Teaching our children scripture

Recently, I had an a simple but insightful revelation regarding the mission and purpose of being a mother. My role is not to shelter our children from opposition, but it's to equip them. Equip them with the tools they need so when they're face with adversity they will remain grounded.

I'm sure many people may think that we shelter our children by keeping them away from certain things. But the truth is, we keep these things from them not because we are under this illusion that if we do, then they will never be exposed to it. Instead, we keep certain things from them because not only are these things distasteful to us as parents, but we are focusing on building a strong foundation for them.

Right now the foundation is God's word. Why? Because the grass withers and the flowers fall but the word of God endures forever.  (Isaiah 40:8) Everything that they might face, they can know how to deal with it from the Bible.  We have already dealt with life threatening incidents like a car accident that totaled my car with the kids in it,  near drownings with both of them, and death of a dear neighbor. To less dramatic incidents like hurt feelings on the playground and scary dreams. In all these experiences we used scriptures to guide and ground our emotions, to get wisdom from the experience, to share comfort with others and to learn to trust God more.

Their understanding of God's word is amazing! No wonder Jesus said that we must have faith like a child. They not only memorize the scriptures but they apply it and talk about it with one another when they unaware that we're listening. I have chosen scriptures for them to memorize that introduce them to God's love or according to what they're going through. Hey the issues of a 4 and 5 year old may not seem big to us but remember how little they  are. So their issues are big to them and as their parents we are called to address them with compassion just like God does for us. Sometimes David struggles with sleeping through the night so he memorized, "I lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone O Lord make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). Moriah sometimes struggles with being shy or timid. So she memorized, "and the peace of God which transcends all understanding shall guard your heart and mind through Christ Jesus." (Philip 4:7). After they memorized about 4 scriptures, school started and I was so grateful that Moriah's class is also teaching them a scripture a week. So we just teach David those as well:)

We are hoping and trusting that our choices of  movies, songs, family time activities, affirmation, security and love all reiterate God's word and build a firm foundation. So that when they get older and they stumble or wander that they will enough truth in them to see the that the lies of this world might be enjoyable for short time but the joy of Christ is much more profitable and it surpasses them all.:)

~Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Dueteronomy 11:19

~All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

~Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast in the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

David's scriptures on his wall. As soon as I get time to get crafty I will make this look a little more presentable:) but this serves it's purpose for now.

Moriah's and David's bibles that was given to them by their Grandma:)

Autumn's bible that she got on the day she was dedicated. It was given to her from my dear friend Sarah.

 

Scriptures from Moriah's class that we have posted on the fridge.

Autumn's First Sunrise

I remember the days before we had children, David and I used to get up around 5am, go to Starbucks, then to the beach and watch the sunrise.We would read our Bibles and just talk. I also remember the day I said that I couldn't wait until we have children and take them to the beach to watch the sunrise together. I looked forward to starting a tradition with them that perhaps would lead to them appreciating the simple yet magnificent beauty of the sunrise.

We started a tradition of going to the beach for sunrise service on Easter morning. We didn't make the last one though and  I really wanted Autumn to share that with us before the summer ended.

So this morning we headed out the house around 6:15a.m.to catch the 6:49 a.m. sunrise. The kids were elated. They couldn't wait to get into the water, collect seashells and build a sand castle.

Autumn and her Daddy:) I love them:)

The kids playing in the sand.

Autumn cuddling with Daddy:)

 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun, which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion, like a champion rejoicing to run his course. ~Psalm 19:1, 4b-5

Family Walks

 

 

Last Friday night as we were going to bed, David (Daddy) told me that he wanted to wake up early the next morning and do something with the family.

I suggested that we go for a walk. A long walk. From our house to the intersection and back is approximately 4 miles. (I didn't Google that distance until just now. Oh my land! That's long!)

So we headed out around 7:30 am. The kids were amped because usually when we go for our daily walks, Daddy is at work. It was nice, and slightly overcast when we started out. We jogged, talked, briefly greeted all the walkers, joggers and bicyclists. Everyone had their own individual water bottle, so we stopped many times for water breaks(even Autumn:)). David taught the kids how to read street signs. We played eye spy in Spanish and rehearsed the kids' weekly scriptures. 

