Hey, hey! Advent starts on Sunday and it is truly one of my most favorite times of the year. As easy as it is for December to be one of the busier months in our culture, our family has really tried to slow it down these past few years and I have grown to love the simplicity, slow pace, and togetherness that our holiday season brings. Between having both boys birthdays + Christmas in December, our wallets and time just won't allow for much else so we try to hunker down and enjoy a lot of sweet time at home together and I so hope it is something we can continue to do for years to come. One of the ways we have worked to achieve this is by creating an Advent guide for our family to do together at home. It is becoming a sweet tradition and something we look forward to and it gives our holiday meaning and purpose and intentionality in a season where we might otherwise feel pressure to attend all the things and make all the purchases. And so, I wanted to share this year's guide with you in case you were looking for a simple guide to walk your family through this Advent season as well.
This was obviously written with our boys in mind so there is so much freedom for you to take it and adjust it for your family. My biggest hope (aside from learning about the names of Jesus, who is He, why He came, and why He is coming again!) is that it will free you from the pressure of making Advent activities or buying craft supplies or spending a lot of money. Nearly every one of these activities is free and can be done in a few minutes at home. With the exception of a few additional outings, it really can be done with zero prep at all! You can switch days around or skip them altogether and pick back up without interfering with it's original intent.
What's mine is yours so I'd love for you to have it! Please let me know if you use it, how it goes, and what changes or modifications you make for your family. I'd love to hear all about it!
********
Sunday, December 3 | Exact Representation | Read Hebrews 1:1-3. Talk about how God the Father is a spirit; we can not see Him but we can look to Jesus to know what He is like. Jesus is all of God poured into flesh. He is the exact and perfect representation of who God is. Explain what Advent is and how we will spend the next few weeks talking about the different names of Jesus so that we can better know who He is, why He came, and why He will come again.
Monday, December 4 | Carpenter | Read Mark 6:1-6. Give Jones some toy tools and let Moses hammer some nails into a block of wood. Talk about how Jesus was fully God, but also fully man. He was a man just like daddy. He had a job and his job was a carpenter. He built and fixed things. Talk about how it was hard for Jesus’ family and friends to recognize Him as God because they only thought of Him as an ordinary man with an ordinary job.
Tuesday, December 5 | Almighty God | God is Almighty- nothing is too hard for Him. Have DJ and the boys do a couple of strength games: arm wrestling, wrestling match, lifting contest, etc. Talk about how strong DJ is compared to them and then talk about how much stronger God is. He is the strongest one. Nothing is too hard for Him. Read Isaiah 59:1 (NLT) and talk about how the Lord is strong enough to save us.
Wednesday, December 6 | Indescribable Gift | Talk about all the presents Moses got for his birthday today. Have him describe his presents; what they are like and what he enjoys about them. Then read 2 Corinthians 9:15 and talk about how Jesus is the very best gift. He is so good that there are not enough words to fully describe Him!
Thursday, December 7 | Immanuel | Read Matthew 1:23. Talk about the significance of names. Donald means “World Ruler”. Courtney means “Short Nose”. Moses means “Drawn Out”. Jones means “God is Gracious.” Talk about why we chose such significant names for our boys and then talk about how Immanuel is a name that was used to describe Jesus. It means “God with us”. Talk about how Jesus came to live with and among people and how He is always with us and has promised to never leave us.
Friday, December 8 | Baby | Talk about babies…What are babies like? What do we think our new baby will be like when he comes? Talk about how amazing it was that God came to earth as a baby; that the Savior of the whole world left His glorious throne in Heaven to be born into a broken world among animals in a barn. Then read Luke 2:8-14 and go see the movie The Star as a family.
Saturday, December 9 | From Bethlehem | Go to Bethlehem Revisited in Waxahachie. On the way there, read John 7:42. Talk about how Jesus was born in Bethlehem and how we are going to see what it must have looked like when and where he was born. On the way home, talk about the things you saw, heard, and smelled. Talk about how humble Jesus was to leave the glories of Heaven to be born in such lowly circumstances.
