Is work a good or a bad thing? 
When we discuss this later today, I can pretty much guess that I’ll have a kid land on each side of this debate.
What does God say?

On the bad side-
We can thank Adam and Eve for getting us into this situation…

To Adam he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’

“Cursed is the ground because of you;
    through painful toil you will eat food from it
    all the days of your life.
¹⁸ It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
    and you will eat the plants of the field.
¹⁹ By the sweat of your brow
    you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
    since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
    and to dust you will return.”
Genesis 3:17-19

But on the good side-
Ask your child to consider what would happen if Mom and Dad were lazy and didn’t work:
*Would there be money for food, clothing, shelter?
*Who would get the groceries?
*What condition would our home be in?
*Can you see how work is a blessing not only to yourself, but those whom you share life with?
Ask your child, “What is your work?”  (chores, school, being respectful and obeying…)

Through laziness, the rafters sag;
    because of idle hands, the house leaks.
Ecclesiastes 10:18

Do not love sleep or you will grow poor;
    stay awake and you will have food to spare.
Proverbs 20:13

Similar discussion questions and verses can be found under the topic “Laziness” in
Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments.

Now ask, “Since we all have to work, what kind of attitude should we have?”

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Colossians 3:23-24

Similar discussion questions and verses can be found under the topic “Attitude” in
Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments.

Let’s pray with our kids that we will have a thankful heart to enjoy our time when we don’t have to labor.  And, that we will equally “work with all our heart, as working for the Lord”  during the labor filled hours.

Did your kids say work is good or bad?
Did you have a good “parenting with Scripture” discussion?

 (Image courtesy of www.lol-cat.org)

Celebrate July 4th beyond the burgers and fireworks by using the 13 strips of the Grand Old Flag as prayer points or Scripture strips for our nation!  Display this project in your home as a reminder to continue to pray for our nation.

Start by making or printing out a picture of a flag to use for either the version below. 
You can keep this as simple as you want or go all out crafty!  Pinterest and Google Images have lots of options.
*Printable Option:
http://www.internetfamilyfun.com/images/wallpaper/wallameriflag640.gif
*Coloring Page Option:
http://www.coloringcastle.com/pdfs/flags/flag-usa-123.pdf
*Simple Craft Option for younger kids:
http://funhandprintartblog.com/2012/05/handprint-american-flags-eagles-patriotic-crafts-round-up.html
*Simple Craft Options for older kids:
http://www.allkidsnetwork.com/crafts/4th-of-july/paper-american-flag.asp

Prayer Point Version:
Brainstorm with your kids different ways to pray for our nation.  Don’t forget, as the verse reminds us below, to give thanks as well!  Write one way on each of the stripes of the flag.

Bible Verse Version:
Write out 1 Timothy 2:1-2 on the stripes of the flag and display it in your home to help your family remember to lift our country up in prayer.

Click here for a children’s sing-along of The Grand Old Flag from YouTube to familiarize your children with this patriotic song by playing it while working on the project.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—
for kings and all those in authority,
that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
1 Timothy 2:1-2

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for teachable moments and reference your copy of
Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments
to help you and your kids know what God has to say about the topics!

 Happy 4th of July!

I thought I’d touch on some oldies, but goodies today and also let you know what to look forward to!

Happy Memorial Day!  For those with older children/teens, you might find it interesting to read and discuss the poignant true story I mentioned in this Memorial Day blog from last year.

If you have plans to go on vacation or have a staycation, don’t forget about Vacationing with Scripture and that the memories and teachable moments it creates are more valuable than any souvenir you could bring home!

Many of you are newer subscribers and didn’t see my Summer Fun Series from 2012.
Scroll through to see ideas for:
*Media with Scripture
*Good Deeds Day
*Playing with Scripture
*Praying with Scripture
*Cooking & Snacking with Scripture
*Singing with Scripture

Stay tuned!  This Texas born and bred blogger can’t go any longer without sharing some thoughts and ideas through my upcoming Southern Hospitality Series.  I’ll try to stay off my high horse!  🙂

And, don’t forget to keep an eye out for those teachable moments that pop up!
Keep your copy of Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments handy.

Do you have a favorite way to “play” with Scripture?  Please share in comment section!

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook last year and gave me permission to share. 

This morning we talked about Holy week with my kids. My 6 year is notorious at tuning me out and especially if it has nothing to do with reptiles, Skylanders (a Wii game), or ninjas. My 8 year tried to clear it up by telling him that he had saved up and used his own $ to by my 6 year old a new Skylander and it was at Target. All the 6 year old had to do was go get it.  Mr. 8 year old added, “That’s how it is with Jesus, He already paid for our sins. All you have to do is accept it.”

accept: Consent to receive.

Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.  Luke 18:17

For a simple explanation of Salvation, see that topic under your copy of
Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments.
What a great week to discuss this topic with your children and even think about it for yourself.
Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior?

