Raising Kingdom Builders {with Scripture memory}

May 28, 2013 by Guest Post 14 Comments

We won’t always be within whispering distance of our children.

Does this shock any of you as it does me…?

I mean, I know my kids will grow up and leave the nest. And even though this truth is bittersweet, I really do want it to happen. My strongest desire as a mom is for them to go out into the world and become leaders, game-changers…kingdom builders.

However, with an 8 year old and an almost 10 year old–growing more independent daily, but still sweetly needing me for so much–it’s hard to imagine a day when they won’t be at my side. Right now, I’m there when they need help. I’m there when they need comfort. And I’m there to set boundaries and teach them everything I think they need to know. But that won’t always be.

Leaving the Nest

So, what is a mama to do? As they grow up, they’ll be out on their own more and more. They’ll need to practice independence long before they start their adult lives. As they head out into this world, who will be there when they’re faced with difficult decisions; when they have in-the-moment needs for wisdom, discernment, or comforting?

I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; (John 14:16 NASB)

If our children are in Christ, He promises that they have a Helper in the Holy Spirit, and that He will be with them forever. It brings me great comfort to know that my children will always have the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, wherever their lives take them. Jesus goes further to say that the Helper, the Holy Spirit, will teach us all things, and bring God’s word to our remembrance (John 14:26). How cool is that? However, as moms, we do have a part to play in this. In order for the Spirit to bring God’s word to our children’s remembrance, we need to help them hide His word to begin with. Then He will have something to reveal to them when they need His guidance.

Memorizing Scripture to Prepare for Independence

I attended a wonderful convention recently. One of the speakers encouraged parents to help their children memorize scripture. She shared several examples of how her adult children were equipped to make important decisions because of scripture they had memorized as small children. She told of her daughter meeting a boy that she was interested in. He had an angry meltdown in front of her, and all she could think was “You shall not go with a hot-tempered man” (Proverbs 22:24). Because the Spirit brought this verse to her remembrance, the speaker’s daughter was able to make a wise choice in her personal life.

This, friends, is what I desire for my kids as they grow and become more independent. I want to present them with a gift that no one can take away. I want to give them a heart library of scripture, engraved on their very souls. Scripture so deeply treasured that they can’t help but hear the voice of the Spirit when He brings it to mind. Words from their Lord, guiding them with the wisdom and discernment that can only come from Him.

Have you seen the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your children as a result of hiding His word? Please share your story in the comments!

This guest post is written by Katie Johnson (@KJ_Clem on Twitter). Katie is a wife, homeschooling mom of two, and wannabe farm girl who lives in the South Carolina foothills. She’s learning what it looks like to love God, learn His ways, and lead others to do the same. She takes photos of sunsets, lives in flip flops, and gives too many treats to her backyard chickens. Connect with her on Twitter.

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!

Truth for kids to tunes we know

May 21, 2013 by Julie 6 Comments

Never has it been so hard to compete with the rhythms of our world for space in the hearts and minds of our children. If adults today do not intentionally claim ground in the mental files of our next generation, modern culture will sweep in and take it.

We must not wait for reading skills to emerge or for writing to reach journaling capacity, for vocabulary to include words like “discipleship” and “justification.” While the sprout is still tender and the roots are just reaching out to take hold in the soil, the time is ripe to embed truth in the heart of a small child. Truth creates a fertile environment for God to work in the mind and spirit, for understanding to grow, and for belief to mature into faith. While the ground of the young heart is soft, we have the chance to share the oral history of God’s written truth. To act in the earliest windows of childhood to prepare the next generation to abide, we must sing songs of faith.

By putting God’s word & stories to childhood tunes, we stir up benefits like:

nurturing faith vocabulary to prepare children to be comfortable talking about truth
embedding rhythmic, rhyming language in young memories, along with stories
associating stories of God’s word with comfort and bonding with trusted adults
placing mental “hooks” in the framework of a child’s thoughts for building later learning
linking God’s word to what a child learns are the sounds and sense of joy

While excellent children’s faith music exists, we can use familiar, traditional songs like nursery rhymes and childhood tunes to sing original lyrics in our homes, in our Sunday Schools, and in our ministries. Need to help a child remember God’s truth? Follow these simple steps and check out the samples below.

