Make the Most of Being a Grandparent with The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith

 

If you are looking for a book to help a parent or grandparent you love make the most of handing down confident faith, consider this book - The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith.

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Use Negative Labels & Show Favoritism

It is easy, far too easy, to label others. We label some children as "good" and others as . . . "not so good", "naughty", or even, "bad". We label some volunteers as "amazing" and others as . . . "difficult", challenging" - basically  "not so amazing". We label some parents and grandparents as "great" and others as . . . "difficult", or "not so great". We label some church leaders as ones who "get it" and others as . . . "ones who don't". Whenever we use "labels" in any way, we are "blowing" our Children's Ministry. Consider the following . . . 

Make the Most of Being a Grandparent with the Praying Deeper Books

As we continue to look at resources which are available for us to use to pass on a heritage of confident faith to the children we love, I am delighted to share with you three books which will guide grandparents - and parents, too - in praying every day for the children they love! In the interests of transparency, I wrote these books.

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Manipulate People

Of course we all are quick to agree manipulating others is wrong, but how often do we actually do this? Far more often than we might want to admit, but whenever we manipulate others we are absolutely "blowing" our Children's Ministry. So, how and when might we manipulate others? Consider the following . . .

The Most Important Thing

Yes, one of these three animals actually smells like popcorn! Share the photo with your family and see if they are able to answer the question.  

While there are many important things for us to do as grandmas (grandpas/parents, too), the most important thing is for us to hand down confident faith. Yes, we absolutely must teach the ones we love the "whats" - what the Bible says and therefore what we believe, but if we want them to have a confident faith, we must also teach them the "whys" - why they are able to believe God is real, the Bible is true, God and science go together, and God is good. 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Having Fun

I completely believe if our Children's Ministries are going to accurately reflect Jesus, they have to be places which are fun . . . fun places to be, fun things to do, and filled with "fun" people. 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Showing Love

If we are in Children's Ministry, we love others; right? After all, we wouldn't be in ministry if we didn't, right? Well . . . while we likely do actually love others, and may be quite proficient at "saying" we love others, do we actually show our "love" for others? There is a significant and very real difference between "saying" we love others and actually "showing" we love them. If you are actually only talking about love, you are "blowing" your Children's Ministry.

 Consider the following . . . 

My Christmas Carols - Happy Day After Christmas! - Matthew West

I hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas with your families. As you go through today remember; "Even when Christmas is over the Light of the World is still here!" This song is beautiful and you will find it at this link.

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Encourage Each Other to Skip the Hard Things

Okay, you may not out-and-out "encourage" each other to "skip" the hard things, but you also may not encourage each other to do the hard things either. If you do either of these  two things, you will be "blowing" your Children's Ministry. So, what does it look like for you to "encourage" each other to "skip" the hard things? Consider the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Argue . . . or Have a Lack of Unity

Arguing. It is easy to do . . . sometimes we often argue without even realizing it. How often do you argue in your Children's Ministry? Arguing with anyone in your  Children's Ministry is a way you can be sure of "blowing" your Children's Ministry. Think about the following . . . 

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Be "Stingy"

It is so, so very easy to say one thing and do another. We tell children to share, be kind, if they do not have something nice to say then don't say anything, and on and on we tell them what to do. But, as adults we do not necessarily share, we are not always the nicest  people, we do not do the things we say we will do, we disappoint others without even a thought about how it will make them feel, and gossip among church adults runs at epic proportions. Basically it all boils down to being "stingy" . . . stingy not just with our money, but with our time, our kind words, and our love. When we are "stingy" we absolutely will "blow" our Children's Ministry. Consider the following . . .

Teach the "Whys" this Winter & Have Fun Doing So!

 

We know we (parents/ grandparents/church) must teach the "whats" - what the Bible says and therefore what we believe, but just as important as it is to do this, it is equally as important to teach the "whys" - why we are able to believe God is real, the Bible is true, God and science DO go together, and God is good. If we do not teach the "whys" we run the very real risk the young people we love will turn away from their faith - as Barna's studies show this is actually happening.

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Label People

When Jesus was asked which was the greatest commandment, He said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39 HCSB) Of course we all want to believe this is what we do; love our neighbors as ourselves. But do we really? If we do not, then we are absolutely, "blowing" our Children's Ministries.

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Be Lazy

As we look at another way to "blow" our Children's Ministries today, lets think for a minute about how being lazy will damage, or "blow", our Children's Ministry.

My Christmas Carol for Today - The Little Drummer Boy - by Pentatonix

Another favorite Christmas Carol is the Little Drummer Boy - and Pentatonix sings it at this link. I thought you might enjoy some history about this well-known song. "Before it became world famous as the 'Little Drummer Boy,' the song was originally titled 'Carol of the Drums' because of the repeating line 'pa rum pum pum pum,' which imitates the sound of a drum.

