This week we learned of God’s great love for us through the story of Nathaniel.  We learned that God knows about us long before we are aware.  In fact, Jesus tell us that God knows every hair on our head (Matthew 10:29-31).  In hearing of such love, most kids give a look of utter confusion and weirdness yet as parents, I hope you gain an understanding for what Jesus is really saying here.  I bet you remember a time in which you lovingly gazed down at your child asleep, peacefully watching their every breath, passionately memorizing every sweet feature.  Well, that is the type of love Jesus is referring to here – not that of a master or king, but that of a parent.  God is crazy in love with each of us and desires nothing more than a personal, loving relationship with you.  This week, in addition to taking time for a midweek family activity, I hope you will find a moment or two to draw closer to the one who loves and adores you!

Love and Blessings-
Pastor Debbie

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This Week’s Lesson: Jesus knows all about us.

Key Scripture Verse:

Weaving Faith into your Life:

Parents:

Pray:

Our family thanks God for:

Our family talks to God about:

Okay, okay, so what kinda pastor, girl, living-breathing-human would I be if I did not mention Mr. Tebow given that this weeks Key Scripture verse is John 3:16? But, in doing so I must also admit that I am a bit over the whole 316 yards passing, 31.6 avg. yards rushing, halo clouds in the sky and record setting tweets and google searches. Honestly, my stomach churned at my luck in having this lesson arrive be this week. Some would say divine intervention – I am going with just plain ol’ dumb luck. You see, I am not yet convinced that God gives as much time or consideration to a Denver/Steelers football game -even during playoffs – as he does to famine, war, slavery, homelessness and other world atrocities.

What I do know though, is that our God is “crazy in love with you” (as I tell the kids each week) and that I value the message Tim Tebow chooses to make his life’s mantra. I am not going to drink the kool-aid as of yet but, I will give a shout out to Tim and anyone else who can place primary life focus on God. I love that more players are willing to let their faith be seen by the masses as players from both teams gather for prayer before the game. I love that God, prayer and the gift of Jesus are gaining in water cooler talk and I pray that rather than a fad, this would be a life altering moment for those the message reaches – I suspect Mr. Tebow would like that as well.

Love & Blessings,

Pastor Debbie

This Week’s Lesson: God sent Jesus.

Key Scripture Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. (John 3:16)

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that God sent Jesus to earth to save us because of his great love for us (Mark 1:4-11). Strengthen your family’s faith learning and growth at home with this easy idea:

Parents: Tell your kids about your great love for them. Talk about how you felt the first time you saw each child. Let your children know how much you value each of them individually, and share some things that make them uniquely special to you. Then talk about how much greater God’s love is. God loved each of us so much that he sent his one and only Son to die for us so we can live with him forever. Encourage your child(ren) to let you know when they want to begin a relationship with Jesus – if they haven’t done so yet.

Pray: God, I pray that we would come to understand your great love for us and that we would accept your gift of eternal life through Jesus. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Our family thanks God for:

Our family talks to God about:

Next week we will discover that Jesus knows all about us.

This Week’s Lesson: Respond to God’s gifts with joy.

Key Scripture Verse: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that God gives great gifts and we should respond with joy and thankfulness (Genesis 21:1-6).

Parents: Tell your kids the greatest gift you have ever received. Then ask them to tell about the greatest gift they’ve ever received. What made it great? How is receiving that great gift like or unlike receiving great gifts from God? Why does God want us to receive his gifts with great joy?

Pray: God, we have happy hearts for all the good things you’ve done. Teach us to praise you so that people around us will see your greatness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This Week’s Lesson: God makes miracles happen.

Key Scripture Verse: “For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that God is a miraculous God and there is nothing that he can’t do (Genesis 18:1–19:29).

Parents: Talk with your family about something you’ve seen or heard about that seemed miraculous. What made it miraculous? Point out the miraculous things around you and your family right now, such as gravity that keeps us on the ground or the air we breathe or
the sun that comes up every single day. Are there any miracles you’ve been asking God for? Pray together to ask God to do the impossible for your family.

Pray: God, teach us to trust that nothing is impossible with you. In Jesus’
name, amen.

Star Light, Star Bright!

