Read the Upper Room Devotional
Colossians 4:2-6 (NRSV)
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. At the same time pray for us as well that God will open to us a door for the word, that we may declare the mystery of Christ, for which I am in prison, so that I may reveal it clearly, as I should.
Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.
When having some family time at my son and daughter-in-law's house (grateful for this extra time being our of school for snow), my grandson came to me with arms open wide when I first saw him after his nap with a huge smile. As I looked in on my granddaughter (in her crib), she opened her eyes from her nap and there was a huge smile telling me "Hello, I'm happy to see you". Precious moments, God moments with loved ones. As we left, that precious little boy said, "bye", and "hola" and waved saying, come back soon.
We use our words to express our joy and our love, but also our expressions and movements in our "body language".
God Sightings/Activities for Babies, Toddlers and Tweens:
1. Babies: a litte rhyme I came across for a hand massage
"God made this little pinky, (Rub baby's pinky finger)
and one to hold a ring, (Rub baby's ring finger)
A tall and pretty finger, (Rub baby's middle finger)
one to point at everything. (Rub baby's index finger)
A short, strong thumb, (Rub baby's thumb)
and then the Lord was through
With this precious little hand God have to you. (Stroke baby's palm)
2. Toddlers: Teach them sign language for "I love God" and "I love you". (point to self, cross arms across chest, point up) (same for "I love you", except you point to the baby)
3. Tweens: Ask them during lunch or dinner, how many words can you come up with to compliment your family members. Then have them make up their own signs for these words. Let the other family members guess what words they are thinking of. (great way to expand vocabulary).
Pray: God, thank you for our language that we can use to build others up and build them up in their faith.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
GPS Ministry for Kids (God's Presence in Sightings): Yackity Yack - or a Song?
GPS Ministry for Kids (God's Presence in Sightings): Yackity Yack - or a Song?
http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi (video of sign language for "blessing"
http://www.aslpro.com/cgi-bin/aslpro/aslpro.cgi (video of sign language for "blessing"
Yackity Yack - or a Song?
Read today's devotional from The Upper Room website
Do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors!
-James 5:9 (NRSV)
With all the snow days piling up, I'm sure you may hear some grumbling in the house. I'm sure many of us have said that we don't want any more snow this year! As I sit at the computer, I hear a bird trying to sing a song of hope right outside my window. I'm sure he is waiting for sunny days, but still wanting to sing-maybe to keep his spirits high. For us, we can sing along with the radio, mp3 player, or ipod today. It just might lift our spirits up the the Lord.
God Sightings-
For Children of all ages-Toddlers to Tweens
1. Turn on the Christian radio station nearest you and sing along in the car or at home. Or turn some fun children's music you may have on cd. Listen with your children and make up a fun dance or movements. (you can move your baby's (or toddler's) arms and legs with the music and lift him/her high in the air with the music.)
2. Try and see who can come up with 5 good reasons for the abundance of snow we are having (ex: greener grass come Spring, etc.). Write them down and thank God for His blessings and yell to the top of your voices, "Praise God"
3. Put some bread crumbs, or whatever you may have outside for our little feathered frieds where the kids can watch for the birds to come. They are surely looking for food right now. Yesterday, I saw a little brown bunny hopping around also. I put a carrot outside. I don't see the carrot today!!!
Pray: Thank you God for the snow (make snow coming down with your fingers), the rain (make rain coming down with your fingers) and for Your abundant blessings (press both fingers together and place up to face and then bring hands down and spread fingers). Amen
Do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors!
-James 5:9 (NRSV)
With all the snow days piling up, I'm sure you may hear some grumbling in the house. I'm sure many of us have said that we don't want any more snow this year! As I sit at the computer, I hear a bird trying to sing a song of hope right outside my window. I'm sure he is waiting for sunny days, but still wanting to sing-maybe to keep his spirits high. For us, we can sing along with the radio, mp3 player, or ipod today. It just might lift our spirits up the the Lord.
God Sightings-
For Children of all ages-Toddlers to Tweens
1. Turn on the Christian radio station nearest you and sing along in the car or at home. Or turn some fun children's music you may have on cd. Listen with your children and make up a fun dance or movements. (you can move your baby's (or toddler's) arms and legs with the music and lift him/her high in the air with the music.)
2. Try and see who can come up with 5 good reasons for the abundance of snow we are having (ex: greener grass come Spring, etc.). Write them down and thank God for His blessings and yell to the top of your voices, "Praise God"
3. Put some bread crumbs, or whatever you may have outside for our little feathered frieds where the kids can watch for the birds to come. They are surely looking for food right now. Yesterday, I saw a little brown bunny hopping around also. I put a carrot outside. I don't see the carrot today!!!
