Ministry Monday: Struggling to Teach Your Child to Serve?

July 28, 2013 By: demingglobal18 Comments

Welcome to Ministry Monday at Hive Resources! This series is for everyday women who minister through the everyday mission fields of life. Posts feature resources and ideas for discipleship, outreach events, women’s ministries, Bible study, hospitality, and more. Subscribe today!

Today’s guest post is gonna rock your socks off! My friend, Kristen Summers of Celebrate Every Day with Me, is giving mom’s everywhere practical encouragement for teaching children how to serve. Her ebook – Teach Me to Serve: 99 Ways Preschoolers can Learn to Serve and Bless Others – helps parents teach their kids that service begins as a heart-based activity! Thanks, Kristen!

One day your child is being super friendly to the new kid, picking flowers for his sister and helping set the table. You’re feeling pretty good about this parenting thing. Your child is thinking of others and being helpful.

Then the next day, you glance over, and he is the mean one in the group. Your daughter is not willing to help with clean up or your son just pushed some other kid. Is this becoming a pattern? What just happened? We’ve worked on this service thing. Why aren’t my kids being more considerate of others?

When you are struggling to teach your child to serve {@MelissaGDeming of Hive Resources}

Well, let’s take a step back.

I’ve been busy lately . . . a little too busy. I am mama to a 3 & 5-year-old, wife to a great guy. I blog. I have another part-time “at home” job. I am selling my house, working on designing a house, teaching Sunday School, usually in or facilitating a Bible study and editing a book for someone else. And I am entering birthday season . . . and if you follow my blog, you know as a former wedding planner, I love parties! Parties are always fun but never simple in my household.

Why did I tell you all that? Not because I wanted to vent (but boy, that did feel good). No, I shared all that nonsense to tell you that in the midst of all my craziness, I have become self-focused. I have become more driven than usual, putting things aside that can seemingly wait until life quiets down.

Yet, the problem is that life may never quite down. Sure I won’t be selling my house forever (or at least I hope not – another house showing may just put me over the edge!) But life is often busy when you have children and even just a few outside commitments. Over the last few months of living in this busyness, I realized that I have not been as service-minded as I would like to be.

And it trickles down. How do I expect my kids to have hearts to serve if I am not regularly practicing an attitude that considers the needs of others and seeks out opportunities to bless other people?

Even with practice, no kid, nor any adult for that matter, is going to have a heart of gold all the time. Kids will still be kids. They are young and in need of training and direction as they figure out how their world works. And just like adults, there will be a constant battle of our heart: serve ourselves or serve others? Scripture even tells us that our hearts are wicked by nature (Jeremiah 17:9).

So what do we do when we feel like we are having to push our kids to serve? When we’re trying to move them out of the self-focused mentality that pervades our culture?

Keep Blessing Others in the Forefront of Your Own Mind.

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifice is God pleased.” Hebrews 13:16

This is what I hadn’t been doing. The busyness had clouded my heart. I was forgetting to practice a heart of service. But as I re-focused, I noticed the same happened for my kids. (Lest you think my kids are now perfect, they are not. Just spend a ~~day~~ hour with us!) Think about how much time your kids probably spend with you. This makes for natural and teachable moments.

Keep it Simple

It can be hard to motivate young children to serve. As a busy mom, I need simple ways to teach my kids to serve. One great way is to incorporate acts of service in my everyday living. When I wrote Teach Me to Serve, one of my goals was to provide numerous ideas that parents could weave into their normal life.

Pray for the injured when you hear an ambulance. Help your neighbor carry something in. When your family member is sick, put your child in charge of getting the things they need. Serve each other dinner tonight. Do things together.

Recognize that it Won’t Happen all the Time

Did my kids want to weed over at Grandma’s last week? No, they were more interested in playing with all her cool toys. Will your child always act with a heart towards the needs of others? No. But don’t throw the baby out with the bath water. This is a process.

When I first asked my children to act as a waiter and serve someone else dinner, I met with resistance. But pretty quickly, I found them enjoying it and thinking ahead of what the person would want. Just the other night, my 3-year-old thought to get the mustard for her brother’s chicken without him even asking for it. Progress!

While of course, I want my children to regularly think of others, there are going to be those days when they act the complete opposite of what I am hoping for. But I believe that as we model service toward others and as we make serving a natural part of family life from the smallest of moments to the large ones, we will see growth. We will see the excitement and pride our children have when they help someone else. We will see God glorified through the small hands of a child.

