empty tomb craft

In Sunday School, one of my kiddos made this really neat project depicting the empty tomb... and I just had to share it!

I thought this would be a great craft for families with multiple-aged children, giving older kiddos an opportunity to help their siblings. 

Before I sign off, I ran across this article about children and Holy Week, and I thought it might be helpful for someone.
Prayers to all of you for a wonderful Easter filled with happiness and the understanding that God loves each and every one of us.

a prayer for baby's naptime

Babies, babies, babies! I looooooove babies. So this week has been really great for me, since I had a chance to visit with and meet several babies. And I got to rock two brand new babies to sleep in my arms. *insert content sigh
Interacting with all these babies, especially the youngest, reminded me of how precious sleep was, for babies and parents! And while I admit I may have hastily screamed uttered an incredibly short prayer (for the love of God, please go to sleep!) while pacing the hallway with my boys, I thought perhaps a calm, heartfelt prayer would be more helpful for you:

free concert

I thought I would pass along the information for a free family concert that would be perfect for your littles. This event is on April 12th at the Decatur Civic Center. Sounds like fun!!

good

Happy "first day of Spring!" Although it is slowly but surely warming up outside, some days are still a bit too windy and chilly for outdoor play. So I thought an indoor activity would be nice to share today. 
In both Genesis 1:31 and 1 Timothy 4:4, the Bible tells us that everything God created is good. Why not read those scriptures to your little ones, and then play a fun game with stuffed animals. 

Gather all the fuzzy toys and line them up on the floor or couch. While holding each animal, talk about where we can find a real one, what it likes to eat, and what sounds the animal makes. As you set an animal down, say together "...and everything God made was good." Then pick up another fuzzy critter and repeat. Have fun!

a wee little man

The story of Zacchaeus is a classic Sunday School lesson. Our littles enjoyed pretending to climb up and down a tree yesterday, and took turns telling Zacchaeus to climb down from the tree.

This "tree" was fairly simple to create, and could be used in a variety of lessons. I started with a paper towel tube, and drew lines and knots to create a woodgrain look. Four "squares" of green tissue paper are twisted and glued inside the top of the tube. Two layers of magnetic tape (long strips) are adhered inside the tube and a piece is on the back of the Zacchaeus figure. 
  ***Craft Tips:
1) Be sure to flatten out the magnetic tape before adhering it into the tube.
2) Place a dowel inside the tube on top of the magnetic tape, and rest a phone book on top for a few days to be sure the magnetic tape sticks.
I also placed a bit of magnetic tape on the back of the Jesus figure, and I used a bookend to support the scene. (The tree can be attached to the bookend with yarn or more magnetic tape.) The children took turns retelling the story and making Zacchaeus slide down the tree. 

Easter is right around the corner!

This is a fun service project that's great for kids of all ages... even the young at heart! 

Jesus loves me!

Here's something fun and quick to do with your littles: 

Grab a kid or two or seven, stand in front of a mirror... and SING! Simple, but effective.

extra recess!

Remember when you were in grade school, and the next best thing to eating that rectangle of pizza at lunch was earning an extra recess? With this looooooong, cold winter still hanging around, we think everyone should get both this Sunday!

All families are invited to join us for a playtime on March 9th. There will be scooters, a variety of games for all ages, and time to chat while the kiddos burn off energy. When we're done, we can head over to the church for pizza! 
You don't even have to rsvp... just come over to the DISC.  **Gym shoes and comfy clothes are recommended.  :}

The Beatitudes

The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12) can be difficult to explain to very young children. And while we might read all of them to our littles, I think it's OK for preschool-aged children to focus on learning one or two. I have a printable to share with you today, that might help: 

I thought these two would be simple enough to focus some energy on teaching. Even young children understand the difference between happy and sad, and can recall times when they have felt these emotions. And I don't know about you, but in my house we are often working on more peace and less arguing (use your words!). While I believe this scripture is more "global" than siblings arguing over a toy or whose turn it is, we have to start small and work our way outward. 
After you print this page for each of your littles, just fold on the dotted line to create a "table tent" for the nightstand or coffee table. Then you will have an easy way to practice these scriptures together.

a "get well" gift

One of our Sunday School lessons this month taught the story of Jesus healing Peter's mother-in-law. Since we all know someone who is sick this time of year, I thought it would be nice to share a simple activity that would cheer anyone up. 

Just print, cut, punch a hole, and tie the tag around a can of chicken noodle soup (or a jar of homemade soup for all you Super Moms!). While you're at it, print and cut a few extras, and keep them in an envelope so you are ready the next time one of your neighbors is under the weather. Then, you and your littles can make a special delivery of not just soup, but heartfelt love. That's sure to make anyone feel better!!