Choose a simple, short, rhyming song children know.

Take a story, character or passage and identify key truths to remember.

You can get creative with the rhyming, but not with the truth! Be accurate.

Use varied color and/or symbols to reinforce the lyrics visually.

Design a display card or coloring sheet for a child to use as they grow.

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 89:1

Some of my favorite tunes for creating Bible songs:

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Row Row Row Your Boat
Happy Birthday to You
London Bridges Falling Down

Example: (Using Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) Start humming before you read!

Adam and Eve

God made us to be His friends. Then the first 2 people sinned.

Since He loved us He would give a HERO so that we could live.

Eve and Adam could not be heroes that would set us free.

Noah

Noah was a faithful man, built an ark with his 2 hands.

People laughed, but he obeyed, and safe inside his family prayed.

Noah and his sons and wife knew that God has saved their life.

Abraham

Two old people had no son, though they hoped and prayed for one.

God said Abraham would be father of a family.

God keeps promises the same. 9 months later Isaac came.

Joseph

Jealous family, angry vote. Hated brother’s special coat.

Joseph was sold as a slave, his brothers’ sin he then forgave.

Though he went to Egypt’s test, God was working for his best.

Let’s use our mouths to make God’s faithfulness known through songs for all generations!

Let’s sing the stories of God’s acts and truths so our children will hide them in their hearts in the midst of the messages of our times!

Resources – Memory Classics for the Summer

May 20, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 24 Comments

Join us to jog your memory on familiar but important passages of the Christian faith. For weekly accountability, join our Facebook group.

A full-text printout is here in the most familiar version for each scripture, but memorize in whatever version YOU prefer.

MEMORY CLASSICS SCHEDULE [click here for printable schedule]

Week 1, Jun 3-Jun 9, John 3:16
Week 2, Jun 10-Jun 16, Psalm 23:1-3
Week 3, Jun 17-Jun 23, Psalm 23:4-6
Week 4, Jun 24-Jun 30, Jeremiah 29:11
Week 5, Jul 1-Jul 7, Matthew 6:9-11
Week 6, Jul 8-Jul 14, Matthew 6:12-13
Week 7, Jul 15-Jul 21, Romans 8:28
Week 8, Jul 22-Jul 28, Ephesian 2:8-9
Week 9, Jul 29-Aug 4, 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
Week 10, Aug 5-Aug 11, 1 Corinthians 13:6-7
Week 11, Aug 12-Aug 18, Proverbs 3:5-6
Week 12, Aug 19-Aug 25, Philippians 4:13

TWEET OR FACEBOOK THIS

I’m memorizing classic Bible verses this summer! Join me: http://wp.me/p1Su7F-2qQ #HideHisWord

If you have or write a new post on your own blog about memorizing scripture, please link up here this month, or return June 5 for our Summer Link-Up.

Are you in? Tell us in the comments.

REGISTRATION CLOSED

Almost-Grown: How to Keep the Faith

May 16, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 17 Comments

Maybe your child is about to graduate. Or already away at college or on their own.

Or maybe you just want to get ready now for what’s to come later.

“Let the children come” (Matthew 19:14) isn’t just for your little ones. Help your children of all ages continue coming to the Lord.

How can you assist their transition from pizza party youth groups to an authentic working faith of their own?

Not by old strategies. What worked at nine won’t work when they’re nineteen. You no longer choose their bedtime Bible stories. You can’t drag them to Sunday school each week. No more gold stars for Bible chapters read.

So what can you do to help your older children stay in the Word?

HERE ARE 8 GUIDELINES:

1. Emphasize the Living Word (John 1:1)
Remember the goal isn’t to keep your child in the Bible; it’s for your child to abide in Jesus. Your kids may know the stories about Him; now help them discover how they fit into His story. Talk with them about how God is working in them and their circumstances. Bridge the written words in the Bible to the Living Word in their lives.