That is worth the effort. Press on, Mom and Dad!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

——————

Thanks, Kristen! I am so thankful for the reminder that service starts in the heart and home first. Check out Kristen’s book, because today she’s giving Hive Readers a 25% coupon code good through Friday, Aug. 2! Use the code hive25 to redeem! Here’s a little more about her book:

Do you want your kids to:

have hearts to serve others
be helpful to others
be tender-hearted and compassionate
be thoughtful
be quick to help
be more like Jesus
develop a heart for what is on Jesus’ heart
glorify God as they serve others
deny the selfishness that permeates our culture
serve without needing to be rewarded
know the blessing that comes with blessing others
know why we serve, biblically speaking

If you need ideas to teach your kids to serve, then this book is for you! Use the code hive25 to get your copy today! It’s good till Friday, Aug. 2!

Kristen Summers is a fun-loving mom to two kids who keep her busy and laughing. Add her great husband and the Lord to the mix and her life is one fantastic (and sometimes crazy) adventure. Kristen is the author of Teach Me To Serve: 99 Ways Preschoolers Can Learn to Serve & Bless Others. A former wedding & event planner, you can now find her blogging at Celebrate Every Day With Me where she shares fun ideas for children’s activities, creating memorable moments and party planning. Stop by and celebrate the everyday of life.

You can also connect with Kristen on Facebook or twitter. And you won’t want to miss her Pinterest boards.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, click here.

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Melissa Deming is the creator of Hive Resources — a site to help women sweeten their walk with Christ through Bible study, ministry and missions resources, and more. She is the author of "Daughters of the King: Finding Your Place in the Biblical Story." Melissa has an M.Div. in Women’s Studies from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Ministry Monday: God’s Promises {A Review & Giveaway}

July 21, 2013 By: demingglobal136 Comments

Teaching our children about God’s Word is one of the biggest ministries we share as Christian women and mothers. So, today, I’m honored to host THE Christina Fox of To Show Them Jesus as she reviews a valuable book for teaching your children how to interpret and apply God’s promises. Plus, Christina is giving away one copy to a lucky reader! ~~So, be sure to enter at the end of the post!~~ UPDATE: Winner announced at the end of the post!

One morning recently, I awoke feeling a bit low and disappointed about circumstances in my life. The night before, I had prayed earnestly for God to give me gospel joy in spite of life’s disappointments. And answer that prayer, he did.

This summer during our morning devotions we’ve been studying the promises of God, and that morning we studied God’s promise to not withhold any good thing.

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11

Reading the chapter with my kids was the answer to prayer that I needed. For it reminded me of this truth:

Since God gave the very best already, His most precious Son, He will give His children everything that is good for them. He will not withhold even one little thing. If there is something God does not give to a believer in Jesus, it is because that things is not good for him or is not right for him at that time.” (from God’s Promises by Sally Michael)

As I talked with the kids about God’s promises and his faithfulness, I was also reminded of God’s faithfulness in my life. (I love how God works!) I shared with them times in my life where God provided just what I needed, when I needed it. I even shared the story of how we did our wedding on an extreme budget and how so many people helped us put it all together. Reading about this promise reminded me that God’s timing is perfect and his ways are always good.

As we’ve studied the promises of God, we’ve written them down and put them in our promises box. That morning, the kids and I wrote a list of the ways God has provided for us as a family.

“Mom, if we were to list all the ways God has provided, it would be too much to count!” one of my kids announced.

“Yeah, like as high as googol or infinity” added the other.

Indeed.

The book we are using is called God’s Promises (Children Desiring God). Each chapter describes a different promise God has made in Scripture and uses a story from the Bible to describe that promise.

For example, we read the promise that God is slow to anger and learned about how he was gracious to Nineveh (and even to Jonah) in the book of Jonah. Another chapter described God’s promise to be our strength in weakness and told the story of how he used Moses to deliver the Israelites, despite his weaknesses.

At the end of each chapter are discussion questions and even activities to reinforce learning. This is our second book we’ve used by Sally Michael. We have really enjoyed her devotionals and highly recommend them.

I love it so much that I want to give away a copy! UPDATE: CONTEST CLOSED – CONGRATS TO THE WINNER Kristen T!

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Christina Fox is a homeschooling mom, licensed mental health counselor, and writer. She lives in sunny south Florida with her husband of sixteen years and their two boys. You can find her sharing her faith journey at www.toshowthemjesus.com.

Connect with Christina on Facebook or Twitter!

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Ministry Monday: Tools to get your ‘Kids On Mission’ this summer

July 14, 2013 By: demingglobal16 Comments

My son brought me a ziplock bag of change (raided from the kitchen junk drawer).

“Look, Mom! I’m rich! Will you help me put this money in my piggy bank? I want to save up to buy something nice!”

I smiled. “That’s great, hon! Sure, I’d love to help.“

As we put each nickle, dime, and quarter into the slot of his bank, we talked about what he was going to buy with his loot. I watched as visions of toys and candy danced in his little head. When I broached the subject of saving up to help someone in need, his grip got a little tighter around the remaining coins in his hot hands.