Teach the "Whys" with Anchored

 

Over the many, many years where churches have had intentional Children's Ministries, we have done a good job when it comes to teaching the "whats" - what the Bible says and therefore what we believe. But for some reason we never focused on teaching the "whys" - why we are able to believe what we believe. While we absolutely must teach the "whats" we also must teach the "whys" - when we do not, we end up with the results we are seeing in families throughout our churches - where young people are turning away from their faith and many of them are turning to atheism (as Barna's research shows), and growing numbers of people are saying they do not believe the Bible is true (as Gallup's research shows.) If we are going to stop these trends, we must start teaching the "whys" with as much intentionality as we show when we teach the "whats".

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Stop Doing the "Little" Things

As we continue to think about things we do - or do not do - which result in us "blowing" our ministry, this one is a big thing . . . even though it is about the little things.

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry - Be Negative

As we continue to look at ways "we can keep from 'blowing' our Children's Ministry"  today let's think about, "Being Negative".

When a couple always points out the other's weaknesses, their marriage has taken a turn to the negative. In  Children's Ministry we too, tend to take a turn to the negative when we are critical of families, volunteers, and other ministries in the community. This is definitely a way to "blow" our Children's Ministry. So, to keep your ministry from being negative, consider the following . . . 

Generations Quest - A Gift with Lasting Impact

 

With Christmas just eleven days away, we have been busy selecting gifts for the ones we love - and if you are like me, looking for the best buys. If you are looking for something which you could give to your family to help them all grow in their walk with God, consider Generations Quest! For just $10 you will receive an entire year of Bible readings, questions to get your family talking, and activities to help you all understand the Bible and grow in your walk with God. Talk about a great buy!

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Stop Making Your Ministry "Attractive"

As I said yesterday, there are ways we can keep from "blowing" our Children's Ministry, so today let's think about doing this by, "Stop Making Your Ministry 'Attractive'".

The Relief for Grief - Available on Amazon

 

The past few years have brought blessings into our lives for sure, but with covid, many have experienced loss as well, whether it was the loss of someone they love, the loss of being able to spend time with the ones we love, the loss of a job, the loss of fellowship with others, the loss of our confidence, to mention just a few. Some of us have also experienced loss which was not related to covid as loss is a normal part of our lives.

14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry . . . Lose Focus on the Personal "Touch"

A few years ago my daughter-in-law posted an article on her fb entitled; "16 Ways I Blew My Marriage". It gave married couples a lot to think about in regards to keeping their marriage strong. 

As I read and thought about it, it occurred to me, some of these might apply to how we can keep from "blowing" our Children's Ministry, so I adapted the article and came up with 14 Ways to "Blow" Your Children's Ministry, which I will share with you for the next 14 days, because I think it is helpful to think about these 14 things . . . starting today with, "Lose Focus on the Personal 'Touch'".

My Christmas Carol for Today - Carol of the Bells by Pentatonix

I did not think it was possible to love the song - Carol of the Bells more than I do, but listening to Pentatonix sing it I realized I now love it even more! You will find it at this link.

Remember This One Essential Truth - Choose Wisely!

I've been writing about what I consider to be essential truths for us to remember as we serve in Children's Ministry; God Cares the Most, and Love Matters. Today I want to write about one more; Choose Well. 

Remember This One Essential Truth - Love Matters!

Yesterday I said, "Over the years (53 of them to be exact), I've had the opportunity to observe Children's Ministry in large churches (of up to 6000) and in small churches (of less than 100) and in medium-sized churches (everything in-between!). This leaves me with a few observations which I think apply no matter what size church you serve in.  So, today I want to consider something which we all need to keep in mind . . . no matter what size church you serve in! While it may seem like a no-brainer; God cares the most! I think it can be all to easy too get so caught up in what we are doing, what we need, what we do not have, etc. that we end up forgetting this one, simple and essential truth . . . God cares the most!"

Remember This One Essential Truth - God Cares the Most!

Over the years (53 of them to be exact), I've had the opportunity to observe Children's Ministry in large churches (of up to 6000) and in small churches (of less than 100) and in medium-sized churches (everything in-between!). This leaves me with a few observations which I think apply no matter what size church you serve in.  So, today I want to consider something which we all need to keep in mind . . . no matter the size of church in which you serve!

Christmas Gifts Which Make a Difference - Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children

 

So far this month I have been sharing with you books and resources which you are able to add to your own "tool kit" of books/ resources which will equip and empower you to hand down confident faith and also make wonderful Christmas gifts which make a difference. 

My Christmas Carol for Today - Christmas Time is Here

While I picture Charlie Brown when I hear this song, I love how Michael W Smith and Vince Gill combined their considerable talents to present  Christmas Time is Here - you will find it at this link.

