Jack-O-Lantern/ Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

A long time ago there was a festival on October 31 to celebrate the harvest season. People tried to scare away evil spirits by dressing in scary costumes. The children would dress up and go door to door telling people that if they gave them a treat the evil spirits would go away.

Years later the church decided to change the festival by making it a celebration of eternal life. Instead of honoring evil spirits they honored all the Christians who had died in the last year. This celebration was held on November 1 - called All Saints Day or All Hallowed Day (holy ones). The evening before was called "All Hallows Eve".

Over the years the name was shortened to "Halloween"

When planning for a pumpkin prayer family devotion time a real pumpkin can be used, or you can use an artificial hollow foam pumpkin (purchased from a craft store).


Steps for Pumpkin Prayer Family Devotions

Each step below includes actions to take in the process of carving your pumpkin, comments to make about what and why you are doing this step, a scripture reference and a short prayer.

Preparing Your Pumpkin:

If you are using an artificial foam pumpkin, have the parts already cut out before starting the devotion. Clear push pins can be used on the cut out pieces as little handles aiding you in taking the pieces in and out.

To make fake pumpkin "guts:
Materials needed : a mound of tangled orange yarn
real pumpkin seeds
(found in little packages in the snack section of the grocery store)
white Elmer's glue
Directions:
Take a small amount of glue and mix it with the yarn and seeds. Spread it out on wax
paper to dry. When the glue has dried, the seeds will stick to the yarn
resembling real pumpkin "guts".


If you are using a fresh pumpkin, cover your work surface with newspaper first for easy cleanup. Cut each piece as you go along and have a family discussion about each part.


1. Pumpkin Lid.

God helps us to learn about Him. We need to be open to what God wants to do in our lives.

* Scripture: "Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things." Colossians 3:2

* Prayer: Dear God, open my mind so I can learn about you.


2. Pumpkin "guts".

God takes away our sins and forgives us. We need to ask God to take away our sins every day.
We can feel all clean after God forgives us. Show clean inside of pumpkin

* Scripture: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness" I John 1:9

* Prayer: Take away all my sin and forgive me for the wrong things I do.


3. Heart shaped eyes.

How can we see that God loves us? We see how much God loves us when we read the Bible, look
at our families and see everything God has created!

* Scripture: "Taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him."
Psalms 34:8

* Prayer: Open my eyes so I will see Your love


4. Cross shaped nose.

What does it mean to turn your nose up at something?...don't like ...ex. foods, clothes, etc. We
may think we know what we need better than God does! It is important to remember that Jesus
died on the cross for us and we know that God gave us all we really need.

* Scripture: "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name, O most High."
Psalm 92:1

* Prayer: I'm sorry for turning up my nose to all You've given me.


5. Bible shaped ears.

Do you ever have to be told more than once to do something? Sometimes we don't
listen well. Parents want you to listen to them and God wants us to listen to Him! The Bible
tells us : How much God loves us, how He wants us to live and how He will help us. We need to
listen to God's Word.

* Scripture: "Give ear and come to me; hear me that your soul may live." Isaiah 55:3

* Prayer: Open my ears so Your work I will hear.


6. Fish shaped mouth.

Jesus told disciples they weren't going to catch fish now but they would be fishers of men by
telling others about God's love. A long time ago Christians greeted each other by drawing a fish
in the dirt when they met. We can use our mouths to tell others about Jesus.

* Scripture: ..." I will proclaim what the Lord has done. " Psalms 118: 17

* Prayer: Open my mouth so I can tell others You're near.


7. Light a candle inside the pumpkin.

Turn off the lights and either light a small votive candle in a real pumpkin or turn the switch
on an electric candle. Battery operated candles, votive or tea lights are a safe, great ideas.

Look how bright the light shines out of the pumpkin! The light stands for the Holy Spirit that lives
in Christians. When we let God open up every part of us, He can shine through us so others will
see Jesus in us.

* Scripture: "You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see
your good deeds and praise your father in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, open our minds so that we can learn more about you; Please take away our sin and forgive us of the wrong things we have done. Open our eyes so we can see how much you love us. You have given us so much. Please forgive us for turning up our noses at our many blessings. Open our ears so we can hear and understand your word and help us to know how to share the Good News with others. We ask that you help us let your light shine in all that we say and do.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen

Being a Christian can be easily explained by comparing it to the life of a jack-o-lantern:

"God comes to us and picks us up from a lonely, cold field.

He washes off all the dirt of our sin.

