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| Children and spirituality… Creative ideas needed? |
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The greatest struggle of our lives right now seems to be getting our children to see something, anything, of a spiritual nature!! It’s so challenging to get kids to see beyond what’s right before their eyes! There’s so much at stake, and we parents will only be the chief influence in their lives for a short time longer. We’ve been doing spiritual exercises for a time now, including family devotions, scripture memory, and even having the kids write Bible verses repetitively as a form of discipline. But as our time with them winds down, I believe it’s time to get creative.
One idea I had which we recently implemented is devotion notebooks. I bought each of the kids a different color notebook in order to personalize them. And I chose snazzy looking ones with durable plastic covers to get the kids excited about using them. We handed out the new notebooks with fanfare, along with the instruction that they are to write something in them each morning when they pray and read the Bible. So far, it’s working! The kids used to falter and forget about morning Bible reading. But since the introduction of the new notebooks about 3 months ago, they’ve really embraced the idea. Now almost every morning they spend time in the Word and in prayer, writing something meaningful down in the process. And whenever we have our family devotions, they excitedly retrieve their notebooks in order to show what they read, learned, or prayed about.
It continues to be a struggle getting our children to understand and internalize the intangibles of the faith. But the way I see it, we’re establishing habits and practices they enjoy and hopefully will always remember fondly. Fond memories will hopefully increase the likelihood that they continue the practices into their adult lives.
Any other creative ideas?
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Rosie |
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November 05, 2007 at 2:39am |
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| SOUNDS LIKE TO ME YOU ARE RIGHT ON TOP OF THINGS AND DOING A REALLY GREAT JOB AT IT......YOU ALL COULD ALWAYS GO BUILD AN ARK THAT'S CREATIVE...LOL........ AND MAKES FOR A GOOD MOVIE.....I JUST SAW EVAN ALMIGHTY ....THAT WAS JUST TO CUTE AND REALLY GOOD LESSON....ON LISTENING AND OBEYING...... |
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GERVIS |
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November 05, 2007 at 3:35am |
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Thats a great idea!My wife Brenda volunteers in our church children's weekly Bible classes.She says by writing it down you can remember it better than just hearing it.Besides you can go back and read it later.That way you renew your mind to the things God has shown you.
Thank you;
Gervis |
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Thanks Rosie, now I just need to find a couple of carpenters to help out with that ark! lol You see, I don't have a hundred years to complete it. :-) ....btw, is Evan Almighty suitable for children ages 8-12?
Gervis, we agree with you about writing things down. The scripture lessons our kids remember best seem to be the verses they hafta write like 100x (e.g. I will not repay evil for evil). Of course, that method ain't much fun for the kids!
Problem is, Dennis (TG), the kids don't understand the relationship w/God thing - at least not fully. It really seems to be beyond their basic comprehension. But doing things in a tangible way (so they see hear touch etc.) brings the spiritual lesson to them in ways they can grasp. This is why mommies and daddies are the best Bible most kids ever see. I agree w/the basis of your comment though! ...and thanks! ~mike |
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Mike i think the idea is a good one! We have to try every angle to get are children spirtually motivated, However it is important for them to know Jesus as savior. The way to do this is by showing them from scripture and exsplaining it to them on a levil they can understand.
i think that is a good way to inforce the growth. |
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| "know Jesus as savior" ...amen! That's what it's all about Keith. I guess we have to accept that kids aren't going to grasp that concept the same way we will. The challenge for parents is to convey the concepts of Lord and Savior in ways they understand. |
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MaKelly |
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November 05, 2007 at 5:58am |
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Great Blog Mike
I truly belive ministry starts at home
PROVERBS 22
6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. |
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| Thank you MaKelly! (and thank you Jeremy) Stars for the children, yahoo!! ;-) |
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| We have to teach children in the ways they can understand the Bible. We have to stoop down to teach them. |
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Robin |
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November 05, 2007 at 10:22am |
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Mike,
Hope your vacation was great! Sure missed you.
I like the idea you shared and will use it with my kids as well. I will need to adapt it seeing how mine are only 5 yrs, 3 1/2 yrs, and 2 yrs old. How old are your children? I am thinking of a regular sized notebook that they can draw pictures, cut out and paste pictures of what God has said to them. Or perhaps the topic for the day, like "What person am I thankful for and why?" I could write what they say. At this young age my doing Bible reading time, prayer and praise & worship with them is essential. We have been doing praise & worship and prayer... need to add the next level. My husband reads with them b/f bed from a childrens picture Bible.
Bringing our children to the saving grace of Jesus is our number one priority. My 2 oldest know that Jesus died and rose again and lives in their heart. As they grow up I must "train them up" into a fuller understanding of what that means. It is a process, just like it is with each of us. Children are very concrete, the abstract is not understandable by them till about 6 or so. That is why the parents' role of modeling Jesus is so important. They need to see us pray, worship and also instruct.
Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart form it." Training is a lifestyle. It is so important to be done in a way in which each child will understand and receive. Our children never have to depart from the way of Jesus.
Once again Mike, thanks for the great blog. |
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Job, agreed. God is most amazing b/c he stoops to OUR level. How about that?! (ps..I love your comments!)
Hi Robin, thanks(!), and agreed!! Bringing our children to a saving knowledge of Christ is of the utmost importance. Is there anything more important with regards to our children? It seems very clear to me the children God has blessed you with are very important to you. And it is a great idea to start early with them in godly instruction (I love your zealousness), rather than wait until you think they are "ready". I once read (perhaps in Growing Kids God's Way?) that the spiritual foundation is laid in the first TWO years of a child's life. Yep, up to 2 yrs old! However, if they're beyond 2, it certainly isn't too late, things just get progressively more difficult the later we start. |
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Deb |
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November 05, 2007 at 10:53am |
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Mike, I don't have kids, so I really don't have any advice. I think the things you have mentioned are great ideas, and I wish my parents had been more like that. I think your kids will one day thank you for this. |
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JessIAm |
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November 05, 2007 at 1:41pm |
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I don't have kids, but based on my experience I'm going to encourage a few things: * See Jesus as an invisible friend (notice I do not say imaginary friend). God is real to me as an adult, because He was very real to me as a kid. * Encourage my kids to ask God any question, at any time, and expect God to answer. * Not just read bedtimes stories, but also write bedtime journals. Include prayers and answers to prayer. * Remind my kids that everyone they meet may not be acting like God, but each one is the image of God. * Encourage my kids to pray for wishes, not just needs. God loves to fulfill our healthy wishes, too. * Volunteer, and bring the kids along when appropriate. Nothing helps me understand God better than helping others. I don't know why, it just does. * Encourage them to donate part of their allowance (assuming God blesses me enough to give them one). * Get the kids a dog. Dog's show God's love better than any other animal I've encountered. |
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Gene |
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November 05, 2007 at 3:27pm |
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Mike,
I think you have a tremendous grasp on things right now. The devotional books is a great idea. I would add one thing to mix it up a bit. each week change the "theme" so that they need to identify one thing that fits into the theme. one week it's forgiveness - so the need to identify at least one thing that week that shows the concept of forgiveness. Another week it could be "Grace" so you can use the theme to open a discussion about the topic as well.
I also want to second one of Jess's suggestions - get a dog. There is something to be said for understanding how to nurture and care for another as well as the virtually unconditional love that a dog shows. Those are great illustrations of God's way of handling life.
Mike, I'm not sure how old your kids are but mine are both in their 20's now. Sometimes they take journeys before arriving at a position of faith. My daughter is a believer but my son questions everything and wants to do things his own was. I keep praying for him. But, he's always been that way (since he was 4) and I can only hope that he'll find the path back home. Keep on keeping on! |
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Deb, your comments are valid, kids or no kids. Thanks :-)
Jess, same goes for you. In fact, that's a pretty awesome list, and shows either a ton of thought or you've been thinking about this for some time now! I especially like "Jesus is an invisible friend" In fact, that may be how they see him, though not b/c we/ve encouraged it. Finally, we have cats, so the dog probably isn't gonna happen. :-(
Hey Gene, thanks! You always have a lot of insight to offer! Though again, sorry about the dog thing, I don't think it's gonna happen. Though Laura would be very pleased if it did. ;-) I appreciate hearing about your experience with your own kids. We can all profit from hearing one another's parenting stories, I believe! |
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JessIAm |
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November 05, 2007 at 3:45pm |
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| If you get a puppy, the adult cats might accept it. We had two Siamese cats and two Basset hounds in the same house. They would play together. It was cool. |
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| Ok, we need a breed recommendation. We need a dog that is small, uses a litter box, purrs, and bathes himself... It's called a Maine Coon! ... hahahaha!! ....sorry Jess, that was rude hehe... I like the idea and appreciate your sharing it... might take some time to work up to though ;-) |
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JessIAm |
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November 05, 2007 at 4:09pm |
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| Ha! =D Don't worry. I've heard you can train a dog to a litter box. Pugs are cool, they don't need too much space. They shed, though. Poodles don't shed, and come in many sizes. |
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I wrote a book on raising children in the Lord from a ministerial position. It is about 3250 pages long, 7 volumes, no pictures, and all of the pages are BLANK.