Sunday, December 10 | Nazarene | Read Matthew 2:23. Look at the map and talk about where we are from. Just like Moses is Korean because he is from Korea, Jesus is called a Nazarene because he was from Nazareth. Point out Nazareth on the map and talk about what it is like there. Look at pictures online and eat pita bread and hummus as a snack.
Monday, December 11 | Consuming Fire | Turn on the fireplace and read Hebrews 12:29. Talk about times God appeared as a fire in scripture (Moses & the burning bush, leading the Israelites by a pillar of fire, etc). Watch The Fire on Owlegories.
Tuesday, December 12 | Healer | Read Matthew 8:14-17. Talk about how Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law. Talk about how Jesus has healed Moses’ itchy skin. Talk about how just like our physical bodies get sick and hurt and need to be healed, so too are our hearts sick with sin. Talk about how Jesus is the only one who can heal our sinful hearts.
Wednesday, December 13 | Deliverer | Read Galatians 1:3-5. Deliverer means one that saves from danger or destruction. Firemen deliver people from fires. Policemen deliver people from bad guys. Doctors deliver people from sickness. Talk about how we are all in danger of death and eternal separation from God, but that Jesus died to deliver us!
Thursday, December 14 | Living Water | Have a club soda date and watch Episode 3: The Water on Owlegories. Read John 4:7-14. Talk about how just like we cannot live without water and how it satisfies our thirst, so too can we not live without Jesus. He completely satisfies all our desires and needs!
Friday, December 15 | Light of the World | Go look at Christmas lights. Discuss John 8:12. Talk about light- how it lights up the darkness and helps us to see. Jesus is the light. He lights up the darkness of our sinful, broken world and helps us to see the Truth.
Saturday, December 16 | Creator | Go to the Sky Theatre at UNT and watch Seasons Reasons ($3 per person). Afterwards, talk about the weather, clouds, seasons, stars, and moon. Read Colossians 1:16-17 and talk about how God is the creator of all things. (Another option is to go to Zoo Lights and talk about how God created all the animals.)
Sunday, December 17 | Give the boys rocks and sensory sand to play with as we talk. Discuss the differences between a big rock and sand. Then read The Wise and Foolish Builders on page 191 in The Gospel Story Bible. Jesus is our support, our foundation and our refuge; talk about how we can build our lives on Him.
Monday, December 18 | Bread of Life | Bring home hot chocolate and pumpkin bread from Starbucks and watch The Bread on Owlegories together as a family. Read John 6:35. Just like our physical bodies need bread (food) to live and be healthy and strong, so too do our spiritual hearts need Jesus to live. We eat food every day to survive; we should spend time with Jesus each day too! Talk about different ways that we can spend time with Jesus throughout the day.
Tuesday, December 19 | Man of Sorrows | Read Isaiah 53:3. Talk about what it means that Jesus was a man of sorrows and why he was well acquainted with sadness and grief. He knows what it means when we feel disappointed and sad. He understands when we feel that way and He can comfort us in our sorrow.
Wednesday, December 20 | Advocate | An advocate is someone who pleads on behalf of another. Show Moses pictures of when we went to court. He did not have to appear before a judge to ask for a family, because we did it for him! We went to the judge and advocated on his behalf; we fought to bring him into our family! Satan accuses us of our sin, but we do not have to appear before God because Jesus has already gone before us. Jesus advocated to the Father on our behalf and fought to bring us into His family.
Thursday, December 21 | Servant | Read Philippians 2:7. Talk about what a servant is. Talk about how Jesus was both a servant and a King. Read The Servant and The King on page 286 in The Jesus Storybook Bible and then discuss ways that we can serve like Jesus.
