God has given us His word to encourage and help us.

Scripture also enables us to encourage and be a blessing to others.

 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

I have listed a few of the many verses of encouragement in the Bible. Copy or print the verses and use them to fill your mind with God honoring thoughts. These verses can be used to make an encouragement vessel for daily inspiration and family togetherness.

Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:20 KJV

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; you will cry for help, and He will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 58:9-10 NIV

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.
Psalm 31:24 KJV

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth
Colossians 3:2 KJV

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.
Proverbs 16:24 ESV

“The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent.”
Exodus 14:14 NASB

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 14:26 KJV

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 NIV

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV

Seek God with all your heart. Let His words fill your heart and mind. As you are filled with Christ, you can in return minister and bless others.

Do you ever skip over information or not finish reading instructions because you think you know what you’re doing?

Skipping or missing important information can cause us problems and frustration.

Do you automatically think when someone says “I’m expecting” they are expecting a child? That may not necessarily be the truth.

Read what I posted on my personal Facebook page:

We are EXPECTING! !!!! I know, I know pretty crazy isn’t it?? I really don’t want to believe it myself. I wasn’t going to put it on here, because it will be obvious soon enough, but thought I needed to make it official. So now you know, its official. We are EXPECTING another hot day tomorrow!! Wait! What did you think I meant?? LOL! ** Re-post if you have a sense of humor-like me!! **

I received comments telling me they had believed I was expecting a child. If they had not finished reading, they would not have known I was expecting another hot day.

Expect means something is likely to happen.

Do you believe in God’s plan for your life and expect Him to take care of you?

Expect God to meet ALL your needs and bless you.

We say “I believe in God”, but do we truly give Him our all and trust His plan for our life? When things aren’t going like we think they should or our prayers are not being answered fast enough, we get impatient and try to do things our way.

Expecting God to work in your life needs to go from a head knowledge to a heart knowledge.

God knows everything. His plan is perfect. Trust fully in Him, follow His commands, and expect Him to provide for you.

My Facebook post continued talking about how I was expecting. It was not until near the end you found out what I was expecting.

It’s important to expect God to work in your life, but you must continue reading. God cannot fully use you, if you have sin contaminating your life or are not following His commands. Ask forgiveness for sin and get your life right with God. Read His instruction book, The Bible and talk to Him in prayer.

“Do what is right and good in the Lord’s sight, so that it may go well with you.”
Deuteronomy 6:18 (NIV)

Continually spending time with God in prayer and reading His Word enables you to see God’s plan and know what to expect from Him. Daily meditate on His Word and do actions to make God real in your life.

When your life is right with God, you can expect God to do great things!

What can you expect from God?

Expect God to come again, encourage, be in control, guide your life, heal, bring hope, love, show mercy, keep His promises, be powerful, protect, provide, be with you always and more.

God is…

• A Defender

“The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”
Exodus 14:14 (KJV)

• A Listener

“O Lord, You have heard the desire and the longing of the humble and oppressed; You will prepare and strengthen and direct their hearts, You will cause Your ear to hear.”
Psalm 10:17 (AMP)

• Faithful

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV)

Expect God to do great things in your life by having a heart for God!

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You are blessed!

God has blessed you abundantly in many ways.

Are you breathing? Did you have food to eat today? Are you reading or listening to someone read this? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then you are blessed.

Life can be hard. You may be facing a trial, short on money, disappointed in others, or going through another hardship. There are difficulties because we live in a sinful world. Even during hard times, you receive blessings from God.

Blessings come in many forms. Sometimes blessings are so small they can easily be missed, but bring life altering help. Other blessings may be dropped in your lap and leave you in awe of how God works.

Blessings are all around you! God wants you to praise and thank Him for the blessings He has given. Start praising God by recognizing the blessings in your life.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.

Psalm 150:6 (NIV)

Here are 3 fun ways to count your blessings.

1. Start a Blessings Journal: Record the ways you are blessed.

Each evening, individually or as a family, write the blessings you received during the day in a journal. Younger children can draw pictures of how they were blessed. Have a time of thanksgiving and praise to God for these blessings. Occasionally go back and look through your journal. You will see the many ways God has blessed your life.

Praise Him for his acts of power; praise Him for His surpassing greatness.

Psalm 150:2 (NIV)

2. Make a blessings jar: Count your blessings and bring inspiration to your day.

Get your blessings jar prepared by finding or decorating a special jar. Cut slips of paper and keep them near the jar with a pen or pencil. Hold the jar and thank God for the blessings He will bring your way. Put the jar in an accessible location.

Throughout the day, write down blessings and put them in the jar when you pass by. Thank God for each blessings as you put it into the jar. When you feel down or discouraged by life, take out the blessings and read them.

As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise You more and more.

Psalm 71:14 (NIV)

3. Take a walk: Look around and count your blessings.

Go for a walk. As you walk, look around. Praise God for His nature. Look at the leaves on the trees. Thank God for how He made the trees not only beautiful, but useful for life. Give Him praise for what He has made and how it is a blessing to you.

