While my daughter was at training for her summer job, I was thinking about the multiple benefits a job offers teenagers. Her particular job is a fantastic job for teens, but when she suggested to her friends that they should apply there as well most of them had reasons why they weren’t interested in working there. Which got me to thinking about various job ideas for teens.

I even asked friends and family what kinds of jobs they had as teenagers. Many of the ideas they shared with me I had never heard of before, and helped me come up with a great list of job opportunities for teens.

While some of the jobs listed are seasonal, many of them teens could balance having during the school year too. I’ve also divided the list into categories depending on your child’s interests and personality. I hope this list of job ideas for teens helps your child discover new skills and gain valuable work experience.

Job ideas for teens that enjoy working with children:

• Activities Leader at a day camp
• Nanny
• Camp Counselor
• Babysitting
• Leader for children’s programs
• Entertain at children’s parties – make balloon animals, perform magic tricks, dress as a princess or superhero
• Mother’s Helper – Similar to babysitting, but the mother is usually still at home working on projects she has a hard time completing while watching her children. Mother’s helpers keep children happy, safe, and occupied. Sometimes mother’s helpers may do little chores to also help new moms out.
• Teaching Dance
• Music Lessons
• Teen aide at summer day camp
• Photographer

Ideas for teens that enjoy being outside:

• Lifeguard
• Farmhand
• Umpire or Referee for summer sports
• Sports Field Maintenance
• Mowing lawns
• Watering someone’s plants or yard – Many people need someone to care for their yard and plants during warmer months, either because of vacations or they summer in another state.
• Park Maintenance
• Detasseling corn
• Hauling hay
• Washing cars
• Landscaping business
• Irrigating
• Golf Course Maintenance or Golf Caddy
• Construction

For teens that would enjoy working in the food industry:

• Fast Food Restaurant
• Food Truck
• Server at a restaurant
• Concessions
• Snow Cone Stand
• Ice Cream Shop
• Host/Hostess at a restaurant
• Dishwasher
• Barista
• Work at a bakery
• Work with a caterer

Job ideas for teens interested in having their own business one day:

• Bagger at a grocery store
• Internships for local businesses – Some businesses will pay for an internship, but even those that don’t are still a valuable work experience for resumes and references.
• Assistant to a carpenter
• Clerk or Stocker at local businesses

Ideas for teens that work well alone:

• Janitor for businesses
• Custodian at a school – During the summer, schools are doing maintenance to prepare for the next school year.
• Virtual Assistant
• Housekeeping
• Sell items on Etsy – If you have a creative teen that loves to make things, they might enjoy this option.
• Paint – Many people would be happy to pay a teenager to paint their homes, especially if the teen is responsible and keeps things clean as they are painting. If your teenager has a gift for art, they could also offer to paint murals on walls.
• An assistant to the elderly – grocery shopping, ironing, housework, etc.

Job ideas for teens that love animals:

• Dog Walker
• Cleaning up after dogs
• Pet Grooming Service
• Feeding Pets
• Work at a Pet Store
• Cleaning Chicken Coops
• Ranch Hand

Job ideas with perks for teens:

The following jobs sometimes have perks to them as well, such as free admission or discounts while you’re employed there.

• Movie Theater Concessions or Usher
• Work at a local tourist attraction, as a ride operator, concessions, admissions, etc.

Volunteer opportunities for teens:

If your teenager is struggling finding a paying job, there are also volunteer opportunities that will give them valuable work experience and references for future job openings. Volunteer hours are also nice to have on college applications.

Here are some places your teen might be able to volunteer:

• Animal Rescues
• Library Summer Reading Programs
• Hospitals
• Veterinary Clinics
• Nursing Homes
• Summer Camps
• Vacation Bible Schools
• Zoos
• Museums
• Food Pantries
• Community Gardens
• National Parks
• Habitat for Humanity
• Community Events

Did you work as a teenager? What would you add to this list? Share your ideas in the comments.

