No Greater Sacrifice

On Veterans day we salute all those who have served and died fighting for freedoms here and overseas. But as we remember the many vets, let us not forget the one who gave it all first.

"May we never forget to praise and honor the Christ who died for a dying world. Truly there is no greater love than this. For his death was not for freedom from political tyranny, but from the freedom of sin - not just to give us a better life, but to give us eternal life!"

*excerpts taken from Nov 11, out Daily Bread devotional

Sharing - Weekly Study

Teach children sharing is much more than just taking turns or letting siblings have what they have.

Our theme song for tonight was "Share Every Good Thing"

by Augsburg’s Rainforest Adventure VBS.

The chorus goes as follows;

"Share your time, Share your talent

Share your stuff so we all have enough.

Share God's love and forgiveness

Share every good thing you have

Share Share Share every good thing you have"

Read Hebrews 13:16 - "And do not forget to do good and to share with others. For with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Ask children the different ways we can share. Remember - no wrong answers! Talk about time, talents, stuff and how even the smallest of them has something to give to others. Remind yourself and the children when we feel we have nothing to share, God's love and forgiveness are the best things we can give - because they are everlasting. Also as children come up with ideas for doing, be sure they hear how much God loves them no matter what they do or how much they do.

Here's some answers our kids came up with for things they can share;

• Share hugs and his guitar to show God's love and be a good brother.
• Share her dancing and singing to show God's love and her talents.
• Help others at school when they are hurt and pray for them.
• Give books or some toys to Goodwill or the church to share our stuff.

After sharing and encouraging ideas, challenge them and yourself to come up with something concrete each of them can do individually and as a family to share with others this week. Here's some family ideas we had;

• Send cards to people we know. Draw pictures of God and tell them he loves them.
• Donate money to a local family who is wanting to adopt internationally.
• Call a friend and tell them you're giving them 2 hours of help, they have to name the task.

We ended our night int he kitchen with a brown grocery sack. Then the children went to our cupboards and picked out canned and boxed goods to fill the sack. As a family we prayed over the sack of groceries that whomever receives them would be blessed beyond just the contents. Tomorrow we'll deliver the sack to our local food bank.

Happy sharing!!

Adoption Month - Our Leap of Faith

November is National Adoption Month and I'd like to share our adoption story. Ours is like many stories in that it was a leap of faith that spurred us to follow something much bigger than our own plans.

Our first pregnancy with Princess was textbook perfect so we anticipated our second child would follow right behind right upon trying. But after five years of struggling for a second child we ended up in a place of frustration and hopelessness. Months of anticipation were met with disappointment and two heartbreaking miscarriages. For those of you who know me, you know life was not going according to "my plan". Nothing was wrong - the doctors said. Just relax - family repeated. It will happen - was friend's great advice. But when you are in those shoes and your heart's deepest desire doesn't come, five years seems like fifteen and well meant words don't help ease heartache.

Our adoption journey kicked off in 2006 when we attended a

Third Day concert and they spoke about sponsoring children overseas. This was something we had already been doing through World Vision International so it was not new to us but it did stimulate a renewed conversation as to our feelings on adoption. As to which we both agreed it was something we'd love to do and should check into.

Soon after while I was praying in bed one night about these adoption conversations I was asking God what we should do. I was confused and excited and scared, but mostly confused. While praying I literally heard the word "James" whisper in my head. I ignored it thinking my brain was leading me to baby names after all this adoption talk. I tried to sleep but heard it again and again. Now many of you may be thinking exactly what I was thinking - CUCKOO! This lady is nuts and should just go to sleep. But nothing like this had ever happened to me before so I was really struck by it. I heard it again so I got up, grabbed my Bible and headed to the bathroom for some quiet. I figured reading would help calm my mind and the tricks it was playing on me. But what to read? I could not get "James" out of my head and went ahead and opened my Bible there. Now I am not a Bible scholar in any way and did not know what James entailed. I started reading Chapter 1 and it talked about trials, temptation, listening and doing. And then it hit me - the last verse of James 1. Verse 27; "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." My heart was racing, "Orphans? Orphans? Are you serious?" Of all the verses in the Bible, this is the one I turn to tonight when seeking an answer about adoption? It seemed very clear to me the answer had just been given. I was crying and my body was shaking. I went to my sleeping husband and woke him, "You won't believe this - but we are supposed to adopt."

The next days we spent researching and talking to adoptive resources. In the end we decided to adopt locally and become licensed foster-parents. This would allow us to not only help children in need, but also families (orphans and widows) and could lead to an affordable adoption for us. So we entered the world of adoption beginning with mounds of paper work, references, home-studies, personal questions and background checks all while taking licensing courses. It was one of scariest thing we'd ever done! It was definitely not in our "plan". But that was how we knew it was right and what kept us going when it got hard. To us if it had been an easy or a flippant decision, that would have been our red flag to take a step back and re-evaluate.