All the earth bows down to you; they sing praise to You, they sing the praises of Your name.”

Psalm 66:4 (NIV)

Count your blessings, each and every day and praise God for them!

I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

Psalm 146:2 (NIV)

How has your week been? I was reminded this week that my plans can lead to disappointment, but God’s plans are perfect.

God works through disappointment. He has a much better plan than I could ever dream of or make happen. I’m thankful that God turned my disappointment into a blessing. I needed to adjust my plans to God’s plans and then I could see the amazing rainbow through the raindrops.

Do you ever feel like a leper? Have you ever had any of these feelings? Abandonment, not doing things right, thoughts that no one wants or sees things the way you do, or not being able to do things right or good enough. The list goes on and on.

In Bible times, lepers were separated from others. They would have to call out “unclean, unclean” when anyone came near.

We can get discouraged, feel alone in our struggles, not understand why people don’t care and feel like a leper. Satan sends these thoughts our way to tear us down. He wants us to have hurt feelings and be disappointed. God has given us hope. When we are weak, God is strong and helping us become stronger.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (KJV)

In times when you feel like a leper, God is working. There is more going on then we can see. God’s angels are fighting unseen, spiritual battles for us.We cannot give up or give in! We need to stand strong!

God’s ways are not our ways. Your circumstances may looks hopeless like a lepers, but in God’s hands you have a hope filled future.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD.” Isaiah 55:8 (NIV)

Do you feel like your prayers fall on deaf ears? God hears your prayers. His answers are perfect. God does not always answer our prayers the way we want them answered because He has a bigger and better plan for our life. We don’t always know why things happen the way they do and in some cases we will never know. You can rest assured that God has everything planned perfectly for your good and to benefit others.

When you feel like a leper, don’t sit down and call out unclean, unclean to yourself. Go to God! Let God cleanse and renew you. Change your thoughts.

?”It takes but one positive thought when given the chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.” – Robert Schuller

Be positive. Thank God for His perfect plan and trust in Him. Throw down the leper cloths and rejoice in the Lord!

Be renewed in the Lord today!

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Tired? Weary? Need some fresh ideas for taking care of mom? Feeling that push and pull on you as you balance all of the many demands in your life? Are you great about taking care of others, yet not quite so good about taking care of YOU? Has it been a long, long time since you have done the little things to just fill your cup back up? How about a few fresh ideas for filling your cup and ministering to your heart! I promise that these will be easy for you to do!

50 Ideas for Taking Care of Mom!

By Cindy Rushton

http://www.lois-graham.com/uhse10.php

Here goes:
–>  Grab Your iPod and go for a long, long walk! I LOVE my iPod. I have it filled with great Praise and Worship music, teachings and workshops, podcasts, tutorials, etc. My iPod has become my “pocket pal” when I work on my chores, take care of business duties, or even get out for my walk. Talk about my best investment of 2006!

–>  Laugh! Just sit there right now…laugh! Start small…just a little giggle! Then…laugh about laughing! Roll on the floor laughing!  Feel better?

–>  Begin a new Bible Study.  Either find a Bible Study guide…or dig out Words to study on your own!  For Word Studies, I LOVE my Strong’s Concordance. It helps to find all of the references of a certain word of interest. I also love my Vine’s Dictionary. I use it to look up the meanings of the words AND it also has other references for uses in Scripture. Another great help for Word Studies is my good old faithful Webster’s 1828 Dictionary. I LOVE it as a reference to deepen the studies. Usually it helps me to also find OTHER great studies to dig into also! Dig into the Word! It will feed your heart and soul during this tough time!

–>  Meet a friend at the park and let the kids play while you visit.

–>  Go for a drive around the city—look at the lights! Look at flowers. Look at the seasonal changes.

–>  Look at photo albums.  Remember the silly stories!

–>  Watch the sunrise! Or, not an early bird? Watch the sunset!

–>  Collect jokes and funnies! Barb Johnson…Chonda Pierce…Becky Freeman are just a few of my PERSONAL favorites! Get one of their books or videos. Then, snag some mom-time to just kick back and enjoy!

–>  Chocolate! Chocolate Candy…Chocolate Bars…Chocolate Shakes…Chocolate Latte’s…CHOCOLATE! REALLY! Chocolate helps to release endorphins in the brain—plus! It tastes great to boot! So, why not grab a bit for mom-time!

–>  Watch an old movie! Curl up under a great big quilt—even if you have to turn the air down COLD!  Don’t forget to turn down the lights and turn off the phone!

–>  Look at your old school albums!  Your HAIR! Ha! Enough said.

–>  Got a grassy hill nearby? Go to the top and just roll down it! Like a child! (Snowy? Get a sled! And SLIDE!)

–>  Take the kids to the park—just WATCH them! They are adorable!

