My daughter reminded me this Sabbath that lately I have forgotten to
implement some things I learned early on in Sabbath keeping. As soon
as our Friday Sabbath meal was over, she asked hopefully, "Is Sabbath
over now?" Almost a year ago, my family started keeping Sabbath. We struggled to
figure out what our small children should be doing while my husband
and I spent time with God in prayer, reading and study. I wonder if
this is a common problem on Sabbath for parents of little ones? My husband and I started taking turns to meet the needs of the girls
so the other one could focus for awhile. We also made sure to have
family time when we all eat, learn or play together. I ended up
making a list of activities that we could use for the girls. After
posting the list, many of you added wonderful ideas that you had done
with your kids on Sabbath. My youngest daughter (15 months) tends to follow the example of her
older sister. My three year old daughter is struggling with feelings
of being limited.
That is something I want her to learn, though. We don't always get to
do what we want and spending time with God is more important and
fulfilling than anything else we could do. This is a HARD concept for
a three year old! I want my kids to learn to look forward to Sabbath, as I do. I am
reposting the list of children's activities below and would be very
grateful for any further suggestions (particularly for small
children)! Thank you for your help and encouragement! I love
learning with you! Until next week,
Lisa G. Activities For Children:
Read their children’s Bible. Read Bible-related books. Listen to worshipful children’s cd’s. Listen to children’s Bible radio programs. Play Bible games: trivia, matching game, board game, etc. God-related arts & crafts projects: draw/color pictures, print out
activity sheets, etc. Have a Scripture Scavenger Hunt or any type of hunt that helps
them discover things about God (requires preparation before Sabbath
starts). Praise Pail- write things you are thankful for during the week and
drop it in the pail, then take turns reading them on Sabbath. Bring out “Sabbath” toys that are stored away during the week. Friday Preparations For Children:
Have them help you prepare the meals on Friday for Sabbath (make
food that is from an area you are learning about that week). They can help put out Sabbath decorations/dishes on Friday.
implement some things I learned early on in Sabbath keeping. As soon
as our Friday Sabbath meal was over, she asked hopefully, "Is Sabbath
over now?" Almost a year ago, my family started keeping Sabbath. We struggled to
figure out what our small children should be doing while my husband
and I spent time with God in prayer, reading and study. I wonder if
this is a common problem on Sabbath for parents of little ones? My husband and I started taking turns to meet the needs of the girls
so the other one could focus for awhile. We also made sure to have
family time when we all eat, learn or play together. I ended up
making a list of activities that we could use for the girls. After
posting the list, many of you added wonderful ideas that you had done
with your kids on Sabbath. My youngest daughter (15 months) tends to follow the example of her
older sister. My three year old daughter is struggling with feelings
of being limited.
That is something I want her to learn, though. We don't always get to
do what we want and spending time with God is more important and
fulfilling than anything else we could do. This is a HARD concept for
a three year old! I want my kids to learn to look forward to Sabbath, as I do. I am
reposting the list of children's activities below and would be very
grateful for any further suggestions (particularly for small
children)! Thank you for your help and encouragement! I love
learning with you! Until next week,
Lisa G. Activities For Children:
Read their children’s Bible. Read Bible-related books. Listen to worshipful children’s cd’s. Listen to children’s Bible radio programs. Play Bible games: trivia, matching game, board game, etc. God-related arts & crafts projects: draw/color pictures, print out
activity sheets, etc. Have a Scripture Scavenger Hunt or any type of hunt that helps
them discover things about God (requires preparation before Sabbath
starts). Praise Pail- write things you are thankful for during the week and
drop it in the pail, then take turns reading them on Sabbath. Bring out “Sabbath” toys that are stored away during the week. Friday Preparations For Children:
Have them help you prepare the meals on Friday for Sabbath (make
food that is from an area you are learning about that week). They can help put out Sabbath decorations/dishes on Friday.