There are unfortunately no models...just promises that what we put into them in Word and action will not return void to us. We have the dispair of knowing that God allows His children to walk down muddy paths before calling them to Him...and fear that one of those pathfinders might be our own kid...the hope in many unheard testimonies of kids who grow up choosing to follow the Lord...but the peace of God knowing that He is much more concerned than we are...
My children have inherited my super power ability to loose focus at any given point without any provocation even...wish me luck. But they won't let me put them to bed without praying, won't let me eat without it, and force me to read to them from the Bible every night. I think they are training me.
Sad and funny was the other day I was going a little overboard on my son's daily routine of seeing how much water in the tub he can fit on the floor and I walking in the bedroom and my daughter was praying to God for us...she is 4 (almost 5)
Good luck |
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That was supposed to say "and as I walked into the bedroom my daughter was praying..."
My keyboard should help me more |
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Great Ideas all through this blog! thanks everyone I am a mom of three and I am so in love with Jesus and desire that for them too. My husband and I are very involved in ministry and we do not want our children to see God as "the One who took all my parents time away." The only thing I think I would add is allowing the kids to join in a struggle. To be apart of the process as we go through (appropriate for kids) struggles. So they can see faith in process. Sometimes we think by showing our weakness it will cause them to disrespect us but it is in our weakness that they see God in His greatness. If they never see us lean on Him with all we have then they won't know how to do this themselves.
**I must also put a warning on this though. Children should also be allowed to be children. Do not involve them in life situation that would weigh them down and steal their childhood. (parental relationship and some financial woes...etc) Ask God when to involve them and let the Holy Spirit lead you.
Also lead, dont make them, to make God decisions. Give them the information they need, pray for them and with them and then leave them to struggle with God and bring their decision to you. You might be surprised how deeply they know Christ but have not had a chance to truly excercise that relationship.
Example: My 2nd child was 5 yrs old and we were on a mission trip to MX. She was wearing a few rubber bracelets that some of the youth had given her and she was very proud of them. We visited an orphanage and one of the little girls wanted my daughter to give her the bracelets.
I was appalled to see my daughter refuse. I thought to my self..."You are so blessed, you have more toys than your room can hold....this little girl has nothing! How could you tell her no!" But before I could say anything my heavenly father stopped me in my tracks. This was a training time. So I crucified my feelings and began to explain to her that these bracelets were hers and I would not make her do anything. But I wanted her to think about how blessed she was and to think about how this little girl lived here with nothing and without parents. I told her to search her heart and talk with Jesus and then see what she wanted to do. I told her I would support and love her no matter her decision. Then I stepped away and begin to do other things. I told God no matter what happened I was letting go and letting Him speak to her. In just few moments my daughter was pulling on my shirt tail. It took me a few minutes to turn my attention toward her but when I did I saw tears in her eyes as she showed me her little empty arm. She had given each little mexican girl in the group a bracelet until she had no more. I immediately swept her up in my arms and held her and whispered to her, "You have done the will of God today, little one and I have never been so proud of you!!!" She now loves to pray and she asks me when we are making family decisions if this is God's will. She is not perfect and doesn't always do things God's way but this was a beginning and a moment we both will never forget!!! |
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Rosie |
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November 06, 2007 at 12:53am |
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| MIKE I DON'T RECALL ANYTHING OFF COLOR ABOUT EVAN ALMIGHTY MY SON RENTED IT AND THEY LET THEIR 3 AND 6 YR OLD WATCH.....THE SPIRITUAL MEANING IN IT IS WHAT STANDS OUT IN MY MIND. I WAS WEARING MY HOLY GHOST EYES THAT DAY...... |
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Evan almighty is NOT a modern day Noah...the character portrays no relationship w/ God until He speaks...that was not Noah. He runs outside naked, the aide makes himself a little to obvious, and the p*ss word is used.
Other than that, it was an excellent movie...the faith issue is fine b/c many go through that, but the others they did not have to add in. Still I say it is a movie to watch at home.
Noone asked but hey, its my two cents |
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Patrick, apparently I will have to read your book on raising children. (lol) Your citing God's promise that "what we put into them (children) in Word and action will not return void" is most comforting! Also appreciated is the input on Evan Almighty (thanks Rosie and Patrick) - we watch precious few movies, so when we do watch them we really want to know about the quality of the content beforehand. Not that we've shut ourselves off from modern culture, just gotta be careful about what goes into those little brains, b/c once in you can't get it out!
Francine, wow what a comment! I am in accord with it in entirety. Especially appreciated is the thought that "children should also be allowed to be children" (we've gone to pains to live this out!!).