Following our licensing and approval processes "Tee" was placed in our home. He was with us for a year before his adoption was finalized. Six months into his placement we also discovered we were pregnant. So seven years later we're right where we always hoped we'd be. We just didn't get there by taking the road we had "planned". But this other road definitely led us to things greater than we ever imagined and to children far greater than we ever expected!

** To everyone struggling or desiring to have children, I pray for you all the time and urge you to consider adoption and it's many options. God put that desire in your heart for a reason. **

Music is a Must!

Although neither of us (hubby or me) can read sheet music or play an instrument, music is a huge part of our lives and has been a big influence in our spiritual growth. We are almost exclusive listeners to Christian music and when not tuned into our local Christian station (KNWS.org), then it's i-Tunes on the laptop or i-Pod keeping us inspired and our minds on the right track. We play the music in the car, throughout the house and during our Bible Study nights. One of my all time favorite things this habit has brought about is completely unprompted singing by our children. And nothing compares to hearing them praise and glorify God all on their own!

Here's some of our favorite Christian artists (and links to their sites) that fill our hearts and ears with joy;

David Crowder

Casting Crowns

Go Fish

Natalie Grant

Jeremy Camp

Third Day

Watermark

Tree 63

MercyMe

Nicole C. Mullen

God Sticks! - Weekly Study

Teach children who and what we spend around can strengthen or weaken our faith.

ALERT: This study is very MESSY. . . but fun!
*The basis for this study was found on Family Time Training and adjusted to fit our needs.

What You'll Need
Bible & Pen • Aluminum pie pan • Water • Cornstarch

Read & Talk

"Do not be deceived: Evil company corrupts good habits.” I Corinthians 15:33

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you." I Corinthians 15:58

Talk about a time when someone talked you into doing something you shouldn't have done because you knew it was wrong. (Perhaps someone asked you to lie?) Have children share a story too - perhaps of something a friend had them do that they knew they should not have. Then also stories of times when someone talked you into doing something that was really good and you felt proud to be part of it. (Perhaps you helped a friend with a difficult task).

Activity (MESSY!!)
On the fingertips of your child's right hand draw five symbols of "helpers" that keep them strong in their faith. (Cross, Bible, Smile for a Friend, Praying Hand, Fish). Explain these are things in life that help strengthen their faith and keep them close to God.

Now fill your pan with 1/4 Cup Water and 3/4 Cup Cornstarch. Mixture should be pretty thick. Have each person reach in a grab a glob squeezing it tightly. Explain as they hold and roll the mixture in their hands keeping it close to their Godly helpers, it (they) remain solid and strong. But as they let go of those helpers the mixture (and they) fall apart and get runny (or make not-so-good choices). Talk about how important it is for us to make sure the helpers closest to us are in line with God's desires.

You are Unique! - Weekly Study

Teach children they are one of a kind created by God and for God's purpose.

What you'll Need to Prepare;

Picture of Each Child

Puzzle Piece

Scissors

I did prep work in advance for this as it took quite a while to cut out my five "puzzles". I printed a picture of each of us on an 8 1/2 x 11" paper. Then took a large puzzle piece and traced the outline of it on the back of each photo. Then just cut the pattern. Mine made 15 piece puzzles and I put them in sandwich baggies until ready to use.


Read Jeremiah 1:5
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, i set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."


Talk
How God made each of them, each of us, and He knew us even before Mommy or Daddy did.
How God knows every part of them inside and out and he put them together like no one else on earth.
God created them with a special plan that no one else has.
God loves them because they are His children.

Play
Get out the Puzzles and let them discover how UNIQUE they are!
As they work their puzzles talk about how there is only one way they fit together and no other person's puzzle can fit into theirs. They are UNIQUE and perfect just the way they are, just the way God made them.

A great book to read along with this study is "God Loves You" - see my Book blog from 10/20.

How to Pray?

Many people struggle with prayer. We used to. They want to know answers like; How do I pray, what do I say, should I be quiet or talk out loud, do I bow my head, what do I call him?

Don't worry God doesn't care about your form, he just wants to hear from you! He's not counting your stutters or stumbles or snickering if you repeat yourself. He won't be angry if you you forget someone or if you only pray once a day. He just wants to hear what's in your heart and hear from you as often as possible.

For some it works best when prayer is Often and Like a Conversation; Whenever you need to, whenever you want to (and especially when you don't want to). In the morning, at mealtime, while driving, during breaks, at nap time, when someone is hurt, when you see an ambulance, when someone is sick, at stop lights, at bedtime, when someone asks.

