What Does a Thankful Life Look Like?

Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away . . . so of course, we all tend to think and talk about being thankful. Thankfulness; however; should be more than something we just think and talk about. What does a thankful life look like? We want the children in our ministries to live what they learn, so when it comes to being thankful, we want them to understand what a truly thankful life looks like when it is lived in their every day lives. Consider the following . . . 

My Month of Special Christmas Give-Aways is About to Begin!

For almost two years I've been posting at least once every day on About the Children's Department - thank you everyone who takes the time to read my blog! My VBS 2013 reviews will begin posting beginning on January 1, 2013, I have some new things planned for my Curriculum reviews in April and lots of content planned for the entire year, but in addition to writing this blog, I also write another blog - grandma's cookie jar. I'm a grandma . . . one who completely loves being a grandma so my "grandma" blog is one I write for fun and to give ideas of ways to pass on a heritage of faith!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Debbie Ketcham is the winner of the new Go Fish resource - the Gift of advent, curriculum and CD pack! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Debbie for reading About the Children's Department and thank you Go Fish Resources for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

The Preschooler's Bible - I'm Giving One Away!

Reading God's Word to children from their earliest days is a wonderful way to help them grow up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord! There are many wonderful Bible story books available for children; one of them is the Preschooler's Bible by V. Gilbert Beers.

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Sarah Yurga is the winner in my Sparkle Box book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Sarah for reading About the Children's Department and Ideal's Children's Books for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Mary Beth Dawson is the winner in my Princess Petunia and the Good Knight book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Mary Beth for reading About the Children's Department (please message me your address by November 4, 2012 so I can have this book sent to you) and thank you Zonderkidz for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

Let's Pray So Our Children Grow in Jesus and Come to Know and Walk With Him!

I've been posting about doing the most important thing . . . praying for "eyes to be open" in our children's ministry. So . . . today I'm sharing another prayer for the children in your children's ministry - let's pray they will grow in Jesus and come to know and walk with Him!

Pray for Eyes to be Open and for Children to be Drawn to God!

Make prayer the first thing you do in your ministries. Dr. Jim Samra preached on prayer and how we need to pray for our "eyes to be open", but what else should we pray for and how do we pray? I have never found a "formula" for praying which really helped me pray. I tend to get "lost" in the "steps" . . . pray for this, then that and then the next thing just seems to be too "rote" for me. A number of years ago I heard a sermon by Dr. Ed Dobson - he was my dean of students during college and ended up the Senior Pastor at Calvary Church in Grand Rapids, MI. He was preaching on prayer and said if we personalize and pray Scripture it is one of the best ways for us to learn how to talk to God. I decided to give it a try and found he was right . . . at least for me! So, today I'll once again I'd like to share a prayer for salvation . . . of course while we can not pray the prayer for salvation for a child, we can pray and ask God to make their hearts tender and open so they will choose to believe and be saved!

Halloween Resources

Does your church plan any type of outreach on Halloween? I personally am not a fan of Halloween, but from a ministry perspective, I can see where it provides an opportunity to reach out to the community . . . particularly if you are a church in a town or city. 

Give Thanks Board!

Yesterday on my other blog - grandma's cookie jar - I posted a craft idea I absolutely LOVE! For far too many people, Thanksgiving has become the day where we eat a lot of turkey and pumpkin pie and then get ready to go shopping for Christmas! We don't really think about being thankful . . . we just think about the food and the shopping . . . and in some cases - the football. But Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity for us to pause and notice all the ways - big and small - which God has blessed us and to be intentional about being thankful! So, when I was browsing on Pinterest and saw the idea for a "Give Thanks Board", I thought it might be an idea churches could use as well!

I'm Giving Away a Go Fish the Gift of advent In Five Days!!

For the past few days I've been posting about a new Christmas curriculum from Go Fish Resources . . . the Gift of advent . . . and in five days I'm giving one away! Check this link for my review and the details of how you can be included in the drawing - and see if the Gift of advent might be a great "fit" for your church!

I'm Giving Away One, Go Fish - the Gift of advent!

Christmas is just 61 days away! So, what are you planning to do in your ministry to help the children in your church and community learn about the greatest Gift they could ever receive? What are your plans to help them learn how they can have the Gifts of Hope, Wisdom, Love and Joy and how these gifts change their lives? Do you have a plan to answer five important questions for them: Why is Christmas so important? Why did God send His Son to earth? Is our sin really that big of a problem? Did God really unveil His plan for our salvation way back in Genesis? Is Jesus coming back again? Well, if you are looking for a resource to help you do all these things, then definitely take a good look at the new Christmas curriculum from Go Fish . . . the Gift of advent!