I have an adult friend who loves to sit on his rooftop and stare at the stars – in fact he has made somewhat of an art form of the experience.  In asking him about his rooftop adventures, I am always surprised by the depth of the conversation that ensues.  For him, it is more than an opportunity to relax and watch the world go by; it is an experience that draws him closer to God – closer to his creator, closer to a listening ear, closer to his sustainer.  This week in Realville, we learned about the covenant God made with Abram:  More descendants than stars in the desert sky -now that’s a BIG promise!  But it is not in the size of the promise that I find importance for today, but rather in the fact the God has amazing plans for each and every one of us.  Tonight as you gaze up at the stars consider what God is doing in your life – consider the unconditional love, which exists just for you.  Stop and take time to be grateful (and then head on over to my blog for more opportunities to carry this lesson forward as a family)

Love & Blessings-
Pastor Debbie

This Week’s Lesson: God has good plans for us.

Key Scripture Verse: “ ‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ ” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that God has good plans for us and for our future (Genesis 15:1-18).

Parents: Talk about a time God had a good plan for you. Perhaps it was when you met your spouse or got a new job or had an answer to prayer. Ask your children to talk about the good plans they hope God has for them in the future. You’ll be helping your children dream about their future with God’s goodness in it. That’s a good thing!

Pray: God, thank you for your perfect plans and thank you for sending Jesus to die for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This Week’s Lesson: God wants us to put others first.

Key Scripture Verse: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that God wants us to think about others before ourselves (Genesis 13:1-18).

Parents: Tell kids what Luke 6:31 means to you. Then have children think of one thing they’d love to have someone do for them, such as serve them ice cream in bed, clean their room without complaining, or share their Xbox 360. After they have thought of something, have them tell what it is. Then challenge each family member to do that
thing for someone else in your family this week.

Pray: Lord, show us how to think about others before we think about ourselves. Teach us to love others the way Jesus loves them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The B-I-B-L-E . . .

So are you one of those people who reads the manual cover-to-cover before turning on your new electronic device or are you one who digs right in figuring if you get stuck, the manual is available?  I am the latter while Bob is the former.  It is not new that relationally opposites attract; some of you are rule followers while others of us are random.  Bob thinks his life runs more smoothly because he is a rule follower. I know my life is more exciting because I am not.  Both ways work fine UNTIL . . . we consider the one true-life manual – the BIBLE. That is a rulebook worthy of investment in time and energy.  Certainly, I have tried to navigate my way though life without and actually that rule following husband of mine has done likewise.  We may disagree on the best way to power up an ipod or Keurig but when it comes to life are in complete agreement – the Bible is our guide.  On Sunday, in Realville, we learned about Abram, about trusting in God and about following God’s direction.  Following directions can be challenging for all of us at times.  Understanding that to live in the spirit of God’s laws, as was intended, is invigorating and freeing.  This week may you find a few extra minutes each day to read life’s manual – it was written with love, for you!

Love and Blessings-

Debbie

This Week’s Lesson: We can always trust God.

Key Scripture Verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that we can always trust God because he will never let us down (Genesis 12:1-8).

Parents: Talk about someone you trust. Why do you trust that person? How can other people tell that you trust that person? Ask your children how they can tell if someone trusts God. Is there anything that could happen that would make your family stop
trusting God? Why or why not?

Pray: Lord, thank you for being someone we can trust. Help us follow you in everything we do. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Toby Keith the Theologian

Several years ago, Toby Keith had a song on the airwaves titled “I Wanna Talk About Me”.  A country girl I am not but, that song made me giggle.

This past Sunday in Realville we learned about the Tower of Babel.  The people of Shinar wanted to build a grand landmark so vast that it would be the talk of everyone – famous they would be!  Eventually, God drew tired of their antics.

As the lyrics in the song unfold, we find that this poor dude listens to his girls EVERY need, concern and desire.  It would seem as though she has forgotten that her sweet, loving, caring, nurturing country dude just wants a minute in return. Hmmmm.

That song always made me laugh, and I don’t think Toby was setting out to be a theologian but I do see a connection.  How often do we focus our time with God on our own needs – babbling on and on and on without pausing to sit and be still – to know the great I AM?

This week, as you enjoy family time together, have each person share one item that is tugging at their heart and then pray for each other.  Now, STOP! Pause and listen.  Spend some time in silence with God, letting the babble diminish in the wake of clarity and love.

Love & Blessings-

Pastor Debbie

This Week’s Lesson: We all need God.

Key Scripture Verse: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that in all our decisions and experiences, we need God—and we need to put God first in our lives (Genesis 11:1-9).

