What I dream for Children’s ministry? This question has been thought about, prayed about, wondered about and so here it is. Just in case you wanted to know but please don’t burst my bubble. I have dreamt of Children’s ministry since before I began at St. Paul’s and even before I became an Awana Commander in the Azores. I want every child to know that Jesus loves them, no matter what! I want every child to learn about the depth and the breadth of Jesus and His Father and of the Holy Spirit. I want every child to be able to stand straight and true, strong and brave with Jesus and to be able to stand against the devil and his schemes. I want every child to be able to pray for anyone at anytime and be confident that Jesus hears them. I want every child to be hungry for the knowledge and the love of Jesus. I want every child who walks through St. Paul’s doors to never want to leave because they are learning so much about Jesus; on the other hand, I want them to leave to go spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the Nation. I want them comfortable enough to share Jesus at school and the neighborhood, to someone they don’t know.
I have always wanted more, not more stuff, more learning and more depth in what I learn. That wasn’t the case when I was in school as a child. I struggled, but as I became an adult, I have learned to work through the struggle and I decided to go back to school last year. I wanted to know more so I could teach your children better, so they too could learn more. I have completed my first year and did well. I will be awarded a diploma in Theology for completing this year. I have just a few short years left, with a lot of studying!
We have also changed some of the format of Elementary Kingdom Quest. We have gone a little bit deeper than we were before and will continue to go deeper. I felt like we were just covering the surface without any depth. This is what our Sunday morning looks like at 9:20 a.m.: Children are welcomed and check in, they receive their Bible buck and a ticket for the drawing. They come have a seat on the floor and visit with their buddies for a few minutes. We start at 9:25 with prayer and Praise and Worship. It isn’t like what you have in the Sanctuary, oh no! It is moving and grooving to the Lord Jesus. After all, we were made to Worship! We sing a few songs, than we have a Big Group teaching time, using their Bibles, about the subject we are learning during the month, this lasts about 10 minutes. We then draw tickets for bringing their Bibles, the winners receive yummy candy. We then release the children to their classrooms where they experience the lesson in many ways. The children are released from class at 10:45 a.m.
Preschool Kingdom Quest has a Large Group time to hear the story of the day and then break off into three small groups to rotate through different areas. The children enjoy learning about Jesus.
In Awana- each club has their own flavor. Most start with the Pledges to the Flags: American, Christian and the Bible along with our club songs and worship make up Flag Time. Puggles (age 2) do not start with flags. They have a Large Group time to listen to the story and sing the song, they play with playdough or make a craft, they play with each other and learn about the world around them. Cubbies (ages 3-5) start out in Flag time with the big dogs and then go to their classrooms. They have a big group puppet show, where the puppets help tell the story (great puppeteers too!). They have a book time where they say their scripture verses they memorized to their leaders. They have a story time along with a craft time. Both these clubs go to game time. Sparks (K-2) and Truth and Training (3rd-6th) have three sections. Handbook time – they learn or say their memorized Bible verses to their leaders, Big Group teaching time and Game Time.
In my dream, we have over 1,000 children praising Jesus and learning to be His disciples and we have committed leaders who desire to walk this journey with the children. Right now we have 250 children in total and IN every area of children’s ministry, we have incredible loving, Jesus’ loving leaders. They are committed, they desire to be involved and they are wonderfully dedicated. In my dream, this is what Children’s ministry should look like. It should look like more; more Jesus, more serving, more loving, more learning, digging deeper inside us and in the Bible and less of the outside influences, more of giving and offering to others our Jesus.
MY DESIRE IS TO SEE THE CHILDREN AND LEADERS HAVE ZEAL FOR JESUS! To know HIM with out reservations.
Thank you to all my leaders and teachers. This wouldn’t be possible without you!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
This is wonderful and a great reminder
Her First Car
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
02-19-2009
"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him" (1 Samuel 3:7).
Charis, my sixteen-year-old daughter at the time, was now driving age. She had saved her hard-earned money to match her father's contribution to buy her first car. It was time to begin the hunt. I told her that we needed to pray for God to lead us to that perfect car. She was excited about the possibilities.
