Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Easter Ideas
Here are some ideas that I have collected that are creative ways to bring out the true meaning of Easter. Use them all over the next few weeks. Have a blast sharing Jesus with your precious peeps.
RESURRECTION ROLLS! A recipe you can do with your kids/grand kids in order for them to understand the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Enjoy!!!!!!! The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Ingredients: Crescent rolls
Melted butter
Large Marshmallows
Cinnamon Sugar Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll representsthe cloth that Jesus was wrapped in. Read Matthew 27: 57-61 1. Give each child a marshmallow. This represents Jesus. 2. Have him/her dipthe marshmallow in melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming. 3.Now dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which representsthe spices used to anoint the body. 4. Then wrap up the coated marshmallowtightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up. but bringthe sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrappingof Jesus' body after death. 5. Place in a 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes.(The oven represents the tomb---pretend like it was three days!) 6. Let the rolls cool slightly. The children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN!!!! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.) Now read Matthew 28:5-8 Explain: At the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary saw an angel, who told them not to be afraid. No one had taken Jesus' body, but He had risen from the dead! The angel told the women to go and tell the disciples what they had seen, that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were so excited;they ran all the way home to tell the disciples the good news! He is risen from the dead! Alleluia! After that Jesus appeared in person to Peter, then to the 12 disciples andafter that, to more than 500 people. Jesus' appearance to eyewitnesses,those who saw Him with their own eyes, would give support and prove thatJesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). By rising from the dead, Jesus proved once and for all that He was theMessiah, the Savior of the World, the Chosen One, and the Lamb of God. By dying on the cross and rising from the dead, Jesus did what no other hadever done before. As both God and man, He overcame sin, death, and hell. And now because of what Jesus has done, these things no longer have any power over those who believe in Jesus and allow His Spirit to lead and directthem. Rather than being slaves to sin and death, Christians (those who loveand believe in Jesus) are free to obey God and do good (Romans 6:17-18).The Bible says in John 8:36, "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." However, we will only obey God if we listen to the Holy Spirit our helper.He enables believers in Jesus to do the right thing. It is important that we read the Bible (God's Word) because one of the ways the Holy Spirit helps us obey God is by reminding us of what He says to us in His Word. God's Spirit will never go against his Word. In fact, when we read God's Word, we are listening to the Holy Spirit. Of course, you won't always do the right thing; the Bible says this) 1 John 1:5-10). But that is why we need to continue to confess our sins knowing that God forgives us, based on whatJesus did on the cross. This is also a reason we need to spend time withother believers in Christ so they can encourage us in our faith. May you have a blessed and meaningful Easter! -Unknown Author
Easter Devotion
Materials
· Hollow chocolate Easter eggs (enough for one for each child)
· Hard-boiled Egg
· Two Plastic Eggs
· One egg is empty and has the Bible reference Matthew 28:6 on the outside
· The other egg has a picture of the cross and the reference John 3:16 on the outside.
· Bible
· A basket with a covering to hide all the eggs from the children
Story
What special holiday are we celebrating at the moment? Yes, it is Easter time.
And because it is Easter what are we seeing lots and lots of in the shops? (Easter Eggs)
Now I want to show you an Easter Egg. (Show) What is inside this egg? (Most children will say 'chocolate'.) What is inside the chocolate? Well, I chose this egg especially because it is hollow - it doesn't have anything inside the chocolate. Beyond having a shell of chocolate to eat, there is nothing really special about this egg.
(Show hard-boiled egg) What is this? (Chicken egg) What is inside it? (Yolk, white) What comes out of this egg? (A chicken) Now, does a big chicken come out of the egg? No, just a little baby chicken. This egg is quite special because new life comes from it. Can a new life come out of the Easter egg? No, of course not!
I'm going to show you some more eggs and these are very, very special eggs.
(Show first egg) What is inside this egg? That's right, nothing either. But there is a very special reason why there is nothing in this egg. What is written on the outside? (Have a child read the Bible reference) May be this Bible text is a clue why it is empty. Let's read the text together. (Read Matthew 28:6)
Who is this text talking about? (Jesus) What happened? (He rose from the dead) So what was empty? (The tomb or cave where Jesus was buried) So this egg is empty to remind us that Jesus is risen - isn't that great news!
