Bible App for Kids {Let the Children Come}

January 22, 2014 by Patti Brown 3 Comments

Our youngest is a typically active little boy. When he is not running in circles outside or digging holes, he is reading books about knights or building lego warships.

We limit his “screen time” because we want him to grow up strong and healthy and able to find ways to amuse himself that are not electronic. But the fact is that there are lots of screens in our house (Mom is a writer and Dad is a computer programmer) so the requests to play on a computer or phone come steadily.

I have found a few educational games that are fun and appropriate for him, but I was especially happy to discover the new free Bible App for Kids from YouVersion.

Launched just a few months ago, the Bible App for Kids is a brightly colored, interactive story app, that takes kids through major stories of the bible. The text is printed as well as read aloud. After the story is read, your child has the option to answer questions.

In addition, there is a gaming element – the kids can hunt for pieces of the spiritual armor to add to their collection. There are achievement levels that can be reached based on number of stories read, and how often they are read.

Each story is individually downloaded (this is very helpful for impatient kiddos as the whole app does not download at once – much faster!) And new stories continue to be added.

As of January 2014, the Bible App for Kids includes

In the Beginning (creation of the world)
The First Sin (the fall)
The First Christmas Gift (Jesus is born)
Through the Roof (Jesus heals a paralyzed man)
It is Finished! (the cross)
A Happy Sunday (the empty tomb)
A Forever Promise (the new heaven and new earth)

My son says “It is really fun! And cool! I get to find the spiritual armor!”

I asked around for other parents’ thoughts on this app:

“My two year old grandson loves it! The interactive pictures hold his attention and he wants to do it again and again. I love that you have to listen to the verse/story before you play.” – Julie
“I’ve only played one level but me and my kids all like it. I loved that it is so easy to understand e”my 9,5,3,1 year old all play together and then we talk about it. It has really helped them understand on their level and made learning about the Bible fun.” – Missy
“My 8yr old loves it. He will sit and play on it until my kindle battery dies.” – Autumn

This app is marketed for kids ages 4-10. Children younger than 4 can enjoy it with an adult, and bible savvy kids may get bored in the older age range. Our son is right in the middle of the age range and enjoyed it, but did find the questions “Pretty easy, and really more for little kids.”

Have your children tried the Bible App for Kids? What did they think?

Scriptures for Your New Beginnings

January 7, 2014 by Patti Brown 4 Comments

We are a week into the new year… seven days of January are already on the calendar. Did you make resolutions? Set goals?

I don’t know about you, but whenever I set a new goal or make a decision to change, I start out with great enthusiasm. This is it I’m sure… I won’t give up, the change is going to happen! Rah rah, go team me!

And every time, life gets in the way of my grand plans. The unexpected happens, or I find that the challenge was harder than I anticipated. I waver, I lose confidence.

I rely so heavily on God’s Word for encouragement and guidance, and embarking on new things is no different. Have you had any challenges on your road to new beginnings this year? Take heart, and take some time to meditate on what God has to say about it.

I have put together a few scriptures to remind all of us, including me, of what God means by new beginnings. Print them out and spend some time meditating on them. Let’s embrace His Word and His version of new life! Trust me, it beats all the diets and exercise plans any of us can dream up!

Do you have a favorite amongst these verses? Did we miss a scripture that would fit?

New Beginnings

January 2, 2014 by Patti Brown 5 Comments

Every year as the clock strikes midnight on December 31, people around the world cheer and welcome a new year. Lists are written, goals are made, resolutions are shared.

Something in us just loves a fresh start.

There is much to commend in setting goals and making resolutions. To search oneself and desire to change for the better is a worthwhile undertaking indeed! Yet as we dive headlong into this new year you might ask yourself… Am I seeking to change myself, or am I seeking the One Who can truly change me?

Our God is a God of new beginnings!

Remember not the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing;
now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert.
Isaiah 43:18-19

This month the Do Not Depart team will be exploring God’s Word for the new beginnings God offers us in Jesus Christ. This is a fresh start that is for eternity!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Corinthians 5:17

Have you already experienced new life in Christ? Are you seeking Him this year for renewal in a specific area of your life? Please let us know in the comments how we can be praying for you!