I began combing the newspaper and internet to find the right car. We prayed we would find the right car, even in the gray or silver color and model that she wanted. Finally, after several weeks, she got discouraged and began to tear up, "We will never find a car for this price." I told her the car was out there, but it was not God's time yet. We had to be patient to allow God to provide in His time, not ours. This didn't go over well with a teenager.
Finally, one day I came upon a car that seemed like it fit our criteria. I called the owner. The parents of the boy who owned it answered the call and gave me more information. I liked the parents right away. They had a nice "spirit" about them. We drove over to the house and there in the front yard was a silver sports car - the model she had been looking for, complete with a fantastic stereo and speaker system. We noticed a small fish symbol on the back bumper, which indicated the owner may have been a Christian. "These people appear to be believers!" I exclaimed to my daughter.
We met them and talked about price. It was a little higher than our budget. We asked if they could meet our price. They did. My daughter had her new car with a personal imprint from God to show my daughter that He was the source of the new car.
One of the most important roles you and I have as parents is to transfer our faith to our children. There comes a time when our children need to take ownership of their own faith in the Lord, rather than living off mom or dad's faith. Today, consider how to pass your faith to your children.
**** As I read this, it reminded me of a story. When we moved from Hawaii to Omaha, we sold our car. I knew exactly the car I wanted, it was a green mini van, with quad captian seats, electric panel, tan interior, low miles and in wonderful condition. I began to pray. We looked at many lots when we arrived in Omaha. We stopped at Woodhouse and they had the van that I wanted at a price we could afford. It was the best! I loved that van! It took many road trips with our basketball teams, it held many basketballs, water bottles, duffle bags and more. When I moved to the Azores, I had to sell it, I cried. This was a prayer answered and now it was gone. But than he showed Himself again when we moved from the Azores to a podunk town, Norfolk with 4 suitcases, 2 fat cats, an 18 yo who needed to learn to trust Jesus with the faith that really sticks. We had no jobs, no home, nothing but a great savings. We stayed in a hotel where I celebrated my birthday. We had an apt. in two days, bought new furniture after sleeping on the floor a few nights. We put in at least 30 applications but nothing! Christy began to loose hope and faith that something would come through. We prayed again and she got the first job! I got mine right after and then got another one and quit the first one. God was providing, he was showing himself strong.
Teach your children to stand in faith by praying and believing for that.
Blessings, Janette
TGIF Today God Is First Volume 2, by Os Hillman
02-19-2009
"Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD: The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him" (1 Samuel 3:7).
Charis, my sixteen-year-old daughter at the time, was now driving age. She had saved her hard-earned money to match her father's contribution to buy her first car. It was time to begin the hunt. I told her that we needed to pray for God to lead us to that perfect car. She was excited about the possibilities.
I began combing the newspaper and internet to find the right car. We prayed we would find the right car, even in the gray or silver color and model that she wanted. Finally, after several weeks, she got discouraged and began to tear up, "We will never find a car for this price." I told her the car was out there, but it was not God's time yet. We had to be patient to allow God to provide in His time, not ours. This didn't go over well with a teenager.
Finally, one day I came upon a car that seemed like it fit our criteria. I called the owner. The parents of the boy who owned it answered the call and gave me more information. I liked the parents right away. They had a nice "spirit" about them. We drove over to the house and there in the front yard was a silver sports car - the model she had been looking for, complete with a fantastic stereo and speaker system. We noticed a small fish symbol on the back bumper, which indicated the owner may have been a Christian. "These people appear to be believers!" I exclaimed to my daughter.
We met them and talked about price. It was a little higher than our budget. We asked if they could meet our price. They did. My daughter had her new car with a personal imprint from God to show my daughter that He was the source of the new car.
One of the most important roles you and I have as parents is to transfer our faith to our children. There comes a time when our children need to take ownership of their own faith in the Lord, rather than living off mom or dad's faith. Today, consider how to pass your faith to your children.
