Search Results for: 25 memory verses

Memory Verses for Little Hearts

alt="Memory Verses for little hearts"

My love for scripture started young. I was raised in the church, and memorizing Bible verses has been part of my Christian walk for longer than I can remember. And for good reason. One of the first stages of a child’s intellectual development is memorization. In the preschool and early elementary years, a child’s brain is wired perfectly for memorizing facts. A child might not yet have the critical thinking skills to fully understand what they are learning, but they can memorize and recite with near perfect clarity. (And the days will come soon enough that they begin to analyze the facts they have stored.) These early years are the perfect time to store up God’s word in their little hearts.

We have discussed the life-long value of memorizing scripture and a good system to memorize scripture, so I won’t re-tell that story here. I have even given you a list of Memory Verses for Beginners. ADULT beginners, that is. However, I would like to give you a list of terrific scriptures to use as a starting point in teaching your little ones God’s word. These are given in an easy-to-understand translation so that even the youngest ones can grasp how big and wide and deep is God’s love for them.

Of course, there are a few things to remember when teaching tiny tots about God’s word. We want scripture memory to be exciting for them and not a dreaded chore. So make it fun. Explain what the verse means. Make up a dance. Incorporate hand motions. Use music (Seeds Family Worship is a great source). Doodle it. There are many ways you can engage a child’s mind AND body in scripture memory, which helps them remember it better. And now on to our suggested verses…

1. Psalm 56:3 – “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.”

2. Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another.”

3. Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

4. Genesis 1:1 – “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”

5. Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all everything through Jesus, who gives me strength.”

6. Psalm 139:14 – “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

7. Isaiah 43:5 – “Do not be afraid for I am with you.”

8. Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases God.”

9. James 1:19 – “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”

10. Psalm 145:9 – “The Lord is good to all.”

11. Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always.”

12. Psalm 136:1 – “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”

13. Luke 6:31 – “Do to others as you want them to do to you.”

14. Joshua 24:15 – “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

15. 1 John 4:7 – “Let us love one another, for love comes from God.”

16. Mark 10:27 – “Everything is possible with God.”

17. Philippians 1:3 – “Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.”

18. Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our GOd stands forever.”

19. Romans 12:21 – “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

20. Proverbs 15:1 – “A soft answer turns away anger.”

21. Genesis 28:15 – “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.”

22. Psalm 104:33 – “I will sing to the Lord all my life.”

23. 1 Peter 5:7 – “Cast all your worries on the Lord, for He cares for you.”

24. Matthew 7:7 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find.”

25. Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything.”

Memory Verses for Beginners

Memory Verses Beginners

As Christians, we want to follow God’s plan in our lives. One of those plans He has clearly laid out for us is to commit His word to memory. He says in the Psalms that we should “hide His word in our hearts that we might not sin against Him.” He also says that His word is a “lamp for our feet and a light for our path.” Those are awesome promises, but they don’t do much good unless we store his scripture in our hearts so that when the time comes, we know it.

The Bible is a big book with lots and lots of memorable passages. There are an unlimited number of passages that would be helpful to have in your mind and heart when you need them. However, in an attempt to give a starting point for beginners, here is a collection of verses that will give you something to hang onto for a variety of life circumstances.

If you are new to The Hill Hangout or are new to the idea of memorizing Bible passages, you can click here to learn why we memorize, and you can click here to read about our family’s method for memorizing. If you already have a method of memorizing scripture (or anything else) that works for you, by all means, use it. But if you are new to the idea of committing GOd’s word to memory and want a step-by-step method that can’t help but work, you can use our plan.

Are you ready for God to rock your world as you commit His truths to memory?

1. Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

2. Matthew 6: 31-33 – “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first His kingdom and HIs righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

3. Isaiah 43:2-3 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”

4. 1 Peter 3:3-4 – “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”

5. Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.”

6. Titus 3:3-5 – “At one time we were foolish, disobedient, deceived, and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.”

7. 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is God-breathed, and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness.”

