Category: KidMin Families

{Book Review} “The One Year Father Daughter Devotions”

Kathie Phillips 3 Comments

Every so often, a parent in our Preteen Ministry will ask me for recommendations for devotionals and other reading material for their preteens.  So when an opportunity comes my way to review materials for that age group, I tend to jump right on it.

Today, I’ll share my thoughts regarding “The One Year Father Daughter Devotions” by Jesse Florea, Leon C. Wirth, and Bob Smithouser.  The book was released in October 2012 by Tyndale House Publishers.

About the Book

“Daddy-Daughter relationships are special.  But how do you keep that special bond during the early teen years?  One way is through daily devotions–discussing God’s truth using simple, everyday examples and activities.  You’ll also find two helpful bonus features: a daddy-daughter date guide and a movie list with discussion questions.  This devotional gives more than 365 creative ways to connect fathers and daughters–to God and to each other!”

What I Liked

The book contains 365 devotions, one for each day of the year.  Each devotional contains a creative title, Daddy-Daughter Time reflections/discussion questions for a father and daughter to do together, and a “What’s the Word?” section, which shares a verse or two about the chosen topic.  The scripture passages were taken from the New Living Translation, which I think makes God’s Word easily understood by early teens.

The topics covered were definitely age-appropriate for early teenage girls.  Topics covered included building a strong relationship with your dad, anger, technology use, forgiveness, inner beauty and communication.

As mentioned above, the book features 2 bonus features.  One bonus feature is “Father-Daughter Movie Nights”.  This section shares ways that dads and daughters can view a movie together and then a few questions to guide a discussion.  The suggested movies were rated “G” and “PG” and included a mix of newer titles (such as “Soul Surfer”) and classics (such as “Charlotte’s Web”).

The second bonus feature is “Daddy-Daughter Dates”.  This section outlines reasons for going on daddy-daughter dates, date ideas and conversation starters while you’re on the date.  I thought this was brilliant, as some guys need a little boost in the conversation department.

What I Think Was Missing

I would have loved to have seen a prayer included with each devotional that the dads could pray over their daughter.  I think having a dad pray over a teenage girl is very powerful and helps her to get a glimpse into what having a spiritual covering looks like.  I am a visual person, so having more color throughout the book, especially when trying to appeal to teen girls, would have been a plus.

My Recommendation

Overall, I think the book is a great option for girls ages 13 and older.  The content was solid and written in a relevant way.  Not only does the book help girls grow closer to their Heavenly Father, it helps them grow closer to their earthly father as well.  That’s a winner in my book!

Have you read “The One Year Father Daughter Devotions”?  What were your thoughts?

Tyndale House Publishers provided me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Christmas Activities for Children

Kathie Phillips 3 Comments

Earlier this week, I posted a guest post that shared ways to celebrate Christmas with children.  I thought I’d share a few more ideas I’ve come across online that you could incorporate this Christmas.  These ideas can be used at home or in a classroom.

Christmas kids

For Kids of All Ages

I’ve shared lots of ideas to get you started on my Advent/Christmas page on Pinterest. There are printables, craft ideas, yummy snack options, and games that kids will love!

Brandon Baker listed many books to help children focus on the real meaning of Christmas on his blog.  If you’re using the books at home, you can take time to wind down a busy day with one of the many story books mentioned.  If you’re using the books in a classroom setting, you can choose to read a portion of a book each week until you finish.  You could also use one of the books to supplement a lesson.

For Kids Ages 2 – Young Elementary

I came across an Advent devotional using the “Jesus Storybook Bible.  Preschool families in our church receive this Bible as a gift from our ministry and they LOVE it.  What a great way to tie in all of the Bible stories that have been read throughout the year!

For Kids Ages 2 – 12

Jenny Funderburke has a great Family Advent Calendar on her blog.  Each day has a different Bible reading (or audio recording); a brief devotional to read and/or watch on video; a prayer activity; and a practical, hands-on activity to do that relates to that day’s topic.  A great resource!

These ideas are just a small plethora of Christ-centered ideas for children this Christmas.  And don’t worry about it being too late to begin using an Advent devotional.  It’s never too late to help your children understand the true meaning of Christmas.

