Because They Love and They Care

“Even the smallest act of caring for another person is like a drop of water – it will make ripples throughout the entire pond” – Jessy and Bryan Matteo

Valentine talks about Love. What kind of love? Is it only for couples who are in love? Well, I think it is not. Valentine can be celebrated with someone you love and it is not necessarily to be your girlfriend, boyfriend or your spouse. It can be your friends or other people.

Why should I related valentine and Firefighters here?  Well there is the story behind this and make me want to write about this.

We were so impress with how they love and commit into their job. They are so caring and loving kind person. My kids has always loved firefighters. They see firefighters as their heroes. And we have never thought of meeting up or even talking with them in person. Until, it happened….

It was last month, when TT had a high fever. For us, it is very high fever, reached around105F-105.8F. The fever kept going up from 103F to 105F within half an hour. Honestly we were so panic. The fever medicine didn’t really help on that time. We called 24 hours health consultant and they suggested us to call 911. We did it.

Surprisingly, the one who came was not the ambulance but the firefighters. My husband was the one who opened the door for them and said: “Sorry, but we didn’t call firefighters, we called ambulance.” 😀

It is something new for us that the firefighters will come and help us in this kind of situation. We just moved here less than two months at that time, and we don’t really familiar with the situation here. They explained to us.  Oh well, now we understand. They were three firefighters who came to our place with medical equipment and did some check on TT before the Ambulance came. They were Brian Pease (The Captain), Brett Gainey and Raiden Williams. ( I have got permission from them to mention their name here).

That time JJ was sleeping and TT was crying as he felt his body aching. Brett sat down close to TT and tried to comfort him. Checked TT’s temperature, gave him stickers and kept talk to TT while Raiden did some check on TT. In the mean time, JJ woke up, and Brett also tried to talk to JJ. They tried to make kids feel better. Meanwhile, Brian was downstairs as he needed to park the Fire Engine and he also came up and stayed with us afterward.

At the end the EMS came and brought TT to hospital. We cannot remember the EMS staffs’ name but they also did a great job. Once we reached the hospital, El Camino Hospital, the nurses did their job very fast and we were happy to have Dr Jonathan, around. I was blank that I didn’t even notice any name of people who helped us. I didn’t even remember all the name of the firefighters who came and helped us at the first place.

TT and JJ kept asking us to find those firefighters because they wanted to meet them. And yes, of course my husband and I also wanted to meet them because we really want to say thank you to them. They are really awesome. They sincerely helped and cared about us. They did a well done job, helped the citizen who needs help.

As we tried to find them, we called the Santa Clara County Fire Department and visited one of Fire Department near our place. We are glad that they helped us to find who was on duty in our case. They found it and give us their names and the address. Finally we were there, at Cupertino Fire Department.

They welcomed us and they really love kids. We really grateful that we can know them and they welcomed us when we visited them. They still remember us, and even Raiden remember that TT loves Penguin.

They play and spent time with our kids. We really appreciate it, because I believe that they must be very tired, because when we arrived there and visited them, they just came back from their duty.

Deep down in our heart, we really salute, respect and honor to them. Not only to them but also their family. They work to serve the citizen and country, and they even need to stay overnight at the station while they must be missing their family. Moreover, when there is fire, they even have to risking their own safety to save people.

Seeing our kids were so happy, make us happy too! As we can see that those three Firefighter were so happy too seeing our kids healthy and enjoying their time at the Fire Station. JJ gave them so many questions and they answered him 😀  Well I think I don’t need to describe what questions that JJ gave to them, but you can guess and imagine what kind of questions that can came from this little boy. At the end JJ said that he wants to become a fire fighter and TT said he wants to become a doctor.

They get this helmets and sticker badge from them and play as firefighters at home. whenever JJ and TT play this, JJ will acts as Reiden and TT as Brett.

Well, my kids will have my full support if they really want to become a Firefighter and a Doctor. But kids, they will still change their dream.

But still I really hope that JJ and TT can learn something from these Firefighters: HELP, CARE and LOVE others. Not only JJ and TT who need to learn but also me and you 😉

Thank you Brian, Brett and Rayden. Thank you for being there for us at that time. Thank you Cupertino Fire Department and thank you EMS Santa Clara County for your prompt action to help TT.

