Pushing Pause in the Midst of the Christmas Chaos!

Pushing Pause in the Midst of the Christmas Chaos!

  

Reading Time: 4 min 27 sec

 

I walked into our local craft store on the day of Halloween and had to weave through a maze of boxes because Christmas had arrived at the store in full vengeance. I love Christmas as much (if not more) than the next girl but I started realizing that as a culture we sprint through fall to get to Christmas.

We don’t place value on being present in our current season of life but are always looking ahead to the next big thing-constantly worried that we will miss out. 

You see this theme repeated in our eating patterns, where instead of finding enjoyment and contentment in the produce that season provides, we jump ahead expecting to have access to every type of fruit or vegetable no matter the time of year. If I want cantaloupe in January, then my word, I should get cantaloupe in January.

 

Christmas has been turned into a season filled with a flurry (pun intended) of holiday activity. We want to give our families a Pinterest worthy Christmas season filled with as many Instagram moments as possible. 

We are all about the destination instead of the journey.

 

Advent offers us a counter-cultural way to approach the celebration of Jesus birth. It offers us an opportunity, to walk slowly, press pause, and enjoy a season full of hope, and rich anticipation.

  • Walking Slowly

 

  • Pushing Pause

 

  • Engaging the Senses

So, grab a cup of coffee and a thick blanket and let’s see what God has for us this season.

 

1. Walking Slowly

The Advent season encompasses four Sundays, starting on the Sunday closest to November 30th and ending on December 24th or Christmas Eve. 

Advent is a time full of hope; Jesus the Savior of our souls, has come and will come yet again! A time of rich expectation, both as we prepare to rejoice in the day of Jesus birth, and as we anticipate His second coming.

 

Luke 12:35-38 (MSG) says, “Keep your shirts on; keep the lights on! Be like house servants waiting for their master to come back from his honeymoon, awake and ready to open the door when he arrives and knocks. Lucky the servants whom the master finds on watch! He’ll put on an apron, sit them at the table, and serve them a meal, sharing his wedding feast with them. It doesn’t matter what time of the night he arrives; they’re awake—and so blessed!”

 

Advent is a special time, where we not only prepare our hearts to celebrate Christ’s birth but to serve as a reminder, to live with expectation, with excitement, with joy, JESUS IS ON HIS WAY! 

 

It can be hard to live with hope and expectation when our ordinary days are so bombarded with the pain and evil at work in this world.  We know Christ is coming back, but sometimes it can feel like he will be arriving at some future time, never today.

 

 Sybil Macbeth in her book, The Season of the Nativity says it like this, “But what the season of Advent tries to teach us is how to wait and to not lose heart, to live in hopeful patience. We rehearse during Advent the way to wait during the rest of the year, which is really the way to live during the rest of the year!”

 

When you engage in the season of Advent you learn patience and how to wait with hopeful expectation.

 

  1. Pushing Pause

God wants to invite you to press pause and experience the season of advent in a totally new way. He wants to invite you into a place of rest, expectation, anticipation and joy. 

Pushing pause is not sticking a couple of advent activities into an already crazy schedule. If we are not intentional, Advent can be regulated to just another thing to check off the to-do list.

Jesus is inviting you to experience Advent with your heart instead of just your head. You might know a lot about the season but have you truly experienced it?

 

So how do you practically press pause?

 

By choosing to take time each day to refocus your heart on Jesus. Spend some time in silence and reflection just being present with God. Travel through an Advent devotional (they are literally everywhere) or reflect on a passage of scripture. 

Here are some passages to get you started:

  1. Isaiah 40:9-11
  2. Matthew 1
  3. Luke 1
  4. Mark 13:31-37

Reflection Exercise:

  1. Choose a passage and read through it slowly several times.
  2. Ask God to underline a word or a phrase.
  3. Reflect on what that word or phrase says to you.
  4. Pray and tell God your thoughts.
  5. Ask what is the Lord inviting me into?
  6. How can I respond?

 

 3. Engaging the Senses

Spending time with the Father without activity; in prayer, reflection, silence, and study is the foundation to Advent. Advent is not about doing but more about being.  Being present with the One who is ever present with us.

As you are immersing yourself in anticipation of what Jesus has and will do, I would encourage you to choose one or two symbols or practices that will serve as a daily reminder.  

 

Here are Some Suggestions:

 

  1. Spend some time with your children reading the Bible stories (or the passages listed above) that led up to the birth of Jesus. Children love and need repetition, as it allows them to engage deeply with the experience. Taking the time to engage with a passage and looking at it from different angles gives children the space to experience truth in their own lives.

 

  1. Make or buy an advent wreath. Take time each week to gather everyone together, to light a candle and pray. This will become a meaningful tradition, as your family experiences setting aside time to focus on the meaning of Advent.

 

  1. Find or make one meaningful symbol that will remind you (and your family) to press pause and not focusing on rushing towards Christmas day. To help you in this process, I have included directions to one of my favorite Advent Calendar activities below. This is a great activity to make with your children and needs only a couple of supplies (woohoo!).

 

I hope you join me this season in walking slowly, pressing pause, engaging your senses, and sitting with expectation and longing for what God has done, and will do through Jesus’s birth and second coming!

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways to engage in the season of Advent? 

 

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest.

Want to Go Deeper?

1. The Season of the Nativity – Sybil MacBeth

10 Library Hacks to the Hidden World of Free Curriculum

10 Library Hacks to the Hidden World of Free Curriculum

  

Reading Time: 4 min 55 sec

Are you interested in Homeschooling but not sure how to get started?  Are you tired of spending money on expensive curriculum, that you will use only once? Me too! I balk at the very thought of buying expensive curriculum not knowing if we will love or hate it. Do you want to take finally take advantage of those hard-earned tax dollars and try out a new curriculum for free? 

