Fruit of the Spirit: Self-Control

Week Thirty-Three: Self-Control
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 25:28
* What is self-control? (to hold back the things we want, what we want to say or do, if these things do not please God.)
* Learn the sign for self-control.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 25:28
* What is self-control? (review from yesterday, another word is restraint.)
* Here's an example of restraint: When we take our dog for a walk what do we snap onto her collar? (A leash.) This is so we can restrain her if she tries to run off. In the same way, we need to put a "leash" on ourselves to show restraint and self-control.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 25:28
* Walls around a city helped keep it safe, so self-control helps keep us safe. And, when we don't have self-control we are like a city whose walls are broken down.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 25:28
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Week Thirty-Four: Self-Control
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:6
* (Note: refer back to journal entry about the train in the Goodness section)
* Remember when we talked about adding goodness and faith?
* This is the same verse and it talks about lots of good things - one of them is self-control!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:6
* When we are friends with God - we have asked Him to live in our heart.
* After He comes to live in our heart, we will spend the rest of our lives growing. Just as a little baby grows and learns, so we as God's children will grow and learn!
* Self-control is one of the things we learn as we grow!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:6
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:6
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Thirty-Five: Self-Control
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:26a
* What is anger? (When we get mad or upset about something or at someone else.)
* It is not a sin to feel angry - but how we handle that shows that we have self-control or shows that we do not have self-control.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:26a
* Let's remember when we read Proverbs 15:1. Do you remember our story about John and Amy? (Found in Gentleness section, paraphrase story if necessary)
* When Amy used a gentle answer, she showed self-control and did the right thing. John did not have self-control because he got angry and upset and yelled at Amy.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:26a
* How can I be angry and not sin?
- When you feel angry, remember God's Word and verses you have memorized.
- Pray and ask God to help you show self-control and not sin.
- Remember the way we treat others is the way we treat God.
- Self-control is the right choice and takes God's strength to help us.
* When we don't show self-control and do sin, what should we do?
-Ask God for His forgiveness and tell Him we are sorry.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:26a
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Week Thirty-Six: Self-Control
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 34:13
* One of the ways we show self-control is by being careful about what we say.
* God's Word says not to speak lies or say things that are wrong, unkind or not true.
* Sing (Oh, Be Careful Little Eyes What You See, etc...)
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 34:13
* We know not to say evil or untrue things - so what should we say?
- nice, true, kind, right words
* If we can't do the right thing - should we say anything? (NO!)
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 34:13
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five
* Pray
* Read Psalm 34:13
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Fruit of the Spirit: Gentleness

This is the next to last installment in this series - the final post will be up on Monday! Thanks for your patience!

Week Twenty-Nine: Gentleness
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 3:3-4
* What does the word gentleness mean?
- Think about when you are around a little baby and mama says to be gentle: soft; quiet.
- It also means not acting unkindly or in a way that would hurt someone.
* Learn the sign for gentleness.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 3:3-4
* These verses tell us that a gentle and quiet attitude in our heart is more important than wearing fancy clothes and lots of jewelery.
* Because when we have a gentle and quiet attitude, it makes God very happy!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 3:3-4
* What does it mean to have a gentle and quiet spirit?
* Does complaining show a gentle and quiet spirit? (NO!)
* Does asking forgiveness show a gentle and quiet spirit? (Yes!)
* Does pouting when you don't get your way show a gentle and quiet spirit? (NO!)
* Does keeping quiet when you want to do or say something unkind show a gentle and quiet spirit? (Yes!)
* What makes us truly beautiful is what shines from inside us!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 3:3-4
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Thirty: Gentleness
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:5a
* Who are we to show gentleness to? (All!)
* Just to those who love us and are kind to us? (No, to all people)
* Just those who love God? (No, to all people)
* Even those who are not very nice to us? (Yes, to all people)
* Sometimes it will seem easy to show gentleness and other times it will be hard. But, it is something God tells us to do so we must obey Him!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:5a
* How can I show gentleness to those around me?
- If I ask my Mom for something and she says not right now - how can I answer with gentleness?
- If I wave or say "hi" to someone at the store and they frown at me - how can I act with gentleness?
- When I'm playing at a friends house and Mama says it is time to go - how can I respond with gentleness?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:5a
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:5a
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Thirty-One: Gentleness
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Matthew 11:29
* What does it mean to learn? (Remember when you learned your ABC's? When you were smaller, you did not know your ABC's - you had to learn them. You sang songs, looked at the letters and practiced your sounds and now you know them. Going from not knowing to knowing is learning!)
* Who is me? Who is the best person we can learn from? (Jesus)
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Matthew 11:29
* This verse tells us that we can learn from Jesus! He sets an example for us to follow!
* Do you know what an example is? It is when someone shows us what to do and we follow.
* Let's play a game: Follow the Leader
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Matthew 11:29
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Matthew 11:29
* Remember how we played Follow the Leader? Jesus is the very best leader we can follow! When we read the Bible - we learn about Jesus and then we can obey what it says!
* How does Jesus set an example in gentleness?
- He is kind.
- He does not act unkindly to us.
- He is not rude.
- He would never hurt us!
- He wants what is best for us!
* When bad people wanted Jesus to die on the cross, did He get angry? Did He yell and throw a fit? No, He acted with gentleness.
* Sing
* Pray

