2012 August »

Looking at the Heart

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Aug 282012

Some of you may know my husband and I have been in the process of an international adoption for a little over a year now. There are many pieces to adoption but one of the biggies is the home study process. This is a series of interviews, named aptly, because they are done in your home. Your social worker asks in-depth questions about your upbringing, life, marriage, parenting style (or planned parenting style in our case) and lots of other things. And yes, this person also tours your house.

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Being a first born, I have quite the perfectionistic, people-pleasing streak in me. So when our social worker came to our home last summer for the first time, I was fixated on making it perfect. Those of you who have a husband may relate to this but Eric and I have pretty different ideas of what a clean house looks like. He looks at our house and sees two people who love each other and who want to parent a child in need, a loving home with plenty of resources and everything necessary. I pray that’s what everyone else sees, too. What I see, however, is a floor that’s not perfectly clean, a dryer full of laundry that needs folding, scratches on our leather sofa, and anything else that’s ‘imperfect.’ When our neighbors drive too fast, I worry it will give the wrong impression. When I can’t get every last coffee ground off the stove where they have spilled after this morning’s pick-me-up, I fret. In fact, the day before our social worker came, I may or may not have taken off all the vents and scrubbed them with Magic Erasers and water.

But here’s the thing: when our social worker came, she spent all of two minutes touring our house. She checked to make sure we had a room for this baby to stay, a fire extinguisher and smoke detector, and that was pretty much the extent of our house tour. She spent three long hours at our house but only seconds of that was truly looking at the house.

So what was she doing all that time? Where was she looking? She was checking out our hearts. She wanted to know our true motives for adoption. She wanted to see our capacity to love one another and love a child. Her focus was on what was inside our hearts, not what was inside our home.

Beginning September 9, Crossing Kids is going to begin a new curriculum. From Little Ones to 4th Graders, we’re going to be looking at our Forever King, Jesus. We’ll start this fall by looking into some other kings. As I recall my experience with my social worker, it reminds me very much of Samuel’s search for David. Samuel was like me–assuming looks were everything. He sought out to find a king and really wanted to make sure that king was impressive. He checked out all of Jesse’s sons and kept getting a resounding, “No!” from God. David? David was little. He was a shepherd. He was no granite countertop or immaculate wood floor. He was a small, homely little house (much like my real house). And what did God say to Samuel?

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

We do that, right? I mean, not just in our homes but in our hearts as well? The floors of my heart will never be tidy enough for God. I can take all the toothpaste off my sink, but I can’t take the marks of sin off my heart. I’m not tall, shiny, or impressive compared to God’s standards. Yet, God doesn’t see that. He looks at my heart. And when he looks, he sees Jesus. He sees that I have imperfections. I can’t fix them. But oh do I try. Instead, since I am in Christ, he only sees Him. I am hoping in this life sometime I will learn to stop trying to clean up my “house” and instead keep my focus on Jesus living in my heart.

I am so excited for our kids to learn about the Forever King. You’ll be hearing more about it as time goes on.

And just so I don’t keep you hanging, we passed that home study and we are on the long, long waiting list for a child.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, August 26

5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning Comments Off

Aug 272012

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “(His People) will be protected.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: Daniel and the Lions’ Den | Daniel 6

Lesson summary: This lesson will cover the story of Daniel being sent to the lions’ den after being persecuted for praying to God. The greatness of God’s protection will be highlighted in this lesson. Children will see that God protects his followers when they need him. Much like with David, Daniel’s trust in God will be discussed.

Monthly Song:
“Wherever, Whatever” from the I Can Count on You

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “The Lord loves… his faithful ones. They will be protected forever.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: Daniel and the Lion’s Den | Daniel 6

Monthly Songs

“Powerful” from Phil Joel Deliberate

“I Will Trust Him” from The Crossing’s Forever/Home

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week. They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder… what happened when Daniel broke the king’s law and prayed to God? Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den.

I wonder… how did God protect Daniel? God sent an angel to close the lion’s mouths.

I wonder…how can we trust in Go’d protection? When we are scared we can remember God loves us and protects us.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Lesson Thirteen: August 26

Whoever You Are by: Mem Fox

Key Concept: The Gospel is for all people, all around the world.