Now let's have a look at another egg. What is in this egg? (Ask someone to open and have a look. Discuss the picture of the cross) Let's have a look at what is written on the outside of this egg. (Read John 3:16 together)
What is important about the cross? (It shows that Jesus died for us.) What do we have to do? (Believe) And what happens when we believe? (We receive eternal life) That's right, because Jesus died on the cross we have the promise of new life forever with Him. Isn't that a great message?
So, is Easter time, really about Easter eggs? No, they might be tasty but in the end all they are is a hollow shell of chocolate. There are two important things that we need to remember at Easter time - the first one is that just as the egg was empty so was Jesus tomb because Jesus rose again. The second thing we need to remember is that because Jesus rose again we have the promise of a new life forever with Him if only we believe. Will you promise to remember that this Easter? I'm going to give you one of these Easter eggs and as you eat it I want you to remember those two special messages. (Give out eggs to children)
Easter Egg Hunt by Lisa Welchel for Christian Activities 3/21/2005Tip of the Week -
For Easter I prepared a treasure hunt for the kids. I hid their Easter Basket contents all over the house.
The clues were Bible verses and the place where the prizes were hidden was within the scriptures. One of the clues was, Genesis 1:29, along with the question, "Where do you prepare what God gave us'. The clue was food and the answer was in the oven. That is where I hid another clue and prize number eight, their new Easter clothes.
Easter morning I got up to surprise them by making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I turned on the oven to preheat it. Yes, you guessed it. The clothes were still in the oven. Praise the Lord, only moments later, I gasped and realized they were in there before they caught on fire. They only got REALLY hot!
Lisa Links!
www.lisawhelchel.com
Easter Story CookiesIngredients:• Bible• 1 c whole pecans• 1 tsp. vinegar• 3 egg whites• pinch of salt• 1 c granulated sugar• 1 qt. or gal. size zipper bag• wooden spoon• tapeDirections:1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.2. Place pecans in ziploc bag and let kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.Explain that Jesus was beaten Read: John 19:1-3.3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Add teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesuswas thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-304. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. ReadJohn 10:10-11.
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our ownsins. Read Luke 23:27. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
6.Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm34:8 and John 3:169. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the colorwhite represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 And John 3:1-310. Fold in broken nuts.11. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.12. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-6013. Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66
14.GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followerswere in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 And John 16:2215. On Easter morning, open the oven and remove the cookies. Take a bite. Notice the cookies are hollow. On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9
A CHRISTIAN’S EASTER BASKET
BREAD – MATTHEW 26:26
SILVER COINS – MATTHEW 26:14-16
ROPE – JOHN 18:12
PURPLE CLOTH – JOHN 19:5
THORNS – MATTHEW 27:29
CROSS – HEBREWS 12:2
NAILS – JOHN 20:25
SPONGE – MATTHEW 27:46
SPEAR – JOHN 19:34
GAUZE – MATTHEW 27:59-60
ROCK – LUKE 24:2
EMPTY EGG – MATTHEW 28:5-7
If you choose to use this idea for a gift basket be creative when putting your basket together. Rope(nerds rope), silver coins(dimes), cross(chocolate for a younger child or a decorative one for an older child)
You could use this for a devotion also.
