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Discover the Forest
Have you seen this billboard?
Discover the Forest
I love it.
We have always been a nature loving family. Backyard adventures are common place in our household. From finding snakes and turtles to digging for salamanders, to catching skinks, to feeding the birds and checking our field guides to learn about the different birds in our yard – we love the outdoors.
I’ve been seeing this billboard around our area for a few weeks now. I really, really agree! UNPLUG. We recently disconnected the internet in our house. The first week, the kids were bored during their “free time” that would have otherwise been spent on facebook or youtube. But guess what? Now that a few weeks have passed, they’ve discovered a whole new world of possibilities! My teenagers are riding their bikes again! They take walks and read books. They browse through cookbooks looking for new recipes to try. They aren’t bored.
So even if you were like us and limited the amount of time on the internet or video games, etc. perhaps your family would benefit from unplugging from technology and experiencing life again. The world is a beautiful, amazing place! Don’t deprive your children. Give them nature.
And by the way, Discover the Forest has ideas, activities, and free printables for teachers and kids! Be sure to check it out!
Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
Enjoy Your Children
Day Twenty-Three
Enjoy Your Children
Scripture Memory: “Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.”
Psalm 127:3, 4
Photo Credit: Steve Ford Elliott
Download the .pdf version of this article.
Being a mom is by far the most rewarding part of my life. To watch a tiny little baby grow and develop into a beautiful, kind child is a blessing! I loved being pregnant and giving birth. I loved each and every moment after, holding my little newborn babies with their soft skin, sweet smell, and tiny cry.
As they have grown I have been faced with many challenges and many more blessings. My children never cease to amaze me as a mother. Their faith is truly amazing. The worst part about being a mom is how fast babyhood passes into childhood which fast forwards into the teenage years and beyond. I wish I had more time to simply savor my children!
You have heard it said that no one on their death bed ever wished for more money, nicer cars, or fancy houses. In the end all that ever matters are those moments shared with your family. Sometimes new moms have no idea that the weeks and months will fly by and that the time lost can never be replaced.
When my son was born, I couldn’t wait for each new phase…. Rolling over, crawling, walking, etc. I waited anxiously and read all the parenting books so I knew what to expect in the weeks to come. I didn’t realize until my second child was born how fast those few years has passed by. I was determined to truly hold onto each moment and enjoy her even more. I was not as anxious for her to begin crawling and walking and growing up.
As each child came, I felt the pangs of motherhood, knowing that the years were passing far too quickly. I am constantly reminding myself I only have a short time to do all the things and teach all the things that are important to me. My son is now in college and my daughters are racing toward the finish line as well and it scares me!
Every now and again I have to pause from my busy life and take a step back. How easy it is to get busy with the day to day activities that consume us and forget to savor the time we have right now. I want to encourage you to take that step back with me and ask yourself, “Am I enjoying my child?”
I am not just talking about laughing at the silly sayings or admiring the beautiful child. I am talking about truly enjoying your children. How often do you sit down and read aloud? How often do you call your children in the kitchen to help you prepare supper or bake a cake? How often do you climb up the slide with them and wind your way down? How often do you stop what you are doing and look in their eyes when they ask you a question or show you their latest discovery?
I confess, I am not always paying attention. Far too often I have caught myself hurrying through life because I have too much to do. In recent months I made a point to cut back and
really enjoy my children while they are still children.
Today, stop what you are doing. Hug your child. Look him in the eyes. Read to him. Laugh with him. Play with him.
In your prayer journal, pray for your time with your children. Ask God to help you make the most of the time you do have. List at least five things that make each of your children special. Make a point today to compliment them on those qualities. Impart a blessing on them that will carry them through a lifetime.
“And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing.”
Genesis 49:28 (NKJV)
Family Keepsake Plate
Only a few more days until Christmas! I can hardly believe it myself. We’ve had a crazy month – two weeks of traveling in Florida followed by a week of the flu. So, I’m trying to get in the mood!
This plate is just too cute to pass up. Looks easy and cheap to make! What’s not to love? And the penguins are just too sweet!
Check out the instructions over at Craft Jr and have some Christmas fun! Oh, and while you’re at it, you could make several to give to grandparents, aunts and uncles…
My Sabbath Bag – Activity Bags for Church Worship
For a long time I have wanted to make quiet activity bags for the children in our churches to use during the worship hour. I have been planning to make a stash of them that I can pass out to children as they arrive or to guests with children to use during church.
It occurred to me a few days ago (while again sitting in church watching little ones squirm) that a personalized bag for little ones would make a really nice Christmas gift.
I am sharing this idea with you, even though I have not actually made one yet! My idea is to take a plain canvas bag and decorate it with acrylic paint and use a fabric paint pen to write the child’s name on it along with the words “My Sabbath Bag.” Then, I would fill it up with some activities to keep them occupied during the quiet worship hour.However, making generic bags for all the kids in your church would be just as much fun! The bags can be as expensive or as inexpensive as you want to make them.