My boys are still young, but I’ve noticed one thing in the last five years. Left to their own devices, my boys will certainly self-destruct. After all, it’s in our human nature to look out for No. 1. So, if I want my children to be compassionate, perceptive to the needs around them, and sensitive to the calling of our Lord, then they have to be taught – or shown.

There are many ways you can impress on your children the importance of sacrificial giving and humble service. But if you’re like me, and you need a little hands-on help in this area, then check out Kids on Mission.

Ideas for teaching your kids to be on mission from @MelissaGDeming

An emphasis of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, Kids on Mission (KOM) helps children understand and apply the Great Commission in practical ways.

Here’s what Kids on Mission offers you as you get your own kids on mission this summer:

Resources on the world’s people groups

You can download “missions experiences” from locations such as Brazil, Southeast Asia, Nepal, Kazakhstan, and more. The packages include a bulleted guide, a newsletter, videos, maps, photos, and stories of people from the area.

Because each unit is paired with a Bible verse, these cute and free downloads are both family and classroom-friendly. (There’s even a leader’s manual for each unit, so parents don’t have to worry about teaching about a country they aren’t really familiar with! Everything is included.)

Practical ideas for praying for the nations

If you subscribe to the free KOM newsletter, you’ll also get some great ideas for teaching your kids how to pray for the nations! The newsletter helps kids learn:

How to pray for missionary families
About missionary kids (MKs)
About the world’s lost

The newsletter also includes prayers stories and actual prayer requests from missionary kids around the world. Check out the KOM Pray archives for fun ideas for teaching your kids about how the world cultures spend holidays like Easter and more.

There is also a free downloadable prayer journal called Prayerthreads available if you’d like to accept the KOM Pray challenge to pray for different people groups. Other free printables include luggage tags, prayer certificates, and research on the people group the children have committed to cover in prayer.

Free video stories from the mission field

KOM also offers fun 5-minute videos created just for kids about IMB missionaries and the work they are doing around the world. The videos tell real-life stories of lives changed and point children to their own role in fulfilling the Great Commission. I loved this story of a young boy – and his entire family – who was transformed through Bible storying. Check out his story in the video below – it’s amazing!

For more free and fun ideas for exposing your kids to missions and cultures, check out the KOM website!

What do you do to teach your kids about God’s heart for the nations? Share your ideas in the comments!

For more ideas on mobilizing your own little missionaries, check out our ideas for transforming playdates in missions opportunities or tips on teaching your kids to be a dinner table missionary!

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Ministry Monday: How to transform playdates into service opportunities

July 7, 2013 By: demingglobal16 Comments

Today I’m over the moon. I get to introduce you to the latest ministry endeavor of foodie & missions blogger Nive Burris – Playdate with Purpose. This awesome ministry idea helps moms redeem their playdates by extending playtime beyond the playground and into the mission field. Playdate with a Purpose (PWP) teaches kids to serve, encourage and build their community for Him.

Through PWP, Nive and her crew have fed under-resourced students, assembled care packages for the homeless (which they named “happy sacks”). They sent & prayed over thank you packages for U.S. troops overseas, wrote Valentine’s cards and gave away goodie bags to victims of domestic abuse, and more. Here’s Nive to tell you how YOU can teach your kids to serve others:

Q&A with Playdate with Purpose creator {Hive Resources}

Hive Resources: How did you come up with the idea of Playdate with Purpose (PWP)?

Nive: Almost 2 years ago, we moved to the suburbs. New community, new school and a new schedule made getting together with our friends challenging. One day I was looking at our school schedule, and I noticed that almost every month there is at least one week-day holiday. I had an epiphany; I marked all those days as future playdates. During all this time God was also molding my heart to step out of comfort zone to serve Him. Playdate with Purpose was born!

Hive Resources: What’s Playdate with Purpose all about?

Nive: When there is an opportunity to serve, many questions can come to mind of a family with young kids: “Are kids allowed? Should we take the kids with us or find a babysitter? My kids are a handful and will cause distraction.”

We question if our kids can be a good servant of God, being as little as they are. I think there is a need of wise discernment regarding safety of little kids running around; however, mere inconvenience and distraction alone should not be the reason to not bring the kids along to serve.

PWP is an endeavor where kids can watch and serve along with their parents and friends, all the while having fun with playdate.

Hive Resources: What has been your favorite Playdate with Purpose?

Nive: We made care packages for the homeless. It has left lasting impression on our kids. My son does not forget to pray about the homeless ever since. Both of our kids keep an eye on the road as we drive. My son reminds me pretty much regularly before getting into the car to keep a care package in the car with us.

Hive Resources: What age-range works best with Playdate with Purpose?

Nive: I personally do not put the burden of age on PWP. Although older children will have a better understanding of service, we have done PWP with less than year-old babies all the way up to third graders.