Pray: Thank you God for the snow (make snow coming down with your fingers), the rain (make rain coming down with your fingers) and for Your abundant blessings (press both fingers together and place up to face and then bring hands down and spread fingers). Amen
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Faith Talks, Wiggles & Movements
{Read the Upper Room Devo for today)
So many of our Bible characters illustrate faith and determination. Most of us need to be shown something to believe it. But God, is always working in and through us to give us faith to believe that all is good even as we face obstacles each day.
God Sighting-Primary and Elementary Age
1. Play a game in the evening and tell about the "BEST". the "WORST" and the "FUNNIEST" part of your day (or days in the snow). (This can also be used as we ask children about their day at school-if they ever go back-they usually say that they did "nothing" at school.) Talk about how faith played a part in your own day and the children can tell how faith played a part in their day. Wonderful God moments will happen.
God Sightings-Toddlers
1. Use a rhythm instrument (a plastic egg with rice, beans, etc. and taped with electrical tape or duck tape would work well-or a zip lock bag filled with the same-be careful that little beans don't escape) Better yet, grab a small box of mac and cheese-it makes a great sound)
a. To the tune of "Wheels on the Bus"-both of you can hold shakers and use animal movements as you sing such as:
b. The snake in the jungle goes wiggle, wiggle, wiggle -hold shaker flat on floor)
b. The monkey in the jungle goes climb, climb, climb (hold shaker upright and make it climb an imaginary tree.
c. The frog in the jungle goes jump, jump, jump (make shaker jump on the floor)
d. The bird in the jungle goes fly, fly, fly (make shaker fly in the air)
Use many other animals, example-on the farm, in the circus, etc.
Talk with the toddler about how we can't see the animal, but we can imagine how God made it look and move. We can't see God, but we can see how he made us move ( You can talk about a new baby's movements if there is a new baby around the house or if you have a friend who had a new baby-I know one and the mom has a video on facebook that the children can look at)
This would be great to use after a story about Noah's ark also. Read a book together about animals after the activity.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for our days here with You. Give us faith to know you are always with us and will show us the way even though we can't see You. Amen.
So many of our Bible characters illustrate faith and determination. Most of us need to be shown something to believe it. But God, is always working in and through us to give us faith to believe that all is good even as we face obstacles each day.
God Sighting-Primary and Elementary Age
1. Play a game in the evening and tell about the "BEST". the "WORST" and the "FUNNIEST" part of your day (or days in the snow). (This can also be used as we ask children about their day at school-if they ever go back-they usually say that they did "nothing" at school.) Talk about how faith played a part in your own day and the children can tell how faith played a part in their day. Wonderful God moments will happen.
God Sightings-Toddlers
1. Use a rhythm instrument (a plastic egg with rice, beans, etc. and taped with electrical tape or duck tape would work well-or a zip lock bag filled with the same-be careful that little beans don't escape) Better yet, grab a small box of mac and cheese-it makes a great sound)
a. To the tune of "Wheels on the Bus"-both of you can hold shakers and use animal movements as you sing such as:
b. The snake in the jungle goes wiggle, wiggle, wiggle -hold shaker flat on floor)
b. The monkey in the jungle goes climb, climb, climb (hold shaker upright and make it climb an imaginary tree.
c. The frog in the jungle goes jump, jump, jump (make shaker jump on the floor)
d. The bird in the jungle goes fly, fly, fly (make shaker fly in the air)
Use many other animals, example-on the farm, in the circus, etc.
Talk with the toddler about how we can't see the animal, but we can imagine how God made it look and move. We can't see God, but we can see how he made us move ( You can talk about a new baby's movements if there is a new baby around the house or if you have a friend who had a new baby-I know one and the mom has a video on facebook that the children can look at)
This would be great to use after a story about Noah's ark also. Read a book together about animals after the activity.
Prayer: Thank you Lord for our days here with You. Give us faith to know you are always with us and will show us the way even though we can't see You. Amen.
Friday, February 5, 2010
God Working Behind the Scenes-Ordinary Times
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/
"Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this? Esther 4:14 (New Living Translation)
God shows up when we're in need, but also on "ordinary days" such as those when we are once again snowed in our houses. Sometimes we focus less on God during these times. For Esther, God showed up in the midst of confusion to bring confidence and guidance to save a group of people. Even though the name "God" is not mentioned in this chapter of the Bible, His presence was made known.
God Sightings for our Kids-beginning with the Babies
1. (around ages 5-9 months)Create soft inclines with carpet or pillows for babies to climb as the learn to crawl. When they reach the top-have an unbreakable mirror so they can see their reflection. You can say, "God helps you climb to the top." Thank You Lord for being with me. Amen.