Week Thirty-Two: Gentleness
Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 15:1
* What is a gentle answer? (soft, kind, not angry, quiet)
* A gentle answer turns away wrath - what is wrath? (anger or trying to get back at someone)
* If someone snatches a toy and says, "That's mine!" - how can you give a gentle answer?
* Let's think of how a gentle answer turns away wrath:

**John came storming into the house and yelled, "Where are you Amy? I'm going to hit you! I'm so mad that you moved my toy!"

Amy came and gently said, "I'm sorry, John - I didn't mean to upset you, I moved your toy because I was afraid someone would trip on it. Let's go outside together and I'll show you where it is, ok?"

John listened to Amy's soft answer and realized he wasn't angry anymore - "Thanks, Amy - that would be great! I did not know my toy was in the way. Thanks for telling me why you moved it! Come on, let's go play!"

* Did you see how her soft answer turned away wrath?!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 15:1
* The rest of this verse says that a harsh word stirs up anger. Let's think about our story with John and Amy. Let's see how it might work out differently.

** John came storming into the house and yelled, "Where are you Amy? I'm going to hit you! I'm so mad that you moved my toy!"

Amy came out and yelled, "Well, if you had put your toy away where it goes I wouldn't have had to move it! I don't care if you do hit me because I'm going to hit you!"

"Fine!" John yelled, "I am so angry with you and don't want to play with you today."

"Fine!" said Amy as she stomped away.

* See how awful it was when Amy did not have a soft and gentle answer?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 15:1
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 15:1
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Fruit of the Spirit: Faithfulness

Week Twenty-Five: Faithfulness

Day One:

* Pray

* Review

* Sing

* Pray

Day Two:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 100:5

* This verse reminds again that God is good and that He loves us!

* It says His love endures forever, how long is forever? (Forever means it will never stop!)

* Learn sign for faithfulness.

* Sing

* Pray

Day Three:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 100:5

* Do you know what faithfulness means? (trustworthy, stick by you no matter what, right, truthful)

* So these are all the ways that God is faithful to us!

* Sing

* Pray

Day Four:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 100:5

* Let's talk about the last word in this verse: generation.

* Pull out a family photo and explain this idea of generations.

* Sing

* Pray

Day Five:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 100:5

* Journal

* Sing

* Pray

Week Twenty-Six: Faithfulness

Day One:

* Pray

* Review

* Sing

* Pray

Day Two:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 92:1-2

* Who are we to praise? (the Lord)

* What does Most High mean? (It means that no one is higher than God. He alone is worthy of all our praise!)

* We make music to Him to bring Him praise!

* Sing

* Pray

Day Three:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 92:1-2

* What does proclaim mean? (to tell others)

* What does it say to proclaim? (God's love and faithfulness)

* It says to share in the morning and at night so that we will remember it is always a good time to tell others about God!

* Sing

* Pray

Day Four:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 92:1-2

* Journal

* Sing

* Pray

Day Five:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 92:1-2

* Review

* Sing

* Pray

Week Twenty-Seven: Faithfulness

Day One:

* Pray

* Review

* Sing

* Pray

Day Two:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 40:10

* What does it mean to hide?

* This verse teaches us tht it is not good to keep God's love a secret or hide it!

* We must share it with others!

* Sing

* Pray

Day Three:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 40:10

* What are the things this verse reminds us to share?

- righteousness (without sin)

- faithfulness (trustworthy, right, truthful)

- salvation (eternal life by receiving forgiveness for sin through Jesus Christ

- love

- truth (opposite of a lie)

* Who are we to share with? What is a great assembly? (A large group of people who have come to hear something.)

