Breaking the Chains in Jesus' Name: Children's Ministry Lesson/Craft

I've really started to get involved with my local church and I absolutely love it. I've never felt better, and more secure about who I am and what I am supposed to be doing.

As David once said, "One day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I'd rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God, than live the good life in the homes of the wicked." (Psalm 84:10 NLT)

Serving in the Children's Ministry, just helps me to keep my focus and priority on God. I love him, and this is how I can show him that I do. I can serve his people with gladness.

Ok, so with that, I was blessed with this idea about using Jesus Name to Break the Chains in our lives.

Have you ever heard that song Break Every Chain, by Jesus Culture? You should. Click on the title for the YouTube link. For me, I find it to be a very powerful song.

Lyrics to the Song

There is power in the name of Jesus, to break every chain! Powerful, isn't it! Praise the Lord for that ability! Can you ever learn that soon enough?

I wanted to teach the children about being able to use the power and authority of Jesus name. How we, as believers, are more than over comers.

There are so many bible verses to look at where it talks about using Jesus name for power and authority. I chose these two as an example, and yes, there are more and probably better ones to use, but I chose these two.

I have really started to enjoy looking at the meanings of words. Especially in how they apply to the bible. I looked up the the English and Greek words for power and defined them.

Each kid, got a copy of all three of these items. We read them aloud and discussed them as a class. I wanted them to understand how to apply this to them. I remember when I was younger, that I would read something and sometimes I never really took the time to understand what it was I actually read. Then other times, I just kind of sat puzzled at what I had just read and then dismissed looking into it further.

After we had talked about the verse and what it means to have the power to use Jesus name, we then applied it to breaking the chains!

We made up 20 paper chains before hand (we used craft glue to hold them together, because we thought staples might pose a cut risk).

We handed all the kids a few strands of chains, and had them name something they wanted broken off of their life. For example, one was afraid of the dark.

With his chain in hand we said together with him, "I break the chain of fear in the name of Jesus," and then he pulled apart the chain.

Of course, with kids, just pulling it apart isn't enough, they had to completely rip the chain to shreds. Which was completely fine by me!!!

BTW-If you LOVE the shirt, check out Sweet Pea ala Mode's shop!!!!

After all the chains had been broken we took all the remnants and threw them up in the air like party confetti! We just celebrated the fact that we had destroyed the chains and burdens in our lives. What an awesome day!

We all had such a wonderful time, and I hope that if you can use this activity and event for your church, that you enjoy it as much as we did!

Let me know if you enjoyed this, or have ideas to make them better! I love being able to share with all of you!

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Lamb of God Craft

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Children's Ministry: Jesus Gets Excited When We Pray!

Looking for some fun lessons for teaching children (and getting them excited!) about Jesus, can kind of be difficult. Especially when you have children in your classroom that can range in age from three months to almost 6th grade.

I found this on Pinterest- Fizzy Forgiveness Prayer Station.

What I really loved about this was the fact that you can take something relatively easy to find (fizzy tablets) and turned it into something really cool!

Kids LOVE fizz. Even I as an adult, feel child like exuberance when I see fizz. There is something just so awesome about effervescence. 

I took this fizz idea and made it my own. Sometimes to come up with a cool idea, we just need a little help from above-and others!

My lesson was to teach children about prayer. I don't think you can stress enough, the importance of building a strong relationship with our Lord. Prayer does this along with reading His word.

Welcome to the lesson of:
 "Jesus Gets Excited When You Pray!"

I used 1 Timothy 2:1-6 (NLT). I wanted to stress that Jesus hears all prayers, not just prayers that come from adults, and we should pray for everyone!

Also, I wanted the children to understand what praying actually means. I looked up and printed out the definition, and some easier words, to help describe what it means to pray.

After we took turns reading and discussion what prayer means and how it applies to the verse I showed the kids what happens when we pray.

I used two glasses and filled them with some regular tap water and for extra "fizz" some sparkling water.

I went to our local City Market and bought these Alka Seltzer generic tablets. We got 30 tables for roughly $2. I wanted to make sure we had enough for two child, at the very least.

I allowed the children to pick what color we would make the water-they chose green, purple. My children at home chose orange.

I had them gather around and I said, "Tell me how this makes you feel." I dropped a tablet into the water and it immediately began to fizz.

The excitement on their faces was extremely evident and also, they said it was pretty cool.

I asked them if it was exciting to watch the fizz, and they all said, "Yes!"

I told them, that every time we pray to Jesus, that's how he feels. He feels excited, because we're building a relationship with him. We're talking to him, we're including him in our lives. Jesus loves us so much and he wants to be a part of our lives.

I handed each kid two tablets (there are two in each pack) and said that each one of us could pray together for someone or about something in their lives. I also gave them personal discretion that if they didn't feel comfortable praying out loud, we would just pray in agreement silently with them.

To watch the kids pray with excitement was just amazing! I know it partly had to do with the fizzy tablets they got to play with, but we also got to watch them gain understanding that praying is a good thing. Praying can be fun!

