Off to the Pumpkin Patch

  

I love fall...the crisp autumn smell, cooler weather, and the color change of the leaves. All these things remind me how richly God has blessed us!! So to enjoy all of these blessings we headed to a quaint little pumpkin patch. The first patch we visited had bumpy pumpkins.

 

(This pumpkin just has a few bumps, but some were covered )



Perfect eating sized pumpkin.



 We looked for a while and finally settled on two perfectly sized pumpkins for Miss M. and a medium sized one as festive decoration. But then we spotted another patch. And from what we could see all the pumpkins were smooth and "perfect". Yes, we ditched our bumpy imperfect pumpkin for a more perfect one.



My man with 2 pumpkins, one a little cuter than the other.

Nothing like riding in a wagon after a long trip to the patch

We were also able to enjoy the straw fort and some dress up before heading home for family naps!!

    

 As we enjoyed the beautiful day God gave us I could not help reflecting a little on the day. Bright orange pumpkins, Wonderful weather, Enjoying time with family, most people are willing to admit that these blessing can only come from God. But if knowledge is as far as we go we are lost. Knowing that a seed can produce fruit does not make it grow. The seed will not grow until we plant it in the soil. It is like that with Jesus, God's son. Knowing "of" Jesus will not guarantee anything. We must proceed farther by admitting we fall short of His standard (perfection), believing, and accepting (or "planting") Him into the "soil" of our hearts. Only then will we grow and receive the inheritance promised to all who believe, eternal life in heaven! (1 John 5:13 "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.")

I will leave you with this final thought. Just like the bumpy pumpkins we saw at the patch, we are all imperfect. But Jesus is the "Perfect Gardener" who has paid the price, and can overlook our flaws and choose us from "the patch". How special it is to know that despite my continual struggle with sin, I have been chosen by Him and He loves me just as I am imperfections and all. But that is not the end of the story. Day by day He works within my heart changing me more and more into Him image. And one day when he returns our struggles will be no more. Instead, we will taste Heaven and worship forever at His throne. 



Exploring Missions with your Senses: Smell/Taste

Many moons ago on the last Missions Monday post I shared some ways we can learn about missionaries using the sense of sight God has given us. Today I will explore missions using the senses of smell and taste. It may stretch your children (or you) to explore missions in this way but it will certainly take the experience to a new level.

When missionaries first enter a new culture the must adjust to more than their visual surroundings. On top of new sights comes new smells and tastes. To learn about missions in this way kids need just that, exposure to new smells and tastes. I'll start with the easy/simple and build up.

~Visit a local farmer's market. Many times farmer's markets have ethnic stands selling foods from other cultures. If you want to use your sense of smell, all you need to do is stand nearby. But to take the experience a little deeper ask for a sample or buy a new dish to share.

~Try a new fruit of veggie. This is another simple and practical way to expose your family to new things. It will give you a small "taste" of what missionaries experience in the field. If you family likes this begin trying a new fruit or veggie each week, but be careful, you may find some new favorite foods.

To extend this farther....

             -Research online how to choose and prepare the fruit or veggie.
             -Learn where the fruit or veggie is grown or eaten
             -Are there any special dishes made with the fruit/veggie?
             -Discuss the taste is it similar to anything else you have eaten?

Here are some suggestions to start with: Papaya, Plantain, Okra, Star Fruit, Sea Bean, Kumquat, 

                                                             Pummelo, Gai Lan

Now if you really want a challenge, plan to prepare a new and ethnically different food than you normally would. This could be a whole meal or just an afternoon snack. Generally desserts are fun to make and have a predictable taste (sweet). Below are a few links to international recipies.

Turkish Recipes:   http://www.kidsandcultures.com/uploads/6/0/9/2/6092250/turkish-recipes.pdf

Categorized by country:  http://www.world-recipes.info/

Variety of countries: http://www.kulturekids.org/fun/recipes/index.html
Scroll to the bottom of this page for the recipes:  http://www.kids-cooking-activities.com/international-gourmet-recipes.html

Very Cool Site!!! Recipes written and illustrated by people around the world (just be careful some of the measurements are metric rather than U.S. customary) http://www.theydrawandcook.com/

Here are some kid friendly international cookbooks:

(You can find all of these on Amazon by clicking on the image or search your local library for additional resources.)

This book (above) is just one in the series. They also have easy desserts, lunches, vegetarian, and breakfasts.