Especially Thank you to God who always watch over us and bless us with wonderful people around us 🙂

On this valentine day, some people including firefighters, will still need to work 24 hours and serve others. They will not spend their Valentine Day with their loved ones. But I believe, deep inside their heart and their family, they are happy as they can show their love by helping others on this Valentine Day.

We believe that they are happy when they can help others and see other people smile 🙂

And on this Valentine day, I would like to say Happy Valentine to all of you. Not only to my husband and my kids, not only to my family and friends, but also to all of you out there who read my post, including all firefighters, doctors, nurses, policemen and all other people who sacrifice their precious time to help others.

Not only because of their duties, I believe that Firefighters are helping people because of Love and Care for others.

Last but not least, Love your God and love others.

— HAPPY VALENTINE —

“Firefighters are some of the most selfless public servants you will ever encounter.” – Denis Leary

 

Teachers….. You will never be forgotten….

Early this year, when I came back to my hometown, I purposely visited my Kindergarten School and my Primary School in my hometown. Not much changing on the building and the class rooms. But I only met two Primary School teachers. One of them is my favorite teacher. She didn’t recall me at the first but then she started to remember me hahahah How? I am not that kind of quite student………. Active? yeah hahaha…

Surprisingly, when I visited my kindergarten school, expected all my teachers will not be there anymore because it was more than 30 years ago. They supposed retired already. And one of the teacher told me that there is still one teacher who is still teaching since my years time in this kindergarten until now. But she was off that day and out of town for training, so that I have no chance to meet her.

I clearly remember all my teachers’ name because they are important for me. They are good teachers. I really glad that I was before being taught by them in school.

Same applies to my kids. They are still in their kindergarten years now. It was not easy that they had to started their school years earlier than mine last time. Though it is for fun but I believe it is not easy for them especially during the pre-nursery and nursery years. They even had to took the school bus. But I am glad that so far so good. Why? I believe that their teachers have a very important role to make my kids love to go to school.

Sometime they will ask “Why it is not Monday yet” 😀

Teachers have very important role for our kids. Including our Chinese tuition teachers, Sunday School teachers, Music teachers, Swimming Coach, etc.

What I learn as a parent then?

• Trust teachers to ‘educate’ our kids.
• Support teachers in any tasks that they give to our kids
• Build a good relationship with teachers

Until now, we  even still keep in touch with my sons’ pre-nursery teacher. She is a very good teachers and both my kids were under her care. But we really feel grateful that our kids are under very good teachers in their school years so far.

We Just came back from long holiday and it was a long flight. My plan was to let them go back to school a day after they came back home. And it was just nice on the Teacher’s Day celebration at school.

But that is not what they want. They want to go to school once they come back. Miss their friends? Of course! But they also miss their teachers.

Yes… they love to go to school…. and one more thing…….. they love and enjoy doing their homework. So far… there is no complaint from them about their homework. Some time they even ask more and I have bought some activity books for them (they choose those books them selves).

Teachers have very important roles to make our kids love their school. And I am so happy that my kids have their best teachers so far.

Happy Teacher’s Day to all teachers all over the world 🙂

“Teachers who love teaching, teach children to love learning.”                                 – Robert John Meehan

Two Little boys say about their Daddy!

I always tell my kids that they should be grateful as they have a very good daddy who always willing to spend time with them every day after his tiring day in his office. And I can see that the strong bonding between them.

On this special occasion, I did a little interview to my two little kids 🙂

Mama: Do you love your daddy?

JJ: Yes!

Matt: Yes!

Mama: What do you like about your daddy?

JJ: Papa is the boss and Papa is so funny like a clown!

TT: He is the funny man, he looks like a clown and some more, Papa can do balance!

Mama: What do you like to play with your daddy?

JJ: Play fighting and Animal Kaiser

TT: Lego Star Wars, Ninja Go, Candy Crush, Showman, Animal Kaiser, Spiderman and Batman.

Mama: What will you buy for Papa on this Father’s day if you have some money?

JJ: Computer and Pen

TT: Shirt and Pencil

Mama: Anything that you want to say to Papa on this Father’s day?

JJ: Papa is the Super Papa!

TT: Papa is very cool!

————————————————————————————————-

 We have something to give to the Daddy! 

Note to the Daddy………..