**** As I read this, it reminded me of a story. When we moved from Hawaii to Omaha, we sold our car. I knew exactly the car I wanted, it was a green mini van, with quad captian seats, electric panel, tan interior, low miles and in wonderful condition. I began to pray. We looked at many lots when we arrived in Omaha. We stopped at Woodhouse and they had the van that I wanted at a price we could afford. It was the best! I loved that van! It took many road trips with our basketball teams, it held many basketballs, water bottles, duffle bags and more. When I moved to the Azores, I had to sell it, I cried. This was a prayer answered and now it was gone. But than he showed Himself again when we moved from the Azores to a podunk town, Norfolk with 4 suitcases, 2 fat cats, an 18 yo who needed to learn to trust Jesus with the faith that really sticks. We had no jobs, no home, nothing but a great savings. We stayed in a hotel where I celebrated my birthday. We had an apt. in two days, bought new furniture after sleeping on the floor a few nights. We put in at least 30 applications but nothing! Christy began to loose hope and faith that something would come through. We prayed again and she got the first job! I got mine right after and then got another one and quit the first one. God was providing, he was showing himself strong.
Teach your children to stand in faith by praying and believing for that.
Blessings, Janette
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Travel the Road Missionaries
For the first two years of Awana T&T, we watched these missionaries. Tim Scott and Will Decker are amazing. They have given everything up to follow Jesus! They are young and go wherever God leads them. You can visit their website at www.traveltheroad.com You will be amazed and your children will love it! Here is the website of their history. http://www.traveltheroad.com/inspiration/history4.html
CNN News Interview from Travel the Road on Vimeo.
CNN News Interview from Travel the Road on Vimeo.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
(borrowed from www.christianwomentoday.com/parenting)
One of the many topics we will cover during Lent at Awana and Sunday school. 3 Articles
Teach Your Children to Study the Bible
by Karen Sue Hale
Article #1
Simply by opening the pages of a good book, we may enjoy places we could never afford to cruise to, explore uncharted lands, and live many experiences vicariously. What book can take us farther than the Bible? It carries us back in history to the very birth of the earth and forward to the magnificent throne of God. It’s a shame to neglect such a marvelous, true adventure. We must make time to share it with our children.
After teaching elementary school for fifteen years, I certainly know the importance of reading to children. Without the pleasure of sitting on someone’s lap and looking on as a story unfolds from the pages, they are less likely to become good readers them selves. As you seek fun, interesting, and edifying material for your child to read, do not forget to encourage time with the best book. The Bible contains adventure, humor, and romance. Written in both prose and poetry, it is a source of history, wisdom, and prophecy. More importantly, the Bible is the very word of God, and we are admonished to “hide it in our hearts” (Psalm 119:11). What better start toward a deep relationship with our Savior could you give your child than reading God’s word with him?
Begin when they're young
Parents begin “reading” board books with pictures of pets, toys, and shapes when their babies are still crawling. Why not read the excellent Bible story board books that are available as well. For the pre-schooler, children’s Bibles colorfully illustrate simplified stories about Abraham, Moses, Noah, and Jesus. As your child grows, allow her to read stories from an easy-read Bible to you. Occasionally, read the longer version to your young child from a modern translation. I really enjoy the New International Version because it is readily understandable. Keep art supplies available; and encourage your child to illustrate what you’ve read. Send the pictures to Great Aunt Melba or give them away at a nursing home.
When your child is in the second or third grade (earlier if a natural reader), purchase an NIV or other modern translation Bible for him. Take turns reading some of the stories he hears in Sunday School. Let him read some verses. Then you read a few. Stop to discuss the actions of the characters and their relationships to God. If you have several children, you may be able to help them act out a story. They could perform their play for their grandparents or neighborhood friends. In this way, you would be encouraging them to share their faith from an early age.