–>  Begin a “Quote Book.”  Collect quotes that encourage you to keep on, keeping on!  Keep them in a special journal dedicated only to keeping your special quotes.

–>  Memorize your favorite Psalm. Try out Psalm 91…or Psalm 61…or Psalm 35…or Psalm 37…Oh! Enjoy!

–>  Begin a Tea Ministry.  Doing for others ALWAYS lifts even the heaviest spirit.  Get a tea basket to keep your goodies in…visit a shut-in…bless them. Then! Watch the blessing boomerang! You won’t be able to leave without a blessing.

–>  Take the kids to a candy store—sample the Jelly Bellies…or Sweet Tarts…or Sour Gummy Worms.

–>  Fly a kite!

–>  Take a ride in the country.  Turn up your praise music…roll the windows down…sing to the top of your lungs!

–>  Watch a funny video!  Elisabeth and I LOVE to watch old movies like If a Man Answers. It is one of our “chick flicks” that we always watch together. We love it! SO FUNNY! Chonda Pierce is another one of my picks. She is just totally hilarious. My children LOVE old comedy shows like I Love Lucy or The Three Stooges.  Oh, you may want to watch anything! Just find something that will make you laugh hard!

–>  Scrapbook!  Pick photos that you MUST tell the story behind! Kick up your favorite music…spread out your goodies…and Scrap till you drop!

–>  Read a biography of a GIANT in the faith!  My favorites are Corrie ten Boom…Hudson Taylor…George Mueller…Amy Carmichael…Jim and Elisabeth Elliott…etc!

–>  Get today’s newspaper and read the comics!

–>  Get a yo-yo! PLAY!

–>  Make Chocolate Chip Cookies with the kids! On a diet? Take them to someone who blesses you! Include a note of thanks and encouragement for all they do to bless you!

–>  Go out and sit on your boat—watch the stars! (Oh, watch the sunset or sunrise, if you can too!)

–>  Dig into the Bible and study what God says about trials…suffering…faith…death…depression…oppression…warfare…battle…

–>  Read a new book! Normally ready non-fiction/how-to’s? Get a fiction book for a change!  Normally read fiction? Get a humorous book! Renew your weary heart and mind!

–>  Take a break and go for a long ride on a motorcycle! Don’t forget your headset and praise music!

–>  Take a hike! Really!  Find a nice nature trail OR go for the tough stuff!!

–>  Go to the mall with your teenager!  ENJOY!

–>  Buy a Mp3 Player and some great praise music—turn it up!  I LOVE my iPod! I have my iPod loaded with all of my favorite CDs. My favorites are Michael W. Smith’s Worship CD’s AND Hillsong’s Praise and Worship!  The moment you enter into worship, you will enter into the very presence of God—so, turn it up and devour the presence of our precious Lord!

–>  Pull out that old sewing machine and make some of those goodies that you have been wanting—new purse/tote…outfit…home decorations…doll clothes…etc!

–>  Buy a “whoopee” Cushion…or “Bubba” teeth… At least your family will laugh!

–>  Write out the funny family stories! Reminisce! Enjoy!

–>  Go skating!

–>  Try an afternoon of “Laser-Tag” with your teens! Get um!

–>  Make Homemade Bread—KNEAD yourself!

–>  Plan a regular Mommy Getaway. This is not an extra! It is essential!  I plan getaways for different purposes: to just get alone with God to hear Him, to plan, to work on my homeschool and business projects, to just fill my cup back up. Decide what will fill you up. What do you need right now? Decide what will help meet that need. Gather your goodies: Bible, journal, iPod, camera (I love taking pictures of little treasures along the way), your planner, your computer/Idea Notebook, etc. Pull aside and take that time to just get-away and fill your cup back up!

–>  Get a pet! My bird, Harley, has ministered to my heart MORE than I could remember! He is just SO funny! HE had the idea to “boogie” for Jesus! I had not danced for years! AND it is decent!  Elisabeth’s new puppy, Pooh, is a TOTAL delight!  I say all the time that she is JOY in fur! She has become my little buddy. She loves to sit with me while I work and follow me around while I am doing my chores. She keeps me in stitches. Struggling? Get a pet just for YOU…see that puppy in the window??

–>  Take the day to go for a flight!  Look at the whole world from a different perspective!

–>  Dance! Turn up your favorite music and dance! Dance your heaviness away! Dance till you laugh! Dance in worship to the Lord! Jump! Lift your hands in praise and worship!

–>  Clean out your house (only if this is NOT your struggle! Ha!). Attack those closets…cabinets…dusty bookshelves…paper piles!

–>  Go out for a cup of coffee…tea…or a good old Coca-Cola! Meet your sweetheart or a mommy pal! Or…take your Bible and make it a special time with the Lord!

–>  Find some silly-putty or slime—PLAY!