Please always be wise saving your money in this coin bank so that we can have our next holiday trip 😀

Hi dads, all of you have an important role in shaping the character of your children and give your children a wonderful childhood for your kids!

“Walk With Me Daddy”

Walk alongside me, daddy
and hold my little hand.
I have so many things to learn
that I don’t yet understand.

Teach me things to keep me safe
from dangers every day.
Show me how to do my best
at home, at school, at play.

Every child needs a gentle hand
to guide them as they grow.
So walk alongside me, daddy –
We have a long way to go.

 Author: Helen Bush

Happy Father’s Day to all Daddy around the world.

“I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father’s protection.”

– Sigmund Freud –

On this Mother’s Day

“I love being a mother. It has its ups and downs but there’s no better feeling than unconditional love from my children. “

(Unknown quotes)

Mothers’ day…

People will start to talk about the love of mothers, unconditional love.

It is so true that Mothers’ love is the best and also unconditional love.

But on this year, I realize so many things.. Let me do some listings:

Mommy – Not a good chef.

Kids – Never complain

Mommy – Sometime lost patient

Kids – Never complain

Mommy – sometime pick up late from school

Kids – Complain sometime but never angry

Mommy – Happen before forget to come to school to watch their show

Kids – Never mind mama, next time don’t forget, okay

Mommy – Forget to prepare their crafts for school (Happened before)

Kids – It’s okay, I did other things in the class, mama.

Most of the time, they satisfy with what they have. Of course they want this and that, whatever their friends have, they also ask me to buy for them. And of course most of the time I also need to reject their request. But they are fine. Never nagging.

Recently, happened that I was too careless until TT got hurt on his finger. It was very bad, very painful, and he had to be brought to hospital with Ambulance and his finger needed to be stitched. When I said sorry to him because I was too careless, he answered me, ” IT’S OKAY, MAMA”

My tears all down, and some more, he was still able to smile at me even though he was in pain.

And on this mother day, I would like to share how I am so grateful having these two boys of mine, who always shower me with their unconditional love. All thanks to God.

They are not two perfect boys, but they are two amazing boys that God has given and entrusted to my husband and me, and we need to raise them properly, so that in each of their growth, they shall always glorify God.

As I am also not a perfect mommy, but I have my boys who always accept me as I am.

Happy Mothers’ day to all Mothers all around the world ^_^

“My sons love me no matter what, they make me smile, make me laugh, bring joy to my heart. When I need hugs and kisses from them, they will always be there. They really love me no matter what. ” 

Daddy + Children = Best Friends Forever

“The conscience of children is formed by the influences that surround them; their notions of good and evil are the result of the moral atmosphere they breathe.” -Jean Paul Richter

I just heard a story about a family which is broken apart because of the mother’s big influence to her children. Well, I share this with the purpose to remind all mother and father  (including me, my self, of course! ) who stay at home and rise their children to be careful with what we say.

“A child miseducated is a child lost.” -John F. Kennedy-

This is really happen, and I shocked and cannot believe it when I heard this story from some one. I will just summary the story. There was a mother who always bad mouth the husband in front of her two children since the children young and the result, the children hate the father. The mother and the kids hate the father. Now that his children grows up and married. Though the younger child has reconciled with the father but the older one, still hates the father until now and always say bad things about the father.

Well, we have to be careful with our mouth, it will really give big impact to our children. As for me, most family I know, the mother will stay at home and take care of their children and the daddy go to the office and work. So that the time that the mother spends with the kids are more than the time that the father spends with the kids. Kids will have strong bonding with the mother. I feel pity to that family, especially with the kids who grow up in hatred, moreover, if they hate their own parents.

Understand that between husband and wife will have some clashes sometime, but it doesn’t mean that we have to implicate kids in our problem. Kids need both, daddy and mommy. I believe that all daddy who go to work will also longing their children, especially who work far away from their homes. We know someone who work only as a waiters, once he told us that he missed his children so much. He worked overseas and his salary is not really much so that he cannot any how going back to his country to visit his children. He liked to talk to my kids and played with them when we have lunch or dinner at that restaurant.

We as the mother should understand and appreciate that our husband go to the office and  work not for themselves but for us and our children.

I might not be a perfect mom as well, but I really want to always learn. I always try my best to maintain the close relationship and strong bonding between the father and my kids. We should make our kids to have a good impression about their parents.

