Mini-Manna for Little Lambs

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 16 - Lying

2007-04-17T10:01:00.000-07:00

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color the picture of Bobby and his teddy bear! Bobby is praying with his teddy bear. Why do you think Bobby is praying? We will find out in today's lesson.

You Must Not Tell A Lie
(sung to The Farmer in the Dell)

You must not tell a lie
You must not tell a lie
God says that lying is a sin
You must not tell a lie

I must not tell a lie
I must not tell a lie
It makes my parents really sad
I must not tell a lie

Bible Time

Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. (Exo 20:16)

Story

Bobby and Andy were playing with their toy cars. Andy did not want to share with Bobby and that made Bobby angry. Bobby threw one of his toy cars at Andy and it hit the wall and made a hole in the wall. (make a sad face) Bobby knew that Mommy would be very upset with him. Bobby told Andy not to say what happened or Bobby would be punished. When Andy went home, Mommy saw the hole in the wall and asked Bobby what happened. Bobby told Mommy a lie. (make a sad face and shake your head No) He said that Andy threw the car and it hit the wall. Bobby felt awful for lying to Mommy but he was afraid to tell her the truth. He knew that she would be very sad if she knew he had lied to her. (make a sad face again) So Bobby decided not to tell his Mommy he had lied.

The next day, Mommy hung up the telephone and came to Bobby. Mommy said, "Bobby, Andy's Mom told me that Andy said you did not want him to say how the hole got in the wall. Bobby, would you like to tell me the truth now"? Bobby told his Mommy that he had lied and that he threw the car and it hit the wall. Bobby felt better now because he had told the truth. Mommy said, "Bobby, God's Word says not to tell a lie because it is sin. You need to ask God to forgive you." Bobby began to cry and hugged his Mommy. He told her he was sorry. Bobby knelt down with his teddy bear and began to pray to God and asked God to forgive him. Bobby was so happy now that he had been forgiven! (clap your hands and smile) Bobby said to his Mommy, "I'll never tell a lie again, Mommy"! (smile again and clap your hands)

Dear God...
Help me to always tell the truth. Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 15 - Being Content

2007-04-03T12:40:00.001-07:00

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color a picture of this bird and its house. The bird is sitting on the perch outside the door. (point to the opening) The bird never has to think about what clothes to wear or what food to eat or where to sleep. God takes care of the birds, doesn't He? (smile and nod your head Yes) We will learn about this bird in today's lesson.

Song
(sung to The Muffin Man)
I have learned to be content
To be content
To be content
I have learned to be content
And thankful I must be

There are some who have no food
Who have no food
Who have no food
There are some who have no food
So I must not complain

There are some who have no clothes
Who have no clothes
Who have no clothes
There are some who have no clothes
God takes care of me

Bible Time

Let's open our Bibles and read two Bible verses. Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? (Mat 6:26)

Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have...(Heb 13:5a)

Story

In Matthew 6:26, God tells us that the birds do not plant a garden but they still have food because God feeds them. Do you think the birds complain about the food that God gives them? (shake your head no and frown) Does the bird complain because he does not have any clothes? (shake your head no and frown) No, the bird does not complain about what he eats or what clothes to wear because he knows that the things God gives him are good for him.

What about your dog (or other pet you have - or a pet at a friend's house)? Does your dog complain because you give him the same food every day? (shake head no and frown) No, your dog is happy because you are giving him food to eat. He doesn't complain at all. In fact, he wags his tail, doesn't he? (smile and nod your head Yes)

We should be like the animals that God has created. We should not complain because we don't like them. We should be content with what we have. Do you know what that means? Being content means to be happy with what you have. If Mary gets a doll for her birthday or Jimmy gets a toy car, do you look at your toys and think that your toys are not good? If you do, that is because you are not happy with what you have. You are not content, the Bible says. If Mary's lollipop is bigger than your lollipop, are you sad because you did not get one just like hers? If you are, it is because you are not content with what you have. God says in Heb 13:5 that we are to be happy with the things that we have - we must be content. Being content makes God happy and it makes Mommy and Daddy happy, too! (clap your hands and smile)

Dear God...
Help me to be content with the things I have.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 14 - Review

2007-03-28T10:33:00.001-07:00

Review

Let's review what we have learned so far, OK? Do you remember what we learned Monday and Tuesday? (wait to see if they will answer - if they answer correctly, clap your hands and say, "Yeh! That's right! Good job!) We learned about minding our own business and having a good attitude, didn't we!

Do you remember our Bible verses? Let's go over them together:

Bible Verses

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (1 Thess 4:11)

What does it mean to mind your own business? Do you remember the story about Joey going to the kitchen and listening when Mommy was scolding Billy? Was Joey minding his business when he did this? (shake head no and frown) No, Joey was not minding his business at all. Would you like it if your sister (or brother) came to listen when I was scolding you? (shake your head no) No, you would be embarrassed, wouldn't you?

