Life is full of adventures for children and adults.  Some days are tough, others fly by.

We need encouragement to keep our minds focused on Christ and radiate His love in all we say and do.

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:8 KJV

Having a verse for the day will help you through the hard times and enable you to encourage others. By using an encouragement vessel you will be able to focus your thoughts on Christ and start your day on a positive note.

Make an encouragement vessel.

• Fill a vessel or container with Bible verses. Need some verses to get started? Print these verses.

• Each day before your family goes out the door or gets started with their daily activities, gather around your encouragement vessel.

• Have each person choose a verse and read it. This is their verse for the day. They can carry the verse with them, read it, and draw upon God’s strengthening and encouraging power though out the day.

• When you are finished choosing verses, have a time of family prayer.

Use an encouragement vessel daily to help you stay focused on Christ, draw your family together, and encourage others.

Were you ever told not to play with your food?

If you were, make an exception, try this fun idea, and praise God for the people He has placed in your life.

You may not get along with all people in your life, but God wants you to care, show love to them, and be thankful. God places people in your life to help and bless you. Family, friends, teachers, pastors, community helpers, and more do things for you. Thanking and praising God for the people He made shows our love and appreciation to God.

As you do this fun activity, thank God for the people in your life.

“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may behardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

Hebrews 3:13 NIV

Funny Face Thankfulness

Supplies:

Face – Roll, english muffin, bowl of ice cream, gelatin, pudding or any other food item you want to make a face on.

Features – Small pieces of fruit, candy, cereal, or edible decoration

Directions:

Think about the people God has blessed you with.
Use the small edible foods you chose to use for features and decorate your food “face” to look like someone you are thankful for.
As you decorate your “face”, praise God for the ways that person has helped you.
Continue making faces and praising God.
Let the people your face reminds you of know you are thankful for them. Call, write, email, text, or tell them in person you are thankful for their help and you are praising God for them being in your life.

“Always remember, everyone is hungry for praise and starving for honest appreciation.”

- David Berg

Praise God and be an encouragement to others, today!

Find more ways to creatively encourage others every day in Paper Towel Encouragements.

Be Determined!

Using object lessons and games are a good way to help children remember the concept you are teaching them.

This video has an object lesson/game you can use with children and adults. It teaches us not to give up and to keep trying.

God wants us to be determined to obey His Word and not give in to life’s pressures.

God is there to help you stay determined!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV