Getting our Bearings, Coordinates and Course Heading for Kids

Deuteronomy 6:5-7



"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."



Bringing our faith, prayer and practice to our children within the church will impact their lives as well as the lives of others. But how we do this has certainly changed over the years. We now have the best technology along with the best teaching strategies based on children's learning styles than we have ever had in the past. Yet, there might be something missing.



Who really should be leading the children spiritually on a daily basis? A new (but probably very old) shift in children's ministry could very well impact the lives of every child and every family touched by a children's ministry based on feeding our children's hungry hearts each day at home with their families. Brian Haynes talks about this in his new book "Shift" where he speaks about bringing families together to spiritually equip this next generation. We could do this with our children in our families today.



"God Sightings" is one way. They can be easily explained by encouraging family members to develop a sense of God's loving presence in our every day lives. Examples may be looking for God's love at a sporting event or simply placing a fun treat and a note on a family member's pillow.





Also, planning time for intentional "Faith Talks" where a time is set aside for weekly conversations based on Scripture. It may be "family devotions" around the fireplace or a walk in the snowy woods, or other creative times...even a trip to Walmart. You can talk about your God Sightings on these journeys and pray and praise God for what He has done.



Through our Sunday evening programs, and studies, I hope to provide scripture and guidelines based on our evening Bible studies that will provide a plan and outline for God Sightings and Faith Talks.



Other events, such as our Fun Fest Survivor Night and Easter Caroling will provide many opportunities to have material for leading weekly Faith Talks with the family.



Our bearings-Scripture, our coordinates-God Sightings, and our Course-Faith Talks with prayer can be possible.

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.
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2 comments:

  1. jaymieFebruary 5, 2010 at 5:31 AM

    Hey Barbara!
    Cool blog! I LOVE this idea.... have toyed with doing something like it, but have neither the expertise nor the time to devote... so I'll just enjoy YOUR efforts!

    Are you coming to March Forth?

    Jaymie :o)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barbra AnnFebruary 5, 2010 at 7:11 AM

    Can't wait for March Forth Jaymie!! I'll be there! Keep me posted on activities :)

    ReplyDelete

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