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Our “Foundation” Jesus Celebration

 I began the month's celebration by saying "Thank you Jesus for saving us from sin and that our sincere efforts are enough for you!" To share with my children what a relationship with Christ feels like, I model in a small way by sharing my own experiences. In these celebrations I am also involving all five senses, as well as the heart, to help His main principles stand out in their memories.

1. Reflection Questions — Storytelling Magic 

For parents: Share a moment when prioritizing Jesus felt meaningful this year and how you felt Him help you do it.

For kids: How has Jesus helped you when you felt afraid?

2. Book Recommendation — Heartfelt Learning



To me, there's nothing like the magic of a well-done children's book. To explore how our hearts can build on Christ, I found this delightful retelling of Jesus' story: The Parable of Two Builders, by Melody Carlson. Light-hearted illustrations, humorous rhymed story, and an ending with a second chance for the man who built on sand. Highly recommend!

Another book that fits perfectly is The Three Little Pigs.

            • As each pig fled from his house, I asked my daughter how she thought the                    pig felt. 
            • I asked how she thought the pig who built his house made of bricks felt when                the wolf came.
            • I then said when problems come, Jesus helps us feel safe enough to find                      solutions when we've been doing what He taught.

The memorable story helped make these cracker houses especially fun and silly to build:

3. Interactive Activity — Move & Learn

Here's how we created the cracker houses. My 5-year-old told me, "Mom, this is fun!" We had a good time making them for dinner and then eating them with some tomato soup. I focused on the event instead of taking pictures, so here's a sketch!

Ingredients:

Small tub of plain cream cheese
Crackers (like rye crispbread, triscuits, wheat thins, saltines, etc)
Toppings like: Shredded cheddar cheese, pretzel sticks, mini pepperoni/sliced deli meat/beans

Optional: Any herbs or seasonings like garlic powder, basil, oregano, dill
Broccoli florets for trees, if desired

1. We placed a cracker down first and I said it was the foundation, like when we put Christ first in our lives, and He keeps us strong.
2. We then placed two crackers together over the first cracker like a tent, sealing everything together with cream cheese.
3. Next my 5 year old spread some cream cheese on the sides of the roof
4. And placed the toppings on:
   Grated cheese on the first house (like straw), pretzels on the second house (like sticks), and chili beans on the last house (like bricks, but next time we will use something dry that stays on better, such as pepperoni). 

 Bonus: Banner — Set the Ambiance

The point of the celebration is to feel joy for Jesus' Atonement, so I made this simple colorful banner with a changeable centerpiece to set the mood for each party. “Foundation: Jesus helps me build on Him.” (Receive this banner download in my next e-letter when you sign up below.) 

The perfect scriptures to pair with this theme: 1 Cor. 3:10-13, Hel. 5:12, and Matt 7:24-27. 

Alongside family scripture study, I hope this November theme helps illuminate "building on Him" in their memory as a wonderful way to say thank you to Jesus. Happy celebrating!