A Detective Mystery VBS 2016

VBS 2016 A Detective Mystery

 This year's VBS was a hit! A mixture of old school Sherlock Holme's and seeking God's clue's in His word. We also did a musical  which a friend of mine wrote just for this VBS. It was a huge success and I realized how much the kids love acting.  

This was a 5 day, 2 hours each day VBS.  I went thru the 5 basic questions every detective must ask when given a case....Who? Where? What? Why? and How?

Example of Day 1-

Day #1  Who is Yeshua. (God’s son, our Saviour, miracles?) There is only one Man who has fulfilled all prophecies….Yeshua (Evidence that Demands a Verdict)

 (for lesson, create a “evidence board” with the labels of all the who, what, where, why, how, . Need cork board and red yarn, and point labels)

Welcome- Welcome to God’s Detective Academy, where we train the most elite Truth Seeker Detectives in this day and age. You my young detectives will learn how to search God’s word for truth . And when you seek…you shall find!  Things will be revealed to you that will help you understand your mission….IF YOU CHOOSE to ACCEPT.  The Bible will send you on many missions in life, but you must have the accurate information. You must study your manual, take notes if need be and you will graduate from this academy at the end of the week a super sleuth for God!   The Game’s Afoot!!

Give Clue #1- (write down the clues in your notepad. You will have 3 a day )

      I was up, then I was down and now I am up again and all around.

Rules

Worship:

Lesson:     Case #1.      WHO IS YESHUA?

Today we are going to talk about Yeshua/Jesus.   Some say He was just a man, a teacher, a prophet.  Or was He more? Son of God, Savior, Healer?  Ok, dectectives, where do we start?  Oh, our manual, which is the Bible.  Ok, got that. Now what?  Well, a good detective asks these 5  questions: Who? What? Where? Why? And How?

Who Is Yeshua?  Matthew 3:17 says that He is God’s Son! God spoke from heaven and said,” this is my Son in whom I am well pleased” If you are taking notes, I would write that verse down and all information we discuss.  You never know when you need it during a case. The manual is SO clear.  This clue wasn’t too hard to find.

What did He do?  Since Yeshua was the Son of God, He did a lot of amazing things.  He did miracles like feeding 5000 people from 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish.(Matt 14.)And still had 12 baskets left over.  He helped and healed people. They were healed from sickness, diseases, blindness and He even brought the dead to life.  The most important and wonderful thing He did was die on the cross for us. Our sin equals death and separation from God.  But Jesus loves us SO much that He took that death for us, and gave us a way to repent and say sorry so that we can be with God. Wow! He is amazing.  I think we are on the right track, the evidence on Jesus is telling us who and what He did so far. Next…..

Where is He? Hebrews 8:1 in our manual tells us. We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of theMajesty in the heavens.  He is in heaven, on His throne where a King should be.

But now our next question is Why?

Why did He die for us?  Our sin equals death and separation from God.  But Jesus loves us SO much that He took that death for us, and gave us a way to repent and say sorry so that we can be with God.  Because He loves us

Object Lesson:(Wear Goggles and lab coat)    http://www.madaboutjesus.net/nothinggoldcanstay.html

How? How did Yeshua do all these things? How did He do miracles and and heal so many.  I think our evidence and clues lead us right back to Who He is, which is God’s Son.  He is Diety. He is King. He knows all. I think we got this mystery all figured out.  Way to go detectives.  We discovered who Yeshua was by following the evidence in God’s Word, every good detective’s manual.  I will see you tomorrow as we unravel another mystery.  Until then study your Manuals. I’m off!

Mysterious Bible Verse: 1 John 3:16 “ By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. “

Puppet Skit:

Clue #2      I have a cousin who is 6 months older than me.

Break into Group rotations

1 hour

Return to Head Quarters

Clue #3 (have kids guess answer)  I love each of you. I heal, save and deliver. I died for you. Who am I?

