Memorizing Scripture - Why Not Start Now?

A photo of the snow we had last week.

Several months ago, I started working on scripture memorization with my children who are 3 and 5.  We finished all the verses on the list that we were using except for the ones that were too long for them.  I noticed that if the verse was way too long, I wasn't able to remember it as easily either which resulted in less practice for the kids. 

Dylan received a VeggieTales Bible Storybook for Christmas. So, I created a new scripture list for us to memorize using some of the verses at the end of each story.  Dasia and Dylan each have their own list with a check box to indicate that they learned the verse.  We will keep their lists on the closet door in our living room which is where we also keep our chore chart.  So far, this has worked really well for us.  It's a high traffic area so we are able to look at it often. 

We try to memorize one verse a week, but sometimes it takes longer.  Our verse for this week is

In all things God works for the good of those who love him.  Romans 8:28

God's Ways....Are Not What We Would Think

My mums that I bought from Aldi either last year or 2 years ago.  Beautiful this year!

Last night, our story for the evening from "Little Boys Bible Storybook" was about Joshua and the wall of Jericho.  Every time I read about Jericho from one of our children's Bibles, I laugh out loud.  Here's an excerpt of what I find so funny (and amazing!).


     "God said we can capture Jericho," Joshua annouced.   "Alright!  We'll attack them so hard that they won't know what hit them!"  The Israelites cheered.   "No.  We're going to do exactly what God says: March around the city once a day for six days-without saying a word!"  Joshua was very firm.  "Huh? We'll look like fools," the people muttered...

      HA! Look at those crazy Israelites!" the men of Jericho laughed.  "What do they think they're gonna do...shake the walls so hard that they fall down?


I've heard this story many times, but nothing has done it justice like children's Bibles and VeggieTales.  Take a few moments and think about what it was like for Joshua.  The Israelites would assume they were going to fight.  Who wouldn't have thought that?  Joshua had to believe God and put himself out there.  And then once they started marching, can you imagine what the people of Jericho said? 

How can this relate to our lives today?  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.  Isaiah 55:8  Years ago, God did things differently than  you or I would have.  And....He still does today.  Ask God what to do with the difficult areas and problems in your life.  Take time to listen for His voice and answer.  There's a pretty good chance that what He tells you may not be what you would have decided to do on your own or what you would learn from worldly magazines and tv. 

Dasia's First Bible

Our church presented Dasia with her first (big girl) Bible this morning as a celebration of her new life with Jesus.  We were surprised and very blessed.  They even had her name put on the front of the Bible. 

Making Easter Special

This year in order to make Easter more memorable for my children, I have decided to do several things that represent Easter during the weeks before the holiday.  We put up a few Easter decorations last week.  We were at the mall Friday and waved at the Easter bunny.  Dylan covered his face with his hands at first, but told me later that he waved when we were leaving.  We have been reading Easter books in the evenings before bed and reading the Bible stories in our children's Bibles about Jesus being crucified and rising from the dead.  Today, we made Easter cupcakes - purple cupcakes with pink icing and Easter sprinkles.  Do you do anything special to recognize the wonderful miracle of Easter?

I am a mom to two young children, ages 4 1/2 and 2 1/2.  We are in the learning process of how to teach our children about God.  I thought I would share with you the things that we do in our home with the children to encourage a walk with God.  Each night, as we prepare for bed, we read and quickly discuss a story from a children's bible.  We are currently reading two bible story books, "Little Girls Bible Storybook" and "Little Boys Bible Storybook".  My mother-in-law gave these books to our children for Christmas.  The books are wonderful.  The author included discussion ideas at the end of each story and the books are written from either the woman/girl perspective or the man/boy perspective depending on who the story is about and whether the story is in the girl or boy book.  Not only are the children learning more about Jesus, but so am I.  I love how the stories are written from different points of view.  It puts the stories in a whole new light and really helps the Bible come alive.  We also pray at each meal and encourage the children to take turns praying.  Right before we tuck them in at night, we pray together as a family.  We talk about prayer needs for others and take turns praying.  Does anyone else have anything they do to encourage their little ones to walk with God?