For others it is more Organized and Patterned; Prayer books help you find the words you want to say and many are categorized by subject or situations. Here's a handy pattern to refer to when trying to get your prayer thoughts in order. It's also a great way to teach your kids where to begin...

ACTS

A - Adore; Tell God how great he is!!

God you are awesome, beautiful, creator, defying, eager, fulfilling, glorious, holy...

C - Confess; Tell God something you've done.

Forgive me for putting my housework above my prayers today.

T - Thank; Thank God for something or someone.

Thank you for my amazing friend Abby.

S - Seek; Ask God's help with something.

Please watch over my husband and heal his sickness.

With teaching your kids how to pray - do whatever works for you! Make it a conversation or make it more formal - But just do it! Show them how to connect with their God. Just like tying their shoes or making their bed, they're waiting for someone to teach them. But don't worry because they won't count your stumbles or stutters either.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philipplians 4:6

Seasonal Thanks - Weekly Study

Teach children to give thanks to God - every time of year!

You Will Need
Bible
Scissors
Construction Paper
Markers
Stapler or Glue

Read Psalm 100
"Shout for joy to the Lord all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who make us and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations."

Craft
Cut construction paper into desired shapes. For this week it was autumn's colorful leaves and trees. Talk to children about every big and small thing God has made and how it is right for us to give thanks to him for those things that bring us joy. On each leaf we each selected unique things we are thankful to God for and then wrote those things down.


With all our weekly family studies we make sure to hang our work for at least the next week sometimes more. This not only serves as a reminder for the kids as to what we talked about, but fills our home with fresh and Godly artwork!

Silly or Serious - Weekly Study

Teach children NO MATTER WHAT God loves them just as they are! There is nothing they can DO that will change his love.

You Will Need;

Bible

Scissors

Magazines

Blank Paper

Glue or Glue Stick

Marker

Read

John 3:16

Philippians 1:27

Play

At the top of each child's paper write SILLY or SERIOUS. I added a cross that reads "for God". This could be a sticker or just drawn in marker. Have the children go through magazines cutting out eyes, noses and mouths and gluing them on their paper on the appropriate side; SILLY or SERIOUS. No wrong answers, let them determine which face they believe it is.

Talk with them as they cut and glue about times during their days when they can be silly for God (dancing, singing, worshipping, comedians, playtime) and times to be serious for God (tithing, prayer, Bible reading, helping others).



Remind them however they act SILLY or SERIOUS, as long as it is honoring to God - it is okay! When we smile, God does too. Enjoy!

Words - Weekly Study

This study is fun for early readers/writers as well as the whole family. It's quick and doesn't require a lot of supplies. It's also a great reminder for how positive and encouraging words do so much more than hurtful ones.

You Will Need;

Bible, 5 Pieces of Paper (each with one a large letter on it as follows; W-O-R-D-S), Markers

Talk about a time when someone said something that was not nice and how that made them feel. Have everyone share a story if they can. I've found my kids really respond well when I honestly share a story of my own as well. Read Ephesians 4:29; "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up."

Ask them why God would want us to use nice words instead of mean ones? Ask them each about the "hurtful" story they shared and how it could have been better if the words were "nicer". Then ask everyone to share a story of a time when someone said something kind to them and how that made them feel. Do they see the difference? Talk more about how God wants us to "build others up", give them examples of how to do that.

On your papers have everyone write words that are positive, helpful, kind, encouraging... here are some examples.

W - Way to Go! / Wow / Wonderful

O - Original / Obedient / Overjoyed

R - Righteous / Rejoice / Real

D - Delightful / Darling / Dedicated

S - Super / Sensational / Safe

Then hang your WORDS papers somewhere as a reminder for everyone throughout the week.

Fruit of the Spirit - Weekly Study

Teach your children about the beautiful fruits in their lives - in more ways than one!

This is a simple and tasty study.

You Will Need
Bible
Large Bowl

Small Bowl of Water
Knife

Cutting Board
8 fruits of your child's liking. (I used lemon juice as one fruit.)
8 slips of paper with the following words;
Love / Peace / Faithfulness / Patience / Gentleness / Kindness / Self-Control / Goodness

Read the following verses to your children.

John 15: 1-4 / Galatians 5: 16-17, 22

Talk to your children about Christ being a VINE and them being the FRUIT. Compare it to a plant or a vine thrown into the street - it will not grow. But if a caring gardener (GOD) waters the vine and makes sure the weeds are pulled then the vine grows yummy, sweet, good fruits. Explain how God's spirit is all of these "fruits" mentioned in the verse and He wants those same fruits in our lives too.

