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Our Story

by | Jul 15, 2020 | Mom Blog, First Place, First Place Overview, Posts

It was an ordinary day in the Thomsen household, as our three little daughters and I sat around the kitchen table. My husband had left for work and our daughters and I were enjoying Bible Time together. This was an established routine of spending time together singing, studying and memorizing God’s Word and talking to God in prayer.

But on this particular morning I felt pressure inside, pressure to hurry and to bring closure to Bible Time sooner than I normally would. Why? Why the pressure?

Melanie, our oldest daughter, was now in kindergarten and I was very aware that we had academics to cover! A struggle began in my heart, a sort of tug-of-war between Bible Time and academics. There were so many more things I was needing to teach Melanie. She was now in kindergarten! The thought of school subjects pressed in upon me. Melanie now needed to be taught reading, math, spelling and more.

What was going to take first place in our school day? Time with our daughters in God’s Word and prayer, or academics? This decision would impact our homeschooling, but far more importantly, the spiritual growth of our children. We will be forever grateful to the Lord that the decision was made to put Bible Time in first place over academics.

This was a big step for me coming from a teacher’s background. But it was decided that if all we accomplished in a given school day was Bible Time, at the end of the day I could go to bed with peace in my heart knowing that we had accomplished the most important thing. And this continued to be our practice until after two of our daughters began their college education. Matthew 6:33 says:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

As we look back, we can see that this has truly been our experience. As we chose to put God and His Word first in our school day, God took care of the academics as well.

* * *

As time went on, the desire began to grow for more guidance and ideas as to what to do during our Bible Time. From my background and training in discipleship, I knew some things to do to help me study God’s Word, talk to Him in prayer and grow in my personal relationship with Christ. But how was I to translate this into the daily world of our children?

Knowing that God knew our children far better than we did, that He knew what they needed spiritually and that He knew how to go about it, I began to pray and ask God for His guidance and for ideas of what to do in Bible Time.

We continued to do things we were already doing, singing and spending time together in God’s Word and prayer. Little by little God began to answer, providing input from others and giving new ideas. Ideas that helped us to consistently and creatively spend time in God’s Word and prayer together, not as another school subject, but as who we are.

And being home with our daughters gave me the wonderful opportunity to enjoy many morning hours over the years with them in Bible Time. So many hours that would have been lost if we had not decided to put Bible Time in first place over academics.

Kirk invested spiritually in our daughter’s lives at other times. Bible Time was a wonderful way for me to support Kirk in his responsibility for the spiritual nurturing of our family. I encourage you to prayerfully consider how you can intentionally invest in your children’s spiritual lives using the time and gifts God has given you. This investment is a matter of eternal significance. And we all get just one chance to do this.

In future posts we will look at the basics of Bible Time, how to prepare for Bible Time and what Bible Time could look like with your children in your home. See you there!

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org
Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

Introduction

by | Jul 15, 2020 | Mom Blog, First Place, First Place Overview, Posts

Have you ever wondered how to purposefully and intentionally use the ideas shared on this Mom Blog as you spiritually nurture your children at home? How to put it all together?

Enjoy Bible Time! Bible Time is a special time with your children in God’s Word and prayer. It’s a part of your life. Who you are. What you do. It calls for dependence on God, partnership with Him and much prayer. And yet it is simple and enjoyed one day at a time!

In the next post I will share our story and what Bible Time looked like in our home. I hope to see you there!

Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

Bird in the Nest

by | Feb 14, 2018 | Mom Blog, Memorize God's Word, Posts

Are you interested in an activity that will help your children review their Bible memory verses while giving them an opportunity to stretch their legs and move about?

Play “A Bird in the Nest”

Suggested Memory Verses

Suggested Ages: 2-10

Create a ‘big nest” on the floor with pillows, or a blanket.

Place your Bible Memory Verse Cards (MVCs) face down in the “nest” allowing a good space between each card.

Use a soft object to represent a bird. (A bean bag, or a stuffed animal would work well for this. You will want to use something that does not roll.)

Have your child step back from the nest and take turns helping the bird “fly” into the nest.

Pick up the card that is closest to the “bird” after it lands. Turn it over. Have your child say the memory verse on that card. (Remember to have them say the Bible reference before and after the verse.)

Collect the MVCs as each verse is said.

Repeat until all the memory cards are out of the nest.