Here are some ideas to put into the bag:
- I Spy Bottles or Bags
- eeboo Children of the World Lacing Cards – or other themes
- Baby Moses Board Book or Other Bible Story Books
- Bible Activity Books
- Craft Stick Puzzles – kept in a easy zip top baggie
- Small Clipboard
- easy zip top baggie of crayons
- magnetic dollhouse – my girls loved this!
- puzzles
- a small stuffed animal
Really the possibilities are endless! I would suggest that you keep the items in the bag in keeping with the holy Sabbath day, but other than that, I think these could be so much fun to put together. If you do these for the children in your church, you could hang them on hooks in the bag of the sanctuary or in the foyer of the church, or have the Sabbath School teacher pass them out as the children leave class.
Oh, and one more tip – if you make a collection of these bags for your church, it would be important to number the bags and then place a corresponding number on each item that goes into the bag. You can make the bags all different so that the children don’t get bored with having the same exact bags each week!
Spool Pumpkin Craft
This is a sweet and simple idea. I think you could use these little pumpkins at each place setting on your thanksgiving table – maybe take home favors or even use them as place cards. You could do these with your children as part of your homeschool, too!
These little pumpkins are frugal, too! Check out the tutorial over at I Can Teach My Child.
Child Training
Excerpted from the book From Chaos to Calm by Melissa Ringstaff
Scripture Memory: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
I remember holding my son for the very first time and gazing with wonder that he was mine. What would he become? The answer to that question was found not in a book, but in my willingness to patiently teach him day by day.
James was my first and I had prepared myself as best I could for the job of being a mom. I read every book I could get my hands on. I wanted to know the best ways to do everything from feeding him to disciplining him.
That was nineteen years ago. One thing I have learned is that on the job training never ends. There is always more to learn. As a baby grows into a child and then into a teenager the problems a mother is faced with grow and change and only get more complex.
I now have five beautiful children of my own and through the years have learned that children require a great deal of patience and teaching. With each child I have learned better ways and new ways of dealing with the same problems. In all honesty, there are things I wish I could go back and change, but, unfortunately, any mistakes we make as moms cannot be undone.
How can a mother raise a child who loves the Lord, works hard, and is kind to others when this world encourages immorality?
Begin as soon as possible. Whether you have a newborn baby or teen, begin setting an example for Godly living today. It will be easier to change bad habits in a very young child than an older child, but it is possible to teach children at any age.
Be consistent. One of the biggest mistakes moms make is being inconsistent. When you tell your child the rules, follow through. If little Johnny knows he is not supposed to jump on the sofa, do not ignore the bad behavior because you don’t feel like dealing with a fuss or because you are busy.
Be patient. Being a mom is not always easy. You will have to teach your child the same principles over and over… and over again. Sometimes these teaching moments will be painful. When your child tests your resolve by mouthing off, it pains your heart. Patience will help you to deal with the disobedience without losing your cool. Patience will also help you to enjoy those many teachable moments. For instance, my children crowd around me in the kitchen to help. Often when cooking supper, I am rushed and wanting to get supper on the table fast. However, if I take the time to let the children stir the batter, tear the salad, or flip the patties, I have taught them how to love by my willingness to be patient.
Be firm. Children need to know their limits. If you allow your child complete freedom without setting specific limits, you will raise children who are out of control and rude. Parents who set reasonable rules for their children have children who are secure in their love and who are able to respect authority on a greater leave, i.e. teachers, employers, the government. Remember – if you say NO, do not give in and say YES. Whining, badgering, and complaining should never be a reason to change your mind. You will teach your children that if they beg long enough you will eventually wear down.
Be an example. If it is important to you that your children are well mannered, respect others, and work hard set the standard by your own behavior. Children learn more by watching you that they do by listening to you. Always remember to say please and thank you. If your child brings you a flower or helps to clean up, tell him thank you. When you are thoughtful of the needy in your church or community, you are setting a good example. If you want your child to learn to be neat, make sure you keep your own things picked up.
Be fun. Motherhood will pass by faster than you could ever imagine. I am still in shock that my son is almost 16! I wish I had realized years ago how much I wanted to hang onto the precious times we had together. Read to your child daily. Play games with your child. Laugh with your child. Explore the world together. Find the magic in the everyday moments. Snuggle as much as possible.
Be a witness. Giving a solid foundation of Biblical teaching is the greatest gift you can give your child. Pray with your child every morning and every night. Read the Bible together. Study together. Talk about the Scriptures and how the Bible applies to today. Show your child what it means to live a Godly life.
There will be times when you feel that all your hard work is not working! But you can trust God when he says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Melissa Ringstaff is the Founding Director of A Virtuous Woman, a pastor’s wife, and homeschooling mom. She is the author of several titles including The Homemaker’s Journal: Keeping House, If It Were Not So…, Spring Cleaning for the Heart and Home and From Chaos to Calm: 15 Weeks to a Happy Home.
