Category: Service

Fun Ways to Have a Family Month of Gratitude

You've Been Thanked! - Parenting Like HannahAs I write this, Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away. On that day, families and friends around the country will gather and spend a few minutes thanking God for His blessings. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, but what would happen if your family chose to make this month – or any month – an entire month of gratitude?

The idea for the month of gratitude is to spend some time each day finding creative ways to thank anyone and everyone who has touched your life in a positive way. Some days, you may chose to do things together as a family. Other days, each person may do something individually.

At the end of every day, spend time discussing what you did, why that person needed to be thanked and how they reacted. Then spend some time thanking God for His blessings, including the people you thanked that day.

So who are some people your family may choose to thank?

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Kids, Fall Harvesting and God

Teaching Abstract Biblical Concepts - Parenting Like Hannah
Photo by Allesio Maffeis

We finally had our first crisp Fall day here. The leaves are beginning to show a hint of color. The plants are looking a little weary and ready for their winter rest. The stores are filling with items from the Fall harvest – apples, pumpkins, nuts and fresh cranberries.

The Fall harvest is a great time to teach your kids some important godly lessons and have fun at the same time. So grab your kids and head to the nearest farm, orchard or farmer’s market, and share these important lessons from God as you enjoy God’s bountiful harvest and beautiful weather.

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Kids, Noah and a Service Project Helping Flood Victims

Helping Teens Recover From Sinning - Parenting Like HannahLooking for a family service project that will also teach your kids about God? The next time you hear about a flood consider a family service project helping people recover from the devastation left by flood waters.

Review the story of Noah, focusing especially on what happened when Noah and his family left the Ark. Ask your kids what Noah and his family needed to do to start their lives over again. Remind them that although God promised He would never flood the entire earth again, He did not promise there would be no local flooding.

Explain what happens in an area after flood waters recede (houses full of mud, water, and debris, etc.) Work as a family to prepare a campaign to collect supplies to help flood victims. Make sure you have contacted an organization who is willing to distribute the flood recovery kits for you if you are unable to do it (Often your local Church of Christ can provide those connections for you or may be delivering items and love to add yours to what they are taking.).

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Kids, Coupons, Service Projects and God

Fun With Kids and Work - Parenting Like HannahWant your kids to learn some godly money and stewardship skills? Looking for a family service project? Wish you could have fun teaching your kids about the Bible? There are several great service projects you can do with your kids or teens that will cover all of those goals.

Begin by teaching your children one of the Bible stories involving someone with “money” helping others. This could be Abraham entertaining angels unaware or the early Christians selling what they had and using the proceeds to help those in need. Ask your children to help you think of someone your family can help. (You can check our parent website Teach One Reach One for service project ideas.)

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Apples, Kids and God

Teaching Abstract Biblical Concepts - Parenting Like Hannah
Photo by Allesio Maffeis

One of my favorite things about fall is the apple. We live about an hour or so away from an area full of apple orchards. It’s a nice little break from the city to drive up and pick fresh apples on a crisp autumn morning. After bringing them home, our kitchen smells great while the apple butter simmers on the stove all day. Whether or not you have apple orchards near you, you can use apples with your kids to point them towards God.

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