He removes the seeds of doubt, fear, and hate that have grown inside of us.

Then he places within us the light of his love.

This love warms our hearts.

What was once filled with darkness is now flooded with light.

That love puts a smile on our face!

Now the whole world can see God's love shining in us!"

"Go SHINE for the Lord as you

Share

His

Incredible

News

Everywhere!"

This year as you carve your pumpkin, let it be a special reminder

to seek the Lord in all we do and say!

Let our light shine for Jesus!

Source and for additional resources see CTA (Christian Tools for Affirmation) http://www.ctainc.com

 

 

This coming Saturday be sure to check out

pumpkin carving ideas!

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.amazon.com

Nature Detective

We are now in the heart  of fall, a beautiful season!

Today's activity is so simple you will wonder why you hadn't thought of it...

or maybe you have!  yea! 

 

Grab a basket, shopping bag or some type of container with handles. 

 Grab a coat and bug spray, if needed, and head outside.

 

Older children may want to decide before going outside what they will look for.  However, spontaneous observation is a great skill to practice that will serve children well in all areas of their lives... at school, in play and later in the work force.

 

You have now taken on the role of a Nature Detective! 

 

Here are some ideas to prime your detective skills. 

 

1.  How many treasures can you find?

2.  If you find leaves as one of your treasures, what shapes, sizes, colors and textures did you collect?

3.  How many colors can you find?  Are they the same colors as during summer, spring or winter?
4.  Today pick up only red leaves.  Next trip out, pick up only yellow leaves.  The following day
     look for only orange leaves.  etc. 

5  What does the air smell like?  Does it smell the same as summer, spring or winter air?

6  What animals/birds do you see?  What are they doing? Why?

7  How does the air feel?  Is it the same or different from summer air? How?

8  What does the sky look like? 

9  Are there clouds in the sky?  If so, can you find shapes hidden in the cloud formations?  If you found a shape, how long does it stay in that same shape?  Does it stay the same or change?  Why?

 

Photo Source:  Hidden Splendor ©

Can you find the heart?

After your nature detective activity, why not extend the play inside.  Draw pictures of what you saw, make up or write stories about your adventure and discoveries.  Bring some treasures inside  and turn them into an art/craft project or use as a decoration for the holidays.  Study your treasures with a magnifying glass, microscope and/or flashlight.

 

This is just the beginning!  There are many more things to observe and investigate outside.

What else can you come up with?

 

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.Amazon.com

in both paperback and electronic versions

 

Blog posts are many times an extension of this book. 

We started at 500+ and are counting upward and onward!

 

 

1-2-3 JUMP! The Fun of Raking Leaves.

Have you heard the expression, "Many Hands Make Light Work"? This is such a true statement and the reason our family owned four pitchforks. For you see, even though the kids grumbled going to the barn to clean stalls, we always ended up having lots of fun together and everyone was smiling when we left the barn. And, the sense of pride and accomplishment of a job well done gave everyone a boost. I used to tell my boys that if we all worked together, then we would have more time to play together. However, we always mixed in heavy doses of fun into our work. Many productions were created (although, they never hit Broadway) and lots of songs were sung.

Now here is the beauty of today's activity. Not only are you working together (producing team work, sense of accomplishment and boosts to your self esteem) you can have just as much fun.
Don't dread the job of raking leaves any longer! The simplest form of this activity is to rake the leaves into a big pile, then jump in!

 

Photo property of Hidden Splendor ©

 

 

Scoop leaves up with your hands and throw them into the air making it “rain.”

Older children might like to have a contest. Section the yard into equal areas, give everyone  a rake and a large garbage bag and say "GO!".

Who can rake their section the fastest? Remember, quality work cannot be sacrificed.

Or, maybe all parts of the yard are fair game and the clock will be your guide.

Who can fill the most bags in a given time period?

No matter which version you choose, the results are sure to produce many giggles, laughs

and smiles... and not to mention a beautifully raked yard!

You don't have a yard? Not to worry. Do you know someone who does? Wouldn't they be pleasantly surprised if you and your children offered to rake their leaves? Charity and good will to others would then be added to your list of positives for this activity.

 

Take a walk down the street, introduce yourself to your neighbors and offer

to give them a helping hand.

 

Do you know of an elderly person? They would also be pleased to have help

and would enjoy the company too.

You don't live in a neighborhood with yards and trees? Then, head to the closest local park. Leaves can be swept also... not as efficient as a rake, but it would work to make a pile to jump in.