Some of what I do to make the kids having a good bonding with their daddy:

1. I always try to find a time when I can bring kids to my husband’s office area for having simple and quick lunch together.
2. I always persuade my husband to spend time with the kids on some special occasions, such as: kids’ birthday, children’s day, Christmas, Valentine day, Father’s day, etc.
3. I always remind kids that they are so lucky as their father willings to take leave and spend time with them.
4. I also sometime left the kids with my husband (without me) for few hours so that they will have strong bonding.
5. On the father’s day and their father’s birthday, I will help kids to prepare something for their daddy.

It just something which is simple that we can do to make our kids know how their daddy love them, their daddy has to go to work everyday for them but still willing to spend time with them.

I also can see how much my husband love JJ and TT, and I really want him always become my kids’ best buddy and also set a good role for them. Indeed, my husband is JJ and TT’s best friend, they play together, spend time together and kids always be very happy every time see the daddy coming back home. They even very happy whenever I bring them to have a quick lunch with their daddy.

I really learn something from the story above. My purpose to write this post is to remind us, you and me as a mother to become the best connection between the daddy and children. Make them become best friends. Make the kids so proud that they have a very good daddy, let them know that their daddy loves them.

Yes, the daddy is kids’ best friend, don’t make them become enemy, moreover when we know that the daddy really loves his children.

“No influence is so powerful as that of the mother.”
-Sarah Josepha Hale-

From Zero, Now THREE

Having children is a blessing for a husband and wife.

Three years ago, I gave birth TT, everything was out of our plan. The water bag bursted and we have not ready yet, my mom had not come yet. Honestly, I was not really that panic, it might because this is the second pregnancy.

I went to the hospital alone with a taxi. My husband had to take care of JJ at home. He was 21 months old that time. No contraction, but the water bag bursted already, this made me a bit worry and I asked for an operation. My doctor was very calm and asked me to wait.

Well, my husband insisted to accompany me at the labor ward, but how was about JJ? He cannot came along.. I am glad that I have one best friend, who was willing to accompany JJ staying at home and took leave from her office. She stayed overnight at my place with JJ and took a good care of JJ. JJ was fine with her. Anyway, they quite close to each other.

Since I was still at the normal ward, my husband stayed at home with JJ. One of my friends, accompanied me at the hospital and chatted with me. Midnight, the contraction came, and I called the nurse and they moved me to the labor ward. My friend had to go and my husband came to accompany me.

In the early morning around 2 am, TT born. We were so happy, but he was small because he came out earlier few weeks. But we were happy because he was very healthy. He had to stay in the hospital for four days because he was small. But then, we can brought him home at last.

JJ was very happy, I still remember the first time he can called his brother’s name, he was very glad.

TT grows well, his motor movement is very good. House become more merrier with one more family member.

Now he is 3 years old. He is a big boy now, goes to school already. He started to recognize some Chinese characters.  He knows a lot now. He is very chatty. He loves his brother, JJ. Most of the time, he will share what he has with JJ. They love each other.

We really see how much God loves him, nurture him and bless his life.

Happy birthday TT,

Jesus loves you

Daddy, Mommy and JJ love you.

Thank you God for TT

Love you, Love me

When we talk about love, we will start to think about wedding, valentine, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc.

But when we talk about love on the month of February, most probably is about VALENTINE. Yes, today is valentine.

Does valentine only for couples? How about the single? How about kids?

Some couples would have reserved their favorite restaurant, or may be go to the cinema, oh may be they will have candle light dinner at home, or they will go to somewhere to celebrate.

I still remember, the first time I got a valentine card when I was in my secondary school. Is that love? We were still to young then. But what is love then?

When I was still single, I applied the valentine day to all my family and friends, no special person. I had boyfriend, I started to get a rose and valentine card and even a special dinner. I didn’t celebrate with my friend anymore. I celebrated with my loved one. I married, I celebrated it with my husband, and now I have kids, I celebrate valentine with my family (my husband and my kids).

My hubby and I had a valentine breakfast in the morning and had a Korean valentine dinner with kids.

Morning valentine breakfast with Hubby

Handmade, special and simple flower from JJ

a heart by TT at his school

Does it mean I will not say happy valentine to my friends? No, it is not true! I also say it to my friends by SMS and I also received some Messages (SMS) from my friends on valentine day.