–>  Get up earlier (or take regular breaks throughout the day!) for your quiet time! You may feel SO weak that you can barely concentrate—if so, just turn on praise music and lift up your arms in praise and adoration. Watch what happens!  Make a list of your heartaches—lift them to the Father (then, hide them in your Prayer Journal—later they will be a praise record!).  Dig into the Word for comfort…perspective…and hope for tomorrow! Really tough days? Well, when the Israelites had very HOT days, they had to gather MORE manna—in the heat of your battles and toughest trials gather a surplus! It will help you survive your struggle.

–>  Make a quilt. You can EVEN cheat by making it on the sewing machine! ENJOY!

–>  Take an afternoon to go to the movies. Get a big bucket of popcorn…a super-HUGE Coke…sour Gummy Worms (unless you are due a BIG DOSE OF CHOCOLATE!). Take your sweetheart…or a friend if you want to share! Pick a movie that will make you laugh like crazy…OR CRY your eyes out! ENJOY!

–>  Ride three-wheelers! Get MUDDY!

–>  Treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon (or a bunch of afternoons!) at the pool…park…or creek.

–>  Try your hand at BOWLING. Take some friends!

–>  Take time for tea—each day.

–>  Exercise. Swim…walk…jog…hike…go skating…aerobics. Relieves stress AND boosts your health to boot.
Learn a new hobby!  What have you been putting off that you have ALWAYS wanted to know? Pottery? Quilting? Flight Training? Smocking? Scrapbooking? Jewelry Making? Sewing? Crochet? Horse-back riding?  Go for it! Now is the PERFECT time.

–>  Treat yourself to a nice looooonnnnnngggg Bubble Bath! Don’t forget to set up your favorite music to play during your Bubble Bath.  Also…be sure to fix a nice cup of tea (or a Latte!) or a nice big Coke that will last till the water gets cold! ENJOY!

–>  Go to the park and just swing—HIGH!
Go get an ice-cream cone—with a double dip!

–>  Do a “Promise” hunt in Scripture.  Keep in a “Promise Notebook” of your very own! KNOW that they are yours.

–>  Snuggle up for the afternoon to read a great book!

Got some fresh ideas? Don’t let this limit you! Let your brain GO! Find some things that will fill you back up and take care of you all along the way.

This is not an extra. This is an essential. Carve out time on your calendar today to just take care of mom!

****************************************

Need MORE Help?

How about the ULTIMATE mom-time? Yep! Check out our Ultimate Homeschool Expo! This is not just for homeschool moms. Dads, moms, grandparents, and all ages can benefit. Cindy Rushton is the hostess of the Ultimate Homeschool Expo, the very first online homeschool convention. I (Lois) am one of her guest and have recorded two special workshops to help encourage and inspire you. I love it! Each year gets better and better. (It is NEVER ENDING because it is an ONLINE Convention!) Check out all of the details here:

http://www.lois-graham.com/uhse10.php

Make Christmas meaningful!

Instead of making a paper chain to count down the days until Christmas, make your chain meaningful. Make a simple Christmas prayer chain craft. Christmas is about Christ.

Philippians 1:18-19 – Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help given by the Spirit of Jesus Christ, what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. (NIV)

Supplies:

Strips of paper

Tape or glue

Directions:

Give each person a strip of paper. Have them write or draw something that they can pray about. Continue adding request to each strip of paper until they are all used. Then glue or tape the strips together.

If you want to make the prayer chain more thought provoking use each letter of Christmas. Example: C – Courage to stand and speak up for Jesus, H – Healing for those that have been abused, R – Rest in the Lord for those who are overwhelmed, I – Important decisions that need to be made, S – Salvation of others, T – Thank God for His Provisions, M- Missions, A – Any needs that your church has, S – Servant’s heart

To Use:

On Christmas or whenever you choose, use your prayer chain. Have each person take a link off and pray for that request.

Make prayer a part of your Christmas!

Making a blessing tree gives you the opportunity to share blessings. Make an impression on children and influence them to be a blessing to others.

Count Your Blessings Craft and Activity

Supplies:

Construction paper, a marker, and finger paints.

Directions:

1. Draw a simple tree outline on construction paper.
2. Let children paint leaves on the tree with finger paints.
3. As the paint is drying, have the children tell you things that have and things they enjoy and like doing.
4. Explain that all we have is from God. God blesses us. The things that we have and do are blessings. Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”
5. Write or have them write on their picture the blessings that they have. Remind them about all the things that they said they have and enjoyed doing.
6. Have children think of ways that they can be a blessing to others.

Thanksgiving is not the only day of the year that we should count our blessings. Everyday of the year we should count our blessing and praise God.

Count your blessings Today!

Life goes by quickly! There always seems to be something that needs to be done or somewhere to go. We must rush from one thing to another. During the holidays life gets even busier. Prepare now for the the Thanksgiving and Christmas season ahead.

How and what do you need to prepare?

Prepare your heart

In busy times stress comes. Family gatherings can bring disagreements. By preparing your heart, you can ease this tension.