* We should be ready to tell anyone who will listen!

* Sing

* Pray

Day Four:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 40:10

* Journal

* Sing

* Pray

Day Five:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 40:10

* Review

* Sing

* Pray

Week Twenty-Eight: Faithfulness

Day One:

* Pray

* Review

* Sing

* Pray

Day Two:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 91:4

* Let's picture what it would be like to be under God's wings (Mom - put a long towel or blanket over your back then stretch out your arms in protection around your child.)

* It says this is a refuge. So how does that feel? (safe, comforting, cozy, free from fear or danger, peaceful)

* Sing

* Pray

Day Three:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 91:4

* What is a shield? (When a soldier is fighting - a shield protects him. Act this out using a pillow or whatever you have on hand for the shield.)

* It also says His faithfulness is a rampart: do you know what that is? It is a big strong wall where you can go for safety! God's faithfulness is something that keeps us safe!

* Sing

* Pray

Day Four:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 91:4

* Journal

* Sing

* Pray

Day Five:

* Pray

* Read Psalm 91:4

* Review

* Sing

* Pray

Fruit of the Spirit: Goodness

Week Twenty One: Goodness

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 69:16
* This verse says that God's love is goodness!
* What does goodness mean? (To be good, kind!)
* Learn the sign for goodness.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 69:16
* How has God shown goodness to us? Thank Him!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 69:16
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 69:16
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Twenty-Two: Goodness

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 31:19
* What do we learn about goodness in this verse?
- It is great!
- God gives it and it comes from Him!
- God is storing it up for those who love Him!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 31:19
* God's goodness is a treasure!
* What is a treasure? (something that is very special, valuable and precious!)
* How do we take care of a treasure?
- Do we throw it on the ground?
- Do we give it away?
- Do we take good care of it?
- Do we break it?
- Do we put it somewhere special?
* We can trust God to take good care of all the treasures He has for us.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 31:19
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 31:19
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Twenty-Three: Goodness

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 145:7
* What does it mean to celebrate something?
* Think of an example from your own home - birthday, Easter, Christmas
* What does this verse tell us to celebrate?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 145:7
* This verse also says to sing joyfully because of God's righteousness.
* Do you know what righteousness means? (It describes someone who does what is right, truthful and fair.)
* One of the ways we praise God is by singing to Him - let's do that now!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 145:7
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 145:7
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Twenty-Four: Goodness

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:5-8 (This is a long section, reduce to suit your family)
* All these things are good tings like the Fruit of the Spirit that we should ask God to grow in us.
* We want God to teach us these things so that we will be more like Him!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:5-8
* God's Word says that when these things grow in us - they will help us to know how to share His goodness with others!
* We will use the good things He has grown in us to live in a way that makes God happy!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:5-8
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 1:5-8
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness

Week Seventeen: Kindness

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:32
* Who does this verse tell us showed kindness to us? (God!)
* How did God show kindness to us?
* Learn sign for kindness.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:32
* God was kind to us because He sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins.
* When do we forgive?
* So, God forgives us when we do things that make Him sad.
* We are to forgive each other too!
* Let's practice:
- "I'm sorry, will you please forgive me?"
- "Yes, I forgive you!"
- "Thank you!"

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:32
* This verse also says to be kind and compassionate to each other.
* What does it mean to be kind? (show that you care for others, show understanding)
* What does it mean to show compassion? (sharing someone's sadness, share an example)
* Sing
* Pray for a kind and compassionate heart.

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Ephesians 4:32
* Journal
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Eighteen: Kindness

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15
* This verse says to make sure not to pay back wrong for wrong.
* Do you know what that means?
- If someone takes your toy, should you take something of theirs? No, that would be paying wrong for wrong. How should you act?
- If someone pushes you, should you push them back? No, that would be repaying wrong for wrong.
- I'm thankful that God does not do wrong to us when we disobey!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15
* This verse says to always be kind!
* Does that mean just on Mondays?
* Does that mean just when the sun in shining?
* Does it mean only when it is easy?
* It says to show kindness to one another which means other people who love God!
* And, it says to be kind to everyone else which means just that! ALL people need our kindness!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:15
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Nineteen: Kindness

