Free Download - Shining (not Whining) for Jesus in July

My very favorite verse for teaching about shining (and not whining) for Jesus in July is Philippians 2:14-16.

"Do all things without grumbling or complaining, that you may be blameless and pure children of God in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life..."
See this free download for:
    1. Three pages of fun and simple activities for teaching Courage and
    2. 4th of July ideas from Pintentional Parenting Page for
courageously shining for Jesus in July.

I would love to hear about your shining celebrations!

Shine Like a Diamond! - Fourth of July Finale



Made by Jonathon Ogden
for Typographic Verses

Happy 4th of July! 

As Americans we are very blessed to have great freedoms. However, with freedom comes responsibility.  Freedom only works in a society if it is accompanied with self-government or self-control. Talk to your kids about how the less self-control a person has the more laws and rules are necessary.

As Christians we also have freedom. Galatians 5:13&14 says, "For you were called to freedom, brother. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  for the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

When we use our freedom as an opportunity to use self-control and show love to others, we are shining for Jesus as bright as a diamond!

So this 4th of July,
1. Thank God and our founding father's for our liberty (freedom to do what is right) as an Americans.
2. Pray that good men and women will continue to fight for our liberties.
3. Thank God also for our freedom as a Christians,
4. And Shine for Jesus by loving your neighbor as yourself and teaching your kids to do the same.

Thank you Lord that we are free to shine for You this 4th of July!
Have fun celebrating your freedoms!

Star Jar - 4th of July Fun #4

I think all kids want to be shining stars!

One of my favorite verse for teaching about shining for Jesus is:
"Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven." - Matt. 5:16

This star jar is one of my favorite crafts for teaching about shining for Jesus (from stylist.com):

Supplies: glass jar, star stickers (we just cut stars and letters out of duct tape), spray paint, votive

Directions:
1. Apply stickers (or duct tape cut into shapes) to jar.
2. Spray paint and let dry thoroughly
3. Remove stickers
4. Watch your little stars face light up.
(This is my shining star, Kyah.  We talk about stars often because Kyah means diamond in the sky).
What are your favorite ways to teach about shining for Jesus?

Question: What side to Bring to the 4th of July Picnic? - 4th of July Fun #2

                         Answer: Patriotic Pringles!
These cans are simple and fun to decorate as firecrackers to add spark to your party or take as a side to your friends 4th of July picnic. Who doesn't like Pringles?

Simply poke a small hole and tie a short pipecleaner or string to the lid for the wick.  Then let your kids get creative with red, white, and blue paper, markers, scissors, and glue around the can.

The hard part will be keeping your kids from eating all the Pringles before the party.

Use this activity to spark some conversation about our Christian liberties or being a passionate firecracker for Jesus.

Note: It is helpful to label the lid so that people will know which of the great flavors of Pringles they can expect.

Go to my Pintentional Parenting Page at TheCharacterMom.com or tune in next week for more 4th of July ideas.

 Do you have any ideas for Patriotic parties you would like to share?

Do You Want to be a Star? - 4th of July Fun #3

picture from Saraspartyperfect.com

Happy monday Moms,
In  honor of 4th of July, this week we are going to focus on shining stars. Do you want to shine like a star?  Daniel 12:3 tells us in order to shine like a star we have two options:

"And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever."
 
1. We can be wise -  If you don't feel very wise, this just may be because I think the wiser that you get, the more you realize that you don't know. Remember when you thought you knew everything?

2. We can turn others to righteousness - I am sure you agree that one of your main heart throbs is to turn your children to righteousness.  Isn't it nice to hear that you get a reward for doing what you wanted to do already. BONUS!

What are some of you favorite star activities or ideas?

Molding Lives and Jello - 4th of July #1

 Jello is an amazing substance! Have you ever thought of your young children as Jello?  Yes, they are wiggly and fun, but I am talking about the fact that they are so moldable.

As parents we have the most important job of molding young lives daily. Our actions show them what to do and become. They are moldable yet fragile.  Are you gently molding them into something beautiful with love and encouraging words, or tearing them down with criticism and impatience?
Just like wet cement, Jello becomes hardened and less moldable over time. The older they get, the less influence we have on our kids.
How do you sieze the moment and daily pour good molds for your child?
It could be as simple as making or eating fun Jello treats with them. I ran across this great jello flag mold for a quarter at a garage sale years ago, so now every fourth of July we have jello. Add White whipped cream and blueberries to red Jello and you have the perfect sweet and refreshing 4th of July treat. See the Pintentional Parenting Page for more holiday treat ideas.