   

I always love to hear from my readers, so please let me know what you try. Looking forward to sharing some yummy international recipes!

John Piper's book "Think"-- Free

I have not read this particular book, but my husband and I have read several books by John Piper and have enjoyed and been challenged by every one. From the brief video trailer that I watched "Think" is about transforming our thinking to glorify God in everything. John Piper stated that his goal was to challenge readers to "...love God through thinking well about the world and about the Bible that He has given us".

Perhaps the best summary of the book that I was able to find was this, again from John Piper himself, "Not to make us thinkers, but to use thinking biblically to make us lovers."

Get your free audio copy of Think.
Every month Christianaudio.com has a free download of the month. This month they are featuring Think.
I downloaded it to my MP3 player and will listen to it in the car.

If you haven't already, set up an account. (E-mail address, first and last name) Then go to the free download tab and put the item in your cart. (Make sure you put the download in your cart not the CD) From there check out and you will be able to download the book. Make sure you get all the parts. If you are not ready to download it now that is okay. You can still "buy" it now and will be able to download it from your account page for up to a year. What a great free form of entertainment! Remember you have until October 31 to download the book. I can't wait to see what next month's free download will be!!

Happy Listening!!



Where have I been?!?

Well the summer has flown by, as it always does, and as you have seen my posts have been...non-existent. So with the temps cooling back down and our routine getting back to normal I hope to pick back up right where I left off. Before I do, here is what we were up to this summer.

In late June we vacationed in the Outer Banks.

Miss M. loved the sand!!

Early July brought another quick trip, this time to Williamsburg. We all took a step back in time on a significant holiday (July 4th).  Unfortunantly the fireworks were cancled due to rain.

The days since have been for hanging around the house. Miss M. and I are so glad Daddy has off over the summers. It makes the days fun filled and is exciting to see Brian interact with his little girl! We were also able to complete many projects around the house with two adults home all day!

And the most recent news....we are expecting Baby #2 in late February, which means we could have a leap year baby in the family. (When will be celebrate the birthday is that is the case?)

Next up on the list around here is Miss M's 1st birthday. I'll be sure to post lots of photos, but for now I'm glad to be back and hope that you will stop in again soon!

Exploring Missions with your Senses: Sight

I will be exploring how our senses can help us learn about missions. The first sense we will use is sight.

Sometimes seeing really does open our minds and give us a better understanding of unfamiliar circumstances and experiences. So to start things off...

Pictures: Pictures are worth a thousand words, right?  A picture can clearly represent the environment a missionary is in. This is true especially for young children with a more limited experience of the world.

Begin by choosing a missionary family in a particular country. Then find as many pictures as you can! Libraries should have reference books specific to individual countries and the internet is loaded with images from around the world. Here are some suggestions of what to look for along with pictures representing Peru:

Terrain/Environment

Local Animal and Plant Life

Homes of Native People

Food of Native People

People the missionaries are trying to reach

Country flag


Location/Map

Use these pictures as a springboard into further discussion and activity. One activity to further your study could be to compare the missionary's surroundings to the surroundings your family is familiar with using a Venn Diagram. Younger children could place the pictures in the appropriate location on the graphic organizer while older children use words and greater description and detail. Seeing all the visuals will give children a better idea of what missionaries experience daily.

Here are two additional resources that are great for learning more about other countries:
                 

 

Kids and Cultures is a great organization focusing on presenting cultural information to kids in a fun hands-on format. They put out this video a few years ago featuring Turkey.Check it out here: http://www.kidsandcultures.com/really-big-field-trip.html

 Totally Tots also has a great resource for young children and parents. Their Tots on a Mission feature presents a different country each month. It briefly covers the topics covered above as well as a few additional ones. One of my favorite features of Tots on a Mission is the focus on praying for the people in these countries. Another favorite is the printable with the country flag, visual location, and prayer concerns for the area. I highly suggest this site!!

http://totallytots.blogspot.com/search/label/Tots%20on%20a%20Mission

Research: Having kids research their interests will provide ownership and motivation.

Have older children research related areas of interest for themselves while younger children can listen to short pieces of information read aloud. Some starters might be: What sports do they play in...? What is school like in ...? What does a typical day look like? What food is the area know for? Are Christians persecuted? 

Another great thing to have them research would be the specific work the missionaries are doing.

~ Are the evangelizing?

~ Leading a local church?

~ Equipping church leaders?

~Teaching English?

