The Devotion Book Table

I met her at a book industry event. She was a children's ministry director for her church. I must admit she had a new-to-me idea that I truly loved.

Each year as we approach Christmas, she sets up a devotion book table for parents and kids.

Her goal is to get as many devotions for children and tweens in one spot for families to compare. Her hope is to get a good devotional fit into each child's hands as the New Year arrives. When families can preview and compare a wide variety of books, they are more likely to find one that their son or daughter will connect with and stick with for Bible study.

How can children's ministry leaders get sample copies of new, popular tween devotions? Many authors offer giveaways through sites such as Goodreads. Sometimes publishers have review copies available for the asking (if the reader is willing to post a review). 

For today only, I am offering a review copy of each tween devotional below to the first 25 children's ministry leaders who respond.

What: 

A review copy of Just Sayin' and Dare U 2 Open This Book

Who: 
Children's ministry leaders

How: 
Send the following to me at carolmcadamsmoore@gmail.com

• Your name
• Church name
• Church email address (for my monthly newsletter)
• Church snail mail address

What devotional is on your child's reading list for 2016?

Three Questions to Ask about VBS

Vacation Bible School season is in full swing. Each day is sure to be packed with fun and learning. If your child is attending VBS this summer, here are three questions to ask when he gets home.

• Who was the story about today?

• What did that person do?

• Why is that important to us today?

For example, the Day 1 lesson from Agency D3 (Lifeway) focuses on this question: Was Jesus just a good man? So, a child studying that VBS curriculum would be able to answer three questions as follows.

Who was the story about today?

The lesson is about Jesus and John the Baptist.

 

What did that person do?

Jesus asked John to baptize him. When he did, a voice from heaven announced that Jesus is indeed God's Son.

 

Why is that important to us today?

If Jesus is God's Son, we should study the Bible to learn more about His life and teachings.


Asking three simple questions can help your child review the day's lesson. It can also give you a starting point for further discussion and life application.


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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Three Rules for Behavior Management at VBS

Vacation Bible School is huge. Obviously, it is huge because of its importance in teaching kids about God and His plan for their lives.

VBS is huge in other ways as well. It is a time when a very large number of children and adults gather. Huge! Sheer numbers can create a time of confusion or even chaos, but it does not have to be. Exercising three rules can make Vacation Bible School a breeze.

• Prepare

  This one really applies to the adults, but the end result helps everyone. Preparing materials and planning which adult will be responsible for different tasks ahead of time as possible will keep the lessons and activities flowing. Kids will stay engaged in learning and fun.

• Explain Expectations

  Everyone does better knowing their expectations. If a child knows what is expected (such as listening during prayer or as another child/adult speaks) it is much for likely to happen. No expectations explained? The results are left up as many interpretations as there are children and adults.

• Follow a Routine

  People (young and old) thrive on routine. Many Bible Schools have a schedule (routine) that assists teachers in moving on to the next activity. If your VBS has classes that function independently (all activities in one room) consider creating a schedule so that things get done and kids know what to expect next. 

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

VBS Benefits for Kids

Are your kids going to Vacation Bible School this year? Of course, there are lots of obvious benefits: learning about the Bible, having fun with friends, and doing something worthwhile instead of just vegging in front of the TV. Sometimes we kind of gloss over the benefits. However, VBS addresses three distinct ways that kids learn. What better way to teach kids Bible truths than to engage them in their learning language?

Music

Is your child the one who sings everywhere he goes? Does he form a band with his friends to entertain other
kids in the neighborhood? Maybe he is the one who uses songs to remember important information for tests. Music appeals to many people. It is a beautiful way to worship God. The music and movement at VBS engages many kids. How exciting to hear kids humming or singing the words of God's Word from Vacation Bible School music! 

 

Recreation

Maybe your child lives for sports. She loves competition. She is always moving, playing, challenging others. VBS recreation encourages kids to learn Christian sportsmanship. There is nothing wrong with competition as long as it is tempered in Christian love. If your child loves sports, you will love the recreation aspect of VBS recreation.

Other kids are not so competition-oriented, but they need to move. A lot. These kids also benefit from VBS recreation. Moving help them to focus on the new ideas they are learning.

 

Crafts

Some children love art. They love to make things. Other kids just learn best when their hands are busy. They need to fidget in order to take in new information. The items made in crafts address that need and the love of creating, as well as provide momentos that will keep teaching long after VBS week is over.

What are some other specific learning languages of VBS? What does your child like most about Vacation Bible School?


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A Note from Carol

Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook!



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copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

God's Creation

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Children's Ministry Fun

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Notes from Carol

Thanks to Betsy for this super fun sign!