Hive Resources: What logistics are involved in Playdate with Purpose?

Nive: Start with the 3 P’s: Pray, Plan and Playdate (in that order!)

Pray

Pray that God shows you the need and purpose for the playdate.

Plan

Plan the details with your family and friends, as you communicate the purpose, time, place and activities. Sign up genius could be a good tool to communicate with. Leave room for creativity, messiness and imperfection. I really mean it.

Playdate

Host a playdate at your home, park, pool or any other place that works for you. Make it BYOL (Bring Your Own Lunch) or meet over the ice-cream or FroYo or pool party. Keep it simple, easy, low key, and most of all, honorable to God.

Hive Resources: If I wanted to host my own PWP, what should I do first?

Nive: Pray first. I’ve discovered that the rest falls in place according to His will and purpose. Don’t hesitate to leave details unspecified. PWP is not about doing things perfectly or checking off a master to-do list. It is about doing His will joyfully with an earnest, servant heart in the time and manner that He allows and bringing glory to Him.

Nive Burris is a cook /author/ explorer/ dreamer/ dinner table missionary/ web master of Handful of Joy. She lives in the big beautiful state of Texas with her two children and a very hard working husband. An inquisitive traveler, cooking gives Nive an opportunity to explore the world from her kitchen. As her faith in Christ has grown, Nive’s has tried to combine her passion for cooking with her love for the Great Commission. You can also catch a glimpse of her intentional yet imperfect pursuit to serve her Lord at Playdate with Purpose.

You can also connect with Nive on FB or twitter.

Today, I’m linking up with:

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Summer reading: Evolution-free dinosaur books

July 3, 2013 By: demingglobal1

It doesn’t matter where we go, the theory of evolution seems inescapable – especially when you’re talking about dinosaurs.

The museum, picture books, school, movies, cartoons, and even Pinterest worksheets – all tell our kids that the world was created by accident, it’s billions of years old, and they are descendants of animals. But I want my kids to take joy in the truth – that a loving God created them and all the animals not so very long ago for a unique and special purpose.

So, if you’re finding yourself in the same boat – constantly having to filter “authoritative” voices in your children’s lives – then take heart, Mom! After doing some digging, I’ve found some evolution-free resources on dinosaurs.

You’re gonna love these for a lot of reasons!

Dinosaurs for Kids

Publisher’s Description: “Peek inside a dinosaur egg, discover what dinosaurs really ate, and learn how dinosaur tracks are made – all in this awesomely-illustrated book! Dinosaurs for Kids shares the unique world of dinosaurs and their true history like never before as you …Within these pages kids will uncover the facts about dinosaur history from the Creation to recent discoveries. Let Ken Ham take you on a journey through time to explore these awesome wonders of God’s design. From where dinosaurs lived to what scientists assume they know about these great creatures, dinosaurs have never been this exciting, revealing, and simply amazing!”

Why I love this book: It’s so cool! The graphics are amazing. Plus, the information presented by the author is both factual and interesting – all shared from a biblical point of view. My four-year-old’s loved it.

You can find out more about Ken Ham at his site Answers in Genesis. The companion kid’s site – Kids Answers – has free downloadable coloring pages, videos, and science-related activities, too!

Chronicles of Dinosauria

Publisher’s Description: “Every legend is said to include some grain of truth, and for years co-author Dave Woetzel has sought to separate fact from fiction as he explores mysteries related to dinosaurs, mankind’s history, and the biblical time-line. Teaming with artist and designer Richard Dobbs, the two have created a visual archive of expeditions and intriguing clues to explore, all of which highlight the connection to the authority and reliability of Scripture.”

Why I love this book: In his intro, author Dave Woetzel says one of his goals is to “reclaim the terrible lizards to the glory of or incredible Creator.” To achieve this, Woetzel has gathered biblical, historical, artistic, fossil and cryptozoological evidence that the dinosaurs and man co-existed. So, even though Chronicles of Dinosauria is full of facts and research, it reads like a hands-on field global expedition. Plus, the author doesn’t shy away from talking about the Loch Ness monster, dragons, and many more subjects to which curious little minds are often drawn.

Note to moms: This book is better suited for older children (6+). My four-year-old’s loved looking at the pictures but didn’t sit still for all the information. But it’s a great tool to add to your library! I bought the hard-copy, but there is also an interactive e-book version for the ipad. You can find out more about the author at www.genesispark.com

Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs

Publisher’s description: “Explore the links between dragon myths and the reality of dinosaurs through vivid illustrations, interactive pages, and fascinating insights! Re-visit history as you trace the tracks of these creatures throughout cultures in Asia, the Americas, Europe, and more, learning the facts, and revealing the fallacies of dragons. Whether battling saints or terrorizing medieval castles, these creatures provide a fascinating link to man’s earliest history, as well as a shadowy mystery now found only in the pages of ancient texts.”