Parents: Talk about a time you loved God with all your heart, soul, and strength. Perhaps you were involved in a mission trip or service project. Or perhaps you loved God with your whole being today in worship. Showing your child your experience with the loving God is
more powerful than any lesson they’ll ever have. You’re the primary faith model for your children. Keep loving God with your whole being. Your children are watching closely!

Pray: God, without you we can do nothing. Help us remember every day to put you first. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Soggy Faith and Rainbows

Sunday was a soggy day.  So soggy in fact, that we had to postpone our Fall Festival.  Sad and soggy, we kids decided we must find the fun . . . .then the BIGGEST umbrella EVER was carried through the door.  I quickly ditched the pictures of Noah’s Ark I had planned for the morning’s items of impact and borrowed the amazing pre-moistened umbrella. As the “Items of Impact” segment of Kids Church approached, I brought out the umbrella and opened and closed it a few times sending raindrops cascading into the crowd of little smiles.  Giggles ensued and soon we were talking about our collective love of rain.  The usual answers were given:  jumping in puddles, cleansing the earth, watering the flowers, filling the lakes and streams – but it was the sweet tender voice of a four year old that brought the message home: “rain brings rainbows and God’s promise”.  Yup.  Four-year-old theologians are just the best!  As adults, how often do we think of the joy of mud puddles, the cleansing of our earth and of God’s love every time we see a raindrop?  If I am being honest, I usually grumble about how it was going to be the only good hair day of the month, or how I JUST washed my car, or how standing in the rain watching one of the kids sporting events was going to be drudgery – if I am being positive my thoughts might include curling up by a fire with hot cocoa and a good movie – but GOD’s LOVE?  Guilty as charged.  In the book of Matthew 18:3 Jesus calls us to have a childlike faith –may your next raindrops be a loving reminder to you!

Love and Blessings-

Pastor Debbie

This Week’s Lesson: God’s promises are always reliable.

Key Scripture Verse: “The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made” (Psalm 145:13b).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that God is faithful to always keep his promises (Genesis 7:1–8:22; 9:8-16).

Parents: Talk about one kept or unkept promise that you’ve experienced. Perhaps your parent promised to take you on a trip and it never happened. How did you feel—hurt, sad, betrayed? Or perhaps your child promised to clean his room, and before you could
even check, your child kept the promise. How did that make you feel—happy, proud, satisfied? Ask your family members how knowing that God will never ever break his promises makes them feel. Why is it important to your family’s faith to know that “the Lord is faithful to all his promises”? Have each family member complete the following sentence: “I’m glad God keeps his promises because…”

Pray: God, thank you for keeping every promise you ever make. Help us remember to put our trust in you because you’re faithful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Promises. . .
Promises; we all make them and we all break them.  Unless of course you cross your fingers behind your back and then it’s okay . . . but to break a pinky swear – I hear that doing so is like really, mega, super bad! This past Sunday in Realville, we learned about Noah’s Ark and God’s promise to us all.  As an adult, I remember the silly arky, arky songs and wonderful books filled with pictures – two of every animal, the dove of peace and a beautiful rainbow.  My romantic, girlish ways loved the fairytale. Now, as an adult reading the story, I see a God saddened by the sin filled nature of his people. I think about the size of the ark and the years that it took to build the ark – not to mention the fact that it was built high upon a mountaintop. I wonder if God was perhaps trying to grasp the attention of humanity prior to the flood.  A history lesson would have us learning that the sin filled ways of Noah’s day are not much different than what takes place on earth today. God made us a promise. God does not pinky swear, cross his fingers or turn around 3 times. God simply promises to LOVE. I find the simplicity of a promise to love quite profound and hope that as you do life this week, you too, will ponder the depth of God’s love for you. God’s amazing love makes me want to be a little better, try a little harder, do a little more.

This week may you love God, love others and serve the world.
Love and Blessing-
Pastor Debbie

This Week’s Lesson: God wants us to obey.

Key Scripture Verse: “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’ ” (Acts 5:29).

Weaving Faith into your Life: We learned this week that God wants us to obey him above all else—no matter what (Genesis 6:5-22).

Parents: Talk with your family about the reasons for God’s rules. Have each family member come up with one question to ask God about the reason for one of his rules or commands. Then have other family members tell how they think God might answer
that question. If you have trouble getting started, use these rules: honor your father and mother (of course!), treat Sunday as special, don’t steal, and don’t lie.

Pray: Lord, show us how to obey you no matter what. Please teach us to trust that your ways are best because you love us. In Jesus’ name, amen.