given to Joshua, the commander of the Lord’s army, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage. Be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee.” Captain Russell Rippetoe joined a noble company of service and sacrifice of men and women who were strong and courageous and did not back off of their call and duty to the United States of America.

Let us pray: “Father, we thank you for all who gave their lives in service to our country. May you give comfort to all who have lost loved ones. Move your Holy Spirit to do what we cannot do. Guide them, provide for them and watch over all our military families. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

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05/21/2026

God's Wonderful Flower of Remembrance

Most people associate Memorial Day with firing up the barbeque, opening the beach house and other rituals of the summer season. Years ago, Memorial Day was a more somber observance of the departed, especially those of service men and women lost in war. For those who have lost a father, mother, son, daughter or a dear friend during a conflict of war, the term Decoration Day touches their hearts in a different way in comparison to the common modern observation of Memorial Day by most in this country. The whole of Scripture teaches us there is a conflict of war that takes the lives of all of us in its proper season, physical death. (Genesis 3:3; Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; James 4:14) The lost of these loved ones has left a scar needing to be healed just as well. It seems like in this day of self-indulgence and pleasure mentality, little is said or done to remember those who have fallen in the conflict of worldly and spiritual war. Thankfully, there are loved ones who see the need to commemorate the lost of someone who was dear to them.

We serve a God who is Sovereign and has in these modern times gave us flowers to commemorate the death of loved ones who have passed away. One of those flowers are Peonies. Peonies are the traditional flower for Memorial Day decoration of soldiers' and loved one’s graves. Pretty much everywhere, Peonies is the flower of choice for those who want a memorial remembrance that survives the winter of death - it is a flower which comes back year after year, often becoming more lush as the seasons go on and on. Peonies have been grown since the Middle-Ages in Europe. It came to American colonies and was carried out west by settlers in their wagon trains. It is hardy as an oak tree along with (most Peonies), exceptionally long-lived. On many farmsteads long neglected for centuries past, Peonies are the most persistent survivors while all other flowers have faded away. Deer and other pest do not bother them. (Home and Garden) According to Grade Side Flowers Inc. Peonies are a symbol of healing.

Before you can fully enjoy what the Lord has for us in His enabling mankind to produce Peonies, you must grasp the Sovereignty of God on all things. (Job 36: 23-24; 36:27-33; Job 37:1-13; The whole book of Ruth; Ester 5:1-8; Amos 1:3-2:3; Psalm 115:3-8; Acts 4:24; Acts 14:17; 1 Corinthians 15:28) The Bible says, "Oh, the depths of riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (Romans 11:33) "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things..." (Romans 11:36) "Through Him" (Greek: ἐξ—διά—εἰς) means God and Christ are the maintainers, preservers, rulers over all things that happen upon this earth. (Word Studies in the New Testaments; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16-17) C.H. Spurgeon wrote about God's Sovereignty, "There is no attribute more comforting to His children than that of God’s sovereignty. Under the most adverse circumstances, in the most severe trials, they believe that His Sovereignty has ordained their afflictions, His Sovereignty overrules them, and His Sovereignty will sanctify them all. There is nothing for which the children ought to more earnestly contend to than the doctrine of their Master over all creation—the Kingship of God over all the works of His own hands—the Throne of God and His right to sit upon that throne...for it is God upon the Throne of Whom we trust." - (Galaxies Software. (2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press)

Christians know that it is God's Sovereignty in creating Peonies, they understand it is His hand in preserving and blooming them in just the right time for us to enjoy around Memorial Day. Peonies can be a wonderful choice to plant at grave sides. They will still be there when those who planted them have passed on. In most parts of the world, Peonies can be a yearly reminder, after winters death has done its worse, spring conquers, just as Christ conquered death and the grave by rising again on Easter Sunday. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) Those who have died in Christ, did not feel winter's death, they went on to be with the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:50-58) Peonies are a symbol and reminder that Christian loved ones are not in the grave, but alive in Christ in heaven. Just as the root of Peonies are under ground during winter's death, then comes spring, producing new life, there will be a day of resurrection. Christian bodies will come out of the grave to meet the Lord in the air. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Christians will receive a glorified body that will last forever. (1 Corinthians 15:35-37, 42-44; Philippians 3:20-12) The consequences of sin and death will no longer bother them or have any kind of victory over them.

This Memorial Day season, let the beauty of Peonies remind you of our Lords victory over winter's death. Let Spring's beauty remind you of the beauty of Christian loved ones being in heaven, no longer being affected by this sin-cursed world. Let God's wonderful flower of remembrance raise up a joy of hope, there is going to be a resurrection of those who are in Christ, receiving an eternal body that will last forever. One that will be incorruptible, perfect and glorified just as Jesus' Body is.

