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My Favorite Morning Prayer

Family, Parents, prayer, Uncategorized No Responses »

Feb 092013

As a mom with three small kids, I often wish that the words that come out of my mouth could promptly be put back into the ugly place they came from. The only way I’ve found to fight my tendency to be impatient with my family is to begin my day in God’s Word and by asking him for help.

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The prayer below is something I’ve returned to for years now. It’s from The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions or from this website that has some of those Puritan prayers listed. My favorite line has to be, “May I speak each word as if my last word, and walk each step as my final one. If my life should end today, let this be my best day.”

I invite you to make this your prayer, too, as you begin your parenting day…

Morning Dedication

Almighty God, as I cross the threshold of this day I commit myself, soul, body, affairs, friends, to Thy care. Watch over, keep, guide, direct, sanctify, bless me. Incline my heart to thy ways. Mould me wholly into the image of Jesus, as a potter forms clay. May my lips be a well-tuned harp to sound Thy praise. Let those around see me living by Thy Spirit, trampling the world underfoot, unconformed to lying vanities, transformed by a renewed mind, clad in the entire armour of God, shining as a never-dimmed light, showing holiness in all my doings. Let no evil this day soil my thoughts, words, hands. May I travel miry paths with a life pure from spot or stain. In needful transactions let my affection be in heaven, and my love soar upwards in flames of fire, my gaze fixed on unseen things, my eyes open to the emptiness, fragility, mockery of earth and its vanities. May I view all things in the mirror of eternity, waiting for the coming of my Lord, listening for the last trumpet call, hastening unto the new heaven and earth. Order this day all my communications according to Thy wisdom, and to the gain of mutual good. Forbid that I should not be profited or made profitable. May I speak each word as if my last word, and walk each step as my final one. If my life should end today, let this be my best day.

The Power of a Praying Parent: My Own Experience

Family, Parents, prayer, Reflection No Responses »

Feb 072013

As you may have guessed from our previous two blog posts, our February blog focus is on prayer. Throughout this month we hope to provide you with an over arching vision for what prayer is and why it’s important along with practical ideas to encourage you and your family. As I’ve contemplated prayer, my mind has ventured back to some of my early childhood memories, most specifically with my mom.

Growing up I remember hearing the words “shy,” “sensitive, and “old soul” used quite often to describe me. I hated change. I really liked being with my family. New social settings were often times scary and full of anxiety and homesickness was a common occurrence when I found myself in a new environment. While some of this eased as I grew older, it never completely left. As afraid as I often was of new settings, I was equally afraid of drawing attention to myself. I didn’t want to cry in front of other children or cause them to think I was weird. This only led to greater anxiety that I would not be able to keep my emotions in check. Left to my own devices, I’m sure I would have just chosen to avoid those scenarios all together if it weren’t for parents who valued my longterm growth over my immediate comfort. When I walk down our Crossing Kids hallways and see children reluctant to enter/clinging a bit to mom or dad, there is more than a little genuine empathy in my heart. There is also a deep thankfulness for how my own parents responded 20+ years ago.

When I found myself in these situations throughout life, one thing remained constant–my mom’s response. Full of tender compassion, she gently didn’t just tell me what to do when I was afraid she modeled it by praying for and with me. I have distinct memories of her praying for me in the car, in front of a classroom door, before a neighbor’s birthday party, and during nights I struggled to fall asleep. As I grew older, I have even more vivid memories of tearful phone calls from camp and yes, even my first few nights away at college and on a summer long mission trip thousands of miles away. She would listen and talk through what was hard and overwhelming, but her response encouraged something far more powerful than quitting or wallowing.

From my experience, one of the most powerful gifts we can give children in the midst of any type of struggle or suffering is not an immediate “quick fix” or attempt to create an easier circumstance. It’s not a pat answer or a way to boost “self esteem.” The best thing we can do when our children experience weakness is to show them what our own immediate response should be as adults–to pray. Psalm 56:3 says, “When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” We can help even young children grasp this important truth by handling fear or any concern this way.

We can ask God for faith to trust Him. We can ask God for His peace that passes all understanding. We can remind ourselves of His power, His might, His past faithfulness. We can remind ourselves of His promise to never leave or forsake, His promise to be with us even to the very end of the age. Our words don’t have to be perfect, my mom’s weren’t. Romans 8:26 tells us that even when we don’t know how to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us.