I'm posting the lyrics in case you would like to sing along . . . 

Important Truth's for Grandparents to Take to Heart

 

Please read, take to heart what it is like for grandparents, make
decisions in your church to support and help grandparents, and share with the grandparents in your ministry. 

If you are a grandparent, you know the following is very true - it is very different being a grandparent, than it is being a parent. As a parent you are the ones who decide what your family will, and will not do. You are the ones who are the most influential people in the lives of your children, you are the ones who are responsible for their well-being. Parents are the ones who decide if confident faith is handed to their children - or not. Parents are the ones who decide if they are a family who goes to church, if they pray at meals, if they focus upon serving others and living out your faith. These things and more are decided by parents.

Life on the Goldilocks Planet Books - Great Gift for Christmas!

Have you ordered your Life on the Goldilocks Planet series of books - they make fantastic Christmas gifts for the children you love ages four to fourteen - especially if you add some of the supplies they will need for the science projects, crafts, recipes, and games in the books - but today I want to let you know my special Christmas offer, if you buy a print copy of any of the books and then email me at lyndagcj@gmail.com to tell me which book you bought, I will email you a pdf digital copy of the same book for free!

Build on the Foundation: Challenge Children!

I wrote about not underestimating children, so today I want to build on this and talk about challenging children. I truly do believe children live up or down to our expectations. If we treat them like they are not capable of really digging into God's Word, understanding it, and living it, they will believe those things are true.  

My Christmas Carol for Today - Michael Buble' - Let it Snow

I live in Michigan and Sunday morning it was beginning to look like Christmas (at least from my childhood) as it was snowing. It was so pretty. Today it looks more like Christmas from the last few years (no snow on the ground and the forecast says to expect warm - 40's - weather.) So, regardless of what it looks like outside, my song for today makes me smile - I hope it will bring a smile to your face as well . . . 

The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith - a Christmas Gift which Makes a Difference

"The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith" has a new cover and updated content as well! Look what Tim Kimmel (Family Matters) and Dr. Scott Turansky (National Center for Biblical Parenting) have to say about it -

My Christmas Carol for You - While You Were Sleeping - Casting Crowns

We are all familiar with how there was no place for Jesus to be born - most of us think there was no room in the inn, but it is very, very possible the place where there really was no room was in Joseph's family's home. They knew Mary was pregnant without first being married and may not have wanted her in their home - leaving just the stable for her and Joseph to find shelter when Jesus was born.

Regardless of whether it was an actual inn, or family, when Jesus was born, He was not greeted by a warm, soft bed in a home, hotel or hospital. He slept in a manger among the animals. He was not welcomed into the arms of grandparents and extended family; he was greeted by shepherds. Just think what they missed.

Think what we miss when we do not focus on Jesus; when we do not make room for Him. Today's song by Casting Crowns calls us to be awake and to watch and make room for Jesus today!

Share the Joy of Children's Ministry - The Wonder and Awe of God!

As adults it can be so easy to just almost take God's awesomeness for granted. We go through our day without the wonder over all the amazing things God did, does, and will do. But this is not the case with children. They are amazed when they hear about what God has done. They are used to hearing and seeing "amazing" things on tv, but know they are not really real. But, when they hear how God created everything, parted the Red Sea, sent an angel army to protect Elisha, brought down the walls of Jericho, raised Lazarus from the dead, and on and on the Bible Adventures go, children are amazed to hear these things really happened! They are left in wonder to know our God is truly awesome!

Countdown-to-Christmas - Casting Crowns - I Heard the Bells

I'm very happy to share this Christmas song with you today . . . I Heard the Bells is a beautiful song with a wonderful history and message! Feel free to  "pass it on" and share it with the people you know, too . . . a type of "social-media-caroling"!

This Christmas Engage & Equip the Ones You Love with God's Word

  

We will not hide them from their descendants;  we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds, but would keep his commands. Psalm 78:4, 6, 7

This Christmas Give Books Which Make a Difference

 

Yesterday I wrote about the book - Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children! It makes a fantastic Christmas gift for the children you love ages four through fourteen. Today I wanted to share with you about three books in the "Praying Deeper" series of books which will help parents and grandparents pray Scripture for their own walk with God and for the children they love as well - young, grown, and grandchildren!

My Christmas "Carol" for Today - Christmas Eve/Sarajevo

When I think about my favorite Christmas songs, one is best enjoyed as an instrumental, and as such it must be Trans-Siberian Orchestra which plays the music! Yes, I know this is supposed to be a "Christmas Caroling" post, but I am very happy to share with you the link so you are able to enjoy this song. 

Share the Joy of Children's Ministry - a Simple and Pure View of God!