What I love about this book: The book is crazy cool and very interactive. Each page has folded flaps and pop-outs that invite little hands to open and explore. I love how Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs unifies historical and contemporary research findings on dragons and gives biblical explanations for similarities that occur between cultures. Also cool is the author’s insightful addition of different biblical commentary on these magnificent beasts! Kids get to hear what people like John Calvin thought about dragons!

Bodie Hodge and Laura Welch are also two of the authors behind the Big Book of History (which is also on my Amazon wish list!)

What resources written from a biblical worldview do you enjoy with your kids? Share your ideas in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. To find out what that means, click here.

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Ministry Monday: How to host the best Grandparents Camp ever

July 1, 2013 By: demingglobal18 Comments

Welcome to Ministry Monday at Hive Resources! This series is for everyday women serving in the everyday mission fields of life. Posts feature resources & ideas for discipleship, outreach events, women’s ministries, Bible study, hospitality, and more. Subscribe today!

Last week, we packed the kids up and drove 10 hours into the heart of the North Georgia Mountains for summer camp…well, actually Grandaddy Camp hosted by my parents.

1 week. 6 grandkids. About a hundred outdoor activities!

As a mom, I love the idea of Grandaddy or a Grandparents Camp and here’s why.

My kids can connect with their grandparents and cousins outside of the holiday fanfare that typically surrounds our visits. Grandaddy Camp promises a dedicated time each summer for the kids to do nothing but kid-related activities with their cousins and led by their grandparents.

My parents intentionally weave the Gospel into everything they do. So, ultimately, Grandaddy Camp is special opportunity for my kids to see and meet Christ.

Outdoor Fun

Field games {Hive Resources}

To make the week special, we spent as much time outdoors as we could! And indoor activities were game-related as much as possible. The kids watched very little TV and spent very little time on their game devices.

We played field games like tug of war, water guns, tag football, bubbles, and flew kites.

We assembled dump trucks from kits my Dad cut out before our arrival.

Then, the kids got to sand their truck parts, help (a little) with assembly, & paint them.

We dug for “gold” (rocks spray-painted gold and hidden) in the yard. And we took a tour of a local gold mine and panned for gold and mined for gems (which was the biggest hit of the week).

We searched for dinosaur eggs created by my Dad (shhhh!) hidden in my parent’s flower beds.

We built a rock dam in a nearby creek, splashed in the water, and appreciated all the bugs and wildlife.

Creek fun {Hive Resources}

In future years, we’ll add fishing to the roster.

Camp fire {Hive Resources}

We had a camp fire, rode bikes, and more! We even had a tea party for the one girl cousin!

The Camp Experience

My parents did several things to make the week more “camp-like.” (If you live in the same city as your grandchildren, you might incorporate some of these ideas into your camp to make it different than your everyday interactions.)

Make it special!

An opening ceremony provides an opportunity for explaining rules and a closing ceremony allows the campers to give their Camp Directors (their grandparents) a thank you card.

Make it about unity!

Upon arrival, each camper received a Camp T-shirt. When we took an outing, we tried to wear our shirts!

Make it spiritual!

The Camp Directors based the week around a particular fruit of the Spirit – Joy. Next year, we’re focusing on Peace. My Dad led a devotional most mornings. We found they worked best during meals so the kids had something to keep their mouths/hands busy.

Make it orderly!

For meal service, the kids formed a line in the kitchen, picked up a plastic tray and plate of food, and we all ate together outside on my parent’s porch. For group interaction, we instituted a Spirit Stick halfway through the week. Whoever held the stick had permission to talk!

And to encourage good behavior, each evening we gave out a Camper of the Day award to a camper who showed compassion to other campers or demonstrated a listening/helpful spirit.

Thank you Mom and Dad for hosting us in your home, letting us take over your kitchen, leave indeterminate amount of holes in your yard, and loving us every step of the way!

Love, the Camp Counselors!

Happy Camping!

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Ministry Monday: Banish boredom with ministry ideas for kids

June 24, 2013 By: demingglobal17 Comments

Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a new friend of mine – Tori from Fearless Heart Ministries! I hugged Tori two seconds after meeting her because we discovered we were both church planting women and moms of twins. I fell in love with her heart for equipping women to face life with bravery forged from living out God’s Word, and I know you will too! Today, she’s sharing some ideas for banishing boredom and keeping your family ministry-focused this summer!

It’s summer again. The final school bell has rung, the final test paper has been turned in and everywhere teachers rejoice.

Kids rejoice too. For them they see long, lazy days filled with TV, video games, sleepover s and pool parties.