What happens when we our first response is to pray with our children? Over time, it becomes their first response too. As Noel Piper writes in her book Treasuring God in Our Traditions,

“Perhaps the greatest value of good traditions is that through them we learn about and recognize and experience the faithfulness of our God who promises, ‘I will not leave you or forsake you’ (Joshua 1:5)…We don’t know exactly what our children’s strongest, lasting memories will be. But we do want to make sure that our daily, weekly, regularly random activities occur in a God-filled context–that we recognize him in all of our life and show him everywhere to our children.”

Creative Family Prayer Idea

Christmas, Family, Parents, prayer No Responses »

Feb 052013

I was talking with my friend, Tammy Bukowski, recently and she was sharing about a prayer idea she and her husband, Brock, were doing with their kids. I asked her if I could share it with you. This is in her own words:

This year our family started a new tradition. We received many Christmas cards this year celebrating Jesus and family. Generally I look at each card, marvel at how the children in each family have grown and then add it to the card pile that will be moved from space to space until it reaches a drawer for the year.

This year I wanted to try something different. As each new card came in, I added it to an O ring. After Christmas, instead of retiring the pile to a drawer, we began to get the stack out a dinner and talking about a family. That family became our prayer family for the day.

Many times the kids do not know the family that we are praying for. When that happens, the person with the connection to the family shares what they know about the family. This has brought about many opportunities to talk about different family dynamics. As a family we have prayed for non-Christians to know Jesus, the blessing of adoption, new friendships, old friendships, that families will grow in their love of Christ, and new birth. A politician, Veritas leaders, old preschool buddies, and out of town family promise to be the focus of our discussions next week.

I love to see Christ working through my children’s hearts as they step outside of themselves and excitedly ask who the prayer family of the day is. Bowing our heads together as a family to lift up others, pray for their needs, celebrate their successes brings us closer to Christ. It is so easy to become wrapped up in ourselves and what we have going on. This is one way our family uses to step outside of that.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, February 3, 2013

5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning, Volunteers No Responses »

Feb 032013

Little Ones

Big Idea: Jesus, our Forever King, loves all people.

Monthly Symbol: Heart

Memory Verse: “His loves endures forever” – Psalm 136:1

Bible Story Focus: Jesus loves Children

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, kids will hear of Jesus’ love for children through the story in Matthew 19. They will learn that Jesus loves all people including little children.

Preschool

Monthly Image: Heart

Big Idea: Jesus, our Forever King, loves all people.

Memory Verse: “His love endures forever.” -Psalm 136:1

Bible Story Focus: Jesus loves the World

John 4:1-42

I Wonder Questions

I wonder…What town did Jesus stop in to get some water?

* He stopped in Samaria.

I wonder…Who is the Living Water?

*Jesus is the living water.

I wonder… Who does Jesus love?

* Jesus loves all people.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Title of Unit: Sin–A Matter of the Heart

Key Concept of Unit: Our Forever King wants what is best for us and died to free us from sin.

Memory Verse for Unit: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Scripture: Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 11-15

Objectives for Unit:

Know that God values a heart that loves and trusts in Him.
Recognize that because we live in a fallen broken world we all sin and our sin has consequences.
Realize that God wants us to respond to our sin with a broken and repentant heart.
Understand that sin requires forgiveness and Christ’s death provides that for us.
Understand that Jesus is our ultimate example of how to live a life for God.

Workshop Descriptions

#1: A Heart After God’s (Music & Craft)
In this lesson, students will learn that King David was a man after God’s own heart. They will hear the story about how God chose David to become the new king of the Israelites not because he was big, strong, or important, but because David had a heart that loved God more than anything else (this is a review from Unit 1). Students will discuss what it means to be “after God’s own heart,” and that we too can have a heart after God’s by reading his word, loving Him, and trusting Him. To help children begin to “store God’s word in their hearts,” they will create a “Heart Pouch” filled with Bible verses telling who God is and what he loves.

#2: Selfish vs. Selfless Heart (3 Stations)
In this lesson, students will learn about sin through the story of David and Bathsheba from 2 Samuel 11. After hearing the story, students will rotate through 3 stations to learn: why we sin, what sin is, and the result of sin. Students will learn that the opposite of a selfish (sinful) heart is a selfless heart that loves and trusts in God and will leave with encouragement from Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

#3: Hard vs. Broken Heart (Craft)
In this lesson, children will learn how God wants us to respond to sin. After hearing the story of David and Nathan from 2 Samuel 12, children will look at verses in the Bible to help them understand that even though God already knows about our sin He wants us to come to him with a broken and contrite heart. Although our hearts may be broken, His love for us is unbreakable. They will then create a beautiful heart from broken crayons to demonstrate that God can make our sin/broken hearts beautiful through a better relationship with Him.