 

We know the library has a lot to offer, but due to the lack of time or our full schedules, we settle for either checking out books or attending a toddler story time, without uncovering its vast resources. So, let’s discover the hidden gems of your library system. *

We will be talking about:

  • WorldCat

  • Elearning

  • Homework Help

  • Events

  • EAudiobooks

  • EMusic

  • EMagazines

  • Streaming Video

  • ENewspapers
  • Research Tools

 

* This article is to serve as an example of what things could be offered at your local branch. You will need to access your local library’s website for a full listing of the amenities they offer.  For all of these services, you will need a valid library card and you might need to download an app for your mobile device.

 

1. WorldCat

WorldCat allows you to borrow materials from participating libraries all across the United States.  I LOVE this feature, I have used it to for hard to find books, textbooks, and audiobooks.  The 5-10 minutes it takes to submit a request can save you literally hundreds of dollars!  You can typically find this feature under either the WorldCat tab or the library information tab.

To submit a request, you will need your library card number, the author, title, year and ISBN number (I grab that info from Amazon).  After you submit your request, the screen will populate with either the name of the book (and its location in the US) or an error message that lets you know the book is not available in the interlibrary loan system.

You can choose where you submit your book request (typically a library closest to your location) by clicking on the Libraries Worldwide that Own Item button, located under the Availability tab.

 Or you can just click the button Borrow this item from another library, (also found in the availability section), fill out your personal information and click submit.

 

It can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a couple of months to process your request. The library also has the option of denying your request, (typically when it is a popular book) if that happens you will receive an e-mail letting you know that your request was denied.  You can then submit another loan request to another library.

 

  1. Elearning 

I don’t know about you but I was over the moon excited when I found out that our local library offered the Rosetta Stone language program through the library system. I saved $200 with this life hack! 

 

The e-learning programs are not limited to just language, but also math, economics, computer skills, practice tests, songwriting, instrument lessons, universal classes (500 classes -babysitting, yoga, to accounting) to name a few.

 

You can find these tools typically under the ELibrary or the Research and Learning tab. You might need to download the app for a number of online programs.  

 

3. Homework Help Coaches

There are some subjects (Calculus, I’m talking about you!) that once you hit high school, I’m lost. The library offers an amazing resource in their one on one tutoring either in person or online,  FOR FREE, PEOPLE!

Typically, the tutors are available on a first come first serve basis. They are set up to help with a specific homework assignment. The program is usually available from late afternoon to early evening, during the school year.

 

4. Events

We are all well aware of the toddler story time events, but are you aware they also offer a plethora of other activities?  I remember being surprised to witness a concert, by a local musician, in the kids’ section of the library!   

Library events can include, preschool & family story time, book clubs, concerts, board game nights, science classes, crafters and needlers, edible discussions, ESL classes, etc.

 You can find a listing of upcoming events at the library or on the Events tab on the library website.

 

5. EAudiobooks 

 

I don’t know about you but I like to maximize car travel by listening to quality audiobooks. This is a great resource for not only saving major money but accessing popular and classic fiction and nonfiction audiobooks.

 

You can find digital audiobooks typically under the Elibrary or Go Digital tab on the website.  You will have to download an app to access this resource.  You can check out a list of my favorite educational music and audiobooks here!

 

6. EMusic

 

Stream various genres of music such as Popular, Jazz, Classical, American, Historical, and Contemporary World Music straight to your laptop.  I found the American music playlist fascinating because it contains songs written by pioneers, immigrants, and miners, etc..  

 

They have over 8,400 albums separated by genre in this online collection.  You can find this resource typically under the go digital, emusic tabs on the library’s website.

 

6. EMagazines

Who else doesn’t like spending $6 on a magazine that you will read only once?  The library does offer hard copies of magazines, however sitting down to read a magazine might be a luxury when you have munchkins trying to pull all the books off the shelves.  

 

The library (probably in self-preservation) offers up to 250 Popular Magazines through the RB digital app with no limits and no due dates.

 

 Some libraries also offer full access to Consumer Reports, and National Geographic for Kids; in addition to the library’s subscriptions to online magazines, journals, and Newspapers. You can typically find these resources under the E-learning or Go Digital Tab on the website.

 

So, curl up with your favorite magazine in the comfort of your home, ideally with a big bowl of chocolate ice cream and in your favorite fuzzy PJs.

 

 

8. Streaming Video

 

Stream FREE movies, classical music performances, opera, ballet, live concerts, and documentaries straight to your computer! You can also stream to your tv using Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, Chromecast, or Amazong Fire tv.

 

You can find this resource typically under the go digital/emovies/streaming video tabs on the library’s website.

 

9. ENewspapers

 

Here is another great research tool for older students! You can receive access to local and regional digital newspapers in addition to publications like the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and World Newspapers.  You can find this resource typically under the elibrary or go digital tab on the library’s website.

 

10. Research Tools

 

This resource is great not only middle school and high school students but for anyone interested in amazing research databases. Topics include genealogy, ancient and medieval history, diaries, and local and world history etc. You can typically find this resource under the research and learning tabs.

 

What about you? What are your Favorite Free Resources?   

Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

 

Want More? Check out these Resources:

  1. Give Your Child the World    Jamie C. Martin
  2. Read A-Loud Family            Sarah Mackenzie

 

! Leave a comment, and d

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8 Life-Giving Ways You Need to Be a Healthier, Happier Mom

8 Life-Giving Ways You Need to Be a Healthier, Happier Mom

  

Reading Time: 6 min 43 sec

 

 I never really understood the sacrifice my mother made over the years until I became a mom. The first year as a young mom can be a straight up culture shock, as you adjust to life as a 24/7 caregiver.  You are happy to serve, to care for this completely helpless young life, but at times it can seem like you are walking around in a fog and half of you is missing.

