ABC's of Shabbat

When I first started keeping Shabbat, I didn't have the best attitude.  If I had a list like this to help me transition out of a self-centered Saturday to a holy, Christ -centered Shabbat, it wouldn't have taken me so long to appreciate how beautiful and set-apart this day can truly become.  May your Shabbats be richly blessed!

Acts of Love-Above all days, lets speak and have actions of love
Bike ride- A leisurely ride and praying as you go.
Create and decorate a Bible/Prayer journal
Design a Bible Study just for you
Erev Shabbat Meal-light some candles and pray and eat together as a family.  My daughter likes to set the table extra special for Shabbat meal.
Feed the Duck or birds.  This is relaxing thing to do if you have littles.  Letting them appreciate God's creation.
Gather with believers.  We are commanded to fellowship with like minded believers.  This can be a lonely path, and we need to sharpen each other weekly.
Hospitality-Open your home to others to share a simple meal and encourage fellowship
Inspect your Heart- It is important to have a weekly check up to remove any bitterness, anger or unresolved issues to truly have a healing Shabbat.
Jigsaw puzzle- If you can truly relax(I can't) doing a 10,000 piece puzzles, it's a nice activity during those long peaceful summer Shabbats.
Knit a gift- One Shabbat I was home with my sick toddler and was able to knit a baby hat for my niece.
Listen to Worship or a favorite sermon or teaching.  This creates such a wonderful atmosphere to welcome in Shabbat.
Make a card --Snail mail is dying art.  Especially something hand made.  Add a verse and encouragement. If you are feeling creative, this will truly bless someone.  If you just write a card, it will equally bless the receiver.
Nature Walk- I love doing this with my family.  Peaceful family walk. Surrounded by God's beautiful handiwork.
Organize a prayer group- This a great way to welcome in Shabbat for Erev Shabbat or for the end of Shabbat as a Havdalah.
Pray-If a group setting is not your thing, then get in that prayer closet
Quiz your family on Bible Trivia- We like doing this on Friday Nights in the winter when Shabbat begins at 4pm.
Read the Word- This needs to be one of the first things we do
Sing Praises-This is a wonderful runner up
Talk with your spouse, kids, --I like to take this time to have one on one devotions with each of my girls and take the time to see how they are doing.
Unplug-In this day and age, this is an important thing to do.  We are so tied to our electronics, we need to cut the cord on Shabbat and focus on Him.
Visit the sick, homebound, new mother.  This a wonderful time to visit someone who is unable to attend services or needs to see Yeshua in you by giving your time to care.
Write in your prayer/Bible journal- This past 6 months I have incorporated a Bible Journal where I write the verses that minister to me during my devotions and I love it.  Decorating it is fun too!
Xamine your attitude- Shabbat is made for us. If you want to truly be blessed by it, your attitude may need to be adjusted.
Yeshua is the center of the day.  We keep Shabbat because we love Him. May all we do, point to Him on Shabbat and bring honor and glory to Him.
Zzzzzzzzzz.....Rest, nap...we worked 6 days and now it's time to rest. 

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."  Exodus 20:8

Is Yeshua Enough??

This Messianic movement has grown leaps and bounds over the years.  It has rabbit trailed this way and that way.  I am afraid Satan is using the internet to distract us away from the Word and the Spirit of Torah.
Am I Jewish enough?  Am I Christian enough? Headcovering? Fringes?
Isn't Yeshua Enough?
Tzitzi ? Phylacteries? Long Hair? Long dresses? Beards?
Isn't Yeshua Enough?

That is the question I want to shout from the mountain tops!  Is Yeshua Enough for you or do you feel the need to scour the internet for more ways to please Him?  Instead, we should be scouring the Word for more ways to please Him.  You will find that the internet and God's Word do not always line up.  So why not just stick to what we KNOW is true..the Bible.
It reminds me of the Haggadah during Passover...DAYENU!  It would have been enough!  If the Israelites has been taken out of Egypt...It would have been enough.   Is what Yeshua did for you, enough? Or are you adding on baggage that we were not supposed to bear.

Yeshua, you love me more than anything....Dayenu
Yeshua, you promise to never leave my side...Dayenu
Yeshua, you can give a peace and joy that can't be taken....Dayenu
Yeshua, you died on the cross for my sins...Dayenu
Yeshua, you rose again...Dayenu
Yeshua, you are coming back for me...DAYENU!

Just give me Yeshua!

I Want A Marshmallow!

Eating Biblically clean can be a challenge to be sure, even as an adult. Certainly more so if you have children.  The kind neighbor who wants to give your children a gelatin filled fruit snack.  Grandma wants to have the kids over for smore's around the campfire. When my kids see the masses of kids running towards those rice krispie snacks the soccer mom bought for all the kids after their game, they get a totally bummed look in their eyes.   Don't get me started on birthday parties with their gummy bears and pepperoni pizza!  It's a fine line of being assertive but not rude.  I want my kids to learn to graciously decline these treats without offending or appearing haughty. I want them to navigate these waters of unclean foods on their own, so they are confident in these Godly choices that are meant to guide and protect us.  Here are some ideas that I have learned to graciously decline the pork-product treat, and to kindly offer a substitution or alternative.