Recite Super Slueth Motto

Dismiss

Day #2 Seek the Truth

Day #3 Holy Spirit Helps Reveal

Day #4 Diligence: Test your Hypothesis

Day #5 Be A Light for Yeshua

We also rotated the kids for the last hour of the day.  They visited a new room every night.

Example:   Room 1: Judy’s Lightbulb Lab-  (Fellowship Hall #1)

White lab coats(disposable), protective glasses, and plastic gloves, lab coat for judy               http://www.mrdisposable.com/product/LC5

“Be a Light” Kids will do “Light” experiments.

Mission Envelope(devo)- This is your mission if you choose to accept.   “ Be a Light” Give clue #2

Be a light Devo(5 min)

Verse: Matt 5:16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”   (black light verse find)

Black light and invisible pen messages-Go around the room and reveal messages on yellow posterboard with black light(5min).

Lemons and lightbulbs—God uses the most unlikely sources

Light Reveals hidden sin-Microscope time-(10 min) Use Microscopes and look at things under special light to reveal the tiniest things.

Craft-(20 min)Be a light in the Darkness-mason jars, glow in dark paint, brushes, rope with verse printed.

Snack(10 min)-glow in dark jello( kosher LIME jello, tonic water,whip cream, sprinkles, plates, spoons

Game-(10 min) glow in dark ring toss

Truth Seekers Room

Room 2- Truth Seekers Room-Where we learn to seek the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

Room 3-Evidence Room--Where we look at all the evidence closely so we don't miss the clues.

every good detective needs a cape!

Evidence Room- figure out the parable

Cracking Codes

Room 4- Code Cracking Class-Where we learn how the Holy Spirit helps reveal the mysteries of God's word.

a message REVEALED!!

Room 5-Hypothesis Testing Room- Where we are instructed to test everything and compare it to the Bible to find out weather it is true or not.

What is VBS without detective Petey!!

Super Slueth Motto:

We seek and we shall find

The Truths God left behind.

For we shall follow the clues,

And find Yeshua’s Good News!

handmade magnifying glass

evidence bags

name tags and each child got a notebook (5 different groups 5 different colored name tags)

If you would like the complete lesson plan and room ideas..please contact me! I'd be happy to help!

Blessings in Yeshua,

 Jen

The Great Commission VBS 2015 Overview

This year was fresh and exciting as we had a Great Commission theme for VBS. Teaching the kids to go into all the world and tell everyone about Yeshua(Jesus) to every tribe, nation and tongue!  This is a complete overview for a 5 day VBS, 2 hour program. First hour of the program is Announcement, Missionary money challenge, Worship, Story/lesson, puppet skit. The 2nd hour the kids are divided into their groups and sent to different countries for 1 hour.  Then returned to North America/Stage Area for review , song and Missionary challenge winner.

The kids were divided into 5 color groups.  Everyday, a different group visited a different country, and rotated thru the week. The teachers were teaching the same lesson everyday, just a different group of kids, which was easy on my teachers.

Go Into All the World and tell them about Yeshua(Jesus)!!

Key Verse: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirt."  Matthew 29:19

Stage Represented
North America

North America -Home Base-STAGE area(witnessing starts where you are!) decorate stage with flags of US, Canada and Mexico. American symbols, we used Mt Rushmore. A very talented lady in our congregation made me a Mt Rushmore out of styrofoam!  It was FABULOUS! And we added touches like pine trees and old fashioned luggage and suit cases!

Country flags strung across the room

I made welcome signs in various languages

5 classrooms for 5 countries, 1 country per day per group of kids
5 teachers- teach appointed country/continent each day-duration of 1 hour
5 Teens appointed as travel guides to travel to each country with assigned group and be helpers

Passports, luggage and name tags

Each child got a passport, which they got stamped every time they visited a new country.  They received an assigned colored folder(Yellow team pictured, yellow folder, yellow name tag and yellow laynard.)

Luggage folder inserts contained:
 -missionary page representing that country
-map of each country, coloring page , fun facts
-coloring page of each country's flag
-pictures or coloring pages of native animals, traditional clothing, housing, words in native tongue

Luggage folders are 3 pronged, with pocket for passport storage

After class each day, the teacher returned "luggage" to baggage claim, to be claimed the next day. They took them home on the last day.

