We cannot be separated from God’s love.

Children need to know that as a child of God He will never leave them. Use this lesson to help children understand salvation and the love of God.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“

Romans 8:38-39 (KJV)

The Love of God is HUGE. It is bigger than anything.

What are some big things?

God’s love is bigger than any of those things. He loves us so much that even though we have done naughty things, God gave His Son Jesus to take away our sin.

What is sin?

The naughty things we do are sin. Moms, dads, boys, girls, and even grandpa and grandmas have sinned. Everybody, but God has sinned.

God loves us and wants us to go to Heaven to be with Him someday, but there is no sin in Heaven. Jesus, God’s Son never sinned, died, and rose again to take away our sins.

Would you give up your favorite thing in the world for someone who was naughty and mean to you?

God gave His only Son for us because He loves us. If we pray and tell God we are sorry for our sins and believe that Jesus died and rose again, God will take away our sin and we can go to Heaven someday. God takes our sins and throws them far away where they are gone forever.

Have someone toss or roll a ball.

We can still see the ball. God loves us so much He throws our sin where we will not see it again. When we do naughty things and sin again, we can ask God to forgive us and He will throw them away.

Sometimes people who love us leave.

Does that make you sad?

After we ask God to take away our sin and believe in Him, He will always be with us. We cannot see God, but He is always there. God will NEVER leave us. There is not anything that can separate us from God’s love.

Take a piece of duct tape, fold it over, and put the sticky sides together. Set it in the sun and make sure it is stuck together tightly.

Ask a child to try and peel the tape apart.

God’s love is stronger than duct tape that is stuck together. We cannot be peeled away from God’s love.

Read Romans 8:38-39.

“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (KJV)

These verses mean that when we believe on God, He is with us now and when we die. He loves us and keeps us safe from things we see and the things we can’t see.

Do you know what you are going to be doing years from now?

God knows what things are going to happen to you now and in the future and He will not leave you.

Where is the highest place you could go?

You cannot get away from God’s love in the highest place or in the lowest place.

God loves you, sees you, and cares about you ALL the time!

Read more about God’s love here:  “No Love Like God’s Love”.

What godly principles are you teaching children?

Will they be able to stand under pressure and stay strong during the storms?

In Daniel 1 we learn about Daniel. He was taken captive from his country and brought into a new culture. Daniel stood under pressure and opposition. The Babylonian king assigned royal food and wine. Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the food and wine from the king. The Bible doesn’t tell us who his parents are, but most likely they had taught and instilled in Daniel godly principles. This should challenge us to teach children godly principles not only in church, but also in the home.

In this foreign land, Daniel could have faded in with the crowd or kept his beliefs silent. He chose to go against the flow. Are you showing children by your example and teaching them to take a stand for God by letting people know you are a Christian with your words and actions? We need to take a stand for God even when it will cause us hardships or if it’s not popular.

How can we teach children to take a stand for God? here are a few ways:

• Children need to know what God’s word says. Bible stories are important and have their place, but we need to dig into the Bible and learn from godly men and women who stood strong for God and His commands.

• Be an example. Live for God in all you do. Be honest and trustworthy. Share with others about God and what He has done for you. Show respect and be kind. Control your tongue. Read God’s word daily. Make prayer and important part of your day.

• Read stories and watch movies of others who stood for God even when it cost them greatly. There are many men and women who put God first and we are enjoying the benefits of the stand they took today. There are places in the world where Christians are persecuted greatly for God. We need to take a stand and thank God for the freedom we have to take that stand.

• Have resolve. Daniel had resolved not to defile himself. If you have resolved not to do or do something, you will be stronger going into tough situations. It’s easier to give in without resolve to do right.

Children can take a stand for God!

Teach them the godly principles they need to stand for what is right each day.

Need more help teaching preschool age or young children? My Building Blocks 4 Life curriculum will help you teach godly principles using hands on activities. Building Blocks 4 Life gives you stories and step by step instructions for your family devotions, Sunday school or church class, school, VBS, and more.