 

Your lack of sleep, and the stress of the daily learning curve and new routine, can affect your motivation, and mental and emotional energy.  Sometimes all you want to do is veg out in front of the tv and make it through another day.

 

 Yes, a new baby throws your sleep cycle ( no sleep is more accurate) to the curb and to survive, as you adjust to being a new mom, self-care doesn’t even make the priority list.  But what should be a temporary season, can quickly bleed over into an unhealthy pattern that sets the tone for how you operate as an individual, and as a mom for the rest of your life.

 

New baby, new job, multiple kids, projects at work, home repairs, playdates and soccer there will be something to give you a reason to live your life running from emergency to emergency.  You tell yourself, I’ll take care of myself later until you are utterly too tired and worn out to keep all those plates in the air.

 

 We will be talking today about 5 Practical ways (plus 3 bonus tools) to replenish your body and soul and prevent burnout.

  • Date Yourself

  • Silence and Solitude

  • Community

  • Sleep

  • Spouse

  • Schedule

  • Time with Jesus

  • Exercise

 

In Matthew 11:28-30 it says, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

 

What would it look like to get away with God? What would it feel like to take a real rest?  Jesus said that he will teach us how-to walk-through life’s rhythms with grace, stepping freely and lightly.  The Father says he won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on us.

So why do we think that it’s okay, to burn the candle at both ends,

 playing martyrs to our own expectations of motherhood?  

 

What would it feel like to truly operate in the world, out of a place of grace?

 Tish Harrison Warren, in her book, Liturgy of the Ordinary: Sacred Practices in the Everyday Life says it this way, “Similarly, when we denigrate our bodies—whether through neglect or staring at our faces and counting up our flaws—we are belittling a sacred site, a worship space more wonderous than the most glorious, ancient cathedral. We are standing before the Grand Canyon or the Sistine Chapel and rolling our eyes.” 

We are God’s precious creation, his beloved, his chosen, his adopted child and he is asking us to take his hand and step into a life of grace, living freely and lightly, will you join me?

 

Here are the 8 practical steps:

1. Date Yourself

Take time to invest in the things that bring you joy. That could mean carving out time to craft, go to a coffee shop, experiment with different recipes in the kitchen, get a massage, or go to a movie. It is about taking the time to recharge your batteries.  Set aside the pressure to be productive.  Invite God’s presence into your time and enjoy yourself; explore, create, wonder, and delight in whatever and however, you have chosen to spend your time.

 

  1. Silence and Solitude

This is a hard idea for most people as we are a society that doesn’t know how to be alone with our thoughts. We are so used to being tethered to our smartphones that taking the time to get away without constantly checking in can feel foreign.

However, revisiting Matthew 11:28-29, God calls us to, “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.”

God is calling to us to get away with him. To set aside distractions and just be in his presence.  This is a tool that extraverts or introverts can fit easily into the rhythms of our lives.  

Practice silence and solitude in the shower, during a walk, over your lunch hour, while your child is napping, in the early morning, or late at night before you go to bed. Invite God’s presence into your time, and focus your thoughts on him, just being in his presence with no demands.  Start spending time in the silence with Jesus for 5 minutes (blanket and a cup of coffee optional).

 

3. Community

Go grab a coffee with one of your close friends.  You were never meant to walk through life alone but in community with others.  You need friends and family who care about you to come alongside and help shoulder life’s burdens.

You need to be able to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe environment knowing you will be met with love and encouragement.

We need each other.

If you don’t have a community of close friends, I would encourage you to check out a small group your local church, where you can be known and know others. 

 

4. Sleep

 

There are tons of studies that tell us that the average adult needs 7-8 hours of sleep a night. If you are at a stage in life, where that suggestion is more dream than reality (trust me, been there, done that) try twenty-minute power naps. It gives you the energy you need without making you feel like you got hit by two by four.

 

Take a nap, your to-do list will still be there.  Remember, you are giving the gift of a rested mom to your family.

 

 

5. Spouse

 

Time alone with your spouse cannot be forgotten. The ability to have adult conversations, without having to operate as a parent, allows you to reconnect with your spouse on a deep level. Your spouse (next to God) is the most important relationship in your life. Your husband will be there long after the kids move out of the house. 

 

Go play a sport, explore a new part of your city, or go for a walk. If you are unable to get away, put the kids to bed, and go sit outside (it will feed the illusion you are a million miles away).  

 

6. Bonus–Exercise

 

A 30-minute walk to clear our heads can make a world of difference. Not only is it good for our overall health, but it helps to remove tension and it allows you to sleep better at nights. Find an activity you love to do, and plan to get out of the house, 3-4 times a week, and burn that stress!

 

7. Bonus-Schedule

 

Take 10 minutes and look at your schedule. Ask yourself, what activities bring you joy? What activities feel like you are pushing a boulder uphill? Do you have room to breathe, is there margin in your life? Or are you running from one activity to the next? Is there an dominate activity that could be cut back (or removed), for your overall health?

 

Notice if the word, “should” pops up in your evaluation. It can be a tipoff to look harder at that activity and whether or not it should be exited from your calendar.  Your calendar is a good indicator of where your priorities lie.

 

8. Bonus-Time with Jesus

 

Spending time with Jesus is crucial to finding rest in the middle of stormy seasons of life. Imagine Jesus is holding out his hand, calling out to you and saying, “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

 

 Jesus doesn’t want you to live in a permanent state of frantic activity or utter exhaustion. He wants you to find rest. We won’t learn to live out of grace, standing firm in the midst of storms if we don’t spend time investing in a love relationship with Jesus.