*Passports were purchased at www.orientaltrading.com
*Stamps were custom made for our specific countries at http://www.rubberstamps.net/   They were fabulous to work with and I loved the end product.  Images for our countries were purchased, then you are able to upload to have them made into stamps.

Countries, classrooms and order of service.

We did 5 countries/continents.(Besides, Home base, which is North America)

Kenya, Africa
Australia
Philippines, Asia
Colombia, South America
Jerusalem, Israel

I was so blessed to have actual teachers either live or visited all these countries except Australia. So the kids got first hand learning experiences from their knowledge.  I also included library books from each country for any extra time. Each class also had a world map or a globe so the kids could see where each country is located.

Kenya, Africa (decorate- tikki torches(unlit), Kenya flag, wild prints, grass skirt table cloth-teacher will dress in traditional Kenya attire)
Upon Arrival: Passport Activity- stamp kids passports, work on Kenya worksheets (10min)
Africa Craft: Rainstick- mail tubes with caps, paper inserts, rice and funnel, washi tape, markers, beads, string (20 min)
African Missionary: Thompson Family-read story and discuss(5 min)
Africa Snack- Mandazi (10 min)
Africa Game: Mencala (10 min)
Verse Game/Review (5 min)

Cebu, Philippines ( decorate-tikki torches, large paper flower, shells, ocean table cloth, bamboo. Teacher dressed in traditional Filipino attire)
Upon arrival: Passport activity for Philippines section, stamp passport (10 min)
Philippines Craft: Shark Tooth Necklace ( shark teeth (primative beads.com) string, beads) 15 min.
Philippines Game: Fruit Basket Upset (10min)
Philippines Missionary: Ralston Family (5 min)
Philippines Snack: Mangos (10 min)
Verse Game/reivew (5 min)


Colombia, South America (decorate- Colombian Flag, colorful table cloth, pottery/jugs, colorful rag rugs, Teacher dressed in Colombian Soccer Jersery :) Since "classroom" was outside due to Game.
Upon arrival: Passport activity, stamp passorts and discuss South America section (10 min)
South America Craft- Maracas -for time we used permanent markers to decorate (10 min) craft found at www.orientaltrading.com   They are very small, but perfect since we didn't want to spent alot of time.
South America Game- Soccer - 2nets and soccer ball (20 min)
South America Missionary- FANA Orphanage, Bogata,Colombia(5min)
South America Snack- Plaintain Chips (5 min)
Verse Game/Review (5 min)

Israel

Jerusalam, Israel (decorate- 12 tribes banners, Torah Scroll, Menorah, Israeli flag)
Upon arrival: Passport activity, stamp passports and do Israel section in folder (10 min)
Israel Craft: Breastplate (bags of 12 self adhesive jewels, metallic paper, ribbons, hole punch) 20 min
Israel Game; Dreidel (10 min)
Israel Missionary- Jerusalem Prayer Team-Michael Evans
Israel Snack: Challa and honey
Verse Game/review

Boomerang craft: Australia

Australia( Decorate- welcome to the outback, signs, kangaroos
Upon arrival: Passport activity, stamp passports, Aussie section in folder (10 min)
Australia Craft: Boomerang (www.orientaltrading.com) they were plastic so had to decorate with permanent marker (10 min.)

Feed the Great Barrier Reef
Sharks from Australia

Australia Missionary: The Brown Family (5min)
Australia Snack- Lamingtons (10 min)
Australia Game: Feed the Shark (bean bag toss) My teacher made this awesome shark out of styrofoam but suggest wood since the bean bags broke the shark nose! (10 min)
Verse Game/Review (5 min)









Lessons. Missionaries from the Bible, who told other about Yeshua(Jesus)!
Day 1- Jonah- Obey God's Call. Go Into All the World and Obey God's Calling
Day 2- Paul and Silas(Acts 16) Prasie God when sharing God's word is difficult
Day 3- Peter and Cornelius(Acts 10) Everyone deserves to hear about Yeshua, no partiality!
Day 4- John the Baptist-Prepare the Way
Day 5- THE Missionary- Yeshua.  Repent, I am the Way, The Truth and the Life!