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05/21/2026

Stones of Remembrances
The Importance of Gravestones

Genesis 35:19 – 20 says, “So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel's tomb.

Rachel, the daughter of Laban was the one for whom Jacob worked for a total of fourteen years. (Genesis 29:15-30). The Bible says Jacob loved Rachel so much that his first seven years of labor to Laban (the first down payment for Rachel to her father) “seemed like only a few days… because of his love for her.” Here in Genesis 35:19-20 we see Jacob being a true mourner. He placed a pillar, a gravestone as marker over the burial place of the woman he loved. Biblically, Jacob is known for setting up stones of remembrance for life changing events in his life. (Genesis 28:18; 31:45-47; 35:14) Here in Genesis Jacob sets a stone of remembrance over the grave of Rachel so that she may be remembered long after her death. (Matthew Henry Commentary) According to Scripture, Rachel’s burial place is clearly remembered up to the time of Samuel. (1 Samuel 10:2; The Pulpit Commentary; The Expositors Bible Commentary) A brief allusion to Rachel’s grave site is also found in Genesis 48:7 and the prophet Jeremiah alluded to Rachel’s burial site. (The Expositors Bible Commentary)

There are writings of antiquity which indicate that Rachel’s grave was well marked so her life and legacy might be remembered. There are writings in the fourth century placing Rachel’s grave within the Turkish Chapel Kubbet Rachil (Robison, Vol. 1 page 322; Tristrain, “Land of Israel” page 404; Thomson “Land and Book” page 664; Stanely, “Sinai and Palestine” page 149) This chapel was placed about a half hour’s journey from Bethlehem. (The Pulpit Commentary) There are websites that have information about Rachel’s Tomb that show pictures and have written history indicating that her stone of remembrance has impacted lives, even to this day. (www.lifeintheholyland.com www.scared-destinations.com) Please find the truth in this study. We are in God’s will if we take time to set up a stone of remembrance for the deceased. It is under His Sovereign control what becomes of it.

Matthew Henry writes, “It may be good for us to keep this in mind [the placing of Rachel’s Stone] so others may be encouraged to set up memorials.” It is important to put in place markers, gravestones, headstones, tombstones or statues of remembrance so others may remember the life and work of those who paid the way before us. Nacie Carson wrote, “A gravestone is a maker used to delineate the location of a burial site for an individual, family or group.” Most people alive today can expect to be remembered through the ages by cemetery headstones personalized to include their names, dates of birth and death, special designs, and other relevant information. Even people whose bodies have been cremated (a tradition whose popularity is increasing dramatically) are often memorialized with cemetery headstones installed in their family cemetery plots. This is in keeping with the advice of many psychologists who say that, even if a person's ashes are scattered at sea, having a specific, special place in which to memorialize a loved one is an important part of any family's grieving. Besides their obvious emotional value, cemetery headstones are also valuable to historians who often need to document people's lives for decades, or even centuries, after death has occurred.

Headstones are typically used as the memorial of any person who has passed away to serve as “Stones of Remembrance” of their life. Only the Lord knows how someone’s grave stone will affect a person’s life. There is a truth in what Jacob did for his wife that is worth grasping. We certainly must honor those who loved us by showing the act of sacrificial love by setting up a “Stone of Remembrance.”

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05/17/2026

News Release: Bible Teacher Terry Laughlin will be at the United Perish Church in Lenora, speaking a message “Reasons We Congregate.” Service starts at 10:30 A.M. This message is featured on SermonCentral with nearly 19,000 reading having a 5 Star rating, stating “This message is helpful to those who read them.” For this we are thankful to the Lord and would love to have you join us.

05/02/2026

Influential Mothers
Are Sympathetic

Christian mothers have the promise of positive influence through being supportive and sympathetic. Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Holy Spirit led mothers share in the rejoicing and mourning of their children.

One of our most respected men in America, President Ronald Regan was known and appreciated for his expressions of emotions. In the moments of national tragedy, when the shuttle was destroyed, when our men were killed in Lebanon he cried openly. It is a proven fact that strong trusted leaders are not afraid to express their emotions and often whereas weak leaders often show little emotion, especially over the joys and hurts of others.

Jesus is our example, he wept with those who wept (John 11:35) and he rejoiced over the salvation of Zacchaeus. (Luke 19:9)

The most influential mothers are those who grieve when their children grieve and rejoice when their children are rejoicing. A few years ago I had the privilege to meet Pastor Don McMinn. He wrote a Bible study titled, 11th Commandment. While teaching “Comfort One Another” he shared the testimony of a time when his mother’s tears really comforted him. Several weeks before he started first grade Don broke his ankle. His dad rescued him and took him home. His dad figured that it was just badly sprained so he did not take Don to the hospital until the next day. Don’s mom was working late at the grocery store and it was somewhat late into the night before he saw his mother. When she walked into his bedroom Don was crying. The first words out of his mother’s mouth were not “How did this happen” or “Dad, why didn’t you take Don to the hospital?” Rather her first words came with tears, “Oh, sweetheart, I’m so sorry.” Her words so comforted him.

