I enjoy hearing creative ways that other families disciple their kids to love Jesus and follow in His ways. Although each family is unique, we can all glean ideas and wisdom from each other, so I thought it would be beneficial to hear from some families as to what Biblical resources and approaches they have found effective in encouraging their children in Christ-like ways.
As part of the preschool curriculum I am developing, A Heart Like Jesus, I am creating Character Calendars to encourage our children’s character development in fun and simple ways! Each month I will have a character calendar available for you on a specific virtue that includes ways to practice the character trait, a Bible verse to memorize, and Bible stories to read, and other fun games to encourage your kids!
The Rollins family has been very dear to our family for the last few years, and we are always touched to learn how God uses them to share God’s love with others in the most difficult of times. It amazes me how even their kids take initiative and find ways to reach out to hurting kids through the ministry! I have asked them some questions to find out more about their ministry and how kids can get involved in serving through it.
Rather than taking more of a passive role and worrying but not taking steps to help them along the way, if we are INTENTIONAL to guide them in making good choices from the beginning, I believe they will have a greater chance at doing well and following God’s ways.
Recently we had the opportunity to take a family vacation with some friends on a cruise to the Bahamas! We had such a wonderful time with our family and friends and enjoyed God’s beautiful creation all around us. There was only one thing missing… we wished we had a family vacation devotional to do with our kids over the trip to encourage us to keep our hearts more focused on the Lord and His ways!
One of my favorite activities during the summer months is reading chapter books with my kids. I enjoy snuggling on the couch as we read the next chapter and discuss what we can learn from it. There are some great, classic books out there, but lately I have been searching for some good Christian chapter books with a message of faith. We know a few, and I reviewed one of them below, but I asked some friends (and some of their kids) to tell me their favorites and why they liked them.
Last summer I led a small group of teenagers at Camp 220 with my church. I had heard many great things about this camp and how teens’ lives had been dramatically changed, and I wanted to experience it first hand with the students from my neighborhood Bible club. It was an unforgettable experience, to say the least.
This month I have another exciting highlight from the Dennis family about their ministry to refugees and international students. Jennifer Dennis has been working with internationals for three years and has found some great ways to reach out to refugees and international students with her whole family.
I am delighted to have Heather Stahlman as a guest blogger from To Know God Ministries sharing how she fosters her children’s heart for the Lord, develops their character, and teaches them to love His creation through horseback riding lessons…
A year ago my family was blessed to meet the Erkmann family when we attended a World Vision walk to raise money for clean water. As we drove up to the race, we were delighted to find a family of smiling kids passing out necklaces and race bibs as others prepared for the walk. The Erkmanns have SUCH a heart for the poor around the world and involving others to make a difference. Our family was touched by their servant hearts and the overall mission of the walk!