Moses trained Joshua to be a great leader. God told Moses to encourage and strengthen Joshua.

“But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.” Deuteronomy 3:28 (KJV)

Our children need to be encouraged and strengthened in godly principles. Help them to learn from history and teach them what they need to know for their future.

Here are two articles from my www.Lois-Graham.com site to help you teach children godly history.

Independence Day tells about U.S. history and has activities you can do to encourage patriotism.

Quotes And Freebies To Teach Godly U.S. History has quotes from men in U.S. history and free resources.

]]> http://buildingblocks4life.com/teach-children-to-be-godly-leaders//feed 1 http://buildingblocks4life.com/fathers-day-ideas/ http://buildingblocks4life.com/fathers-day-ideas/#comments Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:10:49 +0000 LoisGraham http://buildingblocks4life.com/?p=223 [...]]]> Honour thy father and thy mother.  Matthew 19:19 (KJV)

We should honour our father each day. Father’s day is a specific day to remember and thank our fathers. This day of celebration was signed into law as a national U.S. holiday in 1972.

Here are a few ideas to help children honour and thank their father.

Dad’s special dish

This dish can hold pens, candy, notes, tools, paper clips, or something else dad needs to keep track off.

Supplies:

Any kind of container – It can be small, medium, or large and made of cardboard, plastic, or glass. Let children choose what is special to them. If there is writing on the container, it can be covered with paper.

Decorations – Have fun and let children use their imagination. Paper, markers, crayons, jewels, foam shapes, glitter, beads, paint, and stickers are all fun options.
You may need glue, tape, and scissors depending on how the children choose to decorate their dish.

Directions:
Let the children decorate the dish how they want.
Optional: Fill the dish with a special treat, candy, pens or heartfelt notes.

Sand Art

Fill a container with different colors of sand. Attach a note saying “I love you more than all the colors in the world!”.

I’m nuts for my Dad!

Decorate a container of dad’s favorite nuts. Attach a note saying “I’m nuts for you DAD!”.

Bookmark, keychain, or magnet
Use one of these ideas or come up with your own. When the creation is complete, laminate it for continued use.

Draw a picture.
Use your picture and a poem.

Make an acrostic using your dad’s name. Example: D – Diligent A – Awesome D – Determined

Poems and songs

Make a card with a poem in it. Memorize or read a poem or song to dad.

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad.
Anonymous

Walk A Little Slower, Daddy
“Walk a little slower, Daddy,”
Said a little child so small.
“I’m following in your footsteps,
And I don’t want to fall.
Sometimes your steps are very fast,
Sometimes they’re hard to see;
So walk a little slower, Daddy,
For you are leading me.
Someday when I’m all grown up,
You’re what I want to be;
Then I will have a little child
Who’ll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true;
So, walk a little slower, Daddy,
For I must follow you.”
Author Unknown

What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so,

He called it … Dad
Author Unknown

Daddy, I Love You
Daddy, I love you
For all that you do.
I’ll kiss you and hug you
‘Cause you love me, too.

You feed me and need me
To teach you to play,
So smile ’cause I love you
On this Father’s Day.
Author Unknown

My Special Friend
(Tune: Bingo)
I have a very special friend And Daddy is his name-o.
D-A-D-D-Y, D-A-D-D-Y, D-A-D-D-Y,
And Daddy is his name-o.
Author Unknown

Daddy
(Tune: Pop Goes The Weasel)
Daddy, here s a hug for you,
And lots of kisses too. (Hug self, then blow kisses.)
Each hug and kiss you get today
Says that I love you! (Continue hugging and blowing kisses.)
Author Unknown

Are petty disagreements or a bad attitude getting in the way of sharing God with others? Is it causing conflict between friends.

Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam;
so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out.

Proverbs 17:14 (NIV)

By working together we can show God’s love and be a testimony to others.