A Year of Family Worship: Scripture Adventures
Yesterday I discovered a new Scripture Memory product that you can download for free! Scripture Adventures 21 Day Bible Memory Verse Challenge is perfect for your whole family!
Over the course of 21 days you and your children will learn 12 meaningful verses from the Bible. Here is what the author says at the beginning of the e-workbook:
21 DAY BIBLE VERSE MEMORY CHALLENGE
They say it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Why not form a habit that will put God’s Word in the hearts of your children for a lifetime? In the next twenty-one days, you and your children will begin a journey that will get you learning and loving the messages of the Bible. In just five minutes a day, you will help your children memorize, review, and retain important Bible verses that will help them love and live God’s Word.
The e-workbook is well-done, and the ideas and activities presented will help you and your children form a solid habit of memorizing Scripture.
Scripture memory is such an important gift we can give our children (and ourselves) so why not make it fun?
This week, my daughter Emily has taken a special interest in selecting verses for us to memorize. Because she showed an interest, I have encouraged her to continue choosing verses for us to memorize as a family. Assigning children different responsibilities for Family Worship time helps them feel connected to the family and a part of the worship experience.
What have you been up to this week?
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If you would like to take part in A Year of Family Worship, add your blog to the Mr. Linky below. If you don’t have a blog, you can add your comments in the comment section! You can read about A Year of Family Worship here. And you can see the 52 Weeks of Family Worship here.
Each Wednesday, we will add a new post for A Year of Family Worship and you can do the same. Share your goals, experiences, and ideas for family worship with the rest of us!
If you do not have a blog… you can either post your ideas here in the comments or even join our Proverbs 31 Sisters Network and get a free blog that way!
When you add your link below with the Mr.Linky… please add the link directly to your post on Family Worship – not to your main blog. This way, folks don’t have to go searching for the Family Worship post!
Homeschool Freebies – March 23, 2010
Here are some fun, free ideas, activities, and products you can download just in time for Spring!
- Easter Lapbook from Scripture Adventures
- Take Me Home – He Has Risen!
- Bird Nesting Bag
- Live Owl Nest Box WebCam – Perfect to go with this free Owl Lapbook Study
- 5-Day Easter Unit Study
- Maple Syrup Unit Study
- The Real Easter Story
Q & A: How to Wake Up Without Waking the Kids
Photo Credit: Mehmet Goren
Q: Hi Melissa! I am reading through some of the Spring Cleaning reading you’ve given us, and I’m coming across a question that I’ve had in the past and have never come up with a solution for. How do I manage waking up early for devotion and getting breakfast ready for my family without disturbing their sleep?
I have two kids (ages 2 and 3) who are light sleepers, and I worry that an alarm will wake them since they’ve been known to wake up at the sound of a car driving by outside. They generally wake up around dawn anyway, so I really don’t want to wake them earlier because they won’t be getting enough sleep. With this in mind, I have wanted to wake in the morning to do a devotional each day and start the day off right, but I can’t figure out how to make it work without disrupting the rest of my family. Do you have any suggestions? Or alternatively, do you have any suggestions on how I can do a morning devotional if they’re awake with me?
I’m sorry to bother you with such a silly question, but it’s something that’s been circling my mind for months and I just don’t know what to do with it. I know that as they get older things will be different, but I would like to find at least a temporary solution for now.
– Amy
A: Hi Amy, I understand how hard this can be. I had a baby, (she’s 9 now) who would wake up at any noise and was sooo hard to put to sleep! This is not a silly question! I am so glad you asked!
First, I would pray about it.
Second, go to bed early enough that waking up early is easy.
Third, ask God to help you wake up at a specific time. (I can’t count the times I have asked God to wake me up at a certain time and He has! )
I use my cell phone for my alarm clock. My husband uses our actual alarm clock. But with my cell phone I can set the ringer on real low – say 2 or 3. and it will wake me up. I don’t know if that would work for you.
So, if none of those ideas work, I’d have my devotions at the breakfast table either during or just after we ate.
I usually do family worship with my kids just after breakfast. Since your children are little you could have family worship and then tell the kids to go play for 15 or 30 minutes (whatever you feel your kids can handle) while you have your “Mommmy Worship Time.”
If they try to bother you during that time tell them that they have to wait until you are done. If you have a problem with them listening to you, try setting an egg timer and telling them that when they hear it “ding” they can come out of their rooms (or where ever they are playing).
This time will pass quickly and it will get easier as time goes on. One day you will miss all this! I hope these suggestions work. May God bless your efforts!
– Melissa
Shaving Cream Paint
I found this idea over at No Time for Flash Cards.
Shaving Cream Paint
3/4 cup shaving cream
1/4 cup white school glue
spoonful of paint for color (optional)
Mix together. You now have an awesome 3-D paint for your little ones!
