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. 

Give the Gift of Understanding & Creativity with illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants Me to Know books

Please share this with the grandparents and parents in your ministry. 

You are likely familiar with the Bible people from my illustrate my own - Important Things Jesus Wants me to Know book series - The Lost Lamb, The Woman at the Well, The Man with Leprosy, The Good Samaritan, The Pharisee & the Tax Collector, The Two Builders, and Martha & Mary so just think how much fun it would be to illustrate these familiar accounts . . . whether you are an artist or draw your illustrations with stick people. As much fun as it would be for you to illustrate these Bible adventures for your grandchildren, think how much more fun it would be to illustrate them together . . . and most importantly, think about the fantastic conversations you will be able to have as you work together to illustrate your books!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Today my daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandsons are coming to our house for Thanksgiving dinner! I am roasting a turkey, making mashed potatoes, gravy, pumpkin cornbread, and applesauce. My daughters are bringing the veggies, yams, cranberries, deviled eggs, and dessert. We will have a tasty dinner together and much for which to be thankful for sure!

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

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

"The DNA of Grandparents & Parents Who Hand Down Confident Faith" has a new cover, updated content, AND is available at a special Christmas price - save $2 per book for the print copy! Look what Tim Kimmel (Family Matters) and Dr. Scott Turansky (National Center for Biblical Parenting) have to say about it -

Start Today to Equip Grandparents & Make a Significant Difference

I write often about how essential it is for our churches to equip, empower, and encourage grandparents so they are able to hand down confident faith. Clearly I believe this is a vital part of our Children's Ministry and ministry of the church, yet in far too many churches they do little, if anything, to connect with the grandparents in an intentional and focused way beyond just a Senior Saints Ministry.

We Must Act Now

The past few years have had their challenges, but these challenges have given us the opportunity to open our eyes and see the truth which has been before us - more and more families are experiencing significant change as their grown children and grandchildren are walking away from faith. 

Be Part of the Answer

Today I am going to share with you a true account about real people I know and how the church - Children's Ministry in particular - must step up to be part of the answer.

Help the Grandparents

How are you supporting, encouraging, and equipping grandparents now we have a bit of distance from the shut-downs brought by covid? Most churches are offering Children's Ministry opportunities, but many grandparents find it difficult to get their grands to return, so what are you doing to support them? I'm asking because if you have grandparents in your church who are the only ones who are handing confident faith to their grandchildren and who are the ones who bring their grandchildren to your church, it is very possible their grandchildren do not want to return to church and they have fewer opportunities to connect and hand down confident faith. They need your help, because while time and distance may make the heart grow fonder, it is also able to cause a break which may leave the children feeling less attached to your church. If this happens, the grandparents may be feeling even more alone when it comes to handing down confident faith.

The Other Part of Effective Children's Ministry . . . Part Two!

So when it comes to equipping parents and grandparents, what can and should the church do to help them? Equipping them involves training them and this is a vital – sadly often ignored – area of critical ministry the church is in the unique place to offer to parents and grandparents, both from the church as well as the community. The church can impact church families by offering classes to help them in the following areas:

Children's Ministry Matters & So Does Getting It "Right"

Children's Ministry matters. I believe everyone reading this blog agrees with this statement. Children's Ministry matters, so it matters for us to get it right. I believe you all agree with this statement as well.

So, how do we know if we are, "getting it right"? Consider the following questions . . . 

In Our Post-Christian Culture, Provide Reasons, Relationships & Rhythms

Certainly the grandparents and parents of the children in your ministry want them to make the choice to believe in God, trust His Word and follow Jesus. This is why they hand down confident faith - or why we need to equip them to learn how to hand down confident faith. We know as they look at their lives and the scope of things where they are able to spend their time, handing down confident faith is what truly matters - and equipping the parents and grandparents to hand down confident faith is absolutely one of the best uses of our time as people who serve in Children's Ministries.

Be Thankful! Let Your Life Show Thankfulness!

Last week I wrote about being thankful; I said, "being thankful is more  than just something we think about in November; it should characterize our lives every day!" I also said I was going to share some of the things I'm thankful for, so . . . while I could write all day about this, I'm going to share just a few of the many blessings for which I am thankful . . . 