Enjoy!

IDEAS!

Add a fun challenge: Your child could take one step back from the nest each time they are ready to help the bird “fly” into the nest.
Add another fun challenge: Tell your child the Bible reference on the MVC the bird lands next to, and see if they can quote the verse without help. Or, quote the Bible verse and have your child tell you the Bible reference.
This activity can be enjoyed inside or outside. Neighborhood kids may want to join in the fun!

BIBLE TIME!

Enjoy playing “A Bird in the Nest” as part of a Bible Time with your child. Follow three simple steps:

1. SING: Start with singing a song to the Lord.

2. BIBLE: Play “A Bird in the Nest”. As each verse is said ask your child a question that can be answered from the verse.

3. PRAY: Then talk to God in prayer. Thank Him for a truth found in one of the Bible memory verses.

SHARE IT!

1. Share this post with a friend!
2. Share with me!
– What Bible verse are your memorizing with your child?
– I would enjoy seeing a photo of your child playing “A Bird in the Nest”!
– What did your child like best about this activity?
– What suggestions do you have that would improve this activity?

 

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)

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Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

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Tick, Tock, Stop!

by | Dec 20, 2017 | Mom Blog, Memorize God's Word, Posts

Are you interested in an activity that will help your child review their Bible memory verses while giving them an opportunity to stretch their legs and move about?

Play “Tick, Tock, Stop!”

Suggested Memory Verses

Suggested Ages: 2-10

You will need an open floor space to create an imaginary clock face using your Memory Verse Cards (MVC).

1. Circle

Lay the MVCs on the floor in a large circle. This circle becomes the clock face.

2. Stand

Have your child stand in the center of the circle. Their arms will become the clock’s arm by holding both of their arms out in front of them, with their hands clasped together.

3. Turn Around

Have your child slowly turn around with their eyes closed staying in the center of the circle as you slowly say, “Tick, tock, tick, tock, tick tock, tick tock……”

4. Stop!

When you say, “Tick, Tock, Stop!” they are to stop and open their eyes, keeping their arms outstretched in front of them.

5. Say

Look at the MVC on the floor that their hands are pointing to. Say the Bible verse together.

6. Continue!

Turn the MVC over after you have said the Bible verse. Continue this pattern until all the verses on the “clock face” are turned over. If more than one child is participating in this game, they can take turns being the clock arm. Have fun!

IDEAS!

Tick, Tock, Stop! can be played with as few as four MVCs, placing them at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock, 6 o’clock and 9 o’clock.

Tick, Tock, Stop! Can be played with 12 MVCs, placing them at each imaginary number space on the clock face.

Tick, Tock, Stop can be played with many more MVCs as well! If you have more than 12 MVCs, you can put a pile of multiple MVCs at each number space, or create a larger clock by placing the MVCs as if each MVC stood for a minute space on the clock.

Take Turns: You and your child could take turns being the one to say “Tick, Tock, Stop!” and the one to be the clock arm.

BIBLE TIME!

Enjoy Playing “Tick, Tock, Stop!” as part of a simple Bible Time with your child. Follow three steps:

1. SING: Start with singing a song to the Lord.
2. BIBLE: Play “Tick, Tock, Stop!” following the directions above.
3. PRAY: Then talk to God in prayer.

SHARE IT!

1. Share this post with a friend!
2. Share with me!
– I would enjoy seeing a photo of your clock!
– What did you like best about the “Tick, Tock, Stop!” activity?
– What suggestions do you have that would improve this activity?

 

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)

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Want to be updated about new posts and receive notes from Marian? Sign up here!

Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

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Verse Study

by | Nov 17, 2017 | Mom Blog, Memorize God's Word, Posts, Study God's Word

Would you like a simple, yet creative and fun way to encourage discussion and increase comprehension of a Bible verse
that you are memorizing with your child?

Enjoy “A Crayon Verse Study”!
Suggested Memory Verses
Suggested Ages: 3-10

Prepare:

– Write or print Psalm 136:1 with large letters on paper. Make copies for you and your child.

– Give your child their Psalm 136:1 paper along with a pink, green, purple, blue, and orange crayon or other crayon colors of your choice.

– Explain that you are going to do a “Crayon Verse Study” together.

– Read Psalm 136:1 out loud.

– Pray together and ask the Lord to give you understanding as you study.