Are you minding your business if Mommy and Daddy are talking about something and you ask them what they are talking about? (shake your head no) No, you are not minding your own business. When people are not talking to you, you must mind your own business and not say anything. Being quiet is minding your business and that is being a good girl (or boy)!! Yeh!! (clap your hands and smile)

Mind Your Business Song
(sung to London Bridge)

Mind your business everyone
Everyone
Everyone
Mind your business everyone
God's Word says so

If it does not concern me
Concern me
Concern me
If it does not concern me
I won't listen

Good job!! I'm so glad that you remember what we learned! You are doing such a great job! Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you! (clap your hands)

What else did we learn? (wait to see if they remember then clap your hands if they do!) We learned about having a good attitude, didn't we? Does whining show you have a good attitude? (shake your head no and frown) Does complaining show you have a good attitude? (shake your head no and frown) What does show that you have a good attitude? (wait for examples) Yes, helping Mommy do chores shows you have a great attitude! (clap your hands and smile) Playing with your little sister (or brother) so Mommy can fix dinner is showing that you have a great attitude! (clap your hands and smile) Letting baby have your favorite toy so she can stop crying is showing that you have a good attitude! (clap your hands and smile) Mommy thinks you're doing a great job and she loves your good attitude! (clap your hands again)

Good Attitude Song
(sung to Bah Bah Black Sheep)

When everything went wrong
What did Ruth do?
She followed Naomi
And God too

She didn't cry
She didn't pout
No bad attitude
She always smiled
Because she knew
God would give her food

God saw Ruth smiling
So her heart He healed
He gave her food
From Boaz's field

Mommy and Daddy are so happy that you have a good attitude! (clap your hands and smile) You are just like Ruth! Good job!! (clap your hands again)

Dear God...
I want to have a good attitude just like Ruth. Thank You for helping me to learn how to mind my own business.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 13 - Good Attitudes

2007-03-27T10:04:00.001-07:00

Coloring/Teaching
Let's color a picture of Ruth. Ruth left her home to follow Naomi. She loved Naomi and wanted to follow Naomi's God. Ruth loved God and this made her happy. See how Ruth is smiling? Ruth had a good attitude. Even though Ruth had lost everything, she still had a good attitude and God blessed her.

Good Attitude Song
(sung to Bah Bah Black Sheep)

When everything went wrong
What did Ruth do?
She followed Naomi
And God too

She didn't cry
She didn't pout
No bad attitude
She always smiled
Because she knew
God would give her food

God saw Ruth smiling
So her heart He healed
He gave her food
From Boaz's field

Bible Time

yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.(Psa 144:15b)

Story

Bobby liked it when Mommy and Daddy paid attention to him. Since Mary was born, Mommy and Daddy didn't pay as much attention to him. (make a sad face) Bobby started whining so Mommy would look at him. After a while, Mommy did not listen to his whining but she ignored him.

When Mary cried, Mommy would go see her right away. So, Bobby pretended to cry so Mommy would come she him. Mommy came to see if he was hurt but she could tell that he was only prentending. After a while, Mommy stopped going to see if Bobby was O.K. (make a sad face)

When Daddy came home from work, Bobby told Daddy that Mommy did not love him because she would not come to see him when he cried. Daddy picked Bobby up and sat him in his lap. "Bobby," said Daddy, "when you whine and cry for no reason, it is because you have a bad attitude. When you start to have a good attitude, Mommy will pay more attention to you."

"How can I have a good attitude, Daddy?" asked Bobby. "Well, Bobby," said Daddy, "ask Mommy if you can help her with Mary. Ask her if there is a chore she needs you to do. Smile at Mommy and give her hugs. Everyone likes to be around someone who smiles a lot and is a helper, too! People like being around those who have a good attitude."

After supper, Bobby smiled at Mommy and asked her if he could help her with the dishes. Then he gave Mommy a BIG hug (hug yourself and smile)! Mommy said, "Oh, Bobby! I am so glad to have a helper like you! Thank you!" Bobby had a good attitude, didn't he?

Dear God...
Help me to always have a good attitude. I know Jesus had a good attitude because He died for me. Thank You, Jesus!
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 12 - Mind Your Business

2007-03-26T08:23:00.001-07:00

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color a picture of Joey. Joey seems happy, doesn't he? (Nod your head Yes and smile) I think Joey is happy because he made his Mommy happy. Mommy is teaching Joey to mind his own business and Joey did a great job today! Mommy gave Joey a red ribbon because he learned so quickly! Yeah, Joey! (smile and clap your hands)

Mind Your Business Song
(sung to London Bridge)

Mind your business everyone
Everyone
Everyone
Mind your business everyone
God's Word says so

If it does not concern me
Concern me
Concern me
If it does not concern me
I won't listen

Bible Time

And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; (1 Thess 4:11)

Story

Joey and Amy were playing with their toys on the floor. Mommy was in the kitchen scolding Billy for being naughty. Joey wanted to hear what Mommy was saying so he went to the kitchen. Mommy said, "Joey, this does not concern you. It is none of your business so please go and play with Amy." Joey obeyed Mommy right away (smile and clap your hands) and went to play with Amy.