Valentine is not only for our boy/girl friend or our spouse, but you can express it to people that you love, include your friends.

At this chance, please let me say HAPPY VALENTINE to all my readers.

Just a short story from this morning: 

This morning,
JJ made a very simple flower from used paper and used plastic and gave it to me..
TT said: I love MiaMia (He gives me this special name)
My husband and I had valentine breakfast
My husband, I and kids had valentine dinner together

Today I have a wonderful valentine day with my beloved husband and kids 🙂 I hope you also have it 🙂

How did you spend your valentine day? Did you have dinner with your husband/wife/children/friends? 

All thanks to God that up to today we can still love others and still be loved by others

Those People need God’s love and also our love

Thank you to my dear friend, Ling,  for this picture

“But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish” (Psalm 9:18, NIV)

More than ten years ago, I was blessed because I got a chance to go to some slum places with some friends,  People who stay there obviously very poor. They live there, as a family, some of their houses are even only 3m x 3m. Can you imagine? The house that I visited was a family with 4 family members. I don’t know how will they sleep at night.

I also got a chance to visit an orphanage, they don’t have parents, or some of their parents do not want them and will leave them outside the orphanage. They lack of parental love. Some of them even still babies. They might be taken care by the care givers there, but that’s not they want and need most. They need their parental love. They need their parents to be with them, shower their loves to those kids. But unfortunately those kids will not get it. They cannot choose their parents. They didn’t do anything wrong when they came to this world.

Six years ago, I got some other chances to visit very poor villages with some friends, and got chance to stay with them for few days. They are very poor, they had biscuits for their breakfast, and they still wanted to share with us. I am not very sure if they always have their breakfast every morning. Some more, they have problem to get clean water.

This year, I am glad that I get another chance to go to a slum again, and visit people there and also help the free medical check up there. Thanks to God who bless me with this chance. And also thank you to my husband and my kids who are very supportive. This is one of the best new year gift for me.

There were around 47 volunteers, some of them are doctors and nurses. It is very poor thing that they have to live at that slum area, but most of the time, while I was there I saw their smiles 🙂 They were very happy that others are willing to visit them and also give them free medical check up. Their lives are very simple.

Other than this slum area, we also had time to visit an orphanage. This orphanage house is very small and there is one sister who is dedicated to take care of 38 kids, some do not have parents anymore and some are abandoned by their parents. I saw a five years old boy who slept alone without his mother accompany him. And it happened that one boy’s teeth was broken, he cried and the sister who take care of them hugged and tried to comfort him. If I am not wrong those 38 kids called her MOMMY. I am very proud of this sister who really take care of this kids with love 🙂

Have you ever imagine?

• While you are eating, there are so many people cannot have their meals
• They can eat today, but they do not know what they will eat tomorrow
• While you are feeding your kids, there are so many kids do not have their milk and meals
• While you are going for travelling, holiday overseas, there are so many people are not as lucky as you
• While you are hugging and kissing you kids, there are so many kids are longing for it
• You will bring your kids to the doctor when they are not feeling well, but there are so many kids who have no choice but have to bear with their pains because have no money to see the doctor
• Your wardrobe is almost full already, or might to be too full already and need to buy the new one. But they are some people who are very grateful when they already have one on their body.

I would be glad if you can add more on this list.

They need God’s love and they need our love as well.

Do you know that if we can give it means that we are blessed?

Do you realize that by giving, you will get your happiness?

While I was in this medical trip, my husband had to take care JJ and TT. One day before I went for this trip, we explained to JJ and TT that I will need to go to help people. And my husband and my kids were waiting for me.

I was satisfied. I was  very happy because I had the chance to be there and worked together with other volunteers doing the medical treatment. Once I reached home, I was welcomed by my husband and my boys with their warmth smile. JJ and TT kept asking me about what I did there. But they had to sleep because it was late already. And I really cannot wait to tell my husband what we did  there and share my happiness with him. I am still overjoy until now.

Open your eyes, open your heart, and you will realize that lots of people outside there need God’s love and also need our love. They need our hands to help them.

“When we can help and do something useful for others, it means we are being blessed by God. 
It is the grace of God, if we were given the opportunity to help others”.

