Lesson 1 Wraps Up

Tonight we wrapped up the first chapter of the book and had an interesting activity to close it out.  What I really appreciate about this book is that it is written by a sister-brother-sister team.  Though they don't match in age difference, these author-siblings do match our own kids in birth order.  Charlie LOVES that Stephen Mally is the only boy in his family and the middle child.  Charlie thinks Stephen "gets him."  :)  This book is a Godly approach to how we ought to live out not only our sibling relationships, but also our lives for Christ.  Tonight we finished out the chapter by looking at the application - Accept (God's design in your exact placement in your exact family), Thank (God for each sibling and even the things you deem annoying), and Choose (to make things better, have the right reaction, not to say anything when you could, etc...)

When I bought this book this summer at a BRIGHT Lights Conference with Annie (see the Tomorrow's Forefathers page on the right for more information about that), I bought the set that included the book, two coloring/activity books and the DVD.  The kids enjoyed the chapter one activity page with the Bible Drill.  They had to look up the verse listed (which we helped with), read the verse (which we prompted for meaning/application), then write down the word requested in the puzzle.  For instance, they first had to read Matthew 7:8 (in KJV) and write down the second word: every.  Once they completed the puzzle, they discovered the "secret" message was "Every brother and sister is a wonderful blessing from God."  Then we had them look each of their siblings in the eye and say, "_____, you are a blessing to me because ________________."

They seemed to enjoy this activity and it was a moment of tenderness that hasn't come around here too often lately.  It was sweet to watch them appreciate each other - even if they got a bit silly doing it.  You have to let some pride down to tell your "enemy" they are a blessing, right?  Nervous energy is bound to follow.  It was only topped by Charlie's sweet prayer to close.....

"...and Lord, thank You for making this family chain 

and help each of us not to let go of a link."

Isn't that what we should pray for every day?  Thank God for the chain of events He has orchestrated for our day, and rely on Him for the strength to see it all through...I am learning so much from these kids................