What about Manners?
Children with good manners are a pleasure to be around. These boys and girls make friends easier, get along better with their teachers, and eventually make better employees and spouses. How do you give your child the lifelong gift of good manners? Sit down with your kids and make a list of specific behaviors polite people display. Some examples are: Say “please” and “thank you” Say “excuse me” Hold doors open for people Eat with their mouths closed Model these manners. Children watch and learn from our actions. Provide kids what they want...
read moreMother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a special time to celebrate the women in your life. Every woman enjoys getting a little attention, so plan a surprise. Moms, forward this article to your husband! Ideas: Make a list of all the things you are thankful for about your Mom. Write a personal note to your Mom. Always take family picture each Mother’s Day. Ideas for Dads: Take the children to pick out a gift or card for Mom. Instead of a full course breakfast, have the kids make a secret message toast. Write a message on a slice of bread with a Q-tip dipped in milk....
read moreOutreach Sports Opportunities
While the smell of hotdogs and popcorn, the hours sitting in the stands and other thoughts swirl in your mind, the time is almost here. Have you ever thought of the ball park as a mission field? Think about it this way. God has uniquely gifted your child to play sports. Why not dedicate this season to God? Ideas: Pray for your coaches! Encourage players when they make mistakes. Have a team party to build relationships with the parents. Invite team members and their families to church. Put a “Let your light shine” sticker on your child’s...
read moreSpring is Coming
Spring is Coming! When the calendar turns to April, it seems spring is here. Baseball tryouts begin, boots are put away and spring break is a special treat for all. Make memories as you enjoy the beauty of this season. The following ideas will get you started. Talk about the things you can do when it gets warmer. Notice how the grass starts to grow and the flowers bloom. Have a “try on” party to see what clothes you can wear for spring. Have a Spring Cleaning party and give outgrown clothes/items to Goodwill. Talk about the beautiful colors...
read moreResurrection Treats
This is a great family activity that can be used for an object lesson for Easter! Ingredients: Canned biscuits, large marshmallows, cinnamon sugar, tub of spreadable butter, plastic spoons, waxed paper Give each person a piece of waxed paper and tape the corners to keep from sliding. Flatten out a biscuit until round. Wrap each flattened biscuit around a marshmallow, making sure to seal all openings. Dip the back of the spoon in the tub of butter and spread on the biscuit. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. Place in a large, greased baking pan....
read moreEaster Preparation
Scripture Reading for the Events of Holy Week Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem Matthew 21:1-11 – Jesus entered into Jerusalem on a donkey with the people rejoicing as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9. Matthew 21:12-19 – Jesus condemned the fig tree for no fruit; cleansed & healed in the temple. Matthew 21:19-26:13 – Fig tree withered; Jesus came into conflict with the Scribes and Pharisees; watched the widow give her mite; discussed the end of time; predicted his death and was anointed by Mary with expensive perfumes. Matthew 26:17-27:10 –...
read moreSt. Patrick’s Day
Who was St. Patrick and why do we have a holiday to celebrate his life? St. Patrick first introduced Christianity to the people of Ireland around the 5th century. He used a shamrock to teach new believers about the Trinity. Let your children draw a picture of a shamrock and talk about how St. Patrick could have used it to share about God’s love. Google St. Patrick and read his story. Have a dinner with green foods; put together a treat bag for each family member with green gum and small green treats. Children wear green shirts and have...
read moreSt. Patrick’s Day
Who was St. Patrick and why do we have a holiday to celebrate his life? St. Patrick first introduced Christianity to the people of Ireland around the 5th century. He used a shamrock to teach new believers about the Trinity. Let your children draw a picture of a shamrock and talk about how St. Patrick could have used it to share about God’s love. Google St. Patrick and read his story. Have a dinner with green foods; put together a treat bag for each family member with green gum and small green treats. Children wear green shirts and have...
read moreMemory Making Ideas for February
February is a perfect month to emphasize love of God and love of others. Make sure your child realizes that God’s love is the one they can count on in every situation. There will be times in their life when people they love will disappoint them. There will be times when they are afraid and you will not be there to comfort them. God will be with them even when you cannot. Loving others is not the same as loving chocolate or loving to sleep late. Christian love is love in action. Put that “loving feeling” to work by showing kindness, patience,...
read moreHEART-FILLED IDEAS
Children love Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t? But finding new ways to celebrate the day of hearts isn’t always easy. Try these fun-filled songs, games, crafts and snacks to make Valentine’s Day a day children will remember! Have children guess how many marshmallow hearts are in one box of Lucky Charms and record their guesses. After they guess, put three empty bowls on a table: one for marshmallow hearts, one for other marshmallow objects and the other for dry cereal. Give children a scoop of Lucky Charms and have them sort the cereal,...
read morePurchasing