Friday, December 22 | King of Kings | Talk about how a King is someone who is in charge of a whole country. Use the examples of Daddy being in charge of our family; a teacher being in charge of a class, and the President being in charge of our country. Some countries do not have Presidents, but kings who rule all the people who live there. Jesus is the King of Kings! He is in charge of every other king and of the whole world. He deserves our honor, respect, love, trust, and obedience. Read The King of all Kings on page 192 in the Jesus Storybook Bible and act it out with the Little People Nativity Scene.
Saturday, December 23 | Intercessor | Talk about prayer; what it is, the people and things we pray for, and why we pray. Read Romans 8:34 and talk about how Jesus prays for us too!
Sunday, December 24 | Friend | Talk about friendship. Who are our best friends? Why do we like them? How do we spend time with them? The Bible says that God is our friend too. Read Exodus 33:11 and talk about how we can be friends with God. He wants to walk with us and talk with us and spend time with us. Read Friend of Sinners in Thoughts To Make Your Heart sing and/or John 15:13 to see the different ways that Jesus modeled friendship for us.
Monday, December 25 | JESUS’ BIRTHDAY!
Happy Adventing,
courtney
Thursday, November 30, 2017
Monday, November 6, 2017
Thanksgiving Devotionals
Last year I hung up a Thanksgiving banner and each night of
Thanksgiving week, we kept Moses up a little late to read a bible verse
and draw pictures of the things we were thankful for to hang on the
banner. It was so sweet for our family that I decided to keep up the
tradition. Last night I fleshed this idea out a tad more (though trust
me, this is still a super rough draft) and although it's not fully
formed, I wanted to share in case anyone desired to have more
intentional conversation on gratitude this holiday season but may not
have the bandwidth or desire to come up with something on their own.
I wrote these with Moses in mind, but feel free to modify according to your family! I think that this year, we will only do one or two devotionals a week instead of water hosing him with verses and conversation seven straight nights in a row. Because my sweet one is going through a season of grumbling and complaining and struggling to find things to be thankful for (....one of those things I think he might get from his momma!) my hope is that we can talk about one at a time and then give it a few days to simmer before we move on.
Also, special props to DJ who will actually be the one to lead this out with Moses! While the Lord usually prompts me with the desire to create and formalize little things like this, DJ is the one who takes the work and implements it and it is such a joy for me to watch him lead our family in this way. I love to see the different ways God has wired us and allows us to combine our efforts to work as a team in shepherding these little souls He has entrusted to us. My three guys... what a gift they are to me.
Again... super informal and not well drafted but I hope it blesses some (one!) of you. Take it and change it as desired. Also, I had major formatting issues when writing this post so if anything is wonky, I blame technology. Especially if the mistake is theological (wink).
Here you go:
One
Read Philippians 2:14. Do all things without grumbling or complaining.
What does it mean to grumble and complain? Take turns acting it out as a family.
What should we do without grumbling or complaining? Just some things? No, all things!
Read Philippians 2:14-15a: Do all things without grumbling and complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God.
Who does this verse say that we look like when we do all things without grumbling and complaining? We look like children of God.
Who are children of God? Those who love and trust Jesus.
Read Philippians 2:14-15 in full: Do all things without grumbling and complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Who do we look like when we grumble and complain? The world- those who do not know, love, or trust Jesus.
What does this verse say we are like when we do all things without grumbling and complaining? Lights in the world.
What do lights do? Help people to see in the darkness.
What can we help people to see when we give thanks instead of grumbling and complaining? We help them to see more of Jesus. We show them what it is like to trust God and have joy even when it doesn't make sense to.
What kind of things does our family grumble and complain about?
What should we do when we feel like grumbling and complaining? We can tell God how we feel and ask Him to give us grateful hearts. We can ask for his forgiveness. We can look for ways to be thankful even when things are not how we want them to be.
What can we be thankful for today?
Two
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
What does the word circumstance mean? The things that are happening to us or around us.
When does God tell us to give thanks? In just some circumstances? No, in all circumstances. We should give thanks in everything!
Do you think this sounds easy or hard to do?