Go Fish - the Gift of advent - I'm Giving One Away!

Are you looking for a resource you could use the four weeks before Christmas in your children's ministry? Or for a resource you could use for a special Christmas event? One which provides solid content so your children will learn what Christmas is really all about? If so, definitely take a look at the new resource from Go Fish - the Gift of advent!

The Sparkle Box - I'm Giving One Away!

For children, gifts are one of the parts of Christmas they look forward to the most! So how do we help parents refocus their children's attention on giving at Christmas? The Sparkle Box is a new book which could be a tool to help parents do exactly this!

I Have a Winner . . .

I'm happy to announce Liz Wine is the winner in my Old Story New book give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Liz for reading About the Children's Department (please message me your address by October 28, 2012 so I can have it sent to you) and thank you New Growth Press for sending one for me to review and making another available for me to give away!

VeggieTales Princess Petunia & the Good Knight - I'm Giving One Away!

If you are looking for a book about putting other first which you could add to your library, use in your children's classes or recommend to parents, take a look at the new Veggie story - Princess Petunia and the Good Knight!

Go Fish The Gift of Advent . . . Watch for My Review and Give-Away!

Yesterday I posted about the new Go Fish Christmas curriculum resource, the Gift of Advent, which I'm reviewing on Monday, October 22, 2012! This four session resource is completely reproducible, will fit many settings, but is ideal for the Sundays before Christmas, has a sound and solid message and of course, has incredible music which children - and adults - will love and will be singing far past Christmas!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 65 days away . . . and my give-away of the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection is only 13 days away! Veggies says, "We think VeggieTales: The Ultimate Christmas Collection will help families celebrate the season and get into the holiday spirit as they watch shows which teach lessons on the true meaning of Christmas, joyful giving, being content and how to love and forgive."

For the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 66 days away . . . if you are looking for something which you could use with the children in your ministry to help them understand what is most important about Christmas, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it includes the Veggie story of the Toy that Saved Christmas!

As I've been saying, for the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today let's take a closer look at The Toy that Saved Christmas!

Go Fish The Gift of Advent . . . Watch for My Review and Give-Away!

On Monday, October 22, 2012, I'm reviewing the new Go Fish Christmas curriculum resource, the Gift of Advent! This four session resource is completely reproducible, will fit many settings, but is ideal for the Sundays before Christmas, has a sound and solid message and of course, has incredible music which children - and adults - will love and will be singing far past Christmas!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 67 days away . . . if you are looking for something which you could use with the children in your ministry to help them understand what the real message of Christmas is, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it includes the Veggie story of the Star of Christmas!

As I've been saying, for the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today let's take a closer look at The Star of Christmas!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Karol Snook is the winner in my Kyle Sherman Hear Me CD give-away! (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Karol for reading About the Children's Department and thank you RayLynn Records for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away! 

Open Our Eyes

In our children's ministries . . . and in our own lives . . . what causes the "lights go turn on"??? How does God's Word move from the head to the heart??? How does God's Word move from being "words on a page to something which stirs our soul and becomes real to us"??? I listened to Dr. Jim Samra from Calvary Church, Grand Rapids, MI preach on this last year . . . he calls us to consider the following from Ephesians 1:15-23 . . . 

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 68 days away . . . if you are looking for something which you could use with the children in your ministry to help them understand who "Santa" really was, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it includes the Veggie story of Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving!

As I've been saying, for the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today let's take a closer look at Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving! 

This Veggie story covers timely issues with care, such as families losing their jobs and being in need of other's "joyful giving". It has a strong messages about the true meaning of Christmas, the true story of Saint Nicholas and how children - and families - can "give this Christmas away" by helping those in need! 

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

If you are looking for something which you could use in your ministry at a Christmas party, consider the VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection as it will help children think through and celebrate what Christmas is all about!

For the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

So, today I'm delighted for the opportunity to share with you the Little Drummer Boy! Veggies took the classic story of the Little Drummer Boy and added their "Veggie touch" with songs, fun and most importantly, a much-needed lesson we all need to hear!

VeggieTales the Ultimate Christmas Collection - I'm Giving One Away!

Christmas is only 70 days away . . . it will be here before we know it . . . at least if you are an adult! If you are a child, I'm sure you'll think it will never arrive! 