Kids young and old enjoy a good hunt, so why not multi-purpose those plastic Easter eggs and incorporate Scripture!  Here are variety of ideas that can be geared up or down depending on the age or ability of your child(ren):

Fill eggs with…

Picture Clue
Fill eggs with nothing, except for one egg that has a picture of something or somewhere in your home.  For example, the picture could be a Googled image of a refrigerator.  When the child finds the egg with the picture, it’s the clue to where you’ve hidden an Easter Bible story book or the Bible with the Easter passage marked to read aloud.  Scroll down for the “copy and paste” fridge picture, ready for your use.

Bible Verse Words
Fill eggs with words from a verse and help them assemble the Scripture after they find the eggs.  Scroll down for the “copy and paste” version, ready for your use.  

Bible Story Sentences
Fill eggs with sentences from the Easter story and help them order the story and read it after finding the eggs. 

Coded Number Clue
Fill eggs with nothing, except for a coded number clue in one egg.  Use a simple code (such as each number corresponding with a letter in the alphabet (A=1, B=2, etc) and write the letters of a number of someone they can call or text (enlist a friend or other extended family member for this) for the next clue.  You’ll have previously instructed that person to text back a Bible verse address.  Then, the kids can look up the verse(s), read what it says, and the family can discuss it.  

Our clue was translated to “Call Aunt Susan!”  I had texted her ahead to tell them “Luke 24.”

  
These ideas could actually be used any time of year with any Scripture or Bible Story!  

Look through your copy of Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments
for more topical verses to play with!

Feel free to cut and paste these for your own egg hunt:

The angel said to the women,

“Do not be afraid,

for I know that you are looking for Jesus,

who was crucified.

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.

Come and see the place where he lay.

Matthew 28:5-6

 Happy Scripture Hunting! 

April Fools! 

Just getting you in the mood for the holiday!

A friend of mine and I were joking about this as a blog theme as we were discussing my crazy doggies.  We have two of our own and often have a foster dog as well.  She and I were being goofy, elaborating on this silly idea for a post when she stopped and made a very valid, more serious comment. 

She’s a counselor and pointed out that consistency is the key whether we are parenting a dog or a kid.
Quite true!  
Not only must we be consistent in obedience training (if we want them to ever learn…I confess, I’m a total fail at this with our dogs!), but we must be consistent in the way we treat pets and children.

If our children see us treating our pets without respect, they might learn that it’s ok to treat smaller things cruelly.

There’s also a flip side. 
I heard a whole radio talk show where people were calling in saying how they felt their family members loved their dogs more than them.  How sad!  I’m all for loving our pets well, but let us remember to be consistent and put as much (scratch that)…more effort into loving our family well.

 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
1 John 13:34-35

Our two pups, Lacy and Cindy Lou –

Want ideas for parenting with Scripture?
Get a copy of Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments.

It wasn’t until I read this book to my preschool-aged kids, that I realized St. Patrick used the shamrock (3 leaf clover) to teach the Trinity! 

Way to go, Saint Pat, for creating a great teachable moment illustration we are still using today!   

Before I move on to some crafty hands-on ideas for different ages, I thought I’d mention the following website for those who have older children and teens  who might like to dig deeper into St. Patrick history through media.  I haven’t watched all of these so I can’t vouch for the content, but this link to A&E’s biography site has 6 videos you can watch online about the subject.  One video will start playing immediately.  To see the other options, click on the tiny tab, “watch more videos” under the right side of the video.

If your kiddos enjoy making holiday themed decorations, check out these.  Any shamrock idea here, from Google, or Pinterest would be great to do while discussing the concept of the Trinity. 

For younger children–
The kids and I have had fun through the years making shamrock crafts around this holiday to remind us this biblical truth.   Here are samples from through the years that are easily duplicable in your own home with whatever supplies you happen to have on hand. 

Handprint Shamrock:
Make green paint handprints for the shamrock, using the side of the hand for the stem.  Once dry, draw heart shaped shamrock outlines around the creation to help define it. 

Coffee Filter Shamrock:
The bottom right shamrock is made from a coffee filter.  It has yellowed over time, but started out green!  Moisten the coffee filter so it will lay flat.  Dab green tempera paint or food coloring on the coffee filter with a Q-tip or small paint brush.  Once try, cut the shamrock shape.

Trinity Shamrock Craft:
The shamrock pictured at the top right is from Oriental Trading Company (my favorite go to place for pre-packaged inexpensive craft kits!) –  Click here to link to this kit.

Color Your Own Trinity Shamrock Cutouts:
Not pictured, but another great Oriental Trading option to stock up on for future years.  Click here to link to this kit.

For upper elementary through adults–
Two 5th graders and a 6th grader and I enjoyed working on these shamrock crafts last week over spring break.

Shamrock Garland:
Click here for instructions.

Shamrock Fingerprint Gift Tags:
Click here for instructions.

Bendy Shamrocks:
Click here for instructions.  Scroll down to “Wired Shamrock Trio.”  We used pipe cleaners instead.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 
2 Corinthians 13:14

Happy President’s Day! 
For themed ideas, see http://www.parentingwithscripture.com/parenting-with-scripture-through-presidents-day/

BIG NEWS!  Focus on the Family invited me to come to their headquarters in Colorado Springs and record an interview for their daily broadcast!  Click here to go to the Focus on the Family website to “listen now” or download the podcast of Kara’s February 19th, 2014 daily broadcast interview with President Jim Daly.

