Summer's Here!

First, let me apologize for being slack on the blog posts this unit! Thanks for sticking with us, anyway!

Can you believe summer is finally here! Woo hoo! I thought I would give you some ideas of some summer reading plans you can do as a family or individually over the summer. I know I do better when I have a plan rather than just jumping in and trying to stay focused!

Bible Reading Plans for Kids This is a free download of a journal that your child could do on their own or you could do together.

Free Bible Reading Plans These plans are themed and each lasts about 30 days.

Summer Bible Study Ideas This site has several different ideas for plans and ways to study the Bible in the summer.

Digging into Proverbs This is a calendar to read through Proverbs in a month. It also gives suggestions for older and younger children.

The Gospel of John This is great for the summer! Your kiddos (or your family) will read through the book of John over several weeks.

The Word of God: Paul's Epistles, Week 4

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this final unit on our study of the Word of God, we'll be looking at the different letters Paul wrote. Some  of these letters were to individuals and some of these letters were to churches, but all contain valuable information for believers!

If you were at the parenting conference in April, you were given what I thought was a wonderful piece of advice: buy a new Bible each year and as you study it that year, write in it. Mark things in it. Then save it so when your kids hit big milestones or when you are gone, they have this legacy handed down from you.

I love this idea! And, as a mom of children who have lost their father, I have seen first hand how special this is. So, that's what this week's blog is encouraging you to do. Buy one new Bible each year (each parent; could be your presents to each other for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, etc) and use it for that one year as your Bible study Bible. Mark important passages. Write prayers in it. Ask questions in it. Date things you mark and leave a legacy of studying God's word for your kids!

Here are some pictures from our Bibles for you to see:

Here are some links to Bibles that have a little more space for writing, journaling, drawing, or whatever the Lord leads you to do in your Bible (though a regular Bible works just as well!):

Journaling Psalter (Just the Psalms)

Journaling Bible

Reflections Bible

Creative Journaling Bible

The Word of God: Paul's Epistles, Week 2

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this final unit on our study of the Word of God, we'll be looking at the different letters Paul wrote. Some  of these letters were to individuals and some of these letters were to churches, but all contain valuable information for believers!

Here are some links to help you teach your kiddos about some of Paul's letters:

Paul's Letters: Q and A with Phil Vischer

Kid's Bible Maps: Paul's First Missionary Journey

Paul's Timeline

The Word of God: Paul's Epistles, Week 1

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this final unit on our study of the Word of God, we'll be looking at the different letters Paul wrote. Some  of these letters were to individuals and some of these letters were to churches, but all contain valuable information for believers!

Here is our unit song. It should help you with your memory verse!

Matthew 28:19-20

The Word of God: The Acts of the Apostles, Week 5

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we'll be looking into the book of Acts to see just what the first apostles did. Some of these things include the beginning of the church, some miracles, and even some serious persecution. We'll also learn that it was the early apostles that were first called Christians. 

• Have you read through the book of Acts as a family? If you read one chapter a day, it will take about a month.
• Here are some fun sheets your bigger kids might enjoy coloring, and they'll learn scripture at the same time! Scripture Verse Coloring Pages
• This site breaks down the book of Acts for you to be able to look at specific events: Acts: Truth for Kids

The Word of God: The Acts of the Apostles, Week 4

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we'll be looking into the book of Acts to see just what the first apostles did. Some of these things include the beginning of the church, some miracles, and even some serious persecution. We'll also learn that it was the early apostles that were first called Christians. 

Here are some more ideas for studying the book of Acts at home:

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Pentecost

What's in the Bible: Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit Object Lesson

Learning About Pentecost

The Word of God: The Acts of the Apostles, Week 3

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we'll be looking into the book of Acts to see just what the first apostles did. Some of these things include the beginning of the church, some miracles, and even some serious persecution. We'll also learn that it was the early apostles that were first called Christians. 

Here are some ideas for continuing to study this unit at home:

Bible Fun for Kids: The Book of Acts

Ministry to Children: Book of Acts Lessons

Acts of the Apostles for Children

The Word of God: Acts of the Apostles, Week 2

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we'll be looking into the book of Acts to see just what the first apostles did. Some of these things include the beginning of the church, some miracles, and even some serious persecution. We'll also learn that it was the early apostles that were first called Christians. 

How's that memory verse coming along? This song might help!!

Acts 1:8 Song

The Word of God: The Acts of the Apostles, Week 1

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we'll be looking into the book of Acts to see just what the first apostles did. Some of these things include the beginning of the church, some miracles, and even some serious persecution. We'll also learn that it was the early apostles that were first called Christians. 

Here's this unit's song so you're ready to sing and dance with us during this unit!

I Am A Christian

The Word of God: The Greatest Commandment, Week 5

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we will be looking at what Jesus says is the greatest commandment. It's easy to memorize, but not always so easy to do! We'll learn, in a variety of ways, how we can be intentional about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Here are some books about some people who chose to love God with all they have and love people as they love themselves. These books make great read alouds for your family. Your older children will be able to read them on their own. These Christian heroes give encouragement to us today in order to live out what the Bible teaches us!