The post 55+ Job Ideas for Teens appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

Don’t miss the Mother’s Day Giveaway and the end of this Bible Verses for Moms post!

Motherhood is a gift, and at the same time one of the greatest responsibilities we have been given. The good news is, God’s Word is full of Bible verses for moms that encourage and guide us on this journey of motherhood.

30 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms

1) The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. – Psalm 28:7 (NIV) 

We are not alone. He gives us strength and helps us. Trust in him.

2) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

Love is more than a feeling we have; it’s something we do. These verses show us how to love our children well.

3)  For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. – Psalm 30:5 (ESV)

Motherhood is hard at times, but God is faithful to restore our joy.

4) Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

Some days seem so long, but we only have our children under our care for a short time. May we remember to make the days and moments count.

5) For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” – Isaiah 41:13 (ESV)

I love this picture of God holding our hands. He is with us and helps us.

6) Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, – Philippians 2:14-15 (ESV)

God is doing more than shaping the hearts and character of our children; He is at work shaping our hearts too.

7) He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Isaiah 40:11 (NIV)

“He gently leads those that have young.”

8) Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. – 1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Another reminder of how to love our children well.

9) As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem. – Isaiah 66:13 (NIV)

God compares his comfort to that of a mother. What a privilege to be able to comfort our children as God comforts us!

10) I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 (ESV)

11) but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. – Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Philippians 4:13 and Isaiah 40:31 both remind us that God gives us the strength we need for the role he has given us.

12) Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)

Our job is to train them, the Spirit will lead them. Praise God for his faithfulness!

13) He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! – Psalm 113:9 (ESV)

We’re called to be joyful mothers. Oh how I want my children to remember me as joyous.

14) Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:5 (NIV)

When it’s easy and when it’s hard, our hope should always and only be in Him.

15) Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. – Psalm 127:3 (NIV)

A sweet reminder that our children are a gift from God.

16) but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. – 1 Peter 3:4 (ESV)

The influence we could have on our children by living out a gentle and quiet spirit before them.

17) Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. – Philippians 4:8 (ESV)

This verse goes well with a quote that I love: “Don’t let yourself become so concerned with raising a good kid, that you forget you already have one.” ~ Glennon Melton

Notice the things your children are doing right and let them and others know.

18) and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, – Titus 2:4 (ESV)

We are called to love our children and husband.

19) I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. – 3 John 1:4 (ESV)

When it comes down to it, does anything else even matter than knowing our children love God and walk with Him?

20) Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. – Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Praise God for the new opportunities each day brings!

21) But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. – Joshua 24:15b (ESV)

I love this verse, but it also makes me search my heart. Does my home represent a family that is serving the LORD? It reminds me to keep priorities where they should be.

22) She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. – Proverbs 31:26-27 (NIV)

I need to post this verse in my home to remind me daily to watch my words and care diligently for my family and home.

23) And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. – Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

All the little things you do that you think no one sees, God sees. Do not grow weary. Do not give up.

24) Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. – Deuteronomy 4:9 (NIV)

As moms, we need to be walking closely with God and telling our children about His goodness and faithfulness.

25) 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 6:7 (ESV)

We are called to teach our children about God’s character and His ways in our daily lives.

26) A kindhearted woman gains honor, but ruthless men gain only wealth. – Proverbs 11:16 (NIV)

Are you kind to your children?

27) The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down. – Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)

May we take this wise warning to heart and be diligent not to destroy our family with our words and actions.

28) since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  – Colossians 3:24 (NIV)

With each motherly task we do, no matter how big or how small, may we remember the One we are doing it for.

29) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

Sweet mama, you were created for a purpose. Take joy in living out your purpose as you care for your family.

30) Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. – Proverbs 31:30 (NIV)

It’s easy to become distracted and put our attention towards things that have no eternal value. When what truly matters is our focus being on the LORD and living for Him.

I hope this list of encouraging Bible verses for moms has blessed you. If you would like to post some of them as reminders around your home, be sure to grab the Encouragement for Moms printable below.

Do you have any encouraging Bible verses for moms that are dear to your heart? Share them with us in the comments.