After lunch, Amy got up from the table but did not put her dirty dishes on the counter. Mommy said, "Amy, please go back and pick up your dirty dishes." Joey said, "But Mommy, Amy just forgot." Mommy said, "Joey, this is none of your business. I was speaking to Amy, not to you. So please go play now."

When it was time for bed, Mommy was helping Joey put his pajamas on. Mommy said, "Joey, Mommy wants you to learn when it is OK for you to speak and when it is not OK for you to speak. When I was scolding Billy this morning, it had nothing to do with you. The Bible says to do your own business. Was Billy's scolding your own business? (shake your No and frown) No, it wasn't your business, was it?" Joey said, "No, Mommy."

"And Joey," asked Mommy, "when I asked Amy to pick up her dirty dishes at lunch time and you told me she forgot - was that doing your own business?" Joey said, "No, Mommy, it wasn't." Good, Joey! (smiled and nod your head Yes) I am glad you understand what God says is not your business. When Mommy and Daddy talk to you or ask you to do something, would that be your business?" asked Mommy. Joey said, "Yes ma'am, that would be my business."

Good job, Joey! Joey learned how to mind his own business today! (smile and clap your hands)

Dear God...
Help me to mind my own business. I want to obey the Bible and my Mommy and Daddy.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 11 - Review

2007-03-23T11:06:00.001-07:00

Review

Let's review what we have learned so far, OK? Do you remember what we learned Thursday and Friday? (wait to see if they will answer - if they answer correctly, clap your hands and say, "Yeh! That's right! Good job!) We learned about biting and helping, didn't we?

Do you remember our Bible verses? Let's go over them together:

Bible Verses

Be ye kind one to another. (Eph 4:32a)

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them:(Psa 37:40a)

Is biting a kind thing to do? (shake head No and frown) No, biting someone is not kind at all. Is biting sweet? (shake head No and frown) No, biting someone is not sweet at all. What do we use our teeth for? (wait for an answer) Yes, that's right! Good job! We use our teeth to chew our food! Let's sing The Biting Song. Do you remember it?

The Biting Song
(sung to Bah Bah Black Sheep)

Biting someone isn't very nice
God says everyone be kind
Never bite just to get our way
We must be nice every day
Biting someone isn't very nice
God says everyone be kind

Good job!! I'm so glad that you remember what we learned! You are doing such a great job! Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you! (clap your hands)

What else did we learn? We learned about helping Mommy and Daddy, didn't we? (nod your head yes and smile) Do you think it makes Jesus happy when you help me? (nod your head yes and clap) Oh yes, Jesus is very happy when you help. Why? Because God helps us, just like our Bible verse says. God wants us to be just like Him. He wants us to help others the same way He helps us! Thank You God for teaching us to help each other! (clap your hands) Let's sing The Helping Song!

The Helping Song
(sung to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

I help Mommy I must say
To pick up toys and make my bed
Folding towels and socks too
Washing dishes, forks and spoons
I help Mommy I must say
Obeying Jesus every day

Mommy and Daddy are so happy that you love to help! (clap your hands and smile) You are a helper just like Jesus is a helper! Good job!! (clap your hands again)

Dear God...
I am glad that I do not bite any more. I know that made You sad.
I always want to help my Mommy and Daddy because it makes You happy.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 10 - Helping

2007-03-23T10:37:00.000-07:00

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color a picture of the hat. See the letter h? H sounds like (sound out h). Another word that has the letter h is "help"! Let's use the word help in a sentence. I help Mommy to fold laundry.

The Helping Song
(sung to Twinkle Twinkle Little Star)

I help Mommy I must say
To pick up toys and make my bed
Folding towels and socks too
Washing dishes, forks and spoons
I help Mommy I must say
Obeying Jesus every day

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about helping.

And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them:(Psa 37:40a)

Story

Bobby likes to help Mommy. Mommy makes helping fun! (smile and nod your head yes) Mommy puts Bobby's favorite Children's Songs CD and they listen to music while they do the dishes. Sometimes Mommy makes folding laundry fun, too! Mommy gives Bobby all the socks and Bobby has to match them before his favorite song finishes. When Bobby finishes in time, Mommy gives Bobby some gummy bears!

Bobby likes to help Daddy in the garage, too. Daddy gives him a rag and Bobby cleans Daddy's tools. "Bobby is a big boy! Good job, Bobby! Thank you for helping me!" says Daddy. "Would you help me rake the leaves, please?" asked Daddy. Bobby knew that if he helped Daddy, it would make Daddy very happy. "OK, Daddy, I will help you!" said Bobby. Good job, Bobby! (clap hands and smile)

Teaching Throughout the Day

Throughout the day, each time your child helps, clap your hands and tell them thank you! Remind them that when they are helping they are not only being a helper but they are being kind and they are doing the same thing God does. Repeat the memory verse to show them that they are being a helper just like God helps us.