 

Can you imagine a time where spending time with Jesus was not an obligation, but a necessary delight in your life?  If this idea of delighting in Jesus, sparks something in you, I would encourage you to check out David Benner’s book, Surrender to Love.

 

Start with taking 10-15 minutes each day and spending it with Jesus. Read slowly through a passage of scripture, not trying to get it done, but meditating on it, and allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you. 

 

I would encourage you to pick one thing off this list and incorporate it into your week.  You got this!

 

If you want to know how to get started in living a deeper life with God; grab our Deeper Life Beginners Guide (below). And join our community of moms who are hungry for more Jesus in their lives and in the lives of their families.

What about you? What are your favorite ways to recharge your batteries, to replenish your soul?  Please feel free to leave me a comment and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest!

 

Want to dive in deeper? Check out these resources.

 

  1. Liturgy of the Ordinary – Tish Harrison Warren

  2. Sabbath Keeping: Finding Freedom in Rhythms of Rest – Lynn M. Baab

  3. Organized Simplicity – Tsh Oxenreider you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don

 

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How to Add Delight into Your Homeschool Day

How to Add Delight into Your Homeschool Day

  

Reading Time: 4 min 42 sec

I am always looking for creative ways to encourage a love of learning in my children. When I stumbled on the idea of using board games as a supplement to our curriculum, I seriously did a dance of victory!

 

I felt like I had uncovered the homeschool hack of the year as I read about how different moms raved about the benefits of adding board games to their homeschool curriculum. It was like a light bulb went off for me. I was so excited at the thought of having yet another resource that encouraged a love of learning, but that was also FUN. Who doesn’t want to have a blast learning each day?

 

I decided to immediately test this new theory, I had noticed that we could stand to improve our math skills, and so instead of reaching for another book, I decided to dust off the old board games and gave it a whirl. I was shocked that over a few short months my children’s math comprehension improved immeasurably.

They went from not understanding basic math

concepts to doing mental math in their head.

 

That was all I needed to be convinced that this game idea worked! I jumped on the game schooling bandwagon and have never looked back!  

 

And the rest is history!

Here is a quick overview of three benefits and my favorite recommendations for adding games to your homeschool day.  

  • Sneaky Learning

  • Adds Fun to Your Day
  • Builds Family Memories

  • Top 21 Favorite Games

1. Sneaky Learning

Let’s be honest, a lot of what we do as homeschoolers qualify in the “sneaky learning” category and playing games is no different. You can literally teach almost any subject using a board or active game. 

My children seem to go through seasons where they dread opening their workbooks and so when that happens, instead of going through the whole cajoling and tears, I just pull out a game of the same subject and learning still happens. A Win for mom!

I was amazed, my experience mainly consisted of playing chess and a handful of card games throughout the years, that there are games for almost every subject!  

For instance, we have really enjoyed playing Story Cubes, a language arts game, where the player is challenged to create a story, using the picture prompts that are on the dice.  I appreciate that you can play this game multiple ways adapting it to fit younger audiences. 

This game encourages creativity, imagination, the ability to think on your feet, and how to create a story with a beginning, middle and end.  It comes in a tiny box, that is easy to take with us wherever we go.

 

As a side note, I follow the age requirements listed on the games very loosely for I have found they always swing older. For instance, my youngest was four years old when she started playing the game Quoridor. This is an unbelievable logic game, that reminds you of chess, but states that it is for ages eight and older.  Needless to say, my four-year-old didn’t care about the age requirements as she was crushing every adult in the vicinity with her skills (we are still recovering from that humbling experience).

 

 

  1. Adds Fun into Your Day

Board games are the antidote to cranky, sleepy, rainy, days where typically I would be fighting a losing battle when it came to learning.  There is something about coming together around a game that fosters laughter, encouragement, and fun. 

 

Now in the interest of full disclosure, I will say that when we started my kids were little and we had not yet learned how to win or lose (or anything in between) well. I was very on purpose about teaching them the rules of good sportsmanship.

 

I have also added over the years several cooperative group games, where the players are all working towards a common goal (check out Wildcraft on the list below) which has really helped foster a good attitude when it comes to winning and losing. It’s all about having long-term goals when it comes to heading off potential outbursts!   

We do not just leave playing games to chance but have added them as a part of our weekly schedule. Not only does it give me a break from teaching (woohoo!) but it gives the children something to look forward to when they know it has a dedicated part of our schedule.

 

3. Builds Life Long Family Memories

Some of our most favorite memories as a family has been centered around a game. We typically grab snacks, cozy blankets and turn on some good background music, as we gather around the table. There is something about playing together, that relaxes the whole family, fills us with laughter and jokes, and teaches us to think strategically and work together.  

 

The nice thing about board games is that you can take them with you anywhere. You can develop your logic skills while on vacation, your French in the waiting room at the doctors, and your math skills at the park.  It is fun to see your kids laughing, learning and building memories, instead of hearing the dreaded words, “Are we there yet?”

4. Top 21 Board Games

 

If you are trying to find a game for a specific subject that is not on this list look up the company Think Fun.com. They offer a variety of easy to use games that have been fun to play and are consistently well made.  

Though we love every game on this list, Quoridor (pronounced like Corridor) blew me away, with its modern, well made, wooden set. You want to leave this game out as a decorative piece, it’s that impressive.

This game is a little on the higher end of the price tag, but WELL WORTH IT (I have already bought it to give away as gifts)! It takes anywhere from ten-twenty minutes to play the game so it is easy to use when you only have a short window of available time.

I have seen a significant improvement in my children’s ability to think logically after playing this game.  Okay, even though I could go on and on, you get the point, they knocked it out of the park, in the creation of this game!

 

Here are my top 21 favorite games split by subject for ages three to adult.  Enjoy!