Connecting with pre-teens
As your child matures, it is often difficult to keep him reading at all, and the Bible could gather dust. Then it is time to leave the well-known stories and dig out adventures fascinating to a fifth grade boy, such as Ehud sinking his knife completely into the evil king and the fat covering the handle. If you have a sixth grade girl, don’t miss the story of Esther preparing for an entire year for the ultimate beauty contest. If you find a few of these “gems”, you may be able to sneak in a few pearls of wisdom such as “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word,” (Psalm 119:9) and “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but the woman who fears the Lord shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
Begin teaching your pre-teens to use the concordance and other study helps in their Bibles. You may also wish to purchase a Bible handbook and Bible atlas. These tools can help to bring new life to scripture study by giving a clearer understanding of the times and places where events took place. There are multi-volume sets that look similar to encyclopedias but contain a wealth of information, illustrations, and maps to enhance your comprehension of the Word. They are expensive; but so are the computer games, videos, and even cell phones children receive as gifts. Would you rather invest money in your child’s temporary amusement or the renewing of the mind? (Romans 12:2)
Children learn what they live
If you have made family Bible reading time a habit in your child’s life, the door will open to discuss God’s Word with your teenager. One of the biggest thrills was when my son would bound into the apartment and ask where to find something in the Bible or say, “I know what I believe about this, but I need you to help me look in the concordance and find where the verses are to share it with my friend.” Together we would search the Word for answers to the problems encountered during those tough years between childhood and adulthood. I gave him a True Love Waits Bible for Christmas one year. The study helps and candid articles opened up topics I trembled to tackle. However, talking about purity with him was much easier in the context of scripture discussion.
Reading the Bible with your children, will show them that God’s Word is important to you. “Children learn what they live,” one poem states. Therefore, live reading the Bible with your children; and they will learn to live according to God’s word. Travel through the ages as you turn the pages of the Bible with your child and watch as God makes an eternal difference in not only his life, but yours.
Karen Hale has a Master of Education degree from Texas Woman’s University. The Lord fulfilled the desire of Karen’s heart when he brought two teenagers into her life who “adopted” her. Esther is now working her way through college. Thomas is a 2nd lieutenant in the army. He and his wife, Christan, recently brought new joy into Karen’s life when they gave her a granddaughter, Mayah Grace.
Article #2
Make Your Child Thirsty... for God
by Brenda Nixon
When asked, "What's God like?" one lad quipped, "He buys His clothes at Big and Tall."
Over Sunday dinner, Mom asked her young son what he learned in Sunday school. Confidently, he replied, "We learned about God, Moses, and Batman."
When my daughter Lynsey was eight years old, she wondered aloud, "What does God do on His day off?"
Children are spiritual beings. That means they, like us, seek to know their Creator. They will ask naive questions or give confused answers in their quest to know Him. Their questions, misunderstandings, and doubts are not stumbling blocks, but invitations to spiritual growth.
As the parent of a young, impressionable child, you have multiple occasions to teach your tot about God. Did you know that from birth to 18 years old, when he graduates, 85 percent of his waking, learning hours are spent, not in the classroom, but in your home? Your living room is his primary class and you are his first and most important teacher. The scholar and theologian, William Barclay counseled, "There are no teachers so effective for good or evil as parents." The Bible recognizes that parents are tremendously influential teachers. The sixth chapter of Deuteronomy commands parents to instruct their child when they walk, lay down, and get up. Summed up this means to consciously and daily work at being your child's Christian educator.
Rest assured, you do not have to be perfect to be your child's spiritual equipper. Many parents have shared their self-doubts with me. They felt they might "mess up" or not give the correct answer. It is natural to want your child to have the right guidance. But if we do our best God will do the rest. Wisely, one mother recognized that she didn't always have to "quench the thirst" of her son's spiritual needs but she must "create the thirst." To be effective in creating your child's thirst, practice these suggestions.
Seize any occasion to speak of God. Each morning I wake my daughter Laura for school with, "This is the day the Lord has made...", although, Laura's not always ready to "rejoice and be glad." One mother told me she helps her son with verse memorization. "It is amazing what my four-year-old will learn to the tune of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' or 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat,'" she said. I applaud parents who teach their child Bible verses, because it is "putting on the armor of God" for life's battles.