~Translating the Bible?

What do all these forms of missions look like?

Great Discussion: This is a great way to get a snapshot of what is going on in a child's heart

         What would make missions most difficult for you?

         How would you feel if you didn't understand the language?

         Are you willing to share the gospel with those around you now? How do you do this?

Daily Reminders: Keep what you know and learn fresh with daily reminders! (Based on the philosophy, If you don't use it you'll lose it!!)

Do your missionaries have a prayer card? Think about posting it somewhere every family member will see it on a daily basis. Bathroom mirror? Fridge? Dining room table? The more you are aware of the daily circumstances and challenges these missionaries face the better you will be able to support them through both prayer and finances!

While not all of these ideas are specifically about missions having a broad knowledge about the cultures missionaries are in will give children a better understanding and appreciation for what they are doing to reach others for Christ.

Sorry for the length I have so much more to share but will save all of that for a later post. Let me know what you think of those two particular resource and how you integrate missions into your family!

Joni Eareckson Tada's book: Free!!

A Place of Healing

Written and narrated by: Joni Eareckson Tada

It can't get much better than this!! I have not read this book but from my experience reading other material by Joni I am sure that it will be an encouragement! She is a great testamony of grace and strength amist difficult circumstances and never stops giving God the glory! 

Get your free audio copy of A Place of Healing
Every month Christianaudio.com has a free download of the month. This month they are featuring A Place of Healing. I downloaded it to my MP3 player and will listen to it in the car.

If you haven't already, set up an account. (E-mail address, first and last name) Then go to the free download tab and put the item in your cart. (Make sure you put the download in your cart not the CD) From there check out and you will be able to download the book. Make sure you get all the parts. If you are not ready to download it now that is okay. You can still "buy" it now and will be able to download it from your account page for up to a year. What a great free form of entertainment! Remember you have until June 30 to download the book. I can't wait to see what next month's free download will be!!
Happy Listening!!

Missions Monday

Missions Monday!!
It has been my intention for some time now to post weekly in regards to teaching children about missions. Well, after several weeks I am finally getting around to it. This week I would like to give you some basic ideas for making missions a more regular part of your family. Many of you may already do these things without directly relating them to missions. If that is the case than I would encourage you to be more intentional about incorporation missions into you home.

Here are some general suggestions:

1. Learn about the missionaries your local church supports.

2. Pray for these missionaries.

3. Read about biographies about missionaries.

4. Encourage missionaries.

5. Host missionaries in your home.

Over the next month of so I will post different suggestions that take each of these broad ideas a little deeper with practical tips for incorporating missions into your family more regularly.

Two Great, Gospel-centered, Children's Bibles

Recently a friend and occasional reader asked me for a suggestion of a Bible for young children. Instead of sharing my thoughts with only her I figured why not turn my recommendations into a post.  So here are my two favorite children's Bibles I have come across.

The Big Picture Story Bible

Written by David Helm

Illustrated by Gail

This Bible clearly points all things to Christ. Instead of isolating the biblical accounts as most children's Bibles do, Daniel and the Lions, Joseph and the coat of many colors, Jonah and the whale, etc., The Big Picture Story Bible provides more of an overview of the Bible skimming the stories of both the Old and New Testament and clearly focusing on God's love for His people throughout history.

The bold and catching illustrations along with the clearly written text presents a picture of God's big plan of love for His people despite their rebellion and the sacrifice that must be made to bridge the people's separation from God. The text on each page is minimal making this Bible great for young children. (I would say as young as one or two.) It can easily be read a few pages at a time although it is broken into a total of 26 parts, 11 parts devoted to the Old Testament and 15 parts covering the New Testament. The author does not go into great depth on any particular story but clearly presents Christ's kingship throughout Israel's history. God's promise to His people, Israel, is woven into each and every biblical account as a reminder of God's great plan from the very beginning. I love these last two elements the best! Even as an adult it is easy to lose sight of how God is orchestrating His plan of salvation through the Old Testament. Teaching this to our children while they are young will help them see everything through the light of God's perfect plan.

The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name
Written by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Illustrated by Jago                                                       

This Story Bible spends more time on individual stories than David Helm's Story Bible, but still points to the bigger picture of Christ in each account. The author uses clever and fun word choices setting up each account with child friendly language and examples. Great comparisons fill the book helping to make the historical context real for children.

