Top Picks for VBS 2012 . . .

There are just three days until my VBS 2012 reviews begin . . . starting on January 2nd I'll review one VBS in my 2012 Top Ten Countdown each weekday, announcing my Top Pick on January 13th! I'm reviewing the 15 VBS resources listed below this year (listed in alphabetical order)

Second Chance Give-away - Brittany Hargest, Love All the Way!

I recently reviewed Brittany Hargest's new CD, Love All the Way (you'll find my review at this link) and had a drawing to give one away. However; the person whose name was drawn didn't get their address to me in the month I give them to do so, so I'm having another drawing to give it away. This time I'm going to draw from the names of the people who "like" or "comment" below this post or on my facebook page. My new drawing will be on January 6th, so please take a moment to "like" or "comment" on this post and you'll be in the drawing for Brittany's CD!

Music, Crafts and an Opportunity to See, Touch and Experience 2012 VBS Before You Buy It!

After you've narrowed down your Vacation Bible School options to just two or three kits by determining your goal, finding materials which intentionally engage children in the teaching of the Bible lesson and provides opportunities to live what they learn, considered the scope and sequence, theme and setting it is time to look at two components which have the potential to last beyond the five days of VBS . . . the music and crafts! 

When you consider the music look for songs which reinforce the theme, scope and sequence. When children sing those songs they can be reminded of the Bible lessons and how they apply to their everyday lives. I'm very happy to see most publishers provide music CD's for children at about $2 per child. This makes it very affordable for you to give each child their own copy of the songs they learned in VBS! This year my Top Pick of VBS music is hands down Go Fish Guy's Praise! Their songs have enthusiasm, spunk and do an excellent job of reinforcing the Bible lessons in their VBS! Even parents will enjoy listening to (and singing and dancing to) Go Fish Guy's music! 

Please Check Out CMBuzz for a Post on . . . 2012 - A Child's Perspective!

I'm delighted for the opportunity to write for CM Buzz and in my most recent post, 2012 - a Child's Perspective - I say, "So, Christmas 2011 is past and 2012 is almost here and while it is common to consider the past year as one looks forward to the new year, I want to consider things from a different perspective  . . . a child’s perspective. After all, children are vitally important to God . . . He did enter this world as one! Stop and think about this! The God of the universe entered this world as a child; as a baby. Talk about one of the weakest entrances ever" I then go on to say, "God could have entered this world as a King, as an Emperor, as the Ruler of the World . . . after all, He is all those things. But, He chose to come as a baby. Amazing! So, how does knowing this change my perspective on the new year . . . " and go on to give three things to think about.  Please check my post and think about how this can change your perspective on the new year, too!

VBS 2012 - Top Pick for Music . . .

What would VBS be without great music? VBS songs are one of the things which has the potential to "last" long beyond the five days of VBS as kids continue to sing the songs they learned. So, what do I look for in VBS music? Well, first of all the songs need to have a solid message . . . I look for songs which reinforce the Bible teaching and help remind kids of the lessons they learned. I also look for music with "pep" . . . music which will get kid's toes a tappin' and lift their hearts! In addition, while I enjoyed VBS in the 60's (as a kid) I really want the sound of the songs to relate to today! So . . . my Top Music Pick for VBS 2012 is . . . 

Merry Christmas . . . Mary Did You Know?

There are many wonderful Christmas songs we all enjoy each year, but one song, while it hasn't been around very many years, is sure to find it's place on most "favorite" Christmas song lists . . . Mary Did You Know by Mark Lowry! This song is being sung by lots of people, and is being sung well by them, but no one sings it like Mark Lowry! Enjoy!

VBS 2012 - Top Pick for Setting . . .

We are only nine days from the beginning of my Top Ten VBS Countdown for 2012, so today I thought I'd announce my Top Pick for Setting for VBS 2012! We have a nice variety of settings for VBS 2012 . . . some are familiar VBS settings and others are different and unique, but all of them are well developed and no matter which one you select, the children who attend your VBS will enjoy the "setting" for your VBS!

