Preschool (2 yrs to PreK)

A foundational truth we want all our preschoolers to know is…  God Made Me

Through the month of May, we will explore the Creation story.  Here are the key highlights you’ll want to emphasize each week:

Basic Truth:  God Made Me
Key Question:  Who made everthing?
Bottom Line:  God Made Land
Memory Verse:  “God created the heavens and the earth” Genesis 1:1 NIV

This week we dig into Genesis 1:9-13 where God created land.  On this day God created another element that we experience every day… land.  As you play outside with your Preschooler this week there are so many opportunities to talk about what God created.  Take some time this week and plant some flowers with your Preschooler.  Remind them of how God created the earth in such a way that it sustains life (the flower).  Point out how the dirt works to feed and protect the flower to keep it alive. 

**Watch out for your Small Talk this week for some cloud watching, exploring fun.**

Elementary (K – 5^th grade)

Forgiveness is deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.

This week we focus on Joseph and his brothers in “Getting Even God’s Way”.  The story is taken from Genesis 45:1-15 and emphasizes the point…

When you want to get even, do the opposite.

Memory Verse:  “Forgive the things you are holding against one another.  Forgive, just as the Lord forgave you.”  Colossians 3:13 NIrV

You don’t have to go far for a topic like this to hit home in our lives.  As adults, the desire to get even when we are wronged might diminish with age, but it never really disappears.  As a personal focus this week, I’m challenged to explore the areas of my heart where I struggle with wanting to get even.  I love the simplicity of the challenge your child will hear this coming weekend.  When you want to get even, do the opposite.  I don’t know that this could be phrased any better.  Parents, let me challenge you as much as I am challenged. 

When you’re driving in the car and someone cuts you off… don’t get even, do the opposite.

Give your kids a real life example of what it looks like to forgive.