Mother’s Day is coming up and I’ve partnered together with a great group of bloggers to bless some moms BIG TIME this Mother’s Day!  We are giving away FOUR Instant Pots! Instant Pots are quick, convenient, and help to make meal preparation so much easier; every mom or homemaker should have one.  So if you’re wanting to win one for yourself (or for a mother that you know would love one), use the Rafflecopter below to enter.
This giveaway has multiple ways to enter, which only betters your odds of winning! So it’s worth the the time to enter in every way possible.

Giveaway ends May 10th at 11:59pm EDT.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to email to claim prize.  By entering this giveaway you will be added to the email lists of some of the participating bloggers (see the Terms & Conditions on the Rafflecopter form for the complete list).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post 30 Encouraging Bible Verses for Moms appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

The Arctic has some amazingly, resilient animals. These Arctic animal activities will leave your little one fascinated with animals of the Arctic.

(Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you use them, you help this site at no cost to you. Thank you!)

Books About the Arctic

Children love books, especially books with wonderful pictures. These books are great for teaching your child about Arctic animals.

• Arctic Animals (Who’s That) by Tad Carpenter
• In Arctic Waters by Laura Crawford
• Amazing Arctic Animals by Jackie Glassman

Ideas for Imaginative Play

Set out items that are worn or used in the Arctic for your child to pretend with. You could set out:

• Coats
• Gloves
• Scarves
• Winter hats
• Snow boots

Go on a Virtual Field Trip

Watch videos of Arctic animals on YouTube.

Make an Arctic Sensory Bin

Kids enjoy playing with sensory bins, especially when water is involved. Make an Arctic sensory bin by freezing large chunks of ice. Then put plastic Arctic animals in the bucket with the ice and some water.

Fine Motor Arctic Animal Activities

Fine motor activities are a great way to keep your little one busy at the table while you’re working with an older child. Here are some Arctic activities that will encourage fine motor development:

• Make snowflakes.
• Make a snowman out of play dough.
• Paint an Arctic picture onto blue paper.
• Polar Bear Activity (This activity is part of the Arctic Theme Unit Pack.)
• Color the Arctic coloring page. (This activity is part of the Arctic Theme Unit Pack.)

Gross Motor Arctic Animal Activities

Gross motor activities are always a favorite in our home; sometimes older siblings even join in on the fun. These Arctic animal activities helped my little guys get out some extra, winter energy too.

• Don’t Fall Through the Ice – Cut random shapes out of white paper. Secure paper to the floor with painters tape or poster putty to prevent slipping. Have child jump from iceberg to iceberg without falling in the ice.
• Bundle Up Race – Set out a coat, scarf, gloves, winter boots, and a warm hat on one end of the room. Then have your child run to the pile of clothes, put them on, and race back.
• “Snowball” Fight – Use rolled up socks as snowballs and throw them at each other.
• Run and Find – Print and cut out pictures of Arctic animals, such as, polar bears, walruses, and Arctic wolves. Then scatter the pictures around the room or your house. Have your little one run and find all the Arctic animals. (This activity is part of the Arctic Theme Unit Pack.)
• Arctic Animal Action Cards – Show your child pictures of Arctic animals and have them move like the animals you show them. (This activity is part of the Arctic Theme Unit Pack.)

Songs

• “I’m a Little Snowman”
• “Baby Beluga”
• “Little Snowflake”

Snack

Here are some fun Arctic snack ideas:

• “Snow” – Vanilla Ice Cream
• “Arctic Circle”- Spread cream cheese on a bagel.
• “Polar Bear Yogurt” – Put slices of banana on vanilla yogurt to make your bear’s ears and nose. Use raisins for eyes.

I hope these Arctic animal activities help you make some special memories with your little ones.

For more ideas about activities that will keep your preschooler learning and occupied so you can work with older children too, be sure to check out The BIG Book of Ideas for Homeschooling Preschool.