Verse: Philippians 2:1-11

Book Summary: In this story, children learn that though there are many different things that other children around the world experience on a daily basis, there are still many things that we have in common. Through poetic text and rich illustrations, these similarities are celebrated in a way that reminds us that all people are made in the image of a creative God.

Activity Summary: Children will participate in a service project to help the children of Pistis School in Kenya.

Objectives: At the end of the unit, children will be able to:

That all great art contains an “echo of Eden”—memories of a good creation, the tragedy of our current condition, and a longing for redemption
How to use literature to notice Gospel themes, find common ground with others, and discuss these truths in winsome ways.
To enjoy literature, engage in culture, and understand what it means to be created in the image of a creative God.
To learn how to “hunt and gather truth” in a variety of contexts.
The Gospel is not just for saving souls, but redeeming all of creation.

“The Big God Story” from Forever/Home album

Because of Your Love” from Tru: Worship-Radio the World

“Glory to God” from Jump CD

5th Grade

Grapple Question: What if Someone’s Hates Me?

Kids Learn: Love Your Enemies

Dig Into the Bible: Exodus 23:4-5; Psalms 18:37-40; 27:1-5; Proverbs 24:17-18; 25:21; Matthew 5:43-47

God calls us to love our enemies, but what if they’re hurting us? If your child is being bullied, this is not a time to “turn the other cheek.” Bullying is a major problem among preteens today—using the Internet or cell phones to bully others is on the rise. Talk to your preteen about the dangers associated with bullies. Encourage your child to save threatening e-mails or text messages to show you, and place your computer in a high- traffic part of your home to help you monitor what’s going on. If your child is on the re- ceiving end of cruel jokes or mean e-mails, contact the bullying child’s parents or school authorities to put an end to it.

What You Missed on Story Street

Family, Preschool, Sunday Morning, Videos No Responses »

Aug 272012

Welcome friends!

If you weren’t able to make it to Story Street yesterday, have no fear because my friends decided to make a video for you to keep you up to date!

All month we have been learning that “P” is for Protector and that God protects us. If you want to catch the story, check out the video below. Hope to see you back next week!

Video Blog August 26th

Why Serve in Crossing Kids

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Aug 212012

When The Crossing began, we made a commitment to be the kind of church that reaches people of all ages. That means that kids have always been one of our highest priorities. We view kids as the future of the church and as a significant part of the church right now.

Volunteers who serve in Crossing Kids play a crucial role in kid’s lives as well as their families. I ran across a blog recently that shared 11 reasons why children’s ministry should not be considered 2nd rate ministry.

When children hear other people who care about them saying the same things they hear their parents saying, the truthfulness of the gospel is reinforced.
Children will associate Christianity with the people they encounter in church.
Many of the kids in children’s ministry will be future leaders in the church.
When James writes, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with a greater strictness” (3:1), he does not limit “teachers” to those who teach adults.
Believe it or not, kids remember much of what they are taught at church.
Simplifying the teaching of Scripture for kids without distorting the truth is by no means easy.
Kids are inquisitive and therefore provide a lot of opportunity for direct instruction.
Kids are at a stage in their lives when they have not yet become jaded by the hardships and inconsistencies of life. This means children’s ministry volunteers have a great opportunity to impress upon them the truth that life with Jesus is full of hope.
The excitement that children have about the things of God helps cultivate vigor and vitality in the members of a church in regard to the gospel and ministry.
It is likely that many of the kids in your church have not yet come to Christ for salvation; so much of what goes on in children’s ministry is evangelism.
Many of us, as Christian adults, have spent years dispelling confusion and misconceptions about the Bible that children’s ministry has helped to foster in us. Children’s ministry volunteers, then, are serving these kids at a time in their lives when precision and accuracy in teaching can significantly reduce the haze surrounding God’s Word that is all too common.

I also received an email from a volunteer recently that I think communicates many reasons why serving in Crossing Kids is worth your time and commitment.

Just wanted to commend the work you and your team (our team) are doing at Crossing Kids! I think Candace put it best in her presentation to the church today. Talk about truth in advertising! As a worker in many kids programs, I can unequivocally say, nothing Candace said stretched the truth. The way the classes are set up truly values the kids, the teachers, and the volunteers. The way the lessons are coordinated with the core teachings of the church give excellent opportunities for the truths to be explored by families at home. The professionalism that staff bring to the logistics makes the experience for volunteers a joy! An added benefit for me personally is, for some reason my kids all volunteer with me. We all get a rare opportunity to hear each other articulate the gospel in a different setting than just around each other in our home. It’s exciting and refreshing and validating for all of us.