8. James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

9. Psalm 121:1-2 – “I lift up my eyes to the hills – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

10. Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

11. Genesis 18:14 – “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

12. I Thessalonians 4:11-12 – Make it your ambition to live a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

13. Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

14. 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you an stand up under it.”

15. Acts 16:31 – “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.”

16. John 14:6 – “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life, and no one comes to the Father except through Me.”

17. Numbers 23:19 – God is not a man that He should lie, nor a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and then not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?”

18. Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

19. Psalm 19:14 – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”

20. Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

21. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

22. James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

23. Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

24. Ephesians 6:12 – “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

25. Jeremiah 29:11 – “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.'”

As you commit God’s word to memory, it’s amazing how it becomes part of your thoughts every day. It truly does become a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. May we store it in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him. He is worth it!

10 MORE Summer Art Projects

ArtGraphic

One of my most popular posts of all time here on The Hill hangout was called “Summer Art Projects.” Who knew that so many parents look online for inspiring art projects for their children? After I participated in a chat yesterday focused on incorporating art and creativity into your homeschool day, I was challenged anew to give my girls more time, space, and resources to create. Littles have such an artistic imagination and they need more freedom to let it run wild! After all, God is the master creator, and we are created in HIS image. He has gifted each of us with the ability to create unique things, if only we will take the time to develop the spark.

So to get your artistic wheels spinning, here are 10 MORE summer art projects you and your kids can enjoy:

73379f39d88f3a24baac56f5512e4925

1. Kathy at Art Projects for Kids introduces us to self-portraits in the style of James Rizzi. My girls had never done a raised image like this before, so it was a new, fun concept. Here is how Pitty Pat’s turned out:

IMG_8290

Obviously, we used different media than Kathy recommended, but it’s what we had on hand and since art is free expression anyway, we went with it 🙂 While we created, we talked about how God made us each with unique qualities, but that we are all made in His image.

2. Gah! Do we love Georgia O’Keefe’s flower paintings, or what?!? Deep Space Sparkle used Georgia’s inspiration to create these flower masterpieces using construction paper, oil pastels, watercolors, and patterned (scrapbook) paper. This would also be fun using painted paper. As you cut and paste, you can discuss Matthew 6 where Jesus tells us not to worry about what we have. God makes the flowers beautifully clothed and gives them the food they need. Won’t He much more care for us, His beautiful creation?

588x386xOKeeffe-Inspired-DGC.jpg.pagespeed.ic.EQkbomDn7w

3. We’ve talked about doodling our memory verses before. I adore a project that kills two birds with one stone, and this one definitely fits the bill. The girls think of it as a fun art project, but what they don’t realize is that at the same time they are committing God’s word to memory. Creativity AND hiding His word in their hearts – my kind of project!

IMG_8291

4. Blow painting is fun and can be executed in a variety of ways. All you need is watered down acrylic or tempra paint in several colors, a few straws, a medicine dropper, and water color paper. Here’s an example from Kabubble:

StrawPaintingW

Simply use the medicine dropper to add a few drops of paint to the paper. Use the straw to blow the paint around in all directions. You can put paper in a cookie sheet to keep the mess to a minimum.

This is also a great project to do with a crowd. We did this one in VBS last summer. The message was that no matter which way life blows you, God is making you into His beautiful masterpiece.

5. The inspiration for drawing fireworks came from Art Projects for Kids. Can you tell she’s one of my favorite online sources for art ideas? Kathy is an art teacher and has developed hundreds of art lessons, many of which she shares at her site. This project was fun because BOTH of my girls could do it well. No frustration that big sister’s piece looked better than little sister’s 🙂

IMG_8289

6. An easy, fun outdoor project is a Chalk Self Portrait (aka Dead Body Outline). All you need for this project is a bucket of chalk and a sidewalk or driveway. The girls lay down on the driveway, and I outlined them in chalk.

Outlines

Then I gave them free reign to decorate themselves any way they’d like. Again, we discussed that God made us all with the qualities He chose for us. We have so many things to love about ourselves and thank Him for, because He created us just the way He wants us.