Weave spiritual lessons into your daily conversations. With the warm weather we've enjoyed recently, Laura and I did some gardening on our daffodils and day lillies. As we knelt in the dirt, I explained the importance of clearing away old leaves and debris from the emerging plants. This will allow them fresh air and sun for growth. "It's like that in our lives, too" I went on. "We must clear away attitudes and behaviors that keep us from growing toward God."
Around your home, place visible reminders that testify to your faith in God. I remember the bronze cast of praying hands Mom and Dad had for years in our living room. The well-read family Bible remains on their coffee table today. Now, as a parent, I tape up Bible verses on mirrors, the refrigerator, and even on my car visor. The ones in the car humbly remind me that my children are watching my attitudes towards other drivers.
Children are visual learners. That means what they see has more impact than what they hear. Our beliefs about God must be lived out rather than just told to them. If we want our children to accept the Father's forgiveness, we must forgive. If we want our children to know that He is long-suffering, we must be patient even with the neighbor's cat that digs in our garden. If we want our children to understand charity, we must give, even if it's only used clothing to a shelter. One father testified that for him, this means going the speed limit to model obeying the law. Another said he lets his child put the offering envelope in the passing plate to teach about giving to God's work.
Your participation in church can create a thirst for God. Often the Sunday school lesson, music, or pastor's sermon creates interesting questions. I want my children to see that we cultivate friendships with those who are like-minded in spiritual matters. I want them to develop relationships with teachers, leaders, and mature Christians who can help when they have doubts. Belonging to a community of believers often supports the Christian education we do at home.
Everyday - in every way, you can create a spiritual thirst in your child. A thirst to know Our Father, to enjoy His forgiveness, and to benefit from His love. You will enable your child to grow up knowing he is not alone in the universe. And your child will never lack a moral compass to guide his way.
As a speaker and writer, Brenda Nixon helps build stronger families through parent empowerment. She is the author of Parenting Power in the Early Years: Raising Your Child - Birth to Age Five, a contributing author to several more books, a graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a mother of two girls. For information on Brenda's book, speaking topics and scheduling information go to BrendaNixon.com.
Article #3
Teaching Our Children to Pray
by Christine Crowley
"Now I lay me down to sleep" and "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for this food." Unfortunately, all too often those two simple children’s prayers are the extent of our teaching our children how to pray. Then as they grow older we find ourselves wondering why prayer is not a vital part of our children’s lives.
Children imitate what they see modeled, and we need to be an example of praying adults for our children. If they are to become children, and later men and women, who know the importance of prayer and make prayer a daily practice in their lives, then as their parents and grandparents we need to be setting the example. How can we do this?
Let our children see us praying. Children learn by example. Our children and grandchildren need to see us starting our day off with prayer and reading the Bible.
Our children also need to see us praying when a crisis arises or decisions need to be made. We also need to make pray a part of our children’s daily life by praying with and for them. Praying with our children needs to be more than a quick prayer said at meal and bedtimes.
Send your children off with a prayer. We have an opportunity to make a difference in our children’s day by sitting down with them before they head to school and praying for them individually. We need to be pray for guidance and protection for our children while they are away from us. Then we need to give each child the opportunity to pray for their activities of the day, and any special concerns they may have for the day. At first we may have to pray for their activities, but as they become more comfortable with this time of prayer and praying in general, they will begin praying for their own needs and the needs of the brothers and sisters as well.
Make a prayer box and write on slips of paper the names of extended family members, church leaders, close friends, and special needs of those in the church. Then at breakfast or during your family devotions, have each child draws a slip of paper and have them pray for the person whose name they drew throughout the day.
Pray over problems. When our children come to us with problems, such as problems with a classmate, upcoming test, we need to not only listen to them, and advise them, but also pray with them. Like us, our children may become discourage with prayer when they don’t see their prayers being answered right away. Just as we need to occasionally be reminded of the prayers God has answered for us, so do our children.