I’m really glad to be a part of what God is obviously doing at Crossing Kids, and I’m very thankful for the way you have responded to the Gospel in your work at the Crossing!

We invite you to consider making an impact on kids this fall by joining one of our teams. You can find out more information or sign up to serve here.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, August 19, 2012

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Aug 192012

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “(His People) will be protected.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: Daniel and the Lions’ Den | Daniel 6

Monthly Song:
“Wherever, Whatever” from the I Can Count on You

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “The Lord loves… his faithful ones. They will be protected forever.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: God protects David as he runs from Saul | 1 Samuel 18-21, 23, 24

Monthly Songs

“Powerful” from Phil Joel Deliberate

“I Will Trust Him” from The Crossing’s Forever/Home

Video Blog August 19th

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week. They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder… how did God protect David? God warned David through Jonathan and kept David safe everywhere he ran.

I wonder… why didn’t David want to hurt Saul? David knew that God loves all his children.

I wonder…who does God protect? God rptects those who trust and obey him–his faithful ones.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Lesson Twelve: August 19

Something Beautiful by: Sharon Dennis Wyeth

Key Concept: God has a plan to not just forgive our sin, but restore all creation.

Verse: Romans 8

Book Summary: In this text, a young girl becomes overwhelmed by the brokenness in her neighborhood. Her teacher describes the importance of finding something beautiful. This inspires her to look for ways she can restore some of the brokenness around her. This reminds us that as Christ followers, we too are called to look for similar opportunities and to long for the day when Jesus will make all things new

Activity Summary: After reading sections of Romans 8 in small groups, children will listen to “You Make Beautiful Thing” and illustrate the lyrics.

Objectives: At the end of the unit, children will be able to:

That all great art contains an “echo of Eden”—memories of a good creation, the tragedy of our current condition, and a longing for redemption
How to use literature to notice Gospel themes, find common ground with others, and discuss these truths in winsome ways.
To enjoy literature, engage in culture, and understand what it means to be created in the image of a creative God.
To learn how to “hunt and gather truth” in a variety of contexts.
The Gospel is not just for saving souls, but redeeming all of creation.

“The Big God Story” from Forever/Home album

Because of Your Love” from Tru: Worship-Radio the World

“Glory to God” from Jump CD

5th Grade

Grapple Question: What if Someone’s Different From Me?

Kids Learn: Accepting Others

Dig Into the Bible: Genesis 1:26-27; Romans 15:5-7; 1 Corinthians 12:12-18

Most of us know people whose personalities rub us the wrong way. Maybe your cubicle at work is right next to the office’s Most Talkative Woman—but that quality might make her great at her job. Preteens are learning that everyone, including peers they might not like very much, has different strengths and abilities that make the person unique. Maybe the very thing that annoys your child about a classmate is a quality that will help that classmate be successful in another area of life. Talk about the differences among all the members of your child’s class. Thinking of those annoying habits in a more positive way will help your child be more accepting.

Abide…

Devotional, Parents, prayer, Reflection, Volunteers No Responses »

Aug 152012

When I think of challenging verbs, my mind automatically jumps to those that require strenuous activity—run, work, think, fix. Whatever obstacles those individual words present, I’m learning that in reality, they are no match for action words of a different, more subtle type. Words like rest, surrender, wait, listen.

I’ve been continually confronted by one such word not just while reading through the Book of John, but living every day life.

If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4

As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. John 15:9

Each time I encounter this one word, seemingly simple command, I feel my heart struggle. Abide. Stay. Continue. Dwell. The difficulty comes not because it initially sounds rigorous, but because it’s a word that endures. It’s hard because it’s not a one time, instant solution or decision. It’s weighty because it means transformation continues over time, and that is not easy.