 

Safety note: If you live in an area that has ticks and chiggers, you may want to spray with insect repellent before doing this activity.

 

Wishing you many fun fall adventures!

 

 

 

 

 

Inspired from the book:
Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:
Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share
by Becky Baxa
Available from http://www.Amazon.com
in both Kindle and Paperback versions

            


 

 

            

 

Fall Leaf Pressing Projects

           
The fall season officially started on September 23.  As the trees become flaming sources of color for your delight, it is fun to bring some of that beauty into your home.  Here are a couple of fun projects that can be enjoyed for those ages 2-102.

            

Take a nature hike and collect pretty leaves along the way.  Use a basket or shopping bag to collect your colorful treasures.  Once you are back home, sort the leaves into piles of different shapes, sizes and/or colors.
 

Press your leaf collection in between the pages of an old magazine, or between sheets of newspaper.   Be careful to make sure the leaves are lying completely flat before pressing.  Weigh down your pressed leaves with something heavy (books, door stop, brick, etc.).  Check every few days until the leaves are flat and dry.  When completely dry you can have fun making one, or both, of the projects below.

 Placemats 

 Select a piece of poster board in the color you desire for your background.   Use a placemat you already own as a pattern to determine the size.  Make a design with leaves on your cut poster board.   A piece of double stick tape or a dot of white glue will help hold your leaves in place.  Cover the leaf side of your placemat first with clear contact paper.  Then cover the back of your placemat.  Don’t forget to sign and date the back of your project before sealing with the contact paper.  

 

An alternative idea is to make and send a card to someone special using the same materials.

 

 

 

 Not only are these placemats fun to create, they look pretty on the table for autumn meals and are great keepsakes.  I still have placemats that my children made 30 years ago!  They have retained their color, look festive on the table and bring back a whole lot of fun memories.  So, why not make a set of memories with your children this fall?

 

 

Window Decorations

Wax paper version:  Arrange a few pretty leaves on wax paper.  Cover with another sheet of wax paper the  same size.  Put a brown paper bag, that has been cut apart, under and on top of the waxed paper while ironing with a warm iron to seal.  These look pretty hanging in a window. 

 

Clear contact version:  Seal dried, flattened leaves in-between two sheets of clear contact paper.   Trim around the edges of the leaves using a pair of sharp scissors.   Leave about a quarter of an inch around the leaves when trimming the contact paper.  Hang individually or string together using monofilament lineor colorful yarn.  You can also tie leaves together or hang individually to a wire clothes hanger to make a mobile.

 

Photo source:  http://www.artful-kids.com


 

 

Inspired by the book:

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes

by Becky Baxa

Available from http://www.amazon.com

 

 

 

 

 

Leaf Rubbings

There was  crispness in the air this morning with a promise that fall was approaching.  As I drove down the lane tiny shivers of joy ran up my body as I gazed at my favorite maple tree.  It was starting to change colors! It is by far the Queen of Fall trees and never fails to fill me with happiness and excitement as I feast upon its rainbow of harvest colors. 

Tis the season for leaf activities! 

Probably the most simple of the long time favorites is leaf rubbings.
All you need is a fun walk outside to collect your leaf treasures.  Once inside,  grab a plain piece of paper, some crayons and your leaf collection.  Place the leaves under your paper, vein side up, in any pattern that you desire and run the side of a crayon over the top of the paper.  As an imprint of your leaf appears it will be exciting to find the edges and complete your colored leaf!  This can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. 

This will be a wonderful decoration for the refrigerator door and a great way to start the fall season!

These pictures would also make a fine cover for a card for someone special.  Imagine the smile it will bring when they open up a bit of nature and creative artwork from your house to theirs!... I'm thinking grandparents would love this treat!

Have Fun!



Photo Source:  http://wwwfirstpalatte.com
 

 

 

 

Inspired by the book

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: 

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from Amazon.com

 

Apple Judging Contest and so much more

Fall is fast approaching and orchards are displaying the fruits of their labor.

Scarecrows, corn mazes, colored leaves, pumpkins and apples are the symbols of the season.

For the next several weeks we will explore a variety of seasonal activities

for you and your family to enjoy.

Today, we will start off with an apple judging contest.

Visit your local grocery store's produce department, farmer's market or orchard and pick up at least two each, of several different types of apples. Try to get at least four to six different types of apples i.e. Jonathan, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, McIntosh, etc.

Make the shopping and selection of apples part of the experience.

        -How many different varieties of apples are there to choose from?

        -How are they different and alike?
  
       -How many colors can you find?