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 12:25
* The beginning of this verse says that an anxious heart weighs somebody down.
* What does it mean to be anxious? (worried, afraid)
* Why does that wear us down? (because it takes our eyes off of God)
* What does it feel like to be weighed down? (put a bag of flour or sugar or some canned goods in a backpack to demonstrate.)
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 12:25
* Yesterday we talked about how it felt to be weighed down with fear or worry, but guess what? There is a way to feel cheerful and happy again!
* What is it? We can say a kind word to a friend! Let's practice!
* If your friend is afraid it might rain and they won't be able to go to the park - what are some kind words you could say?
* If a friend or your brother or sister isn't feeling good or is afraid to go to the doctor - what are some kind words you could say?
* Can you remember a time someone said something kind to you? Share that.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 12:25
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 12:25
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Twenty: Patience

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 14:31
* The beginning of this verse means that if someone is not kind to those who are in need, they are showing God they do not love Him.
* What does it mean to be poor? (someone who does not have very much - maybe they don't have many clothes or maybe only a little bit of food to eat)
* Who made all of us? (God)
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 14:31
* We learned yesterday that those who do not show kindness to those in need are showing God they don't love Him.
* This verse also tells us how we can make God happy - it says whoever is KIND to the needy honors God!
* How can we show kindness to the needy?
- taking food to the Food Pantry at church
- packing shoeboxes for children in other countries
- cleaning out clothes or toys you don't need to share with others
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 14:31
* Do something to help the poor!
* Ideas:
- Go through pantry to find food items to donate.
- Choose toys or clothes to give.
- Make a card for someone who is sick.
- Come up with your own idea!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Proverbs 14:31
* You made God happy by giving to someone in need!
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Fruit of the Spirit: Patience

Week Thirteen: Patience

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 3:9
* Show the wordless book and share the plan of salvation
* That is God's promise to us - that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life!
* It may seem like it takes a long time to get to go to Heaven - but God's timing is perfect!
* Learn the sign for patience.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 3:9
* So, what is God's promise that we talked about yesterday? (All who believe in Him have eternal life.)
* This verse says that God is patient with us! He wants as many people as possible to be with Him forever in Heaven. But, some people don't do things that make God happy. His patience gives them another chance.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 3:9
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read 2 Peter 3:9
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Fourteen: Patience

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 37:7a
* What does it mean to be still?
* You know when Mama tells you we're going to a friend's house to play? You get excited and it is hard to wait! You run around and ask Mama lots and lots of times when we will go? Being still is waiting without all the running around and asking. It is asking one time and then quitely waiting for the time I said.
*It's the same way with God - let's talk about it more tomorrow!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 37:7a
* What does it mean to be still?
* Sometimes we ask God for things and He is teaching us in this verse to wait with a quiet heart and to wait patiently.
* God is never late! His timing is always perfect!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 37:7a
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Psalm 37:7a
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Fifteen: Patience

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14
* It says to be patient with who?
- only those who are always nice? NO!
- only those who don't take toys? NO!
- only those who give you what you want right away? NO!
- it says EVERYONE!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14
* Let's think about some ways you can show patience with others:
- If you go to the park and there is a line for the slide or swings - what can you do?
- If you ask your Mama for a snack and she says, yes, in just a few minutes - how can you show patience?
- If your brother, sister or friend has a toy you want to play with - how can you show patience?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Sixteen:

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read James 5:7-8a
* Sometimes it feels like a long time until we can go to Heaven! Remember? We talked about this a couple of weeks ago! (Show journal page of watch.)
* God tells us here in His Word that this is the same kind of patience we see on a farm or in a garden.
* Let's talk more about the garden idea tomorrow.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read James 5:7-8a
* How do you plant a garden?
- plan, prepare soil, plant, water, pull weeds, take care of, pick!
* Does a garden take time? Yes, after you plant the seeds you have to be patient for the seeds to grow!
* God told us this is the same way we should be patient and wait for Him!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read James 5:7-8a
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read James 5:7-8a
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Fruit of the Spirit Study

I've fallen very behind in posting the FOTS Study for Preschoolers. Just waned to post a quick update that I've finished scanning all the rest of the printable pages and will finish posting the entire study in the days to come. I hope this helps all who have been waiting on me to post the next sections!

Fruit of the Spirit for Preschoolers: Peace

Moving on to peace, here is the next month of study for sharing with your children. We've just finished joy and I am looking forward to this month of peace!

