Happy New Year!

2009 is here and it is the perfect time for new beginnings and fresh start - even for kids! We began with brainstorming things that we do that we really don't like to do or don't want to do anymore - things that Jesus probably wouldn't want us to do. They were so honest and we were amazed at some of the things they brought up - realizing that they are not concentrating in school, needing to stop mocking others, needing to obey their parents better, needing to be more honest, not eating too much sugar... - they were really thinking!

After we brainstormed, each child was given a blank piece of paper. They were encouraged to close their eyes and think of the thing they wanted to try to stop doing this year and then we prayed together, asking Jesus to forgive us of those things and to help us to stop doing them.







After we prayed, they brought their blank cards forward and placed them at the foot of the cross. We rejoiced that as of right then, when we repented, Jesus forgave us and it was as if we never did those things before! We are clean now!

Next, we helped them brainstorm good habits that they wanted to developed this year. We compared starting new habits to seeds. When you plant a seed, you need certain things to help it grow - you have to prepare the soil and get rid of the weeds. We just did that by giving things to Jesus! You need water and sun - we get those from spending time with Jesus and he washes us and shines His light on us. We want to plant good seeds so that good things will grow in our lives.

Then, they were given seed shaped papers with the verse "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" written on one side. They were encouraged to put some good things that they want to do this year on the other side and then to place that by their bed or in their Bible, so that they could see it and remember to continue to ask Jesus help them to be their best for Him.

We pray that they will continue to want to live for Jesus and allow Him to work in their lives this year while their good seeds begin to take root and grow! 2009 can be our best year ever!