Show mothers or grandmothers love this Mother’s Day with something meaningful and from the heart. These quick, easy, and fun ideas can show you care and let them know they are special.

Make a gift basket and include these special gifts and notes or choose individual gifts and attach the matching note. Deliver the gift with a big hug and say “I love YOU”.

• Flowers – If moms were like flowers I’d pick you! I Love You Mom!

• A Plant – Thank you Mom for helping me grow and teaching me about Jesus. You’re the best!

• Ice Cream Sundae – I want to scream “You’re the sweetest Mom!”

• Favorite Soda – YOU are Soda-rific Mom!

• Nice Pen – You’re the “write” Mom for me!!

• Bite size candies – You make things “bite” size for me. Thanks for helping me Mom!

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups – There are many “Reese’s” why you’re a great Mom!

• Cheese grater – YOU are the “grate”est mom!!

• Notepad – To a “Note”worthy Mom!!!

• EXTRA Gum – You are EXTRA special!

• Mints – Mom you have “mint” a lot to to me!

• Melon – You’re one in a “melon” Mom.

Make a homemade card and write a poem inside or use one of these. Another option is to print a poem on fancy paper and put it in a frame with a picture of you and your mom or grandmother.

Mother’s Love

Your Love is like an island
In life’s ocean, vast and wide,
A peaceful quiet shelter
From the wind and rain and tide.

Above it like a beacon light
Shone faith and truth and prayer;
And through the changing scenes of life,
I find a haven there.
Author Unknown

As I Look Back

As I look back on my life
I find myself wondering…..
Did I remember to thank you
for all that you have done for me?

For all of the times you were by my side
to help me celebrate my successes
and accept my defeats?

Or for teaching me the value of hard work,
good judgement, courage, and honesty?

I wonder if I’ve ever thanked you for the simple things…
The laughter, smiles, and quiet times we’ve shared?

If I have forgotten to express my gratitude
For any of these things,
I am thanking you now….
and I am hoping that you’ve known all along,
how very much you are loved and appreciated.

Author Unknown

I Wish I Could Tell You, Mom

I wish I could tell you, Mom
how much you mean to me…
But there are no words to say
how much I admire you…
how much I appreciate you…
how much I thank you
for everything you’ve done.

Author Unknown

And Grandma’s too…

While we honor all our mothers
with words of love and praise.
While we tell about their goodness
and their kind and loving ways.
We should also think of Grandma,
she’s a mother too, you see….
For she mothered my dear mother
as my mother mothers me.

Author Unknown

Mother

I think God took the fragrance
of a flower,
A pure white flower, which blooms
not for world praise
But which makes sweet and beautiful
some bower;
The compassion of the dew,
which gently lays
Reviving freshness on
the fainting earth,
And gives to all the tired things
new birth;
The steadfastness and radiance
of stars
Which lift the soul above
confining bars;
The gladness of fair dawns;
the sunset’s peace;
Contentment which from trivial rounds
asks no release;
The life which finds its greatest joy
in deeds of love for others…
I think God took these precious things
and made of them…mothers.

Author Unknown

“Honor your father and your mother.”

Exodus 20:12 (NIV)

Encourage your children to have a personal quiet time with the Lord. Having a quiet time doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. Even young children can have a personal quiet time.

Spending time in prayer and Bible study helps us to build a close and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. The content will vary depending on their age, but the habit of having a time to grow in the Lord is what’s important. Don’t make having a quiet time a drudgery. It should be like spending time with a special friend.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:8 (NIV)

Try these tips to help your child start a quiet time:

• Work with your child to find a time each day they can have a personal quiet time. Don’t nag, but encourage them daily.

• Find an age appropriate Bible and devotional that includes scripture.

• Get a CD or Mp3 player with the Bible on it for young children.

• Give them ideas on how to have a quiet time. Include reading their Bible and devotional and a time of prayer. Explain to young children how to listen to God’s word and pray.