What can we do when it feels hard to give thanks in all circumstances? We can ask God to help us!
Why does God say we should give thanks in all circumstances? Because this is His will for us.
What does that mean? That this is something that God wants for us to do.
What are some circumstances that seem hard to give thanks in? How can we give thanks in those circumstances?
Some examples might be....
Being sick. Thank you God for making me a strong and healthy boy. Thank you for legs that walk, eyes that see, ears that hear, a brain that thinks, and a body that can play. Thank you that in heaven we will never experience sickness again. Please heal my body and make me well.
When we lose a toy. Thank you God for giving me toys. Thank you for being such a fun God who created such fun things. Thank you that nothing is hidden from you; thank you that you see me and thank you that you see my toy. Please help me to patiently look for it.
When a toy breaks. Thank you God that I got to enjoy that toy while I did. Thank you that I still have many other toys to play with. Thank you that even though our toys change and break and do not last, it helps us to remember that you will never change. You are always the same and you will last perfectly forever.
When we don't get what we want. Thank you God that you know what is best. Thank you that you do what is best when it is best. Help me to be patient and to trust your perfect timing.
When we get sent to our room. Thank you God for parents who love me. Thank you that discipline is for my good and leads to my joy. Thank you for a cozy room and a bed to sleep in and a home to live in.
When we don't get seconds or dessert. Thank you God for providing our food. Thank you that we get three meals a day and snacks in between. Thank you for a full belly and a healthy body. Thank you that you created delicious food. Thank you for all the times I get to enjoy the good tastes that you have made.
What can we be thankful for today?
Three
Read Psalm 118:24: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
What does this verse say that God has made? This day.
How are we supposed to respond to God today? By rejoicing and being glad.
What do you think it means to rejoice? To feel and express great joy and delight.
Do you think we should just have joy and delight and gladness on the really good days? No, on all days!
How can we rejoice on days that it is raining out? By thanking God for watering the earth and playing in the rain!
How can we rejoice on days when we have school? By thanking God for minds that think and honoring him with a good attitude and hard work.
How can we be glad on days when we feel disappointed or angry or sad? By giving thanks in all circumstances and finding things to thank God for in the midst of our disappointment, anger, and sadness.
How can we rejoice when it feels like there is nothing to be glad about? We can remember what God has done in the past and thank Him for those things! We can look ahead to what God has promised and thank God that He is faithful to bring about those things. We can ask Him to help us find ways to be thankful today.
What can we be thankful for today?
Four
As a family, build a kingdom made of blocks.
Read Hebrews 12:18a- Let us be thankful for receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
What is a kingdom? A kingdom is an area that is ruled by a King, Queen, or President. It is run by the person in charge.
What Kingdom do you think this verse is talking about? God's Kingdom!
What is God's Kingdom? All of heaven and earth. God is in charge of everything!
What does this verse say we should be thankful for? That God's Kingdom cannot be shaken.
What happens when something is shaken? It falls apart or breaks or becomes less sturdy.
Shake your block kingdom and talk about what happens as it is moved and shaken and beaten around. Did it stay together or fall apart? Was it strong or weak?
What does this verse mean when it says that God's Kingdom cannot be shaken? That it cannot come undone. It will not fall apart. It is not weak or able to be destroyed. It is strong and sturdy and will last forever.
What can we do on days where we feel shaken, worried, grumpy, scared, or weak? We can remember that we are weak but God is strong! We may be shaken, but He never is. We can thank God that His plans, purposes, and ways will never change or fall apart. We can thank God that His Kingdom lasts forever.
What are some things that we know about God's Kingdom that we can give thanks for? That all of His promises are true. That God uses all things (even the bad ones) for our good. That a day is coming where there will be no more sickness, sadness, tears, or death.
What can we be thankful for today?
Five
Watch Veggie Tales: Madame Blueberry on Netflix together as a family. Afterwards, talk through the following questions:
Why is Madame Blueberry sad?
What does she wish she had more of?
Was Madame Blueberry thankful for all that she had?