Make a "Thank You, God" box for answered prayers. As prayers are answered, write them down and place them in the "Thank You, God" box. Then once a week have each member of the family draw out a thank you slip and praise God for the answered prayer.
Encourage older children to keep a prayer journal. The prayer journal can consist of not only their prayer request and answers to prayer, but a place to write their prayers out.
We need to remember that our children and grandchildren will not become prayer warriors overnight, but prayer can becomes a vital part of their lives. Don’t try to put all these tips into practice at once, but start with one or two. Also don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or two of praying with your children. Just pick up and start again. Remember, start with prayer. Pray and ask God which prayer practice He would have you and your children start with and watch how God will bless not only the lives of your children and grandchildren, but your life as well.
Christine Crowley is a freelance writer and speaker who makes her home in Arizona. She teaches women's Bible studies, and serves on the women's council and missions committee in her local church.
One of the many topics we will cover during Lent at Awana and Sunday school. 3 Articles
Teach Your Children to Study the Bible
by Karen Sue Hale
Article #1
Simply by opening the pages of a good book, we may enjoy places we could never afford to cruise to, explore uncharted lands, and live many experiences vicariously. What book can take us farther than the Bible? It carries us back in history to the very birth of the earth and forward to the magnificent throne of God. It’s a shame to neglect such a marvelous, true adventure. We must make time to share it with our children.
After teaching elementary school for fifteen years, I certainly know the importance of reading to children. Without the pleasure of sitting on someone’s lap and looking on as a story unfolds from the pages, they are less likely to become good readers them selves. As you seek fun, interesting, and edifying material for your child to read, do not forget to encourage time with the best book. The Bible contains adventure, humor, and romance. Written in both prose and poetry, it is a source of history, wisdom, and prophecy. More importantly, the Bible is the very word of God, and we are admonished to “hide it in our hearts” (Psalm 119:11). What better start toward a deep relationship with our Savior could you give your child than reading God’s word with him?
Begin when they're young
Parents begin “reading” board books with pictures of pets, toys, and shapes when their babies are still crawling. Why not read the excellent Bible story board books that are available as well. For the pre-schooler, children’s Bibles colorfully illustrate simplified stories about Abraham, Moses, Noah, and Jesus. As your child grows, allow her to read stories from an easy-read Bible to you. Occasionally, read the longer version to your young child from a modern translation. I really enjoy the New International Version because it is readily understandable. Keep art supplies available; and encourage your child to illustrate what you’ve read. Send the pictures to Great Aunt Melba or give them away at a nursing home.
When your child is in the second or third grade (earlier if a natural reader), purchase an NIV or other modern translation Bible for him. Take turns reading some of the stories he hears in Sunday School. Let him read some verses. Then you read a few. Stop to discuss the actions of the characters and their relationships to God. If you have several children, you may be able to help them act out a story. They could perform their play for their grandparents or neighborhood friends. In this way, you would be encouraging them to share their faith from an early age.
Connecting with pre-teens
As your child matures, it is often difficult to keep him reading at all, and the Bible could gather dust. Then it is time to leave the well-known stories and dig out adventures fascinating to a fifth grade boy, such as Ehud sinking his knife completely into the evil king and the fat covering the handle. If you have a sixth grade girl, don’t miss the story of Esther preparing for an entire year for the ultimate beauty contest. If you find a few of these “gems”, you may be able to sneak in a few pearls of wisdom such as “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word,” (Psalm 119:9) and “Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but the woman who fears the Lord shall be praised” (Proverbs 31:30).
Begin teaching your pre-teens to use the concordance and other study helps in their Bibles. You may also wish to purchase a Bible handbook and Bible atlas. These tools can help to bring new life to scripture study by giving a clearer understanding of the times and places where events took place. There are multi-volume sets that look similar to encyclopedias but contain a wealth of information, illustrations, and maps to enhance your comprehension of the Word. They are expensive; but so are the computer games, videos, and even cell phones children receive as gifts. Would you rather invest money in your child’s temporary amusement or the renewing of the mind? (Romans 12:2)
Children learn what they live
If you have made family Bible reading time a habit in your child’s life, the door will open to discuss God’s Word with your teenager. One of the biggest thrills was when my son would bound into the apartment and ask where to find something in the Bible or say, “I know what I believe about this, but I need you to help me look in the concordance and find where the verses are to share it with my friend.” Together we would search the Word for answers to the problems encountered during those tough years between childhood and adulthood. I gave him a True Love Waits Bible for Christmas one year. The study helps and candid articles opened up topics I trembled to tackle. However, talking about purity with him was much easier in the context of scripture discussion.
