Even though the DVD is geared to children, I learned sooo much!  Why do we cut down trees?  Where did the name ‘Christmas’ actually come from?  What about Santa?  Those are some of the questions it addresses.  The best part about it is that it leads children back to salvation-the reason Jesus came.  How wonderful is that!

For those of you who want to teach this as a unit in homeschool and/or in a small group format, they offer great resources!  Take a look!

Sisters of the Faith is so excited to sponsor a “Why Do We Call it Christmas” sweepstakes!  One person will receive one free copy ($12.95 value) of “Why Do We Call it Christmas.”  The sweepstakes will run from December 11, 2011 to December 31, 2011.  All you have to do is enter here!  (Please see sweepstakes official rules).

Want to get more information about the whole series?  Visit:

http://www.buckdenver.com/

http://www.facebook.com/WhatsintheBible?sk=wall

³⁵ For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

⁴⁰ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

~Matthew 25:35-40

As many of us are knee deep in shopping for Christmas, let us not forget those who are in need.  Oh, think of how much it would please the Lord to give to someone or family who lacks what they need to survive.  As we see in the passage above, Jesus not only identifies with those in need, but He has a heart for them.

This year our family is excited about supporting  World Vision.  World Vision is a:

…Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

There are many ways to give to this wonderful organization.  We will be shopping through our World Vision Gift Catalog:

Next, my home church has participated in Operation Christmas Child for years.  Samaritan’s Purse is:

… a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Samaritan’s Purse offers multiple ways of being a blessing to those in need.  It’s not to late to build a box online or order from their gift catalog.  My 4-year-old son had a ball selecting items to put in our box!

If you can’t choose or there is a particular cause close to your heart, try Global Giving.  You can choose the country, the cause, and the type of aid you want to give.  Gift cards are also available.

Don’t forget the opportunity to give locally.  Whether it be through an organization, your church, or if you know a family in need, there are plenty of ways to show your love.

Here are some more great charities:

http://www.compassion.com/default.htm

http://www.oneverse.org/

]]> http://www.sistersofthefaith.com/christian-living/faith/evangelism-faith/the-season-of-giving/feed/ 0 http://www.sistersofthefaith.com/life/relationships/family/parenting/mom-creates-phone-app-for-kids-in-church-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=mom-creates-phone-app-for-kids-in-church-2 http://www.sistersofthefaith.com/life/relationships/family/parenting/mom-creates-phone-app-for-kids-in-church-2/#comments Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:47:44 +0000 admin http://www.sistersofthefaith.com/?p=4132 I don’t know about you, but sometimes it is challenging to keep children both well behaved and engaged in church.  Most smaller ministries do not have the luxury of children’s church or daycare.  It’s a good thing that necessity is the mother of invention.

Ann Goade, mother of three, questioned whether coloring sheets were the best way to teach her children to actually listen and participate in the service. That’s when she created Big Church Bingo, a phone app to encourage children to listen to what is being said during a church service by listening for key words used in the game.

To play a grid of words you might hear in a worship service will appear randomly each game. As you hear a word, tap on it. The icon will darken (tap again to bring it back, if mistaken). Once you have five darkened icons in a row (horizontally, vertically or diagonally) you get a bingo. You may continue listening for the words to gain a blackout or choose a new game and start again.

Big Church Bingo© keeps track of points. Each bingo equals one point. Parents may choose to implement a reward system for points. For example, 1 point may earn a piece of gum or candy, 5 points may earn the privilege of choosing what’s for dinner and 10 points may earn a date night with mom or dad. Families can be creative and have fun personalizing their reward system.

The word bank and icons can be customized. Add additional words you might hear that are not listed. Take pics and use for each word’s icon. Searching for the right item to represent a word can be a fun, family activity. Children will be so excited to see their own smiling face representing the word children.

Big Church Bingo© is currently available in the itunes store for use on iphones, ipod touches and ipads. For more information, please visit bigchurchbingo.com.

Ann lives in Anna, TX with her husband, William, and their three children, Lawrence, Rachel and Gracie.

“O Holy Spirit of God, visit now this soul of mine, and tarry within it until eventide.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength… “ Isaiah 40:31

Inspire all my thoughts, – “We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.“ 2 Corinthians 10:5b

Pervade all my imaginations, –“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.“ Philippians 4:8b

Suggest all my decisions. – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.“ Psalm 32:8

Lodge in my will‘s most inward citadel… –“Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.“  Psalm 51:6

Order all my doings. – “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.“ Proverbs 16:3

Be with me in my silence… – “In quietness and trust is your strength… “ Isaiah 30:15b

In my speech, – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt… “ Colossians 4:6b

In my haste, and in my leisure, – “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?“ Psalm 139:7

In company, and in solitude, – “Be still, and know that I am God… “ Psalm 46:10a

In the freshness of the morning… – “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.“ Psalm 90:14

In the weariness of the evening. – “My soul yearns for you in the night… “ Isaiah 26:9a

And give me grace at all times to rejoice in Thy mysterious companionship.“ – “Let the righteous rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him… “ Psalm 64:10a

Facts of the Matter: Daily Devotionals.

Then, it happens. The car won’t start! It’s pretty obvious that the battery is dead and you need a jump-start. With all the cares, worries and distractions of this life it is not uncommon for a believer to need a jump-start. We start leaning to our own understanding and we drain our spiritual batteries. So, here are our seven suggestions for jump-starting your faith!

1. Schedule time for daily prayer and stick to it. You will both enjoy the intimate time together.

2. Ask God to make you more aware of him throughout the day.

3. Learn something new. Do some biblical research, study apologetics or learn some Hebrew. You will be surprised how much more scripture comes alive to you!

4. Hang out with other Christians. Join a small group of equally yoked believers. Support systems are great. Fellow believers can support and pray for you.

5. Serve others. Volunteer to help someone in need. Christ came to serve. As we strive to develop Christ-like characteristics service should become second nature. WWJD?

6. Listen to praise and worship music throughout the day.

7. Memorize Bible verses. Hide the Word in your heart.