Easter Lesson Planning

Since April 4th is fast approaching, I thought I would devote this entry to some Easter ideas you may want to use in your school and home classrooms.

First, please revisit to blog entries from my blog:

The Metamorphosis of the Butterfly - Our New Life in Christ

and

Object Lessons in Faith
Scroll down until you see the Easter Object Lesson link.

Resurrection Easter Eggs

Easter Devotion

Creative Bible Study

Bible Verses about Easer

Easter Parade Ideas for Children

How to Make an Easter Basket Craft

Experiencing God Moment by Moment

The Season of Lent gives us an opportunity for self- reflection. We are now on the cusp of spring, a season which embraces new life and new beginnings. Nature celebrates God’s glory by giving us a canopy of color, sweet-smelling fragrances, and an opportunity to shed any winter blues. Once again, our very being can sense God’s presence all around us.

My reawakening occurred slightly before the dawning of spring. Many things in my spiritual walk have converged within the past month and served as a powerful reminder of the role God plays in our daily life. First, my devotions and Bible study class have centered around being aware of God in everything we do. Rick Warren’s devotional, We Know God’s Truth through Creation was particularly helpful. Please take a moment to read it and then click back to this blog entry. Wasn’t this devotional awesome? Have you really stopped to consider the 60,000 varieties of beetles designed by God or many of the other points mentioned by Rick?

In this particular devotion, Rick Warren uses the following scripture to underscore how God’s presence is everywhere.
But the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! Romans 1:19
What a simplistic truth. However, how often do we really stop and do this?

We know of individuals mentioned in the Bible who struggled with this important truth. Job readily comes to mind, so let’s take a moment to consider Job’s plight. Unfortunately, as we may remember, Job was very unhappy with his life and endured much hardship before developing a fully connected relationship with God. Job was unable to sense, feel and understand God’s presence and suffered miserably because of his inability to do so. In Job, Chapters 37 - 39, Biblegateway.com. God directly speaks to Job, in an attempt to to put Job’s life into proper perspective and proportion. We, too, can benefit from reviewing the material found throughout Job. In particular, the poetic and powerful retort by God, in the selected chapters mentioned, reminds us of our place with God.

About one month ago, in my Bible study class, Dr. Bill Creasy, from Logos, preesnted the book of Job. I sat in awe, as he expounded on what appears in these two chapters. I suddenly found myself musing on God’s omnipotence and presence in everything around us. As you reread the passages in Chapters 38 and 39, you, too, will be reminded of God’s power and enormity.

Two weeks ago, I was at Borders Bookstore and purchased The Sacrament of the Present Moment authored by Jean-Pierre De Caussade. The book was initially written in French and later translated into English. Father Caussade, an obscure priest who lived in the 18th century, wrote the book for the Visitation nuns of Nancy, France, in an attempt to assist them with their unique spiritual journey.

The premise of this book is to help the nuns understand the necessity of surrendering to God’s love so that they will become obedient to His will. Although I am a lay Christian, I gleaned invaluable information from the book, and I will refer to it periodically. It will serve as a perfect tool to help me keep focused on my relationship with God.

We understand that God has designed each of us for a specific purpose. Unfortunately, sometimes we fail to allow Jesus to work through us to accomplish His will. We rebel with the foolish notion that we are in complete control of every situation that life presents to us. When we attempt to divert from the path that He has chosen for us, we feel spiritually disconnected and vapid. This struggle continues throughout our lives and greatly interferes with the progress that we were designed to make.

Jesus wants us to know that He is always with us. Even in times of great sorrow and stress, He is there. We are never alone, for he never abandons us. In fact, as we mature spiritually, we are able to see God in the moments of our daily life. We may not always be able to understand the timing of certain events nor the outcome, but we can trust that God is in control and that His determination of the outcome of everything in our lives will be perfect.

About two weeks ago, a Christian friend of mine informed me that her oldest daughter was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. During our initial telephone conversation, she asked for prayer and promised to provide me with updates. Two days ago, we spoke again, and the slight trepidation that was apparent during our initial conversation had all but disappeared. Instead, I was greeted with a robust, upbeat voice that was brimming with hope.