Have a daily, alone time with the Lord in prayer and Bible reading. Keep this time precious. It is what will help carry you through the stressful moments. Be determined, that no matter how much you have to do during the day that you will make time to be with the Lord. In Isaiah 41:13 (KJV) it says “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” When you begin to feel stress, go to the Lord for strength.

Stay focused

Remember why you are celebrating the holiday season. Keep your focus on God’s blessings and the gift of his son Jesus. Use Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV) to help you stay focused. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Prepare a schedule and plan

Make time to sit and plan out your activities and what you will need. You will have last minute things come up, but this will help you to visualize and prepare. Planning keeps you productive rather than busy.

Make a list of what events you know will be happening. Choose what will  benefit your family and pass on activities that will make the season stressful. Put important events on the calendar.

Plan out what you need and what you have to do. Examples: Make list for gifts to buy or make, food to buy and prepare, cards to purchase and send, or what you need to take to events.

God gave people in the Bible plans, so that they could accomplish the task he had for them. You are not building an ark or a tabernacle, but planning is essential to staying focused.

Prepare

Start buying and preparing food. Getting a head start will avoid pressure and help avoid last minute runs to the store. Making mixes, freezing dinners and baked goods, and buying food as you go help you to be a good steward of the time and money God has given you.

Save money. Put aside money each week to offset the extra expenses that will come up. Avoid going into debt.

Make gifts. Homemade gifts can be filled with loved and personalized to each person. Try these Home Made Holiday Gift Ideas.

Buy gifts on sale. Do not impulse buy. Make prayerful descisions. Colossians 4:2 (KJV) says “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving”

Plan and prepare to make this holiday season memorable and special.

Have you heard “I’m bored” or want something fun for your children to do? Fall can be a time of learning while you “bust the boredoms”.

Start by sending your children outside or go to a park and gather leaves. Look for leaves of all shapes, colors, and sizes. See who can find the biggest, smallest, or most unusual leaf.

Make a movie- Plan your character, setting,  problem, plot, and solution. Use a video camera to tape the adventures you encounter as you search for the perfect leaf.

After the leaves are gathered, you can dry them or use them as they are.

Tracing and imprinting- Tape a leaf to a piece of paper and let younger children trace around it. Put the leaf under the paper. Use the side of a crayon to roll over the leaf, making an impression.

Story or comic strip- Decide who your characters will be. Choose leaves for the characters in your story. Take a big sheet of paper.  Glue or tape leaves to the paper. Draw arms, legs, and a head onto the paper, connecting it to the leaf. Add your story and share with others.

Notebooking- Make a notebook with the different leaves that you found. Label the parts of each leaf and what type of leaf it is.

Bible pumpkin painting- Paint your favorite Bible character or Bible story on a pumpkin. This is a picture of King David. The picture at the beginning is of Jesus wearing a crown. We used acrylic paint on the pumpkin. Use your pumpkin to tell others your favorite Bible story.

Have fun as a family and bust the “boredom’s”.

Use fall nature objects to paint a masterpiece. This multi- sensory activity helps people of all ages to use their imagination and creativity. Younger children have fun and learn through the painting experience. Older children and adults can put thoughtfulness and detail into their designs.

Fall nature items can include:

Gourds, Potatoes, leaves, pine cones, gumballs, nuts, sticks, grasses, and weeds. There are many more. Go on a scavenger hunt and you will discover many interesting objects that God has made.

A fun advantage to using nature is that your painting will look different each time you paint something. You do not need to paint in straight lines. Try different directions and techniques.

1. Choose what nature objects you want to use.
2. Put down a plastic tablecloth or a sheet of plastic for EASY cleanup. Keep this for simple cleanup of craft projects.
3. Gather a variety of paint colors, dishes with paint to roll your objects in, paper plates to set your painted nature objects on, and a cloth for quick wipe-ups.
4. Roll or thoroughly coat the item you are using  in the desired color of paint.
5. Have fun! Drag, roll, dab, spin, twist, flop, and swish. Try ideas that pop into your imagination. Use a new color and mix the designs together.
6. Watch this video for more ideas and techniques.

Make your paintings into fall or thanksgiving cards. Give them to older people, shut ins, out of town relatives, or anyone who could use a smile.

Have fun painting and teaching your children how God has made each detail of nature!

The fall of the year is here. This is the time of year that the leaves change beautiful colors and cooler, crisp weather begins to creep in. Fall is a wonderful time of year to enjoy the outdoors. You can look around at the magnificent creation God has made. Watching the change in seasons opens our eyes to the wonders that God has given to us. He has designed and planned each tiny, intricate, and magnificent detail.

Fall is the time of year that I enjoy grabbing a warm drink and having fun as a family. Make time this fall to enjoy the beautiful, God-made outdoors with your family.

1. Go for a walk, hike, or bike ride. Don’t rush! Take your time. Take a tree identification book with you. See how many different trees you can find. Younger children can count the colors of leaves they see.