The post 15 Arctic Animal Activities for Preschool appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

Have you been considering trying Teaching Textbooks, but aren’t sure what your kids will think of it? We’ve been using Teaching Textbooks for 5 years now, but I still remember what a big deal it was to switch math programs.

I asked my daughters if they would be willing to share their honest thoughts about Teaching Textbooks and they agreed. Katie is in 7th grade and Kelsey is in 11th grade. Read their thoughts below or watch the interview here.

What do you think about Teaching Textbooks?

Katie: I think that it is really good at teaching stuff. (no pun intended) If you mess up on a problem, it lets you see the answer, like how to do it. I think that’s really helpful, because it’s not just like you messed up move on. It’s like I’ll teach you now.

Kelsey: I agree with Katie.

What do you like about Teaching Textbooks?

Katie: I like on the new online version, which is probably my favorite one, I like how you can have the wallpapers and stuff.

Kelsey: I like on the online version that you don’t have to have discs. Because when we had discs we would lose them or fight over who got to use the computer first. So I like that factor about it.

About how long does a lesson take you?

Kelsey: 45 minutes to an hour.

Katie: It takes me about half an hour…probably.

Do you have any tips for other students?

Katie: Don’t double up. (Side note: Our family calls it doubling up if for some reason they miss a day of working on math or another subject. The next school day they have to do double the work. They’ve all learned the hard way that you want to avoid doubling up.)

Kelsey: Don’t get frustrated if you get a problem wrong.

Katie: Pay attention during the lectures; they’re helpful.

Kelsey: Always watch the problem thing if you get it wrong. It’s very helpful. Sometimes I kind of skip it, but when I don’t skip it, I learn what I messed up on.

Would you recommend Teaching Textbooks to your friends?

Katie: Definitely.

Kelsey: Yeah, but all my friends already use it.

Did you know you can try Teaching Textbooks 3.0 for FREE?

Now that you know what my teenagers think of Teaching Textbooks find out why I love using Teaching Textbooks in our homeschool.

Enter for a chance to win 1 Teaching Textbooks 3.0 for the level of the winner’s choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The post What My Teenagers Really Think of Teaching Textbooks appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

We all have resources we’ve discovered on our homeschool journey that we love. Sometimes we’re still in search of the perfect resource to fit our family’s needs though. When we’re on the search it helps to hear what works for other families. So I’m sharing my top 5 favorite science resources with you in case you’re on the hunt for some great science resources.

To be perfectly honest, science is not my favorite subject. Don’t get me wrong, I love discovering how God’s creation works, especially through the study of life sciences. I just much prefer studying history.

That being said, the resources I mention in this post are great for moms that love science and those that need some extra help getting excited about it, like me.

(This post contains affiliate links.)

Top 5 Favorite Science Resources

#1 – Apologia

If I could only choose one science resource it would be the Exploring Creation series by Apologia. We’ve used the younger books and the older books over the years and I’ve never been disappointed in them.

The science facts presented in the books are on point. In fact, when my sister, who happens to be a microbiologist, saw one of our younger books she was amazed by it. She told us that most of the information presented she had learned in her college classes.

I also appreciate how it is written in a way that makes the science concepts easier to understand. Plus there are colorful pictures and charts on nearly every page, which is wonderful for visual learners.

The younger series and the older series are designed a little differently. Here is what I like about each one:

Exploring Creation – Young Explorer Series

• Written as if the author is speaking to you.
• Includes scientific terminology but the surrounding texts makes it easy to understand.
• Colorful photos or illustrations on every page.
• Try This! Sections throughout most, if not all, lessons so children can see what they just learned in action.
• Places to pause in each lesson for your child to discuss what they’ve learned so far.
• There are notebooking activities at the end of many lessons. If your child really enjoys notebooking, Apologia also offers a notebooking journal with more notebooking activities for each lesson.
• At the end of each lesson is an experiment or project.