Dear God...
I like helping Mommy and Daddy.
Please show me how I can help them more.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 8 - Review

2007-03-23T10:34:00.000-07:00

Review

Let's review what we have learned so far, OK? Do you remember what we learned Monday and Tuesday? (wait to see if they will answer - if they answer correctly, clap your hands and say, "Yeh! That's right! Good job!) We learned about table manners and staying in bed, didn't we?

Do you remember our Bible verses? Let's go over them together:

Bible Verses

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: (Luk 22:17)

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Col 3:20)

Jesus prayed for His food and then passed it along to His friends, didn't He? (nod head Yes and smile) That is a good table manner. What are some another good table manners? (look for the answers: please, thank you, may I be excused?, helping to pick up dirty dishes) Do you think Jesus would be happy or sad if you left your dirty plate on the table for Mommy to pick up? Yes, Jesus would be sad (nod head Yes and make a sad face.) Why? (wait for answers and clap enthusiastically when they get a right answer) Because the Bible says to obey your Mommy and Daddy, right? When Mommy teaches you to do something and you do it, you are obeying (clap hands). Table manners are very important. Let's sing the Table Manners song!

Table Manners
Author Unknown
(Sung to: "Frere Jacques")

Chewing quietly, chewing quietly
Do not slurp, do not slurp,
We must say excuse me,
We must say excuse me
When we burp,
When we burp.

What did we talk about yesterday? Do you remember? Yes, good job! We talked about staying in bed, didn't we? Is it OK for you to get out of bed after Mommy puts you to bed? (wait and let them answer - if they get it right, clap your hands excitedly) No, it's not OK (shake head no and frown). Mommy and Daddy say that the bed time rule is to stay in bed. You should never get out of bed to get toys or to play (shake your index finger No). That would be disobeying Mommy and Daddy, wouldn't it? Yes, it would (nod Yes and make a sad face). When you disobey, you are sinning. But when you stay in bed and obey, that is doing what is right and that makes God happy! It makes Mommy and Daddy happy, too! (clap your hands and smile)

Let's sing the Obedience Song together!

Obedience Song
(From Patch the Pirate)

Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe:
Doing exactly what the Lord commands,
Doing it happily!
Action is the key, do it immediately.
Joy you will receive!
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!

And you spell it O B E D I E N C E (yes, Sir!)
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!

Good job!! I'm so glad that you remember what we learned! You are doing such a great job! Mommy and Daddy are very proud of you! (clap your hands)

Dear God...
Help me to always obey Mommy and Daddy.
When I obey, that means I will stay in bed and always use my table manners.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 9 - Biting

2007-03-22T07:56:00.000-07:00

Be ye kind one to another. Eph. 4:32a

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color a picture of Bobby and Mary. See how they are smiling? Look at their teeth as they smile! Are teeth used for chewing? (nod Yes and smile) Yes, teeth are used for chewing our food.

The Biting Song
(sung to Bah Bah Black Sheep)

Biting someone isn't very nice
God says everyone be kind
Never bite just to get our way
We must be nice every day
Biting someone isn't very nice
God says everyone be kind

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about biting someone.

Be ye kind one to another. (Eph 4:32a)

Story

Mary and her little brother, Bobby, were playing with their toys. When Bobby grabbed Mary's stuffed animal, Mary got very angry and bit Bobby on the arm. Bobby began to cry because it hurt very much. Mommy came from the kitchen and saw Mary's teeth marks on Bobby's arm. "Mary!" said Mommy. "That was a very bad thing to do! God's Word says to 'be ye kind one to another.' Is biting being kind?" Mary started feeling very sad for biting Bobby. Mary said, "No, Mommy, biting Bobby was not being kind."

Mommy said, "Mary, please ask Bobby to forgive you for biting him." Mary said, "Bobby, I'm sorry I bit you. Please forgive me." Bobby stopped crying and smiled. Then Bobby gave Mary a big hug. (smile and hug yourself) Good job, Mary, for asking for forgiveness!

Teaching Throughout the Day

Throughout the day, talk about what we use our teeth for. For example, at lunch time, bite into a carrot making a loud crunch and say, "God gave us teeth so that we could bite into a carrot! Thank You, God, for giving us teeth!" Quote Eph. 4:32a and have your child(ren) repeat it. Explain to them that biting is not being kind. If your child continues to bite, then it becomes an act of disobedience and discipline may be in order.

Dear God...
Help me to be kind to everyone. I know it is very bad for me to bite. I pray that I won't bite any more.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 7 - Staying in Bed

2007-03-20T04:29:00.000-07:00

Bible Verse

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Col 3:20)

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color a picture of Mary as she kneels down to pray. Mary is praying because she is asking God to forgive her. We'll find out why Mary needed forgiveness when we read our story

Song Time

Obedience Song
(From Patch the Pirate)

Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe:
Doing exactly what the Lord commands,
Doing it happily!
Action is the key, do it immediately.
Joy you will receive!
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!

And you spell it O B E D I E N C E (yes, Sir!)
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about staying in bed when Mommy tells you to.