Can more and bigger and better and nicer and cooler and yummier things bring us true and lasting happiness? Why or why not?
What do you wish you had more of? How do you think you would feel if you had more of it? How would you feel when those things began to break or get lost or taken or run out?
Mom and Dad- talk about a time that you wanted more of something. Did it truly satisfy? Why or why not?
Read Matthew 6:19-21 out loud. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
What does this verse say can happen to the things that we love here on earth? Bugs can eat them, rust can destroy them, people can come and take them away from us.
Is it wrong to love things here on earth? Things like toys and chocolate and family? No!
What do you think it looks like to love those things rightly? To thank God for those things and to enjoy them, but to remember that those things will not last forever and cannot bring us full happiness.
What does this verse say we should love even more than the treasures we have on earth? Treasures in heaven.
What do you think that means? Loving Jesus most of all. Loving and trusting Him more than our stuff. Remembering his promises. Thinking about and looking forward to heaven.
Why does the bible say that these things should be our greatest treasure? Because these things last forever! They will never change or go away or break or be taken from us.
What can we be thankful for today?
Six
As a family, read 1 Timothy 6:7-8. For we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
What does this verse say that we bring into this world when we are born? Nothing.
What does this verse say that we take with us when we die? Nothing.
This verse mentions two things that we need. What are they? Food and clothing.
How does this verse say we should respond if we have food and clothing? With contentment.
What is contentment? To be happy and satisfied and to feel like you have enough or all that you need.
Do you believe that you can be happy with just those two things?
What can we do when we notice our hearts not being content with what we already have? We can talk to God about the things we are unhappy with. We can always ask him for more, but then we can trust that He knows what is best and gives what is best when He knows it is best. We can wait patiently and learn to be content with what we have. We can learn to be okay even if God says "no" or "not right now". We can express thanks for what we have instead of always looking for more.
What can we be thankful for today?
Seven
Read Psalm 9:1. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
What does this verse say that we should give to the Lord? Thanks
What do you think it means to give thanks with our whole hearts? To not just say thank you because we are supposed to, but to truly feel thankful and to tell him!
What can we do when we do not feel fully thankful? We can be honest with God and tell him that sometimes it is hard to feel thankful. We can practice saying thank you and ask God to give us hearts that mean it.
What else does this verse tell us to do? Remember all of God's wonderful deeds.
Why do you think it might be important to remember what God has done? Remembering what God has already done for us can help us to feel grateful for the past and present! When we look back on what God has done, we are reminded of His goodness to us and can trust Him with what is to come.
Play a game of Pictionary and draw pictures of the wonderful things that God has already done for our family. Talk about those things together.
What can we be thankful for today?
xoxo,
courtney
I wrote these with Moses in mind, but feel free to modify according to your family! I think that this year, we will only do one or two devotionals a week instead of water hosing him with verses and conversation seven straight nights in a row. Because my sweet one is going through a season of grumbling and complaining and struggling to find things to be thankful for (....one of those things I think he might get from his momma!) my hope is that we can talk about one at a time and then give it a few days to simmer before we move on.
Also, special props to DJ who will actually be the one to lead this out with Moses! While the Lord usually prompts me with the desire to create and formalize little things like this, DJ is the one who takes the work and implements it and it is such a joy for me to watch him lead our family in this way. I love to see the different ways God has wired us and allows us to combine our efforts to work as a team in shepherding these little souls He has entrusted to us. My three guys... what a gift they are to me.
Again... super informal and not well drafted but I hope it blesses some (one!) of you. Take it and change it as desired. Also, I had major formatting issues when writing this post so if anything is wonky, I blame technology. Especially if the mistake is theological (wink).
Here you go:
One
Read Philippians 2:14. Do all things without grumbling or complaining.
What does it mean to grumble and complain? Take turns acting it out as a family.
What should we do without grumbling or complaining? Just some things? No, all things!
Read Philippians 2:14-15a: Do all things without grumbling and complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God.