Words Fitly Spoken – Daily Scriptures to Help Tame the Tongue

December 5, 2013 by Patti Brown 9 Comments

The Christmas music is blaring out of speakers everywhere, lights are flashing and photos of smilingly perfect family gatherings plaster every form of media. Facebook and Pinterest are a collage of baked goods and adorable Christmas crafts. And the calendar? Every day is filled to the brim.

This joyful season of anticipating Christ’s birth has become, for many, a season of endless to-do lists and stress. It is enough to make one feel like snapping.

And unfortunately, many do… biting words chewing loved ones up and down, as frustration and exhaustion builds to boiling point.

Even those who choose to simplify, who choose to keep the focus on being still before the Lord in anticipation, can’t fully avoid the culture and the intensity of others this time of year.

As we contemplate our purpose in this season – as we open our hearts to receive renewal from the joy of our Savior coming to earth as a tiny baby – we must guard our mouths.

There is death and life in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21), and when we choose to speak in love we bring life into the world!

God’s Word has much to say about our words and mouths. Perhaps this time of year might be particularly suited for you to meditate on these scriptures.

We have compiled a printable calendar of scriptures that will help you tame your tongue with God’s help. You can not tame your tongue on your own (James 3:8)! Seek God in His Word and humble yourself before His transforming power.

May you be blessed this season, and may your mouth be full of words fitly spoken and golden (Proverbs 25:11).

We always appreciate hearing from you! What is your favorite scripture about words? Leave a comment here.

Guilty, But Set Free! {John 8:1-11}

October 22, 2013 by Patti Brown 2 Comments

Do you know the discomfort of feeling unknown – the sense that who you are does not matter, that you are insignificant in the world?

The unnamed women in the gospels had roles so peripheral that the writers did not deem it necessary to share their names.

But these women were not unknown. Not to Jesus.

Six months before Jesus was to be crucified, He went quietly, alone, to Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. He went straight to the temple, where He could daily be found, teaching.

The scribes and Pharisees were already angry with Jesus, and could not abide His presence in the temple. They set about to trick Him, so as to turn the people against Him and have a reason to accuse Him.

Can you picture it?

An early morning, the sun rising slowly over the city, dust in the air. Jesus’ calm voice teaching truth, people coming in streams to hear Him. Then, in the middle of it all, comes a disruption and a clamor… a woman thrown to the ground and loudly accused.

A woman just caught in the very act of adultery.

There was no question. She was guilty.

Jesus knew.

The Pharisees demanded Jesus speak judgment over her. Would He abide by Mosaic law and turn His back on His teachings of mercy and forgiveness? Or would He break Mosaic law? They were sure that either way they would win.

His response?

Silence.

He waited, writing on the ground. Perhaps He was waiting for the men to realize the sinfulness of their own goals in confronting Him. But instead of self-awareness, they persisted in asking for a judgement on the woman.

Finally, He stood, and said, “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:7)

And bending back down, He continued to write on the ground.

He waited.

And they all left. Every one.

Oh the mercy! Jesus showed mercy to those guilty men. He did not stare them down. He did not watch their humiliation as they turned away in admission of their own sin.

When He looked up and saw they were gone, He turned to the woman. How broken she must have been, how terrified. She knew she had sinned. She knew what she deserved.

For when a law has been broken, whether biblical or otherwise, there are two phases to dealing with the transgressor.

First, guilt must be determined. This is the conviction phase. And in this story, everyone is convicted. In my story, in your story… everyone is convicted. We are guilty of sin.

Then, if guilty, the sentence is handed down. Condemnation. Punishment.

The woman waited for the worst.

Jesus did not minimize the woman’s sin. He knew. But He did not lay a sentence on her. Instead He offered her a fresh start, a clean slate. He offered her forgiveness. No condemnation.

Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you’…” John 8:10-11a

Embodied in the man who would soon die on a cross for her, for you, for me… was both justice and mercy. In Jesus alone have righteousness and peace kissed (Psalm 85:10).

There is nothing, nothing, that you have done that can’t be forgiven by God in Christ Jesus. He knows everything about you, everything you have done, everything you need.