Week Nine: Peace

Day One:
* Pray
* Review Fruit of the Spirit
* We've talked about love and joy - what's next?
* Learn sign for peace
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Isaiah 9:6
* What is the name of the baby that God sent to be born? (Jesus!)
* The government will be on His shoulders means that He is in charge and only God tells Him what to do!
* Briefly mention: It says He will be called Wonderful Counselor: He will guide us and helps us understand what the right thing is; Mighty God: He is very strong and you know how you have obey Mama and Daddy? Well, we all obey God!; Everlasting Father: He will never die, He will always live in Heaven as our Father (He loves us!); Prince of Peace: we'll talk about this one tomorrow!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Isaiah 9:6
* A princess is the little girl of the king and queen, right? Well, a prince is the son of the king.
* So, Jesus is the prince because He is God's Son.
* Here is says He is the Prince of Peace
* Peace is having a quiet heart that believes God's Word and trusts His promises.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Isaiah 9:6
* Which child shows peace?
- Once upon a time there was a little girl who was afraid to go to church because she didn't like going to Sunday School without her mama. She didn't play or sing or make friends because she sat in the corner and felt scared and wished for her Mama back.
- Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved going to Sunday School! She missed her Mama while she was gone - but she remembered that God's Word says He will be with us wherever we go. So, she trusted that God was with her and had a peaceful heart! She had fun learning Bible stories, singing songs and making new friends.
* Which one showed peace?
* Sing
* Pray

Day 5:
* Pray
* Journal (decorate with sequins)
* Sing
* Pray

Week 10: Peace

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 5:7
* Learn song "Cast all my Cares"
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 5:7
* Our Prince of Peace is who?
* Is He strong enough to take care of anything?
* So, if we hear lightning and thunder at night and we don't like it - can He give us peace?
* If we see a dog we don't like can He give us peace?
* If our car makes a funny sound and we think we're going to be in an accident - will He take care of us and give us peace?
* All of these things are kinds of "cares" or burdens mentioned in our verse and song. We can give all the things we're concerned about and He'll replace them with His peace!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 5:7
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read 1 Peter 5:7
* Act out passage: have two boxes, one labeled "care" and a prettier one that is labeled " peace". Bring box of cares (put magazines or something inside to make it heavy) and bring it to Jesus - trade for light box of peace!
* Sing
* Pray

Week Eleven: Peace

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Isaiah 26:3
* God will keep us in perfect peace! Perfect means that nothing is wrong with it, it never disobeys or makes a wrong choice - it is always right.
* For a visual of trusting in Him: get a long towel and put it around yourself holding the ends in your hands - invite your child in and explain that when they trust God - He surrounds them with peace.
* It feels safe, comfortable and inviting!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Isaiah 26:3
* God says when we trust Him, He will keep us in perfect peace, but we have a job too - our job is to keep our mind and our eyes fixed on Him!
* How can we do that? One way is through prayer.
* Remember our story (see week 9, day 4) The little girl could've prayed and asked God to help her not be afraid to go to Sunday School without her Mama. With God's strength, she could say, I will trust in You! God will give her peace.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Isaiah 26:3
* Another way we can keep our mind steadfast is through God's Word.
* We can read God's Word, we can study it and learn more about Him and memorize it!
* When we are afraid or have lost our peace - we can remember the promises in God's Word! And, we can trust Him because god always tells the truth!
* What are some verses you have memorized?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Isaiah 26:3
* Journal/Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Twelve: Peace

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Romans 12:18
* We have talked a lot about having peace with God, but now we need to remember to have peace with each other.
* Talk through verse:
- if it is possible: sometimes it might not work to be at peace with someone else, because they might be rude or unkind.
- God says as much as it depends on you: that means that I should do everything I can to be at peace with those around me.
- we can only be responsible for how we act - so we must make sure that we choose to do the right things. We can't choose for other people - but we can choose to make a good choice.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Romans 12:18
* How can we be at peace with those around us?
* What if your brother or sister takes a toy you are playing with?
* What if your mom or dad says no to something you asked for?
* What is someone pushes you or says something unkind?
* Talk through the above situations.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Romans 12:18
* Practice peace and/or journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Romans 12:18
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Fruit of the Spirit: Joy

Here's the next installment in the Fruit of the Spirit study. We've really been enjoying this and have had fun learning new verses and songs! How about you?