Exploring Creation Series

• It’s an in-depth study that’s written as if the author is explaining the course to you.
• Pictures, illustrations, tables, and charts are found throughout each module.
• There are on your own questions to help your child review as they read the module.
• Most modules have multiple experiments, but what I really like is how each experiment is explained in the text afterwards.
• The study guide at the end of each chapter helps prepare students for the test.
• The tests are great for teaching your child study skills.

#2 – Smithsonian Field Guide to the Birds of North America

This book about birds has come in handy so many times. It’s great to use with a unit study on birds, as a compliment to Apologia, to take with you on nature walks or hikes, or just to find out what kind of bird you have in your own backyard.

What I love about it:

• There are 2,000 color photographs of birds in their natural habitats to aid in identifying them.
• It lists information about their appearance, when they molt, and what their call sounds like.
• 700-plus color-coded maps show you when to expect specific birds in certain parts of the country.
• It even comes with a disc to download over 500 bird calls.

#3 – Encyclopedia of Animals by DK

This encyclopedia is packed with colorful pictures of animals on every page. Most of the beautiful photos include snippets of information, making it easy to read.

It’s a wonderful resource to use with preschoolers and children that aren’t quite ready for a science curriculum. However, even older children can learn a lot from it and enjoy reading it.

This book pairs nicely with any of the life science Apologia books and works well as a solid resource for animal unit studies.

#4 – Zoo and Aquarium Guides by Answers in Genesis

Another resource for the animal lovers in your family. The Zoo Guide focuses on animals created on days 5 and 6 of creation and the Aquarium Guide focuses on animals created on the 5th day. 

So many resources about animals talk about evolution. I appreciate that this series focuses on God’s design and His creation.

Each animal represented has a full page color photo and a page that lists the following:

• The animal’s day of creation
• Unique design of the animal
• Features
• Fun Facts
• Created Kind Members
• Class
• Order
• Family
• Genus/Species
• Size
• Weight
• Original Diet
• Present Diet
• Habitat

#5 – Usborne 100 Science Experiments

What would science be without a few fun science experiments!

This book of science experiments is great to use with preschoolers and elementary aged children. Older elementary children could even do most of the experiments on their own.

It’s full of colorful step-by-step illustrations too. This is a fantastic resource for a fun unit study, rainy days, or for some science fun during the summer.

I hope you discovered a new science resource to benefit your family’s studies.

What are some of your favorite science resources? Please share them in the comments, so we can all discover new favorites!

The post Top 5 Favorite Science Resources appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

As moms we are called to shape the hearts of our children. What does that look like though and how can we avoid making parenting mistakes?

I can still remember the season of motherhood when God revealed to me that my goal at parenting was all wrong. I had been focused on my children’s behavior and not the heart behind the behavior. Since that moment I’ve always looked for ways I can connect with and speak to their hearts.

I was recently given the opportunity to review two parenting books by Kathie Morrissey. By the titles alone, I knew I needed to read Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away and The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart.

(I was given both ebooks in order to provide and honest review.)

My thoughts about Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away and The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart:

• Both books are easy reads and divided into short chapters.
• Each book has plenty of wisdom to offer individually, but the principles in them pair nicely together and overlap some.
• These are eBooks, which I found handy. I was able to easily read a chapter or two while waiting to pick up my daughters from rehearsals or other times when I had a few minutes available.

Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Child Away

• This book was an incredible reminder of how important it is to guard our relationship with our children.
• I felt challenged to be a better mom by:
  • Investing in more time with them.
  • Listening to them.
  • Encouraging them more.
• It offers practical ways to train your children and tips for being a better listener.

The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart

• Emphasizes that there is a spiritual battle going on in our children’s hearts.
• It’s full of wisdom on ways to prevent losing your child’s heart, but also offers advice if you already have.
• Having our children’s hearts means their hearts are open to us and what we have to say. It gives us the opportunity to pour into their lives and shape their values.
• This book shows you the importance of winning your child’s heart, but it also offers practical ways you can be intentional about fighting for your child’s heart.

Both of these books are what I look for in a parenting book.

• They were quick and easy reads, because as a busy mom things need to be simple for me or I won’t get around to reading it.
• Both challenged me to be a better mom.
• Gave me practical tips and ways I can make changes in my parenting.