Chalk Portraits

7. Kandinsky was a Russian abstract artist known for his concentric circle paintings. Our friend Kathy once again gave us great inspiration for using Kandinsky’s ideas to create a piece of our own.

Kandinsky Trees

We were short on time the day we created these, so they could have used a few more “leaves”, but I was happy that both of my girls worked together happily on this project. Big sister cut out the tree trunk, and little sister cut her own circles. This would be a fun project to adapt for a science lesson on how leaves change with the seasons. And since everything we teach should be God-centric, you can build on God as the organizer of time and changer of seasons: “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.” (Daniel 2:21)

8. Artsonia is another great online source for art ideas. It is an online museum of children’s artwork. You can spend hours looking through pieces that have been submitted. We loved the paper cutting projects like this horse:

5118054

All you’d need are scissors, paper, and scraps of random materials. What a fun way to use up all your left-over art supplies and show kids that God is knitting together the random parts of our lives into a beautiful creation that He can use.

9. Print-making projects are a little more involved and require a few special items to create, but they can also be a lasting treasure. Fine Lines has done a great tutorial on how to use styrofoam plates to create beautiful prints.

We did these in VBS a couple of years ago, and I was so touched by how much care the kids took with their pieces. We were discussing how time-consuming it is for missionaries to translate the Bible into other languages. We demonstrated by having the kids write a Bible verse onto a piece of styrofoam backward (because words have to be written in mirror-image to print correctly.) It was difficult for them, but they persevered. It taught them how painstaking it is to translate something, and how grateful we are to have easy access to God’s Word. My daughter’s print hangs in my kitchen.

print

10. Summer is a fabulous time for extended art projects like these papier mache Greek Urns from Art Lessons for Kids (different site than Art Projects for Kids).

d347337407cfdfc8a25ced06fe2364ce

We will be studying Greek history in the fall, so we will definitely be making these. They give an in-depth tutorial on supplies and instructions. This will be a fun outside project, as it will be messy and the Alabama summer sun will help the papier mache and the paint to dry faster.

Do you have a favorite website for art ideas? A Pinterest board of great art projects you’ve pinned? Posts on your own blog of great pieces your kiddos have completed? Leave a link in the comments so we can all check them out!

2011 “Not” Back-to-School Blog Hop: Curriculum Week

I’m not really sure where our summer went, but it’s once again time to start getting our things together for school. Overall, I was very pleased with our curriculum choices last year. I have mulled over our choices and decided to tweak only a few things. MA (9) is entering fourth grade and is nine years old. She is a good student who tries hard, is focused on her work, and does pretty well in school. She picks up most new concepts easily, so that makes curriculum choices a little easier. Patterson (3) will be going to preschool two days each week at our church, which she is very excited about. We don’t call it “school”, because that freaks her out a little bit, but when we talk about going to “church” on Tuesdays and Thursdays she lights up. Even though she is in preschool, I will add in some additional work with her on the days she doesn’t go.

So, without further ado, here are our curriculum choices for the 2011 school year at the Hill Preparatory Academy for Girls:

Math: Saxon has been such a fantastic choice for us, and we are sticking with it. We love the repetition of spiral math. We love that the pages are uncluttered. We have been very happy with Saxon.

Bible: We are once again reading straight from the Bible. We finished Esther last year and will pick up in Job this year. We’ll probably do Job-Isaiah, but if we do more or less, I’m okay with that. We spend time each day reading the scripture and discussing it. We memorize verses each week and review all of our old verses.

Grammar: I was very happy with the Rod and Staff curriculum we went with last year, so we’re using it again. I thought she learned more from the Rod and Staff grammar books last year than she did with other books. Grammar has been a tricky subject for us in terms of finding a curriculum we liked. We have used two others that we ended up trashing. I feel like Rod and Staff is the real deal.

History: We adore Story of the World! We are big fans of Susan Wise Bauer. This is our fourth year with her series, and we are eager to get started on Modern Times. I feel like history is going to be very robust for us this year, as there are so many resources available. We plan to discover as much as we can about the US and the world around us!

Latin: Last year, we used Prima Latina. We are continuing their series with Latina Christiana this year. We have been very happy with this video series. It has been great for MA to see and hear the teacher while learning a new language. We will definitely have to be more diligent and intentional about memorizing vocabulary and phrases, however. I see notecards in our future.

Science: Those of you who have followed my blog a while know that I have never found a science curriculum that I love. I have used several in the past, but have never felt like they were enough. I have always ended up supplementing with library books on various subjects, but I’ve never felt like my approach was organized and systematic enough. It just felt sort of jumbled.This year we are going with Apologia’s Young Explorer Series. My books arrived today, and I have flipped through them just a bit. I have high hopes that this might be the one! We are starting with Exploring Creation with Astronomy. It looks very promising. We have the book and workbook, which go hand in hand. I’m excited to start digging in to this one.

Memory Work: Besides memorizing our weekly Bible verses/passages, we will also memorize other poetry, speeches, and documents. Since much of our history lessons will be about modern American history (from the Revolution to the present time), there are many important bodies of work from which we can choose. Some of my favorites are the Gettysburg Address, the inscription on the Statue of Liberty, the Preamble to the Constitution, and parts of speeches given by US presidents.

Spelling: I was very happy with All About Spelling last year. We began using this curriculum mid-year, and finished through level three in a few short months. We will begin with level four and go at Mary Anneliese’s pace. I wouldn’t be surprised, though, if we finish this series early in the year and move onto something else.

Fine Arts: We will continue with ballet lessons at the Briarwood Ballet. This has been one of the great joys of our year, and we look forward to having two days each week with Mrs. Barbara Barker, the founder of the Briarwood Ballet, as our teacher this year. I have wanted MA to take Mrs. Barker’s class for some time, but we never could get it to work out. This year is our time, and we couldn’t be happier about it. Mrs. Barker is very disciplined and requires her girls to be the same, so I am looking forward to the structure and rigor of her class. We will also attend as many of the Birmingham Children’s Theater productions as we can. This year we will see “Legend of Sleepy Hollow”, “Willie Wonka”, and “Sacagawea”. I’d love for MA to be able to participate in another play or musical this year, but we haven’t had luck finding an avenue for that to happen. We will continue with choir each week as well.

Physical Education/Health: There was a time when we struggled to get enough PE done. Not anymore. MA is playing on a competitive soccer team this year. That means 3 practices per week at an hour and a half each, and weekly soccer games. Some weekends we will play in tournaments, where the girls keep playing until they either lose or win the whole shebang. That’s a ton of running!! Of course, the Briarwood Ballet lessons are also very active. We have decided to take a wait-and-see approach to gymnastics for MA. If the new soccer commitment isn’t too much, we might add in a day or two of gymnastics each week. She really hates to give it up, but also really wanted to play competitive soccer. But, of course, her favorite PE activity is the two playdates we have each week on the church playground. Bliss for a nine-year-old.

Home/Service/Social: We continue to consider home activities/chores/responsibilities as one of our subjects. We continue to keep up with our service projects so that we can be sure we aren’t being too inward-focused. Doing for others has become one of my girls’ favorite activities. And as always, we monitor social activities to be sure we are getting enough down time with friends.

Now on to Pitter Patter…

As I said earlier, my little one is going to preschool twice each week, and she couldn’t be more thrilled! I’m excited for her because I know how much she adores Sunday school and VBS. This will be right up her alley, and it will give MA and me time to focus on getting some teaching time. How we look forward to doing math without someone whining that they want to play with us! 😉

In addition to preschool, I will be using Beyond Five in a Row with her. I received this curriculum in the mail today, and I think it’s something she is really going to enjoy. And, of course, she will still go with MA and me on all of our field trips and outings.

So there you have it. The Hill Preparatory Academy for Girls is ready to be back in full swing. I pray you will have a fantastic school year!

I’m linking this post to:

Not Back to School Blog Hop