For the past several years VeggieTales has released Christmas stories . . . some of which have become my favorite Veggie stories! This year they have put together a "Veggie Christmas Marathon!" They say, "Plug in the tree, light the fire and get ready for the VeggieTales Christmas extravangaza!! Join Bob, Larry and the entire VeggieTales gang for a very Veggie Christmas marathon." This VeggieTales Ultimate Christmas Collection features the entire Veggie Christmas collection! With this collection, you'll find on two DVDs, It's a Meaningful Life, Saint Nicholas: a Story of Joyful Giving, The Star of Christmas, The Little Drummer Boy, The Toy that Saved Christmas, Christmas Singalong Songs DVD and 25 Favorite Christmas Songs CD!

Book Review - Old Story New - I'm Giving Some Away!

Part of what you do in children's ministry is provide resources for parents . . . which can certainly be a challenge. Identifying resources they can use at home - challenge! Identifying resources they will use at home . . . bigger challenge! The resources have to be doable if families will use them and they have to be engaging for families to use them. So . . . if you have been looking for doable and engaging resources, take a look at Old Story New!

Blessings in Disguise and Dehumanizing People - Must Reads!

I have shared links to STRAIGHT4ward with Loretta Baughan in past posts and want to share two more with you today and ask a few questions for you to consider . . . 

First, in her post, Blessings in Disguise, Loretta powerfully wrote about what happens when a parent learns their "precious child or other family member is afflicted with a health problem can turn everyone’s life upside down. A parent’s natural reaction is to move heaven and earth in an effort to do whatever it takes to solve the problem… to make things better. But that’s not always possible." She goes on to share her own experience as a mother with children who are "special blessings from God". A true must-read for all of us.

Secondly, in her post, Dehumanizing People, Loretta writes about how, "In schools across the country, districts using GLENCOE Education in Sexualitytextbooks, are subverting some students’ Christian, Pro-Life values by introducing a grey area concept in what is, and should be, a black and white issue. In teacher-led discussion, the class analyzes three different viewpoints on abortion… yes, three: against, in favor, and what they call “A Third View”. Loretta clearly explains what this "third view" is and shows how dangerous it is. Again, another must-read for all of us.

Take a few minutes and read both of these posts and then consider the following . . . 

I Have Winners!

I'm happy to announce Pam Ferrell is the winner of The Berenstain Bears, God Made the Seasons (You'll find the review at this link) and Rhoda Burrill is the winner of Manners That Matter for Moms: The Essential Book of Life Skills for Your Kids (You'll find the review at this link) Thank you Pam and Rhoda for reading About the Children's Department (please message me your addresses by October 20, 2012 so I can send them to you) and thank you Zonderkidz and Harvest House for sending copies for me to review and making additional copies available for me to give away!

Free Christmas Program!

Does your church have a yearly Christmas program? If so have you chosen the program you will use this year? Since Christmas is only 73 days away, you probably have, but if you have not yet selected the program you want to use, take a look at this free program: Joy to the World the Lord is Come!

Put Feet to Their Faith - Gifts of Hope

There are only 74 more days until Christmas! And, since I'm an adult, I'm sure the time will fly by and Christmas will be here before I know it . . . if I was a child I'm sure the time would drag! If you are looking for a project which you could involve the children and families in your ministry in to help them give to others this Christmas, take a look at WorldHelp's Gifts of Hope!

With the Gifts of Hope catalog you can pick items to give to children and families around the world . . . these items can . . . and actually do . . . change lives as people receive items they truly need - such as coats, seeds, farm animals, clean water, shelter and more - and most importantly, learn about the best Gift the world has ever received; Jesus!

I Have a Winner!

I'm happy to announce Frank Tan is the winner of the new VeggieTales movie; the League of Incredible Vegetables! (You'll find my review at this link) Thank you Frank for reading About the Children's Department (please message me  your address by October 18 so I can have it sent to you) and thank you Big Idea for sending one for me to review and for making another available for me to give away!

Family Pick - Kyle Sherman - Hear Me - I'm Giving One Away!

In children's ministry we work to provide opportunities for children to learn and take to heart the message in God's Word; the message they can personally know and walk with Jesus all their life! We work to help equip parents and provide resources for them to use at home as they take serious their call to be the primary teachers of their children. One way we can do this is by recommending music for families to enjoy and learn from together. If you are looking for music you can recommend for families then take a look at the new CD from Kyle Sherman - Hear Me.

Second-Chance Give-Away - The League of Incredible Vegetables!

I'm having a second-chance give-away for the new VeggieTales dvd - the League of Incredible Vegetables! You'll find my review at this link, but I have to tell you, this is my grandson Josiah's absolute favorite Veggie movie! He loves the League of Incredible Vegetables . . . for good reason because Veggies absolutely out-did themselves with this one! Great story, excellent message and lots of fun!