RESURRECTION ROLLS! A recipe you can do with your kids/grand kids in order for them to understand the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Enjoy!!!!!!! The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Ingredients: Crescent rolls
Melted butter
Large Marshmallows
Cinnamon Sugar Preheat Oven to 350 degrees
Give each child a triangle of crescent rolls. The crescent roll representsthe cloth that Jesus was wrapped in. Read Matthew 27: 57-61 1. Give each child a marshmallow. This represents Jesus. 2. Have him/her dipthe marshmallow in melted butter. This represents the oils of embalming. 3.Now dip the buttered marshmallow in the cinnamon and sugar which representsthe spices used to anoint the body. 4. Then wrap up the coated marshmallowtightly in the crescent roll (not like a typical crescent roll up. but bringthe sides up and seal the marshmallow inside.) This represents the wrappingof Jesus' body after death. 5. Place in a 350-degree oven for 10-12 minutes.(The oven represents the tomb---pretend like it was three days!) 6. Let the rolls cool slightly. The children can open their rolls (cloth) and discover that Jesus is no longer there, HE IS RISEN!!!! (The marshmallow melts and the crescent roll is puffed up, but empty.) Now read Matthew 28:5-8 Explain: At the tomb, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary saw an angel, who told them not to be afraid. No one had taken Jesus' body, but He had risen from the dead! The angel told the women to go and tell the disciples what they had seen, that Jesus had risen from the dead. They were so excited;they ran all the way home to tell the disciples the good news! He is risen from the dead! Alleluia! After that Jesus appeared in person to Peter, then to the 12 disciples andafter that, to more than 500 people. Jesus' appearance to eyewitnesses,those who saw Him with their own eyes, would give support and prove thatJesus rose from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). By rising from the dead, Jesus proved once and for all that He was theMessiah, the Savior of the World, the Chosen One, and the Lamb of God. By dying on the cross and rising from the dead, Jesus did what no other hadever done before. As both God and man, He overcame sin, death, and hell. And now because of what Jesus has done, these things no longer have any power over those who believe in Jesus and allow His Spirit to lead and directthem. Rather than being slaves to sin and death, Christians (those who loveand believe in Jesus) are free to obey God and do good (Romans 6:17-18).The Bible says in John 8:36, "If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." However, we will only obey God if we listen to the Holy Spirit our helper.He enables believers in Jesus to do the right thing. It is important that we read the Bible (God's Word) because one of the ways the Holy Spirit helps us obey God is by reminding us of what He says to us in His Word. God's Spirit will never go against his Word. In fact, when we read God's Word, we are listening to the Holy Spirit. Of course, you won't always do the right thing; the Bible says this) 1 John 1:5-10). But that is why we need to continue to confess our sins knowing that God forgives us, based on whatJesus did on the cross. This is also a reason we need to spend time withother believers in Christ so they can encourage us in our faith. May you have a blessed and meaningful Easter! -Unknown Author
Easter Devotion
Materials
· Hollow chocolate Easter eggs (enough for one for each child)
· Hard-boiled Egg
· Two Plastic Eggs
· One egg is empty and has the Bible reference Matthew 28:6 on the outside
· The other egg has a picture of the cross and the reference John 3:16 on the outside.
· Bible
· A basket with a covering to hide all the eggs from the children
Story
What special holiday are we celebrating at the moment? Yes, it is Easter time.
And because it is Easter what are we seeing lots and lots of in the shops? (Easter Eggs)
Now I want to show you an Easter Egg. (Show) What is inside this egg? (Most children will say 'chocolate'.) What is inside the chocolate? Well, I chose this egg especially because it is hollow - it doesn't have anything inside the chocolate. Beyond having a shell of chocolate to eat, there is nothing really special about this egg.
(Show hard-boiled egg) What is this? (Chicken egg) What is inside it? (Yolk, white) What comes out of this egg? (A chicken) Now, does a big chicken come out of the egg? No, just a little baby chicken. This egg is quite special because new life comes from it. Can a new life come out of the Easter egg? No, of course not!
I'm going to show you some more eggs and these are very, very special eggs.
(Show first egg) What is inside this egg? That's right, nothing either. But there is a very special reason why there is nothing in this egg. What is written on the outside? (Have a child read the Bible reference) May be this Bible text is a clue why it is empty. Let's read the text together. (Read Matthew 28:6)
Who is this text talking about? (Jesus) What happened? (He rose from the dead) So what was empty? (The tomb or cave where Jesus was buried) So this egg is empty to remind us that Jesus is risen - isn't that great news!
Now let's have a look at another egg. What is in this egg? (Ask someone to open and have a look. Discuss the picture of the cross) Let's have a look at what is written on the outside of this egg. (Read John 3:16 together)
What is important about the cross? (It shows that Jesus died for us.) What do we have to do? (Believe) And what happens when we believe? (We receive eternal life) That's right, because Jesus died on the cross we have the promise of new life forever with Him. Isn't that a great message?
So, is Easter time, really about Easter eggs? No, they might be tasty but in the end all they are is a hollow shell of chocolate. There are two important things that we need to remember at Easter time - the first one is that just as the egg was empty so was Jesus tomb because Jesus rose again. The second thing we need to remember is that because Jesus rose again we have the promise of a new life forever with Him if only we believe. Will you promise to remember that this Easter? I'm going to give you one of these Easter eggs and as you eat it I want you to remember those two special messages. (Give out eggs to children)
Easter Egg Hunt by Lisa Welchel for Christian Activities 3/21/2005Tip of the Week -
For Easter I prepared a treasure hunt for the kids. I hid their Easter Basket contents all over the house.