 

 

Math

  1. Sum Swamp   5+                                            

  2. Math Dice Jr. 6+                                            

  3. Geoboards      5+                                                 

  4. Money Bags   7+

  5. Clumsy Thief Money Game  8+

    Logic

  1.  Quoridor               8+                       

  2.  Rush Hour             8+                                                             

  3.  Battleship              7+

  4.  No Stress Chess   7+

  5. Sequence             7+

  6. Brain Builders     7+

 

Geography-

  1. Discover America Puzzle                5+

  2. The Scrambled States of America 8+                         

Language Arts-

  1. Spot It!                                                5t

  2. Anne of Green Gables Paper Dolls 4+                   

  3. Story Cubes                                       8+

Art-

  1. Van Gogh & Friends Art Game 3+                          

Science-

  1. WildCraft!       4+                                                                 

STEM- 

  1. Kinetic Sand   3+                                              

  2. Magna-Tiles   3+                                              

  3. Knex                5+   

What about you? What are your favorite games to foster a love of learning at home? 


If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

9 Unique Ways For Your Child To Spend Time With Jesus

9 Unique Ways For Your Child To Spend Time With Jesus

  

Reading Time: 4 min 39 sec

So your child is not interested in reading the Bible? You hear, “It’s boring Mommy!” or “Not again!” every time you go to pull out the (what used to be beloved) Bible. Before you start to panic that your child is going to grow up hating the things of God or wondering “What have I done wrong?” just take a deep breath.

 You are not alone!

 Throughout our spiritual journey children, teenagers, and yes, even adults come to a place where the tools that seemed have worked so well in the past are not cutting it anymore.

 

This is an excellent time to sit back and reevaluate WHAT we are doing and WHY we are doing it.

 

You see we tend to forget that it’s not the tools, our vast knowledge of the Bible, or our good behavior that awaken a heart to a longing for deeper intimacy with our heavenly father, it is the Holy Spirit.

Our goal is to spend time listening to the Holy Spirit

and modeling a life lived in

a deep love relationship with God.

 

The point of spending time with Jesus, through the reading of the word, or some other tool, is not to get it done, but to spend quality time with God. 

 

Here are some ideas that you can offer when your child feels stuck. Don’t worry, this for a season, he won’t swear off the Bible forever!

 

  • Art
  • Journal
  • Poetry
  • Drama
  • Stories of the Bible
  • Visual Bible Stories
  • Song 
  • Physical Activity
  • Praying the Psalms

1. Art

I have had several children and youth for a myriad of reasons who have had a difficult time reading the Bible each day but who have really connected to God through art. 

 

You can suggest several exercises or encourage them to work through a book.  This activity does not need to be fancy or expensive (but if you love craft stores as much as me, then go crazy!).  Just grab whatever you have in the cupboard or drop by your local art store or Amazon for supplies. 

 

Another option would be to use a Doodle, or Art prayer journal.  They are a great alternative for busy seasons or when your child is more independent.

 

Here are two books I recommend-

 1. The Bible Doodle Book

2. Praying in Color-Kids Edition

 

  1. Journal

This is an age-old standby that can be a wonderful option for times when your child loves to pour words on a page, AND for those times when words escape them and only pictures will do.  They can use their journal to pour out their thoughts, and feelings and prayers to a God who never stops listening.

 

I have searched several stores (Including Target, and Amazon) but have found the best products at our local craft stores.  Make sure to purchase an UNLINED Journal as this gives them the freedom to move from words to pictures to both.

3. Poetry

    Do you have a child who loves to write poetry? You could encourage them to put their thoughts, feelings, and prayer into verses.

Or they could choose to allow God to speak to them through curated poetry that captures their attention and draws their eyes toward Jesus.

 One of my favorite poems by Emily Dickinson does that very thing, turns my eyes towards Jesus.

      “Earth is crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;

But only he who sees

Takes off his shoes-

The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries”

 

 

3. Drama

A fun (sometimes hilarious) time is had by all when your children act out their favorite Bible story!  They can also create their own story of their experiences with Jesus.  

 

I created a dress-up chest full of clothes, swords, tiaras, wigs, and sashes. The costumes added a lot of fun and imagination to their dramas. 

 

 Make your own or check out the after Halloween sales for discounted costumes, the Dollar Store, craft stores, thrift stores, school supply and Amazon for items to fill your own chest!

 

 5. Bible Story Books

This idea is especially for little ones when the whole Bible might seem too overwhelming, how a simple story with beautiful illustrations can capture their imagination and heart. 

 1. Found: Psalm 23 

2. Loved: The Lord’s Prayer 

6. Watch Bible Stories

   

  The Bible came to life in a new way when I watched the animated Bible stories for the first time on VHS. There was something about seeing biblical characters in realistic settings that drives home the fact that these were real stories, written about real people.

 

I have really enjoyed the Animated Bible Classics by Nest Entertainment. This video states that it is for ages kindergarten-third grade, but I found it to be too intense my kindergarteners.

 

There are 36 volumes that you can buy individually on Amazon (or check out at the library).  We have thoroughly enjoyed revisiting these classics on a semi-regular basis.

 

7. Song

Invite your child to sing songs of worship to Jesus. They can also create their own songs expressing their feelings to God. This can be a very meaningful time as you hear what’s on their heart.

 

 8. Physical Activity

Have you ever thought that God is with us when run and play? We don’t have to be acting out a Bible story to spend time with Jesus.  

Pray or have your child pray and invite God into their play and ask him to help them feel his love and pleasure in them!  

 Make sure to talk about the experience (this is supposed to be like 2 minutes) after they are done.  You could ask questions like, “What was your favorite part of _____(running, swinging, playing basketball)?  What do you think God was feeling when he saw you enjoying yourself?  How do you feel when you think about God cheering for you? etc.”

