Everyone talks about New Year Resolution’s for adults, what about something the kids can understand? This day by day dedication, along with Bible verses, is something the kids can remember. On each day of the week, have kids look up the Bible verses and fill in the blanks.

 

Sunday

“______ God with all your heart” (Deuteronomy 11:13).

Monday

“Keep your _______ pure” (Philippians 4:8).

Tuesday

“Keep your _______ on Jesus” (Hebrews 12:2).

Wednesday

“Please God with your _______” (Psalm 19:14).

 Thursday

“Use your ______ to listen to wise advice” (Proverbs 2:2).

Friday

“Your _____ can take the Good News to others” (Isaiah 52:7).

 Saturday

“______ the Lord with your _______” (Joshua 24:15b).

 

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

We have all heard the story of Jesus many times. This year pray that God will reveal something new as you read and study it with your family.

The memory verse for this month is what an angel said to some ordinary shepherds out watching their sheep. You know for them it began as just an ordinary night for some ordinary men. Suddenly, they were right in the middle of a miracle!

Do you feel ordinary and wonder about your purpose? Are you restless, unfocused and finding little joy in your day? Stop right now and think about it—YOU and your family can be part of the miracle of Christmas. Change what you are doing, focus on Jesus and live life to the fullest. Do not wait a minute longer! There is Good News, Jesus Christ is born.

What does the month of December bring to your mind? Christmas carols playing softly while the children laugh and play? Rushing from store to store looking for gifts no one needs, enlisting babysitters so you can attend parties you do not enjoy, spending time decorating your home but never finding time to relax in it? The reason I can list all these things is because I have experienced them. My husband finally came up with a new rule—SIMPLIFY!

Think about December from a child’s point of view. It is a dream month—the most wonderful time of year! There are so many chances to teach your children lifelong lessons. Slow down; don’t worry about perfect decorations, perfect gifts, or perfect cookies. Kids just want you, your attention, and a happy home.

Share this mix with family and friends. Attach a copy of what each ingredient represents and a special wish for a Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Ingredients:

2 cups Bugles brand corn snacks

2 cups small round pretzels

1 cup candy corn

1 cup raisins

1 cup M&M’s

Place ingredients in a large bowl and mix. Divide Blessing Mix and place in small Ziploc bags.

• Bugles – Represent a cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of abundance.
• Pretzels – The shape of a pretzel reminds us of arms folded in prayer—a freedom sought by those who founded our country.
• Candy Corn: Reminds us of the sacrifices of the Pilgrims’ first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on Indian corn.
• M&M’s – The variety of colors remind us of God’s beautiful creation and the “sweet” blessings He gives. Let’s remember to thank Him!

Here are some special ways to show your thankfulness this month.

 

1.  Make a list of all the things you are thankful for. Hang the list in the kitchen and add to it each time you think of something new. Remember to” give thanks to God.”

2.  Divide the family into two groups and read Psalm 136 responsively.

3.  Learn how to say thank you in different languages:

• Spanish: Gracias (GRA-see-ahs)
• Italian: Grazie (GRAT-see-ah)
• French: Merci (MARE-see)
• German: Danke (DAHN-ke)
• Greek: Efcharisto (Ef-ca-REE-stow)
• Aramaic, the language of Jesus: Shukran (SHOE-krah)

4.  Write thank you notes to special people in your life.

5.  Make Thanksgiving placemats or place cards for your family dinner.

 

Remember to look for signs of God’s love and provision as you go about your everyday life and                don’t forget to thank Him!

November is a beautiful month with a hint of winter in the air. Crops have been harvested and either put in storage, or sent to processing plants or mill. Football is the main sport of the month with faithful fans cheering teams to final playoffs. This month, focus on family and the blessings God gives.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever” (Psalm 136:1).

Are you a thankful person? How many things do you have to be thankful for in your life? Do you remember to say thank you to God?

Sometimes we forget how blessed we are to have all things God gives us each day. Saying thank you is a simple thing that means a lot. Make sure each member of your family is one who says thank you to others and to God!