Honestly, as Mom’s I think we would like to rejoice. What’s not to love about a slower schedule, not having to hustle the kids out early to catch the bus, or if you homeschool, get them started into their days work. We look forward to vacation and hopefully a little downtime with the family…and might we daresay…downtime for ourselves too?

I am like any other Mom. I like summer and all the good things, along with warmer weather, that it brings. However, I have to be honest that sometimes, while everyone else is rejoicing, inwardly I am groaning. I sit and wrack my brain over fun things that we can do with the kids. Things that will not only keep them occupied but also things that will do more than entertain.

It’s not just about working hard to avoid that dreaded phrase from our kids…”Mom, I’m….BORED!” But really capturing the time for more than TV and video games. As a Mom I want to help our girls have a bigger world view than just their own front door.

So here are two things that we do as a family to keep our summers more “ministry” focused and not so “us” focused.

Make a missions mailbox

I found this idea on Pinterest and thought it was a simple, yet easy way to help us focus our minds and hearts on others.

First, we went to the craft store and found a simple plain mailbox. Next we took the names and pictures of all the missionaries and pastors we support with our prayers and/or finances, and placed them in the mailbox. Then, each time we have quiet time as a family (either morning or evening) we pull one missionary or pastors name from the mailbox and pray specifically for them.

Another fun twist is to also have your children write a quick note or word of encouragement to the missionary and family…then make sure you mail it to them. Believe me, these words of encouragement mean the world to missionaries on the field.

Serve at a local food bank

Once a month, usually on a Thursday morning, our area food bank asks for volunteers to help bag up groceries for area residents in need. We have had opportunity over the last year to serve in this way several times and we find such joy in helping and serving. If possible we then return on the distribution day to help give out the groceries to our friends and neighbors. The girls love to see the smiles on the face of the families who are receiving and knowing that they are truly making a difference.

For our family this hits especially close to home because there was a time when we relied on the generosity of others to get through some hard times. As we have shared our story with our girls we have seen them develop a real heart to help others in need.

Really, all it takes a bit of thinking and prayer to find a need close to home. Then we have to be willing to take action on that need and opportunity. Take time to look around your community and see where you might be able to serve as a family:

Food banks
Animal shelters
Public library
Soup kitchens,
Clothes closets
Picking up Trash
Taking cookies to the local Firehouse
Mowing a neighbor’s lawn
Caring for a friend’s pet

There are tons of ways we can serve those around us and have fun doing it.

So my question to you is this ….What are you waiting for? Banish those infamous summer words…. “I’m bored”….right to the deepest recess of the basement and jump headlong into summer ministry fun. Because honestly, it might just change your world!

~Victoria

Victoria is a wife of 17 years to her husband Brian, homeschooling mom to four daughters, church planter, photographer and writer. Victoria is a recent graduate of Liberty University and holds a B.A. in Psychology and Christian Counseling. She is the wearer of many hats but above all else she is a daughter of the King…redeemed by grace and captured by love.

Connect with Tori on Facebook and twitter!

Need some more ideas for summer fun? Check out 7 resources for a summer of faith & fun!

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Ministry Monday: Passport to Summer Missions

June 10, 2013 By: demingglobal14 Comments

Welcome to Ministry Monday at Hive Resources! This series is for everyday women who minister through the everyday mission fields of life. Posts feature resources and ideas for discipleship, outreach events, women’s ministries, Bible study, hospitality, and more. Subscribe today!

Today’s post is by one of my real-life best friend’s Nive Burris of Handful of Joy. Nive’s guest post – How to teach your kids to be dinner table missionaries – was one of my most shared posts at Hive Resources, so I’m thrilled to have her back! Originally from India, Nive became a Christian after moving to the U.S. It was my joy to wildly cheer her on when she took her oath to become a U.S. citizen. Since that day, it’s been my honor to watch her pass her inspiring faith on to her two children – along with her love for cooking and the Great Commission.

This summer, I’m taking our family of four on a trip around the world, and you can too!

Here’s some of the places on our family’s travel bucket list. Someday, I want to dip my toes in China’s Yangtze River, hike Mount Kilimanjaro, walk the Great Wall of China, visit the Pyramids, watch Aurora borealis, and the list goes on.

You might think I’m chasing the wind, but I’m not! Our adventures will be virtual!

around-the-world-in-60-days-arti

When I was browsing our local library, bargain book shops and pinboards to plan summer activities with my kids, and I came across Around the World in 60 Days by Thriving Family magazine. Published by Focus on the Family, Around the Word in 60 Days guides you through 27 different countries on six continents. Each day of the trip, offers you a Bible lesson and a fun activity that gives your family a glimpse into another culture.

Experiencing the nations through culture

Passport to Summer Missions {Hive Resources}

Here’s what I love about Around the World in 60 Days:

First, it is free printable download!