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. (Col 3:20)

Story Time

Mommy said, "Come Mary, it's time to get ready for bed."

Mary did not want to go to bed. (shake your head No and make a sad face) She continued to play with her toys pretending she did not hear Mommy. (shake your index finger in the No motion) Mommy always told her to obey right away like the Obedience song. But Mary did not want to go to bed right now. Mary knew if she did not obey, she would be punished. So she changed her mind and went to put her PJ's on.

Mommy was happy when Mary obeyed. "Thank you, Mary, for obeying Mommy!" (smile and clap your hands)

"Good night, Mary," said Mommy. I love you! (say this in a sing songy voice)

Mommy turned out the light and left Mary's room. As soon as Mommy left, Mary got out of bed to go get a toy and sat down on the floor to play. She knew she was disobeying Mommy but she was not sleepy. (raise your arms up in the "I don't know" manner and raise your eyebrows) The door to Mary's room opened and there was Daddy! Mary jumped up and ran to her bed.

Daddy said, "Mary, are you suppose to be out of bed?" Mary shook her head No. (shake your head No and make a sad face)

"When you get out of bed when you know you are not suppose to, what have you done?" Daddy asked.

"I disobeyed." replied Mary.

"Yes, you did disobey." said Daddy. "I will have to punish you now. So tomorrow night, you will go to be half an hour earlier because you got out of bed." said Daddy. "Now, Mary, you need to ask God to forgive you for disobeying Mommy and Daddy. Also, you will have to ask Mommy and I for forgiveness, too, since you disobeyed us."

Mary got on her knees right away and prayed. "Dear God, I'm so sorry I disobeyed Mommy and Daddy. Please forgive me. I will try very hard not to disobey them again. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen"

Mary got up and climbed up in Daddy's lap. "Daddy, I'm sorry I did not obey. I will try to always obey from now on"! "Good girl!" said Daddy! (clap your hands and smile)

Teaching Throughout the Day

Throughout the day, recite this verse with the children. Especially stress that they are to obey you in ALL things. That means staying in bed once they go to bed. Review the story with them - was it wrong for Mary to get out of bed? Yes, it was sin because she did not obey her Mommy. Did Mary do right when she prayed? Yes, we need to pray and ask God to forgive us when we sin.

Dear God...
Help me to obey Mommy and Daddy in all things.
Help me to remember to stay in bed and not get up.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 6 - Mealtime Manners

2007-03-19T04:41:00.000-07:00

Bible Verse

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: (Luk 22:17)

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color a picture of Bobby today (point to Bobby and smile). Bobby is eating his lunch! Is Bobby's mouth open while he is eating (point to Bobby's mouth)? No! (shake head No) Bobby is eating with his mouth closed (go through the motions of chewing with your mouth closed and then with your mouth open). Good job, Bobby!! (smile and clap your hands). Do you see Bobby's juice box? (point to the juice box) What happens when Bobby sips his juice box and it's almost empty? (Show them what it sounds like by taking an almost empty glass of water and sip through a staw.) It is not good manners to make noise when we eat. Is it good manners for Bobby to make his juice box make noise while he sips? (shake your head No and frown) No, it's not good manners at all! Bobby is smiling because he has used all his good manners at lunch today! Yeh, Bobby (clap your hands and smile)!

Table Manners
Author Unknown
(Sung to: "Frere Jacques")

Chewing quietly, chewing quietly
Do not slurp, do not slurp,
We must say excuse me,
We must say excuse me
When we burp,
When we burp.

Oh, Before I Eat My Meals
Author Unknown
(Sung to: "If You're Happy and You Know it")

Oh, before I eat my meals, I wash my hands,
(scrub, scrub)
Oh, before I eat my meals, I wash my hands,
(scrub, scrub)
Oh, it's very smart I think,
Sends those germs right down the sink.
Oh, before I eat my meals, I wash my hands.
(scrub, scrub)

Oh, before I eat my meals, I set my place,
(set, set)
Oh, before I eat my meals, I set my place,
(set, set)
I set everything I need,
I feel very proud, indeed.
Oh, before I eat my meals, I set my place.
(set, set)

Oh, before I eat my meals, I say my prayers,
(bow your head)
Oh, before I eat my meals, I say my prayers,
(bow your head)
'Asking God to bless my food
Before I eat is always good
Oh, before I eat my meals, I say my prayers.

Oh, before I eat my meals, I pass the food,
(pass the plate)
Oh, before I eat my meals, I pass the food,
(pass the plate)
'Cause we know it's only fair
For us all to have our share
Oh, before I eat my meals, I pass the food.

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about lying.

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves: (Luk 22:17)

Story

Bobby and Mary washed their hands and came running to the table to eat lunch. Bobby remembered the lesson on manners Mommy had taught them this morning at the breakfast table. Bobby wanted to surprise Mommy and do all the things she taught. Bobby and Mary sat down and bowed their heads and prayed. They thanked God for their food.