Pastor Don’s great Bible study on the “One Anothers in Scripture” reflect the powerful effect that Dr. Don McMinn’s Christian mother had on him as he was growing up.

A Christian mother’s life has a powerful effect on her children.

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05/02/2026

Influential Mothers
Are Supportive

Influential mothers are sensitive to the spiritual needs of their children and they will sacrifice self to plant those seeds. They are also mothers who are supportive. Proverbs 15:4 says, “The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life…” One of our modern day Bible translations puts it this way, “Kind words bring life but cruel words crush the spirit.”

A Christian mother will take to heart the fact that she must surrender to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to be supportive in her speech. Kids can be ruthless and they can hear words from other kids that tear them down. The last thing your child needs to hear when they come home is “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” That’s not true. A broken bone heals faster than a broken spirit. Mothers who are under the control of the Holy Spirit will see failures as opportunities for giving words that can heal.

I once saw a Peanuts cartoon. A little red-haired girl calls Charlie Brown on the phone and says, “Hey, Chuck, guess what? I am running for Queen of the month of May at our school.” Charlie says, “That is interesting, Lucy has already been chosen Queen of May at our school. She is standing here right now wearing her crown.” Instead congratulating Lucy, the little re-haired girl, tears Lucy down to build herself up and says, “Your school has pretty low standards, Chuck!” As you watch the cartoon play out, you see Charlie Brown looking at Lucy is a sense of compassion and saying, “Lucy, she says Congratulations.”

There are a lot of things that are going to happen in the lives of your children that are going to cause them to realize that they do not measure up to other people’s standards and they are going to realize that they have a lot of maturing to do to be able to achieve what God has for them down the road. That is when they need to hear words of support from mom.

Christian mothers take these times to tell their children who they can be in Christ, that every child of God has Holy Spirit gifts that will enable them to do great things with the Lord that will endure forever.

There is no greater feeling than to see our children discover their Holy Spirit given gifts and watch the Lord mature the exercise of those gifts. It may be the gift of helps, showing compassion, music, preaching and teaching the Word of God, or any of the other twenty-one gifts that the Holy Spirit may give them. When children find their identity in Christ and what He has called them to do, they overcome the anxiety and the frustration that can come with trying to measure up to everyone’s standards.

05/02/2026

Influential Mothers
Are Straightforward

Influential mothers are sympathetic, yet there are times they must be “Straightforward.” Proverbs 27:6 says “Wounds from a friend can be trusted…”

Sometimes, mothers need to be candid and frank, leveling with their children, telling them when they are blowing it, when they are letting the sins of the flesh, the lures of the world and the lies of Satan overcome them. Christian mothers call sin, sin!

Many of you have seen the bumper sticker that says “Real friends don’t let friends drive drunk.” A friend will step in front of an intoxicated driver and say, “You are about to make a big mistake and you are endangering not only yourself, but those around you as well.” An influential mother will warn a child and do all they can to stop their children from driving through life under the influence of the flesh, the world and the devil.

No one wants a physician who will sugar coat the problem, but will spell out the heart disease and has the courage to say, “You need surgery or you are going to die.” Influential mothers will spell out the spiritual heart disease, surrender their children over to the Great Physician and ask Him to do whatever it takes to cleanse their child’s heart of those blockages that are keeping or draining the spiritual life out of their children.

05/02/2026

Influential Mothers
Are Spontaneous

Influential Mothers are not only straightforward but also must be “Spontaneous.” Galatians 6:10 says “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

This passage of Scripture has a phrase that must be noted, “…as we have opportunity…” All mothers are very much aware of the term, “Teachable Moments.”

Influential Mothers prayerfully look for opportunities to do good to their children, especially opportunities which can cause their children to think and live Biblically. Instead of being influenced by their peers, Christian mothers help their children compare what their friends want them to do with what the Bible says. Some children were given a movie to watch and were told that it was a pretty good film. The film by the whole of its teaching taught values contrary to Biblical truth. Their mother took the time to show her children how to compare what was in the film to what God’s Word says is truth.

In order to keep their children from being polluted by the world view through movies, books, video games, music and friends. Influential mothers will stir their children’s minds and hearts to what God’s Word says. Through the Holy Spirit inspired written Word, God’s instructions are, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)

Influential mothers seize the moment to get their children to ask these questions, “Is what I about to do causing me to meditate upon the Lord’s will for me? Is what I am watching, reading and doing grieving to the Holy Spirit of God?