I am super excited about my devos for tweens. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book 

and

Just Sayin'

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

Prayer Pencils

If you are reading my blog, you probably know that I am super excited to have two tween devos coming out in October 2014. The devos engage kids in doodling. Now we are getting to the pencil part of this post.

For some time I have been sending out pencils with info. about the devos. To date, I have distributed about 2,000 pencils to people in the publishing industry, children's ministry workers, writers, influencers, and tweens (those in church programs and those in Christian schools). Am I promoting the devos? Sure. But there is so much more to the pencils. I think of them as prayer pencils.


Everyone who has one of the pencils represents a group for whom I am praying. Many are still working on the book (as it nears release); many will jot notes to spread the word (either on paper or digitally through emails and social media); and many are the 9-12 year olds who will actually use the books in their own quiet times (doodling their thoughts and life applications).


The pencils are a reminder to me of an upcoming celebration, but they are also a kind of prayer list. Will you join me in praying for these devos?

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 (NIV) 

If you are reading this post and would like to receive pencils for yourself, a children's ministry group, or a Christian school, please email me at carolmcadamsmoore@gmail.com -- There is no cost for them.

 

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2014 Carol McAdams Moore

A Prayer Box for Children

Like many people, I did a little after Christmas shopping. One thing that caught my eye was a sparkly gold gift box. Ohhh! The treasures it could hold under next year's tree! The look of wonder on the gift recipient's face would be priceless! But then, why would such a gem be packed away for 12 months?

I started thinking about social media posts, in which many people said they save Christmas cards for a kind of prayer list. Then, I visited a relative who showed me a small picture album with individual pictures of family members, each of whom she prays for daily. I had also heard about many kinds of prayer boxes with slips of paper representing prayer concerns, requests, and praises.

I knew the perfect use for the shiny gold box - a prayer box for a child!

Materials

• a sturdy box (a gift box or a decorated shoe box)
• small objects, pictures, or greeting cards to represent family and friends 

The prayer box on the right has the following items and who might be represented by each.

•  a measuring spoon - a mother or grandmother who bakes

• a rain gauge - a dad or grandfather who watches the weather

• polka dot fabric & a hair bow - a sister 

• an ornament with a college letter - a college-aged sibling

• a flashlight - a relative who likes to camp

• a golf ball - a relative who golfs

How to Do It

• explain the purpose of the box
• help the child gather (or be on the lookout) for appropriate items
• plan a daily prayer time to pray with the child for each person represented 

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******


copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Ten Things to Do on a Snowy Day

Off school because of the snow? It is just raaaainy? Here are some tried and true ideas for fun things to do inside.

1. Send drawings for the Doodle Race. Right now, you can send doodles (drawings) for this race. It is FREE! And. . . your drawing just might get published in a book by Zonderkidz! Here are the deets.
2. Play a board game. Don't be bored! Pull out some of those Christmas gifts or the games stored in the closet. Want more? How about a tournament? Think kids vs. adults.
3. Make cookies. Check out the goodies in the kitchen. Make a treat. Decorate some cookies. It's not just for Christmas, you know! Yum!
4. Make a pizza. Lunch time? Make a pizza. Remember, you can make substitutions for lots of the traditional pizza ingredients.For example, use a jar of spaghetti sauce instead of pizza sauce and ANY KIND of cheese makes a great topping!
5. Read a book. Raid the family library. Download books. Read at the same time (cuddled up on the couch), read together (taking turns reading aloud), or read to your pet. Seriously.
6. Write a letter. Think paper and pencil - not a text, not an email. Go for it. 
7. Make a tent with blankets. Fun! Make a place to read or just to chat. It is a toasty way to spend part of the day.
8. Plaaaay dough. You know you love it. Salt dough is easy to make.  Dress it up with food coloring and scents (flavorings) from the kitchen cupboard. Vanilla or peppermint anyone?
9. Make a video. Use technology for family fun. Make a video for fam and send it to them. The video might be like a Skype time (but recorded so it can be replayed), a music video, or even a play.
10. What are your ideas? What inside fun are you having as a family?

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******



copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Happy New Year!

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******



copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

Christmas Socks

All I want for Christmas is a good pair of socks.
Have you ever heard someone say that?


What was on your Christmas list? For some reason, I kept hearing about socks this year. Some people added socks to their wish list. Others seemed to be always looking for socks (as in borrowing from others). Still others chatted or posted about the need for socks at shelters and "food" pantries.

Why are socks so important?

• They offer warmth in cold winter temps.
• They keep feet dry in damp weather.
• They give comfort to tired, aching feet.
• They help with cleanliness.
• They are F_U_N!
• They can add to a fashion statement.

What do socks have to do with children's ministry?

• Kids can relate to the list above. Everyone needs socks.
• Giving socks is a tangible way to show God's love.