• Give young children paper, crayons, and a pencil. Let them draw pictures of the stories they are listening to.

• Older children can dig into a topic that interest them or a study on a specific topic. It could be a book of the Bible, growing into a godly woman or man, or a specific character trait.

• Teach your children that their time of prayer doesn’t need to be a time of just asking for things. Let them know they can talk to God like a friend. God wants to hear our requests and praise. Help them make a prayer journal they can write request and praises in.

• Set an example. Have your own quiet time with the Lord. Dig into the scriptures and let God speak to you. Talk to God through prayer. Write your prayer request and praises in a prayer journal.

• Ask your children about their quiet time. Show an interest in what they are learning.

Acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts.

1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV)

Find more helpful resources to teach your children about the Lord at http://buildingblocks4life.com/our-resources.

]]> http://buildingblocks4life.com/quiet-time-for-kids//feed 1 http://buildingblocks4life.com/lessons-from-three-trees/ http://buildingblocks4life.com/lessons-from-three-trees/#comments Mon, 29 Mar 2010 02:20:06 +0000 LoisGraham http://buildingblocks4life.com/?p=172 [...]]]>

This folktale story is about three trees and has  important lessons for children and adults. Life does not always go how we want it to go. We need to remember that God has everything in His perfect plan. The future is out of our control, but it is all in God’s control.

This story also tells of Jesus birth, life, and death/resurrection. The Tale of Three Trees felt board story is an excellent way to teach the significance of Christ life.

3 trees from Lois Graham on Vimeo.

This felt board story is available at http://www.funfelt.com/threetrees.html and enter Lois Graham at the checkout.

Rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 5:3-4 (NIV)

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.

Titus 2:11 (NIV)

God took care of them. Everything they had was from God. All we have is from God.

God gave the Israelites food.

Each day God gave them manna and quail to eat.

Have children pick up packing peanuts or wadded paper and pretend it is manna.

“The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land that was settled; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan.”

Exodus 16:35 (NIV)

Have children pretend to be a quail and fly around.

“You will know that it was the Lord when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning.”

Exodus 16:8 (NIV)

Talk about your favorite foods. Thank God for the food He gives us.

God gave the Israelites clothes.

The Israelites spent a long time in the wilderness. Our clothes get worn out and too small. God took care of the Israelites and gave them clothes to wear.

Have someone bigger try on small clothes. A smaller person can try on bigger clothes. Do they fit correctly? No, we change sizes and grow.

Many times the Israelites complained. They were ungrateful for what God had given them. We should thank God for the clothes He gives and us and for taking care of us.

Get more ideas for teaching children using activities at http://buildingblocks4life.com/buildingblocks4lifecurriculum.html.

What is a mentor? One definition could be: a trusted person who influences others. The world needs Godly mentors. Children need someone that they can trust to influence and guide them through the distractions of this world.

Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. Philippians 3:17 (NIV)

You can be a mentor!

How can you be a mentor?

• Live your life as an example of Christ.

To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

You are being watched. What you say and do makes an impact on others. Stay positive and strive to follow the example Christ Jesus gave us.

• Reach out

Everyone needs someone to value and appreciate them. Don’t wait for opportunities to come your way. Reach out and help others. Do activities they enjoy with them.

• Be a friend

Start conversations and listen to what others have to say. Be patient and listen with your heart. Value what they have to say.

• Don’t judge

And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not perceive the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the plank that is in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye. Luke 6:41-42 (NKJV)

Offer advice without being pushy. Share scripture that can help them.

• Nurture, encourage, and inspire.

Believe in others. Help them to see God has a special plan for their lives. Encourage them to reach for the dreams God has for them.

How To Lead A Child To Christ

Pray

Pray for opportunities and teachable moments. Ask God to work in each child’s heart.