2. Invite them deeper into your world
When they’re home for a weekend, invite them to go with you to your adult spiritual gatherings. Suggest more mature Christians books for them to read. Share new things you are learning in scripture and get their opinions on it.

3. Go with them into their world
If they have their own church home, visit with them when invited. Look for positives there, withholding criticisms on non-essential differences. If they’re experimenting with gatherings different than your own or drawing opposing conclusions, discuss your views honestly, but don’t argue or dictate what they should believe.

4. Give them growing room
But what if they’ve left behind all things spiritual? Practice grace. Don’t show shock or fear if they open up to you about their doubts or new worldviews. You’re in relationship for the long haul—keep the communication lines open. Pray, influence when you can, and show them unconditional love (even if that means tough love for a season). Remain hopeful in the God who can transform.

5. Let them teach you
This can be a time of growth for you, too. Show excitement as they share what they’re learning, and incorporate that into your own spiritual walk. Be open about your doubts and be willing to change your beliefs if you’re wrong. Allow them to question your traditions, mindful to keep the dialogue respectful in both directions.

6. Keep up on current events
Stay abreast of hot issues relevant to your children and their friends, such as gay marriage, immigration reform, abortion. Pay attention to what interests them and others in their peer group. Equip yourself for godly and intelligent conversations about cultural changes.

7. Be their encourager
Don’t nag. Don’t lay guilt trips. Don’t transfer your anxieties onto them. Instead, remind them of God’s promises from His Word and offer prayers of encouragement. Send scriptures of hope in a card or a text. Point out how you see God as present and active in whatever they’re going through.

8. Release them (again) to God
Even if you gave them to God when they were tiny, you’ll find that you again want to hold tightly after they leave your nest. But remember God has more power, wisdom, and love to guide them in His steps than you do. Trust in His grace, not your parenting. He’ll be glorified when you depend more on Him than your own schemes of child protection.

BENEFITS

As your children grow and struggle and eventually make their faith their own (we all pray!), your faith will continue to grow as well. Lean harder than ever on the God of grace. And as you get closer to Him, you’ll learn more how to love your child even better in this next phase of life.

What a great reward to have your son or daughter become a very special brother or sister in Christ, a true soul friend!

Please also read Teri Lynne’s 5 Guidelines for Helping Your Teenager Abide in the Word.

What advice would you give parents of college-age children? What’s a struggle you’re having or anticipating for that age? What helped (or hindered!) your faith after you turned 18? Please leave us your thoughts below.

Share Your Tips to Help Children Abide in the Word {Link Up}

May 15, 2013 by Patti Brown 4 Comments

We hope you’ve had a chance to read the posts we’ve shared so far in our series about children and the Word…

For parents of teenagers: 5 Guidelines for Helping Your Teenager Abide in the Word
For grandmothers: 4 Ways to be Like Nana Lois

We have more great posts lined up for you, but today we’d like to ask for your ideas! How do you help the children in your life faithfully abide in God’s Word?

Please add your post to our link-up, which will be open through May 30, 2013. You can add as many posts as you’d like that pertain to the topic, and they don’t have to be recent. God’s Word is timeless! If you don’t have a blog, just leave your suggestions in the comments. We love to hear from you!

Have you had a chance to fill out our reader survey? Today (May 15) is the last day! We want to know how we can serve you. And as our gift to you for completing the survey, you will receive a discount on Quench Bible Ministries products. We appreciate you!

4 Ways to be Like Nana Lois

May 14, 2013 by Kathy Howard 8 Comments

Call me Nana.

The first question my daughter asked when she and her husband announced the pending arrival of our first grandchild was “What do you want the baby to call you?”

They loved my husband’s tongue-in-cheek suggestion for his grandfather name. “Boss” stuck immediately. But every equally cool grandmother name suggestion from me got shot down.

Oh well, any name will be music to my ears when it comes from Micah’s mouth.