You can find the books I mentioned at the following links:

The Importance of Winning Your Child’s Heart

Parenting Mistakes That Push Your Kids Away

Parenting Mistakes and Winning Your Child’s Heart Bundle

What do you look for in parenting books?

The post Parenting Mistakes and Winning Your Child’s Heart appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

I love the season of Easter, because it is Christ’s resurrection that is the foundation of our Christian faith. I don’t love the distractions from Easter that the world has added though. So in our family we give our children Christian gifts for Easter to keep them focused on what Easter is truly about.

Of course Easter isn’t the only time to give Christian gifts. Baptisms, achievements, birthdays, and “just because” are all great reasons to bless your child with a gift that will strengthen their faith.

If you would like to give your children something that keeps their focus on Christ, then check out this list of Christian gift ideas for children:

(This post contains affiliate links.)

Christian Gifts That Encourage Your Child’s Faith

Bibles

The Word of God is a special gift that He has given us. Teach your children to treasure His Word and discover the truth within it.

If possible ensure that each of your children have their own personal Bible. There are story Bibles for young children and even Bibles for early readers.

• The Beginner’s Bible is great for little ones. It has colorful pictures and briefly retells many Bible stories.

• The Action Bible is recommended for ages 9-12, but even my husband enjoys reading this Bible. It is written in a graphic novel style with pictures throughout. They make an Action Storybook Bible for younger children as well.

• The Adventure Bible is full of extras to help your children understand the Bible and apply it to their lives. When our children start reading well this is the Bible we give them. There is also an Adventure Bible for Early Readers that is great to use with children as they are learning to read.

• The Child’s Story Bible is unique to other Bibles I have read with my children. It’s a story Bible with artwork throughout but it covers deep concepts about God explaining them to children. Imagine a child sitting on your lap and having a discussion about God. I would recommend reading it to your children in case they have any questions and to encourage discussion.

• The Jesus Centered Bible highlights Old Testament passages that point to Jesus and the various names He is referred to in the New Testament. It also highlights in red His spoken words. This is the Bible one of my teenage daughter uses.

• The ESV Study Bible is great for teenagers wanting to dig deeper in their Bible studies. This is the Bible my oldest son and I use, and I love it! In fact, when he started Bible college it was the one they recommended. It also comes in a less expensive hardback version, but if you keep a look out for it you can sometimes get the leather version on sale.

Devotionals

Devotionals are a wonderful resource to help you speak a little truth into your children’s hearts every day. Read a devotion before bed each night or over breakfast in the morning.

Jesus Calling: 365 Devotions for Kids was written especially for children and is designed after the popular Jesus Calling devotional written by Sarah Young.

Indescribable: 100 Devotions About God and Science is the perfect devotional for children that love science and discovering why things work the way they do. Each devotion has fascinating facts and hands-on activities.

#Truth: 365 Devotions for Teens Connecting Life and Faith helps your teen understand the truth of the Bible and how it applies to their lives. 

Jewelry

Give your child a visual reminder to wear. My older kids have always enjoyed wearing bracelets and necklaces to serve as a visual reminder to them of who their heart belongs to when faced with peer pressure and temptations.

Media

Do you have a child that loves music? Give them a CD or MP3 download of one of their favorite Christian artists.

Children learn so easily from video and song. Give your child a Christian movie to help develop their faith. VeggieTales is one of our family’s personal favorites, especially classic VeggieTales. They are full of valuable lessons and fun too.

What are some of your favorite Christian gifts to give your children to encourage them to grow more in their faith?

You also might enjoy:

The post Christian Gifts That Encourage Your Child’s Faith appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

Although any time is the right time to teach our children about God’s love for them, Easter is especially great. Don’t miss this opportunity to establish Easter traditions around the foundation of our faith as Christians.

Here are some meaningful Christ-centered Easter traditions for families:

(This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to use them you help maintain this site at no cost to you. Thank you!)

