Get Connected In 20 Minutes A Week – Sand Castles Or Monuments?

A weekly family activity adapted from: 52 Family Time Ideas by Timothy Smith ©2006
Draw Closer To Your Kids as You Draw Your Kids Closer to God
Bethany House Publishers

By Timothy Smith | www.ParentsCoach.org

Main Point: A child's curiosity provides opportunities to teach moral and spiritual truths.
Materials Needed: Twelve smooth river stones (3 to 4 inches each) and markers.

Free family movie offer

Warm-up:
Ask: "Remember when we visited the beach (or lake) and the water washed over our sand castle? What happens if we build a sand castle too close to the water?" (The water comes up and knocks it down.) "How long would it last if we built it far away from the waves?" (A few days.) "What's a better building material than sand?" (Rocks, bricks, wood, etc., because they last.)

Bible Reading: Read aloud Joshua 4:4-7

So Joshua called together the twelve men and told them, "Go into the middle of the Jordan, in front of the Ark of the Lord your God. Each of you must pick up one stone and carry it out on your shoulder - twelve stones in all, one for each of the twelve tribes. We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future, your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?' Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord's covenant went across.' These stones will stand as a permanent memorial among the people of Israel."

Family Discussion:
What does the Bible say?
1. Ask: "Why do you think God told them to use stones?" (Because they last longer than sand, and they were readily available.)
2. Ask: "What were the stones for?" (To remind us of God's power. He stopped the Jordan River from flowing, and the Ark of the Lord's covenant went across the dry riverbed.)

What should we do?
3. Ask: "What are some ways we can use stones or rocks to help us remember the miracles God did for His people?" (Write on rocks and leave them around the house or garden.)

Today's Slogan: "A faith that rocks is one that remembers."

Activity: The Rocks Cry Out
Purchase twelve smooth river stones (about 3 to 4 inches each) from your home improvement center or garden supply store. Divide the rocks evenly among the family members. Ask: "What are some ways God has been faithful to us?" One at a time, have each person explain how he or she has seen God at work. Then using permanent markers, write on the stones how God has been faithful to your family. After you are finished, display your rocks inside or in the garden as a memorial and tribute to God's work in your family.

Adapting for ...
Younger Children
Instead of describing in words, younger kids can draw pictures of what they are thankful for on the rocks. Don't use permanent markers. Use washable markers.

Teens
Ask: "How will you explain the rock garden to your friends when they come over?" and "What should we name our rock garden?" Ask your teen if they would like to make the sign with the name.

Prayer:
Thank you God, that you remember us. You never forget about us. We are precious in Your sight. Help us to remember all that You have done for us.
In the name of your Son, Jesus, Amen.

©2009 Timothy Smith

Timothy Smith, M.A., is a family coach, author and speaker from Southern CA.
www.ParentsCoach.org He provides coaching in-person and via Skype®; as well as conferences, seminars and retreats.

Blog: www.ParentsCoach.wordpress.com
Twitter: ParentsCoach
tim@ParentsCoach.org, Tel: 805.376.3500