Notes:

If your child cannot read, as you follow the steps below, read the verse out loud for them each time you ask a new question so that they can once again think on the verse and answer your question. 

If your child is very young, it will probably be best to keep the answers simple, focusing on the overall meaning of the verse. If they are older, it would be great to encourage more discussion.

Study:

Think! What is the first word in Psalm 136:1? What does the word “Give” mean?

Color! Draw a rectangle around the word “Give” with your pink crayon and color in the rectangle.

Think! What does Psalm 136:1 tell us we are to give? What do we mean when we say “Thanks?”

Color! Draw a green oval around the word ‘thanks’ and color in the oval.

Think! To whom are we to give thanks? Who is the Lord?

Color! Draw a purple circle around the word “Lord” and color in the circle.

Think! What words tell us about God? What do the words good and mercy mean to you?

Color! Draw blue squares around the words “good and mercy” and color in the squares.

Think! How long does God’s mercy last? How long is forever?

Color! Use the orange crayon to draw a cloud around the words ‘for ever’.

Pray: Thank God that He is good and that His mercy endures forever.
IDEA!

Enjoy the “Crayon Verse Study” using other Bible verses.

Use this “Crayon Verse Study” activity to introduce each of your new Bible memory verses.

If you plan to continue to do this activity with other Bible verses, you may want to have your child keep their “Crayon Verse Study” papers in their own “Crayon Verse Study” folder.

If you are doing this with an older child, you and they could look up cross references that relate to the verse you are studying and then talk about how the cross references help to understand the meaning of the original verse of study.

SHARE IT!
– What Bible verse did you use?

– What did you like about the Crayon Verse Study?

– Are you going to do the Crayon Verse Study with another verse?

– Is this an idea you would share with a friend? Why or why not?

YOUR PICS!

 

Lindsey

 
This was one of my favorite ideas yet! My kids (ages 5,4,2) really enjoyed doing this Bible verse study. It helped me teach the verse, and helped them understand it! Thank you for this idea:)

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)

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Want to be updated about new posts and receive notes from Marian? Sign up here!

Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

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Follow Me!

by | Nov 9, 2017 | Mom Blog, Memorize God's Word, Posts

Are you interested in an activity that will help your child memorize a Bible verse or review Bible memory verse(s) while giving them an opportunity to stretch their legs and move about?

Play “Follow Me!”

Suggested Memory Verses

Suggested Ages: 2-10

 

1. Write or Collect:

Write Genesis 1:1 or a Bible verse of your choice. Or collect the Memory Verse Cards (MVC) you already have.

2. Walk:

Have your child stand behind you and then follow you wherever you go. Take the MVCs with you.

3. Stop!

When you choose to stop, have your child stop as well.

4. Say

Say a verse selected from the MVCs in your hand. If you have one Bible memory verse card, then each time you stop, say that verse. If you have more than one memory verse card, say a different verse each time you stop. If your child is able, they can say the verse with you or for you.

5. Continue:

Continue to “walk, stop and say” until you decide you are done!

6. Examples for playing “Follow Me” outside:

– walk to a tree, and stand by the tree trunk to say the verse
– walk to the driveway and lie down to say the verse
– walk over to the backdoor and knock on the door, then say the verse
– walk to any playground equipment you own and swing on a swing, or slide down the slide while saying the verse
– walk to your car and sit in the car for fun while saying the verse

IDEAS!

– Run, jump, skip or hop instead of walking to your next destination.
– Have your child lead if they are mature enough to do so.
– When it is too hot, cold or wet outside, you can do this inside, using a table to sit under, a bed to lie on, the basement to walk around in, and couch to sit on.

BIBLE TIME!

Play “Follow Me” as part of a simple Bible Time with your child. Follow three steps:

1. SING: Sing a song to the Lord.
2. BIBLE: Play “Follow Me” following the directions above.
3. PRAY: Then talk to God in prayer.

SHARE IT!

1. Share this post with a friend!
2. Share with me!

– What Bible verse are you memorizing with your child?
– What was your child’s favorite part of this activity?
– Would you do this activity again? Why?

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.”

Jeremiah 15:16 (KJV)

Subscribe to the Mom Blog

Want to be updated about new posts and receive notes from Marian? Sign up here!

Marian Thomsen

Marian Thomsen

Wife, Mother, Mentor

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Isaiah 41:10

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