Are you cowering today, knowing your guilt, waiting for punishment? You have been rightly convicted. But hear this and believe truth: you are not condemned.

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

All that punishment you are waiting for has already been dealt, already been taken. Jesus, hanging bloodied and broken on the cross, knowing you and your guilt… He accepted it.

He sees you. He loves you. He forgives you.

Accept the freedom and forgiveness Jesus so lavishly holds out to you.

And choose to hear and walk in His final words to the woman caught in adultery: “Go. From now on sin no more.” (John 8:11)

photo credit

Wisdom in Proverbs {free printable}

September 24, 2013 by Patti Brown 6 Comments

We have been walking through the wisdom books together this month. The five books of Wisdom – Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Solomon – are replete with guidance for navigating life.

Do you ever wonder what wisdom actually is?

My husband makes the analogy that knowledge is like a player piano, and wisdom is like a piano player. The player piano has everything technically correct, but the piano player has the heart. Wisdom includes a type of understanding and discernment that allows a person to take information and apply it with nuance to each situation. Only humans can be wise. There are no wise computers!

Our beliefs about what is wise in a given situation are inherently driven by our world view. A person who believes the ultimate goal in life is to acquire as much as possible would think it wise to invest and negotiate with no thought to the human cost. This is the type of worldly wisdom that organized the bookstore Julie visited in her post earlier this month.

But we Christians have a different world view. Godly wisdom has Jesus Christ as our focus.

Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1 Corinthians 1:24b

If we want to grow in wisdom, we begin with the Lord, and with His Word.

The book of Proverbs is chock full of little snippets about wisdom. I have, at times, found my eyes glossing over as I have read through Proverbs… so many of them, one right after the other. So this year I decided I wanted to slowly chew on Proverbs all year. I bought a scripture-a-day calendar of Proverbs and put it where I could see it while washing the dishes. One Proverb a day to consider.

Perhaps you also would like to grow in understanding of what godly wisdom is. I compiled a printable with eighteen proverbs that each address wisdom. You can download and print the Wisdom in Proverbs sheet, and slowly digest these tidy little proverb packages.

May you be blessed as you grow in wisdom in Christ!

How do you like to study Proverbs? Click here to share your tips for absorbing these little nuggets in the comments.

Download Wisdom in Proverbs by first clicking here, then pressing the “download” button on the top right.

Cultivating Prayer {Wrap Up}

August 29, 2013 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

We have spent a whole month devoted to talking about prayer here at Do Not Depart. Imagine if you spent a whole month devoted to actually praying! Does it sound like a lot?

In fact a month of prayer is just a drop in the bucket for God’s people, who are called to praying without ceasing! 1 Thessalonians 5:17

We wanted to help equip you for that glorious call, and while we just barely scratched the surface in discussing prayer, we pray the Lord has spoken to you in some small new way about prayer in your life and the lives of those you love.

We started by looking at scriptures to learn what God’s Word has to say about the who, what, when, where and why of prayer.
Lisa described five common roadblocks to praying effectively with others and offered tips for helping to overcome them.
We often end up with long lists of trivial earthly requests when we pray. Kathy reminded us of that praying for the spiritual needs for other believers is essential.
Guest Julie Reynolds detailed how to use the ACTS model, a simple method that can help give structure to your prayer time.
In some situations it’s hard to know what to pray. Caroline gave tips and scriptures to help for When You Aren’t Sure How to Pray.
Just in time for the start of a new school year, Julie explained how to “teach our kids to pray in a world that won’t” in Prayer Never Left School.
Through the story of her infant daughter’s terrifying medical crisis, guest Sandy Anker shared how God equips us to pray when words fail.
I gave lots of ideas for small prayer habits to add to your life that can grow you as a person of prayer.

Prayer is an essential spiritual discipline for a Christian. Do you have questions about prayer that weren’t addressed? How can the Do Not Depart team serve you as you cultivate the discipline of prayer in your life? Leave us a comment!

Cultivating the Habit of Prayer

August 28, 2013 by Patti Brown 7 Comments

Disclosure: Affiliate links are present in this post. Please see the Bookstore page for full disclosure details.

If you are convinced of the importance of prayer you may already have strategies for making prayer a more regular part of your daily life.