Please Check Out "The Invisible Gift" on Straight4ward with Loretta Baughan

My sister is Loretta Baughan and she writes a blog, Straight4ward with Loretta Baughan. In  her latest post, The Invisible Gift, she writes, "Have you noticed? There’s someone missing from church. People with disabilities make up about one-fifth of our population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. These are our friends, neighbors and family members. They are, though, for the most part an invisible segment of our society. Some may be homebound or otherwise unable to move about in our communities, but many are mobile. Then why are so few attending church?"

I Have a Winner in My Phil Wickham Response CD Give-away

I'm happy to announce Michael Odle is the winner in my Phil Wickham Response CD give-away! (You will find the review at this link) Thank you Michael for reading About the Children's Department and thank you Provident for sending a cd for me to review and another for me to give away!

Christmas is Just Three Days Away . . . Merry Christmas . . . Silent Night by Casting Crowns

Jesus is the Reason for the Season and we can celebrate because of what happened on the Silent Night so very long ago! Enjoy this song sung by Casting Crowns and Merry Christmas!

Truth Endures

John MacArthur has been around for 40 years preaching and teaching God's Word . . . his newest book, Truth Endures: Landmark Sermons from Forty Years of Unleashing God's Truth One Verse at a Time, is a compilation of some of his sermons from these 40 years. I appreciate the info included with each sermon - including the date, when and where he preached it as well as what was happening in the world at the time he preached it. You'll find twelve of his sermons - covering a time span from 1969 to 2008 as well as a Scripture index.

Merry Christmas . . . God is With Us!!!

Emmanuel . . . God is With Us! This is what Christmas is all about! Enjoy this beautiful song from Casting Crowns!

Please Check Out Kidmin1124 - My New Post is About "2011's Blessings?"

Can you believe it??? 2011 is almost gone . . . just 10 days to go!!! I just wrote an article for Kidmin1124 and said, "As 2011 ends and 2012 begins it can be very easy to be so focused on the things we are planning for 2012 we forget to take time to thank God for the many blessings – big and small – he sent our way in 2011. So, before 2012 begins, let’s take some time to remember the blessings you experienced personally and in your ministry throughout 2011." Then I gave you four things to think about as you consider God's blessings from 2011 and wrapped it up saying, "So . . . as 2011 ends, make time to intentionally focus on and “ponder” the great works/blessings God has gifted to you in the past year and praise Him for them because we do need to remember and He is gracious and compassionate!"


Please check my post and have a Happy New Year!

Put Feet to Their Faith and Involve Your Kids in a Project with the Seed Company!

We have God's Word - and far too often take it for granted, but for many people around the world having a copy of God's Word in their own language is a dream. The Seed Company is involved in translating God's Word into languages of people around the world who do not have a copy in their own language . . . you can involve the children in your ministry in a project to help bring God's Word to people who do not have it! Consider Putting Feet to Your Kid's Faith by involving them in the following project . . . 

A Most Merry Christmas . . . the Hallelujah Chorus!!! (Enjoy!!!)

Okay, this has to be one of my favorite Christmas videos . . . sit back and enjoy!!!!

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords and He shall reign forever and ever! Hallelujah!!!

A most Merry Christmas to you! :^)

Phil Wickham - Response - I'm Giving One Away!

If you are looking for music with clear, beautiful sound and solid messages, most certainly take a look at Phil Wickham! His new CD - Phil Wickham - Response - is aptly titled as he shares the invitation with the listener to respond to Jesus in faith and then in worship! It is one sure to make your play-list!