Pastor Tim, thank you for the link. If I think of it I'll share some unsolicited feedback on what I think of the content. And thank you for warm welcome, it is good to be back!! |
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soos |
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November 11, 2007 at 11:27am |
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Excellent thread. My book is just as long with just as many blank pages. I work with emotionally disturbed children and am always planting the tiny seeds that will eventually turn these folks into wildflowers. I know there's a plan for each and every one. So, that's my 2 cents. Keep planting seeds every day. I didn't meet Jesus face to face till I was into my 30's. My parents were believers, I had believing friends, I had even attended several churches religiously as a youth. Wasn't enough. I had to meet Jesus, my Saviour. You keep planting them seeds and all will be well. As an educator I always marvel at how much techncal knowledge these young kids (1st & 2nd grade) have and how many people there are who do ot believe children can grasp spiritual knowledge. I know they're wrong & the Ivey's story above proves it. |
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Thanks soos, great comment!! You are stressing consistency, an invaluable tool of the parent who wishes to see their children embrace Christ on their own eventually!!! Consistency means authenticity, showing your children through your everyday words and behavior that there is something on the inside (Holy Spirit) manifesting what they see on the outside!!! Amen!
ps.... I can tell you have a great love for children, that excites me! :-) |
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| i think what you guys are doing is awesome. Just like God uses it on us, word pictures work awesome with kids. Like when I was teaching Sunday school (ever so briefly) I showed the little toddlers about the three in one God with an egg as the illustration, with it's three parts. Yeah; word pics...I didn't read the other comments yet, so someone may have already put this. |
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| Oh, and if you want to know of some good movies, ask me; I watch precious few too...i am super sensitive and super picky; so much so other Christians question me, and think I am uptight or legalistic. I think it depends a lot on the individual... |
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We have teenagers from split homes. Nothing is that easy for us to impliment. Perhaps if they were smaller & of a single home it would work better.
It is hard enough for us to get all of us together at the same time for a bible study, which we are always trying to make happen. I have lately been crying out to God for a divine intervention in the lives of my teens. Teens want the coolest most awesome experiences at that age. I keep asking Holy Spirit to draw them & that Jesus would reveal himself to them. We have high standards in the house. The kids respect the rules, & the ones who dont unfortunately are not with us. It is tough. I like the idea of this blog. I was hoping I would see some ideas on how to reach teens. So, if anyone has one of those let me know! |
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If I may be so bold Shannon, I would encourage you with your family. The family as we see it today was not what God desired, especially with raising children. It takes a community to raise a family...it does. Even the best of parents cannot do it and shouldn't try. Your situation with a broken family compounds the delicate balance of your life with teens right now. Just to be clear, I have yet to raise children of my own in their teens so in no way am I doing anything than offering an objective viewpoint.
I have been a youth pastor for over a decade and God keeps sending me to His ICU's...and without fail I have found that if a parent will make it a priority to have his/her kids attending church functions (though they may wish to do other things) and the parents are themselves Christian role models and supportive of the ministry their teens are in...it will lighten the environment at home
Your teens will make decisions that teens make. I don't care how close to God they draw, they are teenagers and b/c of that they are braindead (lol).
Find a youth pastor that preaches from the word and loves those teens. A wise youth pastor will make sure the environment is attractive...but he will challenge those kids and in turn the parents too.
Do not criticize anyone in ministry within their earshot. Teens are naturally rebellious and they need little fue to ignite a fire already lit. They have no ability to see how the effects of them doing whatever they can to get their way hurt those they love...they just can't cognitively do it.
Some battles are not worth fighting...church attendance is one worth fighting. Find a church that is relative yet founded and makes no comprimise.
The success rate for families that have brought me in to their homes and allowed me to be more than just a church figure is outstanding. Your youth pastor (if well chosen) will support your authority over those children and will tailor mini lessons (in conversation) just for them.
PRAY...it works. LOVE...it works. If you screw up...APOLOGIZE, but be firm...it works. The result is promised, the timeline is never guaranteed unfortunately.
I hope this helped encourage you. I was in the family similar to what you are trying to raise...and it did not work out b/c they let us rule them...and we did whatever necessary to get what we wanted...anything. You and your husband are the heads of that home. You blended family needs you to take that role with aggression...it will draw them closer to eachother and to you eventually (you will lose before you gain)
In closing there are 2 pains of leadership that are absolute
1) discipline: it is uncomfortable to uphold and teach discipline, even can make it hard on you having to make sacrifices
2) regret: life after discipline has failed...unthinkable |
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"Do not criticize anyone in ministry within their earshot. Teens are naturally rebellious and they need little fue to ignite a fire already lit."
My oh my, this sounds like excellent advice! We have no teens (thank goodness), but they're coming..... We shouldn't be openly critical of those God has placed in authority over us, we just shouldn't! Especially church leadership. Pat is right, even teens look to us parents as examples. Great advice Pat. And great idea to address the teens here, Shannon. ~mike |
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