But perhaps you still need ideas for ways to incorporate prayer into the ebb and flow of each day. Having a plan can help you develop the habit of praying regularly.

Associate prayer with an activity

If you associate prayer with something else you do regularly, you may find it easier to remember to do, and soon you will develop a habit.

pray as soon as you wake up
pray before meals
pray while folding the laundry
pray while riding the bus
pray while walking or jogging
pray in the shower
pray while washing dishes
pray as you are falling asleep

Use a prayer calendar

Weekly or monthly prayer calendars can help you remember to pray consistently for certain things. You can create your own, or find one online.

Create your own weekly rotation of people and circumstances to pray for. My mother in law has 7 sons and prays for one of them, and his family, each day of the week. You can use this form to keep track.
Monthly prayer calendar for your children from Inspired to Action
Monthly prayer calendar for your husband from Inspired to Action
Monthly prayer calendar for mothers of boys from The MOB Society

Pick up a topical book about prayer

There are many books on prayer in general, but for developing a habit of praying, you might find helpful one of these books with specific topics and scriptures to pray through:

[amazon_link id=”0805444203″ target=”_blank” ]Praying God’s Word Day by Day[/amazon_link]
[amazon_link id=”0736919260″ target=”_blank” ]Power of a Praying Woman[/amazon_link]
[amazon_link id=”0736919244″ target=”_blank” ]Power of a Praying Wife[/amazon_link]
[amazon_link id=”0736919767″ target=”_blank” ]Power of a Praying Husband[/amazon_link]
[amazon_link id=”0736919767″ target=”_blank” ]Power of a Praying Parent[/amazon_link]
[amazon_link id=”0736920862″ target=”_blank” ]Power of Praying for Adult Children[/amazon_link]
[amazon_link id=”031027351X” target=”_blank” ]Praying the Scriptures for Your Teens[/amazon_link]

Pray with others

Making a plan to meet with someone else to pray, whether at home or away, helps hold you both accountable.

Find a prayer partner and set a regular schedule for praying together in person or over the phone. If you can’t think of anyone, ask God to show you whom you might ask. You don’t even have to live in the same country! My prayer partner and I live in different countries and have prayed together weekly via Skype for the past three and a half years.
Make family prayer a normal part of every day. Most Christian families say grace before meals, but what other family prayer times could you add to your day?
Pray with your spouse. For ideas on making prayer with your spouse a reality, check out Lisa’s post Five Tips for Praying with Your Spouse or Friend
Join a prayer group. Your church may have a prayer group, or you can join one like Moms In Prayer that has groups around the world. If you can’t find a group, start one!
Start a prayer triplet. Pray regularly with two other people, each of you choosing three unsaved people for whom to pray. Learn more about prayer triplets from Evelyn Christenson here.

Keep a prayer journal

Keeping track of prayer requests in a dedicated journal can be a huge blessing. Not only does a journal help you keep track of requests, it will serve as an amazing encouragement in days and years to come. I sometimes sit with my prayer journal, reading prayer requests from years ago, and marvel at what God has done!

Buy a blank notebook. I use a pocket-sized Moleskin-like notebook that I keep by my bedside. It looks a lot like [amazon_link id=”8862930003″ target=”_blank” ]this[/amazon_link], except pink, because pink makes me happy!
Create a prayer mini-album. Julie shares instructions, as well as a free printable for divider tabs, in her post Prayer Album for Women on the Go.
Create a prayer jar. For a twist on the prayer journal idea, make a prayer jar. Keep the jar in a prominent place in your home and add scraps of paper with prayer needs to it. Set a daily time when you pull a prayer need out of the jar to pray over. This is a prayer activity that especially appeals to children.

There are many more ways you can help grow the habit of spending time in prayer.
What tips would you add to our list?
Do you use a prayer calendar or book that you would recommend?
We love to hear from you – please share in the comments!

When Words Fail {Cultivating Prayer}

August 22, 2013 by Patti Brown 8 Comments

This guest post for our Cultivating Prayer theme is by Sandy Anker…

On September 30, 2004, a stunning fall day, we welcomed our fifth child, Lydia Faith, into the world. My husband and I and our four older children were completely enchanted by this pudgy little girl.