2. Kids-play "Pop-Up". The family can sit in a circle or at the dinner table and "pop up" from the chair or floor and tell what they are thankful for and/or a way God helped them to make a good decision today-even if it was difficult- or this week (As Esther made a good decision with God as the source of her security). Add a popcorn snack for fun.
Pray: God thank you for always being there, even in our "ordinary times" on ordinary days. Thank you for your presence in my heart and my life. Amen.
3. Kids and Adults: Make a Snow Sculpture of a Bible character (s) or a Biblical scene like Noah's Ark, etc. Talk about how we can use what God has given us to speak to others. Pray: God help all of us to see Your beauty in nature and use what You have given us for Your purposes.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Fire and Bread
(Read for your personal devotion the Upper Room Daily Devotional for February 2)Another day of cleansing snow for many of us. Just think, Mountain Lake might actually look like a lake this summer!!! I remember in the 60s when we would be out of school for two weeks at a time because of the wild and wonderful "Nor-Easters" that came our way. Loving that time at home, I would make sure my best friend was "snowed in" at my house. She lived in Dublin on a farm and it was very difficult to travel in that area with the deep snows. We had a blast, sleigh riding on the hill behind our house, making snow forts, and playing Rook and Monopoly in our basement next to a warm fire for hours. It was fantastic!! We always had enough bread and milk,cookies and snacks to sustain all our family and our "surprise guest" (later in life I found out that my parents knew all about our secret plans).
For us, it was not a "wilderness" as the Israelites, but time to enjoy God providing for our every need. The fire and the "manna" kept us comfortable and warm. God gives us that comfort and provisions for our journey in life.
God Sightings for the Kids
1. Light a candle at the dinner table and talk about how God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day.
2. As you snack and eat bread during the day, talk about how God has provided our needs (not necessarily our wants)for the journey through this winter.
3. Play a board game or card game by the fireplace, or with a candle on the table as a reminder of God's warmth and His comfort.
Have a great day!!
For us, it was not a "wilderness" as the Israelites, but time to enjoy God providing for our every need. The fire and the "manna" kept us comfortable and warm. God gives us that comfort and provisions for our journey in life.
God Sightings for the Kids
1. Light a candle at the dinner table and talk about how God led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day.
2. As you snack and eat bread during the day, talk about how God has provided our needs (not necessarily our wants)for the journey through this winter.
3. Play a board game or card game by the fireplace, or with a candle on the table as a reminder of God's warmth and His comfort.
Have a great day!!
Monday, February 1, 2010
"Snow Sparkles" Light of the World-God Sightings
Wow, it is wonderful to sit here by the window and look at the bright sunlight on the snow!!! The light boosts our spirits even with the cold temperatures. The Upper Room devotional today talks about Jesus as the Light of the World.
God Sighting-The Sunshine-sparkles on the snow
1. Take a small mirror outside when you go to the store or out for another day of sledding. The mirror will reflect that sunlight to others. The sun is the hope for Spring and the promise of growth to be who God wants us to be. He wants us to use the light to reflect the light to others. Look at the sparkles on the snow from the sun-that can be done with no preparation. LOL! This might be even a better idea!
2. You can also use a flashlight at night and a mirror to illustrate the same idea.
3. No time for the mirror idea; just praise God that the sun in shining and remind kids that He is the Light of our World that never goes away as the sun is shinning all all parts of the world today and tonight. He is the hope and the promise of life as the light from the sun is our life giving source on earth.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the light in the mist of the cold and snow of winter. Help us to share the light within us with others (with generosity-focus from yesterday).
Yes I love that sun today and I love Jesus GOD'S SON! Bring on those rays!!!
God Sighting-The Sunshine-sparkles on the snow
1. Take a small mirror outside when you go to the store or out for another day of sledding. The mirror will reflect that sunlight to others. The sun is the hope for Spring and the promise of growth to be who God wants us to be. He wants us to use the light to reflect the light to others. Look at the sparkles on the snow from the sun-that can be done with no preparation. LOL! This might be even a better idea!
2. You can also use a flashlight at night and a mirror to illustrate the same idea.
3. No time for the mirror idea; just praise God that the sun in shining and remind kids that He is the Light of our World that never goes away as the sun is shinning all all parts of the world today and tonight. He is the hope and the promise of life as the light from the sun is our life giving source on earth.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the light in the mist of the cold and snow of winter. Help us to share the light within us with others (with generosity-focus from yesterday).
Yes I love that sun today and I love Jesus GOD'S SON! Bring on those rays!!!
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