I’d love to hear what ideas you’ve found helpful!  Please share them below!

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room: Activities for Children

Kathie Phillips

“Let every heart prepare Him room…”

Last week, I introduced our Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room series, posts dedicated to Christmas reflections.  Starting today, and continuing on each Monday through Christmas, we’ll look at different ways that you can make room for Jesus this Christmas.  Today’s guest post is written by Jeanna Bruce-Wilson, owner of Splendid Events Project by Jeanna.  You can visit her website here.

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the Inn,

Not a baby was crying, not even a grin.

As baby Jesus’ parents arrived after long travel,

Little do they know all that was to unravel.

The Inn Keeper explained there was no more room.

What were Mary and Joseph going to do with the baby in her womb?

A stable in the back was available with hay.

The excited parents were grateful as they began to pray.

Three wise men followed a star that led them to the Prince of Peace.

All night they walked with gifts and walked far without cease.

Just as they showed up, our Savior Jesus Christ the Lord was here on earth.

For many years to come we recognize Christmas as the reason we celebrate his birth.

Isn’t it amazing how children retell the story of Jesus’ birth? It wasn’t until this year that my 5 year-old daughter thought that our Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ, was forever a baby. Little did she know that He grew into a man who performed many miracles, forgave many (and still forgives to this day), showed remarkable acts of kindness and gave His life on our behalf so that one day we can join Him in heaven. This time of year is about so much more then bringing and receiving gifts; it’s a time to reflect on the most blessed time that started our journey with experiencing Jesus in every area of our lives.

As an event creator, I desire to use my God-given talents, gifts and spiritual gifts to bring glory to His name.  I’d like to share three great ideas that you can do at home with your children ages 4-18.  These ideas can also be used in your church or school classroom to enhance their knowledge of Jesus’ Birthday. Get ready—it’s time to celebrate!

ChristatChristmasWebPage72dpi

Pin the Baby in the Manger (For children ages 4 to 8)

This game is modeled after a popular game played at most children’s birthday parties.  Does “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” sound familiar?  Well how about “Pin the Baby in the Manger”? Here’s how you play:

  1. Create a manger out of poster board.  (You can draw hay or get extra creative by cutting strips of colored construction paper and gluing it onto the poster board).
  2. Next take large popsicle sticks and place them strategically in the shape of a feeding trough to represent Jesus’ bed.
  3. Don’t forget about the baby Jesus! Locate a black and white picture on the internet. Print off the number of copies needed for each child and have them color and cut out baby Jesus. This allows for each child to use his or her imagination about what they believe He looked like and also makes it easy for each picture to be differentiated once pinned to the board!
  4. Break out the blind fold and see who can get baby Jesus closest to his bed!

12 Days of Birthday Gifts (For children ages 9-13)

Throughout your child’s Sunday school years and also what has been reinforced at home, many stories told throughout the bible tell of Jesus healing the sick, helping the poor and befriending the friendless. Each night at dinner or bedtime, have your child recount a story in the bible and ask them what gift they would give to God to aid him in accomplishing his many great deeds.

For example, in the story about Jesus healing the blind man, ask your child what gift they would give God to aid him in making that possible, knowing the things that are available today. Your child might respond by saying medicine or even eye glasses. Help your child mentally visualize a place where they are giving for 12 days and not only looking or talking about receiving. By doing so, you’ll strengthen their bible knowledge as well as their relationship with you.

Journal Joys (ages 13+)

Keeping a journal in high school is almost a must! How cool would it be for your teen to keep a journal filled with things that keep them in good spirits around the Christmas holiday and reminds them of how much God loves them? This is an activity that actually can be carried into their adult years because it never gets old. As you read back from year to year of what they were thankful for about that particular Christmas, you’ll see how much your child has grown emotionally, mentally and spiritually. You, too, can take part in this activity by writing a few lines in the morning while they are in school so they can read it when they arrive home. It’s a great way of constant connection and to re-emphasize how much their walk with the Lord brings you so much joy.

We here at Splendid Events Project by Jeanna want you to have the most wonderful Christmas experience yet. Open up doors for those both in and out of your life that have a hurting heart or spirit, just as God has opened His arms to us to receive His precious Son who was born to be our Savior.

Merry Christmas and have an awesome New Year!