About midway back, the kids started getting tired, so we played Dum Dum by Lecrae and Gold by Britt Nicole on my phone. Music always makes the walks more fun. Daddy also gave Moriah a piggy back ride and then put David on his shoulders. By that time we were able to see the house and the kids got excited and ran home. We reached home around 9:00 am.

It was good exercise and it made me think of the walk that we have with our Lord. How often do we start off with zeal when we first dedicate our lives to Him. Then we get tired for many different and combined reasons. With His mercy, He rejuvenates and strengthens us. He uses His word through songs, the support of our brothers and sisters in Christ and when it gets too tough, He carries us. My hearts desire and prayer is that when we see glimpses of our eternal home, that we will not try to hold on to this world. But instead, get energy, motivation and focus from seeing it in view.

Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. ~ Philippians 3:13-14

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. ~Hebrews 12:1-2

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.~Matthew 11:28

David did it too!! 100 books! Summer project is complete!

 

So after our morning of chores and light play we gathered 4 books and caught David up. Today was actually one of my favorite reading time days. The kids did a really good job being attentive and answering questions. We have a little rule that whoever is reading the book gets to sit in the middle. So David grabbed his four books: I love my Papi, David and Goliah, Big Bug Dug and Rudolph and sat in between Moriah and I.

I noticed so much growth from the first week we started. Now he's beginning to read with speed and I was surprised at some words that he knew that I don't recall teaching him. One of my favorite memories of him during this project is when he read by himself . The first two times we read the book, (a few books we read more than once if they really liked it.) he repeated each word after me and by the third time we read it, he had it on his own. He was so excited!

His favorite thing to do while reading was pointing out compound words. I had taught them about compound words earlier during the project and he got really into it. If the word was football, he'd say "Look Mommy!" He would take his finger and cover up ball and say "foot!" and then cover up foot and say "ball!" But then he would try to the same thing with playing...so yeah we have to work on word endings a little bit more:)

Moriah helped him to record his books on the chart. Once he was done we all jumped up and down and
I squeezed him and gave high fives. Then as soon as Daddy came home from work, that was the first he told him. They hugged and little David was so excited.

His favorite book
When I asked him what his favorite book was he said Rudolph. He said  that's his favorite because it had little words:)  My all time favorite book was No David! by David Shannon. All throughout the book David is doing things that get him in trouble. The pictures are hilarious because these are things my David has done. At the end, his mother hugs him and says "Come here Davey. I love you" Which pretty much sums up our days here at the house.:)

I'm so proud of him. Being a boy and with all that super energy that God has created him with, I know sometimes he would rather be jumping on the bed or playing cars but he was diligent and patient. I think he's off to a good start for preschool!

His reward
He would like to go to the zoo and to the beach. Since Daddy is the super fun one and Mommy is just little bit of fun one, (my kids' exact words:)) Daddy is going to plan their reward day. Will keep you posted!

Moriah did it! 100 books!

To ensure that the kids made an educational advancement during the summer, I created a book chart for them.  It allowed them to document each book they read and the goal was 100 books. I mentioned the details in a previous post, Activities with kids.

I encouraged them to choose their own books. David usually chose a book about trucks and Moriah chose Barbie, princess and color themes. I would have David read his book to me (the library has a section called EZ level 1 books) and Moriah would read me hers which would be more challenging, either level 2 or 3. Or I would have David read one page and Moriah read the other.  Books I read to them also counted.

It was great to see Moriah finish a book and close it with excitement and run to record it on her chart. Every time she reached a number she was impressed with, smiling from ear to ear, she would tell Daddy as soon as she saw him after he arrived from work. Today was a good day at the library. We read several books there and then she came home and ran in her room to record them on her chart. When she was done, she ran back into the kitchen and exclaimed "Mommy I made it! I read 100 books!" I hugged her like she just graduated from college:) I told her I was so proud of her and she said she was proud of herself.

Her favorite book: A Day With No Crayons by Elizabeth Rusch. When I asked her why this was her favorite, she said that like the character in the book, she too was able to still play without crayons. One day while she was playing outside, she made herself out of mulch and made a flower from a rock and grass. She's definitely an artist!