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world”. (James 1:27, NIV)

Good Things to Remember

So many words have been heard by us since JJ and TT started to talk.

We always try to remember every words that have special meaning for us. But still, we cannot remember all, sometime either one, my husband or I remember some of their words and sentences and we will share and laugh together.

I would like to share some of their words and sentences which have meaning for us 🙂

• Yes, JJ loves Thomas and friends, one day, my husband said to JJ: “Mama is so good, right?” JJ said:  “No, God is so good, Mama is a useful woman.” (Thomas is a useful engine).

• I asked TT, ” TT do you love mama?” TT came to me and “MUACHHH” (he kissed me) and I know that’s the answer.

• One night, we tried to persuade TT to drink his milk. My husband, FAILED. Me, FAILED. JJ asked TT, “TT, do you want to sleep?” TT answered, “Yes!”                       JJ: “Drink your milk first, ok.” TT: “OK”

• There was one day, I was sick and cannot prayed with the kids before bed. My husband told me that JJ prayed for me that night: “Jesus, mama is sick now, Mama is coughing and running nose. Now mama is sleeping.”

• Mama: “JJ you have to love TT ok, you only have one brother”. JJ: “Ok, but JJ wants to have two.”

• TT’s first prayer:” Want to sleep“.

• One day, JJ asked me, “Mama, do you want barbie cake?” I answered him, “Yes, will you buy for me?” JJ said, “I don’t have money. Later I getting bigger, daddy will give me money, I will buy for you, ok”.

• After school,JJ told me something, “Mama, Ms. Lee (his teacher) pain pain.” I responded him, “Oh, poor Ms. Lee. Did you sing a song for her?” JJ said,” No, I pray for her”.

• Papa: ” JJ, you are so smart, what do you eat so that you can be so smart?” JJ: “RICE”

• One day, While JJ was having his lunch, suddenly TT came and hugged JJ from behind and said: “I love JJ”

This post will help me to remember some of words and sentences that I have heard from my sons. Of course not only these sentences but still many of them. I cannot write all of those words and sentences here, otherwise this post will be very long :D

You should have the same experience as mine, may be from your spouse, children, parents or friends.
It would be great if you are willing to share yours here 🙂

We should always try to only remember good things, good words, and good sentences from others. It will only create a very nice memory in our lives

CHILD

Indeed kids are adorable, but not all people like kids.

Indeed kids are blessings, but not all people want to have kids.

Indeed kids are cute and funny , but not all people welcome them.

My kids are very friendly to others, ermmm sometime, they even greet someone that they meet on the street or at the shopping centre or at the food court. They will give their best smile to them. For some people, my kids had made them happy but some people might think these two boys are irritating. One day, there was a taxi driver who were in a bad mood, I can notice that, but not my kids. They said hello to the driver and said good bye when they got out from the taxi. But the taxi driver didn’t say any single word.

For my husband and me, JJ and TT are blessings from God. We are very far from perfect but God still trust us to raising them. And one of the purpose of our married is having kids. Anyway, so far we plan to have two kids only. I have ever talked to someone who don’t want to have kids. She told me that her husband’s reason is that he doesn’t want their sons to suffer in this world. I was quite surprise when I heard their reason. And some more, most of you hmmm I think it should be all of you should know that the number of abortion in this world is quite high. I don’t know why they don’t want to take the responsibility and choose to kill the unborn baby who is innocent. Some people who has been marriage for years, cannot have a baby, though they have gone for treatment, but it didn’t help. I know how they wish they can have a baby. But some people who has privilege to have ability to have a  baby, just simply reject it.

Every time I see my kids, I will smile and think that they are so cute and funny. I am a blessed mom who has the privilege to have them by my side. When I went to an orphanage, in my home country, I felt sad when I heard that not all kids there are orphaned. Some of them should have parents but their parents leave them in the orphanage. Some of them are single parents who has divorced or pregnant before they were married. It is very sad to know this. They do not welcome their own flesh and blood.

children deserve our love, our care, our attention and to be cherished.

“Happy Children Day “

Kids need love

Kids need acceptance

Kids need recognition

Would you share your opinion on this?

 ¹³ People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. ¹⁴ When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. ¹⁵ Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” ¹⁶ And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them. (Mark 10:13-16, NIV)