Who does this verse say that we look like when we do all things without grumbling and complaining? We look like children of God.
Who are children of God? Those who love and trust Jesus.
Read Philippians 2:14-15 in full: Do all things without grumbling and complaining, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God, without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.
Who do we look like when we grumble and complain? The world- those who do not know, love, or trust Jesus.
What does this verse say we are like when we do all things without grumbling and complaining? Lights in the world.
What do lights do? Help people to see in the darkness.
What can we help people to see when we give thanks instead of grumbling and complaining? We help them to see more of Jesus. We show them what it is like to trust God and have joy even when it doesn't make sense to.
What kind of things does our family grumble and complain about?
What should we do when we feel like grumbling and complaining? We can tell God how we feel and ask Him to give us grateful hearts. We can ask for his forgiveness. We can look for ways to be thankful even when things are not how we want them to be.
What can we be thankful for today?
******
Two
Read 1 Thessalonians 5:18: Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
What does the word circumstance mean? The things that are happening to us or around us.
When does God tell us to give thanks? In just some circumstances? No, in all circumstances. We should give thanks in everything!
Do you think this sounds easy or hard to do?
What can we do when it feels hard to give thanks in all circumstances? We can ask God to help us!
Why does God say we should give thanks in all circumstances? Because this is His will for us.
What does that mean? That this is something that God wants for us to do.
What are some circumstances that seem hard to give thanks in? How can we give thanks in those circumstances?
Some examples might be....
Being sick. Thank you God for making me a strong and healthy boy. Thank you for legs that walk, eyes that see, ears that hear, a brain that thinks, and a body that can play. Thank you that in heaven we will never experience sickness again. Please heal my body and make me well.
When we lose a toy. Thank you God for giving me toys. Thank you for being such a fun God who created such fun things. Thank you that nothing is hidden from you; thank you that you see me and thank you that you see my toy. Please help me to patiently look for it.
When a toy breaks. Thank you God that I got to enjoy that toy while I did. Thank you that I still have many other toys to play with. Thank you that even though our toys change and break and do not last, it helps us to remember that you will never change. You are always the same and you will last perfectly forever.
When we don't get what we want. Thank you God that you know what is best. Thank you that you do what is best when it is best. Help me to be patient and to trust your perfect timing.
When we get sent to our room. Thank you God for parents who love me. Thank you that discipline is for my good and leads to my joy. Thank you for a cozy room and a bed to sleep in and a home to live in.
When we don't get seconds or dessert. Thank you God for providing our food. Thank you that we get three meals a day and snacks in between. Thank you for a full belly and a healthy body. Thank you that you created delicious food. Thank you for all the times I get to enjoy the good tastes that you have made.
What can we be thankful for today?
******
Three
Read Psalm 118:24: This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
What does this verse say that God has made? This day.
How are we supposed to respond to God today? By rejoicing and being glad.
What do you think it means to rejoice? To feel and express great joy and delight.
Do you think we should just have joy and delight and gladness on the really good days? No, on all days!
How can we rejoice on days that it is raining out? By thanking God for watering the earth and playing in the rain!
How can we rejoice on days when we have school? By thanking God for minds that think and honoring him with a good attitude and hard work.
How can we be glad on days when we feel disappointed or angry or sad? By giving thanks in all circumstances and finding things to thank God for in the midst of our disappointment, anger, and sadness.
How can we rejoice when it feels like there is nothing to be glad about? We can remember what God has done in the past and thank Him for those things! We can look ahead to what God has promised and thank God that He is faithful to bring about those things. We can ask Him to help us find ways to be thankful today.
What can we be thankful for today?
******
Four
As a family, build a kingdom made of blocks.
Read Hebrews 12:18a- Let us be thankful for receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.
What is a kingdom? A kingdom is an area that is ruled by a King, Queen, or President. It is run by the person in charge.
What Kingdom do you think this verse is talking about? God's Kingdom!
