21 Dec, 2012, by Timothy Tai-
“I’m bored!”
Your kids have probably uttered those words to you more times than you can count during the school holidays. If you’re tired of giving them your iPad to keep them entertained or letting them watch TV all day, here’s a list of 4 boredom busting activities (with a biblical twist) that you can do with your kids.
Not only will you create lots of fun and lasting memories for your kids, but you’ll also be able to sow seeds of eternity in their hearts. Enjoy!
1. Reenact accounts from the Bible
Every kid enjoys hearing about how God protected Daniel in the lions’ den and how tiny David defeated the mighty Goliath? Well, your kids will love this idea even more. First, read their favorite bible story to them and then bring it to life by getting your kids to act it out.
Help them get into character by dressing them up according to their roles and by giving them various props to use during the reenactment. Finally, be sure to let each child take turns at playing the starring roles. (The bible is chock-full of dramatic accounts that can be acted out e.g. Jonah and the fish, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fiery furnace and Jesus walking on water)
2. Have a kara-GOD-ke session
We Malaysians love to karaoke and I’m not just talking about us grown-ups! Think about it. How many times have you heard your child sing along to the Wiggles and Hi-5 on TV? Here’s a way for your kids to have fun AND learn to praise God at the same time. Create a playlist of all their favorite P&W songs on YouTube (e.g. Songs by Hillsong Kids & ‘I’m Gonna Jump Up & Down’ by Doug Horley are sure hits), place a microphone-like object in their hands (like a black marker or hairbrush) and let them sing away!
As Jesus said in Matthew 21:16: “From the lips of children and infants, you, Lord, have called forth your praise.” (NIV)
3. Hold a talent competition
Encourage your kids to showcase their God-given gifts and talents by hosting your own X-Factor or Malaysia’s Got Talent competition in your living room (You can also invite your child’s friends and neighbor’s kids to come and take part if you don’t have enough contestants). Give them time to rehearse for their performance (whether it’s singing, dancing, playing a musical instrument, reciting a poem, performing magic tricks etc) while you transform your living room into a stage area.
Then sit back with your cameras & camcorders and enjoy the show! After each child has had their chance to shine, announce everyone as winners and encourage them to use their talents for God.
4. Go indoor camping
Who says you need to be a Scout Master or even require basic wilderness survival skills to go camping? Turn your child’s bedroom into the great outdoors and set up a makeshift tent using nothing more than bed sheets, blankets and chairs. Then draw all the curtains and turn off the lights to create a night atmosphere (You can even have some jungle noises playing in the background for greater effect).
Let your children enjoy their favorite snacks as you share testimonies of Jesus’ miracles from the bible and what God has done for you in your own life. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a flashlight!
Dear Viewers in Christ, if you find this article edifying to you, please share with your friends or loved ones by using the social media plugs (Share, Email to this article). The Lord will surely bless you as you bless others. May the Lord’s peace and love be with you. Amen.
References for pictures:
http://www.heartsongs.us/images/photo2.jpg
http://kkkaraoke.webs.com/kids_sing.jpg
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2012-05/26/131612690_11n.jpg
http://sheralyn.files.wordpress.com/2011/06/img_4564.jpg?w=500&h=375
Thx! those are some great ideas!