Have children each select a word of their choice and a matching fruit of their choice. (IE Goodness = Strawberries, Peace = Grapes, Blueberries = Self-Control) While the kids wash and prepare/cut the fruit, talk to them about what it means or looks like during their days to be "patient", "kind", and to have "self control" and go through each word one by one. Be sure to remind them it is not easy and God does not expect perfection, but it pleases him when we set our hearts in line with His desires.

In the end you will have a beautiful and delicious fruit salad for all to enjoy. Then throughout the days ahead as you eat it ask your children to remind you what each fruit stands for. you'll be pleasantly surprised how much they recall!

Mmmmm Mmmm Good!

How To: How We Do Bible Study

We follow a very simple and consistent pattern each week so the kids know what to expect.

Music

These are typically Contemporary Christian songs or Kids Christian songs from our favorite iTunes or CDs, usually we'll do 2 or 3. (You can also tune in to your favorite Christian radio station and listen along.) During this time we stand and dance and sing together and have a grand old time!

Prayer

It's never the same and we say what's on our heart. Most nights asking God to guide our study and be with us as we learn together.

Read & Talk

We read our Bible verses and talk about what it means. There are NO WRONG ANSWERS because we always want to encourage our kids to participate. Everyone gets a Bible even if they can't read yet. There are some great picture Bibles that can teach the kids as well as the wordy ones until they are ready. Some nights the lesson is more in depth and other nights we just talk about whatever comes up. We find the more we (as parents) share truthful experiences and choices, the more the kids dig in.

Activity & Craft

This is the part the kids love most and is also the part where they put what we talked about into action. Creating something with their hands makes the words come alive. I recommend if nothing else, make sure this is part of every family study.

Snack

Some nights it's as simple as pretzels and candy corn. Other nights we share a special dessert or ice cream.

** Take some or all of these into your plan. Do what works for your family. Keep it simple and honest and let the Spirit lead your time together. Have fun!**

Children's Christian Books

Here's a list of kid's books we enjoy. I will update and add to this list as things go ...

Little Books of the Bible

This box set of 10 Old Testament stories includes miniature colorful books, just right for your little ones hands. The stories are short and in line with the Bible. Stores includes; Creation, Jonah & the Whale, David & Goliath, Noah's Ark, Daniel in the Lion's Den, and others. Stories retold by Jenny Fry & Ruth Hooper - First published by Ideals Children's Books 2002.

Sophie & Sam - When to Say "Yes" and When to Say "No"

This book is based on the book Boundaries by Drs. Cloud & Townsend. It is filled with 10 short stories and lessons learned by Sophie and her younger brother Sam. The trouble we have is only reading one story as the kids want to hear them all! Situations like Say Yes to Telling the Truth, Say Yes to Respect, Say No to Arguing, Say No to Meanies, and more. Each story teaches a valuable lesson and references a bible verse. Author is Tori Cloud, Illustrated by Becky Valentine 2005.

Just In Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado

"Here's everything you'd like to say to your children about how much you love them and most of all how special they are to God. (This book) wraps your children in its warm message of love, comfort, and protection. Illustrated by Toni Goffe 2000.

God Loves You

This book is one of my favorites as well as the kids. It reminds them no matter how they look or feel or behave, that God loves them "just as they are" with so strings attached, no working their way to him. Just love, unconditionally beautiful! Author is Kathleen Long Bostrom, Illustrated by Elena Kucharik 2001.

Prayers for Little Hands

This book is much more "formal" than our prayers typically are, but it has 28 very nice prayers it in if you are looking to help give your children a foundation for prayer, or if you aren't sure where to begin, or you prefer a more structured style of prayer. Prayers included for all areas of the day; Our Father, God is Great, Rise & Shine, Big Day at School, Dinner Prayers, Morning Prayers, Bedtime Prayers, Published by Publications International, Ltd., Illustrated by Judith Pfeiffer 2001

Blog Inspiration

My desire with this blog is to put down in writing the Bible Studies we do with our kids. My husband and I realized we can't lay the expectation of teaching our children about God on the church because WE are their church. These three little people see what we do and how we live every day. So for us just taking them to Sunday School once a week wasn't everything we wanted to give. We decided to do a little bit more, but nothing too unmanageable. Just an extra nudge to help them learn about God's Word and a relationship with him, as opposed to rules and regulations and do/don't religion.

Each week we have a "formal" study that follows a similar pattern and then other times throughout the week we do spontaneous activities or readings or prayer. But don't be threatened, my husband and I are not Bible scholars, we are not musicaly gifted, and neither of us was raised in a church - so if we can do this, you can too. We just love the Lord and desire to give our kids a piece of that too. I hope you'll find some ideas here you can try yourself. Whatever it takes to teach them, bit by bit - that is our WISH. " Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Here's the song "I Wish" by Nicole C. Mullen that inspires me to do this for them.

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