Let God work

Do not shove or push a child into making a decision for salvation. God’s gift is a free gift that they must accept on their own.

Show and explain what the Bible says

• All have sinned. We are all sinners because we do naughty things.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” – Romans 3:23

• Jesus never did anything wrong. He must punish sin.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

• We cannot go to heaven by being good.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”  – Ephesians 2:8-9

• Jesus showed his love for us. He died on the cross, was buried, and rose again.

“While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

“Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures:” – I Corinthians 15:3,4

Salvation Steps

Explain that for Jesus to wash away their sins they must:

• Tell Jesus they do naughty things and that they are a sinner.
• Believe that Jesus died and rose again to wash away their sin.
• Ask Jesus to wash away their naughty sins.

Accept

If the child is ready and understands, pray with them.

Grow

Have the child tell their parents or guardians about their decision for salvation.

• Encourage the child to listen to Bible stories daily, pray, tell others about Jesus, and attend church regularly.
• Follow up with the adults to be sure that everything is understood and answer any questions they may have.

* The verses listed are from the KJV.

]]> http://buildingblocks4life.com/how-to-lead-a-child-to-christ//feed 1 http://buildingblocks4life.com/god-made-me-2/ http://buildingblocks4life.com/god-made-me-2/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 14:38:47 +0000 LoisGraham http://buildingblocks4life.com/?p=38 [...]]]>

God Made Me

Preschoolers love to play and learn about themselves. Let them use their wiggles to learn that God made them special.

There are many activities you can use to engage children in learning. Incorporate all of the senses into play to keep the child’s interest and help them to learn. Confucius said “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand”. Try some of these ideas and add your own to teach Genesis 1:27 “God created man”.

Throughout the activities use repetition and be excited. Use these phrases and fill in the blank with the body part you are talking about. ” God gave you___.”  “Where are your___.” ” What do you use your___ for?”

* God made my hands

Have a small pan of water and a cloth. Let them use their hands to wash a toy. When they are finished put a few ice cubes in the water. Talk about how God gave them hands to feel the warm and cold water.

* God made my feet

Allow children to take off their socks and shoes. Let them walk on different textures. Examples – a plastic bag, play dough, hard flooring, carpet, packing bubbles, leaves. Use your imagination. Join in on the fun. Children love it when you have fun with them. Talk about how God gave them feet to walk and run.

* God made my eyes

Let the children throw colored scarves or beanbags in the air. Call out a color and have them bring it to you. Cheer and clap as you tell them that God gave them eyes to see the colors.

* God made my mouth

Sing fun songs with actions. Between songs tell the children that God gives us a mouth so that we can sing and talk. When you are finished drink juice. Tell them we can thank God that we have mouths to drink and taste the yummy juice.

If You’re Happy And You Know It – author unknown

If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands
If you’re happy and you know it, and you really want to show it
If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands

Repeat with:

Stomp your feet
Shout “Hooray”!
Do all three!

Head and Shoulders – author unknown

Head and shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes
Head and shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes
Eyes and ears and mouth and nose,

Head and shoulders knees and toes, knees and toes  God made them all!

* God made my ears

Go for a walk and listen for sounds or use a wooden spoon to bang on objects that are safe to hit. Talk about how some sounds are loud and others are quiet. Tell them God gave you ears to hear sounds.

* God made my nose

Have different foods, flowers, and perfumes for the children to smell. Add in a few things that don’t have a smell. Let them tell you what they can smell and what doesn’t smell. Ask them if they like to smell cookies baking. Explain that God gives us a nose to smell many things.

* God made me special

Puzzles and books are another good way to see and hear the ways God makes us special. He makes everyone different but exactly how he wants them.

For this activity I recommend using Create a Face from Lois Graham at Story Time Felts. It comes with multicultural  facial parts and the children are able to use the felt pieces to see how God makes everyone different and special. The pieces are washable so you can also use it for the God made my hands water activity.