Bobby helped Mary open her straw and put it in her juice box. That was very nice of Bobby to help his sister, wasn't it (shake head Yes, smile and clap your hands)? Bobby put potato chips in Mary's plate and then he put some in his plate. Mommy saw that Bobby had done just what Jesus had done. He gave food to his sister before he helped himself. Good job, Bobby!, Mommy said. (smile and clap your hands)

Bobby took a bite out of his peanut butter sandwich and chewed with his mouth closed. He did not make loud noises while he was chewing. (shake head No and frown) Mommy saw how good Bobby's manners were, so she said, "Bobby, your manners are very good! I am so proud of you!" (smile and clap your hands)

Mommy asked Bobby if he wanted more potato chips. Bobby said, "Yes, please!" When Mommy put more potato chips in Bobby's plate, Bobby said, "Thank you, Mommy!" Good job Bobby! (smile and clap your hands)

After Bobby and Mary were finished eating, Bobby asked Mommy, "May I be excused from the table, please?" (smile while you're saying this) Mommy excused Bobby from the table. Bobby helped pick up his dirty dishes and put his empty juice box and napkin into the trash can. Good job, Bobby! (smile and clap your hands)

Teaching Throughout the Day

Have a pretend meal to teach your children what manners are expected at the table.
1. Pray before eating
2. Serve others before yourself
3. Say please when asking for something
4. Say thank you when given something
5. Chew with your mouth closed
6. Don't make noises when you eat
7. Ask to be excused from the table
8. Thank Mom for the good meal
9. Pick up your place setting

Take this time to teach your children that good manners show others how much we love God because we are following Jesus' example. Jesus prayed over His food and passed it around to others. When we follow His example, we are showing others that we are like Him.

Dear God...
Help me to have good manners so people will see that I love You.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 5 - Telling the Truth

2007-03-16T04:48:00.001-07:00

Bible Verse

Lie not one to another(Col 3:9a)

Coloring/Teaching

Let's color a picture of Bobby today (point to Bobby and smile). What is Bobby doing? Yes, Bobby is praying (clap your hands, smile and say the word praying enthusiastically)! Who is Bobby praying to? Bobby is praying to God. Good job, Bobby!! (Clap your hands and smile and say yeh!)

Never Tell a Lie
(Sing to Mary Had a Little Lamb)

I must never tell a lie
Tell a lie
Tell a lie
I must never tell a lie
The Bible says it's sin

I must always tell the truth
Tell the truth
Tell the truth
I must always tell the truth
For God I must obey

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about lying.

Lie not one to another(Col 3:9a)

Story

Mommy asked Bobby to pick up his toys in his bedroom. Bobby did not obey Mommy (shake head no and make a sad face). Instead of picking up his toys, Bobby sat down and read his book. Mommy saw Bobby reading his book and she asked him, "Bobby, did you pick up your toys like I asked you to?" Bobby said, "Yes"! (Make a sad face.) Bobby told a lie, didn't he? He did not pick up his toys at all (shake your head No and make a sad face). Mommy saw his toys on the floor and she knew that Bobby had told her a lie. This made Mommy very, very sad (make a sad face). Mommy had to punish Bobby because he told her a lie and the Bible says that lying is a sin. Mommy made Bobby pick up all his toys and then all of his sister's toys, too. Then Mommy had Bobby kneel down and pray and ask God to forgive him for telling a lie. Bobby was so sad that he had lied to his Mommy. Later, Bobby went to see Mommy in the kitchen and said, "Mommy, I'm sorry that I told you a lie!" Mommy smiled and gave Bobby a big hug! (clap your hands and smile)

The Bible says it is a sin to tell a lie. Lie not one to another(Col 3:9a) Because Bobby told a lie, his Mommy had to obey God and punish him. Why did Mommy have to punish Bobby? Mommy did not want Bobby to lie again so she punished him. That is why Mommy punishes you when you are bad.

Teaching Throughout the Day

Throughout the day, make sure to listen closely to what your children are saying so you can hear right away if they lie. Use each opportunity to deal with this sin. Repeat the Bible verse several times so they can commit it to memory.

Dear God...
I know that telling a lie is a sin.
Help me to always tell the truth.
Amen

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 4 - Being Gentle

2007-03-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Bible Verse

but be gentle unto all men,(2 Tim 2:24b)

Coloring/Teaching

Here's a picture of Bobby and Mary (point to each of them and smile). Bobby has some eggs in a little box and he is showing Mary. Do you see the eggs? (Point to eggs and smile and nod your head yes) Let's count how many eggs there are - 1-2-3, there are three eggs in Bobby's box!

The Gentle Song
(Sing to The Farmer in the Dell tune)

Oh gentle I will be
Oh gentle I will be
No hitting and no pushing but
Oh gentle I will be

I won't push you down
I won't push you down
I'll hold your hand and walk with you
I won't push you down

God's Word says I should
God's Word says I should
I will obey the Word of God
God's Word says I should

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about being gentle.