If it's fun to go to the movies, shouldn't it be fun to spend time praying to God too? I think so!

Also, I told the kids, after we had gotten into a few prayers, that we needed to be quiet and listen. They could hear the fizzing noise in action. I said sometimes that's how God works. He answers our prayers, but sometimes we have to be quiet and listen. God is a gentleman and he never forces us to do anything.

At the end of the class, I allowed the kids to save up their fizzes and they all dropped their remaining ones in together to see if they could over flow the water (which of course they managed to do! I'm pretty sure that was the one silent prayer we had!!).

We finished up the lesson with another coloring page from TwistyNoodle! I mentioned them before in our Lamb of God lesson we did over Resurrection Sunday.

I hope you found this fun and can some how use it to teach your kids about how awesome and amazing Jesus Christ is!

Just an FYI-I have a few left over tablets and I kept the orange glass out for our kids, and when they pray I let them drop a fizz into the water. 

Make sure to monitor your kids too! If you use the alka seltzer tablets, make sure they don't eat them or drink the water that you use. I'm not sure what exactly could happen, but we don't need to try to imagine it either!

Have fun sharing and learning about God! I'd love to hear your ideas or how you've incorporated this into your own lessons and teaching!

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Snow is Frozen Water: Learning with Winter

It's cold. 

Of course, I'm pretty sure in January, for most of us that live in the US, we know this. This is the longest I've seen snow on the ground here in the desert. I'm not from here, but the last few years I think it's all melted off relatively fast. Or, I could have just blocked it all out.

I am the type of person who actually likes snow though. If you read my post about Shoveling Snow (and then thought I was absolutely crazy), you'll know I enjoy snow. I don't particularly care for the cold, windy days. Also, I'm of Scandinavian descent. A Heritage I claim proudly. I can't help it if I'm more designed for cold weather. It's genetics!

OK, the learning lab--my son thinks the shovel is pretty cool in the snow. He can't quite operate it, though. He tries. Some day, too soon, he'll be a shovel wielding young man.

Until then, he's content to walk around in it and go sledding, and do other winter time, snow time activities.

Today, I thought he would like to learn what happens to snow, when it gets warm.

Obviously, it goes away eventually. But, I wanted him to actually see it.

What you'll need:
Snow
Clear Cup/Bowl
Mittens (It's snow and it's cold! Keep those hands warm!)

We took the clear glass outside and filled it to the brim with snow. I tried to pack the snow in tight.

After the snow was in clear cup, we brought it inside and began to watch it. (If you're expecting instant results, you'll have to do something with more heat to make it go quick.)

We just set ours on the window sill and every 20 minutes or so, checked back to see what was going on.

Slowly, it started to disappear!

When it melted down pretty far, I let him stick his hands in side and tell me what he felt.

I also asked him what he saw. He saw...Water!

I pointed outside and said, "So, snow, gets warm and turns into water. Which means, snow, is actually frozen water."

He thought that was pretty cool. I am not a scientist. But, it is still pretty cool and amazing to see how nature is so simple, yet beautiful and complex.

If you're looking for a reason to run outside quick with the kids, or just looking for a simple learning activity to help pass the time, this might fit both needs!


"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
John 1:3 (KJV)


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Christmas Tree Air Freshener Craft for Kids

While we were sitting around our house, for yet the latest round of sickness (we can't be the only people who have been sick for the past three months right? I mean, it's bad this year, right? Humor me, ANYONE!), I had an idea.

Probably not the best one, considering I'm a little congested, but I could still smell the end result! In my book, it's a win.

Awhile back, I had done a post about a scavenger hunt using the five senses. One of those, was smell. I also, did a Smell Lab. Everything is very hands on with kids, and they get messy and love it. This incorporates both mess and smell.

The Christmas Tree (or cut out of your choosing) Air Freshener Craft for kids! (You can also alter this to be part of a children's ministry craft for the holidays. I'll get to that in a minute.)

What you need:

A Cut Out

Construction Paper

Double Sided Tape

Scissors

Glue

Markers, Paint, Glitter (Whatever to decorate your items)

Smell (I used Nutmeg and Mint)

Hole Punch

Ribbon

I got my Christmas Tree cut out from Color Me Good's website.

I cut that out, and traced it onto some green construction paper. I made four trees, that way I could double them up and glue them together to seal in the smell items.

After all the tracing, I quickly cut them all out. Each kid, got two trees to decorate however they wanted (whatever we had quickly in reach).

(Anyone notice the shirt?) We had just wrapped a few of daddy's presents yesterday and had some left over wrapping paper, so we used some glue and let them apply some scrap pieces of that as well. Nothing like a little "upcycling."

Once they were decorated, it was time for us to add our smell.

I took a few pieces of double sided tape and applied it to the back of each tree. You can go crazy and put lots or a little. It's up to you.

After the tape, I used nutmeg for one tree and sprinkled it all over the tape for both the trees.

 When I was done with the nutmeg, I used Mint Flavoring for the other trees. Working with this was a little hard, and so I just dabbed it all on with my fingers. I did get off the tape a little bit, but it dries clear, so it isn't an issue. I wasn't entirely sure how much to use (again I'm a little stuffy) so I was a little on the cautious side. I'm also a realist and understand this won't smell forever.

But, I applied anyway. Oh, what fun! (Name that song! If you follow me on Facebook, you know that's a game we've been playing!)

I glued the trees together (mint with mint, and nutmeg with nutmeg). Then using my hole punch, I punched a hole at the top of each tree, and then used my ribbon to make hangers out of them.

The cool thing about these, is that you can do these any time of the year. They actually do smell (however, I'm not sure how long they will). But, they could make a cute car freshener for the grandparents, if they're coming over for the holidays, or even your own car. Or, just add a little extra Christmas scent to your tree, like we did!

You could totally make these for Valentine's Day too, using a heart template, and peppermint, or some perfume, and give it as a valentine. Obviously, the list could go on and on. Have fun with them!

I did mention before that you could totally use this for a Sunday School/Children's Ministry Craft idea. Here is how it would work. You'd do all the same steps as before to make them, but you'd be incorporating the Birth of Jesus Story. Specifically, the bible verse of Matthew 2:11:

"They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

I'm not sure you can find frankincense quickly or easily in the U.S. (I've never looked) but you can substitute for different scents and they can have a craft kind of like the three wise men. You can use gold glitter, and let your mind run with fun ideas for kids.

Do you follow me on Facebook? Do you follow me on Pinterest? You Should! I'd love to see your crafts you've made! Upload a photo to Antidotes For Mom Facebook page! It is the holiday season for sharing!

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Teaching Smell

A Lesson in The Scents of Making Memories

As I was walking with my kids, on the first morning of Autumn, I took it all in.  The brisk feeling, that reminds me of all those early morning walks to school when I was little. The colors on the trees.  The calm.  The smells.

Mornings are my favorite.  They never used to be, but now I cherish them.  I worked for a decade in those early morning shifts.  The times when you are up before the sun, before 90% of the rest of the world.  I've seen some of the most beautiful sunrises from the end of a runway, and experienced a peace that comes with being the only person up and around to enjoy it. Unless you've been there and been in a full presence of mind to enjoy it, I don't think that I can fully describe it.


Back to the smells. The fresh brewed coffee. Pencils. The smells of wood burning. Bailed hay. Baking. Apples. The smell of a fresh sweater, fresh from the dryer, you put on to ward off the chill during the walk. Smell is powerful. Even the slightest scent can have huge reactions not just on memories, but feelings too.

Every time I walk into my in-laws house, I'm 14 again. There is something about the warm smell of their house, and it's only theirs, that brings me back. I have so many wonderful memories there. My first kiss. My first dates. My first love.

Certain smells trigger so many powerful memories and emotions.  Kind of like songs.  Every time I hear Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton I almost always cry.  Every time I hear an N'Sync song, I'm reminded of one of my first jobs I had in high school as a Sandwich Artist at Subway. The list goes on. Everyone has these songs and scents.  What treasures!

I've noticed with my children, teaching smell, is hard.  I had fake flowers I would stick up to my nose, and sniff really loud and hard to get the point across with my son.  "That is how you smell," I would say.  But reminding children to explore using smell, is something I tend to forget a lot of time.  We focus so much on sight and touch, that I don't want them to forget about other senses like smell and hearing.

Now that he's older and able to talk and do things, I think it's time to create a smell-lab.  I've thought about what I could use to get him to notice smell.  Flowers and perfume are obvious, but I don't want to over load them.  

I'm thinking of simple things, kid things-a box of crayons has a certain smell, play doh has another.  Different smells of childhood.  I don't think he's OK with a blind fold to do a real enhanced version of smelling.

I pulled out three food items that have distinct smells.
Peanut Butter
Ketchup
Hot Sauce (I'm out of Tabasco, so I used the next best thing)

I also used three children's craft items.
Finger Paint
Crayons
Play Doh

I opened each item and I smelt it first, to demonstrate.  Then he smelt them.  Visually, he recognizes all of these items, but now he can recognize each one for the unique smell it has too!

He called the peanut butter, "Peanut Butter and Jelly." The hot sauce was just "sauce." Ketchup was, well, "ketchup."

He didn't really say much when it came to the craft stuff.  I think the excitement of just seeing it out kind of took away from the idea, but he still smelt everything.

Sometimes we forget how powerful our other senses can be.  When he's older, and when my daughter is too, we'll probably do this again, except blind folded.

I know I've always been more a visual hands on learning, but there is nothing quite like smell.

Speaking of, I can smell my coffee is ready.  Fresh, brewed, dark coffee.

Have you smelt anything wonderful lately?  Any certain smells trigger your memories?

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