Running away (day 50)

For the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15, and found on page 272 of the Jesus Storybook Bible, we created a "journey." The kiddos each got a few flat marbles to be their "money." We pretended they were the son and wanted to go out on their own. They went through various challenges (run around the house twice, climb across the swings without touching the ground, go up the ladder and down the slide, etc.) At each stage of the "journey" they had to pay some of their money. By the time they were hungry and thirsty from all the work, they were out of money. I put some cereal out on a cookie sheet to pretend it was the pig food. The funny thing was that Alyse, knowing it was cereal she eats often, still refused to eat it like a pig. Which was a great time to talk about the son deciding he could live under his father's rules after all. The "sons" returned to their father (me) and received lots of hugs, kisses, and real food.

the point? Jesus took our punishment so he can joyfully welcome us home

The man who didn't have any friends (day 49)

For the story of Zacchaeus from Luke 19, we made some stilts. Sally Lloyd-Jones tells the story on page 264. We took two empty peanut cans and made holes through the tops. We strung a piece of rope through each can to use as the handles. Then we acted out the story. Climbing trees never gets old.

the point? Jesus changes people, Jesus loves even sinners

The Friend of little children (day 48)

Jesus and the children, from Matthew 18, 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18 begins on page 256 of the JSB. To the tune of "London bridge is falling down," we sang the verse "let the children come to me, come to me, come to me, let the children come to me, Jesus said" (Mark 10:14.) Then we actually played London bridge. Two of us holding both hands and one of us walking round and round under the tunnel. When the song ended, we gathered the child in our arms and hugged them tight while singing the song again. Lots of giggles and sweetness.

the point? Jesus loves un-proud (humility)

Treasure hunt! (day 47)

Sally Lloyd-Jones tells the story of the hidden treasure and God's kingdom on page 250 of The Jesus Storybook Bible. As my son just pointed out, "but God really told that story." We played hide and seek. Then we searched and searched for Von's lost wallet. Though we still have yet to find the wallet, we talked about how bad he wants to find it, and how God and his life is worth yearning and searching for even more.

the point? God is worth so much more than anything

Jesus feeds 5000 continued (day 46)

We very often use the kids senses of touch, sight, and sound during our super summer Bible fun. But today we get to use their sense of taste and smell, yumm. Just take a couple packages of refrigerator biscuits and help the kiddos cut them into fourths using a plastic knife. Roll each piece in melted butter (one-half to one stick) with a lot of sugar and cinnamon in it. Then place them all in a bundt pan. Pour the remaining butter mixture over the top. Bake the "monkey bread" according to the biscuit directions (you may have to cook it longer though.) Then, use the bread and pretend to be Jesus breaking off pieces of bread to feed the people. However, Jesus' bread didn't run out! If you want more formal instructions and even a recipe to make the bread from scratch check out familyfun.com

the point? Jesus is perfectly able to take care of all our needs