PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN KIDS & FAMILIES date
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While experiencing the love and care others were sharing with us, I realized God was showing His love in a very tangible way. Inspire (for parents) I am constantly taken aback at how fast my kids have grown up. So often as a young mom, I was told to “enjoy them while they’re young,” that this time of infancy would quickly pass. My normal response would be an agreeing nod and an appreciative remark for the advice. However, inside I was relieved to hear that this season of crying, sleepless nights, and stress would not last forever.
for us was comforting. During that time I reflected on the doubt I had early on about the goodness of God. While experiencing the love and care others were sharing with us, I realized God was showing His love in a very tangible way. He was using those in our faith community as a reminder that God is with us. by Stephanie Barber
Valuing the time I was given with my kids was never clearer than when we learned we were losing a life we recently discovered I was carrying. The immediate shock and sadness that overcame us soon led to the questioning of God’s presence and His goodness. During this time, our faith was greatly tested and our sight of Him was limited, if not —47 enesis 37; 39 greatly lost. Scripture: G (Joseph) Soon after hearing of our situation, od Is with Us Main Point: G the outpouring of cards and phone your family to gned to allow si de is ce ur your children calls from those we knew at our This reso ’s Word before od G for in e tim have od’s plan is church was somewhat overwhelming. . Because G of ch ur rs re ch rtu nd nu atte Never before had I experienced others imary spiritual ow gr u yo s to be the pr nt as re at pa th grieving with me. To be in the midst of a faith, we know ell. their children’s spiritually as w ow gr ill w n very painful experience and have others re ild ch ur yo ly, al spiritu express genuine sorrow and concern
ted Getting Star
Equip (for parents) Through the life of Joseph and his myriad struggles, we can learn about God being with us and working through us. So much so, biblical scholars make a case for Joseph being the Old Testament archetype of Jesus Christ. Both were beloved by their fathers and obedient to follow through with their will. Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers. Similarly, the Jewish community rejected Jesus and the message He brought. Both were falsely accused and unjustly punished. Yet in the end, both were elevated to a place of powerful position and saved their people from death. God went before Joseph preparing the way for the restoration of His people. At this time in God’s grand narrative, His chosen people in Jacob’s family were the faith community. As a result of sin within the family, pain and brokenness permeated it. For most people the results of famine are devastating. But for Joseph, his father, and his brothers, God used a devastating famine to bring healing and restoration of relationships. The sin and brokenness within Joseph’s family is present throughout all of humanity. But God Himself is present. He has made a way for all who would receive Him to be adopted into His family. In God’s family we’re part of a faith community that stretches beyond our own lifetime, into eternity past and present.
He has made a way for all who would receive Him to be adopted into His family.
REMEMBER versE
Cheer each other up with the hope you have. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIrV)
Support (for parents & kids) Sometime this week, read with your child the biblical account of God and Joseph in Genesis 37:3–4, 23–28. Explain to your child that God took Joseph to Egypt and gave him a message for the king (or pharaoh). Then read Genesis 41:28–40. Tell your child that Joseph’s brothers came to him looking for food, but didn’t recognize him. Then read Genesis 45:3–7. Just for fun, try reading this passage at dinner or snack time. After you’ve read, ask your kids if they thought it was hard for Joseph to be nice to his brothers when they came to him for help. Point out that God used Joseph’s bad situation to do something amazing! When you’re finished, share with your children that what they just heard is a part of The Big God Story in the Bible, and they’ll hear it in church this week. Close your time by praying and thanking God for being with us always!
© 2011 David C Cook. TruResources are developed in partnership with ROCKHARBOR Church and a national network of family and children’s ministry leaders. All rights reserved.