Does the Bible talk about socks?

Yep.

 I needed clothes and you clothed me. . .  Matthew 25:36  (NIV)

How might you add socks into your work with kids?

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Notes from Carol

I am super excited about my books. . .

Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith

Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith

Coming from Zonderkidz in October 2014!

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



*******



copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

Bible Games for Beginning Readers

A few weeks ago, I bought a package of cards at the local Dollar Tree Store. I was excited to think of the possibilities (Sunday school gifts, Operation Christmas Child enclosure, stocking stuffers, fun games to keep on hand for visitors, etc.) since the package contained three sets of cards. I also marveled at how many games a beginning reader group would be able to play with them.

Here are just a few ideas:

• Matching (picture to picture OR picture to printed card)
• Tell a story (sequence)
• Name the Bible person (aloud or matching to the print name)

Maybe you don't have cards like these. No problem! Reuse old Sunday school curriculum pictures and create your own game sets.

What goodies have you found as you Christmas shop? How would you use them to tell the Good News of the Bible?

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Notes from Carol

I have the awesome responsibility of writing two tween devos for Zonderkidz. They will be available in time for Christmas next year - Yay! Read all about them here.

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

Encourage Young Bible Readers

Children who are just learning to read are eager to practice their skills. They are looking for an audience! While kids can read to anyone or anything (think fave stuffed animal or family pet), they LOVE to read to their parents, grandparents, and caregivers.

What better reading material for a new reader is there than a Bible for beginning readers? Listening to a child read Bible stories has many benefits. Here are three biggies.

• Children learn from reading the same story again and again. It boosts confidence and increases fluency (the smoothness of their reading).
• They learn from exposure to the same story. (If she reads/hears material repeatedly, she is more likely to remember the message.)
• Children learn to come back to God's Word in times of joy and times of sorrow. By listening to a young reader, you are telling her that she is important AND that she is reading a Book of great, great value.

Guess what? It is not only the beginning readers who are looking for an audience. The tween crowd (ages 9-12) enjoy the challenge of finding a particular Scripture passage and soak up that attention from Mom or Dad, too.

Blessings on your reading time with the young Bible readers in your care!


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Notes from Carol

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you will come back often! Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook too!



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Good News - Jesus

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Notes from Carol

Do you have a bunch of the rubber band loops around your house? Read how you can use them to tell your friends about Jesus! Read all about it here.


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

DIY Photo Booth Fundraiser

Are you looking for a cheap, no - make that FREE, fundraiser for children's or youth ministry? Plan a DIY Photo Booth Fundraiser.

 

Materials

Have the kids bring the props: 

• hats
• glasses
• neckties
• scarves and bandanas
• long-stemmed flowers
• shoulder-sittin' creatures
• bright beads

 

 

 

Other Preparation

Plan to have the fundraiser in conjunction with a fall festival, trunk-or-treat event, etc. Pick a location that is well-lit and has a solid background (curtain, wall). Have kids make flyers and posters. (There might be a little cost with these, but check with the church office for supplies.)

The Event

NOTE: Using an iphone or ipad will allow you to complete the event without cost: Take pictures of individuals or groups already in costume, or allow them to choose props you have on display for the pics. Send the pictures to the email of those being photographed. They can print photos as desired.

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Here is more FREE fun for your group! I am having a Doodle Race (drawing contest) on my blog.

Here are the links:

Doodle Prompt for Girls

Doodle Prompt for Boys

 Ready!  Set!!   DOODLE!!!

Prizes (as in published in my book) from Zonderkidz! Awesome!

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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Jesus Loves Me Word Game

If you follow my blog regularly, you will notice that I have ANOTHER paper plate activity. Truth: At the store that sells all things for one dollar, you can purchase three packages of colorful plates for ENDLESS games and activities. I LOVE the possibilities for families, church groups, scouts, etc. Here is one that is perfect for beginning readers.

Jesus Loves Me Word Game

Materials

• dessert-sized paper plates (3 colors)

Preparation

• Using one color for each word, print the words JESUS LOVES _________ (name of the child).

Ways to Play

• Scramble the letters and ask the child to arrange them into love message.
• Hide the letters for the child to find before he or she arranges them.
• Use with a group. Have each child hold one letter to spell JESUS LOVES ME. Take a photo for children to take home. 

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Notes from Carol

These days I have the awesome responsibility and blessing of writing two devotional books for Zonderkidz. Will you pray with me about the devos? You can sign up to be a prayer partner on the right. I won't share your contact info. Promise.

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you will come back often! Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook too!