Please Check Out Kidmin1124 - My New Post is About Sharing and Showing Jesus' Love

Please take a moment to read my most recent post on Kidmin1124 - I write, "I’d like to believe everyone is as excited about Christmas as I am and all children are able to enjoy celebrating it as I do, but sadly, this is not the case. We do, however; have the amazing message of Jesus’ love – one hurting children so desperately need to hear, see and experience. Make it your commitment this Christmas – and every day all year long – to share and show His love; which after all, is something to be very excited about and to celebrate all year!" Please check the full post at this link.

Merry Christmas . . . God is With Us!!

Emmanuel . . . God is With Us! This is what Christmas is all about! Enjoy this beautiful song from Casting Crowns!

no other gospel - a Must-Read Book!

I am delighted for the opportunity to share a book with you . . . no other gospel by Josh Moody. In this book, Josh takes us verse by verse through the book of Galatians and helps us discover again, there is no other gospel!


no other gospel
Author - Josh Moody
Publisher - Crossway

Let's Celebrate Advent . . . Joy . . . Jesus Came so We Can Know Him!

As we continue to celebrate Advent, let's take a moment to think about the third Advent candle and what it reminds us of . . . Joy! Christmas is almost here . . . let's rejoice! At my home this "rejoicing" begins after Thanksgiving dinner is finished with the putting up of the tree and continues until Christmas day - I love to celebrate and what better time of year to celebrate than Christmas?! Each time my grandson comes to my home between Thanksgiving and Christmas, he gets to open a small gift - typically a book or Hot Wheels car - like I said, I love to spread out the celebrating!


I think this is like "joy"! Joy needs to be shared; it needs to be celebrated! Joy is something we can not keep to ourselves! Joy should pour our of our lives into the lives of those around us and as we think about the third Sunday of Advent, it is the perfect time to pause and think about joy! So, as we focus on Joy this Advent, be sure to take time to think about how you can allow joy to "pour out of your life into the lives of those around you" this year. What can you do to show this joy to your volunteers, the parents and children in your ministry? Consider the following . . . 

Merry Christmas . . . I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day!!!

I have another Christmas video for you . . . this one is from Casting Crowns . . . enjoy!!!

Put Feet to Their Faith With a Project Through OneVerse From the SeedCompany!

As we think about how Christmas and how Jesus, The Word, became flesh and lived among us, it is a wonderful time to involve the children in your ministry in an opportunity to "Put Feet to Their Faith" and work on a project to raise money to bring God's Word to people who do not have it!  There are a number of projects available for you to select from, consider this one from the SeedCompany . . . 

Please Pay Attention - Please Notice

You may or may not know I write another blog, grandma's cookie jar. Nearly everything on this blog is positive - I share book, movie, music and product reviews - have LOTS of give-aways - I share recipes, crafts and stories about my dear, sweet, adorable, too-cute-for-words grandsons :-) - but I also share the photo and info each week on a missing child -I ask my readers to pray for these children and for their families. I am signed up to receive alerts from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children . . . and sadly, these alerts fill my in-box every day. It is heart breaking to see photos and info on children - often as young as 12 years old - who have run away from their homes. What must "home" be like for these little children to leave and go to the "unknown" - and often, far too often, an even worse situation.

Merry Christmas . . . Emmanuel!!!

There are many amazing Christmas songs available for us to listen to, but this one from Hillsong's new Christmas Album, Born is the King, is very possibly, my favorite song . . . it has incredible melodies and the message . . . "You have come to us, You make all things new!" The only response possible . . . "Holy, Holy! God Almighty! There is none like You! . . . I will bow before my Lord and King!" Enjoy!

I Have a Winner in My Beleduc Dragonfly Glove Puppet!

I'm happy to say Rhonda Martinez is the winner in my Beleduc Dragonfly Hand Puppet give-away! (you will find my review at this link) Thank you Rhonda for reading About the Children's Department (please message me your address so I can send it to you) and thank you Beleduc/HaPe Toys for sending the puppet for me to give away!

VBS 2012 . . . I Just Got My Adventures on Promise Island kit from Standard . . .