   

9. Praying the Psalms

Praying the Psalms is a great activity for young and old. You can have your child (or yourself) read them out loud and then discuss the thoughts and feelings of the writer.

 You can also have your child choose a Psalm and adapt it to show how they are feeling about God. There are several paraphrased versions of Psalms to choose from for children that are great.

 

  1. Psalms for Young Children

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways to spend time with Jesus?

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

How to Encourage a Love of Scripture in Your Child

How to Encourage a Love of Scripture in Your Child

              

Reading Time: 4 min 39 sec

 

We know it is very important for the spiritual health of our kids (and US) to spend time with God every day.  We know that the practices established today set the foundation for the rest of their lives.  

 We also know that quality time with Jesus is transformative

and affects every area of your child’s life.

 

But even with all of that knowledge, it can be easy when you have a long list of chores and activities filling up your schedule, or to let time with God slip into a get it done mentality just to cross it off the list.  

 So how do you encourage a love of scripture in your child that is focused on transformation, not information?

 

 Here are five practical steps to experiencing God with your child.

 

  • Set the Tone
  • Read the Bible with Curiousity
  • Use Silence & Questions
  • Play & Recreate
  • Prayer of Thanksgiving

This can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes or more with your child each day depending on their age.

 

  1.  Set the Tone 

     

    It is really hard (for children and parents alike) to really connect with God when you bring the craziness of the day (or hour) into your devotional time.  I don’t know about you but I can’t jump from juggling kids, animals, sports, dinner, and to do lists right into spending time with Jesus. 

At best, I will be giving him 50% of my attention, while trying not to balance my checkbook in my head.   

 

If I struggle as an adult to focus, can you imagine how much more your children struggle?

 

I find that a couple of things help to set the tone for our devotions.

 

 a. We try to meet with Jesus at roughly the same time each day. I have found that my children thrive when they know generally what to expect, and this rhythm seems to have worked really well for us over the last couple of years.  

   

 b. We begin by lighting a candle and praying. We use the candle as a visual reminder that God is with us and within us each day.

 

c. We invite God into our day and ask Him to remove the distractions, and to calm and prepare our hearts for this special time with Him. 

 

d. We then finish the prayer with a couple moments of silence.

* We all take turns lighting the candle and praying each day (helps eliminate fighting, hence distractions and an irritated mom). 

 

I know what it’s like to have preschoolers to middle schoolers making faces, hitting each other, and rolling all over the couch but I would encourage you to slowly, bit by bit, add silence into your time of worship.  This silence (which can be hard won) is very important to teaching your child to be quiet and listen for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit.

 What I find amazing is that after setting the expectations, and doing this for a period of time, the children will typically come to devotions ready to prepare their hearts to spend time with Jesus.* 

 PRO Tip: Let your child play with a fidget, (as long as they are listening and not being disruptive) if they have a hard time sitting still.

 

2. Read the Bible with Curiousity

Reading the Bible was not meant to be a passive, but rather, an interactive experience. A time when you are not just reading the Bible for information, but for a deeper discovery of your Father in Heaven, who is over the top in love with you.

1 John 4:7-8 says, “My beloved friends, let us continue to love each other since love comes from God. Everyone who loves is born of God and experiences a relationship with God. The person who refuses to love doesn’t know the first thing about God, because God is love—so you can’t know him if you don’t love.”

When you and your child come to the Bible with curiosity and expectation, it begins an ongoing dialogue between you and the Holy Spirit.  

When your child stops to wonder “Why? What if? That’s interesting?” you have stopped passively reading or trying to get it done, and have started interacting with the text. 

 

When you take the time to sit and savor the word of God allowing it flow in and through you, it becomes comes transformative.

 

We recently transitioned to a different children’s version of the Bible.  Even though we really enjoyed our old Bible (it’s totally dog-eared), this different perspective has inspired in my children (and me) such an expectancy, curiosity, and deep excitement to find out “what happens next”, that it fills us with joy and makes us look forward to tomorrows devotional time.

 It might be helpful, especially in the younger years to try different versions of the Bible to find out what fits your family today. 

 I would encourage you to read each story or passage slowly and thoughtfully. Encourage your children to notice the little things, ask questions, and make connections. 

 

3. Silence & Questions 

5. 

After you finish reading the story, explain to you your child that you are going to have a time of silence to allow the Holy Spirit to speak to them through the story.

 When I am intentional about creating pockets of silence, it gives my child permission to not rush through this experience but to take their time being present with the story.

 

I then ask open-ended questions such as, what was your favorite part of this story? Did anything catch your attention? How did you feel as you listened to the story? How would you feel if you were _______ (the main character)? How is God showing his love to his children in this story?  Is this story similar to anything in your life?

 

The whole goal here is for the child to wrestle with the story allowing the Holy Spirit to take the bits and pieces from the story and apply it to their own life.

 

 

4. Play and Recreate

  When time allows, give your child the opportunity to recreate the story. They can do this through a variety of ways such as: verbally, through song, drama, puppets, dolls, art, and the written word.

 This will not only encourage their creativity, and reinforce the story, but it will also allow them to continue interacting with the text from another perspective. 

It can be hilarious to hear the children reenacting Bible stories, you just never know what is going to come out of their mouths! J.  My kids spent 3 full days looking for a sling shot after reading David and Goliath.  I might save Jael and the tent peg story until they become adults!

55. 

5. Close with a Prayer of Thanksgiving

 

We close each devotional time with a brief prayer that includes thanking God for: His presence, His overwhelming love for us, and by asking Him to cement what He has done today in our hearts and minds.

 Closing with prayer is huge because it refocuses our attention on God and sets the tone for the rest of our day.