Be Thankful - It's a Heart Attitude!

Yes, I know Thanksgiving is a couple of weeks away and so of course we tend to think  about being thankful this time of year, but being thankful is more than just something we think about in November; it should characterize our lives every day! In I Thessalonians 5 we read -

Cultivate and Model a Heart of Thankfulness!

Every year in November we talk about and focus on Thanksgiving; for  good reason, but this year make the commitment to modeling and encouraging a heart of thankfulness all year long! Consider the following -

What are You Doing? How Do You Need to Change?

As you read this post, picture the families in your church's Children's Ministry. Think about the children who come to church with their parents - likely most of the children in your church are in this group. Think about children from the neighborhood around your church who come to church on their own - or possibly in your church bus if you have a Bus Ministry. Think about the children who come to church with their grandparents. Most, if not all, of the children in your ministry will fall into one of these three groups.

It is Time for Another Change

  

I have shared with you about studies from the Barna Group. Gen Z - the generation which includes many of the young adults in our church - are turning away from their faith in double the numbers

of previous generations. These children/teens/ young adults have a basic understanding of the Bible - likely from Sunday school - and yet are turning to Atheism. They are listening to people on-line who are angry and bitter, filled with hate for God, and are receiving a warped and utterly wrong view of God. We - parents, grandparents, churches, publishers - did not realize we needed to teach apologetics to the ones we love and now, while they have a basic understanding of the accounts in the Bible, they do not know why they are able to believe God is real and trust Him with confidence.

Don't Let Another 20 Years Go By - Help Parents & Grandparents Now

Nearly twenty years ago a Barna study showed 85 to 96% of parents believed it was their responsibility to hand faith to their children, but beyond taking their children to church, parents did not do anything else at home. The study says; "The survey data indicate parents generally rely upon their church to do all of the religious training their children will receive. Parents are not so much unwilling to provide more substantive training to their children as they are ill-equipped to do such work. According to the research, parents typically have no plan for the spiritual development of their children; do not consider it a priority, have little or no training in how to nurture a child’s faith, have no related standards or goals that they are seeking to satisfy, and experience no accountability for their efforts.

See a Need; Fill a Need - Grandparenting Ministry!

Sunday School began in 1780 as actual school for poor children which used the Bible as a text book. Religious education was a staple for children right up until the 1960's when parents stopped going to church so much themselves. Today most churches have a Children's Ministry because they understand how important it is to reach children for Jesus and help them grow to know and walk with Him. Churches and publishers saw a need, (for Children's Ministry) and filled the need.

Give the Gift of Science Projects, Art Projects, Cooking Activities, and Games with Eyelash Vipers, Pygmy Elephants, Pangolins, & More!

  

Yesterday I wrote about giving a fantastic gift this Christmas to the children you love which will combine science projects, craft projects, cooking activities, and games with learning about amazing animals, quotes from scientists, and handing down confident faith by giving a Life on the Goldilocks Planet book along with the supplies for all the fun - a terrific gift for the entire family! I wrote about the book - Blue Dragons, Red Pandas, Hoopoes & More!

Give Confident Faith & Family Fun with Blue Dragons, Red Pandas, Hoopoes & More!

 

Please share this with the parents and grandparents in your ministry - and check out the offer for churches as well! 

I know, we have not yet celebrated Thanksgiving, but have you started thinking about Christmas gifts for the children you love? If so, or even if you have not really made any decisions yet, how would you would like to give a gift which combines science projects, art projects, cooking activities, and games with fun facts, colorful photos about animals - many of which you have never heard of before, and quotes from scientists - this is a gift which will engage the entire family in fun and learning together AND, most importantly, hand down a confident faith! Take a look at the Life on the Goldilocks Planet series of books.

Thankful for Faithful Volunteers

When it comes to Children's Ministry there is no shortage of things you need so you are able to provide ministry to children, but clearly one of the biggest needs is for volunteers. As you focus on being thankful this year, take time to thank God for the volunteers you have . . . even if you need more, be thankful, ever so thankful, for the volunteers you have!