#4: Sinful vs. Clean Heart (Science)
In this lesson, children will learn that Jesus died on the cross to pay the punishment for our sin. By doing this, he washes away (cleans) the stain of our sin. The lesson will begin with a science experiment demonstration. Children will then compare the experiment to our own sin being cleaned by Jesus’ blood shed for us. Finally, children will have a time of quiet reflection to acknowledge and confess their own sin to God by writing about them with disappearing ink.

#5: Stubborn vs. Transforming Heart (Drama)
In this lesson, students will learn that God will transform our hearts and help us know the things He wants us to do the more we follow the example of our Forever King–Jesus. When we read God’s word and look to Jesus, we learn how to respond in difficult situations. Children will read and perform “sticky situations” for their classmates and discuss how Jesus’ example can help us know how to live.

Ways to Follow Up:

Hide God’s Word in your heart by reviewing/memorizing verses from verses brought home in workshop #1 activity—“Heart Pouch.”
Hide God’s Word in your heart through music—Seeds Family Worship.

Music:
Hey Man from Seeds of Faith
Forgiven from TRU Worship
One Way from Hillsong United

5th Grade

Grapple Question: Are We Really That Different?

Kids Learn: Uncommon Commonalities

Dig Into the Bible: Genesis 1:26-27; 2:18-24; Galatians 3:26-28; 1 Timothy 2:8-15

As an adult, you can probably name a dozen differences between men and women—physi- cal characteristics, personality tendencies, ways of handling problems. But your preteen may just be realizing all the differences between boys and girls.

Think about what traits make your daughter special as a female, or what sets your son apart as a male. Maybe she is compassionate and gentle, or he is strong in handling tough situ- ations. Tell your preteen that you’ve noticed and admire that trait. Remember that both genders are made in God’s image and are equally awesome!

A Praying Life…

Book Review, Devotional, Elementary, Family, Parents, prayer, Volunteers No Responses »

Jan 312013

Next month, elementary students will begin a new unit on prayer for five weeks. As I spent time preparing and writing for this, I was reminded of just how much I love and appreciate Paul Miller’s words in A Praying Life. Below are just a few examples that I found especially encouraging and challenging. Perhaps you will as well.

“When Jesus describes the intimacy he wants with us, he talks about joining us for dinner. “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). A praying life feels like our family mealtimes because prayer is all about relationship.”

“If we love people and have the power to help, then we are going to be busy. Learning to pray doesn’t offer us a less busy life; it offers us a less busy heart. In the midst of outer busyness we can develop an inner quiet. Because we are less hectic on the inside, we have a greater capacity to love…and thus to be busy, which in turn drives us even more into a life of prayer.”

“A needy heart is a praying heart. Dependency is the heartbeat of prayer.”

“Jesus wants us to be without pretense when we come to him in prayer, instead we often try to be something we aren’t…The difficulty of coming just as we are is that we are messy. And prayer makes it worse. When we slow down to pray, we are immediately confronted with how unspiritual we are, with how difficult it is to concentrate on God. We don’t know how bad we are until we try to be good. Nothing exposes our selfishness and spiritual powerlessness like prayer. In contrast, little children never get frozen by their selfishness…this isn’t just a random observation about how parents respond to little children. This is the gospel, the welcoming heart of God. God also cheers when we come to him with our wobbling, unsteady prayers. Jesus does not say, “Come to me, all you who have learned to concentrate in prayer, whose minds no longer wander, and I will give you rest.” No, Jesus opens his arms to his needy children and says, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). The criteria for coming to Jesus is weariness. Come overwhelmed with life. Come with your wandering mind. Come messy.”

“What does an unused prayer link look like? Anxiety. Instead of connecting with God, our spirits fly around like severed power lines, destroying everything they touh. Anxiety wants to be God but lacks God’s wisdom, power, or knowledge. A godlike stance without godlike character and ability is pure tension. Because anxiety is self on its own, it tries to get control…Instead of hunting for the perfect spiritual state to lift you above the chaos, pray in the chaos. As your heart or your circumstances generate probles, keep generating prayer. You will find that the chaos lessens…When you stop trying to control your life and instead allow your anxieties and problems to bring you to God in prayer, you shift from worry to watching. You watch God weave his patterns in the story of your life. Instead of trying to be out front, designing your life, you realize you are inside God’s drama. As you wait, you begin to see him work, and your life begins to sparkle with wonder. You are learning to trust again.”

