Vanessa's Thoughts

The following is from a comment made by Vanessa. I am posting it more prominently so we can all share her ideas.
One of the things that made Sabbath special for me as a kid was that my parents always interacted with us kids. We were not left alone to play "quietly." Instead, we spent the day doing something together. It was usually very simple, such as a hike/walk in which we collected things according to some theme, or on a rainy day we'd play a Bible game. I'm not sure it really mattered the activity, but more that my parents gave us alot of attention. (It also has given me a good illustration of how God wants me to lay aside my other responsibilities and focus my attention on Him.) I also have very fond memories of Sabbaths when several families would get together and sing and the kids would do charades of Bible stories. I have made it a priority to recreate this for my kids as much as I can. Tiredness can wait, FB can wait, dishes can wait, cooking might not be able to wait, but can be simpler ... I've also found several books helpful for ideas from books called "The Gospel According to a Tree, Snowflake, etc.... by Terry & Jean McComb. Website: www.GospelCreation.com

I've also discovered my freezer really helps me with time and energy on Sabbath, so I have more of both to give to my kids...and my husband. I never make less than 2 or 3 casseroles at a time, put them in the freezer. That way, I am always prepared for a few busy weeks, and we can still be hospitable. This works well for cookies and dinner rolls too, Also, I make cinnamon rolls about once every 2 months, divide and freeze. My family loves having Sabbath Cinnamon rolls and I have no stress!!! This has become a special Sabbath treat my whole family looks forward to Sabbath for.

I look forward to hearing other's ideas...

Worship Boxes for Little Ones

When my first LO was about 4 months old a good friend sent me my first "worship box. She used a plastic shoebox size container and included a host of "props". Many of these are similar to what you might see in a beginner or cradle roll sabbath school class. We keep our box in an easily available place in the living room. Above you see my eldest when she was 4 months old watching intently while her Nana sings "Jesus loves the Little Children" with a red heart in hand.

Other Ideas for Worship Boxes Include:

• non-breakable mirrors (Who am I?)
• Finger puppet and small stuffed animals (Animals, Animals)
• Bells on keychain holders, (Who has Come to Worship)
• Small Bible (I Open my Bible Book and Read)
• Maracas/Drums/Tamborines (We are the Missionary Band)
• Laminated photos of Special People (Happy, Happy Home)
• Planes/Trains/Monster Trucks (The plane goes flying to the Mission Land)
• Wooden Dowels (Hallelu, Hallelu)

My kids love their worship time with these boxes. At about 3 or so, however, the interest in the box toys has waned even though they only get to handle them at worship time. My 4-year-old's main interest in the box now is pretending to lead worship for her younger siblings. These boxes are not something necessarily specific to Sabbath. We add some other activities specifically to our Friday night Worship to make it special, but more about that later.