The accounts are cleverly names and accompanied by biblical references. Each part is 10 pages or less in length and is able to stand alone. The modern illustrations are colorful and draw the reader into the story. Unlike the Big Picture Story Bible this book has a decent amount of text on each page and focused on individual stories of both the Old and New Testament. Because of the longer text I would suggest this Story Bible for children starting around ages four or five. This book has even helped me to look deeper into the "stories" of the Old Testament in particular and see the foreshadowing of Christ! This book will help us teach our children to look for Christ in everything so that seeing Him becomes second nature! I am excited to engage in conversations as my daughter grows older and we seek to show her the love of the Savior. This book will be a great resource for doing so!

Both Story Bibles do a great job presenting Christ as the center of the story and referring to God's greatest gift of salvation within both the New and Old Testament. If you are interested in reading portions of the Jesus Storybook Bible you can visit http://www.jesusstorybookbible.com/ . This site has several excerpts presented in various medias.

Please feel free to ask any further questions you may have regaarding these books. I would recommend them both and feel that they work well together. Also if you have either of these resources I am eager to hear your feedback. What do you think of them? How do you use them to teach your children and convey the gospel message?

"God wrote, 'I love you' - he wrote it in the sky and on the earth and under the sea. He wrote his message everywhere! Because God created everything in his world to reflect him like a mirror - to show us what he is like, to help us know him, to make our hears sing." ~The Jesus Storybook Bible, Sally Lloyd-Jones

"In the beginning everything and everyone knew how good God was.God gave Adam and Eve good words to obey. He told them not to eat from a special tree. You see, God was teaching Adam and Eve that he was their king, that people were to obey God's word. God also said that if Adam and Eve disobeyed his word they would surely die. So God's peole, Adam and Eve lived in God's place, the garden of Eden. They ruled God's world by obeying his good word. Do you know what happened next?"

~The Big Picture Story Bible, David Helm

 

Remember the Power of Prayer

What Happens When Children Pray

Written by Evelyn Christenson

Illustrated by Joy Dunn Keenan

                                                                                                   

Found at an unlikely place, the public library, this book is set up with very simple stories about children praying. Each page has related scripture. Prayers of praise, repentance, thanksgiving, and supplication are covered throughout the book teaching that prayer involves more than making requests of God. The book ends with a longer story presenting the gospel and reflecting on prayer as communication directly with God available to us because of Christ's death and resurrection. The setup of the book is easy and adaptable to use. It can be read straight through or taken page by page. I could see myself using the prayers in the book as examples that might springboard into brainstorming situations in our family needing prayer. To take it a step farther I would pursue discussion about what God thinks about the situations and how we can best pray, following up of course by putting prayer into action.

One thing that I really like about this book is the presentation of prayer in so many situations in life. Personally prayer is often a last resort. Instead of praying first I often resort to prayer after I have exhausted all of my other resources forgetting that He is the giver of everything. This is a great teaching tool not only for children but also a good reminder for adults that we need to come before God with everything. Nothing is too big or little to lay at our Father's feet.

Another aspect of the book that I greatly appreciated was the scripture used to referance the importance God, through the Bible, puts on prayer. These scriptures would be great to commit to memory with our children. We must remember to pray with expectant hearts for He hears us and  is able to do more than we can think or imagine.

"The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

James 5:16B



The Prayer of Jesus

Written by Hank Hanegraaff

Illustrated by Thomas Payne



The author has taken the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:9-14  and broken it into short phrases. Each page of the book features one of these phrases along with a brief rhyming application or explination of the quoted scripture. The application/explination and accompaning illustration brings the biblical text to life in a very practical way for young hearts. It addresses many daily encounters a young child may have like, mealtime, play time, and cleaning up. More importantly it speaks about the God honoring way to act, briefly touching on adoration, obedience, thankfulness, forgiveness, salvation, and prayer. Just as the Lord's Prayer is an example of how we should pray and live so this book does a good job teaching kids how they should live their lives seeking to honor the Lord and share His love.

 A short piece of the text:

                                     "Give us today our daily bread

                                     I know you'll give me what I need

                                     Plesae help me to put away my greed."

Often times we fall into the thinking that children can not understand or are unable to use self-control and therefore they are not held to biblical standards. Before children fully mature or are spiritually regenerated, we must teach them the truth.  Until Christ does a work in their heart it may/will be challenging, but if we do not teach, set an example and expectations how will they see and know of their need for a Savior and the sacrifice He has made for them? Once saved they are then fully capable of understanding and living in this way with guidance from God's word (like the rest of us).  It is then that we must expect them to live in truth and guide them as they continue to learn what it looks like to live for Christ.  As the book closes it nicely sums up these truths, "As you live in my heart, may I be more like you. Your love is forever, and your word is true." This statement is a good reminder to all that God's work is true! Are you living in the light of His word?