1.  Manners.  Saying, "No, Thank You", goes a long way.  Smile and move on. No need to go to chapter and verse go, unless they ask.  State your responses, firmly, but kindly. I want it to be my kids that speak up, not me.  I want them to want to please the Lord and follow His commandments.  That in turn pleases me the most.

2.Make it yourself.  Make your own dish to pass. Make your own marshmallows.  Bring Turkey pepperoni. Bring Beef hot dogs.  Bring non-gelatin fruit snacks. There are so many other alternatives. Keep it simple.  I am sure there will be a veggie tray, so load up those carrots and celery and enjoy your family.

3. Be Clear!  With allergies running rampant these days, most events will ask if your child has allergies.  I state that we don't eat pork, and I give example of gelatin and pork by products.  That way, we rank with the peanut allegry kid and nobody bats an eye.

As you dodge that pork chop at the next function, always remember to come to all events in the love of Yeshua.  We want to provoke people to jealousy, not provoke them.  We want them to see our genuine relationship with the Lord, our devotion to God's word and the love of Yeshua's sacrifice for them, for us.  Remember, why we do what we do.  Out of love for our Messiah.

Tales from the Trail VBS 2017

We hit the trail this VBS, the wagon trail that is! What a great week we had! 

The kids visited Solomon's Mine, where they mined for God's Golden nuggets of truth. Ate gold nuggets and white gold nuggets for snack(aka carmel popcorn and regular popcorn)

     Then they went for a ride down the Wagon Trail.  They had a "narrow" obstacle course to remind them to stay on the narrow trail. Learned to lasso a cow and had trail mix for a snack.

Next was the Blacksmith, where they learned God sometimes puts us thru the fire to mold and shape us into His image.  Here they decorated and beaded real horseshoes, practiced their sling shot aim and roasted marshmellows for smores'.

Lastly, they visited Judy's Ranch House, where they learned Hospitality.  "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord/"  It is here where they learned how to draw people closer to God thru our actions, attitude and words.  They decorated plates that they can use to serve others and had a snack that warms up the heart, an edible campfire!

Day #1 Sample

The Mines-Solmon's Mines

Welcome- Ice Breaker Games as kids arrive

Ranch Rules

Wild West Worship

Lesson:  Do not lay up for yourselved treasrues on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieved break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,  Take a look at this guy(insert picture of Scrooge McDuck)

He seems to really enjoy his treasure!  He just wants more and more and more!  It's the only thing that makes him happy.  If thieves were to break in and steal it, he would be devastated!  Now, I don't have a ginormous vault of gold, but I do have my treasures. I have several photo albums of my family that I would be so sad if they were destroyed.  I love my great-grandma's dishes and I would be heart broken if they were broken.  It is not wrong to have treasures or money.  It becomes wrong when you value them more than Jesus, your family and friends.  If you are only interested in getting the best and lates gadget, you might want to reevaluate.  Ok, I told you my treasures, you guys tell me what your earthly treasures, are(have kids respond as you write their requests on "Flash Paper" For more detailed info on this object lesson see http://www.kidministry.net/?p=55 )

The bible tells us that everything on earth will burn away.  Just like all these treasures you listed will someday burn away and be destroyed.  (light them on fire)

But the only that remains is Jesus.  The righteousness of Yeshua.  Treasures that represent Him.  So, lets talk about the treasures He is talking about . The treasures that no one can steal or destroy. What treasures will not burn away but be stored up in heaven??? (have kids respond..ex. faith, salvation, joy, peace, kindness, love)  These things are eternal and can not be stolen or destroyed.  These are the treasures we need to store up....choose your treasure wisely!

Verse: "With your wisdom and your understanding you have gained riches for yourself, and gathered gold and silver into your treasuries

Puppet Skit: Petey and Judy " Treasure"

Dismiss into small groups- 1 hour duration

Return to ranch- practice musical and songs

Dismiss

Day #2 Wagon Trail- Watch Out! Stay on the narrow trail, and don't go down the broad trail!!

Day #3 Blacksmith-Where we are put thru the fire to be molded and shaped into His image

Day #4 Home on the Range- Be Hospitable- Everyone is invited to church! Draw people to God thru the warmth of your words, actions and attitude!

For more detailed lesson plans, contact me directly and I can send it to you :)

Decorations make a VBS!! Here are some fun ideas !!

"Fencing" made out of strips of paper bags

Best Puppet "Stage" ever!! Petey was happy!

Wagon-made of insulation, pool noodles and a fitted sheet

Beautiful backdrop!  Painted on light weight insulation

Photo Booth adds lots of fun!

Finished horseshoes from BlackSmith Room

Finished Plates from the Ranch House

All the kids practicing their musical 

working on painting their plates

Camfire snack!

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