Bible story toys and book

This week I made a photobook using actual Bible text and toys to ‘act’ the story then set the book up with the toys in an ‘Invitation to Play’ the story. When I found a company doing photobooks for £6 (!) I got to work making a photobook of a Bible story using Bible text … Read more

Stop stopping children play!

We need to stop stopping children’s play. We need to help other adults stop stopping children play. We need to step back, to watch, be led by them, and let ourselves play more. Daddy Pig (Father of Peppa) is an expert at everything. He is a skiing expert, a fishing expert, a boat driving expert, … Read more

Advent Candle Idea: 25 Ways to be Thankful

I love Advent and candles. Here’s a really simple idea for using them to develop thankfulness in the run up to Christmas. It doesn’t take long, but a few moments each day will help develop a habit of thankfulness in a month when so much is trying to pull us away from it. You might … Read more

My favourite nativity scenes

My name is Victoria and I’m a nativity scene addict. There. I’ve said it. I just love nativity sets, especially ones which everyone can touch, play with and enjoy. There are some lovely ones about, and although it may seem like quite a bit of money, I’ve found this is one of the best ways to engage … Read more

Bible story with a tent

Set up a tent in the garden and share a Bible story together inside it. Here’s three tent-based Bible stories you could share in your tent: Abraham and Sarah are visited by three angels Genesis 18:1-15Moses and the the tent of Meeting Exodus 33:7-11The siege of Samaria 2 Kings 6:24- 7:20 (ends with a gruesome … Read more

Watercolours and washi tape Christmas art

We use watercolours a lot at our house. I love that I can leave them out for the children to use whenever they want, and even when my 2-year-old chooses to paint herself blue (quite often!), she can just be washed down! Coming up to Christmas I see lots of cute hand and footprint pictures, … Read more

Review: Comfort in the Darkness

Title: Comfort in the Darkness – helping children draw close to God through Biblical stories of night-time and sleep Author: Rachel Turner Useful for: parents of children aged 0-10ish looking for Bible stories and activities to explore God and nighttime. Best bit: brilliantly re-told Bible stories and succinctly written ideas to help children in their relationship with God. Worst bit: no pictures … Read more

Play Mobil Jesus feeds 5000

This week I’ve aquired a variety of Play Mobil baskets so I thought we could do the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. It’s a story we know well, but I’m always amazed at how playing a story allows us to explore it and how it relates to us in new ways. Having set out … Read more

GUEST POST: Diagnoses: why-not-ness!

I thought it might be fun to hear from some other people, so this is the first in a series of guest posts is written by Ed Jones. I love working with Ed as his ability to dream big and be undaunted by practicalities is similar to a five year old. Read on and you’ll … Read more

Picture Bible story treasure hunt

Inspired by an enthusiastic hunt for ‘fairy doors’ at Ripley Castle, I thought I’d have another go at a Bible story treasure hunt but this time use pictures. This one takes a little prep but is really flexible and so could be made to work for any age of children or adults. My children are 3 … Read more

Review: 40 days – Matthew

Title: 40 days – Matthew: A Conversation with God Author: Jo Swinney Useful for: anyone wanting a simple journal-style book to explore the book of Matthew as a family, group or individual Best bit: Lovely book (nice paper, faux leather cover like a Moleskin book, nice font, text colour and spacious layout) with lots of space to read, … Read more

10 Things Which Help Me Connect with God

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found I’ve had to re-learn how I connect with God since becoming a parent. I know God’s the same, but my life with young children is very different. I’ve found God is very gracious, and meets me wherever I am, but I have found some things have really helped … Read more