2. Make a scarecrow. Have fun using your imaginations together. Make old, young, silly, or even a family of scarecrows.

What you will need:

Old clothes. Any size clothing will work.

Hay, crumbled newspaper, rags, pine straw, or other stuffing material.

Pillowcase and marker

Rope and large safety pins

Optional decorations – Hat, bandannas, gloves, shoes, or other decorations to dress up your scarecrow.

Assembly:

Tie the openings in the clothing closed with rope. Leave an opening on the top of each piece of clothing for stuffing.

Stuff the clothing until it is full.

Safety pin the top and bottom of the scarecrow together.

Fill the pillowcase to the desired head size. Use a marker to draw a face. Then pin the pillowcase onto the top of the scarecrow.

Attach any extras that you want your scarecrow to wear.

Use this opportunity to work together as a family. Discuss ideas and be respectful. Build each other up with your words.

4. Visit a pumpkin field or apple orchard.

Learn how they grow and about the different varieties. Younger children can learn to put the pumpkins or apples in order from smallest to largest. They can also learn what things are heavy and light.

5. Jump in a pile of leaves.

Jump and roll in a pile of leaves. Be silly! Let your children see you having fun.

6. Rake leaves for a shut in or elderly person.

This is an excellent way to help others and learn respect. Teach your children that doing things for others is hard work, but that it can be fun and rewarding.

7. Take a drive.

Go for a scenic drive (without electronic activities). Look for things that God has made. Find things that you do not see in the others seasons. Talk about how awesome and powerful God is to make nature.

Have fun this fall! Leave a comment and share what you did to enjoy God’s beautiful creation with your family.

Every day we should show grandparents our love and appreciation. This Sunday, September 13′th 2009 is a day set aside as Grandparents Day. Are you running behind and need a last minute idea for your children to do for their grandparents?

Try one or more of these quick and inexpensive ways to show love and appreciation.

• Make a homemade card or bookmark and decorate it with love. Older children can write 1 Thessalonians 3:9 on their card. Print or write it out for younger children.

“For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God” 1 Thessalonians 3:9 NKJV

As they are making their card explain that the verse means we can thank God and be happy that we have grandparents.

• Sing “Happy Grandparents Day! (Tune: “Happy Birthday”)

Happy Grandparents Day to you,

Happy Grandparents Day to you,

Happy Grandparents Day, I love you!

Happy Grandparents Day to you!

• Make a video that includes each family member telling a special memory they have of being with them.

• Call or tell them in person a genuine “I Love You!”.

• Paint a small box, put a pretty sticker on it, and fill it with notes of appreciation.

• Make a homemade, special treat that they enjoy and deliver it with a big hug.

• Write the reasons why you love them on a fancy paper. Younger children can draw pictures of a special memory or what they like about their grandparents. Roll it up and tie a pretty ribbon around it.

• Go to their house and do something helpful for them. When you are finished sit down and talk. Have them tell you stories about the old days.

• Make a heart from your fingerprints.

Press each finger on a stamp pad and then put your fingerprints onto a paper in the shape of a heart. Write a special note in the center.

Most of all pray for your parents and grandparents and tell them you love them!

Summer is almost over. Take advantage of the last few days by enjoying a family cookout. Bring your family together to relax and have fun together.

Planning a cookout does not have to be complicated. Start with your menu. Hot dogs and hamburgers can be made easily on the grill.

If you would like to add a little more zest to your traditional hamburger try this easy recipe.

Mexican Burgers

Makes 6 servings

1 1/2 lb. ground round steak

1/3 c. mild or hot salsa

1 can (4 oz.) chopped green chilies, well drained

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

6 oz. Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeno peppers, sliced

6 hamburger buns

Sour cream

Sliced avocados

Salsa

Combine meat, 1/3 c. salsa, chilies, salt and pepper; mix well. Divide into six portions. Shape each to form a 3/4-inch patty around one ounce of cheese, sealing edge well. Grill four inches above medium to hot coals on an open grill. Cook six to eight minutes per side for medium hamburgers. Serve on hamburger buns. Top burgers with sour cream, sliced avocados and salsa. Serve immediately. This recipe is from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

If you prefer something less spicy try this cheeseburger.

Inside – Out Burger Babies

Divide ground beef into 16 equal portions. Shape each into a 3-inch diameter patty. Top one patty with one – half of a a 1 ounce slice of Mozzarella or American cheese folded in half; top with second patty sealing edges gently with fingers. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese. Grill 6 to 7 minutes for medium or until done, turning once. This recipe is from the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council.

• Sides

Accompany your meal with corn on the cob roasted on the grill. Have a crock pot with melted butter to spoon over the corn when you are ready to serve. Other delicious sides could be a baked potato,  fresh fruit (watermelon cantaloupe, or pineapple), or a pasta salad.

