Summer Family Fun

Do any of you get the Thriving Family magazine by Focus on the Family?  For some reason, I do.  I’m not sure how we started getting this, but they come frequently and they’re packed full of ideas and spiritual encouragement on topics that are relevant to todays families.  The Summer 2012 Issue had 60 activities for Summer fun and an element that allows you to incorporate some spiritual truth on your children.  I thought I’d share  a weeks worth of them with you today — be inspired to make every day count this Summer. Start with challenging yourself to do these seven fun and inspiring activities with your kiddos.  Keep in mind that these can be easily be done without the spiritual element if that is something you’re not comfortable with.

one.  Read product labels on different items found in your home.  What countries were they made in?  Locate those countries on a map, and look up facts about them.  Pray for the people who made the products you’re using.  (I Timothy 2:1)

two.  After sunset, sit on a blanket outside and admire the night sky with your family.  Using dark blue or black paper, white paint and toothpicks for brushes, copy the star-filled sky.  Explain that the God who placed the stars in the heavens also cares for our every need (Psalm 8:1-4)

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three. Skip the Friday-night pizza this week.  Instead, pick an ethnic food from the country of one your church’s missionaries.  As you eat, talk about life in that country.  Pray for the missionaries and for hearts to be opened to the Gospel.  (Matthew 24:14)

four.  Send your kids on a treasure hunt, following clues that lead them from place to place n your yard or home.  The treasure?  A fun dessert or treat along with instructions to look up Psalm 119:72.  God’s Word is a treasure.

five.  Move the cars and bicycles from your driveway and use sidewalk chalk to create a giant family portrait. Explain to your kids that their creativity is one of the ways they reflect the image of God, who crafted all creation.  (Isaiah 45:11-12)

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six.  Make a “manna” by cutting small pieces of bread and spreading a dab of honey on them.  Talk about God’s provision for the Israelites in the wilderness and His provision in our own lives.  (Exodus 16).

seven.  Make a simple, homemade bird feeder.  Spread peanut butter on the cardboard tubes and roll them in birdsee.  Hang your feeder outside.  Tell your kids that just as God cares for His creation, so, too will He meet our needs. (Matthew 6:26)

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Aren’t those great ideas? And what a perfect way to impart some spiritual lessons on your children. If I was a Mommy, I would certainly try doing some of these activities as a family.

Here’s to Summer and making family memories!

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