Reading the Bible with your children, will show them that God’s Word is important to you. “Children learn what they live,” one poem states. Therefore, live reading the Bible with your children; and they will learn to live according to God’s word. Travel through the ages as you turn the pages of the Bible with your child and watch as God makes an eternal difference in not only his life, but yours.
Karen Hale has a Master of Education degree from Texas Woman’s University. The Lord fulfilled the desire of Karen’s heart when he brought two teenagers into her life who “adopted” her. Esther is now working her way through college. Thomas is a 2nd lieutenant in the army. He and his wife, Christan, recently brought new joy into Karen’s life when they gave her a granddaughter, Mayah Grace.
Article #2
Make Your Child Thirsty... for God
by Brenda Nixon
When asked, "What's God like?" one lad quipped, "He buys His clothes at Big and Tall."
Over Sunday dinner, Mom asked her young son what he learned in Sunday school. Confidently, he replied, "We learned about God, Moses, and Batman."
When my daughter Lynsey was eight years old, she wondered aloud, "What does God do on His day off?"
Children are spiritual beings. That means they, like us, seek to know their Creator. They will ask naive questions or give confused answers in their quest to know Him. Their questions, misunderstandings, and doubts are not stumbling blocks, but invitations to spiritual growth.
As the parent of a young, impressionable child, you have multiple occasions to teach your tot about God. Did you know that from birth to 18 years old, when he graduates, 85 percent of his waking, learning hours are spent, not in the classroom, but in your home? Your living room is his primary class and you are his first and most important teacher. The scholar and theologian, William Barclay counseled, "There are no teachers so effective for good or evil as parents." The Bible recognizes that parents are tremendously influential teachers. The sixth chapter of Deuteronomy commands parents to instruct their child when they walk, lay down, and get up. Summed up this means to consciously and daily work at being your child's Christian educator.
Rest assured, you do not have to be perfect to be your child's spiritual equipper. Many parents have shared their self-doubts with me. They felt they might "mess up" or not give the correct answer. It is natural to want your child to have the right guidance. But if we do our best God will do the rest. Wisely, one mother recognized that she didn't always have to "quench the thirst" of her son's spiritual needs but she must "create the thirst." To be effective in creating your child's thirst, practice these suggestions.
Seize any occasion to speak of God. Each morning I wake my daughter Laura for school with, "This is the day the Lord has made...", although, Laura's not always ready to "rejoice and be glad." One mother told me she helps her son with verse memorization. "It is amazing what my four-year-old will learn to the tune of 'Mary Had a Little Lamb' or 'Row, Row, Row Your Boat,'" she said. I applaud parents who teach their child Bible verses, because it is "putting on the armor of God" for life's battles.
Weave spiritual lessons into your daily conversations. With the warm weather we've enjoyed recently, Laura and I did some gardening on our daffodils and day lillies. As we knelt in the dirt, I explained the importance of clearing away old leaves and debris from the emerging plants. This will allow them fresh air and sun for growth. "It's like that in our lives, too" I went on. "We must clear away attitudes and behaviors that keep us from growing toward God."
Around your home, place visible reminders that testify to your faith in God. I remember the bronze cast of praying hands Mom and Dad had for years in our living room. The well-read family Bible remains on their coffee table today. Now, as a parent, I tape up Bible verses on mirrors, the refrigerator, and even on my car visor. The ones in the car humbly remind me that my children are watching my attitudes towards other drivers.