Scripture: but be gentle unto all men,(2 Tim 2:24b)

Story

Mary and Bobby were playing with their Legos. Each time Bobby finished building something, Mary knocked down his Legos. This made Bobby very sad and he wanted to cry. (Make a sad face like you're crying.) Mommy told Mary that she was not being nice. Mommy said that Mary had to be gentle and sweet. (rub your child's arm softly when you say the word gentle.) Mommy said, "Mary, tell Bobby you are sorry for knocking down his Legos." Mary obeyed right away and said she was sorry.

Later, Mary and Bobby decided that they wanted to play on the swing set. Bobby pushed Mary really hard while she was swinging. (Make a frown on your face to show this was wrong and shake your index finger back and forth). Mary fell down and started crying. (make a crying face again.) Mommy told Bobby that he needed to be gentle when he was pushing (rub child's arm softly). Mommy said, "Bobby, give Mary a nice gentle hug like this and tell her you are sorry." (Hug child and show the difference between a gentle hug and a "hard" hug.) Bobby was sad that he made Mary cry. Bobby gave Mary a nice gentle hug just like Mommy showed him.

Teaching Throughout the Day

Throughout the day, show your children the difference between gentle touches and rough touches, gentle hugs and hard hugs, gentle playing and rough playing. Teach them to be sweet and gentle when they play with their brothers and sisters. Teach them to be especially gentle to babies. A good lesson is to take hard boiled eggs (do not take the shell off). Have each child gently cup an egg in both their hands so they can't see the egg any more (or close to it, depending on the size of their hands). Have them walk around the back yard while they are holding their egg. Then have them skip while they are holding their egg. Have the older toddlers run while they are holding their egg. If they are gentle, the egg shell won't break, but if they are "rough" they will crack it. Explain to them that when they are gentle with their brothers and sisters, they won't hurt them. But if they are rough with their brothers and sisters, they will hurt them.

Dear God...
Help me to play nice and be gentle and sweet.
I do not want to hurt anyone.
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 3 - To Obey

2007-03-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 4 - To Obey

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (Eph 6:1)

Coloring/Teaching

Mary and Suzie, let's color the letter "O". "O" is the letter at the beginning of the word obey. Our Bible verse today has the word obey in it. Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Eph. 6:1. To obey means that you do what Mommy and Daddy ask you to do right away. Discuss ways Mary and Suzie can obey you as they color the letter "O". Example: Mary obeys Mommy when she puts her toys away when Mommy asks her. Yeh Mary!! (Clap your hands and smile!)

Obedience Song
(from Patch the Pirate)
(Clap while you're singing this with them)

Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe:
Doing exactly what the Lord commands,
Doing it happily!
Action is the key, do it immediately.
Joy you will receive!
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!

And you spell it O B E D I E N C E (yes, Sir!)
Obedience is the very best way
To show that you believe!

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about obeying Mommy and Daddy.

Scripture: Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (Eph 6:1)

Story

Mommy was busy changing Matthew's diaper. Mommy said, "Mary, would you please get Mommy the baby powder over there?"

Mary heard what Mommy asked but she was busy playing with her doll and she really did not want to stop. Mommy had to ask Mary again. Mary finally got up and went to get the baby powder for Mommy. But Mommy had to ask Mary two times. (Hold up two fingers and make a sad face.) After Mommy was finished changing Matthew's diaper, she took Mary by the hand and sat her down. Mommy said, "Mary, you did not obey Mommy right away. The Bible says that you should obey me because God says it is right. God says that Mommy has to punish you because you did not obey right away. So because you did not obey me right away, Mommy will have to (fill in the form of discipline you use in your home)."

Did Mary obey right away? No, Mary did not obey Mommy right away, did she? (shake head no and frown). The Bible says, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. (Eph 6:1) Have them repeat this verse two or three times. Does God say in the Bible to obey your Mommy and Daddy? (Shake head yes, and smile!) Yes. God is happy when children obey right away. (clap your hands and make your voice perky when you say it) Our verse today says that it is right for you to obey your Mommy and Daddy. If you disobey Mommy and Daddy, will you be punished? (Nod your head yes.) Yes, Mommy and Daddy have to obey God, too. If you do not obey, then Mommy and Daddy have to punish you because God said so. Mommy and Daddy obey God right away. (Nod your head yes and smile.) What will happen if you do not obey right away? (Have them tell you what will happen - the form of punishment you use at home - this helps them to understand the consequences of disobedience.)

Teaching Throughout the Day

As you ask your children to do chores and tasks today, remind them of their Bible verse. If they do not obey right away, sing the Obedience Song to remind them. If they still do not respond, take them by the hand and recite the verse as you walk them to the task you've asked them to do. Toddlers who have already learned to obey will need to be disciplined if they disobey. Those who are just learning should be shown. You know when your child is deliberately disobeying. If they throw a tantrum, make sure to recite the verse and explain to them that is why you are disciplining them. Have them repeat the verse back to you. Tell them that you want to be obedient to God, too.

Dear God...
Help me to obey Mommy and Daddy right away.
Amen.