Order of Service:
Part I- 45min-
Welcome- Introduction
Traveling rules: I had a teacher pretend to be an airline stewardess
Offering Challenge- blue and pink buckets, the kids raised money for the missionaries
Worship- The kids learned songs in Swahili, Cebano, Spanish and Hebrew
Lesson-Bible Story, application, object lesson
Puppet Skit
Part II- 1 hour
Break into groups(1 hour duration)

Part III- 15 min

Everyone returns to North America(Stage area)

Maracas-made in Colombia, South America

Review day
closing song
Reveal Missionary offering challange winner
Dismiss

Visiting Israel

Making Breastplates of Righteousness

visiting Kenya, Africa

Making African rain sticks

Making fondue Lamington's -an Australia treat

Shark tooth bead necklaces-Philippines

Feed the Shark Game-Australia

Welcome to Colombia, South America

5 Tips to Help with Your Spirited Child

Have a spirited child?  One that always seems to rise to the challenge?  Here are a few tips that helped me keep my cool and nurture our relationship.  A lot of the times, it's my reaction that can either nip the situation in the bud OR I can cause it to spiral out of control.

1. Do NOT engage.  Seriously, why am I arguing with a 5 yr old.  I gave you an answer. To often I find myself arguing to make my point. Not worth it. She will not fully understand.  I am open to respectful discussion, however, I will not engage in back and forth arguing. I find I have to be the grown up... oh gee, I AM the grown up! So I have to act like one and not bicker with my child.

2. Pick your battles.  Am I a fan of how she does her hair? No.  Am I fan of her outfits. No. Do I dislike how many clothes are on the floor? No. Do I dislike how she uses up all the tape in the house, all my printer paper...where is my stapler? Where are my scissors???? Breathe.  Breathe again. These are the tiny things that can turn into big things so easily.  Does she take a shower. Yes. so her hair is fine.  Are her clothes modest, appropriate and clean? Yes, so it's not a big issue.  I hear that a messy room means she is creative.  And all the missing office supplies suggests that also.  However, is she rolling her eyes as me, disrespectful, unkind or defiant.?  Those are the battles I will step up lay down the discipline.

3. Make alone time.  I find she acts out because she wants to be with me.  Play a game. Do date nights.  Run an errand together. Pray with her alone. Read Bible together. Just take her one on one and talk in your room. Show her you are willing to put down your phone or wait on those dishes and laundry, so you can look her in the eyes and show her how precious and important she is to you. Bring her in close, otherwise you will loose her in the future.  Make time for her now, so she will make time for you as she gets older.

4. Heaps of Love and Encouragement.  Out of all my girls, she needs the most love and affirmation. Constant encouragement and daily, almost hourly positive words and love.  The more I give, the better her attitude is.  I ask her how her "love tank" is doing and she honestly will say its low, so that is where I step up and squeeze her til she says, "hearts are coming out of my ears."  Is she giving you a hard time, just stop, give her a funny look and give her a hug and say I love you!  That will diffuse the issue on the spot. Love on them, pay attention to their moods and body language, she most likely just needs you to come and give her a huge hug.

5. Start your day in prayer and God's Word.  I find that I have more patience and am able to deal with situations in a more calm and peaceful way if I start my day with Jesus.  On the days that I overlook this precious time, my day is more frazzled and I tend to be more tightly wound. Pray for the patience, wisdom and understanding it takes to mold a young child. What a wonderful opportunity we have, and very important one, that I do not want to take it on without His guidance.  It is essential that she sees me spending this time with the Lord as well.  Show her how to be more like Jesus. Be the example.