Parent's Night Out!

As I mentioned in a post last week, I'm looking for writers who are willing to write for About the Children's Department. If you are interested, check this link.

I'm happy and honored to introduce a new writer to you . . . Liz Wine! Liz has worked in children’s ministry in several capacities; from being a volunteer to currently directing a children’s ministry program.  Her responsibilities include overseeing Sunday morning classes, selecting curriculum, running VBS, Parent’s Night Out and whatever else God plops into her lap! Liz especially enjoys working with special needs children and their families and spent a year in Rwanda teaching missionaries children. She has previously written poetry and other works for several denominational publications.  When she is not working, Liz enjoys reading, watching movies, and laughing. Welcome, Liz, to About the Children's Department and thank you for being willing to share with everyone who reads this blog!

So, I am delighted to share with you Liz's first post . . . Parent's Night Out!

Where Does Your Church List Children's Ministry In It's List of Top Priorities?

Do you know where children's ministry "rates" on your church's list of top priorities? If you were to ask the leaders of your church, where would the rate children's ministry? Where would parents rate children's ministry? Do you know where grandparents rate children's ministry on your church's list of top priorities? Take a moment to watch this video . . . 

In Your Busyness, Don't Forget to Pay Attention!

There are so many things to do in children's ministry on a Sunday and Wednesday . . . be sure we have our curriculum ready, all volunteers present and accounted for, supplies ready to go, people ready to help visitors and the list goes on and on. While there are so many things to do, don't forget to pay attention. Children and families may have needs they won't voice, so be sure to pay attention to the following things . . . 

Freebies from Manners that Matter for Moms - & Two Books to Give Away!

I recently shared a review of Maralee McKee's new book, Manners That Matter for Moms: The Essential Book of Life Skills for Your Kids. I am delighted to share some freebies with you all today! At the Manners that Matter for Moms website you'll find all kinds of "goodies"! Please allow me to share some with you!

Aim A Little Lower . . . Where Are You Aiming?

As you think about children's ministry and the vision your church has for children's ministry, take a few minutes to watch this clip from 2fish5bread . . . 

First Friday Freebies - Guildcraft (re-run)

I want to remind you of a free resource from Guildcraft. If you love to include crafting opportunities in your children's ministry, but may find yourself short of funds, be sure to check out Guildcraft Friday Freebies for free ideas and resources you can print and use in your ministry! You'll find resources for Pastor Appreciation cards, Fall resources, Thanksgiving items and a whole lot more . . . all of which are free for you to download, print and use! Check their facebook page, too for more great freebies!

"Boil the Frog Slowly . . ." Check this Post from Loretta Baughan!

If you have not taken the opportunity to check out STRAIGHT4ward with Loretta Baughan, please take a moment to do so. Loretta wrote a very thought provoking post - "Boil the Frog Slowly: Staking Claims on the Next Generation"  - it will give you many things to think about. 

Anything - Love = Nothing!

Do you ever listen to sermons from pastors at churches you do not attend? I'd like to share a sermon by Dr. Jim Samra on I Corinthians 13 - Think. Love. Live. Love Never Ends with you. Take 33 minutes and seven seconds to listen to this sermon . . . you will be so glad you did!


There! Did you listen to it? If not, please do!

Okay, now, a few thoughts . . . 

I Have Two Winners!

I'm happy to announce Pam Ferrell is the winner of the Berenstain Bears, Faith Gets Us Through book and Mary Beth Dawson is the winner of the God's Kids Worship music DVDs (You'll find the reviews at this link and this link.) Thank you Pam and Mary Beth for reading About the Children's Department (please message me your addresses so I can have them sent to you - lyndafreemanatcd@gmail.com) and thank you ZonderKidz and God's Kids Worship for sending these for me to review and for making additional copies available for me to give away!

Put Feet to Their Faith - Gifts of Hope from WorldHelp

If you are like me you already have Christmas gifts for family members sitting in your closet and have a list made up in your mind of the items you still need to get. I LOVE giving gifts to people, so Christmas is clearly one of my favorite times of the year! However, along with giving gifts to my family, I also am making a point of involving my young grandsons in giving gifts to others. They are working on filling boxes for Operation Christmas Child, but we are also going to be choosing items from WorldHelp's Gifts of Hope so children and families around the world who are in need will be able to receive special gifts this year . . . and most importantly, learn about the Best Gift ever; Jesus!

Book Review - My Grandma & Me

Just as parents often look for resources they can use with their children at home, so do grandparents. If you have any grandmothers who might wonder about books they could use with their grandchildren, take a look at My Grandma & Me.