Grab your FREE Deeper Life Beginner’s Guide and join our community of moms who are hungry for more of Jesus in their lives and in the lives of their children.

 

What about you? What are your favorite ways to spend time in the Bible with God each day?

If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

 If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

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How to Encourage a Strong Identity in Your Child

How to Encourage a Strong Identity in Your Child

              

Reading Time: 5 min 3 sec

 

Our children are growing up in a culture where likes and tweets are dictating their self-worth. We all want our children to grow up having a strong identity, knowing that they are lavishly loved by God and that His love for them is not based on their performance.  Easier said than done, right?

 

Children at this time in their life, are concrete thinkers and learn primarily through experiences. So just telling them, “God loves you”, “You are one of a kind,” “God is with you”, though important, is only one half of the equation. They need to experience it.  The truth needs to go from head knowledge to heart transformation.

I like how Catherine Stonehouse puts it in her book, Listening to Children on the Spiritual Journey:

 “When we focus on transmission approaches we often fail to give children opportunity to reflect on the questions that are important to them, to spend time listening to God and meeting God in the biblical story and in times of quiet.”

 

So how do we do that? How do we encourage an awareness of God’s overwhelming love in our children? I believe that Psalm 139:1-22 is one amazing resource when it comes to understanding who we truly are: beloved by God, a masterpiece, and adored. This excerpt from the chapter really strikes home lavish love of God toward us, His kids.

 “You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day.” Psalm 139:14-16

 

 Here are five suggestions of ways that you can interact with the text allowing space for God to speak to your child (and you). *  

 

  • Memorize Psalm 139:1-22

  • Pray through each section 

  • Journal using Pictures and/or Words

  • Pray Blessing Over your Child

  • Create a Song Expressing your Feelings to God
    1. Memorize Psalm 139:1-22

    Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes a day

    We want the truths found in this passage to be cemented into the hearts of our children. So that in moments of crisis, the Holy Spirit can bring these verses to the foreground of our children’s minds.   I have found that this passage has become a part of our family story. It’s a common reference point that pops up in all types of conversations.

     I split the passage into four sections using the natural text breaks as a guide.  I would encourage you to take your time memorizing this passage. 

     

    An Optional Idea– before you start to memorize each section:

    1. Read the whole passage           (Understand the big picture)
    2. Replace the word “I” with your child’s name       (Ask how does that make you feel?)
    3. Be curious                                      (I wonder_____?)
    4. Ask questions                               (What does that look like?)

    2. Pray through Each Section

    Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes (depending on age)

    This activity forces us to slow down and spend intentional time soaking in God’s word. I have used this tool with both elementary through high school students and have seen God use it in a powerful way in their lives.

     

    Take one of the four sections of scripture and use these tips to reflect on God’s word.

    1. Read– The passage slowly 2x- Ask God to underline a word or phrase

    2. Ask– What do the word (s) say to me?

    3. Pray– and tell God your thoughts

    4. Ponder– what is the Lord asking of me? How can I respond?

    3. Journal Using Pictures and/or Words 

    Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes 

    Supplies: a. White Paper with no lines  b. Markers or crayons  (whatever you have on hand). 

     

    I love that even though you might not be an artist, anyone can pick up a pencil or markers and doodle. There are no rules. No expectations. Just spending time with Jesus.

     I typically will read aloud the tips below to prepare the child for this activity. I will also let the child know that this art is between them and God. They can, but do not have to, show me the completed piece.

     I will typically put on soft worship music in the background. I would also highly encourage you to participate with your child during this activity. You are modeling for your child that spending time with God is a high priority because God speaks to you, and it will help your child not to feel rushed.

    Here are some Ideas: 

    • Pray and invite God’s presence into this time. Ask him to speak to you through the passage.

    • Slowly read a section, or the entire passage aloud

    • Just sit in God’s presence. There is no rush. (This might feel weird at first, but just like anything else, it gets easier with time and practice.)

    • When you feel ready, draw or write whatever God has put on your heart. 

    • When everyone is done, ask-

    1.How did you feel about this activity?  

    2. Was it easy or hard for you?  Why? 

     

     

    If they feel comfortable sharing their artwork:

    1. Ask them to share with you what God spoke to them.

    2. Ask them how that made them feel?

    Finish by praying and thanking God for spending time with you today.

     

    5. Pray Blessing over Your Child

    Estimated Time: 2-5 minutes 

    Take each section and use that passage to pray a blessing over your child each day.

    I would actually suggest praying the same blessing over your child for an extended period of time, only moving on to the next section when the Holy Spirit directs you.   That repetition will allow your child to internalize the blessing, and for the Holy Spirit to cement it in their hearts.

     

    Example:

    “Thank You, God that you are never out of our sight. Thank You for lavishly loving ______, (insert your child’s name) that you know him/her so well that You know what he/she is going to say before he/she speaks one word. I pray a blessing over _________, that he/she will always know that he/she are seen, beloved, and never alone. We love You!  Amen.”  

     

    6. Create a song expressing your feelings to God 

    Estimated Time: 15-20 minutes Supplies:  White paper & a pen or crayons (or whatever you have on hand)

    We couldn’t talk about Psalms without adding music to the list!   I have done this exercise with students individually, and in groups up to high school with great success. I love how we get to cultivate the creative side of our brains in worship to God.

    Read over a section or the entire passage as inspiration for your own song to God. I use the word create because with littles, instead of writing down a song, they could just sing it out spontaneously. 

     

    I love focusing specifically on verses 13-16 and watching children really light up as they read about how special, unique and loved they are by God.  The songs that come out of it are so amazing.

     

     I would encourage you to set aside your own expectations of what a “successful” activity looks like, and just dive in allowing the Holy Spirit to take control. 