Two weeks later, after a fretful night and a long day of trying to soothe my baby, I put her down in her butterfly seat while I started a fire to take the chill off the October afternoon. When she started fussing again, I turned and picked her up. Something about her cry, rhythmic and weak, alarmed me. I held her out and watched in terror as her face turned gray, then bruise-purple, and her odd little cries faded into silence. I screamed for my sixteen year old lifeguard son who immediately started CPR while I called 911. Tiny puffs of air into the small lungs, little compressions on the still heart.

Thus began a years’ long odyssey that started with a month in the hospital. Weeks of the most desperate prayers I’ve ever uttered. The magnitude of what we were dealing with, however, often left me without words.

The Groans

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26

Many of my prayers during this time were desperate, heart-wrenching groans. As my precious daughter faded away in my arms, all I could pray was “No, no, no, no!” As my son worked on his unconscious sister, as the police officer burst through my front door, as my terrified three year old took in the whole scene, the only words I could utter were, “Jesus, bring my baby back!” Over and over and over.

Sometimes my prayers were simply sobbing in His arms. At other times it was simply breathing in His presence. Obviously these were not eloquent prayers. I did not consciously craft my words in meditation. These prayers were raw and messy, cried out to my Father as I flung myself into His lap.

The Word

When the first ambulance arrived at our small regional hospital, Lydia was rushed into a small ER room and surrounded by doctors, nurses, and technicians. She was intubated while a nurse continued CPR and another doctor repeatedly injected her with epinephrine to restart her heart. In the midst of this chaos, the doctors encouraged us to squeeze in and touch her. As I whispered in her ear that I loved her and needed her to come back, I felt a strong burden to pray one line from the Lord’s Prayer. Words I didn’t want to say, but knew I must: “THY will be done” (Matthew 6:10) The most painful prayer I’ve ever uttered.

Lydia was soon transported to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh where praying scripture over my baby became a vital part of my time with her. There were several verses that were meaningful to me during this time and I personalized them wherever I could.

“For I know the plans I have for Lydia,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper her and not to harm her, plans to give Lydia hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (emphasis mine)

The whole of Psalm 91 was especially significant, beginning with verse 1:

Lydia dwells in the shelter of the Most High and will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I distinctly remember one long scary night praying this psalm for her. When I reached verse 16, my pulse quickened,

I will satisfy Lydia with long life!

I felt like I had received a direct message from my Father in this verse.

Others prayed Scripture over Lydia, too. Especially precious was our friend Travis serenading Lydia in the ICU. I will never forget his passionately singing directly to my fragile, unconscious child:

You are fearfully and wonderfully made! Psalm 139:14

The Body

When we arrived at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, we were ushered into a private waiting room with one of the deacons from our church, our pastor, and one of our seminary professors. We waited for hours before the chief of the Pediatric ICU came to tell us our daughter might not make it through the night. We were numb and speechless. I am so grateful for those three godly saints who took this news in with us and interceded for Lydia and for us.

Like Aaron and Hur held the arms of the exhausted Moses (Exodus 17), so many faithful warriors held us up during this time. As Lydia’s story spread through our seminary and our home church in Texas, and was passed by each seminarian and missionary we knew to their home churches, a prayer net was cast for our tiny girl all around the globe.

We were often surprised by those who joined with us in prayer. One afternoon two of my husband’s seminary buddies came up to pray with us. At that moment Lydia was having electrodes attached to her scalp for an EEG to track her grand mal seizures. The technician said, “I want you to know that I’ll be praying along with you as I continue to work on Lydia.”

We are not meant to go it alone. Prayer is a vital part of our relationship with Him and each other. There were several people I knew I could call any time of the day or night to intercede for Lydia when a new crisis arose. Those dear people didn’t end our conversations with a promise of prayer. They immediately carried our burdens. (Galatians 6:2)

We Are Not Left Helpless

It has been nearly nine years since that horrifying night that started us on a prayer journey that continues to this day. I was rendered speechless so much of the time, but I was not left helpless. My loving Father sweetly gave me His grace to interpret my groans, His Word to speak over my child, and His body to envelop us in a blanket of prayer.

