by Kimberly | Feb 3, 2015 | Books, parenting
But some of you are, and many of you have been there (bless you). I have worked with middle school students in the past via my church and Young Life – both where I was on staff for this particular age group.
I’ve learned a couple of things since that time (early twenties):
1. I didn’t know anything then.
2. What I know about teaching the Bible and the importance of the Bible – I wish I would have known then.
3. Middle schoolers are all different – yet all the same.
4. Some adults have a special gifting to reach middle schoolers – and some don’t.
5. Jesus loves middle schoolers.
I think it is tough right now parenting toddlers – but I know in some ways it will be easier – and some ways harder, as they grow up. Most people say that the middle school years are the hardest, but that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case.
One thing I do want from my middle school boys (when they get there) is open communication, personal attention (not trying to force them to like and be the same as his brother), and for them to have a growing relationship with Jesus. For them to own and search for their faith – not just take mommy and daddy’s faith as their own.
Judah Smith, a fabulous communicator about Jesus, has a student edition of Jesus Is ______. In it he explains his writing style (a little ADD) and hits on the main points of what he is trying to teach middle schoolers: that knowing Jesus for who He is will radically change your life.
This book is interactive, uses timely illustrations that middle school students will relate to, and teaches the truths about Jesus on a level most middle schoolers will understand.
I’m glad I have this book – that I can keep and have as my boys get older (ok, a decade away), but you can have one for your very one by leaving a comment here or on facebook (Tommy Nelson is glad to give a copy of this away – as I am a part of Tommy Nelson Mommies – but all opinions in this review are mine). So, here is the question you have to answer in the comment: what is one way you engage your son or daughter with the gospel.
by Kimberly | Jan 30, 2015 | Books, parenting
My life is full of balls, choo-choos, and bulldozers. If you are a mom of young boys, you know what I’m talking about. I live in the Atlanta area and many times a week I’m driving around specifically going to the site of the new Braves stadium just because my son wants to see the bulldozers. He squeals with much delight.
So, when I saw these books (a new series) by Tommy Nelson for young boys featuring bulldozers and other machines – I knew my older son would love them. And what is better yet, they teach them morals: not to lie, telling the truth, etc. And these are great qualities for young boys – who want to grow to be men.
When I’m training my little boys – I want to train them up in the Gospel – for sure (which is where I think these little books lack), but I also want to train them in good morals in ways they can grow to be men. Telling the truth and being honest is definitely something God desires and a trait they should have their entire lives. Another trait I want to teach them is to be gentle and to be good stewards of their toys and possessions. This is something that God told Adam in the Garden – to tend the garden and take care of it.
Do you have young boys – how do you teach your young boys to be young men? To teach them morals?
If you do have little boys who love bulldozers or cranes, etc, and you want to win your own set of these books – then just leave a comment on the blog or on facebook and you will be entered.
Thank you Tommy Nelson for these books (all opinions are my own) and for giving an opportunity to win them!
by Kimberly | Dec 26, 2014 | Uncategorized
This is really just a post on where my heart is this morning!
The past few weeks have been great! We’ve been given so much, some unexpected, some found in our stockings. We’ve enjoyed God’s goodness to our family another Christmas. Our boys unwrapped toys and trucks and books – and only one pair of socks. I got stuff I wanted. The Mister got stuff he wanted. The boys got stuff they didn’t even know they wanted.
We spent time with friends.
And then I get on Instagram this morning – and I look at what others got – or places they are going – or how gorgeous their photos turned out. I look out at people filled with hope of a good future. I look at those poised on a new take on life – and they don’t realize all that lies in store for them.
And then I remember that God came. Immanuel. Light to shine in darkness. In the darkness of my ever wanting heart. Amazingly – this year – not for material things – but for time, peace, and healing.
