Teaching On Tuesday-Handprint Blessings

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                  We live in a day and age where most people search the Internet for any and everything. We can find the answer to virtually any question on Google, Bing or Yahoo.  We even have smart phones that we can speak to and have a computer search the web for us. I am by no means exempt from this category. So, it will be of little surprise when I tell you that, as a Bible class teacher, I frequently turn to this very source in my preparation. However, I have been greatly disappointed at the lack of resources out there.

                  For this reason, I am introducing a brand new segment (if you will) of the blog dedicated to teaching little ones! Every other Tuesday, I will post a craft, lesson, song, tidbit, etc. pertaining to children’s Bible class. It is my prayer this will be a useful resource for you and I welcome your comments and ideas. ((homegrownsoutherngirl@gmail.com))

Handprint Blessings

                  It is great to encourage older children to send cards on their own. You can help younger children begin this habit by having them sign their name or even decorate their own cards at the beginning or end of class. This is a great practice to even do at home with your children. It serves a two-fold purpose. Discussing who the card will be sent to can help them become better acquainted with members outside their age group. This practice will also help them remember to focus on others.

                  During the “holiday months,” I like to do a themed card, of course if you are working with working with younger children, you will want to have cards prepared for them to simply draw whatever they are able. However, if you are working with older ones, I encourage you to give them some freedom, they have great imaginations and do a great job designing all on their own. Here is what I came up with for the month of November…

                  Help the children trace their hands and color in a turkey. (Although it is not included in the picture, I also wrote a Bible verse pertaining to thankfulness on these cards. I recommend doing this on all your cards as well. We used Psalm 100:4 but there are many more to choose from.) It doesn’t get much simpler than this. It can be done on practically any card and will be loved by everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Mention-Worthy Monday (Holiday Gift Guide Ed.)

•  Apologetics Press Store has a great selection of resources that make excellent gifts. I particularly love the Discovery magazine for kids, which is available to give as a whole year's subscription or in a bound volume set. If you have a history buff on your gift list, I highly recommend the Silencing of God DVD and/or coffee table book by Dave Miller. (Oh, and mark your calendars for Nov. 28-Dec. 2 for their Black Friday Sale!)

• While I can think of countless gift possibilities from Hobby Lobby, I want to point you toward the Crayola products, namely the washable (yes, I said washable) dry erase crayons and the twistable crayons. If you pair these with a dry erase board and coloring book from the dollar store, you have a gift any child (or child at heart) is sure to love.

• In their own words: Tasteful Tikes is a boutique unlike any other! We create extraordinary baby clothing from fine vintage linens that have been refashioned into unique one of a kind baby clothing. We only use the most unique and interesting vintage linens to create baby clothing unlike anything you can find in retail stores today. As Moms ourselves, our mission is to bring you baby clothing that is special enough for every special occasion or event but is also affordable and practical for everyday living. Your little angel will love wearing our comfortable clothing! We also carry fine and rare vintage linens from the United States and Europe. 

My Picks: I am in love with these ADORABLE dresses and the vintage linens have completely stolen my heart!

Tough Truth Tuesday-The Waiting Game

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Often our idea of God’s blessings includes material blessings, good health, happiness, and a life free from problems, but God’s idea of blessings may not fit this notion. His will for you and me may include suffering, illness, financial strain or heartbreak. God’s blessing for the Christian is anything that draws us closer to Him. When we honestly pray to God, “Not my will, but Thine be done,” and we accept whatever God’s will for our life is, we begin a process where our strength changes to strength that comes from God.

“But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”

1Thessaloanians 2:4

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”

Philippians 4:11

Mention-Worthy Monday: Holiday Gift Guide Ed.

Gospel Advocate Holiday Gift Guide  - This is full of great gift ideas! "New products from Gospel Advocate Publishers, and deals on Gospel Advocate books, magazines, and commentaries as well as Bibles, Bible study tools, children’s resources, acapella CDs, and personal devotional books."

Wooden Whimsie - I love the adorable holiday signs this talented lady (along with the help of her husband) has created. I feel confident recommeding this Etsy store because I have had the pleasure of doing business with the owner recently. They do not disappoint.

Simply Cute Creations - Once again, this link comes from personal experience. I adore the sign I was able to order from this handmade shop. These signs are all the rage (according to Pinterest) and would make a great gift for any homemaker!

Mention-Worthy Monday (Link Edition)

Joy or Just Wait? - I stumbled upon this article through a Facebook friend last week. Do not think this doesn't apply to you if you do not have children; this is something everyone needs to read. Follow it up with this post from Melissa Clevenger, Please Don't Take It For Granted, & head on over to http://www.youtube.com/ to listen to the Oak Ridge Boys sing, Thank God for Kids. As the tears fill your eyes, take a moment to thank God for all the children in your life and pray that those raising them realize what a blessing they truly are.

Rediscovering Great Classic Family Films - I've only seen one from this list and I must admit I was disappointed that so few were mentioned. I would hasten to add films such as Pollyanna, Anne of Green Gables, Old Yeller, & Follow Me Boys. I would love to hear which ones you have to add! (Maybe I will do a post on this topic of my own!)

What Good Is Gratitiude? - Infographics make many things much easier for me to understand and since this month is all about giving thanks, this particular infographic is very fitting.

Holly Lane Gifts - With the holiday season rapidly approaching, now is the perfect time to order a few presents and if you prefer to give one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts, Etsy is a site well worth your time. Holly Lane Gifts in particular.

Ebates  - If you do ordering from namebrand stores, check out Ebates. It's so easy to sign up to get discounts and cash back, which will come in especially handy for holiday ordering.

The Colley House has awesome resource materials for any age group! I've given these as gifts on more than one occasion and they are always a hit!

Didn't see anything up your alley? Don't worry! Each week I will feature a gift guide with the hopes of giving my readers inspiration on what & where to get gifts for their loved ones this year. If you would like to contribute you can reach me at homegrownsoutherngirl@gmail.com.