Family Devotions--Make Them Memorable

Two Hilarious Nanny Interviews: A Lesson in Family Values

I was recently reminded of a very funny scene from a movie I watched many years ago. A father, desperate to find a babysitter, interviews a series of candidates. Each one is hopelessly unqualified. In typical comedy fashion, the interviews flash quickly on the screen. Only the funniest line from each is shown, followed by a sigh of resignation from the father.

Two of the prospective nannies are particularly funny. One speaks only Chinese and is interpreted by her grandson. After a long, angry tirade from his grandmother, the grandson reports, "She says 'NO WASHING WINDOWS!'"

The one that caught my attention most was a severe, authoritarian applicant. She goes through a grueling, monotonous recitation of her daily routine. Presumably, this routine would be followed strictly in the household if she gets the job. Her model day looks something like this: a hopelessly unimaginative list of morning tasks, a meager lunch of cottage cheese and celery, and then two hours of BIBLE STUDY!

an authoritarian nanny

Obviously, neither of these nannies is hired. After tremendous effort and a series of hilarious mishaps, the family learns what is truly important in life, the child becomes a priority for the couple, and all ends well.

Making Family Bible Time Fun and Engaging

I can't remember the name of this movie, but I want to focus on the serious monotone of this babysitter and the stern emphasis on the phrase "Bible Study." I believe family Bible study time should be fun and engaging.

As my husband, Greg, and I raised our children, I never knew what he would come up with next for the evening devotions before sending the kids to bed. From acting out Bible stories to singing silly songs that taught Biblical principles, Greg was the master of making family devotions memorable and enjoyable.

We marched around the room seven times to make the walls of Jericho fall. We struck the couch with a wooden spoon to get water to come out of the rock, just as Moses did in the desert. To relive the raising of Lazarus, we wrapped one of our sons in a sheet and called out, "Lazarus, come forth!"

We even brought an empty wading pool into the living room and pretended it was the boat in which Jesus slept peacefully as the storm raged and his disciples feared for their lives. One of our sons lay in the "boat" and pretended to be asleep. When awakened by three giggly, bouncing siblings, he rose up from his "sleep" and cried out, "Peace! Be still!"

Some Excellent Resources for Devotional Reading with the Family

Although my creative husband did not shy away from using the Bible as his source, even when the children were quite young, he also used many other books that brought Biblical events to life. These included Bible-story books similar to the ones I've written, which you can see described in the trailer below. (Just click on the white arrow to watch the video—and look for pictures of Greg reading to our children and grandchildren!)

Rhyming WORD Series Video Trailer/ Click on the image to watch.

Greg also used many fiction books that taught about the love of Jesus through imaginative, symbolic, or allegorical pictures. The children particularly loved The Princess and the Goblin by George McDonald. He read it multiple times over the years. Another favorite was The Magic Bicycle Series by John Bibee.

I recently met a fellow author, Colleen James, who has written and published her first book, The Instrument Maker and the Mandolin. This book is an excellent example of this type of literature. The story is entirely fiction but paints a beautiful picture of the love of Jesus. (I hope you'll grab a copy of Colleen's book to help her get started on her writing journey for Jesus. Just click on the book cover below to go to the purchase page on Amazon.)

Click to buy: The Instrument Maker and the Mandolin

The Importance of Engaging with Scripture

Engaging with scripture is vital for families. It helps to instill values and principles that guide children as they grow. When we make Bible study enjoyable, we create lasting memories. Children are more likely to remember the lessons learned during these fun activities.

Incorporating games, songs, and storytelling can transform a mundane Bible study into an exciting adventure. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also deepens the children's understanding of their faith.

Creative Ideas for Family Bible Study

1. Acting Out Stories: Bring Bible stories to life by acting them out. This can be done with props or costumes. Children love to play roles, and it helps them connect with the stories.

   
   

2. Interactive Games: Create games that relate to Bible stories. For example, a scavenger hunt can be themed around the Exodus or the Parables of Jesus.

   
   

3. Craft Projects: Engage in craft projects that relate to Bible lessons. Making a model of Noah's Ark or creating a mural of the Garden of Eden can be both fun and educational.

   
   

4. Music and Songs: Incorporate music into your Bible study. Singing songs that teach Biblical principles can make learning more enjoyable.

   
   

5. Cooking Together: Prepare meals that relate to Bible stories. For example, making unleavened bread can be a fun way to discuss the Passover.

   
   

Building a Strong Foundation

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing, you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Let's ensure that all our reading renews our minds and brings glory to God. It should make us more like Him. I'll talk more about this in my next newsletter. Until then...

Grace and peace to you,

Holli Fry