How does your family make prayer a priority?

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

60th Annual National Day of Prayer

For those of you who don't know next Thursday, May 5th will be the 60th annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. As quoted on the website the mission is to "mobilize prayer in America and encourage personal repentance and righteousness in the culture". Generally this is a one day event focused on prayer in seven specific areas: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church, and Family.

I can remember as a middle school student gathering around a five foot pine tree with a paper flag on top to join in prayer before school. As time progressed my small Christian school aquired its own flag pole and we were able to gather there. In college I walked across campus after going to bed just a few hours earlier to join in prayer with believers. But it was not the location or the flag and certainly not the time of day that made this event so meaningful and memorable. It was the prayer. Standing beside teachers, staff,  fellow students, and sometimes complete strangers praising our Lord and laying our requests before Him that made the time so special.

This year's theme verse is Psalm 91:2

                                      "I will say of the Lord He is my refugee and                                        fortress, my God, in whom I trust."

I encourage you to get involved. It can look very different depending on you circumstances but don't let Thursday pass like any other day. Be intentional to set time aside and pray, in your home, workplace, school, or at an organized public event. 

You can go to  http://nationaldayofprayer.org/ to find more information about the day or to find an event near you.

Next week I will be devoting my posts to the theme of prayer. I hope that you will stop back then and let me know how you are planning on participating. How does your family make prayer a priority? Do you have any interactive ways of teaching you children the importance of prayer? I would love to hear your ideas and/or questions!

Possible Easter Tradition in the Making: Resurrection Rolls

Resurrection Rolls

I have seen this recipe on several blogs and have decided to try them for myself! Since my daughter is a little young to be helping in the kitchen I may invite some friends over from chuch to help out!

Ingredients:

Crescent Rolls or Make your own favorite bread recipe

one package Marshmallows

3/4 t. Cinnamon

4 T.   Sugar

1/3 c. Melted Butter

1. Mix Cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl

2. Dip each marshmallow in butter and then in cinnamon/sugar mixture.

3. Next use one crescent roll per marshmallow and wrap the dough around the marshmallow pinching the seams together. (No part of the marshmallow should be showing).

4. If desired you can then roll the dough covered marshmallow into a ball to eliminate the seams.

5. Continue steps 2-4 until you have the number of rolls desired.

6. Place the rolls on a cookie sheet with a lip around the perimeter.

7. Spread additional butter on top of rolls and sprinkle with extra cinnamon and sugar if desired.

8. Bake at 350 degrees for abour 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

The finished product doesn't just look and taste yummy it is a great way to teach about the Easter story!

As you make these rolls you can use them as a picture of Jesus burial. The marshmallow illustrates Jesus body. As you dip it in the cinnamon/sugar mixture you can discuss the oils and spices that were used to anoint Jesus body. The roll represents sealing the body in the tomb. After baking the roll the marshmallow "disappears" leaving behind an "empty tomb".

Let me know if you try this yourself. I would love to hear how you use it to teach your children to understand the Easter! I will update this post after I have tried these for myself! But for now I wanted to share it with you! Enjoy celebrating the sweet hope we have in a risen Savior!

The Story of Easter

The Story of Easter
Written by Patricia Pingry
Illustrated by Lorraine Wells

Appropriate for ages 2-5

This basic presentation of the Easter story provides an overview of why we celebrate Easter. Covering Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter itself the book records that Jesus was put on the cross, but disappointingly leaves out the most important part. He was crucified for our sins. Without the blood of Christ we would have no hope. Speaking about Easter Sunday the book mentions the empty tomb and that Jesus had risen. It vaguely implies that His death was paying for our sins, by saying something like His death gives us life.

Overall the book was a bit choppy jumping from baby animals and spring to the story behind Easter and even covering why churches have crosses on their steeples. All of that in just 11 pages.
The last page, the most gospel centered of them, states, "He gave His life for us so that we can live too." How true and yet we so often we forget or choose not to remember the sacrifice He made to rescue us from our sins.

I hope that you take this Easter season to remember and treasure the sacrifice that was made so that you might have life!