Well . . . it is "that" time of year . . . the time of year when my house begins to look like a bookstore with VBS kits everywhere! (Have I mentioned my two favorite times of year are Christmas and VBS? When VBS is over, I begin getting ready for Christmas and when Christmas is over I begin to get ready for VBS - this makes for a fun and happy year!)


At any rate, I know what I will be doing today . . . set kits out and begin to dig in to them to get my reviews started! I read everything when I review a VBS kit . . . the director's info, each lesson, each activity, I listen to all the music . . . I look at everything when I review a VBS resource!

Merry Christmas . . . Leaving Heaven!!!

I want to share another of my favorite Christmas song/videos with you - this one is by Matthew West from his new album, the Heart of Christmas . . . Enjoy!

Another Fun Christmas Freebie . . . and Gift!

I've already shared DaySpring e-cards as a freebie, but wanted to let you know about two of their free Christmas e-cards . . . one allows you to send a link with your card so the people on your card list also receives one free download of the song O Come, O Come Emmanuel from FFH's new album and the other includes a free download of Max Lucado's book, "An Angel's Story"! So, as you select cards for the people on your list, take a look at these e-cards from DaySpring - a card, and a gift!

VBS 2012 . . . I Just Got My SKY Kit from Group . . .

In just a few weeks my 2012 VBS reviews will begin! The entire month of January I'll be focusing on VBS with complete reviews, a side-by-side comparison chart, my Top Ten Countdown and posts with info on finding your best VBS "fit" for your church, recruiting, training, promoting your VBS, other ways/places to use VBS and so much more!


Yesterday my Sky VBS from Group arrived . . . there are some exciting new things in this kit and a number of things I'm really looking forward to sharing with you, so . . . stay tuned . . . only 24 days until my 2012 VBS reviews begin!!!!

Please Check Out CMBuzz for a Post on . . . O Come All Ye Faithful!

I'm delighted for the opportunity to write for CM Buzz and recently wrote a post about the Christmas Carol, O Come All Ye Faithful. I said, "I remember hearing and singing for all my life. I thought it would be interesting to find some background info on this familiar song and then pause for a moment to take a look at the message because sometimes when something is so “familiar” we end up “missing” the message." Please take a moment to read this post and then think of something you can do to "share the amazing news and adore Jesus today"!

Merry Christmas . . . O Come All Ye Faithful!!!

I want to share one of the most beautiful presentations of this classic old Christmas carol . . . O Come All Ye Faithful sung by John Elfante! Enjoy!

children's ministry magazine's "12 Days of Christmas for Children's Ministry" . . .

Yesterday Rochelle from Group emailed me about a fun give-away children's ministry magazine is holding . . . their "12 Days of Christmas for Children's Ministry"! Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE Christmas . . . my family always comments on how I celebrate the 25 Days of Christmas!!! (Once the tree goes up after Thanksgiving dinner, my grandchildren receive a gift every time they come to my house until our main gift exchange on Christmas day!!! I say, "Spread the fun out! Why limit it to one day?") So . . . I'm delighted for the opportunity to let you know about how Group is "spreading the fun out" and provide you with the info on their "12 Days of Christmas for Children's Ministry"! What do you need to know? It is pretty simple . . . 

Focus Our Kids On Receiving??? Please Check My Post at Kidmin1124!

Last week I posted on Kidmin1124 my Top 5 Reasons for Focusing Kids on Giving at Christmas, but this week I wanted to stop to think about the Top 5 reasons for Focusing our Kids on Receiving at Christmas . . . yes, I said “receiving“! At Christmas children – and adults, too – think quite a bit about the gifts they would like to receive, but in God’s Word we find some of the most incredible gifts anyone could ever receive . . . and we read they are gifts God wants us to receive! Please check my post for the Top 5 Gifts we want kids - and adults - to focus on at Christmas!

Let's Celebrate Advent . . . Love . . . Jesus was Born in Bethlehem!