Influential mothers seize the opportunity to stir their children to God’s Word in the selecting of friends by giving warning of what the Bible says, “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

Influential mothers take every opportunity possible to implant in the minds and heart of their children that they are to be “Holy Spirit-filled, Word Minded Christians” and as they grow older, their hearts will be changed and influenced by the desire to find God’s good and perfect will for them.

05/02/2026

Mothers of Influence

It is a great privilege and responsibility to be a mother. No one has a more profound and enduring influence upon those around them than a mother raising her children in the fear and wisdom of the Lord.

Timothy, was one such young man who was greatly influenced by the God-given women in his life, and he became a great preacher of the gospel. It seems clear that Timothy had been converted to Christianity during the apostle Paul’s first missionary journey at Lystra. He had matured so well as a Christian that only two years after his conversion he was ready to become an apprentice to the great apostle Paul and soon became one of his most trusted helpers. (Philippians 2:20) Eventually, as Paul’s personal representative, young Timothy was asked to remain in Ephesus to oppose the false religious teachers.

Paul referred to Timothy as being “faithful in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 4:17) Timothy’s faith was no mere dry creed, no mere outward show of piety. He did not “do church” for appearance’s sake. His faith in the risen Christ could endure persecution and suffer loss; he could live or die for the sake of Christ with the sure hope of eternal life. Paul had the highest confidence in Timothy’s fine track record as a Christian worker. Paul writes, “But you know that Timothy has proved himself…” (Philippians 2:22)

Paul saw a firm foundation in Timothy’s life. “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1: 5) Timothy’s grandmother and mother were staunch believers who had taught him the Scriptures from his earliest years of childhood. (2 Timothy 3:15) Paul exhorts Timothy to “…continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” (2 Timothy 3: 14)

How often Christian mothers have been used of God to raise sons for the ministry of God’s church!

The “Burning Bush” records the testimony of a mother who sacrificed things of this world and her own desires so that she could spend much time raising her children in a Christian home. She writes, “I had no time to indulge myself in many things. I was busy cultivating their hearts with affections. I could not adorn their bodies in fine clothes, though I kept them neat at all times. I have my reward now. My sons are ministers of the gospel. My grown-up daughter is a Christian woman. I have a thousand beautiful memories. I have the sweet consciousness of having done all I could to make them ready for whatever work God called them to do.”

Proverbs 22: 6 promises, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
Mothers who want a positive eternal influence on their children will teach them about genuine faith in Christ and make sure they get true teaching from God’s Word. This is a firm foundation to lay down for your children.

Mothers… first, make doubly sure you have a close and growing personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Then, do all in your power to pass that on to your children!

05/02/2026

Influential Mothers
Ask The Question

God’s Word is full of instructions on how to live in such a way that could enable your children to enjoy the abundant life promised in Christ. Influential mothers who want to capture the hearts of their children for Christ, take to heart what is written in Philippians 2:3 and 5, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.”

The best thing a mother can do for her children and family is to let the humility of Christ flow in and through her. A Christian mother who has been taught of the Lord on how to apply this principle in raising of her children will know the joy of sacrificial living. She has been taught of the Lord the difference between working to get ahead in life and of working for the good of the family--especially for her children’s eternal future.

This Christian mother will train, equip and care for herself in a way that benefits the family. A mother of godly influence works to keep herself healthy, alert and well equipped for the work God has laid before her.

She will ask herself the most important question, “Will this or that ensure a Christian upbringing of our children or will it keep us too busy for the things of God? Many a Christian mother has done without in order to enjoy the pleasure of sacrificial love, doing what it takes to ensure that her children are being brought up in the faith as Timothy’s mother and grandmother had done.

D. E. Buffaloe spoke so appreciative of his mother’s sensitivity to his need to know about the things of God, and especially her need of living a God fearing life before her children. She made the time to teach him to pray and made sure he had what he needed to learn about the Lord Jesus. She denied herself certain pleasures in order to have the finances and especially the time to help oversee the spiritual training of her children.

When he grew up he did what many have done, he walked away from the teachings and the Christian example of his mother. After being beaten to the point of unconsciousness, he found himself lying in the hospital bed in a Juvenile Hall in California, scared to death. It was at that time he remembered the teaching of his mother about prayer and the Word of God, thus, he prayed a real heartfelt prayer to receive Christ as Savior and Lord.

He is now a pastor of a church and he makes this plea to all mothers on this Mother’s Day, “Mothers, [be sensitive to your children’s need of] turning off the television and worldly distractions and make the time to plant seeds [that the Holy Spirit can use to lead your children to Christ]. [Lay a] foundation that will cause them to consider Christ.”