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Psalm 103:1-5 – Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (NIV)
When I was nervous or trying to complete school assignments, I chewed pencils so fervently that my parents feared that I would develop lead poisoning (even though pencil lead is made of graphite). When my young granddaughter began chewing things, I didn't think too much of it, because I had outgrown the chewing habit, and so would she. However, the habit was a worry to my daughter, who discussed it with her friend who has two children who suffer from autism, which causes them stress and difficulties in focusing. The advice that she passed on was to buy chew necklaces.
Never having heard of such a thing, I decided to check it out online. I discovered Munchables, which are sensory chew necklaces that are recognized by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists for their ability to "replace inappropriate chewing behavior (i.e. chewing on fingernails, pencils or clothing) and to provide potential regulating effects for the sensory system — reducing fidgeting and promoting attention and focus."
After checking the site reviews, we placed an order. What a success they have been! Ade no longer exhibits inappropriate chewing, which gets her into trouble, when she is concentrating or fidgeting. Instead, she happily chomps away on one of her chew necklaces. Indeed, we have observed a reduction in her fidgeting in new situations, as well as an increase in her ability to pay attention and focus when we are working together on crafts and other projects.
God has also given His people a form of Munchables, for times when we are fidgeting and have our attention and focus diverted due to unforeseen circumstances that distress, frighten, or confuse us. When such things occur, we can inappropriately choose to worry, mull, and chew over these problems, stressing our minds, bodies, and emotions to their limit, being unable to calm down and get on with our lives, trying to figure things out for ourselves. Or we can chew on God's true and trustworthy Word that assures us that He is still in control — passages that remind us that we need not worry nor be afraid, words that reassure us that we need not be distracted nor fidgeting, truths that have the power to keep us calm and empower us to come to good and right decisions. After all, He is the One who forgives all our sins and heals all our diseases, who redeems our life from the pit and crowns us with love and compassion, who satisfies our desires with good things so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's. He is the One in whom we can rest and trust amidst any and all of life's circumstances, for His plans are always for our good and never our woe.
So, let's choose to munch upon appropriate words of wisdom and truth today that we might all discover peace and rest in Him amidst them.
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the truth and trustworthiness of Your Word that has the power to bring us life and peace amidst the circumstances of this world. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Thanks for sharing Lynne. God’s blessings.
A great idea, Lynne. Thanks, and blessings!
Thanks, Lynn. 2020 munchables: the Bible and prayer!
Dear Lynne.
Once again you have given us good stuff to “chew on.” Many thanks.
What a novel idea, Munchables. How blessed we are to have scripture to munch on, too. Thank you very much.
Amen to chewing on “The Word”, from a snack to a full meal, it’s thoroughly satisfying.
Blessings on your faithfulness in bringing us uplift and wisdom for each day.
(BC)
Good morning Lynn,
It is amazing what they come with these days. I had never heard of such a thing either. New things all the time but our Lord is the same today and forever.
Blessings.
Dear Lynn,
What a wonderful comparison and word of comfort and hope! What we all need in these times, and always!
I hope you and yours (and all your animals) are doing well this early winter.
Blessings.
Lynne, Thanks for sharing this devotional with us… never heard of chew necklaces. We had teething rings for toddlers, but nothing for older kids. In school, we were expected to just grow up and get over it. Outside of school hours, we had chewing gum. Thanks for jogging my memory again. Blessings.
Thank you, Lynne,
I learned something I had never heard of from a practical sense on chewable necklaces which help one overcome chewing items which are not beneficial to our well-being and also the spiritual application of such which I had not thought of. I now have something more to prayerfully reflect upon.
Blessings.
Dear Lynne
You know, I started reading this morning again and before finishing the devotional, thought that this has to be Lynne Phipps … and so it was. You have been blessed with such a wonderful writing style.
This powerful Psalm just lifted my spirits today and your words just brought it to life for me. “Praise the Lord oh my soul”. Such great confidence in our mighty God and Saviour in these difficult times.
Thank you, Lynne and peace be with you.
(On)
Good morning Lynne,
Many thanks for another special devotional today. I am familiar with the “Munchables” necklace as I have a little great grandson with autism that has the necklace.
Your analogy of God being our form of a “Munchable” is perfect. We can get such relief from our troubles when we seek God in the comfort of prayer and know that He is always there for us and that His plan for us is always the best outcome.
Blessings for the meaningful writings you do.
(B.C.)
That’s a whole new piece of info. As a teacher, I was always wanting the kids to “sit still” and listen; however, over the years I came to realize that many people listen better when their hands are occupied. The doodlers won out! I love this new way of affirming them … “to provide potential regulating effects for the sensory system”. I’m ever so grateful for that concept – that affirmation of a need. God bless Lynne; I haven’t been reading these reflections for a few months but now that I’ve started again, I realize how wonderful it is to think about The principles of God’s ways from all the different experiences that people describe.
Just imagine, a reckless of Grace!
Will chew on that anytime!
Hi Lynne, long time no hear from. BUT this is so appropriate for my current situation,
I know that God’s timing is always perfect and once again He has shown me the truth of this fact. I am very thankful you chose to submit this devotional for sharing at this time.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for informing us about what Munchables are. I have not heard of them before.
There is so much to learn. How well you wove it into your faith. Definitely what we tell our brain has great benefits to our everyday life. Remembering to start my day with words of gratitude and prayers to God, improves my thoughts and what I “munch” on as the day unfolds. I am glad that Munchables helps your granddaughter. I am glad that you continue to share your insights. May you munch on “appropriate words of wisdom and truth” and have a great day.