Resurrection Cookies

Each of the ingredients in resurrection cookies represents part of the Easter story. Establish an Easter tradition of making them together the night before Easter.

Stations of the Cross

Our church sets up stations of the cross and walking through it has become one of our family’s favorite Easter traditions. Each station represents a piece of Christ’s journey to the cross and His love for us. It is a precious time for each of us to reflect on Christ’s love for us and the condition of our hearts.

Look to see if there is something similar in your area. If not, you could set up your own stations of the cross with other families, with each family preparing a station.

Easter Scavenger Hunt

This fun tradition combines Scripture and tangible objects as it walks your family through the Easter story. Your children will enjoy searching for the object that goes with the Scripture and then getting the next clue. Much like the stations of the cross, this Easter scavenger hunt walks you through Jesus’ last hours.

Watch The Passion of the Christ

I wouldn’t recommend watching The Passion of the Christ with younger children but if you have older children it can be very meaningful. It follows Jesus in his last hours so it is very bloody and violent.

Go to a Sunrise Service

It’s been years since I’ve been to a sunrise service. They can be a little chilly here in Colorado. I remember them from my childhood though. The beauty of a new day and the fresh morning air make your heart sing with praise.

Easter Breakfast or Lunch

Enjoy a special Easter breakfast or lunch, or even both, as a family. Perhaps make a recipe that you only make for Easter. Your family will look forward to the dish each year and as they get older it will bring specific Easter memories to mind.

Amon’s Adventure

Read Amon’s Adventure during the month leading up to Easter. This book is in the same series as Jotham’s Journey. Amon is Jotham’s son. Much like Jotham’s journey that leads him to the Savior born as a baby, Amon’s Adventure follows the last days and resurrection of Jesus.

Go to a Good Friday Service

Good Friday is a time for us to reflect on the cost of our sin and our Savior that loved us enough to die for us. By taking time to remember all that Jesus went through, it makes celebrating His resurrection even more joyous.

Learn About the Passover

Study the significance behind Passover. Learning About Biblical Feasts is a wonderful resource for studying the history and meaning of Passover.

Special Faith-Based Gift

Instead of candy and other Easter gifts, give your children gifts to encourage their faith.

He Is Risen

Teach your children to say “He is risen!” when greeting others on Easter and teach them to respond with “He is risen indeed!”. We taught our children this when they were young. Now that our oldest is away at college and we don’t get to spend Easter together, it is sweet to my mama heart to get his text early in the morning saying “He is risen!”.

Read the Easter Story

During the week of Easter read the story of the resurrection and the events leading up to it from the Bible. (Matthew 26-28, Mark 15-16, Luke 22-24, and John 17-20)

Make a Resurrection Garden

Resurrection gardens are beautiful daily reminders during the Easter season of why we celebrate. Everyone can pitch in to make it and if you use grass seeds younger children will enjoy watering it and watching the grass grow. This guest post at Life of a Homeschool Mom walks you through the steps for making a resurrection garden.

Hot Cross Buns

These sweet rolls are recognized by the cross they have cut into the top of them or the cross on top made of icing. They are traditionally eaten on Good Friday.

Empty Tomb Rolls

These rolls are sometimes called resurrection rolls as well. They are easy to prepare and have an empty space in them when baked, representing the empty tomb. This is a great tradition to do with younger children but older children will enjoy the process too. In Our Pond has an easy recipe for resurrection rolls.

I hope you’ve discovered some Easter traditions to help your family focus on Jesus this Easter.

What Christ-centered Easter traditions does your family have?

You also might enjoy:

Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions

Learning About Biblical Feasts as a Family

Family Traditions to Celebrate Together

The post Meaningful Christ-Centered Easter Traditions for Families appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

This year we have been doing an in-depth Bible study on the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. We’ve been learning so many truths while studying the Israelite’s journey. While learning about biblical feasts, I realized how God uses traditions as a reminder for us, a reminder of His faithfulness and His promises.