You can print out the passport pages and stamps for each country you “visit.”

Each stamp has a unique symbol which acts as a conversation point.

For example, the India stamp has a picture of three-wheel rickshaw – a very popular mode of transportation.

Each stamp also has Bible verse to go along with the given country that ties to the devotion.

Around the World in 60 Days is fun summer activity to make kids aware of the world around them which is in desperate need of Christ.

Experiencing the nations through food

But because I’m a huge foodie, I extended our adventures with food and crafts. Here’s how I did it:

I pick out the dish I want to make based on what I think my family would like, my pantry, and ease of prepping it.

It may or may not be a country listed in Thriving Fun. Click to see how I made Chana Masala from India, Peanut Butter candy from Uganda (see pics), and Chicken Moussaka from Greece!

We use the prayer points as a guideline for the given country before the meal.

Our kids are accustomed to asking, where we are eating this meal from? It makes the conversation easier for us.

The kids get to stamp the passport.

If that country is not listed, I cut out a circle and let them write the name of the country and glue it in their book. You can staple additional pages if you like.

During the family devotion time, we include the verse printed on the stamp.

If we don’t have a verse corresponding to the country we cooked the meal from, we pick a verse about the nations.

Experiencing the nations through art

And since my kids like arts and crafts, I thought it would be fun to include world crafts to go with our summer missions passports. That’s when I found Summer Passport to Imagination – a 7-week crafting adventure through all 7 continents – at Michaels.

But because the Michaels near us does not offer this class, we took advantage of their easy downloads to do it at home. In this pic, we’re making African masks!

Just a word of encouragement to weary moms – we don’t try to do cooking, crafting and Bible reading all at the same time. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says we are to teach our kids the ways of Lord all the time. So if we eat a meal from Africa, we try to do the craft from Africa the next morning or so, as our time allows.

I’ve been surprised to see that if I ask my children a question about a country we’ve studied, it leads to better prayer!

Happy Travels!

Need some more ideas for teaching your kids about the nations this summer? Check out Nive’s post on How to Teach your Kids to be a Dinner Table Missionary!

You can also connect with Nive on FB or twitter.

Today we’re linking up with these great sites:

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Ministry Monday: Why I don’t wear heels to church

April 15, 2013 By: demingglobal112 Comments

While looking at cute summer dresses on Pinterest yesterday afternoon, I realized that I hadn’t worn heels to church in about a year. The realization came as I pinned all sorts of cute coral and canary-hued ensembles complete with nude pumps and matching cardy’s.

Oh, that would be so cute for church! I thought to myself.

Then I realized, I serve in the preschool Sunday school class so often that I typically don’t wear heels – or any sort of cute footwear for that matter! For instance, this Sunday I served the toddlers. My outfit? Our church T-shirt, jeans, and running shoes.

Why I don't wear heels to church {Hive Resources}

I’m not complaining – my choice was practical. You can’t chase kids who are making a b-line to the water fountain in 3-inch scrappy sandals. (Safely, that is. Or without blisters, for that matter). Did you know that toddlers love chandelier earrings? They also love it when you act like an elephant, which makes skirts a poor choice for rolling around on the carpet.

And I only mention my wardrobe here, because my change of Sunday dress is evidence of a surprising change of heart for me. I say surprising, because two years ago my service in the children’s department would have been offered with grumbles and dread.

As a new mom, Sunday mornings were often the only day I was afforded the luxury of makeup and earrings! And those weekly moments of sitting kid-free in the sanctuary became my survival kit for worship. I had yet to learn (as a dear friend reminded me) that the act of worship can become the most lucid in serving children – your own and others.

And even though the thought of wearing a new Easter dress makes my heart sing, it soars when little hearts raise their voices to the heavens to announce “He is Risen!”

Not everyone is called to children’s ministry – I get that. My call to children’s ministry comes out of my own ministry of motherhood (my kids are in the nursery) and a practical need (as a church plant we enjoy lots of kids and few hands).

And while I certainly enjoy worshiping with our church corporately, chasing stray crayons under the table and wiping runny noses has become one new area of worship for me.

In general, serving kids is one of the most under-serviced areas in many churches and the most necessary. It’s also home to one of ministry’s best-kept secrets – serving children can be a highly rewarding act of worship.

Are you serving in your church’s children’s department? If not, here’s a few ideas to get you started:

Offer to set up or clean up rooms.

Volunteer to stay after the service and disinfect toys. Our church plant meets in a hotel on Sunday morning, so we pack up everything in plastic bins before and after the service. If you’re in an existing church, I bet there are still things that need to be done – like emptying trash cans!

Offer to check-in kids when they arrive.

Greeters are often the first face seen by visitors to your church. And extra hands are always a welcome gift for moms wrangling multiple kids.