It's hard to believe that the same child that tries me every which way and challenges me on a level that is beyond my understanding.  Is the same child that loves beyond measure, is compassionate and aware of the needs of others. She loves and cares deeply.  There is a fountain of love under her tough exterior.  At the end of the day, when all is said and done, she is waiting for her prayers, hugs and kisses. I thank the Lord for this beautiful daughter He has given me!

DIY "Wood" Signs

VBS is right around the corner and I found a cool way to make some signs.  It's a Survivor theme, so I wanted a fake wood without the cost or weight of real wood.  Here is a step by step way to make signs!

I got plain white foam board at the Dollar Store!.  I can make 2 signs from 1 piece of foam board.

Cut the foam board in half and trim the 2 pieces all around.  Making some deep cuts on the side.  And then make lines and creases with the scissors to give it a wood look.

I happen to have some wood finish stain in the garage and just used that to "paint" it.  It gives it a real wood look and fills in the creases well.  Use extra on the sides so you see no white parts of the board.  It really gives the edges an almost burnt/darker look, making it authentic looking.

Wait for it to dry.
























Then Paint your words.

My Marriage is on the Rocks!



 

 

Yes, my marriage is on the rocks.....Biblical rocks that is.  Jesus the Rock, the rock of forgiveness, the rock of joy, the rock of submission, the rock of self-control, and the rock of love.  The unity of marriage is getting weaker and weaker as days go by.  Couples, Christian or not, are giving up on their vows. Satan is after marriages stronger than ever, so we have to be diligent more than ever to be in prayer and in God's Word, and shut out the world.  A world that is telling you that you deserve more, a husband who helps more, or plays with the kids more, who tends to your needs more...those are Satan's whispers of discontent.  See them for what they are..lies!   Let's just set the flaws of our husbands aside for now...let's look at you.  What rocks are you building on???  Personal dreams, climbing the corporate ladder, diet and exercise, getting that degree, vacations and large home??  There is nothing wrong with wanting or having these things.  But if you are putting them before your husband, then the downward spiral begins.  Our husbands deserve our respect, even when you think they don't deserve it.  When we stand on the rock of self-control and submission, then God can work amazing and beautiful things in our marriage thru our attitude and behavior.  Stop pouting, complaining, picking fights, and nagging..When we bring our selves willingly and joyfully under the leadership of our husbands, those dreams can happen in a healthy and respectful way.

Are you holding onto bitterness for things that were said in a heated argument or careless jibing?  You need to stand on the rock of forgiveness.  God does not say forgive only these certain things.  He just says to forgive. And forgive again.  And forgive again.  And forgive again. If you truly forgive, then you are not bringing it up ever again. 
⁵ But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. ⁶ This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, ⁷ so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. ⁸ Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. ⁹ For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. ¹⁰ Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one^[a] for your sakes in the presence of Christ, ¹¹ lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor. 2:5-11

Are you mad that he doesn't meet your expectations??  Why are you putting expectations on an imperfect man.  Our help cometh from the Lord.  He shall supply all our needs.  Stand on the rock of joy.  Don't waste another day being mad at your spouse because he didn't take the garbage out.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. Psalm 51:12

You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

Are you "falling out of love" with your spouse?  Then you need to choose to love even when you don't feel like it.  Continue honoring him, respecting him, and submitting to him.  Serve and love him as unto the Lord and you will not come back empty.
that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, Titus 2:4

 
I am reminded of the foolish woman in Proverbs who tears her house down.  Our foolish behaviors can destroy a marriage quickly.  Don't be that woman. Bring honor to your husband.  God can restore your marriage thru your biblical attitude and behaviors.
Marriage takes alot of work, but it is so worth it. Standing on those Biblical rocks will bring you closer to a beautiful, passionate, loving, and respectful marriage with your spouse.  Fight for it.  Desire it.  Pray for it. 
I will be praying for you my friends.  Give it to Jesus. 