One of my favorite passages and our heart behind homeschooling is:

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 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.” (Taken from the ESV Bible)

While we are not required to observe them anymore, learning about biblical feasts gives us another opportunity to teach our children about God’s plan of redemption through the precious blood of Christ.

I was recently given a copy of Learning About Biblical Feasts to review. After just studying many of the feasts in our Bible study, I jumped at the opportunity. Although I did receive a copy to review, all thoughts and honest opinions are my own. I hope you will find it helpful in determining if Learning About Biblical Feasts would be a good fit for your family.

Learning About Biblical Feasts is a study for your family to do together, covering 7 biblical feasts.

Biblical Feasts Calendar

It starts off with a biblical feasts calendar. The dates biblical feasts are celebrated change from year to year, so I found the calendar extremely helpful.

Introduction

Next is an introduction explaining how God uses symbols from the feasts to point us to Jesus.

Explanation of the Feast

Then the study begins. Each feast has a page explaining the history and meaning behind it. The explanations are easy to understand and could be read aloud in a few minutes to your family.

How You Can Celebrate Today

The “How You Can Celebrate Today” section is my favorite part of the study. Each feast has its own unique page with Scripture references, ideas for family discussion, and suggestions for family activities. The ideas are practical and you can choose as many as you would like to do with your family.

Questions

Each feast also has a page of 5 questions to help everyone understand the meaning behind the feast. You can discuss them as a family or have older children answer them like a worksheet and then go over them together. The answers are in the back if you need to refer to them.

Notebooking Pages

If your family enjoys notebooking, there are notebooking pages available for each feast. Right now with our teen daughters, I feel like the questions will serve us better, but I look forward to using them when our boys are older.

Final Thoughts

Overall I’m very pleased with Learning About Biblical Feasts. It is a practical study that makes the history of and the meanings behind the feasts easy to understand. Most importantly it shows how each feast points to Jesus.

I look forward to the memories our family will make while learning about biblical feasts throughout the year and am excited to know God more with each one.

If you’re interested in using Learning About Biblical Feasts with your family, you can find it here.

Does your family celebrate or study the biblical feasts? If so, I would love to hear what you do.

You also might enjoy:

Family Traditions to Celebrate Together

5 Ways to Develop a Spirit of Gratitude in Your Family

Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions

The post Learning About Biblical Feasts as a Family appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.

Flu season has hit our home in full force, so comfort food is on the menu. This chicken and dumplings recipe uses a shortcut that makes it incredibly quick and easy. Making it perfect for days when mom feels under the weather too.

The trick to making these easy chicken and dumplings is to use refrigerated biscuits for the dumplings. Just cut or tear the biscuit dough into fourths.

Another tip that will make this even easier on those days you don’t feel well is to have the chicken cooked and shredded in advance. I like to always have some already shredded chicken prepared in the freezer for quick meals.

So put on some comfy clothes, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some good, old-fashioned comfort food.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients:

• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/8 tsp ground thyme
• 4 T butter
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup diced celery
• 3 cups shredded chicken
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 10.5 oz can cream of celery soup
• 1 can refrigerated biscuits
• 2 cups water

Directions:

1. Melt butter in a stock pot or dutch oven.
2. Saute carrots and celery in butter for 3 minutes.
3. Add water, cream of celery soup, chicken broth, black pepper, and thyme to the carrots and celery. Stir well and then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. While the mixture comes to a boil, open the can of biscuits. Cut or tear each biscuit into fourths.
5. Once the mixture has come to a boil, add the shredded chicken. Drop prepared biscuits into the boiling mixture. Stir, reduce heat to low, and cover with a lid.
6. Simmer on low for 20 minutes. Stirring occasionally to keep the dumplings from clumping.

Scroll down for a printer friendly version of the recipe or save it to Pinterest so you can find it later.

What are some of your favorite comfort foods? Let me know in the comments.

You might also enjoy:

Kung Pao Chicken

Cream Puffs

Stuffing – Thanksgiving Traditions

The post Easy Chicken and Dumplings appeared first on Many Seasons of Motherhood.