Offer to serve as a classroom assistant.

If you are scared of teaching kids, this is a great way to get started. This is also an easy way for churches to enact the mentoring command in Titus 2. I’ve learned a lot by shadowing some great teachers, you will too.

Offer to be a classroom supplier.

This is a great role if you’re a woman who loves to craft. You probably have craft supplies tucked away you aren’t using. Consider donating them to your church or picking up extra supplies while you are out. This is also a blessing for churches with big ideas and small budgets.

What are you wearing to church these days? I don’t wear tennis shoes every Sunday, but I certainly look forward to the days that I do.

Do you serve in your church’s children’s department? What is the most rewarding aspect of worshiping this way?

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Post-Easter activity for kids: Why do we celebrate the resurrection?

April 3, 2013 By: demingglobal18 Comments

Even at a young age, children can easily understand the facts of an empty tomb. Yet, teaching children what the facts of the Resurrection mean for daily life is a little more challenging.

Before Easter, I fell in love with this object lesson by Oh Amanda based on Ezekiel 36: 26. She had her children fill their Easter baskets with rocks (representing our sins), and then she replaced the rocks later with gifts (representing the gift of salvation).

So as a post-Easter activity, I revamped her idea to help my kids understand why we celebrate the Resurrection.

Stony Hearts

First, we read Ezekiel 36:25-26. I asked the boys to raise their hands when they heard me say the word ‘heart.’

“I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh…”

Then I gave each boy a small stone. (Before we started, I used paint pens to draw a heart on each rock, but you could instruct older children to paint their own as part of the activity.)

What does a heart of stone look like?

I wanted my boys to be able to describe a heart of stone, so we answered these two questions:

Is your rock hard or soft?

Hard! A heart of stone is hardened by sins. Ezekiel says a heart of stone is full of sins (filthiness).

Is your rock bendable?

Can you bend your rock? No! No matter how hard you press, it says the same shape! A heart of stone doesn’t do what God says or wants, it only does what it wants to do. Ezekiel says a heart of stone is full of idols & self-love.

We observed that all of us have hearts of stone. So, I let each boy write his name on their heart. (Oh Amanda had her children write specific sins or problems they struggle with. I love this idea for older children).

Next, we re-read Ezekiel 36: 26. I told them to listen for the ‘good news.’

“I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”

They didn’t understand the ‘good news’ the first time. So, I explained that when Jesus died on the cross and rose again, all those who trust in him are given a gift!

I asked the boys to close their eyes and listen really hard to the verse again. Then I asked, what does God do?

(When their eyes were closed, I switched the rock with a small container of playdoh).

The boys both answered that God gives us a heart of flesh. When they opened their eyes to their gift they were excited. I told them to open their containers and shape a heart out of their playdoh.

As we worked, I repeated the gift we receive from Jesus’ death and resurrection – a new heart that is made out of flesh.

What does a heart of flesh look like?

I asked the boys to describe the heart of flesh (I asked the same questions we used to describe our stony hearts):

Is your playdoh heart hard or soft?

It’s soft. Our new heart is able to LOVE like Jesus loved when he gave his life for us. We laughed over the thought of a hard hug from a rock!

Is your playdoh heart bendable?

Yes! We agreed we could make any shape out of our playdoh! God can use our new soft hearts to shape us into whatever he wants. Our new hearts are able to obey God like Jesus obeyed when he died for the world!

²⁷I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.

After reading Ezekiel 36:27, we repeated our main truths:

Our old hearts are like hard rocks – full of sin, dirty, and disobedient.
Our new hearts are like Jesus – loving and ready to obey with the Spirit’s help!

What happened when Jesus rose from the dead? He gave us a new heart! And until he comes again, he has given his Spirit to help us love and obey him.

To close, I had the boys shape their playdoh into a cross, but you could ask the kids to team up to make a tomb and stone as well.

To finish, read your child The Prince’s Poison Cup (Check out this review here). It vividly illustrates the stony nature of our sinful hearts.

I hope this lesson helps you lead your child into the glorious truths of the Resurrection and what it means for their everyday life.

For some more ideas, check out these great posts on the meaning of the Resurrection from some of my favorite sites:

Our Un-Easter Baskets (The original post by Oh Amanda on using rocks to illustrate Ezek. 36)

Because of Easter…I am reconciled (A great series starting this week over at Desiring Virtue on the meaning of Easter).

Easter Reading Picks (An extensive list of Easter-centered picture books for children by Redeemed Reader. I bought several off this list for my kiddos Easter baskets – including The Prince’s Poison Cup.)

Our Sins Nailed to the Cross (An vivid object lesson on forgiveness by Christina of To Show Them Jesus.)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Resurrection Day! What are you continuing to do all year long to lead your children into the truths of the Resurrection? Share your ideas!

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