I do pray that each of you can look at what you have, never take it for granted, and savor each moment.
by Kimberly | Dec 22, 2014 | food, The Charming South Kitchen
Merry Christmas week everyone! We do celebrate Christmas in this home – Jesus!! So thankful that Jesus came and that we have a reason to love this holiday season.
One of the sure ways that I love is through food. So, this is a busy cooking week:
Balsamic Pot Roast, crockpot mac and cheese, veggies, oreo brownies with fun Christmas Sundae toppings
Meatballs and pasta, salad, and lemon mousse cups for Christmas day lunch with some sweet friends who are coming over.
Affogato and hot chocolate for the mister on Christmas Eve (part of his Christmas present)
by Kimberly | Dec 15, 2014 | Books, Kids r Readers 2
Happy holidays everyone. I was reminded very much of this today when I went to my annual physical and had a Jewish female doctor. I didn’t say Merry Christmas, but I did talk about how the Scriptures help me when I’m fearful.
Anyway…
We live in a suberb of Atlanta, in a culdesac of townhomes. And I approached my neighbor (long time seminary friend) about hosting a holiday party for the ladies and children in our neigbhorhood. My pastor had challenged us to share Jesus 5 times this holiday season (felt like Doc Reid was going to have us fill out evangelism reports like I was in Intro Evangelism). And then I got this book from Tommy Nelson Mommies – and thought that it would be a perfect reason to have everyone over. So, I dished out the invitations and my friend passed them out this weekend. Be praying, because Saturday morning hopefully we will have non-believers in our home.
Here is what we are doing – and maybe some ideas will give you a creative spark to reach out to your neighbors in the next few weeks.
1. I am hopefully going to have the opportunity to read God Bless Our Christmas. This is a new book by Tommy Nelson (a book publisher for children) written by Hannah Hall. It is a non-threatening, winter-fun-loving book that is illustrated for children and would be a lovely book to have all the kids gather around. While, I didn’t think it hit on the Gospel hard enough, barely mentioning Jesus – I thought it perfect for our gathering. Where we want to be inviting to our neighbors, winsome, and have a conversation starter that we can take (winter, snow, gifts, Christmas, trees) to then talk about the Gospel. I’m so thankful to have conversation starters when sharing the Gospel. I find it intimidating to walk up to someone and say “Hey, you know Jesus?”
2. One of the precious and yummy things that book highlights is sprinkles. Cookies and sprinkles. So, we are going to have goodies at our holiday party and we are including a cookie decorating station for the kiddos. This holiday season is already crowded and packed with friends and functions, so I want to keep it easy. My friend and I are splitting the tasks. And usually I would use this recipe and roll out the dough and make the buttercream – but I’m buying sugar cookies, and tub frosting – and having sprinkles and icing! Fun for all the kids – and adults too.
3. Another activity for the children is Christmas tree decorating. We put our Christmas tree in our dining room this year. So much happens around our table so I thought it perfect to include the tree. So, I’m going to have construction paper, stickers, markers, glitter – you name it – for them to decorate Christmas trees. Hopefully with the children busy with activities, my friend and I can get to know the moms and have opportunity to talk with them about Jesus.
4. Presents. Christmas is about presents – in some sense. God gave us a present. We give each other gifts. And during the Black Friday madness, Lifeway Christian Stores was selling the Jesus Storybook Bible for 5$. We bought several and will have bows on them. Be praying that we will get to give all 4 of them away this weekend.
I’m thankful that my friend is doing it with me. It is scary to share the Gospel. Shouldn’t be – but it often is.
How are you planning on engaging your neighbors or lost friends this holiday season? Comment on the blog here or any of the social media sites of mine – and I will draw a winner on Friday (19th) night and you can have your own copy of God Bless Our Christmas! I love getting children to read and this is one your kids will love for every holiday to come!
Disclaimer: I am a Tommy Nelson Mommy. That means I get to review, blog, and giveaway new books for kids! Its exciting – but all opinions are my own! Thanks Tommy Nelson!