As we continue to celebrate Advent, let's take a moment to think about the second Advent candle and what it reminds us of . . . Love! Stop and think for a moment, if leaving Heaven to be born as a baby in a family so poor the only place for your birth was a stable doesn't show incredible love, then I don't know what would show such a love. The love we talk about at Advent isn't a "mushy", emotional feeling of love, but rather it is a strong, true love which shows itself in giving to others.

So, as we focus on Love this Advent, be sure to take time to think about how you can show a strong, true love which shows itself in giving to others this year. What can you do to show this love to your volunteers, the parents and children in your ministry? Consider the following . . . 

Merry Christmas . . . Born is the King!!!

I thought it might be fun to share Christmas music videos with you throughout the month of December, so . . . today my "pick" is Born is the King from Hillsong! Enjoy . . . 

Put Feet to Their Faith With a Project Through oneverse From the SeedCompany!

As we think about how Christmas and how Jesus, The Word, became flesh and lived among us, it is a wonderful time to involve the children in your ministry in an opportunity to "Put Feet to Their Faith" and work on a project to raise money to bring God's Word to people who do not have it!  There are a number of projects available for you to select from, consider this one from the SeedCompany . . . 

Family Pick . . . Beleduc Dragonfly Puppet!

If you use puppets in your children's ministry - or have been wanting to add puppets to your ministry - and have been looking for something which is different and fun, this Dragonfly Glove puppet could be what you are looking for!

I Have a Winner in My Folkmanis Bear in a Tree Stump Puppet Give-away!

I'm happy to say, Marcia Poling is the winner in my Folkmanis Bear in a Tree Stump puppet give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Marcia for reading About the Children's Department and thank you Folkmanis for sending this puppet for me to give away!

Give Your Volunteers A Special Snowman for Christmas!

For years I made special snowmen at Christmas and gave them as gifts to directors and coordinators in my children's ministries as a special gift for Christmas. One year I made a clay pot snowman . . . and it is my personal all-time favorite! So . . . I thought I'd share it with you!


Supplies -

• clay pot - whatever size you want your snowman to be
• foam ball - again, size it to fit with your clay pot
• yarn - small amount for arms
• white felt or fleece - enough to cover the head
• fleece for hat, scarf and mittens
• acrylic paint - use whatever color you want, I've used red, green and metallic gold
• crackle medium - you'll find it in your craft store near the bottled acrylic paint
• white acrylic paint
• buttons - I love colored star buttons for my snowmen :^)
• Christmas trim . . . look in the scrap-booking section for items you could glue to your snowman for a special touch . . . on this one, I put a stocking.
• Sculpey clay in black and orange
• straight pins - one for each eye, nose and piece of "coal" for the mouth

First Friday Freebies - Free Christmas Song from the David Crowder*Band!

What could be a better "First Friday Freebie" in the month of December than a free download of "O Holy Night" by the David Crowder*Band? Check this link out for the instructions for downloading your free song, then . . . 

• share the "joy"! - Give the link to all your volunteers for a very enjoyable, "Merry Christmas"!
• include the link in your Christmas cards this year!
• enjoy the song with your family!

I'm sure you can find wonderful ways to spread the "joy" with this song from the David Crowder*Band's new CD, "oh for joy"!

And, Merry Christmas!

Let's Kick Off December With a Couple Freebies!

It is December 1st and with Christmas just around the corner I thought it would be fun to remind you of a couple "winter/Christmas freebies" . . . a couple days ago I posted a "Free Snowy Lesson" and today I want to give you links to a free Christmas lesson for Preschool/Early Elementary and for Elementary age children and a link so you can print out a Free Christmas Bible account from the Illustrated Bible! You could print out the Illustrated Bible, the First Christmas from Luke 1 & 2 for free and give a copy to each child in your ministry!


Enjoy these freebies and thank you for reading About the Children's Department!

Kidmin1124 - "Top 5 Reasons for Focusing Kids on Giving at Christmas!