“What do I lose when I have a praying life? Control. Independence. What do I gain? Friendship with God. A quiet heart. The living work of God in the hearts of those I love. The ability to roll back the tide of evil. Essentially, I lose my kingdom and get his. I move from being an independent player to a dependent lover. I move from being an orphan to a child of God.”

Some Interesting Reads

Family, Parents No Responses »

Jan 292013

I thought I would share a few recent blog posts and articles I’ve read that might be interesting to you as a parent.

A Week at a Time was posted on the Orange Parents blog recently. Wow, this one hit me close to my heart since I have one that is only 17 weeks away from week 936. I’m one of those older parents telling the mom at home with young children that it goes way too fast and to enjoy those little ones while you can. I have three others at around week 572, somewhere in the 600′s and around 858. I’d probably add one that says “hugs you all the time because they want to” between week 30 and 60.

Of course, then I read this post on Girltalk blog called Just Choose One and How do you focus on One Thing? and remember well the years where every day was spent training a child and responding to an issue at hand. And I thought “Will this child ever be potty trained?” or “Will this child ever come to me when I ask?”.

Another one of my favorite blogs right now is by Tim Elmore called Growing Leaders. He recently wrote four blogs on teaching kids to value work (part 1 part 2, part 3, part 4). Keith and I have been discussing how we will approach this with our now 13 and 10 year old boys. We feel like we had some success in this area with our 17 year old but each child is different.

As we are preparing for our upcoming Legacy Parent Lunch on February 10, Keith and I have been discussing how so much of what we want for our children when they are older is built upon what we teach them when they are young. Each year and each lesson builds on the next. I read a blog a few weeks ago called How is Obedience a Gateway to Understanding the Gospel? that shares how training comes before teaching.

Okay, let’s end on something fun. I found this Minute to Win It game yesterday while planning for my 5th grader’s last Valentine’s Day party at school. I think it would be a fun family night game to play together (especially if you like candy) but also for those of you who are looking for a last minute party idea.

Crossing Kids: Sunday, January 27

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Jan 272013

Little Ones

Big Idea: Jesus has always been the Forever King, even when He was little.

Monthly Symbol: Bible

Memory Verse: “Jesus became wiser and stronger.” | Luke 2:52

Bible Story Focus: Jesus in the Temple

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, kids will learn that Jesus was a wise king even as a small child. They will hear the story of Jesus getting separated from His parents and was found teaching others about God’s love. They will hear that Jesus was able to teach others about the Bible the way their teachers teach them about the Bible too.

Music

Oh, He Loves Me from One Big Gulp

Which Book is the Very Best from Reach Up High

Preschool

Monthly Image: Bible

Big Idea: Jesus has always been the Forever King, even when He was little.

Memory Verse: “Jesus became wiser and stronger” Luke 2:52

Bible Story Focus: Jesus in the Temple | Luke 2:41-52

Lesson Overview:

In this lesson, kids will learn that Jesus was a wise king even as a small child. They will hear the story of Jesus getting separated from His parents and was found teaching others about God’s love. They will hear that Jesus was able to teach others about the Bible the way their teachers teach them about the Bible too.

Activities:
At 8:00 and 11:00, children will be playing hide and seek with a picture of Jesus and will be decorating a temple with stickers. Our preschoolers who attend 9:30 will be finding a miniature duck to compare to finding Jesus in the temple and will be playing a Jesus hide-and-seek game they can take home.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Title of Unit: Sin–A Matter of the Heart

Key Concept of Unit: Our Forever King wants what is best for us and died to free us from sin.

Memory Verse for Unit: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Scripture: Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 11-15

Objectives for Unit:

Know that God values a heart that loves and trusts in Him.
Recognize that because we live in a fallen broken world we all sin and our sin has consequences.
Realize that God wants us to respond to our sin with a broken and repentant heart.
Understand that sin requires forgiveness and Christ’s death provides that for us.
Understand that Jesus is our ultimate example of how to live a life for God.

Workshop Descriptions

Ways to Follow Up:

Hide God’s Word in your heart by reviewing/memorizing verses from verses brought home in workshop #1 activity—“Heart Pouch.”
Hide God’s Word in your heart through music—Seeds Family Worship.

Music:
Hey Man from Seeds of Faith
Forgiven from TRU Worship
One Way from Hillsong United

5th Grade

Grapple Question: What if I Mess Up?