    Even if you only get through half of the activity, you are modeling a life filled with Jesus. 

     *We read Psalm 139 in Message version because I found it easier for my children to grasp the language.

    Grab your FREE Deeper Life Beginners Guide and join our community of moms who are hungry for more of Jesus in their lives and in the lives of their children.

    What about you? What are your favorite ways to use scripture to build a strong identity for your child? 

     

    If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest. bout you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

     If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

    30 Inspiring Quotes for Moms in the Trenches

    30 Inspiring Quotes for Moms in the Trenches

    Reading Time: 4 min 20 sec

    Isn’t the power of words amazing, how God can use them to light a spark in our own lives?

     

    I once read the quote by Antoine de Saint-Exupery,

    “If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up the men and women to gather wood, divide the work, and give orders.  Instead, teach them to yearn for the vast and endless sea.” 

     

    I was immediately captivated with this idea that no matter what role we play in life (mom, executive, homemaker, teacher etc.) we are all in positions to inspire others.  Our calling as parents, with the power of the Holy Spirit, is to foster a curiosity for the things of God in our children.

     

    As we make that umpteenth peanut butter and jelly sandwich, or fold another basket of laundry, it can be encouraging to know that we are not alone. That women and men since the beginning of time have had the same struggles, the same frustrations, the same sin, and yet they have been used mightily by God in the lives of their families.

    Have you ever had a quote immediately catch your attention, something inside of you jumping out and saying, “Yes, that rings true for me”?

    Have you ever asked God why those words resonate with your soul?

     

    I included an activity below that will allow you space to ask God that question. 

    So grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

    ACTIVITY:  I have compiled a list of my top 30 inspirational quotes and instead of just scanning them quickly, I want to encourage you this week, to take some time and read through them slowly. Then choose a quote that jumps out at you, bring it to the Lord in prayer, and ask Him to speak to you through those words. 

     I would love to hear about your experience!  If you try this activity, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow Most Important Work on Pinterest.   

    Mom Inspiration 

     

    1. “The first act of love is always the giving of attention”  Dallas Willard

    2. “Know that even when you are in the kitchen, our Lord moves amidst the pots and pans.”  Theresa of Avila   

                                   

    3. “Homemaking is surely, in reality, the most important work in the world. What do ships, railways, mines, cars, government, etc. exist for except that people may be fed, warmed, and safe in their own homes?… The homemaker’s job is one for which all other’s exist.” C.S. Lewis

    4. “What if Christians were known as a countercultural community of the well-rested-people who embrace our limits with zest and even joy?” Tish Harrison Warren

     

    5. “Children are most like adults in their feelings. They are least like adults in their thinking. More information does not make them think like us.” Catherine Stonehouse

     

    6. “When I worry, I got to the mirror and say to myself, ‘This tremendous thing that worries me is beyond solution. It is even too big for God to handle.’ Then I have a good laugh.”  Corrie Ten Boom

     

    7. “Trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be”  Theresa of Avila

     

    8.  “Children are not casual guests in our home. They have been loaned to us temporarily for the purpose of loving them and instilling a foundation of values on which their future lives will be built.”  James Dobson

    9. “Since it is so likely that Children will meet cruel enemies let them at least have heard of brave knights and heroic courage.” C.S. Lewis

     

    10.  “God is forming us into new people. And the place of that formation is in the small moments of today.” Tish Harrison Warren

     

    11. “It is not my ability, but my response to God’s ability, that counts.” Corrie Ten Boom

     

    12.  “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” C.S. Lewis

     

    13.  “Ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life.”  Dallas Willard

     

    1. “Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. All things are passing away: God never changes.”  Teresa of Avila

     

    1. “In the nitty-gritty of my daily life, repentance for idolatry may look as pedestrian as shutting off my e-mail an hour earlier or resisting that alluring clickbait to go to bed.”  Tish Harrison Warren

    16. “Here is a truth you must never forget: God is more interested in the person you are becoming than in your work, or your ministry, or your job.” Dallas Willard

     

    17. “Worship is love on its knees before the beloved, just as mission is love on its feet to serve the beloved.”-N.T.Wright

     

    18. “Coffee is born of extravagance, an extravagant God who formed an extravagant people, who formed a craft out of the pleasures of roasted beans and frothed milk.”  Tish Harrison Warren

     

    19. “Sometimes we’re so concerned about giving our children what we never had growing up, we neglect to give them what we did have growing up.”   James Dobson

     

    20. “You must take the time to consider why it is you have no time to spend time with the Father.”  Dallas Willard

     

    Your Christian Journey

     

    1. “I pray because the need flows out of me all the time, waking and sleeping. It doesn’t change God, it changes me.”  C.S. Lewis

     22. “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”  Corrie Ten Boom

    1. “God wants a child’s heart and a grown-up’s head.”  C.S. Lewis

    1. “Prayer is talking to God about what we are doing together” Dallas Willard

    1. “Only the humble person will let God be God”  Dallas Willard

    1. “So how is it with your soul?”  Ruth Haley Barton

    1. “Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?”  Corrie Ten Boom

     

    God’s Love for You

     

    28.  “God has infinite attention to spare for each one of us. You are as much alone with him as if you were the only being he had ever created.”  C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity  

                                                                     

    29. “Few souls understand what God would accomplish in them if they were to abandon themselves unreservedly to him and if they were  to allow his grace to mold them accordingly.”  St. Ignatius of Loyola

     

    30. “There is no pit so deep, that God’s love is not deeper still”. Corrie Ten Boom

     

     What about you? What is your favorite quote? 

     

    If you try any of this activity, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest. about you? What are your favorite ways to increase your child’s awareness of God? 

     If you try any of these activities, let us know! Leave a comment, and don’t forget to follo

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