She enthusiastically informed me that her daughter had received her first round of chemotherapy and was doing quite well. in fact, she was able to attend a Bible study class during the same week. My friend’s other daughter had composed a well written, awe inspiring account of how friends were rallying around and offering support to her sister. In the letter, she remarked of many blessings, including the superb treatment given by the medical team, exquisite timing of certain events and her sister's positive, almost bubbling enthusiasm in spite of having to traverse this difficult path. The letter was written by a Christian, read aloud by another Christian to yet a third fellow Christian. I could immediately see Christ’s footprints in the life of this Christian indelibly written throughout the letter. Because I have been concentrating on seeing God's presence everywhere, I could truly appreciate the full impact of Christ’s blessings in this situation.

Throughout the Season of Lent, we are continually called to examine our relationship with God, and consider what changes need to be made. On Ash Wednesday, I went to an especially meaningful Presbyterian Ash Wednesday service. First, the minister carefully outlined a cross on my forward with ashes. Then, he gently reminded me of how I came from dust and would have returned to dust, but because of Christ’s sacrifice, I will have eternal life with Him. Since that evening, I found myself beginning to reflect again on Christ’s last days and my desire to immensely please my Savior.

I have a long road ahead of me, as I continually fall short in my walk with Jesus. I am thankful for the Season of Lent and the opportunity to see ways in which I can do more and ways in which I need to sacrifice. Most importantly, I am thankful for the lessons presented to me throughout this month which will help me see God’s blessings and presence in my life, moment by moment.


Discovering God's Preseence


Peruse through the following Bible lesson planning material found at the links below to discover some exciting
material that can adapted for school and home classrooms..



Sunday School lessons for Preschool - In the Beginning


Spring Activities and Resources - Elementary


Lent Sunday School Resources - Elementary


Ash Wednesday and Lent Sunday School Lessons - Elementary


Great Ideas for Children’s Ministry PreK - Elementary


Job Bible Study Commentary - Teens


God is in Control


Logos - Ash Wednesday and Lent - Teens & Adults


Job, a Servant of God - Elementary


Biblos Cross References and Parallel Translations Upper Elementary and Teen

Job’s Argument - Teens


Job’s Argument Study Questions - Teens

Having a Heart for Jesus

Next month, we are reminded of the role our heart plays in our lives. The American Heart Association designates February as National Heart Month. We are encouraged to take the necessary steps needed to protect our health and are provided with an assessment which underscores risk factors that can interfere with our heart health. At some point in our lives, we may have wondered if someone close to us died from a broken heart. According to cardiologist Dr Michael Brodsky this isn't far from the truth. Brodsky states, "An emotional broken heart can really kill you." To read this article in its entirety visit a Google.com and type in keyword phrase broken heart and Dr. Brodksy.

We see the tie-in between our emotional and physical health; yet, we often neglect one important component. We may forget, from time to time, the importance of our service to God and how, it, too, impacts our heart. In today's Purpose Driven Life Devotion, Rick Warren shares some insight on this topic in his When Serving God, Listen to Your Heart Take a moment to read this devotional and then click back to this blog.

Indeed, we are given different gifts, talents and opportunities. Yet, we sometimes focus on the gifts, talents and opportunities that others have and may make unfavorable comparisons. You may have often heard that we are to 'bloom where we are planted'. Perhaps you are experiencing some financial, marital or significant problems that just seem overwhelming to you. You would like to serve abundantly, but you just can't right now. You feel anxious because you want to feel that God is using you. Your desire is to bloom elsewhere.

Have you ever watched a fellow Christian perform an act of service and wish that you could be used by God in the same way? For some time now, you may have felt that the door to more service continues to remain closed. You are puzzled as to why this is so. Have you, in fact, felt that intense frustration of wanting to more fully serve, but just couldn't?

