Just a Reminder

Just a reminder that we're not regularly updating with blogs in hopes that you're utilizing the Easter calendar!
Check it out for daily activities and talking points throughout the Easter month.

The Rejection of the Cross

By the time our Savior hung on the cross, He had already been mocked, beaten, spit upon, flogged, laughed at, stripped, punched and utterly humiliated. He then had to endure six hours on the cross in utter torment of body and soul.
As I have studied the crucifixion the past few weeks, I have continually been assaulted by the gravity of Christ's loneliness on the cross. Abandoned by friends and family, He was alone. But that loneliness was nothing compared to the complete rejection and desolation He faced when The Father was forced to leave His Son.
Because God's full wrath was put upon Christ on the cross; because all of the nastiness of our sin was placed on the shoulders of One who is sinless, God was forced to leave Jesus there alone. We hear our Savior's agonized cry, "My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?" and cannot fathom the pain of that truth. (Matt 27:46)
How amazing to know that we will never suffer the loss of the Father! Christ did it for us! And because Jesus did it, we will never even know a hint of that loneliness, never catch a glimpse of that rejection. May that beautiful truth color your anticipation and celebration of the Easter season.
Take the opportunity to talk with your child sometime in the coming weeks about loneliness and the truth that we are never apart from the presence of our Father because of Christ's death.

Easter Calendar!

Beginning next week, March 23, we have compiled daily activities for you to do with your child to talk about and experience different aspects of the Easter Story.
Download your calendar here and enjoy this special month with your family!

Acting out Bible Stories

Many times after dinner there is time for a fun activity for your whole family. Try using this time to act out a story from the Bible. Choose one you have been teaching to your toddler, one your preschooler is learning at church or in MDO, or let your child pick the story. Give each family member a role and make the story come alive!

This can be a simple acting out of each part as the story is read or it can be quite involved, using props and costumes and a set. One dad I know likes to do this nightly as he reads the Bible story to his children.

Our family had fun one night with the story of Noah and the ark. We made a tent in the living room with sheets over chairs and tables. While we constructed the tent, we talked about the other people who made fun of Noah and his sons as they built the ark and how they were obedient despite all that. Then we brought in stuffed animals, pretend food, pillows, and a flashlight (to use as a lantern). We stayed in the ark for "several days" as we turned out the lights and "slept" and then awakened in the morning. Each day we had the task of feeding all the animals. We talked about how the "ark" was crowded and the work was hard and sometimes boring. We created scenarios of lions breaking through their gate and it needing repair before they ate the elephants. Every "morning" Japeth and Amelia had a difficult time waking "Daddy-Noah" from his slumber. Some things we wanted to discuss and created situations where that would be easy, other times the kids thought of events that might happen. Overall we wanted to highlight that Noah and his family were obedient and that God is good and He protected them. Fun times!

Footwashing with Your Children

What are some ways you teach your children to demonstrate footwashing to others? One idea is to find a local nursing home and bring your children along to visit those residents.

Have your kids make several Easter cards and take them with you as you go visit. Or make bookmarks with pictures of spring flowers to share. Preschoolers can use stickers or young toddlers can just color on top of words that you write. Older children can write verses from the Bible or encouraging words. Bringing your children full of energy and smiles can brighten the day for those who don't receive many visitors. Consider "adopting" a grandparent and visiting once a week. By going on a regular basis you and your kids can form relationships with some new friends. But even going once or twice can bring cheer to a place desiring more youthful faces.

Below are two facilities to consider for your visit:

Victoria Gardens of Frisco
10700 Rolater Rd
Frisco, TX 75035
972-712-8652 Kingsley Place at Stonebridge Ranch
1650 S Stonebridge Dr
McKinney, TX 75070
972-529-1420