Faithful Families Resources April 14 2013

Weekly Inspiration

We know the excitement of getting a present- we love to unwrap it to see what is inside. So it is with our children they are gifts we unwrap for years as we discover the unique characters God has made them.

~ Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

Video of the Week

The Parable of the Lost Sheep (for children)

Family Closeness

Game:

Animal, Vegetable or Mineral

Think of something that fits into the animal, vegetable or mineral category. The categories are Animal (animals, insects) Vegetable (anything that is a plant) and Mineral (any object that isn't alive) Your family then must ask you questions to work out what it is. This could be limited to twenty questions but doesn't have to be. All the questions must be answered with a yes or no, except the first which asks whether the object is animal, vegetable or mineral. This is a great game to teach your children, but they may need a little coaching, it is ok to give them some clues. This is a game for all ages.

Sharing:

Questions for stimulating discussion in your family.

• How would you describe different family members to a friend?
• What kinds of things on TV and in movies make you laugh?

Story

With your family read:  John 10.22-30

(for a way of explaining/talking about this reading with children look at http://www.sermons4kids.com/safe_in_his_hands.htm

Questions for Discussion:

• What did Jesus say his sheep do?
• Who are Jesus sheep?
• What does it mean to be one of Jesus sheep?
• What does Jesus give his sheep?

Prayer and Celebration

Centre of attention

On different days of the week select a different family member to be given special prayer attention. Each family member can pray around the dinner table for that person. Ask that family member what things they would like you to pray for. Make sure you spend some time giving thanks for all the positive things they bring to your family and for their needs as well.

Family Activity

Camp Out Night

If you own a tent, pitch it in the backyard one night and take the family out there to sleep. Do some fun things like story telling and board games. Do all the things you would do camping out.

(This material is based on and draws from earlier Faithful Families emails by Stephen Harrison & Richard Browning: An Unless Ideas Production.) Unless otherwise noted all material on this blog is copyright Stephen Harrison and Richard Browning