Week Five: Joy

Day One:
* Pray
* Review Galatians 5:22-23; What is the second fruit mentioned? (Joy!)
* Make a frown face and a happy face: which one shows joy?
* Read Philippians 4:4
* What is joy? Joy is like being happy with a happiness that comes from God! It doesn't matter if something good or bad happens - we can still rejoice in the Lord!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:4
* When should I have joy? (always)
* So, when I fall down and get hurt can I have joy in the Lord?
* When Mama gives me a special treat can I have joy in the Lord?
* When someone won't share can I have joy in the Lord?
* What does always mean?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:4
* Two times it says to rejoice! When Mama tells you something important, sometimes she says it two times! So, God must think it is important to tell us two times!
* Learn sign for joy.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:4
* How can we rejoice in the Lord?
* Sing praise to Him.
* Our attitude toward others.
* Pray: tell God our praise!
* Trust Him.
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Philippians 4:4
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Six

Day One:
* Pray
* Read Nehemiah 8:10c
* Do not grieve means don't be sad.
* This verse tells us that when we have the joy of the Lord - it gives us strength to do right things and to obey God.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Nehemiah 8:10c
* What was the first Fruit we talked about? (love)
* When we have God's special love in our hearts, it gives us joy too!
* You could pretend that it was like planting seeds of love and having joy grow up from those seeds.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Nehemiah 8:10c
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Nehemiah 8:10c
* Just like God's love gives us joy, when we show love to others, it can bring joy to them!
* Talk about examples.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Read Nehemiah 8:10c
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Seven

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Read Luke 2:8-15
* The angel said they brought good news of great joy. What was the good news? (Jesus' birth!)
* Why did that bring joy? (Because He would grow up and die for our sins so we could live with Him forever in Heaven!)
* Act out story if you want to.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Zephaniah 3:17
* What brings joy to God? (One of His children who loves Him and obeys Him)
* God loves you very much and you make Him happy!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read story of Esther
* Joy in God taking care of His people.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Paraphrase story of Esther
* Act out story
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Eight

Day One:
* Pray
* Review
* Read John 15:11-12
* Joy is a choice
* Do you like red or green? Ok, great you just made a choice!
* Do you want to have sadness or joy? Joy? Great, you can have joy by having God's love in your heart and sharing it with others.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read John 15:11-12
* What is a commandment?
* What is God's commandment in this verse?
* What happens when we obey this commandment?
* Let's thank God for His Word!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read John 15:11-12
* What does it mean that your joy may be full?
* Show two glasses of water: one with a very small amount - one with a lot.
* Which one is full?
* If you feel like the empty one - you can ask God to fill you up with joy! (show this by filling glass!)
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read John 15:11-12
* Journal
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Covered Notebook

Free three-ring binders were readily available during the school supply sales! But, as I was preparing for the Fruit of the Spirit study, I wanted to be able to provide the little ladies with a pretty journal to keep their work in.

So, I went to my fabric stash and pulled out the choices and they chose the same fabric as their favorite. I used the fabric to cover the free notebooks and instant cute notebooks were achieved. This is a super quick project with great results!

Start with your notebook that you'd like to recover. Mine were one inch binders.

First, lay out your binder open with the outside of it laying flat on the counter. Slide a piece of cotton quilt batting underneath and cut the batting to fit the edges of your binder.

Now, lay a piece of desired fabric underneath the whole thing - cut the fabric about 1 1/2 - 2 inches larger than the binder.

Fold edges over and fold again - hot glue in place and use a clothespin to hold in place. Do the short edges first. Then, fold the corners as desired and secure the long edges with hot glue as well. I followed the same method that I used in making this cookbook if you'd like more pictures.

That's it! This is so very simple! You could add any kind of embellishments you want, I just kept mine plain and simple. We'll use these to add our journal pages throughout the year! Since they are the same, I did add a label to the inside with each girls' name on it so we can keep track!

Fruit of the Spirit for Preschoolers: Love

Here is my plan for the first four weeks of this study - I will continue to share in four week segments throughout the school year. This month, we'll spend one week on introducing the Fruit of the Spirit and the remaining three weeks on the first quality: love. Note: to print journal pages, click on each one to enlarge and then save or print.

Week One: Intro

Day 1:
* Pray for an open and listening heart. (Psalm 25:4-5)
* Read Galatians 5:22-23
* What is fruit?
* Where does it grow?
* Do these kinds of fruit sound good?
* Do you think acting these ways makes God happy?
* Sing "Fruit of the Spirit" (Steve Green cd)
* Ask God to grow this fruit in us. Pray.

Day 2:
* Pray
* How many fruits can you name from our Bible verse yesterday?
* Read Galatians 5:22-23
* Who is the Spirit?
* Talk about the three parts of the Trinity - use an apple to explain. The seeds, the flesh and the peel are all the apple, but three parts of the apple.
* Sing and march to "Fruit of the Spirit"
* Finish by holding hands in a circle for prayer.