5 ways to Mother Your Motherhood

Being a mommy, either of young ones or big ones, your motherhood takes a beating.  I seem to take the brunt of Lego fights, complaining about getting the bigger broccoli and the sassy lip service.  My mothering attitude starts to go swirling in the toilet and then I start acting like the 4 yr old, complaining about the complaining and my lip service is less then stellar. My Motherhood needs Mothering.  Why do I let the 6 yr old get the best of me...I am the adult..right???  I should respond in soft , yet firm tones, and quote Scripture in order to correct the behavior. Umm...sure...sometimes...

I need to apply some nurturing to my motherhood.  It needs to be treated like a child who is needing some correction.  Before you should start your day of motherhood, give it some good mothering so it can hold up under the most difficult of days.

-Smother your motherhood in Scripture and Prayer daily- Who else is going to understand your motherhood more than our Heavenly Father.  He is in our shoes on daily basis when dealing with us :) He knows all too well when His children forget the rules, disobey and treat other unkindly.

-Be Careful what you say--because when you say it, it may not seem so bad. But when your child repeats exactly what you say, it comes back 10x more sassy and disrespectful.  I am sometimes taken aback at how I sound through the lips of my child.  Mother your words, watch them and talk like you want to be talked to back.

-Choose to be Happy--If I see my child moping around and grumpy, more than likely, I have been grumpy. I need to Mother my attitude and put a smile on my face.  Turning on worship music or contemporary Christian music really lifts the frowns upside down in this house.  I need to be proactive about creating an atmosphere of Joy and Thanksgiving in my home.

-Get enough sleep and eat well--This is a daily mothering we give our kids, so we need to mother ourselves too.  You need to be rested and get the sleep you need to be the mom you need to be.  If you are living on coffee and donuts for 3/4 of the day, then that will tilt your motherhood in the negative direction.  We need to set the example.

-Relax. Play. Say "yes" sometimes.  --I sometimes see my girls get stressed and ready to blow up at their sister over the smallest of errors.  I say, "Relax, it's OK."  But, I actually need to follow my own advice.  We need to relax and say it's going to be OK.  Yes, we have a To-Do list a mile long, the flowers need planting, and I need to go to the grocery store.  Breathe. Sit down, read a story with your kids.  Then have them help with your to-do list, they love to plant flowers with you too, and maybe let daddy do the grocery shopping :) Enjoy being a mother. Say "yes" when they want to run thru the sprinklers.
You want to see them giggle...run thru the sprinkler with them.
Your kids want to see you enjoying your motherhood.  So take the time to Mother your motherhood, because it will effect generations of mothers after you.

Homeschooling Fail = Mommy Fail

Seeing this practically broke my heart.  A total homeschooling mommy fail!  I failed as a mommy and as a teacher.  I failed my daughter.  These feelings have been plaguing me all day.  My daughter has completely forgotten she even wrote that distressed S.O.S message to me in her math book just this morning, but it has been following me around, whispering to me...

you're not smart enough to teach...
you're not not doing it right...
you're messing up your kids...
they won't learn a single academic thing from you....

And then due to all my feelings of inadequacies, I was short with her the rest of the morning. Oh, how I have let her down.  This funny, smart, sensitive and compassionate daughter, who challenges me to be a better mommy and teacher daily...and I fail to meet those challenges constantly.

At the end of my frustrating day, I sit back and I try to think what she needs.  What is it that I must teach her..I look to Scripture to help me find what it is I need to equip her with.  To my surprise, I did not see anything about Algebra, special blend sounds, cursive or state capitals...

This is what I found....

Teach her God's commandments- Deut. 6:6-7
Teach her to love Jesus - Matthew 22:37
Teach her to be a light -Matthew 5:14
Teach her to be a friend- Proverbs 18:24

This is what I want for her foundation!  There is so much more to teach from Scripture that I want my girls to learn.  The other things will come, bit by bit, in time.  But my main focus needs to be teaching my girls to love Jesus, love others, kind words, laugh , be joyful....and

                                                             play and eat ice cream!

So my dear sweet daughter, mommy may not be very good at fractions and I don't know the capital of Turkey...but I will always love you.  I promise to teach you and to show you God's Word because that is the foundation that will carry you through relationships, jobs, family and life. Always remember....
Jesus will never fail you.