Children are visual learners. That means what they see has more impact than what they hear. Our beliefs about God must be lived out rather than just told to them. If we want our children to accept the Father's forgiveness, we must forgive. If we want our children to know that He is long-suffering, we must be patient even with the neighbor's cat that digs in our garden. If we want our children to understand charity, we must give, even if it's only used clothing to a shelter. One father testified that for him, this means going the speed limit to model obeying the law. Another said he lets his child put the offering envelope in the passing plate to teach about giving to God's work.
Your participation in church can create a thirst for God. Often the Sunday school lesson, music, or pastor's sermon creates interesting questions. I want my children to see that we cultivate friendships with those who are like-minded in spiritual matters. I want them to develop relationships with teachers, leaders, and mature Christians who can help when they have doubts. Belonging to a community of believers often supports the Christian education we do at home.
Everyday - in every way, you can create a spiritual thirst in your child. A thirst to know Our Father, to enjoy His forgiveness, and to benefit from His love. You will enable your child to grow up knowing he is not alone in the universe. And your child will never lack a moral compass to guide his way.
As a speaker and writer, Brenda Nixon helps build stronger families through parent empowerment. She is the author of Parenting Power in the Early Years: Raising Your Child - Birth to Age Five, a contributing author to several more books, a graduate of Nazarene Theological Seminary, and a mother of two girls. For information on Brenda's book, speaking topics and scheduling information go to BrendaNixon.com.
Article #3
Teaching Our Children to Pray
by Christine Crowley
"Now I lay me down to sleep" and "God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for this food." Unfortunately, all too often those two simple children’s prayers are the extent of our teaching our children how to pray. Then as they grow older we find ourselves wondering why prayer is not a vital part of our children’s lives.
Children imitate what they see modeled, and we need to be an example of praying adults for our children. If they are to become children, and later men and women, who know the importance of prayer and make prayer a daily practice in their lives, then as their parents and grandparents we need to be setting the example. How can we do this?
Let our children see us praying. Children learn by example. Our children and grandchildren need to see us starting our day off with prayer and reading the Bible.
Our children also need to see us praying when a crisis arises or decisions need to be made. We also need to make pray a part of our children’s daily life by praying with and for them. Praying with our children needs to be more than a quick prayer said at meal and bedtimes.
Send your children off with a prayer. We have an opportunity to make a difference in our children’s day by sitting down with them before they head to school and praying for them individually. We need to be pray for guidance and protection for our children while they are away from us. Then we need to give each child the opportunity to pray for their activities of the day, and any special concerns they may have for the day. At first we may have to pray for their activities, but as they become more comfortable with this time of prayer and praying in general, they will begin praying for their own needs and the needs of the brothers and sisters as well.
Make a prayer box and write on slips of paper the names of extended family members, church leaders, close friends, and special needs of those in the church. Then at breakfast or during your family devotions, have each child draws a slip of paper and have them pray for the person whose name they drew throughout the day.
Pray over problems. When our children come to us with problems, such as problems with a classmate, upcoming test, we need to not only listen to them, and advise them, but also pray with them. Like us, our children may become discourage with prayer when they don’t see their prayers being answered right away. Just as we need to occasionally be reminded of the prayers God has answered for us, so do our children.
Make a "Thank You, God" box for answered prayers. As prayers are answered, write them down and place them in the "Thank You, God" box. Then once a week have each member of the family draw out a thank you slip and praise God for the answered prayer.
Encourage older children to keep a prayer journal. The prayer journal can consist of not only their prayer request and answers to prayer, but a place to write their prayers out.
We need to remember that our children and grandchildren will not become prayer warriors overnight, but prayer can becomes a vital part of their lives. Don’t try to put all these tips into practice at once, but start with one or two. Also don’t get discouraged if you miss a day or two of praying with your children. Just pick up and start again. Remember, start with prayer. Pray and ask God which prayer practice He would have you and your children start with and watch how God will bless not only the lives of your children and grandchildren, but your life as well.
Christine Crowley is a freelance writer and speaker who makes her home in Arizona. She teaches women's Bible studies, and serves on the women's council and missions committee in her local church.
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