Day 3:
* Pray
* Review Galatians 5:22-23
* Color fruit and glue onto tree page

* Introduce notebooks/journal
* Ask God to help us as we learn more about what pleases Him.

Day 4:
* Pray
* Review verse and picture from yesterday.
* Read Fruit of the Spirit book
* Sing
* Pray

Day 5:
* Pray
* Read Galatians 5:22-23
* Tell me what you have learned this week! Review.
* Sing
* Pray

Week Two: Love

Day 1:
* Pray
* What is the first Fruit of the Spirit in the list? Review Galatians 5:22-23
* What does it mean to show love?
* Give examples: Does taking your sister's toy show love or does sharing a toy with your sister show love?
* How do you spell love?
* Learn the sign for love.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read John 3:16 and teach motions (teach whatever motions come naturally to you and your children!)
* Who does it say showed love? (God)
* Who does God show love to? (the world)
* Are you part of the world? (YES!)
* Does God love you? (YES!)
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read John 3:16 and review motions.
* How do we know God loves us? (He sent His only Son to die for us!)
* Who is God's Son? (Jesus)
* If we believe in Him, where will we live forever? (Heaven)
* Share plan of salvation if your child is ready to hear at this point.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* John 3:16 with motions
* Journal: color and talk about what we've learned this week


* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Review Galatians 5:22-23
* Review John 3:16
* Sing
* Pray

Week Three: Love

Day One:
* Pray
* Review two verses.
* We have talked about how God loves us, but how can we show love to God?
* by reading His Word
* by obeying Him
* by praying
* by memorizing His Word
* by how we treat others
* by singing songs of praise to Him
* Read Deuteronomy 6:5
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read Deuteronomy 6:5
* What does it mean to love God with all our heart? soul? mind?
* Talk about the word "all" - show two jars one with something in it and one empty. Pour some of jar one into jar two.
- Did I give all I had or some?
- What do I need to do to give all?
* That is how we are to love God!
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* Read Deuteronomy 6:5
* Mark several stories in a Children's Bible: Noah, Abraham, Daniel, Cain, David, Esther, Pharoah, Israelites disobeying God, etc...
* Have children look at stories.
- Did this person show by the way they lived that they love God with all their heart, soul, mind?
- Which ones do you want to be like?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read Deuteronomy 6:5
* Journal: help each child write down why they love God!

* Sing
* Pray: offer praise through what is on journal sheet

Day Five:
* Pray
* Deuteronomy 6:5
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

Week Four: Love

Day One:
* Pray
* Review verses
* John 13:34
* Who are we to show love to?
* How can we show love to others? Name some specific ways.
* Do you know what the rest of the verse says? It says that other people can see that we love God and are learning from Him by the way we act to each other.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Two:
* Pray
* Read John 13:34
* Show journal page - look at lakes: we are to love God first and more than anything else! Then, we are to love our family - after that, we show love to our friends, neighbors, church and the world around us.

* Color and put in journal.
* Sing
* Pray

Day Three:
* Pray
* John 13:34
* Read or paraphrase Matthew 25:35-40 (here is a sample of a simple paraphrase):
- There is a story in the Bible about people who are hungry and don't have enough to eat or drink. But, Jesus said that those who loved Him gave them something to eat. Was that showing love? You bet! It was showing love to the person who was hungry - but also to God because they were helping take care of God's people. Did you know that the Bible says the way we treat other people is the same way we treat God?!
* Take each child aside individually and ask/help them think of something they could do to show love to another family member today. (Make their bed, do a chore, put clothes away, share a toy, etc...)
* Sing
* Pray

Day Four:
* Pray
* Read John 13:34
* How did you show love yesterday?
* We have talked to God about how we love Him (see journal page from last week) and we have shown love in our family, now we are going to reach out and show love.
* Give each child some spending money. Go to store and purchase food for those who don't have enough. Deliver to food pantry. (You could substitute anything similar that works in your situation!)
* How did it make you feel to show love?
* How do you think you made God feel?
* Sing
* Pray

Day Five:
* Pray
* Review
* Sing
* Pray

** Let me know how the journal pages print - I drew them on 9x12 pieces of paper and am still working out how to best fit them into an 8 1/2 x 11 format.

Fruit of the Spirit for Preschoolers: Intro

School is starting all around the nation and even the world! And, yes, school will be starting in our little family as well ~ and I have spent a lot of time and energy preparing and thinking through what I hope to accomplish this year and things I want to implement in our home.