Or, perhaps, you sometimes feel that because you have more free time than many of your friends, there is an unspoken assumption that you can serve beyond your capacity to do so. For example, let's suppose that you have spent several hours at a hospital assisting a friend and have just gotten home. You feel weary and a bit anxious, when the phone begins to ring. Will this be yet another request to serve? Again, you may feel a bit frustrated and resentful.

In either case, these feelings of frustration and resentment really aren't serving any purpose in your life. They are, in fact, negative emotions that stand between you and the service you can, at this time, perform. If you can relate to any of what you just read, take some time now to consider how you can best serve God.

First, remember to keep the focus on what is important. God designed us for many specific service roles throughout our lives. We are to be obedient to only Him in the way in which this service is carried out. Seek scripture to learn about the role of service in your life. Please see Serving Others

Second, search your heart right now. What does God want you to do for Him? Maybe, you are very occupied with helping members of your family with their problems. Don't discount this as not serving Him. However, just because your plate is overflowing with needs that have to be filled, you will be called to serve. Don't overlook these opportunities. When possible, open your heart to the needs of others outside your family. Look for the open doors and walk through them. If your service is limited right now, keep in mind that the time will come again, when you can more actively serve in many different capacities.

Third, if you have much free time and enjoy serving, pray and ask God to show you what He has designed for you to do. Even if you have been serving Him in many ways, it's important to check in with Him, frequently, to ensure that you are serving in ways that He deems best.

Fourth, make certain that you continue to take care of your own physical and emotional needs so that you won't burn out. It's always important to set boundaries, so that in your heart, you feel the real joy of giving.

Finally, our hearts are overjoyed when we know that we are doing God's work. There is no better feeling for our overall health than to allow the Holy Spirit to direct us in our actions. By doing so, we see the fruit produced by our obedience. The joy that radiates from your face and spirit will be felt by the children in your life, and they will truly see that you have a heart for Jesus.

Faith in Action - Serving God throughout 2010

God designed each of us with a special purpose in mind. You and I have unique talents and abilities and spiritual gifts that God designed us to use for the benefit of His kingdom. Sometimes we are unsure as to what our spiritual gifts are and/or how we are to use them. However, the Bible is clear in informing us that we are given such gifts, and it is our obligation to put these gifts to good use.

In Hebrews 5:12-14, we learn that we are expected continue to grow and learn in the World and develop as mature Christians. When we were new Christians, we were not equipped to do the work of a maturing Christian. As our faith strengthens, we develop the confidence to put our spiritual gifts into action, and God commands us to do so.

As mentors to children and teens, it is also our responsibility to help them discover what their gifts are. Children and teens model our behavior and can be influenced by our actions. If we are active, participative Christians, they see the difference we can make. Children and teens are learning about their own capabilities and talents and are often eager to participate but may be hesitate to proceed. We need to provide them with guidance and some freedom so that they can explore and discover what they too can do for the kingdom.

By visiting Spiritual Gifts List and Gift Definitions you will see which books of the Bible discuss spiritual gifts. (Keep in mind that I have not purchased any materials yet through this website, but I am impressed, thus far, from the material that I have seen.) Take just a moment, now, to visit this web page. Scroll down until you see the tabulated list of spiritual gifts. For example, by looking under Romans 12, and clicking on exhortation, you will be connected to the scripture that speaks about this gift. You will also be provided with various resources to help you develop your own spiritual gifts and foster those you see emerging in the young people in your life. As you go through this process, continually ask God's guidance. As always, spend time in prayer seeking His will for you. By doing so, God can more effectively use you to help others.

For hypothetical purposes, let's say that you are teaching a second grade Sunday school class. You notice that one of the students, who has always been unusually shy, approaches you and asks if he can help one of the new students with a Bible related coloring project. Of course, you give your consent. You step back, and watch, in awe, as she quietly but effectively helps the new student to relax and feel part of the group. On subsequent Sundays, you see that this once shy student is repeatedly called to interact with other new students. Through astute observation and by being obedient to God's use of you, you discover that this student quite possibly has the gifts of mercy and service. She undboutedly has many additional gifts to offer, but, for now, is being called to use these two. By becoming sensitive to this student's desire to use her gift, you have given her an opportunity to explore and develop her inner calling.