Give each child a felt nose and have them set it on something that they can smell. Continue using a variety of pieces.  Here are some examples of places they could pick: mouth – food or CD player, Eyes – toy, ears – vacuum. When they are finished let them choose a piece and put it on their felt face. They can make serious or funny faces. Explain that God loves them and made them just the way he wanted them.

* God made you!

Have fun! As you learn with the children remember that God made you special. There is no one exactly like you. God has plans for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” NIV. Teach others that God made them special!

Christmas is a special time of year.

It is easy to get caught up in the commercialism and miss out on the true meaning. Christmas is a time of good news and celebration!

Our children decided that they would like to make a manger scene instead of having a tree. They spent hours designing, cutting, taping, and enjoying the joys of making their own manger scene.

As the days have went by I found myself thinking more about what the first Christmas would have been like. Were Mary and Joseph exhausted from their trip? Can you imagine what it would have been like to hear the good news the angels brought to the shepherds. Did the animals in the stable come over and see the Lord Jesus? I don’t have the answers but it has made me slow down, think, and cherish the moments that I have been given.

Try these ideas to keep Christmas Christ centered and relaxing.

1. Give your heart

What can I give him poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would give him a lamb, If I were a wise man, I would do my part. Yes what can I give him – I can give him my heart.

2. Pray

Pray for those who may be alone this Christmas or for others you met while shopping.

3. Read

Read Luke 1:26-2:40 Read slowly and imagine yourself there. In Luke 1:19 Mary kept and pondered all these thing in her heart. Think on these verses and remember what God has done for you.

4. Celebrate!

Christmas is a day of rejoicing. Jesus left heaven above and came to earth to be born. A king was laid in a lowly feeding trough to bring us a gift. Our gift is Acts 4:12 – Neither is there Salvation in any other: for their is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Have a Merry CHRISTmas!!!

Keep younger and older children busy and learning with winter activities. Pretend it is winter and have fun!

1. Freeze water in a tray and let your kids play with plastic animals on the ice. Younger children can choose what animals live in snow and what animals live where it is hot. Older children can name where the animals live and place them on a map in the correct location. Talk about how God made polar animals special so that they can live in cold climates.

2. Fill baggies with shaving cream or spray it on a table. Children can draw winter shapes in the “snow”. Teach shapes by drawing snowmen in different shapes. Ask questions. Example:  Is the square snowman taller than the rectangle snowman? Talk about how God makes each snowflake different.

3. Use crumbled newspaper to make snowballs and have a snowball fight. Count, add, subtract, multiply, and even divide the snowballs. Thank God for the arms he gave you to throw snowballs with.

4. Take two ice cubes and put each in a bowl. Put one outside in the sun and the other indoors. Time how long it takes each one to melt. For younger children freeze plastic animals in the ice cubes. Older children can experiment by setting the ice in different locations and make a graph with their findings. Explain that God made hot and cold climates for us to enjoy.

5. Make an igloo out of a white sheet or plastic draped over chairs or a play tent. Sit inside and read winter stories or books about winter animals. Read Genesis 1 from the Bible.

6. Use packing bubbles for ice. Have fun coloring the “ice” with sidewalk chalk. Use the opportunity to teach younger children colors. Let older children make a picture by popping the bubbles into a design. Have children draw their favorite Bible story pictures.

7. Use marshmallows, containers, and toothpicks to make snowmen, igloos, forts, animals, or something else imaginative. Be creative! Tell the children that God gave them creative minds.

8. Have a snowflake making contest. Use a variety of art supplies to design one of a kind snowflakes. Explain that God makes each snowflake. He takes care of everything and He can take care of them.

9. Look through your house finding things that begin with the letters in SNOW. See how many you can find. The first one to a certain number gets the first popsicle. Younger children can look for colors that match winter items. Examples: white – snow, black – penguin Thank God for all things that you have.