For those of you who love Focus on the Family (who doesn’t?!), I thought you’d enjoy hearing highlights from my trip.  My husband and I were welcomed from the moment we walked through the front door!

John Fuller (radio host – left) and Jim Daly (President and radio host – right), as well as producer Scott Welch (not pictured), made me feel at ease through the interview process.   I must admit, that I am nervous to hear the final thing!  I don’t get a preview, so I’ll be listening along with everyone else as it debuts.  I am constantly battling the temptation to kick myself for not saying this or that or wishing I had worded things differently.  However, I prepared as well as I could have (twice! because of the ice storm causing it to be rescheduled) and it was well prayed over.  So, I am reminding myself to trust that God had me say what He wanted me to, regardless of how I think I could have done it better.  Oh, the thorns of anxiety and perfectionism!  As always, I’m grateful that His strength is made perfect in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). 

As if the opportunity for the interview wasn’t gift enough, we were blessed that the day we were there was Focus on the Family’s monthly chapel.  After the recording session, what a joy it was to worship (in their space dubbed the Chapelteria = Cafeteria turned Chapel for the day) with the hundreds of servant hearted staff!  I was so overwhelmed with gratitude that the Lord allowed me (who, me?! talk about a mixture of thrilling and humbling!) to have even a teeny part in their incredible, world-wide ministry, that it was sweet timing for me to be able to pour out my heart in praise to Him! 

After a yummy lunch with the producer, possibly the most vibrantly spirited lady I’ve ever met took us on a tour of the Focus on the Family headquarters.  It was incredible to get a behind the scenes look at the global impact of Focus on the Family! 

We also got the inside scoop behind the sound effects on Adventures in Odyssey!  Our family is a huge fan and our kids were jealous of this experience!   For more about Odyssey, see this post – http://www.parentingwithscripture.com/category/book-reviews/adventures-in-odyssey/

Where the sound effect magic happens!

 These are the shoes when you hear Whit walking –

 Your ears know you are at Whit’s End when you hear silverware placed on this counter –

And, it never gets old seeing my book actually on a bookstore shelf!  A friend on Facebook commented, “Dobson, Dobson, Dobson, Dobson, Dobson, Dobson, DURBIN! Eggeriches, etc…”  To which I replied, “Yes, I’ve told Tim that among the things I am grateful for about him is how well placed my married name positions me on the Christian book aisle!  Ha!”

Enjoy listening Thursday live or by podcast! 

Happy Valentine’s Week! 
Here’s a sweet idea for your heart day family devotional time –

Scripture Heart Puzzle (see pictures below)- 
(Customize the ease or difficulty to your child’s age and ability using the options below and how the puzzle pieces at cut.)
Cut a big heart out of a piece of construction paper.
Option 1 – Write one verse inside the heart and cut puzzle pieces
Option 2 – Draw and puzzle pieces (making it as easy or challenging as fits your child’s ability) and write a love verse word or entire verse inside each piece.
Option 3 – Draw puzzle pieces (making it as easy or challenging as fits your child’s ability) and write a Bible reference on each section to look up.

“Love” verse lists:
See “Love” section of your copy of Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments (order by clicking here.)
Or, use this online list – http://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/love-bible-verses/

Hide the puzzle  pieces and let your child find and put them together.  Discuss the meaning. 

Add music to the hunt!  During the hunting and putting together of the puzzle, you might consider playing the following songs related to the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. 
*Preschool-  http://www.worshiphousekids.com/mini-movies/31369/Freddies-Friendly-Farm-1-Corinthians-13-48,
*Early elementary – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LuJuwILL0g
*Older kids, tweens, teens – “Let My Life be the Proof” by For King and Country (a current personal fave of mine!)

Puzzle Hearts by 1st – 5th Graders:

For more Valentine’s ideas, see –
http://www.parentingwithscripture.com/category/holidays/valentines/

Did you read last week’s post and have good intentions, but then didn’t do anything?  Well, here’s an idea that may jumpstart you!  Forget the chocolate and flowers and give something new this year for Valentine’s.  Ummm…actually, chocolate would still be good.   But seriously, what about giving the gift of love through memorizing and reciting a verse or verses about love for a loved one?  This is something the kids could do for grandparents, a spouse could do for his/her beloved, families could learn together for each other, etc.  The entire chapter is below and I’ve bolded the most commonly quoted sections (verses 4-8a and 13).  Children of any age could make or help decorate a cut-out heart or card with the verse(s) on it to serve as a memory reminder and/or part of the gift.  Older children or teens might enjoy making their own version of the words in heart form, as seen below. 

Above is a sample of the type of “Take Action” ideas in Parenting with Scripture, paraphrased from the topic, Love. 

1 Corinthians 13 – The Love Passage

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.  If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.   If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.   It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.  For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.  When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.  For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.