Being “Nana” is both a great joy and a weighty responsibility. My God-given job of teaching a new generation about Him did not end when my own children left home. Instead it’s a generational partnership of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and beyond.

Sincere Faith

Timothy is a great example of this generational faith partnership in action. In his second letter to the young pastor, the apostle Paul describes Timothy’s faith this way:

I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

2 Timothy 1:5, NIV

Timothy’s faith was not cultural or casual. No hint of hypocrisy or pretense. His faith in Christ defined him. And this “sincere faith” began in his grandmother and continued in his mother. That’s what this Nana wants for her grandchildren.

Lois’ faith wasn’t just talk. Her character and behavior matched what she said she believed. Consistently. Every day. Even when she was stressed. Even when another car cut her off with Timothy in the back seat.

Lois’ life proved to Timothy the truth of what she taught him.

Purposeful Teaching

Timothy learned the Scripture from both his mother and grandmother from his beginning. The word Paul uses in 2 Timothy 3:15 to describe Timothy’s age can refer to an unborn child, a newborn child, or an infant. These two faithful women did not waste any time teaching Timothy about God.

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15, NIV

Lois and Eunice intentionally taught Timothy in the ways of God. They helped him form a habit of faith through constant use and practice. Their teaching encouraged Timothy’s salvation, spiritual growth, and equipping for ministry (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

4 Characteristics of Nana Lois’ Passed-Down Faith

Lois, the New Testament Nana, is a great example for us. If we want to pass a vibrant legacy of faith to our children and grandchildren, here are a few things we can do:

Insure our own faith is “sincere.”
Accept and embrace this God-given responsibility.
Start at day one. It’s never too early.
Have a plan. Be purposeful and intentional in teaching them the things of God.

Micah hasn’t quite got the hang of “Nana.” Maybe I should change my name to “Lois.”

What else do you see from Lois’ example we can implement in our own lives?

5 Guidelines for Helping Your Teenager Abide in the Word

May 9, 2013 by Teri Lynne Underwood 16 Comments

For the record, this is the hardest post I’ve ever written. Seriously. I’ve been blogging for about six years and I’ve probably around 1000 posts. But this one has found me wanting to know more, offer more, be more … keenly aware of my extraordinary lack.

We’re writing this month on training our children to abide in the Word. It’s a desperately important topic and one I am passionate about. The thing is, we’ve reached this point in our parenting journey with our daughter where the responsibility in this area is becoming less mine and more hers. And, if I can be brutally honest: I am terrified!

Most days guilt and fear and insecurities roll around my head. All I can see is where I have failed, where I haven’t done enough. A few weeks ago, I was on the phone with a dear friend and wise mentor. I shared how disconnected my girl seemed when we were having our family devotions. I shared all my fears about not doing enough when she was little, not expecting enough from her, not focusing enough, not teaching enough.

Kate listened and then she spoke some simple truths into my heart. Here’s the gist of her gracious wisdom,

“Your daughter is a world changer. She has seen you love the Lord and serve Him. She has watched you faithfully read the Word and pray. You have taught her well. And you have to let her find her way. Continue to guide her, continue to teach her. But trust the Lord to work in her. His plan for her life is way better than yours.”

Can I just say how much Kate ministered to me that day on the phone? How much she poured grace over me and encouraged my frightened heart?

I’m not an expert in raising a child who will never stray from abiding in the Word. But I would like to share a few words of encouragement for all you moms out there of tweens and teens, all you Word-lovers who are praying your children find that same passion.