Truth be told, I’ve been struggling to abide. I’m in the midst of a season that in ways feels more like going through the motions. There have been moments where my heart has felt indifferent at best and hardened at worst. It didn’t happen dramatically all at once, but gradually over time. Again and again I’m reminded that my heart is a fickle place, prone to wander. I hate the way seasons like this feel. I’m tempted to err in extremes—trying to work harder, do better, and fix myself by my own efforts OR embrace complacency, ignore what’s going on, and coast. Neither of these options involves abiding—it’s both an action word and call for complete dependence on the vine. Jesus Himself reminds me, that apart from abiding in Him I can do nothing, even and especially pulling myself out of this spiritual haze.

Fruit only comes through abiding—a verb that is ongoing. A verb that requires moment by moment surrender. A verb that requires endurance. A verb that requires an honest understanding of how helpless I am apart from Christ.

Last night, the words of an old hymn redone by Page CXVI became not just a reminder of this, but a prayer. Apart from Him I can do no good thing. I need Him even to abide. Perhaps if you find yourself struggling with this as well, these words will help you too.

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide;
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim, its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see—
O Thou who changest not, abide with me

I need Thy presence every passing hour;
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, abide with me.

Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies;
As heaven’s morning breaks, heaven’s morning breaks.
In life, in death, abide with me.
In life, in death, abide with me.
In life, in death, Oh Lord, abide with me.

Crossing Kids-Sunday, August 12

5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Music, Preschool Comments Off

Aug 122012

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “(His People) will be protected.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: Daniel and the Lions’ Den | Daniel 6

Monthly Song:
“Wherever, Whatever” from the I Can Count on You

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “The Lord loves… his faithful ones. They will be protected forever.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: David and Goliath | 1 Samuel 17

Monthly Songs

“Powerful” from Phil Joel Deliberate

“I Will Trust Him” from The Crossing’s Forever/Home

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week. They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder… did David need a fancy sword and armor to bring down Goliath? No, David only had five stones but he had God’s protection.

I wonder… who does God protect? God protects “his faithful ones,” those who love and believe in him.

I wonder…how can we trust in God’s protection? When we are scared we can remember God loves us and will protect us.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Lesson 11: August 12, 2012

The Great Fuzz Frenzy
By: Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel

Key Concept: God is the only one who can satisfy the longings of our hearts.

Verse: Romans 1:25 “They chose a lie instead of God’s truth. They worshiped and served created things. They didn’t worship the creator. But he must be praised forever.”

Book Summary: Ground hogs discover a tennis ball in their burrow. Gathering the most fuzz becomes the only thing that anyone cares about. Friends fight, steal, and discover that the more fuzz the gather, the more unhappy they are. Only after the fuzz is taken away do they see the silliness of their actions. We too do the same thing, chasing after idols that were never meant to satisfy the greatest longings of our hearts.

Activity Summary: Children will compete in a series of games to help them understand that the Giver is always greater than the gift itself.

Objectives: At the end of the unit, children will be able to:

That all great art contains an “echo of Eden”—memories of a good creation, the tragedy of our current condition, and a longing for redemption
How to use literature to notice Gospel themes, find common ground with others, and discuss these truths in winsome ways.
To enjoy literature, engage in culture, and understand what it means to be created in the image of a creative God.
To learn how to “hunt and gather truth” in a variety of contexts.
The Gospel is not just for saving souls, but redeeming all of creation.

Songs:

“The Big God Story” from Forever/Home album

Because of Your Love” from Tru: Worship-Radio the World

“Glory to God” from Jump CD

5th Grade

Grapple Question: Do We Have to Be Friends Again?

Kids Learn: Forgiveness Doesn’t Always Mean Restoration

Dig Into the Bible: Proverbs 17:9; 22:24; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 6:1-2

Preteen relationships are a roller coaster ride—the ups and downs can be confusing and heartbreaking. Kids sometimes expect that when they forgive each other, the relation- ship will be the same as it always was. Try this with your preteen: Rip a piece of paper in half. Then try to tape it back together. It’s not as good as new, is it? You can still tell that the rip happened. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean that things will automatically be perfect. Remind your child that it’s important to try to put relationships back together with the tape of forgiveness, but the friendship might not be just as it was before.

I Declare War On My Impatience!

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Aug 112012

This past week I officially declared war on my impatience with my kids.

That’s right. I’ve HAD it with my impatience. (Yes, my husband already pointed out the irony of my impatience with my impatience.)