What is God's Kingdom? All of heaven and earth. God is in charge of everything!
What does this verse say we should be thankful for? That God's Kingdom cannot be shaken.
What happens when something is shaken? It falls apart or breaks or becomes less sturdy.
Shake your block kingdom and talk about what happens as it is moved and shaken and beaten around. Did it stay together or fall apart? Was it strong or weak?
What does this verse mean when it says that God's Kingdom cannot be shaken? That it cannot come undone. It will not fall apart. It is not weak or able to be destroyed. It is strong and sturdy and will last forever.
What can we do on days where we feel shaken, worried, grumpy, scared, or weak? We can remember that we are weak but God is strong! We may be shaken, but He never is. We can thank God that His plans, purposes, and ways will never change or fall apart. We can thank God that His Kingdom lasts forever.
What are some things that we know about God's Kingdom that we can give thanks for? That all of His promises are true. That God uses all things (even the bad ones) for our good. That a day is coming where there will be no more sickness, sadness, tears, or death.
What can we be thankful for today?
******
Five
Watch Veggie Tales: Madame Blueberry on Netflix together as a family. Afterwards, talk through the following questions:
Why is Madame Blueberry sad?
What does she wish she had more of?
Was Madame Blueberry thankful for all that she had?
Can more and bigger and better and nicer and cooler and yummier things bring us true and lasting happiness? Why or why not?
What do you wish you had more of? How do you think you would feel if you had more of it? How would you feel when those things began to break or get lost or taken or run out?
Mom and Dad- talk about a time that you wanted more of something. Did it truly satisfy? Why or why not?
Read Matthew 6:19-21 out loud. Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
What does this verse say can happen to the things that we love here on earth? Bugs can eat them, rust can destroy them, people can come and take them away from us.
Is it wrong to love things here on earth? Things like toys and chocolate and family? No!
What do you think it looks like to love those things rightly? To thank God for those things and to enjoy them, but to remember that those things will not last forever and cannot bring us full happiness.
What does this verse say we should love even more than the treasures we have on earth? Treasures in heaven.
What do you think that means? Loving Jesus most of all. Loving and trusting Him more than our stuff. Remembering his promises. Thinking about and looking forward to heaven.
Why does the bible say that these things should be our greatest treasure? Because these things last forever! They will never change or go away or break or be taken from us.
What can we be thankful for today?
******
Six
As a family, read 1 Timothy 6:7-8. For we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.
What does this verse say that we bring into this world when we are born? Nothing.
What does this verse say that we take with us when we die? Nothing.
This verse mentions two things that we need. What are they? Food and clothing.
How does this verse say we should respond if we have food and clothing? With contentment.
What is contentment? To be happy and satisfied and to feel like you have enough or all that you need.
Do you believe that you can be happy with just those two things?
What can we do when we notice our hearts not being content with what we already have? We can talk to God about the things we are unhappy with. We can always ask him for more, but then we can trust that He knows what is best and gives what is best when He knows it is best. We can wait patiently and learn to be content with what we have. We can learn to be okay even if God says "no" or "not right now". We can express thanks for what we have instead of always looking for more.
What can we be thankful for today?
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Seven
Read Psalm 9:1. I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
What does this verse say that we should give to the Lord? Thanks
What do you think it means to give thanks with our whole hearts? To not just say thank you because we are supposed to, but to truly feel thankful and to tell him!
What can we do when we do not feel fully thankful? We can be honest with God and tell him that sometimes it is hard to feel thankful. We can practice saying thank you and ask God to give us hearts that mean it.
What else does this verse tell us to do? Remember all of God's wonderful deeds.
Why do you think it might be important to remember what God has done? Remembering what God has already done for us can help us to feel grateful for the past and present! When we look back on what God has done, we are reminded of His goodness to us and can trust Him with what is to come.
Play a game of Pictionary and draw pictures of the wonderful things that God has already done for our family. Talk about those things together.
What can we be thankful for today?
xoxo,
courtney
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