• Dessert

Desserts can be made and served with minimal preparation. Enjoy dessert time as a family activity.

Make smore’s together. Have family members exchange chocolate, marshmallows, and graham crackers. As they exchange the food they must also give each other a compliment. As you stack the ingredients together use it as an opportunity to talk about how each ingredient is important in making a smore. Continue explaining that each family member is an important part of making a happy home. Name something that each person does to contribute to your home. Deuteronomy 4:9 tells us “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them”. Use the moments you have as teaching opportunities.

Popcorn, ice cream sandwiches, or  pudding cups frozen with a popsicle stick in it are all easy ways to finish off a cookout. Enjoy your dessert while playing a game, talking about what happened this summer, or having fun with water balloons.

Have fun with your family as you savor the last days of summer!

F – Foundation

Build a solid foundation for your family. There are many ups and downs in life. Strength from a secure foundation will help your family stand strong.

How do you build a strong foundation?

• Have the Lord Jesus Christ as the foundation of your home.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work.” – I Corinthians 3:11-13 NIV

Try your best to keep your family focused on the Lord. When trials come you will be able to stand. It is never too late to build a foundation. You may have to work harder at it but the blessings will come.

A – Activities

Build upon your foundation by spending time together as a family doing activities. Time spent doing daily family devotions and having dinners together will help you to build strong walls. It is easy to let outside activities draw your family apart. Strive to do at least one fun activity together each week.

M – Memories

Make memories! Don’t let another day slip by without spending time together. The busyness of life is like a weed. It starts out small and then grows bigger and bigger. The fun memories that you can make as a family get choked out. Prioritize what is important to your family. Stay focused on that goal.

I – Important

Show your family that they are important. Take time to listen. Make eye contact and listen to what they are saying. Letting your mind wander will distract you from what they have to tell you.

Picture this in your mind. Johnny tells you he found a frog in the backyard. Your first thought is “I hope he didn’t bring it into the house.” If you listen to what he has to say you will find out that he watched the frog eat a bug. It was an amazing and important part of his day! You are important to him and he wanted to share this special memory with you.

Don’t miss out on small moments that are important to your family.

L – Love

Love is from God. 1 John 4:7 tells us “love one another: for love is of God”. Families often have disagreements. This should not keep us from loving each other.

The Bible tells of the prodigal son. “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.”- Luke 15:20 KJV

Despite his son’s mistakes he loved him. Everyone makes mistakes. We can use them as a learning experience. Having someone love and help you through your mistakes will help you to learn and grow.

Y – Yourself

You are important to your family. They need you to be an example and teacher to them. Your priorities, values, and actions are being watched. Are you being a godly example?

Use the letters in FAMILY to build a strong family!

Keep younger and older children busy and learning with winter activities. Pretend it is winter and have fun!

1. Freeze water in a tray and let your kids play with plastic animals on the ice. Younger children can choose what animals live in snow and what animals live where it is hot. Older children can name where the animals live and place them on a map in the correct location.

2. Fill baggies with shaving cream or spray it on a table. Children can draw winter shapes in the “snow”. Teach shapes by drawing snowmen in different shapes. Ask questions. Example:  Is the square snowman taller than the rectangle snowman?

3. Use crumbled newspaper to make snowballs and have a snowball fight. Count, add, subtract, multiply, and even divide the snowballs.

4. Take two ice cubes and put each in a bowl. Put one outside in the sun and the other indoors. Time how long it takes each one to melt. For younger children freeze plastic animals in the ice cubes. Older children can experiment by setting the ice in different locations and make a graph with their findings.

5. Make an igloo out of a white sheet or plastic draped over chairs or a play tent. Sit inside and read winter stories or books about winter animals.

6. Use packing bubbles for ice. Have fun coloring the “ice” with sidewalk chalk. Use the opportunity to teach younger children colors. Let older children make a picture by popping the bubbles into a design.

7. Use marshmallows, containers, and toothpicks to make snowmen, igloos, forts, animals, or something else imaginative. Be creative!

8. Have a snowflake making contest. Use a variety of art supplies to design one of a kind snowflakes.

9. Look through your house finding things that begin with the letters in SNOW. See how many you can find. The first one to a certain number gets the first popsicle. Younger children can look for colors that match winter items. Examples: white – snow, black – penguin

10. Younger children can use cookie cutters to cut bread into winter shapes. Then frost with marshmallow fluff. Older children will enjoy making this recipe RBP’s Polar Extremes Bible school.

• Tasty Snowflakes

What you need:

Large flour tortillas, waxed paper, kitchen shears, cinnamon, cooking spray, and sugar

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Fold tortilla in half. Fold tortilla in half a second time to make a triangle.

3. Cut out snowflake designs from the tortilla triangle.

4. Unfold the tortilla triangle and place on waxed paper.

5. Lightly spray tortilla with cooking spray.

6. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on tortilla.