Sandy is a lover of Jesus, the wife of a pastor, the mom of five children, and the grandmother of two sweet babes. She lives, loves, and prays in Northern British Columbia. Lydia is now a spunky, long-legged nine year old rascal.

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What Prayer is to the Soul {Corrie ten Boom}

August 6, 2013 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Cultivating Prayer

August 1, 2013 by Patti Brown 1 Comment

Is prayer a significant part of your daily life? As believers, we are each called into intimate communication with God on an ongoing basis, indeed unceasingly!

This month we will dig a little into the soil of our faith and talk about cultivating prayer in our lives.

God’s Word has plenty to say on the matter of prayer:

Who? All believers should pray.

“(Pray) at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,” Ephesians 6:18

What? There are many kinds of prayers.

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,” 1 Timothy 2:1

When? Pray constantly.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Where? Pray anywhere, but don’t make a show of it.

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6

Why? We pray because Jesus set the example for us. Not to mention, we are commanded to!

“In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.” Luke 6:12

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

Cultivate prayer in your life

We hope you’ll join us as we pour water our hearts with God’s Word, and cultivate the habit of prayer in our lives. Check back this month for more posts on cultivating prayer.

Do you struggle with prayer? Is there anything related to prayer you have questions about or would like to know more about? Please leave us a comment.

Resisting Temptation: Jesus’ Example

July 25, 2013 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

Every day, every single day, I face the reality that I am a sinner.

Whether it is the temptation to eat yet another cookie, or the temptation to lash out in frustration at someone, the lures to act in a selfish way are as many as the minutes on the clock. And more.

“…faith is much easier to live in my quiet time than it is to walk out in the messiness of real life.” read more

How thankful I am that the Lord Jesus Himself set the example for how I should respond to temptation! Today I am meditating on this, and rereading this post on resisting temptation.

“He knew that the scriptures held all that He needed to respond to temptation.” read more

Do you use specific scriptures to battle temptation in your life?
Share them in the comments!

photo credit

Roots for the Journey {Let the Children Come}

June 26, 2013 by Patti Brown

In May we launched a new monthly feature at Do Not Depart by spending an entire month sharing ways to help children grow up in God’s Word. Let the Children Come is our continuing series on encouraging kids to abide in the Word.

(Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this post. Please see the end of the post for details. Thanks for supporting this site!)

If you have ever met our family in person, you know that music is just about as important a part of our days as food.

My husband is a songwriter, worship leader and constant music maker. Just try having a conversation with him without a guitar in his hands! Our seven year old has taken to singing his books out loud. And our decorating theme? Think elementary school band. Instruments everywhere, picks on the floor, lyric sheets covering the counters… endless music.

So reviewing a music CD is a natural and happy fit for us. Today I am sharing my thoughts on Roots for the Journey, a new CD from Yancy. And my 11 year old daughter has written her own review on our blog Blossoms And Posies.

The Music

Yancy sports a fun rockin’ look, so I was surprised at first by how sweet and soft the songs are. I expected a more intense “kid music” sound. It turns out that Roots for the Journey was originally planned as a lullaby album for Yancy’s young son, but morphed into music for all ages.

Yancy explains, “I started off making this a lullaby CD. Taking key scriptures and truths that I wanted to pass on to my son and make sure he knew and understood the direction and answer these scriptures provide us. As I worked in the studio, I realized that the music was shaping up to be way more than lullabies. Already, when I meet people in my life that are facing big mountains, fears or need answers I’ve been able to use these songs as a way to help strengthen their faith and help them meditate on what God’s Word says. I can’t wait to see how God uses these songs to strengthen the faith of those young and old.”

Yancy’s beautiful, soothing voice has been a lovely background sound to our daily activities, and we often find ourselves singing along.

Most of the songs on the album are originals, with a few familiar covers. I think my favorite song is “The Joy.” As you might guess, given my blog’s name (Joyful Mama), the pursuit of joy has been one of the deep threads of my spiritual journey. But in addition to the lyrics, the melody is sweet and so singable. Harmonies just seem to flow right out of my throat when this song comes on. Have a listen:

(If you are reading this in a reader or by email, click here to see the video)

The App

I realize I am probably way out of the loop here, but this is the first time I have seen an app that goes along with a CD. Such a great idea!

