These are in NO particular order. I compiled this list of “1o Ways To Bring Faith To Life In Your Home” from watching other moms, reading tons of books, listening to sermons and from experience in our own home.
I know what you’re thinking, “If I am not doing all 10, my kids is going straight to…” I am kidding! Just pick 1 or 2 or consider some for the future. I think if we just started with #1 and did it well – we could really stop right there. That’s definitely where I need the work right now. No guilt, K? J You’re a great mom.
1. Growing In Your Own Faith
It’s no secret kids learn by doing what we do. If we are patient, they tend to be patient. If we put others first, they follow suit. I watch mine snap at each other – wonder where they saw that? The best place to start is figuring out your personal relationship with Christ. You only have to be one second ahead of them to teach them something new.
2. Reading Bible stories
I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure ALL of the bible stories were that critical. However, Angela Cotrell at dotMOM opened my eyes to it all. She said at their little ages – they can understand David and Goliath and it captures their attention. They can understand it happened! In history! And, then later they begin to insert themselves into the story in times of trouble. (Well, if God did that with David… maybe he could use me?) I love the Storybook Bible.
3. The Power of Storytelling
My kids are obsessed with “Tell us a story mom.” So I do. I tell them how God wanted me to feed a homeless woman an egg sandwich. And, how the Whites felt led to adopt their two kids from Congo. And how Marshall’s faith was bigger tan his mom’s. They are glued and learning from REAL live stories of people they know and a God that loves them.
4. Prayers For Them
This series was so popular on A Praying Mom. Definitely a great resource for praying for our kids. Check THIS OUT – unreal big prayer story that rocked me the other day. I love the idea of realizing God is way bigger and capable than we know – and going for it with expecting hearts. I love finding out what’s on their heart and showing them God cares and can be trusted with those things through prayer.
5. Prayers With Them
Something that I think makes it “real” and “alive” to my kids is praying with them. Not just the meal routine that is memorized but praying over them at bedtime. Inviting them to pray. It is comical at times when Larson wants to pray for a sock or bedskirt – and I don’t get mad. She’s only 4. Then, there are times when she absolutely gets it. She won’t let me leave the room without praying for her – and her precious heart will ask me to pray for a hurt friend at school or she thanks God for daddy working. Planting seeds early through prayer is so fun. Showing them the little AND the big things matter in prayer.
6. Scripture Memory Made Easy
Of course I have to mention ABC Scripture Cards. They are like my third child. They work people! I love to hear mine bring up the right verse at the right time or they will start singing one of our ‘made up tunes” just while playing. Scripture hidden in their hearts – huge. Just huge. Want to win a set? Head on over to Karen Ehman’s site today. I am a guest on there today. I love that woman and so bummed I can’t hang with her at She Speaks this year. It’s awesome.
7. Music That Rocks Your Minivan
Oh, we LOVE music! Not corny music that gives my head another pound, but great tunes. I was spoiled coming from North Point and the insane artists there. My kids have known the sweetest songs about God from age 2. My friend and North Point artist Casey Darnell is a part of their latest CD called SHINE – an it’s for the elementary age I’d say. Less “babyish” and Ella LOVES the songs. Guess what!? It has the “books of the bible” song on there you loved. Want one? Make it through this list and enter at the bottom.
8. Simple Walks
Every day as I walk outside or just go about my day – there is ALWAYS a lesson waiting. Always a real life tangible way to mention a truth about God. The trees and creation. The way we handled a tough situation. The way we invested our time. This one is so guilt free – seize the moments already happening and focus their eyes on Jesus.
9. Relevant Churches & Schools
Some of you aren’t as over the top as me – but I pretty much grill the schools I consider. “That’s awesome you say you are a Christian school on the website – but really, what does that mean? How are my kids going to know God better by coming here?” Yikes. I really say this stuff. I am so glad though. It has helped us get our girls around teachers and leaders that walk the talk. Larson came home with this yesterday. Ok then.
And I’m crazy about finding a church that your kids WANT to go to most Sundays. If you are forcing them to go, consider looking around. There are some kids ministries out there nailing it and capturing the hearts of kids big time.
10. Experiencing Virtues Through Fun
I saved this for last because it’s my favorite. If I had to do a speech tomorrow or write a book – this is it. I believe our kids have to experience the goodness of Christ way deep in their hearts. They don’t need a lecture on generosity – they need to do it and feel how AWESOME it feels. (For example, Light ‘Em Up). So, keep your eyes peeled for any way, any how to get your kids active in loving and serving others. Simple, simple things leave a mark on their hearts.
This list is geared toward the little ones to elementary ages. I am going to try and beg Paige or Tara to do a pre-teen and teen list for us. On my list for my girls for that age will be serving through mission trips with friends, family mission trip, mentor groups, girls groups and amazing camps.
Disclaimer: Follow this 10-step list and your child might totally abandon all teaching and run away from home. Of course, I have no guarantee. My kids are 4 and 6 for heaven’s sake! I know this – scripture has a ton to say about raising kids and I’lll spend all the time on earth making sure they know the creator of the earth loves them and made them for something unique. And, if they run away – I’ll find them and love them no matter what they believe.
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