These little people mean way too much to me to carry on with business as usual.

Want to read more about my ugly sin and how I’m battling it? Alright, here we go.

All About My Ugly Sin

As I mentioned in 4 Mistakes I’ve Already Made as a Parent, one of the biggest mistakes I struggle with daily is being impatient and getting angry quickly with my kids. (Sadly, I’ve even gotten impatient with my kids while writing this!!!)

Here’s what I wrote about my sin in that post…

I never knew what an impatient person I was until I had lots of small kids needing me all day long every day. My go-to sin when I’m tired and pushed to my limit is to get frustrated and raise my voice at the little people I love most. Perhaps the most frequent and ironic example of this is when we’re late for church: “Get in the car! Now! I said NOW! Stop touching your sister! What are you doing?! Get in the car!”

Well, you know what? Thankfully, you can’t get away with this sort of behavior long. That’s because before you know it, you get to hear one of your kids saying the exact same thing in the exact same tone of voice while playing with his/her stuffed puppies. And it cuts you to the quick. Or, you have a 5-year-old tell you with tears in his eyes, “Mommy, I don’t like it when you raise your voice at me.” Dagger to the heart.

When I’m impatient with my children’s sin and quick to anger over little or big things, my kids are learning something about God. Nathan and I are their first representatives of God. As a parent, I’m a picture of their Father in heaven, their Protector, their Savior to them. And, when they see me treating them that way, they are learning exactly the opposite of what is true of God…at least to some extent.

Psalm 103:8, 10, which is posted over my kitchen sink right now, says, “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities.” I desperately want my kids to know that God and trust Him and follow Him and love Him all the days of their lives. I pray, by His mercy, that would be true of them despite all my shortcomings.

The Root of the Problem

At the root of my problem of impatience is selfishness. I like to be in control. I like someone to say, “Ok, mommy. I will do what you ask” the first time. I like to be able to finish what I am working on without interruptions. I like a clean and quiet house. I like my schedule to stay on schedule…without dealing with a diaper blowout as we walk out the door or breaking up a fight over a stuffed puppy 16x in one day. Eh, you get the idea. My heart is often full of “me” instead of Jesus.

How I deal with this sin not only affects the legacy I leave in my children’s lives, but it also affects my closeness with God–dare I say my own personal good and satisfaction. (A more in-depth post is in order for that subject, but suffice to say, our deepest joy is found in God alone and that is intimately tied to obeying his commands.)

Bottom line: It’s time for battle!

How I’m Fighting the Battle

The Bible describes the Christian life as a spiritual battle in Ephesians 6:12.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Sounds pretty ominous, huh? There is more to this battle than what I can even see or perceive. No amount of pulling myself up by the bootstraps is going to win this battle. I have to arm myself with the weapons God gives to fight against these dark spiritual forces. Ephesians 6:10-11 says that the way to fight my battle is this…

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Only the Lord has the power to fight this battle. So, I’m armed and ready for battle. What do I have to fight with? I have…

“…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17.)

Hebrews 4:12 describes the word of God in this miraculous and powerful way:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (my emphasis)

Yes, God’s word is our sword. It pierces our soul. It reveals truth to us that we wouldn’t “get” otherwise. And, that’s what it’s been doing around my house this week. I’ve been utilizing some On the Job Meditations so I can continually be at battle against impatience, anger and selfishness.

I spent a morning looking up verses to battle these sins and then posted those all over the place: in my bathrooms, in the kitchen, over the diaper-changing station, etc. Each time I enter that room, I’ve been searching for the verse, reading it, thinking quickly about what it says (because I usually have a kid needing something), and praying that God will make it a reality in my life.

Verses to Fight Impatience

Here’s what I’ve been meditating on this week. I hope they are an encouragement to you, too! Read on to find out how the battle is going.

Over the kitchen sink is Numbers 14:18…

Over the diaper changing table is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7…

Over the stove is Ecclesiastes 7:8b-9…

On my bathroom mirror is Psalm 51:17…

On the refrigerator is James 1:19-20…

On the downstairs bathroom mirror is Proverbs 15:1…

Over my desk is Ephesians 4:1-2…

Is It Working?

In case you’re wondering how the battle is going…the war is in full swing.