I am inspired by Joy's example in creating a Quiet Time for my children and have been wondering what that looks like at our stage: 18 months, 3 and 4 1/2 years old. I want to teach my children from their earliest memories how to spend time with the Lord, how to develop and cultivate a relationship with Him and how to worship Him.

Yet, I want to be careful that this is done in a way that is not boring, bland or forced on them. I also don't want it to be over their heads. God provided the answer ~ I have been working hard on a Bible study for preschoolers covering the Fruit of the Spirit. This will take us nine months to complete!

I am by no means an expert on studying the Bible with young children - but this is what God has laid on my heart and provided for us to do this year. If any of you are interested in joining with us, I will share it all here as well.

Please know ahead of time that I am not a very good artist! My pictures are primitive at best and all I can say is that Emily is excited about getting going on this and I hope that the lack in my artistic ability will be made up by the excitement they catch about God and His Word!

Here are a few thoughts on this ~

This study is simply the ideas of a mom desiring to lead her children in growing to have a Quiet Time, develop their relationship with God and build godly character in their lives. Displaying the Fruit of the Spirit in our lives is something I can certainly use and benefit from studying and I hope that by studying this with my children - this will invest God's Word into their hearts in a precious way as well.

A few thoughts on how this is set up:

I designed this for our home, what I knew would work for us. We all do well with some sort of routine, so I plan to begin and end each session with prayer. We'll also be singing one song each day. I have tried to keep these segments to 5-15 minutes a day - just enough to start your day in His Word and also geared towards preschoolers shorter attention span.

I have worked in lots of review - for our children and for me, this is key to remembering what we have learned by reviewing it regularly.

There is one journal page for nearly every week of the study. These should be copied one per child and after they complete them each week - have them put them into a special notebook or folder that is theirs. This will help in review and will provide a beautiful visual at the end of the study of what we have learned together. It is my desire to begin leading my children toward the beautiful discipline of journaling - which is the idea behind beginning this concept at an early age.

One idea for using your journals is to use it in review each week. When you come across review scheduled for that day - pull out the journals and talk through the pictures, have your children explain to you what they learned that day and what each picture means!

Here are a few existing resources I plan on using as part of this study:
* 9 Fruits Alive by Mindy MacDonald
* Music Machine songs
* Steve Green Hide 'Em In Your Heart cd's: Volume 1 and Volume 2
* Fruit of the Spirit card game (found at a dollar store somewhere along the line)

Basically, four weeks will be spent on each of the nine Fruit of the Spirit qualities. And, I’m planning to use the Music Machine song which goes along with each quality for that month. So, for the first four weeks – we’ll learn and sing the song “Love” – you could choose to learn a special hymn about this topic, pick a favorite praise and worship song or whatever works for you! I wanted to incorporate music as it is fun for children and vital for worshipping God!

I may mix in a few of the Steve Green songs as well – since several of them directly correlate to the Scriptures we’ll be using in the weeks ahead.

You’ll also note that I’ve incorporated learning the sign language for each of the nine qualities. This is optional of course, but my children have really enjoyed sign language since they were infants which is the main reason I included it! It is also handy in a situation where you’d like to give a quiet message to your child without embarrassing them by speaking the words – a simple show of the sign for joy could be a great reminder to be joyful and can be presented in a quiet and tactful way that they will still understand.

As with anything – this is just a guide! No one list of suggestions will work for every family out there. This is what I think will work best in our home and if it helps someone else by providing a framework for studying God’s Word – God be praised!

Let’s pray before we begin!

Dear Lord,

Thank You so much for Your precious Word! Thank You for the instruction we receive from studying it. I pray for my children and our home as we seek You each morning and study this portion of Your Word! I pray that it would come alive for my children in a way that is meaningful to them and that we would be faithful to meet with You each day. Help us to cultivate our relationship with You and guide me as a mother in guiding these little ones closer to You. Teach me how to teach them and I ask You to teach me in the process. I pray in advance for any other mama who chooses to spend this time with You each day. Please bless their time and multiply the benefits in her life and the lives of her children in a way that only You can do.

We commit this time and study into Your care and ask You to be Lord over all that occurs in our time together.

To God be the Glory!

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen

The first section including the intro to the Fruit of the Spirit and Love will be up in the next few days! I'd love to hear from you if you decide to participate!

PS: Did you have any First Day of School traditions? I'm trying to decide if/what to do here and would love to hear your memories!