Amy Carmichael

George Mueller

Jim Elliott

Jacob DeShazer

Gladys Aylward

The Word of God: The Greatest Commandment, Week 4

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we will be looking at what Jesus says is the greatest commandment. It's easy to memorize, but not always so easy to do! We'll learn, in a variety of ways, how we can be intentional about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Here are some fun ideas for living out the "love your neighbor as yourself" portion of this unit's memory verse:

• Bake cookies for your neighbors. You could include an invitation to FamilyQuest or church with your goodies.
• Make encouragement cards and deliver them to one or more of the nursing homes in town.
• Make and take a freezer meal to someone who has just had a baby, death in the family, or some other big event.
• Take a special shopping trip just to pick up items for our food pantry.
• Clean out your closets and storage areas and donate items to Douglass Community Center, Hope House, or Harvest House.
• Visit the local Police Station or Fire Station with goodies for our first responders.
• Do some yard work for your neighbors.

The Word of God: The Greatest Commandment, Week 3

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we will be looking at what Jesus says is the greatest commandment. It's easy to memorize, but not always so easy to do! We'll learn, in a variety of ways, how we can be intentional about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

One of the ways we can learn to love God with all we have and all we are is by spending time in the Word. Not only is this hard for us as adults, but it can be really hard to help our kids spend time in the word, as well. Check out these links for some ideas and Bible reading plans for your kids of all ages!

Bible Reading Plans for Kids of All Ages

Printable Bible Reading Plan: Jesus' Miracles

Bible Reading Chart (older children)

Activities for each Story in The Jesus Storybook Bible (younger children)

The Word of God: The Greatest Commandment, Week 2

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we will be looking at what Jesus says is the greatest commandment. It's easy to memorize, but not always so easy to do! We'll learn, in a variety of ways, how we can be intentional about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Here is a great family devotion/game you can do together to help learn a little bit more about The Greatest Commandment:

The Greatest Commandment

The Word of God: The Greatest Commandment, Week 1

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

During this unit we will be looking at what Jesus says is the greatest commandment. It's easy to memorize, but not always so easy to do! We'll learn, in a variety of ways, how we can be intentional about loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Here's the song for this unit so you can come in ready to sing!

Greatest Commandment Song

The Word of God: The Beattitudes, Week 5

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

In this unit we will be looking at the portion of scripture we've come to know as The Beattitudes. It's part of a larger portion of scripture known as The Sermon on the Mount. We'll take some time to look at each of the beattitudes, or blessings, and what they really mean for us as we live out our lives here on earth. 

Here are some books about Christians who have been persecuted for their faith. They will make good read alouds with your elementary aged kiddos and easy read alone books for your older elementary, middle school, or high school kiddos!

Christian Heroes Then and Now: Dietrich Bonhoffer

Christian Heroes Then and Now: Corrie ten Boom

Jesus Freaks: Stories of Those Who Stood for Jesus

The Hiding Place (Young Reader's Edition)

Christian Heroes Then and Now: Jim Elliott

Stephen: The First Martyr (for young children)

Christian Heroes Then and Now: Hudson Taylor

The Word of God: The Beattitudes, Week 4

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

In this unit we will be looking at the portion of scripture we've come to know as The Beattitudes. It's part of a larger portion of scripture known as The Sermon on the Mount. We'll take some time to look at each of the beattitudes, or blessings, and what they really mean for us as we live out our lives here on earth. 

This section of scripture tells us that we are blessed when we are persecuted for our belief in Christ. This can come in many forms. For us, it's usually in the form of people ignoring us or making fun of us. Around the world, the persecution is much more harsh. People are beaten, jailed, and even killed for their belief in God. 

Here's a good resource to check out with your kids to see what other kids around the world are doing for Christ, despite the persecution they face. There are even some ideas of things your family can do to encourage and help those around the world being persecuted for their faith.  Voice of the Martyrs: Kids of Courage

The Word of God: The Beattitudes, Week 3

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

In this unit we will be looking at the portion of scripture we've come to know as The Beattitudes. It's part of a larger portion of scripture known as The Sermon on the Mount. We'll take some time to look at each of the beattitudes, or blessings, and what they really mean for us as we live out our lives here on earth. 

Sometimes it's hard to get a grasp on what each of these Beattitudes mean. Here is a good source for some deeper lessons and study on these passages:

Beattitudes: Meaning and List

The Word of God: The Beattitudes, Week 2

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

In this unit we will be looking at the portion of scripture we've come to know as The Beattitudes. It's part of a larger portion of scripture known as The Sermon on the Mount. We'll take some time to look at each of the beattitudes, or blessings, and what they really mean for us as we live out our lives here on earth. 

How's that memory verse coming along? In case you need a reminder:

"So listen to me, children! Blessed are those who obey me. Listen to instruction and be wise. Don't ignore it." Proverbs 8:32-33

Need some ideas on how to learn this as a family? Here are a few that some of our FamilyQuest writing team have used at times:

-Write out the verse on a piece of paper and cut it into a puzzle. Once a day, put this puzzle together until your whole family can say the verse.
-Sit in a circle as a family and each person says one word of the verse until you have said the whole verse.
-Create some motions for the verse that will make it easier for each of you to remember the words.
-Put the verse to music!
-Each morning as you eat breakfast say the verse together three times.
-Say it out loud together on your way to school and on your way home from school.

The Word of God: The Beattitudes, Week 1

This year in FamilyQuest we'll be studying the word of God. We'll learn how it came to be, study some of the books of the Bible, and even study some of the bigger concepts found in the Bible.

In this unit we will be looking at the portion of scripture we've come to know as The Beattitudes. It's part of a larger portion of scripture known as The Sermon on the Mount. We'll take some time to look at each of the beattitudes, or blessings, and what they really mean for us as we live out our lives here on earth. 

Here's a little jumps start to learning the Beattitudes and learning this month's FamilyQuest song!

The Beattitudes Song