Yancy’s heart for reaching kids really shines through the Roots for the Journey app. In the “family devo” section you will find videos, lyrics, devotionals, and even kid-oriented activities for each song. The activities are created by Amanda White of Truth in the Tinsel and Oh Amanda.

One of my favorite activities is for the song “Safe.” While the family plays tag, one person is the safe spot, ideally Daddy. To be safe, the children need to be in Daddy’s arms. How tender a picture of God’s precious provision and care!

Yancy’s dad, Jim Wideman, is a Children’s Ministry leader. The app also includes four articles he has written for parents:

Raising Godly Kids in a Not-So-Godly World
Developing a Biblical Worldview in Your Children
Wanting God’s Best for Your Family
We Said No to Ho Ho Ho

More Reviews and a Giveaway!

If you’re interested in another mom’s thoughts on Roots for the Journey, DND’s own Caroline has also reviewed the CD and app on her blog Under God’s Mighty Hand. For a kid’s perspective, check out Abbie’s thoughts on our home arts blog for girls, Blossoms and Posies.

Yancy has graciously offered to give away a copy of Roots for the Journey to one of you! Just leave a comment sharing one of your favorite scripture-based songs. Please be sure to include a way for us to reach you in your comment.

~~The giveaway will be open until Saturday at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen at random.~~

The giveaway is now closed. Congratulations Nicole!

(Disclosure: The link to the Roots for the Journey CD is an affiliate link. If you click on the link and then purchase the CD, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting this ministry! Patti’s family received a free copy of the CD for review.)

Traveling Truths: Bible Verses for Safety and Direction

June 25, 2013 by Patti Brown 4 Comments

Vacations are usually times of fun and relaxation. But being in an unfamiliar place, or experiencing unexpected plan changes, can tip you off-kilter.

I well remember our first family road trip – a month long “American History field trip”, spanning 16 states. We set off from Texas with our three children bundled into a van with 220,000 miles on it. That blessed van made it all the way to New York City before it broke down… broke down on an interstate, in a tunnel, right in the middle of the city.

I was one worried, praying mama as I sat in that overheating van not knowing what would happen next! We ended up limping back 300 miles to my mother-in-law’s house. And what a blessing that we were able to return and have more time with family while we made our repairs!

When you are out of your comfort zone you are more prone to anxiety. And that’s when you really need your Sword of the Spirit!

You know the saying “all directions point home”? The forever home of our hearts is with our Lord! And aren’t we so blessed that He is always with us? He comes along on every vacation!

This month we have been sharing tips and tools to help you stay in God’s Word while you travel. I’ve created a simple printable of verses that remind us of God’s protection and direction.

Scripture Travel Cards - DoNotDepart.com — click on the picture to download

Just print these ten verses onto card stock, cut them out, then tuck them in your travel bag. God’s Word will keep the compass of your heart pointing toward Him and your forever Home.

May your journeys be sweet, friends!

Have you ever been on a trip that had an unexpected twist that later you realized was a divine appointment? Click here to share your story in the comments!

Recap: “Let the Children Come”

May 31, 2013 by Patti Brown Leave a Comment

While we are each in different seasons of our lives, we are all called impact the children around us for God’s glory!

We have enjoyed bringing you posts for this month’s topic, “Let the Children Come.” Have you seen them all?

For those with teenagers, Teri-Lynne shared 5 Guidelines for Helping Your Teenager Abide in the Word
Kathy showed how Timothy’s grandmother Lois set the example of godly instruction in 4 Ways to be Like Nana Lois
We are thankful for those who linked up to Share Your Tips to Help Children Abide in the Word
As fledglings turn to adulthood and leave the nest, Lisa listed ways for parents to encourage young adults in Almost-Grown: How to Keep the Faith
Julie shared a clever way to help children remember bible verses using familiar songs in Truth for kids to tunes we know
Patti offered five ideas to help children face fears with scripture in Helping Children Who Fear ~ 5 Bible-Based Tips
Katie Johnson encouraged parents to prepare their kids by helping them memorize scripture in Raising Kingdom Builders {with Scripture memory}
Caroline shared special bible time tips for special kids in 4 Tips for Including Kids with Special Needs in Family Bible Time

Watch for a new monthly “Let the Children Come” post, starting in June, where we’ll continue to share tips and ideas for helping the young people in your life abide in God’s Word.

