Preschool Kalli was not being inattentive (as I had assumed) when she went running off while I was reading the story of “God Gives His People Bread to Eat”  (Exodus 16:1-18, 31; Numbers 11:7-8) from Read-Aloud Bible Stories Volume 3.

She was on a mission.

She came back with a basket and white paper and asked if we could make manna!  I tore the white paper into strips and she and little Jake had a blast using safety scissors to cut bits of white paper into bite-sized manna.

Then, we re-read the story and acted it out using our props!  Quite a lot of time that week was spent with me strewing manna around the room for them to collect it in their baskets.

That’s one thing I love about preschoolers…
They help us adults think beyond the ink on the paper and make the Bible stories come alive! 

Manna was once again brought to life for me at our fall women’s retreat –
A wise, godly women in our small group shared,

“We like to get our manna a month supply at a time.
But it spoils. 
God designed it that way. 
We need to get fresh food from the Holy Spirit every day.”  

Wow!  What a great reminder of why it’s important to spend time with God and His Word every day. 

This is wonderful wisdom to share with older kids and teens when helping them understand the importance of growing their own personal daily walk with the Lord!

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. T
he people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day.”   Exodus 16:4a

Recommended Preschool Resource:
Our favorite Bible story books when my kids were preschoolers were the Read-Aloud Bible Stories, Volumes 1-4. (Link is for Volume 3, but will show the other volumes in the “Frequently bought together” section further down.)  Something about the pictures and way the stories are  written and simply enchanting to preschoolers.  And, it’s not just my kiddos that love them.  They’ve been a hit through the years as we’ve used them teaching our 2 and 3 year old Sunday School classes.

I so wish I could share the picture from my mind’s eye of my little ones
in action with their “manna.”
Instead, this will have to do.  Personally, I think this is hilarious. Hope it doesn’t offend anyone.
This is from www.inheritthemirth.com.
They have lots of similar greeting cards, playing cards, posters, etc.
if you enjoy their “where faith meets funny” themes.

Have you and your kids had your “manna” for the day?

Don’t forget to keep your copy of
Parenting with Scripture: A Topical Guide for Teachable Moments
handy for when teachable moments pop up!

PS – I’m not if the company that makes these cartoons is still in business.  The website seems to not be allowing for orders and the last FB post is from ’13.