It Started with a Catsup Bottle

Truth. It started with a catsup bottle. Actually, it was (and still is) the World's Largest Catsup Bottle. 

Do you want to know something amazing?

I live very close to it.

Recently, I traveled from the state of Illinois, home of the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, to Florida. I had the privilege of talking to some children and teens who don't live near a huge catsup bottle, but near two huge bodies of water, the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. You can read about it here.

Thinking about what to say to them, reminded me of another true story.

Some years ago, I was talking to a girl about what she wanted to be as an adult.

Her response? She wanted to be a marine biologist.

The only problem (I am embarrassed to say I reminded her) was that she lived in Illinois (near corn fields and the World's Largest Catsup Bottle), not near the ocean where there surely would be work for marine biologists.

Some years went by, and I ran into someone who knew that girl.

She had moved to the east coast and grown up to be...

a marine biologist.

I learned a valuable lesson. We should never, ever limit the plans that God has for us. It reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11, so I took some catsup bottles with me to talk to the Orlando Children's Church. Each bottle had the verse taped to the back.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

We talked about catsup, corn fields, marine biologists and the truth that God has an awesome plan for each one of us. Then, we played a game, and catsup bottles were the prizes.

I had two bottles left.

When I checked out of my hotel, I offered them to the valet.

As I got into my car to drive back to the land of corn fields and the World's Largest Catsup Bottle, the valet thanked me and remarked that he loved the verse on the bottles. He said it was one of his favorite verses. 

Who knew he had even read the verse in the busy moments of packing things into my car?

And it all started with a bottle of catsup.

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?



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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?



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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
 

Doodle Contest Update!

Look at these awesome doodles that came in from South Carolina! Thanks to Luke, Nate, Avery, and Sydney! They are entered in the Doodle Contest. Two winners from the contest will be published in my tween devos:

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!

Want to be part of the Doodle Contest?

             

               Doodle Contest Info for Boys

               Doodle Contest Info for Girls

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Notes from Carol

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

The Reason for the Season

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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
 

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?



*******



copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore
 

Doodle Devotions Have New Names

I am so tickled to announce that the Doodle Devotions books will publish with new names. 

For girls: Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith. 

For boys: Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith. 

Coming from Zonderkidz . . . October 2014.

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Notes from Carol

Have we connected on Twitter and Facebook?



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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

I Am Thankful

 

Fill in the blank. Ready! Set!! Go!!!

 

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Notes from Carol

Only one more day! I have some exciting news to share!!

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

You - No Mistake!

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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

Matching Game for Beginning Bible Readers

This idea is great for kids who are beginning readers. Use it to reinforce Bible story understanding while boosting reading skills.

Materials

• A beginning reader Bible story verse (from a children's Bible or Sunday School material)
• Colorful index cards
• A marker to print easy-to-see words

Preparation

• Print each word from the verse two times (once on each of the colors).

Play the Game

• Arrange one set of cards on the table in order.
• Have the kids take turns arranging the second set of cards to match the first set.
• Then, have them read the verse to you.

Other Options

• Keep the card sets for future review. Have them available at a "station" for kids to practice the verse during later meeting times.
• Give the sets of cards (in a scrambled order) to two different kids. Have a race to see who can arrange their cards first. 

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Notes from Carol

Zonderkidz is publishing two tween devos (for girls: Just Sayin' - 90 ways to rock your faith and for boys: Dare U 2 Open This Book - 90 ways to rock your faith). I have the awesome responsibility of writing the devos. So I am having a little race to promote the books.

What is a doodle?

Think simple drawing - not fancy : )

Who can enter? Ages 9 - 100

The race will have TWO winners. Yep. You could be one of the winners. BUT you have to enter a doodle to be in the race. Just sayin'. . . 

Here are the links:

Doodle Prompt for Girls 

Doodle Prompt for Boys

 Ready!  Set!!   DOODLE!!! 

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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

 

More Photo Booth "Fun" Raiser Ideas

Is your kidmin or youth group planning a photo booth as a fundraiser? Here is another way you can have a photo booth "fun" raiser without taking pics as the fall festival.

• Have the kids supply the photo booth props.
• Take a picture of each church staff member with his/her choice of props.
• Post the pics online or at an event.
• Have people vote for their fave pic. (Option: Have people vote with a monetary contribution to use this as a fundraiser.)

Has your group sponsored a photo booth? Chime in with your comments. What worked and what didn't?

*******
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 one of my books) from Zonderkidz! Awesome!

*******


copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

FREE Jesus Saves Bracelet

Do you have some of these? They are P.O.P.U.L.A.R. where I live. It is fun to make those bracelets, and oh so fun to wear them. . .

But don't leave Jesus out of the loop. Use the loops to tell your friends about Jesus.

The colors:

GREEN - The people waved palm branches as Jesus entered the city.
RED - Jesus gave his precious blood to pay for our sins.
BLACK - Our sins (think mistakes) are dark and separate us from God.
WHITE  - Our sins are washed white as snow once we trust Jesus as Savior.
PURPLE - Jesus' followers were so sad when he died.
YELLOW - What a lovely, sunshiny day when Jesus rose again! He conquered death and payed for our sins!

So how about a FREE Jesus Saves bracelet??

• Enter the Doodle Race on my blog. (It is a drawing race.) 
• I will send you a free bracelet, just for entering (while supplies last).

 

Here are the links:

Doodle Race Info for Girls

Doodle Race Info for Boys

 Ready!  Set!!   DOODLE!!! 

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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!

*******


copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

Psalm 149

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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

To the House of the Lord

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Notes from Carol

• I am having a Doodle Race on my blog (here). 
• Kids (and adults) can submit a doodle (simple drawing) for the race. 
• Zonderkidz is offering prizes to two winners (a free book and publication in my devos). . . Thanks, Zonderkidz! ! !

I'd be honored if you share the race with your fam and friends. Post it on your facebook, website, or blog. It is going to be fun! 

Here is a link you can share:

http://carolmcadamsmoore.blogspot.com/p/hey-everyone-doodle-race-begins-today.html 


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore

FREE Reward Ideas for Sunday School

Sooo. . . you are teaching kids and you want to reward their efforts. BUT you don't want to spend a ton of money. Here are 10 FREE reward ideas!

Great for children's ministry workers and homeschoolers!

******* 

Notes from Carol

• I am having a Doodle Race on my blog (here). 
• Kids (and adults) can submit a doodle (simple drawing) for the race. 
• Zonderkidz is offering prizes to two winners (a free book and publication in my devos). . . Thanks, Zonderkidz! ! !

I'd be honored if you share the race with your fam and friends. Post it on your facebook, website, or blog. It is going to be fun! 

Here is a link you can share:

http://carolmcadamsmoore.blogspot.com/p/hey-everyone-doodle-race-begins-today.html 


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copyright (c) 2013 Carol McAdams Moore