The clues were Bible verses and the place where the prizes were hidden was within the scriptures. One of the clues was, Genesis 1:29, along with the question, "Where do you prepare what God gave us'. The clue was food and the answer was in the oven. That is where I hid another clue and prize number eight, their new Easter clothes.
Easter morning I got up to surprise them by making cinnamon rolls for breakfast. I turned on the oven to preheat it. Yes, you guessed it. The clothes were still in the oven. Praise the Lord, only moments later, I gasped and realized they were in there before they caught on fire. They only got REALLY hot!
Lisa Links!
www.lisawhelchel.com
Easter Story CookiesIngredients:• Bible• 1 c whole pecans• 1 tsp. vinegar• 3 egg whites• pinch of salt• 1 c granulated sugar• 1 qt. or gal. size zipper bag• wooden spoon• tapeDirections:1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees.2. Place pecans in ziploc bag and let kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces.Explain that Jesus was beaten Read: John 19:1-3.3. Let each child smell the vinegar. Add teaspoon of vinegar into the mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesuswas thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-304. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. ReadJohn 10:10-11.
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl.Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our ownsins. Read Luke 23:27. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing.
6.Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.
Read Psalm34:8 and John 3:169. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the colorwhite represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.
Read Isaiah 1:18 And John 3:1-310. Fold in broken nuts.11. Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.12. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-6013. Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66
14.GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus' followerswere in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20 And John 16:2215. On Easter morning, open the oven and remove the cookies. Take a bite. Notice the cookies are hollow. On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9
A CHRISTIAN’S EASTER BASKET
BREAD – MATTHEW 26:26
SILVER COINS – MATTHEW 26:14-16
ROPE – JOHN 18:12
PURPLE CLOTH – JOHN 19:5
THORNS – MATTHEW 27:29
CROSS – HEBREWS 12:2
NAILS – JOHN 20:25
SPONGE – MATTHEW 27:46
SPEAR – JOHN 19:34
GAUZE – MATTHEW 27:59-60
ROCK – LUKE 24:2
EMPTY EGG – MATTHEW 28:5-7
If you choose to use this idea for a gift basket be creative when putting your basket together. Rope(nerds rope), silver coins(dimes), cross(chocolate for a younger child or a decorative one for an older child)
You could use this for a devotion also.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
what do you reflect
Do others see Christ in you. More importantly do your children see Christ in you. How do you function in your day to day living. Do your children know that you pray, spend time in God's Word, show compassion to others around you.
In life we go through some dark times, times that might make us wonder what God is up to. We may even doubt God, but we have to remember that there are those around us who when they look at us they need to see Christ reflected in us, especially our children. When times are tough do we react negatively or do we take the opportunity to show those around us that even though I am struggling I know that God will see me through. Sometimes that is easy to do at church, or in front of other people but then we go home and we are a total jerk. Your children need to SEE Christ in you all the time. Not just when it is convenient for you.
Look at the moon. The moon is a light in the dark. It reflects the light of the sun in order to light up the dark. It's easy to shine in the easy times but what do you show your children in the dark times. Those are the times when you are going to make God real for them.
Det. 6
In life we go through some dark times, times that might make us wonder what God is up to. We may even doubt God, but we have to remember that there are those around us who when they look at us they need to see Christ reflected in us, especially our children. When times are tough do we react negatively or do we take the opportunity to show those around us that even though I am struggling I know that God will see me through. Sometimes that is easy to do at church, or in front of other people but then we go home and we are a total jerk. Your children need to SEE Christ in you all the time. Not just when it is convenient for you.
Look at the moon. The moon is a light in the dark. It reflects the light of the sun in order to light up the dark. It's easy to shine in the easy times but what do you show your children in the dark times. Those are the times when you are going to make God real for them.
Det. 6
Friday, January 16, 2009
Whats on your list?
Well we are well into the swing of the new year. Christmas is over the angels, nativities and stars are all packed away in their boxes. As we begin this new year and think of all the things we would like to accomplish, what is on your list ? Losing weight, reading a book, setting up a budget, etc. etc. etc. Is sharing God with your child on that list? What is one Bible truth that YOU have shared with your child this year ? Maybe there isn't even one that you can speak of. It is my prayer that this is the year to change that.
One this blog page there are links to sites that can be helpful to you. I have added a site called D6. It was right after I posted the blog regarding the verses in Deuteronomy 6 that I found this site. It was one of those "God things" so I wanted to share it with you.
I also try and keep my eye out for books that I think might be helpful for you and put those in the church library. There are three in particular that will bo on the shelves in the near future; "How to Make Your Kids Mind Without Losing Yours", Scream Free Parenting", "A New Kid by Friday"
Now don't get all crazy and go out and buy a bizillion parenting books, a concordance and fiftyelevendy children's devotionals. (You will just find them in the closet a Christmas and decide that they will make great gifts for all the cousins) Start small and stick with it. Say that with me again, c'mon say it...... Start small and stick with it.
Where do you start? Check out the link I posted for you. Pray with your child. And I mean just plain ole talk to God, none of that King James stuff. What an awesome thing to know that at the end of the year you have a child who knows that he can talk to God about anything. Teach your child one Bible verse, yes I said one. Remember we are going to "start small and stick with it" How wonderful to know that at the end of the year your child KNOWS a verse in the Bible. A verse that YOU have taught your child. Averse that he takes with him into his everyday life. If you started this when your child is 4 by the time he was 13 he would KNOW 10 verses.
So what's on your list ?
One this blog page there are links to sites that can be helpful to you. I have added a site called D6. It was right after I posted the blog regarding the verses in Deuteronomy 6 that I found this site. It was one of those "God things" so I wanted to share it with you.
I also try and keep my eye out for books that I think might be helpful for you and put those in the church library. There are three in particular that will bo on the shelves in the near future; "How to Make Your Kids Mind Without Losing Yours", Scream Free Parenting", "A New Kid by Friday"
Now don't get all crazy and go out and buy a bizillion parenting books, a concordance and fiftyelevendy children's devotionals. (You will just find them in the closet a Christmas and decide that they will make great gifts for all the cousins) Start small and stick with it. Say that with me again, c'mon say it...... Start small and stick with it.
Where do you start? Check out the link I posted for you. Pray with your child. And I mean just plain ole talk to God, none of that King James stuff. What an awesome thing to know that at the end of the year you have a child who knows that he can talk to God about anything. Teach your child one Bible verse, yes I said one. Remember we are going to "start small and stick with it" How wonderful to know that at the end of the year your child KNOWS a verse in the Bible. A verse that YOU have taught your child. Averse that he takes with him into his everyday life. If you started this when your child is 4 by the time he was 13 he would KNOW 10 verses.
So what's on your list ?
Monday, January 5, 2009
Keep Looking
Happy New Year! 2009 is looking to be a very interesting year. As I prepare to put my thoughts down for you in this blog it is my deepest wish to encourage you as a parent to instill a heart and mind for God into your children.
So as I begin to think deep spiritual thougths Dori the fish comes to mind.
I love the character Dori in the movie "Finding Nemo". I love the character because I can sooooo relate to her. We have several things in common; we both have a tendency to be quick to trust, we both have the ability to get side tracked, and we are both quick to get excited about a project. I do not however have the ability to speak whale. Maybe that could be my New Years resolution.
I love the part in the movie where she keeps saying "just keep swimming swimming" That is what we as parents need to do just keep looking looking. Looking for the golden opportunities to share Christ with our children in simple ways.
It is one of my goals this year to equip you as parents to keep looking. Oh Yeah and to speak whale.
If you have any great moments the you have shared with your children I would love to hear from you.
So as I begin to think deep spiritual thougths Dori the fish comes to mind.
I love the character Dori in the movie "Finding Nemo". I love the character because I can sooooo relate to her. We have several things in common; we both have a tendency to be quick to trust, we both have the ability to get side tracked, and we are both quick to get excited about a project. I do not however have the ability to speak whale. Maybe that could be my New Years resolution.
I love the part in the movie where she keeps saying "just keep swimming swimming" That is what we as parents need to do just keep looking looking. Looking for the golden opportunities to share Christ with our children in simple ways.
It is one of my goals this year to equip you as parents to keep looking. Oh Yeah and to speak whale.
If you have any great moments the you have shared with your children I would love to hear from you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