Please check out my newest post on Kidmin1124 . . . Top 5 Reasons for Focusing Kids on Giving at Christmas! Along with seeing my Top 5 Reasons, you'll find three ideas for ways to involve your kids in giving to others this Christmas . . . as I said, "there are so many ways you can help the children in your ministry focus on giving to others this Christmas, but whatever you choose, be sure to do something to intentionally engage them and focus them on giving! As you do, you may find giving to others will become their favorite part of their 'favorite time of year'!" 

Free Snowy Lesson!

Okay . . . I live in Michigan and we are supposed to get some snow today . . . we typically have no shortage of snow. I've never been a big "fan" of the cold, white stuff, but since winter is upon us, I'm posting a free short object lesson you could use with the children in your ministry!

Whiter Than Snow!

"In the Beginning Was the Word . . . " Put Feet to Their Faith This Christmas with OneVerse!

I'm sure we all agree the focus for the month of December is Christmas . . . Christmas trees, Christmas cards, Christmas carols, Christmas decorations, Christmas cookies, Christmas parties, Christmas gifts . . . and on and on it goes. But, let's stop for a moment and remember . . . Christmas is all about how Jesus, the Word, "was coming into the world!" (NLT)


The Word, Jesus, is why we can celebrate Christmas, so this Christmas help your kids focus on this truth by focusing on the Word, Jesus, and His written Word, the Bible as well with the oneverse project through the Seed Company. As they say, "Today, nearly one-third of the world's language groups representing 340 million people are still waiting for God’s Word in a language that they can understand clearly." 


So, what is the oneverse project? Consider the following . . .

Let's Celebrate Advent . . . Expectation . . . We Have Hope!

Christmas is only four weeks away!!! I love Christmas and I love celebrating, so Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year! As we begin Advent, let's take a moment to stop and focus on the reason for the season and celebrating! Advent is about waiting and anticipation. Before Jesus' birth, God's people waited for Him to come. Now, after His birth, we wait for His return. We anticipate with great joy the day Jesus returns for us and Advent helps us not only celebrate His birth, but look forward to His return!


There is a lot of symbolism related to Advent - 

Please Check Out Kidmin1124 - My New Post is About Reassuring Parents Our Ministries are Safe Places for Their Children

"With the news of the past week it is impossible to not have our hearts grieve for children who have been harmed at the hands of an adult they should have been able to trust. When news like this hits the airwaves, it leaves parents understandably shaken and in need of assurance they can trust the adults who have access to their children. So what can you do to help parents know their children are safe with you?" Please check my post on Kidmin1124 for the full post on this important topic.

Give the Gift of Honey Bees or Chicks . . . and Jesus with Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog!

For the past month I've been encouraging you to "Put Feet to Their Faith" by involving the children in your ministry with Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog. Children do think a lot about gifts this time of year, so let's use this to help them focus on living what they believe by giving to others! I love the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog because it gives you so may ways to help others - many are less than $50 - and each opportunity to help includes the opportunity for those who are being helped to learn about the Best Gift ever . . . Jesus! Consider these opportunities for the children in your ministry . . . 

I'm Giving away a Folkmanis Bear in Tree Stump Puppet!

Do you have a puppet ministry in your church? Do your preschool teachers like using puppets with the children in their classes? Or, is a puppet something you would love to add to your ministry this year, but one which you just have not invested in yet? Well, I'm delighted for the opportunity to give away an adorable little Bear in Tree Stump Puppet from Folkmanis! This little bear makes a great addition to any puppet ministry or preschool class!

I Have a Winner in My FFH One Silent Night Album Download Give-away!

I'm happy to say Stacia McKeever is the winner in my FFH One Silent Night album download give-away! (You will find my review at this link) Thank you Stacia for reading About the Children's Department (please message me your email so I can get the code to you) and thank you FFH for sending one download to me for review and for making another available for give-away!