I’m gaining ground so far, with hiccups along the way of course. I don’t pretend to think this isn’t a life-long battle with hills and valleys. But, I’m finding that reading these verses throughout the day have refocused my mind and heart on God’s truth. My heart is softened toward my sweet kiddos. I’m sensitive to my tone of voice and word choice with them. God really has helped me to be more patient since putting up these verses.

The sword of the Spirit is alive and active around here…and that’s half the battle!

P.S. You Are Forgiven

I feel like a P.S. is needed on this post.

I share one of my biggest mommy failures with you because, although I’m ashamed of it, I have hope.That’s 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

For those who trust in Jesus, there is nothing we can mess up so much that God won’t forgive us. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ.

Jesus died for my sin of selfishness and impatience. I am forgiven. The same is true for anyone who places their trust in Him as their Savior.

I don’t know about you, but that’s hope I need to hear as an imperfect parent.

Originally posted to Thriving Home.

Memorizing Scripture

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Aug 102012

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.” – Deuteronomy 11:18

This summer, I selected a few verses to work on memorizing. Though I found it really challenging at first, I have discovered that committing the word of God to mind has increased my adoration of God and given me greater tangible faith in Him. In the following 4 minute clip, John Piper outlines 8 critical reasons for memorizing scripture. You can read more from John Piper in his article, “Why memorize scripture?” at Desiring God.

In short, Piper pleads with us to impress the word of God on our minds and hearts. He reminds us that when we memorize God’s word, we will: grow in conformity to Christ, daily triumph over sin and Satan, be able to comfort and counsel others, communicate the gospel to unbelievers, and enjoy and sweet fellowship with the Living God…just to name a few. What a worthwhile endeavor to work on in your own life and in the lives of your children.

If you’re like me, you understand the importance of Bible memory, but actually doing it seems challenging. And trying to help kids memorize scripture seems even more daunting. Not to fear. Below I’ve listed a variety of scripture memory tools and games to aid you and your family. Many of these are tested and true games we use in Crossing Kids. This can be a fun way to work together and encourage each as you learn more about God.

But where to start? Which verses should we memorize? Each Sunday, your child will learn a memory verse in Crossing Kids. We share that information with you in our Sunday posts on this blog as well as in the take home sheet. You can also work to memorize The Crossing’s 2012 Scripture Memory Verses. Or just choose some verses that encourage you and your family.

Scripture Memory Tools and Games

What Does it Mean?

Together, read the memory verse from the Bible. Then let each child write (or draw) in his or her own words what the Bible verse means to him or her. When all have finished, let them share their verses. Then go back to the Bible and read the verse again. How does your version compare?

Zing

Display the verse on white board or chalk board. Children read the verse together several times. Erase the verse. Begin writing it again on the board, but purposely incorrectly. As soon as a child detects an error, he or she calls out, “Zing!” Erase and begin again. Continue going through the verse several times before you write it correctly.

Active Verse

Display the Bible verse and say it together. Then ask the children to say the verse in each of these ways:

• At a normal pace while standing

• In fast forward while jogging in place

• In a whisper while tiptoeing

• Shouting while marching

• In slow motion while jogging in slow motion

• In a normal voice while walking backward

Maze

Write each word of the verse on a piece of paper. Cut a piece of yarn large enough to wrap around the room. Punch a hole or two at the top of the words and string them in order on the yarn. Wind the yarn around the room to create a maze. Children are to find the pieces of the verse by following the string.

Backwards Verse

Print the verse with the letters written backwards on a piece of paper. Children are to try to write the word correctly. Use a mirror to read the verse correctly.

Before and After

Make a flash card of each word in the Bible verse. Hold up cards, one at a time. Children must say the word that comes before the flash card and the one that follows. Continue until all words have been recalled and children can quote the entire verse correctly.

Pass

As the children stand in a circle, the first person holds a ball says the first word of the verse. He passes the ball to another person in the circle, and that child must say the second word. He or she then passes the ball until the verse is complete.

Bible Verse Night Lights

Instruct children to lightly print the verse in large letters on a sheet of typing paper. Paint over the penciled letters with florescent paint, using a small paintbrush. Children can hang the verse on their bedroom walls to read in the dark.

Fading Verse

Write the Bible verse to be learned on a white board. Erase one important word at a time while repeating the verse each time. Continue until all words are erased and verse is learned.