Her reward: We have a collection of ideas. I'm not sure how we are going to execute it all. Whether if it's all going to be designated for one day or a series of treats spread out over a period of time. We started off with Sea World. But then I thought about the heat and I was like "uh....no." My poor Autumn and her curly fro sweats at the drop of a dime. She suggested 'Mommy and girls time' (we have 'dates' with the kids when each parent spends one on one time with each child) where we just mix colors. She also wants to go to the beach, and I also suggested the zoo. So we will see!

After she was done, she came and hung out with me in the kitchen and just talked about colors. She told me about primary colors and what is formed when certain colors are mixed, and about creating names for colors. I thank God for noticing that her accomplishment was inspiring her passion(colors!). Now I'm looking forward to working on another project for the school year!

David somehow fell a few books (like 10!) behind Moriah. I'm pretty sure it was because he would record a book on his chart and then play with his trucks and cars and forget about the others to document. But it's all good. Tomorrow is another library day and as of now he only has 4 more to go. So I will update his stats when he completes his!

 This is from a summer reading program they are also participating in at our local library.

Summer to do list

As the summer is drawing to a close, with only about little over a month left until school starts. I'm wondering if I did everything I wanted to do as a family, spend enough time together, rested enough and prepare enough for the inevitably busy upcoming school year. So here is my bucket list for the rest of the summer with more of an emphasis on goals to do with the kids.

Spiritual

• Memorize 10 scriptures with kids (5 for each child.  1 per week)

Physical 

• Walk/jog to the end of my block with kids (Autumn is the only one in stroller. They jog also. appx. 4 miles)
• Walk a few nature trails

Educational

• Read 100 books
• Go to a museum

Recreational

• Take Autumn to see her first sunrise @ the beach
• Take the kids to City Walk in Orlando
• Go to the zoo
• Have a picnic at a park we've never visited
• Get caught up on scrapbooks and Autumn's baby book
• Play dates with Moriah's best friends  ...well we actually had one with just 1 friend, since the other was sick:(

In preparation for the school year

• Tighten up morning routine using chore chart
• Tighten up bedtime routine

I'm looking forward to seeing how these go and will keep you updated!!

Activities with the kids

My heart's desire is for me to know my children. To know their individual strengths, weaknesses, interests, dreams, fears, passions, personalities, etc. Since summer began,  I have been constantly scanning my brain to find ways to prevent and defeat boredom and to actively participate in activities that will not only meet these objectives but will also encourage bonding between us and especially between the kids. I (what mother wouldn't?) would really love for them to grow up to not only be close but have a bond free of jealousy, unhealthy competitiveness, and unnecessary sibling rivalry. I would rather them encourage one another's strength and help meet each other's needs in time of weakness. So that when they get older they know how to have healthy relationships with co-workers, family, friends and especially their brothers and sisters in Christ.

David and I are a great balance. Teaching the kids reading, writing and educational games probably excites me just as much, if not more than the kids. Whereas David thrives off throwing them in the air, running around with them, watching movies and just hanging out. Today after my daughter recited a line from Wreck It Ralph and when I had no idea what she was talking about she asked, "Mom why don't you watch Spiderman, Wreck it Ralph"?  And she named a few others. I said, "Because you watch that stuff with Daddy.  Mommy plays like educational games and Daddy..."  But before I could finish she jumped in and said "like Daddy is the funnest." As much as I wanted to correct her and say, "Dear, funnest is not a word."  I just said "Yeah, Daddy is the funnest." :)  But it's a great balance. The best thing about all the activities, both educational and fun, plus everything else in between is seeing the kids personalities come out, passions being realized and creating memories.

Summer Reading Project

This is the first summer project we started. Both kids got their first library cards and started the project on May 21st. The goal is for them to read 100 books this summer. David chooses his own books and so does Moriah. After they read each book, they write the title of it in the box on the chart. We are at the halfway point now! I think they love tracking the books on the charts more than they enjoy reading them:)  I'm not sure what the big treat is going to be at the end of the project but there definitely will be a celebration!