Kids Learn: Recovering From Bad Choices

Dig Into the Bible: Numbers 15:22-31; Luke 22:55-62; Romans 7:15-20; 1 John 1:7-9

My daughter came home from school in tears last week because she’d been caught making fun of her bus driver. Looking back, she knew it wasn’t right and she felt guilty. Now she had to face the embarrassing consequences of apologizing to the driver and explaining to her principal what happened.

Everyone messes up—including parents. You can be a good example to your child of how to repair relationships after making bad choices. Start by apologizing to your kids when you know you have made a bad parenting decision. Your preteen will follow your example the next time he or she messes up.

My 2013 Book List

Book Review, Family, Parents No Responses »

Jan 262013

Almost 100% of the books I read and end up liking are those recommended by others I know or bloggers I follow. So, I thought I might share a few with you that I am currently reading or intend to read this new year…all of which were recommended by people I trust.

Good and Angry: Exchanging Frustration for Character in You and Your Kids! – I’ve mentioned before that I struggle with impatience when it comes to parenting. I just started this book and am smitten. It’s chalk full of heart-targeted, practical ways to deal with the parenting issues (think lack of self-control, irresponsibility, bad attitudes, etc) we face that cause anger in parents. And, it helps parents deal rightly with their own hearts. So. excited. about. this. read.

Fit to Burst : Abundance Mayhem, & the Joys of Motherhood - Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches, Rachel Jankovich’s first book, rocked my mothering-of-little-ones world as I share in this post. This week, I started this newest release and am already drinking from a fire hydrant, so to speak. I cannot wait to hear what this mother of six children who is full of wisdom and mirth has to say in the rest of this short mothering manifesto.

Artificial Maturity: Helping Kids Meet the Challenge of Becoming Authentic Adults – This book comes highly recommended by my boss, mentor, and friend who has four teenage/elementary kids–yours truly, the one and only, Christine Simon.

Ten Ways to Destroy the Imagination of Your Child – The description says that this book “confronts contemporary trends in parenting and schooling by reclaiming lost traditions. This practical, insightful book is essential reading for any parent who cares about the paltry thing that childhood has become, and who wants to give a child something beyond the dull drone of today’s culture.”

The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God - I already started this book with our small group Bible study, but I am looking forward to finishing it in the new year. So far, it’s been the best book on marriage I’ve ever read. I wish every single person could read it before getting married, actually.

What’s on your list to read in 2013?

Hiding God’s Word in my Toddler’s Heart

Devotional, Little Ones, Parents No Responses »

Jan 252013

Throughout my teaching years, one learned lesson has always stuck with me: adults (parents and teachers alike) often underestimate what children are capable of. I saw it over and over again in the classroom. A kindergartener tackles a book “too hard” for her and loves it or a 5th grader asks questions about the world seemingly “above his head.” Kids are capable. Kids are smart. Kids are hungry to learn.

This lesson has really sunk in at home as I watch my 18-month-old daughter, Eleanor, soaking in everything around her. Sometimes it’s easy to underestimate her abilities – she is a toddler after all. Aren’t toddlers just supposed to play and have fun? But as I play and interact with her daily, I am amazed at just how capable she is. Sometimes she will figure out a toy she has never seen before or say a word I don’t remember ever teaching her. Toddlers are capable. Toddlers are smart. Toddlers are hungry to learn.

Because this is true, toddlers are not too young to start soaking in God’s word. Psalm 119:11 tells us to “hide God’s word in our hearts.” Shouldn’t this apply to the youngest among us? Are toddlers capable of hiding God’s word in their hearts?

Absolutely.

Though it might look different than how an adult or older kid would read and study the Bible, a toddler is capable of loving God’s word. And it is up to us to help cultivate this love and hunger. This is where a lot of us get stumped. How can we help toddlers “hide God’s word in their hearts” in practical, everyday ways? What does this look like?

Here is a glimpse into four things we try at home to help Eleanor love God’s word.

Listen to Scripture Set to Music

Toddlers love music and over time will internalize the lyrics of the songs. We love listening to music that is centered on God’s word at home and in the car and even sing them aloud before bedtime. Eleanor lights up when we start listening and singing some of these songs together. Here are a few favorites:

Say Simple Bible Verses in Context

Make God’s word meaningful (because it is!). Incorporate God’s life giving word into your daily activities. Keep the verses simple, short, and meaningful. Say them in context to help your toddler understand what they mean. I also simplify the language to words Eleanor will better understand. Here are a few I say aloud with my little one:

“Every word of God proves (is) true.” (Proverbs 30:5) I might say this when we are looking at the pictures in her Bible to help her see the Bible is all true.