7. Bake tortilla for 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp.

What are we teaching our children? Do they understand the meaning and history of this special day? As the years go by it is easy to let pieces of our heritage slip away. This year I encourage you to spend time with your children teaching them about our heritage. History does not have to be dull and boring. Do hands on activities to keep it fun and interesting. Read the history of July 4′th and then try some of the activities I have listed. It will not only keep history alive but you will be making new memories with your family.

History:

Independence Day is celebrated on July 4′th to commemorate the approval of  Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Here is some interesting Independence Day background information from Wikipedia:

During the American Revolution, the legal separation of the American colonies from Great Britain occurred on July 2, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence that had been proposed in June by Richard Henry Lee of Virginia.^[4] After voting for independence, Congress turned its attention to the Declaration of Independence, a statement explaining this decision, which had been prepared by a Committee of Five, with Thomas Jefferson as its principal author. Congress debated and revised the Declaration, finally approving it on July 4, 1776. A day earlier, John Adams had written to his wife Abigail:

Adams’ prediction was off by two days. From the outset, Americans celebrated independence on July 4, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress.^[6]

One of the most enduring myths about Independence Day is that Congress signed the Declaration of Independence on  July 4, 1776.^[7][8] The myth had become so firmly established that, decades after the event and nearing the end of their lives, even the elderly Thomas Jefferson and John Adams had come to believe that they and the other delegates had signed the Declaration on the fourth.^[9] Most delegates actually signed the Declaration on August 2, 1776.^[10] In a remarkable series of coincidences, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, two founding fathers of the United States and the only two men who signed the Declaration of Independence to become president, died on the same day: July 4, 1826, which was the United States’ 50th anniversary. President James Monroe died exactly five years later, on July 4, 1831, but he was not a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.

Activities:

The Declaration of Independence signifies freedom. We have many freedoms to be thankful for.

Make a “Declaration of Thankfulness”. Talk about our country and why they wanted freedom and what we have to be thankful for.

• Younger children can draw pictures of things that they are thankful for. Draw pictures of what preschoolers are thankful for and let them color it.
• Older children can read or listen to parts of the Declaration of Independence. Talk about rights that we have, Then write a “Declaration of Thankfulness”. Let them write it on fancy paper and then have an adult burn the edges to make it look old.

Look around your house for everyday things that you can use for music instruments. Water bottles filled with beans, pots, spoons, paperclips in an empty container, and bells are just a few items that you can use for a thankfulness parade. March around playing your instruments and saying things that you are thankful for.

Sidewalk art is a fun way to talk about how we can celebrate what others have done to give us freedom.

• Younger children can draw stars and fireworks with sidewalk chalk. Talk  about how we can do fun things because people wanted us to be free.
• Older children can draw a USA map or pictures of those that signed the Declaration of Independence. Talk about how many people have fought to give us freedom.

Songs to sing:

America the Beautiful

My Country ‘Tis of Thee

Star spangled Banner

Have fun and enjoy this July 4′th in remembrance of why we have Independence Day.

Go bananas with this rhyme:

• First we pick, bananas
• Pick, pick, bananas
• Pick, bananas

Pick, pick, bananas [picking invisible bananas off trees]

• Then we peel, bananas
• Peel, peel, bananas
• Peel, bananas

Peel, peel, bananas [hold up one finger and "peel" it with the other hand]

• Then we eat! Bananas!
• Eat, eat! Bananas!
• Eat! Bananas!

Eat, eat! Bananas! [tossing invisible bananas into mouth]

• Then we GO! BANANAS!
• GO, GO! BANANAS!
• GO! BANANAS!

GO, GO! BANANAS! [self-explanatory…]                                                                                                                                           From http://parentsblog.scholastic.com/librarian_mom/2008/10/rhyme-time-goin.html

Monkey snack:

• Bananas
• Lace round cereal (fruit loops) onto a string to make a monkey tail.

Craft and Activities:

Children can make a monkey mask from a paper plate or cardstock. Let them use their imagination! Let them cut, paste, draw, color, or paint. The possibilities abound. Designing their own project will help them gain confidence in their accomplishments. Encourage them to be creative!

When they have their mask completed they can act like a monkey and sing 5 little monkeys jumping on the bed.

Five little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

Four little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped her head.
Papa called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

Three little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed,
One fell off and bumped her head.
Papa called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
“No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

One little monkey jumping on the bed,
He fell off and bumped his head.
Mama called the Doctor and the Doctor said,
“Put those monkeys straight to bed!”

Watch 5 monkeys teasing Mr. Crocodile fingerplay video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p2PtKG-6XY If you enjoyed the fingerplay the felt it is available at my website http://www.funfelt.com/lois.html

Read monkey stories. You can choose from real or made up. My son loves Curious George. He enjoys the adventures that George finds. Let them tell you what they think will happen or have them make up their own ending. Pull out paper and crayons and let your children have fun creating their very own picture book.

Have fun, act like a monkey, and swing through a rainy day!