Keep the priority on your personal relationship with the Lord. It’s so easy to get distracted by trying to do the “right” things with and for our kids in this area. But the best way we teach them to abide in the Word is by faithfully doing it ourselves. Every morning my daughter sees both me and my husband reading our Bibles. That example is the most powerful gift we give our kids.
Provide your child with the right tools. Make sure your child has a Bible he can understand. Find devotional or Bible study resources that fit with his personality. Just because you like an in-depth study of a book of the Bible, doesn’t mean he will. Help him find the resources and tools he will use.
Don’t expect your child to be you. During this season of life, our children are (rightly!) beginning to explore their own ideas and ways of doing things. This natural exploration and growth of independence during adolescence will also affect their personal devotion time. Your child may decide to have her devotions at night even though you’ve always trained her to do them in the morning. She may find another trusted adult to answer her questions. She may build her own accountability group. It’s okay!
Keep asking questions and being available. Don’t push yourself onto your child. But don’t be afraid to ask if he has read his Bible that day. Ask what he’s learning and where he’s struggling. Tell him you are praying for him and ask if there is anything specific he would like you to remember.
Pray for your child. Never, ever stop praying and claiming Scripture on behalf of your child. My friend Brooke writes out prayers for her boys every year using Scripture as a guide. I love this idea and have done it myself several years.

These years are not always easy. It’s hard to let go of the control we’ve had in our children’s lives. But the teenage years can be a wonderful experience and I have to admit, I LOVE it when my daughter comes to me to share what she’s read or learned all on her own.

Do you have a teenager? How do you encourage your teen to abide in the Word?

{image source: canstockphoto.com}

Last-Chance Reminder!

May 4, 2013 by Caroline Leave a Comment

~~Just a quick reminder–~~~~TODAY is the last day to purchase the Ultimate Homemaking ebook Bundle!~~ The sale is now over, but check out the individual ebooks listed below!

This huge resource involves over 75 widely-known bloggers and authors to offer 97 of their most popular eBooks and eCourses, valued at just over $600, for only $29.97! (Disclosure: Affiliate links present. Thanks for supporting this ministry!)

As we mentioned on Monday, this bundle features two of Katie Orr and Lara Williams’s Quench Bible studies!

Resources Everyone Can Get Excited About

What might you be interested in?

If you’ve read [amazon_link id=”1400204666″ target=”_blank” ]Desperate[/amazon_link] by Sarah Mae and Sally Clarkson (affiliate link), you might be interested in 31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99).

If you’re excited about our upcoming theme this month on involving families in bible study, you’ll definitely love many of the resources being offered in the “educational” section of this bundle, including:

Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00)
The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)
The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)
Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)
Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Just those resources equal the cost of the bundle, and that’s not including the spiritual growth books listed above, plus all the other topics covered (97 ebooks and ecourses total plus freebies from some great companies. See below for details.)

The Spiritual Growth section of this ebook bundle offers great and godly resources. The books included regarding faith are:

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99)
The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)
God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)
Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($4.99)
Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

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Not to mention the 10 companies offering over $140 in bonus offers (some I’m personally really excited about).

What’s Included in the Sale?

When you purchase The Ultimate Homemaking eBook collection, you will get instant access to any of the 97 eBooks and eCourses listed below.

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Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered.

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Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99)

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)

Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99)

From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99)

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99)

That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99)

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99)

42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SaraMae.com ($4.99)

The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)

The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99)

Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00)

Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)

The Bootstrap VA by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99)

How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99)

How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)

Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook ($8.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95)

Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59)

You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)

Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

Get $10 off Union28’s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

General

It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the 1-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, we can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date we will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.
Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, we would invite you to read the Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

~~Click here to visit The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle.~~ The sale is now over.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means this blog earns a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support of this site!

Let the Children Come

May 2, 2013 by Patti Brown 3 Comments

Knowing God’s Word can be just as life-changing for children as it is for adults.

Jesus was very clear that children are important to Him:

Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven. Mathew 19:14

The scriptures exhort parents to be diligent about teaching their children God’s commandments:

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

Most of us, whether parents or not, have children in our lives. Children should be as important to us as they are to Jesus.

This month at Do Not Depart we will be exploring different ways to encourage children to abide. How can each of us help the young people in our lives grow in their pursuit of Christ in His Word?

And watch for a link up coming later this month, where you can share your ideas for helping children stay in the Word!

Have you had a chance to fill out our reader survey? We want to know how we can serve you! And as our gift to you for completing the survey, you will receive a discount on Quench Bible Ministries products. We appreciate you!