“The heavens declare (show) the Glory of God.” (Psalm 19:1) I said this aloud to her on our walk this morning when we were looking at birds in the sky.

“Do not fear; God is with you.” (Isaiah 41:10) This is a great verse to say if your child is afraid before bedtime or before you leave them with a babysitter.

Read an Age-Appropriate Bible Together

This is an obvious one, but so crucial. To hide God’s word in our hearts, we must be in the word! The same is true for toddlers. Find a Bible your toddler loves and take time to look at the pictures, talk about the stories, and thank God for His word together on a regular basis. Here are a few recommendations:

Model Reading the Bible to Your Toddler

This is an easy one to forget. Usually, I wait until Eleanor is asleep before I take time to read my Bible so that I will be able to focus. However, children are interested in whatever you are doing. If I am cooking or vacuuming, she wants to be a part of it. The same is true of reading my Bible. Sometimes, I just pray through a few verses in my Bible while she is playing beside me. Though she doesn’t always show interest, sometimes she’ll come up to me and I tell her “Mama is reading the Bible – God’s word. It is so special” or something along those lines. Now Eleanor will point to my Bible and say, “Bible!” This warms my heart to see these seeds being planted and taking root in her tiny heart.

What are some ways you share God’s word with your little ones?

Crossing Kids: Sunday, January 20, 2013

5th Grade, Elementary, Family, Little Ones, Parents, Preschool, Sunday Morning, Volunteers No Responses »

Jan 202013

Little Ones

Big Idea: Jesus has always been the Forever King, even when He was little.

Monthly Symbol: Bible

Memory Verse: “Jesus became wiser and stronger.” | Luke 2:52

Bible Story Focus: Jesus in the Temple

Music

Oh, He Loves Me from One Big Gulp

Which Book is the Very Best from Reach Up High

Preschool

Monthly Image: Bible

Big Idea: Jesus has always been the Forever King, even when He was little.

Memory Verse: “Jesus grew stronger and wiser” Luke 2:52

Bible Story Focus: Jesus grow up | Luke 2:52

Lesson Overview:
In this lesson, kids will hear of how Jesus had to grow up just like we do. They will hear of how He started as a small baby and grew into a taller, stronger, and wiser man, a Forever King. We know that Jesus grew up just like us because the Bible tells us so.

Activities:
At 8:00 and 11:00, preschoolers will build a block tower and talk about how Jesus grew up to become a carpenter. Then they will begin growth certificates that families can finish at home. At 9:30, preschoolers will learn about different sizes of clothes and talk about growing up. Then they will make hammer bookmarks with the memory verse to remind themselves Jesus grew up to be a carpenter.

Kindergarten-4th Grade

Title of Unit: Sin–A Matter of the Heart

Key Concept of Unit: Our Forever King wants what is best for us and died to free us from sin.

Memory Verse for Unit: “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Scripture: Psalm 51; 2 Samuel 11-15

Objectives for Unit:

Know that God values a heart that loves and trusts in Him.
Recognize that because we live in a fallen broken world we all sin and our sin has consequences.
Realize that God wants us to respond to our sin with a broken and repentant heart.
Understand that sin requires forgiveness and Christ’s death provides that for us.
Understand that Jesus is our ultimate example of how to live a life for God.

Workshop Descriptions

Ways to Follow Up:

Hide God’s Word in your heart by reviewing/memorizing verses from verses brought home in workshop #1 activity—“Heart Pouch.”
Hide God’s Word in your heart through music—Seeds Family Worship.

Music:
Hey Man from Seeds of Faith
Forgiven from TRU Worship
One Way from Hillsong United

5th Grade

Grapple Question: What if It Doesn’t Feel Wrong?

Kids Learn: Practicing Discernment

Dig Into the Bible: Proverbs 1:1-7; 3:21-26; Romans 14:20-23; Galatians 5:16-17

You probably talk to your kids about how you want them to respond to peer pressure and temptation. But you can’t always be there looking over your son’s or daughter’s shoulder, especially when they’re at school or other activities. How are you supposed to make sure they learn right from wrong when they spend so much time away from you?

Good news—God sent the Holy Spirit to be a constant guide. When your preteen feels a tug at his or her conscience, that’s the Holy Spirit nudging him or her toward the right decision or away from temptation. You can be reassured, knowing that you have a Par- enting Partner to help your child make good choices.

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