Graffito Style

Write the Bible verse to learn on a chalk or white board in graffito style (words jumbled). Ask one child to find the first word and draw an arrow to the next word repeating both words. The next child draws an arrow connecting the third word and repeats all three. Continue until all words are connected and all children have learned the verse.

Illustrated Verse

Ask children to draw pictures of words in the Bible verse that help them remember the word. Put the drawings together repeating the words using the visual clues. Continue until all have learned the verse.

Record a Verse

Record the verse on a tape recorder. Play the verse over several times. Stop the tape and leave off the last of the verse, allowing the children to complete the verse. Continue to stop the tape so that the children can say the whole verse without the tape.

Share-a-Verse

Have the children sit in a circle. Whisper the first word of the verse to one child. He or she will then whisper that word to the next person and so on until the last person who will say the word aloud. Whisper each word to the first person as soon as he or she has passed the word to the next person. Can the last person say the entire verse aloud without mistake?

Show Me

Let the children read the memory verse. Then, let each child, act out what the verse means to him. Other children will guess what he or she is doing. The one guessing correctly then quotes the verse. Repeat until all have had a turn.

Step on It

Print each word of a verse in large letters on a separate sheet of paper. Tape in random order onto the floor, close enough for succeeding words to be reached in a step. Children should step on one word at a time in the proper order to quote the verse. Repeat until all the children have “Stepped on it.”

Crossing Kids–Sunday, August 5, 2012

5th Grade, Elementary, Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning Comments Off

Aug 072012

Little Ones

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “(His People) will be protected.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: Daniel and the Lions’ Den | Daniel 6

Monthly Song:

“Wherever, Whatever” from the I Can Count on You

Preschool

Monthly Topic: “P” is for Protector

Big Idea: I trust in the Lord. He will protect me.

Memory Verse: “The Lord loves… his faithful ones. They will be protected forever.” Psalm 37:28

Bible Story Focus: Rahab and the Spies/ Wall of Jericho | Joshua 2; Joshua 5:13-6:27

Monthly Songs

“Powerful” from Phil Joel Deliberate

“I Will Trust Him” from The Crossing’s Forever/Home

Dinner Table Discussion

Discuss the following questions as a family during dinner this week. They’re meant to prompt further conversation about what was experienced on Sunday morning.

I Wonder Questions:

I wonder… who helped the spies and Joshua? God helped them through Rahab.

I wonder…what happened after Joshua and his men marched around Jericho? The walls fell down.

I wonder… who does God protect? God protects “his faithful ones,” those who love and believe in him.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Lesson 10: August 5, 2012

What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You?
By: Steve Jenkins

Key Concept: We can trust God to protect us. We don’t have to be afraid.

Verse: Psalm 23

Book Summary: In this non-fiction text, Steve Jenkins describes several unusual defense mechanisms that animals have to protect themselves from predators. Children will learn that not only were these mechanisms created by our Creator King, but that God also protects us. Because of this, we don’t have to be afraid

Activity Summary: Children will look up multiple verses that tell us what to do when we’re afraid. They will then create and decorate shields that remind them of these promises.

Objectives: At the end of the unit, children will be able to:

That all great art contains an “echo of Eden”—memories of a good creation, the tragedy of our current condition, and a longing for redemption
How to use literature to notice Gospel themes, find common ground with others, and discuss these truths in winsome ways.
To enjoy literature, engage in culture, and understand what it means to be created in the image of a creative God.
To learn how to “hunt and gather truth” in a variety of contexts.
The Gospel is not just for saving souls, but redeeming all of creation.

5th Grade

Grapple Question: What if Someone Won’t Forgive Me?

Kids Learn: Obedience and Being Responsible for Your Actions

Dig Into the Bible: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 66:16-20; Proverbs 14:9; James 5:16

Nothing feels worse than apologizing for something and then not receiving forgiveness. Do this fun activity with your child: Find a die from a board game in your home. Have your child announce a direction (forward, left, or backward, for example), and then roll the die to see how many steps to take in that direction. Do this about five times and see where you end up! Point out that your child could control part of the activity—which direction to take—but not how quickly you got there. In the same way, you can ask for forgiveness, but you can’t control whether someone will forgive you or not.

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