Recruiting can be a never-ending job at times, but one way we might find more people to serve in our Children's Ministries is by sharing the joy which comes from serving in  Children's Ministries! Today and tomorrow, I'll share some of joy I experienced by serving in the Children's Ministry; today it is the joy of being able to see all over again a simple and pure view of God!

This Christmas Give the Gift of Prayer with Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children

 

Please share this post with the parents and grandparents in your ministry - 

One of the most powerful things we are able to do for the children we love is for us to pray for them. One even more powerful thing we are able to do for them is to help them learn to be people who pray. This Christmas give a gift which will help you do exactly this - give the children you love ages four through fourteen the book - Praying Deeper Through the Psalms for Children!

Countdown-to-Christmas Caroling - O Come, O Come Emmanuel - the Piano Guys

You may be wondering why I'm posting my daily "Christmas Carol", well, on my other blog - grandma's cookie jar - I "carol" my readers each day between Thanksgiving and Christmas - I thought I'd do the same here. 

Emmanuel means God with us; and this is why Jesus came . . . to be with us! This is why we celebrate Christmas. When I hear the song, O Come, O Come Emmanuel I think about what it would be like if we were still waiting for Him to appear and I rejoice in knowing He has come and we can know Him because He is with us!

Treasure Your Volunteers . . . "Notice"!

Do you treasure your volunteers? Volunteers are a gift from the hand of God . . . it is absolutely completely appropriate for us to appreciate these "gifts". Today I want to focus on some things we might do to "notice" our volunteers so they know - beyond a shadow of a doubt - they are most sincerely appreciated! Consider the following ideas -

Give the Gift of Confident Faith & Family Fun for Christmas with Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith!

 

Please share this with the parents and grandparents in your ministry - and just fyi, my church uses it in their Children's Ministry as well!

Are you looking for a Christmas gift which will create memories while you hand down confident faith? If so, then the book - Generations Quest - Cultivate the Faith! is for you! 

Countdown-to-Christmas - the Hallelujah Chorus - Like You've Never Seen It Before!

When you think about songs which praise Jesus and share the good news of why He came, you have to think of the Hallelujah Chorus! Written 250 years ago, according to Wiki,  "Handel's   Messiah has been described by the early-music scholar Richard Luckett as 'a commentary on [Jesus Christ's] Nativity, Passion, Resurrection and Ascension', beginning with God's promises as spoken by the prophets and ending with Christ's glorification in heaven. The music for Messiah was completed in 24 days and at the end of his manuscript Handel wrote the letters "SDG"—Soli Deo Gloria, 'To God alone the glory'. This inscription, taken with the speed of composition, has encouraged belief in the apocryphal story that Handel wrote the music in a fervour of divine inspiration in which, as he wrote the 'Hallelujah' chorus, 'he saw all heaven before him'."

Don't Underestimate Children

In addition to writing this blog about Children's Ministry, I also write a "grandma blog" - grandma's cookie jar. A number of years ago I wrote about my grandson when he turned six - he was a really fun six year old! One thing he liked to do was to read. Yes, I said he liked to read! Not only did he like to read, but he often actually shocked his aunt with how good of a reader he was! One day we were celebrating because his dad had earned his Master Mechanic Certification and my parents gave him a card. On the card was the word, "Congratulations!" my grandson picked the card up and read the word - on his own with no help. 

Evaluate What You Are Doing - Deeper In for Children Will Help You Get Where You Want to Be!

 

As the Christmas season begins more and more churches are offering fewer opportunities for children to be engaged in their Sunday School and/or mid-week ministries. Whether you offer these opportunities or not, it is definitely time to evaluate what you have been doing, what has been working, and what has not - or what you might be able to improve.

When you evaluate, it is definitely time to look at the curriculum you have been using and how effective a tool it has been to help you do the things which matter most -

My Christmas Carol for You - All is Well - Carrie Underwood & Michael W Smith

There are many, "peppy" and "spunky" Christmas songs, but the song I chose for today's Christmas carol is one which is simply lovely in every way. The music is played by Michael W Smith on a piano with a full orchestra - beautiful. The singing is by Carrie and Michael - lovely. And the message in the words is one of hope, comfort and joy . . . perfect!

Look at the lyrics for All is Well . . . 

Christmas Gifts Which Make a Difference - the little answer book & the little answer book for children

 

Please share this with the parents and grandparents in your ministry. If you are looking for Christmas gifts which make a difference, then today I am happy to let you know about two more books which you could add to your gift list for the adults and children you love - the little answer book and  the little answer book for children.

Jesus and the Bible are Not Boring; Why do Children Think They Are?

Jesus was not boring. While there is no verse in the Bible which says, "And He was not boring." I believe we can see from Scripture how He was not boring because adults and children wanted to be around Him! We all know children do not want to be around people who are boring; and they do not want to listen to boring people either.