Did you enjoy this series? Do you have specific questions or topics you’d like to see covered in our “Let the Children Come” posts in future months? Leave a comment here!

Helping Children Who Fear ~ 5 Bible-Based Tips

May 23, 2013 by Patti Brown 6 Comments

(Quick disclosure: Some affiliate links present. See the bottom of the post for full disclosure. Thank you for supporting this ministry!)

It’s hard to be little. The world can be a scary place even when all seems well to the adults. And lately even most adults I know do not feel like all is well.

It is so important that we take a Word-based approach when our children fear, because a world-based approach will always disappoint. It would be lying to tell my child that there is nothing to fear. From a purely worldly perspective, my kids’ lives are fraught with dangers, many of which we don’t even contemplate (driven a car lately?)

But I can tell my child not to fear because of who he is in Christ. Because of Who God is. The power of scripture to combat fear is supernatural. God’s Word is the sword of the Spirit!

Here are some of my favorite scriptures on fear…

Verses in the Bible Addressing Fear

“In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.” Psalm 56:4

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19 (niv)

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

“…do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

“…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

Five Word-based ideas for when your child is afraid.

1) Teach children to praise God

Praising God in every circumstance instantly turns our attention off of ourselves and our fears, and onto the only solid and reliable One upon whom we can count. Praise God for Who He is, and for how much He loves us!

“Through (Jesus) then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” Hebrews 13:15

2) Play scripture out loud

When there is a chronic fear hanging heavy in your home, filling the air with scripture can work wonders for restoring peace. Even now I sometimes find myself needing to bathe my mind in scripture as I fall asleep.

Audio bibles are easy to come by thanks to smart phones (both for iPhone and android.) If you don’t have a smart phone, you can buy an [amazon_link id=”193104743X” target=”_blank” ]audio bible on CD[/amazon_link] or [amazon_link id=”143350295X” target=”_blank” ]on mp3[/amazon_link].

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27

3) Help children memorize scriptures

The bible directs us to teach our children the scriptures!

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7

You can teach your children some of the specific verses related to fear listed above, but even having basic verses memorized will be a powerful tool in their arsenal against fear! Our summer Hide His Word challenge will be reviewing basic scriptures for believers. If you or your children have never memorized before, why not sign up and start hiding His Word in your heart this summer?

It’s important to understand that the Word of God is the only offensive piece of our spiritual armor, the rest is defensive. The Word is even called the sword of the Spirit. Our children need to know and be ready to wield this holy sword!

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

4) Post scriptures around the house

The bathroom mirror and the kitchen windowsill seem to be our two favorite places to post scripture. We spend a lot of time at sinks, apparently! You can put up verses applicable to your child’s current struggle, or a general verse. Try taping printed scripture to the mirror, or for fun, write the verse directly on the mirror with a dry-erase or wet-erase marker!

There are also many beautiful, scripture-based home decorations available.

“You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:9

5) Sing scripture songs that deal with fear and courage

Music makes such an impact on kids. On adults too! More than once a scripture has wafted in song out of the car speaker right into this weary mama’s heart and given me strength!

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Psalm 95:1

The [amazon_link id=”B002CLBJXW” target=”_blank” ]Seeds Family Worship[/amazon_link] songs are great. There is lots of other recorded scripture music for kids available. And many old hymns are scripturally based.

If you don’t know a song for the verse you want your children to memorize, use a familiar kids’ tune! Julie explains how in “Truth for Kids to Tunes We Know”

However you go about it, helping your kids stay in God’s Word will combat fears of all sizes!

Have you had to deal with fear in a child? How did you help your child focus on the sovereign God who loves her? Share in the comments!

Our “Let the Children Come” link-up is still open! Do you have a great idea to help kids stay in the Word? Please share it here!

Disclosure: Some affiliate links are present. If you click on those links and then purchase the item, we will receive a small commission. Regardless, we only share products we personally support, love, and think you would benefit from, too. Thank you in advance for supporting this ministry!