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 2 - Being Kind

2007-03-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

And be ye kind one to another (Eph 4:32a)

Coloring/Teaching

Have children color the picture of the two little girls. Give the little girls names, if you have two daughters, use their names. As they are coloring, show them that they are sharing the flower together. See how kind Suzie is? She is letting Mary smell her flower. Suzie knows that the Bible says to "be ye kind one to another"! Good job, Suzie! (Clap your hands and shout hooray!!)

Kindness Song
(Sing to the tune of Three Blind Mice)

Be ye kind
Be ye kind
That's what the Word
Says we must do
We must be kind to each other now
So God can be pleased with each one of us
Be ye kind
Be ye kind

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what God says about being kind to each other.

Read Romans 12:10: Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

God wants us to be kind to each other (hug yourself). Being kind means that we do not hit each other or yell at each other when we're angry (frown as you're saying this and shake your finger No). When your sister or brother takes your toy away from you, do you yell at her? Be ye kind one to another, Eph. 4:32. The Bible says that God wants you to be kind to your sister or brother. Is God happy when you make your little sister or brother cry? No (shake your head No and make a sad face)! God is very sad when you are not kind. Are you being kind when you spank your little sister or brother? (Spank your hand and make a sad face.) Nooooo, God is very sad when you spank your little sister or brother (shake your head No and make a sad face again). Be ye kind one to another, Eph. 4:32. God is very happy when you give a hug to your sister or brother because that is being kind! (Hug yourself and smile big and nod your head Yes!) God is very happy when you share with your sister or brother! Sharing is being kind! Be ye kind one to another, Eph. 4:32. Was Jesus kind? Yes, Jesus was very kind (nod your head Yes and smile). Jesus made sick people feel better. Do you remember when you had your bad cold? Jesus made you feel better. Thank You, Jesus, for helping Suzie to feel better (smile big and clap your hands)!!

Teaching Throughout the Day

As you see acts of kindness throughout the day, compliment your child and tell her/him what they did right. Suzie, sharing your toy with Mary was so kind! Mommy is so proud of you. Reinforce their good behavior. When Suzie spanks Mary, pull Suzie aside and ask her if she was being kind to her sister. Let her answer you. If she is too young to do this, then answer for her. Say, "No, Suzie, spanking Mary was not being kind at all (shaking your head No). The Bible says to: Be ye kind one to another. Eph. 4:32. Now go give Mary a nice hug and show her how good you are at being kind!"

Dear God...
Thank you for teaching us how to be kind to each other.
Help us to say nice words and to play nice with each other.
In Jesus' Name we pray!
Amen!

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs - Day 1 - Sharing

2007-03-12T11:52:00.000-07:00

Coloring/Teaching

Have children color the picture of the five loaves of bread and two fishes. When they are finished, count them together - 1-2-3-4-5 loaves of bread, 1-2 fishes! Now sing this little song. Have the children stand up so they can wiggle out their energy. Use your hands and hold up five fingers (for bread) and two fingers (for fish) as you sing. Hug yourself when you are singing the last verse to show that Jesus cares. Clap your hands as you sing, too.

Sharing Song
(Sing to Mary Had a Little Lamb)

Jesus took five loaves of bread
Loaves of bread
Loaves of bread
Jesus took five loaves of bread
And made so many more

He also had two little fish
Little fish
Little fish
He also had two little fish
And made so many more

The people were in Jesus' care
Jesus' care
Jesus' care
The people were in Jesus' care
And they all learned to share

Bible Time

Let's open the Bible and learn what Jesus has to say about sharing.

(Matt 14:17-19) And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. (17) He said, Bring them hither to me. (18) And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. (19)

Story on Sharing

Jesus was preaching to 5,000 men plus women and children on a beautiful summer day. That is a lot of people (spread your arms out to show a lot)! That's even more than at our church!

The sun was shining and it was so hot (wipe your forehead). The people were getting very hot and very hungry (rub tummy). Jesus knew that if He told them to go home, they would get sick because they were so hungry (rub tummy again). He loved them so much and He did not want to see them get sick (hug yourself).

So Jesus asked His disciples if they had any food to share with all these people. The disciples had five loaves of bread and two fishes (count the bread and fish in the picture). They knew there was not enough food to feed all those people (open your arms wide).

The disciples wanted to share their food so they gave all that they had to Jesus. Jesus took this food and made a miracle! A miracle is when God does something that we cannot do. Jesus is God so a miracle was very easy for Him to do. He turned those five loaves of bread and two fishes (point to picture) into enough food to feed all those people (open arms wide)!

Isn't Jesus wonderful (sound excited and clap your hands)? There were even some left over to fill twelve whole baskets (clap your hands again)!

The Bible says it is good to share your food with each other. Do you think that means it's good for you to share your toys, too? Yes (nod your head and sound excited)! Sharing your toys with each other is exactly what Jesus wants you to do! Thank You Jesus for teaching us in the Bible how good it is to share!

Dear God...
Thank you for teaching us how to share.
Help us to share our toys and our food with each other.
In Jesus' Name we pray!
Amen!