10. Younger children can use cookie cutters to cut bread into winter shapes. Then frost with marshmallow fluff. Older children will enjoy making this recipe RBP’s Polar Extremes Bible school.

• Tasty Snowflakes

What you need:

Large flour tortillas, waxed paper, kitchen shears, cinnamon, cooking spray, and sugar

What to do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Fold tortilla in half. Fold tortilla in half a second time to make a triangle.

3. Cut out snowflake designs from the tortilla triangle.

4. Unfold the tortilla triangle and place on waxed paper.

5. Lightly spray tortilla with cooking spray.

6. Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on tortilla.

7. Bake tortilla for 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp.

Thank God for giving us food.

Use fall nature objects to paint a masterpiece. This multi- sensory activity helps people of all ages to use their imagination and creativity. Younger children have fun and learn through the painting experience. Older children and adults can put thoughtfulness and detail into their designs.

Fall nature items can include:

Gourds, Potatoes, leaves, pine cones, gumballs, nuts, sticks, grasses, and weeds. There are many more. Go on a scavenger hunt and you will discover many interesting objects that God has made.

A fun advantage to using nature is that your painting will look different each time you paint something. You do not need to paint in straight lines. Try different directions and techniques.

1. Choose what nature objects you want to use.
2. Put down a plastic tablecloth or a sheet of plastic for EASY cleanup. Keep this for simple cleanup of craft projects.
3. Gather a variety of paint colors, dishes with paint to roll your objects in, paper plates to set your painted nature objects on, and a cloth for quick wipe-ups.
4. Roll or thoroughly coat the item you are using  in the desired color of paint.
5. Have fun! Drag, roll, dab, spin, twist, flop, and swish. Try ideas that pop into your imagination. Use a new color and mix the designs together.
6. Watch this video for more ideas and techniques.

Make your paintings into fall or thanksgiving cards. Give them to older people, shut ins, out of town relatives, or anyone who could use a smile.

Have fun painting and teaching your children how God has made each detail of nature!

Making a blessing tree gives you the opportunity to share blessings. Make an impression on children and influence them to be a blessing to others.

Count Your Blessings Craft and Activity

Supplies:

Construction paper, a marker, and finger paints.

Directions:

1. Draw a simple tree outline on construction paper.
2. Let children paint leaves on the tree with finger paints.
3. As the paint is drying, have the children tell you things that have and things they enjoy and like doing.
4. Explain that all we have is from God. God blesses us. The things that we have and do are blessings. Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.”
5. Write or have them write on their picture the blessings that they have. Remind them about all the things that they said they have and enjoyed doing.
6. Have children think of ways that they can be a blessing to others.

Thanksgiving is not the only day of the year that we should count our blessings. Everyday of the year we should count our blessing and praise God.

Count your blessings TODAY!

Welcome to Building Blocks 4 Life! My name is Lois Graham.

As a Christian wife, mother, and writer my passion and mission is to help build children into Godly adults. I want to encourage, inspire, and motivate children and adults to grow in God’s grace.

Throughout my life I have worked with children. During high school, one of my jobs as a state dairy princess was to teach children about farmers and the value of eating dairy products. This opportunity encouraged my passion for teaching. Now instead of teaching the value of earthly food I want to share the bread of life (Salvation) with others.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. John 6:51 (KJV)

Each of our steps are planned by the Lord God.The Lord has prepared and taught me using steps along the path of life. For nine years I have been working with and teaching preschoolers at our church. I enjoy using hands on, interactive activities and stories that make the Bible a part of each child’s life. Many of these ideas came from my experience as a homeschooling mother and working in a children’s Bible club. As a Story Time Felts Consultant I learned ways to teach creative hands on learning ideas to parents and preschool teachers and make story times interactive for children.

I want to build children and adults up in the Lord by encouraging, inspiring, and motivating them to be all God made them to be.

If you have any questions or comments please contact me.
Lois Graham
Lois@Lois-Graham.com
Thank you!