As we know, sensitivity is often one key, in helping young people develop their talents and gifts. We need to apply this same sensitivity throughout 2010, as we help children and teens discover and use their very unique spiritual gifts, as well. This can be accomplished by often stepping back and observing what the young people in our life like to do at church or for the community at large. Talking about ways children and teens can serve will also provide some clarity and direction as well.

Explore the following websites for additional information about Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Gifts Inventories

Spiritual Gifts Inventory
Children and Spiritual Gifts - Ministry Tools
Spiritual Gifts Bible Teaching, Online Test and Resources
Spiritual Gifts for Kids, Helping Your Child Understand God's Plan

May Jesus provide you and your family with blessings throughout 2010, and may you be open to the many ways He will call you to serve throughout the year.

Joyfully Serving Others throughout the Season of Giving

This year commit to do something fun yet really meaningful for those in your community who are are sad and lonely. Become involved in a project and possibly enlist the help of other families and friends. Jesus came to this earth to show us how to serve. What better way to show Christ's love, than by reaching out to those who are sad, very ill and may not yet know Jesus. In Mark 10:35-45, Jesus speaks to the twelve apostles about serving.

See Biblegateway.com

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask."
36 And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?"
37 They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."
38 But Jesus said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" 39 They said to Him, "We are able."
So Jesus said to them, "You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared."
41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44 And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

Last Sunday, I went to a nursing home to visit an elderly lady. As I walked through several hallways, I couldn't help but notice the amount of lonely senior citizens sitting in wheelchairs. I was saddened by the vapid expressions on their faces. Christmas can be such a lonely time for shut ins, and many of these people are so appreciative to know that others still care about them. Likewise, many children spend Christmas bedridden in a hospital. Prayerfully consider how you can make a difference in the lives of the very young and elderly.

First, call your local nursing home or children's hospital and explain that you would like to bring handmade gifts to the patients. Find out the do's and don'ts of acceptable gift giving. Then, get your team assembled and go to work. :-)

Visit the Family Cares website. Scroll down until you see Project Ideas. Decide whether you want to make a cooking, sewing or other type of craft project. One word of caution here. The first time we became involved in a community project, we got a little carried away by our enthusiasm and spent more than we wanted. Don't make the same mistake. Meet with your other community project partners and agree that you will set a spending limit. Almost everyone is watching their pennies these days, so sticking to budget is a must!! To make the project enjoyable for everyone, be sure to also consider the age, ability, interest, and attention span of the children/teens involved in making the gifts.

Visit some craft, yardage and stationery stores in your area, and ask to speak with the manager. Explain what your group is doing and ask to see the remant racks and bins. Inquire about possible discounts. You can also cut costs by purchasing baking items at many discount grocery chains. Peruse through your favorite Sunday newspaper for sales and coupons. Although many stores have greatly limited their inventory, with a little perseverance and a positive attitude, you will find what you need.

Although these projects are welcomed at any time of the year, Christmas is the ideal holiday to spread God's word. Make sure that the home baked cookies or home made gifts are accompanied by a religious bookmark, Christmas card or other Christian item.

See the following sites for some ideas:

Make Your Own Christian Bookmarks
Christian Christmas Crafts
Christmas Religious Kids Crafts

Below, are some additional sites and recipes to consider for additional projects.

Family Cares
Old Fashioned Sugar Cookie Cutouts
Scented Baskets

May you and those around you who participate in these Christian outreach projects be blessed in numerous ways throughout this special holiday season.

Merry Christmas! Jesus IS the reason for the season!

Placing God at the Heart of this Holiday Season

The holidays are filled with a mixture of joy and stress. Society tries to dictate what types of presents to buy and meals to prepare. We are inundated with television and newspaper ads telling us that we need to provide “the best” gifts and food to our loved ones so that they will know just how much we care.