*******


copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Beginning Reader Bible Stories

Parents know that the good old days of summer are perfect for visiting the library. This is especially true for the child in the six to eight year old range who is just mastering reading skills. The many Bible stories available in the easy reader format are close to my heart (as a parent, teacher, and writer of Sunday School curriculum).

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.  Psalm 119:105   (NIV)

What do beginner Bibles offer the new reader?

• a chance to explore the Scripture for himself
• an opportunity to practice his newly acquired reading skills
  

Beginning Bible Readers at Home

Do you want to encourage your child to read Bible stories for himself?

• Visit your local library or Christian bookstore.
• Help your child select some Bible storybooks at his reading level.
• Give your child the opportunity to read them to you again and again. (Kids learn from repetition.)
• Suggest that your child read one of the stories aloud for bedtime devotional.
• Have a Bible story play. Act out the story using simple props found around the house.

Kid Ministry Idea

How can VBS and Sunday School teachers encourage the new Bible reader?

• Establish an easy reader check out system. Allow kids to borrow one or two books to read at home.
• Create a Bible readers club. Fashion it after the summer reading club at the local library. Reward kids for beginning Bible stories they have read.
• Have guest readers. Encourage one child to read the focus Bible story for the other kids

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Tweetables

What do beginner Bibles offer the new reader?   Tweet this!

Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105  (NIV)   Tweet this!

How can VBS and Sunday School teachers encourage beginning readers?   Tweet this!

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Notes from Carol

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you will come back often! Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook!



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Teach Tween Sunday School? Here's One Tip You Can Use Now

It is Saturday! A day off work . . . a day to relax. Wait! Tomorrow morning you will be facing tweens in Sunday School. What is a teacher to do?

It is a privilege to teach tweens, but it is often also a challenge. Many tween have grown up in church. They might even help with younger children in the nursery. They have heard the basic teachings of the Bible. Certainly they don't know it all -- Do any of us? But you know, as well as I do, some of them can answer those lesson questions quickly. Then, you look at the clock. Okay. That took a few minutes of the lesson time. Now what?

Here is ONE TIP that you can use NOW : ) The best part of it is that it will strengthen your Sunday School teaching time with the tweens. THEY WILL LEARN MORE. The second best thing is that it will COST YOU NOTHING!

• Start with the lesson. Follow the curriculum.
• Use the questions that go with the lesson.
• HERE IS THE TIP: Switch seat with the kids. I don't mean literally jump up and in it one of their chairs. I mean switch roles. Pass out pencils and index cards. (You can give slips of paper or really anything for them to write on. Remember this DOES NOT COST ANYTHING!) Then, have them write one question about the lesson on the paper. Use those questions for a review game.

Why is this such an effective teaching tip? People learn when they teach others. Scouring the lesson Scriptures for questions causes tweens to focus on the over all message, the details, the sequence, the application . . . everything you wanted them to learn. And guess what? They will have a blast while they are doing it.

Special Learner Tip: Some kids have special needs. Very often Sunday School is a place that they can blend in with their peers. You can make that easier. In this activity, be aware of kids who might need help with spelling or who need someone to retalk the lesson with them for ideas. This is a great task for the teen helper in your class. Everybody learns : )

Let's get a discussion going. Have you tried this tip with your tweens? How did it work? What did you do to make it fun?


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Notes from Carol

Thanks for stopping by today. I hope you will come back often! Let's connect on Twitter and Facebook!



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Dig Dirt?

Think about dirt. It means. . . well. . . dirt means lots of things. Think dirt. . . like the kind under the grass, the kind you can dig. . . with a shovel or a backhoe. So, do you like it? Do you like dirt?

Today they came. Lots of families, lots of people with suits, lots of people with cameras. One came on a bike. I thought that was wise. It was like a nod to help, you know, by keeping down the traffic.

Why did they come? They came to see the dirt shoveled from the ground. They came to pray about a new plan, dedication to God, and growth.


Dirt is a must-have for things to grow. I think that it is needed for almost everything to grow. Today it was not about things like flowers or veggies or new little trees. Today it was about growing God's church. It was about new classrooms to grow the children who will learn here.

It was cold and rainy (just a threat). It wasn't the warm kind of day for planting flowers or veggies or new little trees. But it was a perfect day for digging dirt and for looking to the future to grow up children in God's house.






Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:8 NIV


I think I dig dirt. I think I really like it. How about you?



I'm glad you stopped by my blog! A few days ago I blogged about my awesome opp to write tween devos for Zonderkidz. You can read about it here. I'm hoping that you will pray with me about the devos. You can sign up to be a prayer partner on the right. I won't share you contact info. Promise.


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Tweetables

Today was a perfect day for digging dirt and looking to the future to grow up children in God's house.   Tweet this!

Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Matthew 13:8 NIV   Tweet this!

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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore