October 9: Quality God Time

https://www.surfnetkids.com/coloring/3014/nighty-night/

Be an Example of Love, Week Three

Quality God Time

So often the things kids need most is quality time with us. I have always found bedtime to be a sacred part of my day with my children. During this time we read, we rock, we sing, we pray, and the little person tries to avoid bedtime. Sometimes, I love when they avoid bedtime. I love this time of just being together. Dinner time can also be the same. If you have children, youth, or a young adult in your world find a way at least once to spend quality faith time together. This is a time where you are building a loving relationship of trust with one another and with God.

The “God” part can make adults nervous. There are many very simple ways, however, to connect faith into your everyday life. To intentionally connect an aspect of faith with the sacred quality time, can change a relationship in profound and meaningful ways. My favorite tool for all ages is a good children’s Bible. The Bible can be overwhelming for many people. A children’s Bible can introduce all ages to the stories of our faith, and help all of us connect (when we are ready) to the “big” Bible.

Dear God,
We thank you for the stories that show us how to love each other. Let us share that love with you. Let us see you in those we love as we share all the amazing things you have done for us. We remember Jesus who taught us to love you best. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 1:4-8
For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of people we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for in spite of persecution you received the word with joy inspired by the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place where your faith in God has become known, so that we have no need to speak about it.

(Read the weekly scripture each day. Find a phrase or word that speaks to you. Share your reflections with others over dinner, social media, and in prayer. Share the scripture with a child you know in the car, through a text, or in a children's Bible.)

Resources and Links
Day to Day Faith: http://www.docfamiliesandchildren.org/untitled-cdwm 
Jerusalem Greer's Blog: http://jerusalemgreer.com/ 
Picture Book Theology: http://www.picturebooktheology.com/ 
Storypath: http://storypath.upsem.edu/

Rev. Dr. Olivia Bryan Updegrove: Families and Children’s Minister for Disciples Home Missions, and Part-Time Pastor for Independence Christian Church, KY.

*The view represented in these devotions come from a variety of diverse perspectives. We do not seek to agree but seek to welcome all to the conversation and the table.