Gone is the simplicity. We live in a technologial society in which we ooh and awe over the latest gadgets that are promised to provide us with a faster, more efficient way to get what we need and want. Although these gadgets make our life easier and allow us to become more independent, in the process, we may give up a little of our dependence on each other, and most importantly on God.

Many of us may have mixed feelings about the Duggar family, featured on the TLC television show, 18 Kids and Counting, but one thing I feel that we can all agree upon is the family unity and caring that is clearly demonstrated in each episode. I haven’t watched many episodes of this program, but from the ones I have viewed, much to my amazement, the family unit seems very much intact and functional. Like families of generations past, this family isn’t afraid to be frugal, creative and work together to create meaningful holiday celebrations.

Instead of making certain that everything is perfect, their focus is on Jesus. They strive to live according to God’s word, as they carry out their day to day activities. Planning a holiday meal isn’t really diferent from any other meal, because they are used to cooking for 21 people on a daily basis.



When I watch the show, what I see is a healthy dependence on God and each other with the focus on achieving designated goals that will benefit both the family unit, and, often, others as well. Yet, I also see that each child in this family is being presented with the knowledge and tools needed to becone a self-actualized person. The oldest child, who is now married and has a family of his own, I feel, is a testament to good Christian parenting. He and his wife are self-supporting, compassionate, God centered parents.

Each of us, too, strives to achieve and maintain that balance of dependence and independence in our relationships with people in our life. Accomplishing this balance can be so much easier when our focus is on God. When we come to Him in prayer and in thanksgiving, He reaches out His hand to direct us. However, when we are out of sync, our relationships, outlook on what is important in life, and the way we lead our lives becomes unbalanced.

It’s important this holiday season to not lose sight of what is most precious. As educators and parents, we need to show children, by example, that our first prioirty is a healthy dependence on God. Parents can model this by reading the daily devotional each morning. Whenever possible, discuss these devotionals during meals shared or other opportunites that present themselves throughout the day.

Try to heal splintered relationships with loved ones. This doesn’t necessarily mean giving up boundaries. If you are caught between having to decide where to spend Thanksgiving because your have been inviited to two different family celebrations, spend some time praying. Let the Holy Spirit guide your decision. If some members of the family don’t understand your decision, just let go and let God. By depending upon God to help you
throughout the holiday season, you will feel a sense of peace in your heart.

Some Special Thanksgiving Lesson Planning

I hope that the following links will be a true blessing to you:

Read Thanksgiving Thoughts: Passing Along Some Positive Perspective with the Pumpkin Pie by Sara L. Ambarian for some invaluable insight.


To locate some good thanksgiving scriptural references point your browser to Topical References

Finally, visit Audrey’s Thanksgiving Page - Resources for Christian Teachers)

This site is absolutely awesome!!

May God richly bless you and your family throughout the holiday season!!




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First Things First

As Christians, we strive to prioritize our lives so that Jesus is at the center of our existence. We know what happens when we place emphasis on all of our earthly matters and veer away from spending time in the Word. The story of Mary and Martha serves as a powerful reminder of what being out of sync with Jesus looks like.

In Luke 10:38-42 www.biblegateway.com we see two sisters with different priorities. Picture, if you will, two women who are about to invite Jesus into their home. Martha attempted to honor her guest by preparing a special meal. Just envision her scurrying to and fro as she prepares the meal for her guest

In the meantime, imagine Mary sitting quietly at the feet of our Savior, as she intently listens to every word that he utters. Mary put first things first. She knew that without Jesus, nothing in her world would makes sense.

If Martha had stopped and joined her sister at the feet of Jesus, she would not have resented Mary. Instead, she would have valued the wisdom that Mary demonstrated.

While Martha was busy baking bread, Mary was learning about the true ‘bread of life’. Jesus’ rebuke of Martha was done to ensure that she was aware of the difference.

Below, are several sites where children and teens can learn more about the Story of Mary and Martha.


Preschool/Elementary/Hands On Activities


Preschool/Elementary/Hands On Activities


Devotions - Elementary Age

Mary Listens While Martha Labors
Key Verse/Questions/References