       - What are the different types of apples used for?

Bonus activity: Count your apples as you shop. For additional fun you can even do some math problems as you go along.

          -If we buy 12 apples and there are 4 family members, how many apples does
            each person get to eat, if we divide them equally?

         -If we have 4 different kinds of apples and we buy 4 of each kind, how many
          apples will we buy?

         -If the apples are 49 cents apiece, how much will our apples cost?

Design your math problems to be developmentally appropriate for your child. These activities can range from one to one correspondence with counting for the younger child, up to complex problems for the older child.

On the day of the contest, line all the apples up on a table or counter. Your contest can be the same day as your shopping trip, or on a different day, depending on your schedule.



Photo Source:  http://www.thinkplaytoday.com

Display your pairs of apples, giving each variety its own plate. Cut one of the apples into slices and set it next to a whole apple of the same variety.

 



 Photo Source:  http://www.veggiegardentips.com

First decide on the criteria used to judge your apples. You can have serious and/or fun categories. Here are some ideas to get you started:

                *Serious: color, smell, texture/ crispness, flavor, juiciness, etc.

                *Silly: heart shaped, biggest, most round, funny shape, most variety in colors, shiniest, etc.

If you want to go a step farther, older children can make out judging contest forms so each judge can write down their own observations and rating system. Develop prize categories and make ribbons. Let them go with their imaginations. What else can they come up with?

Younger children can observe, discuss and, of course, taste! This is a great activity that is not only fun and nutritious, it also teaches observation and tasting skills, skills in comparing and contrasting, and encourages discussion and possibly debate. Your favorite apple may be the Red Delicious and your child's may be Gala.  Be able to defend your preference using a variety of adjectives.

Let the judging begin! Don't forget the caramel sauce to finish off the leftovers after the judging!

Too many apples to finish eating after the contest?  Don't let the fun stop!

 

                     Remember a cut apple turns brown when it is exposed to the air.

                     Dipping cut apples in orange juice (or any citrus juice) or a lemon-lime soda;

                     or sprinkling with ascorbic acid used in canning/freezing will help prevent browning.

.

 

Here are a few ideas to do with your leftover apples after the judging contest:

· Stuffed apples

 

Directions: 

 

1.  Wash the apple. 

 

2. With a sharp paring knife, cut the top off horizontally (so that it makes a lid). Hollow out the apple, and keep all pieces that do not have core or seeds.

 

3.  Chop all of the usable apple pieces from what you have hollowed out of the apple. Put them into a small bowl.

 

4.   Mix in desired ingredients.

 

     Ideas for mixtures 

   * peanut butter, honey, and raisins together.

   * peanut butter, sunflower seeds, raisins, cinnamon

   * for a unique entree, fill your apple with chicken salad or an avocado salsa.

 

4).  Stuff your hollowed apple with the filling mixture, packing in your mixture tightly to cover all surfaces.  Cover your apple with the "lid".

OR you can just CORE your apple and then
stuff the middle with your mixture.

Photo Source :   http://www.hubpages.com

 

 



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What other ingredients may taste good in your apple?  Experiment to find your favorite.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to make your apple hot?

    

      Mix brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, chopped walnuts and raisins together. Stuff your cored apple and set it in a baking dish. Bake in a moderate (350 degree Fahrenheit) oven until the apple flesh is soft and the stuffing has melted. You may want to baste your apple a few times during the cooking process to allow the juices to totally sink into your apple. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. What a delicious treat, and your kitchen will smell good too!

 Photo Source:  http://www.organicsoul.com



• Home Made Applesauce - quick and easy for one meal's serving

Peel, core and slice an apple for each person that will be at the meal. Place prepared apples in a sauce pan and add enough apple juice to just barely cover the apples.

Add cinnamon, cloves and allspice to taste. (Cinnamon ratio should be twice as much as cloves and allspice)

Heat until tender.

Mash to desired consistency. Serve hot or cold.

For an extra flare, add cinnamon red hots while cooking the apple mixture. Cook red hots until melted, mixing with your apple mixture. This cinnamon applesauce is a special treat and is a favorite with the kids.

 

 

In the days ahead you can add to your apple theme with lots of correlation activities.  Keep in mind, to maximize your child's learning,  it is always best to start with the REAL thing and then branch out into the abstract.

Here are some ideas:

 

-visit an apple orchard and pick apples off of the tree

-counting apples

-slice an apple in half and count the seeds

-use half an apple to paint stamp pictures

-draw apples

-create a story about apples, apple seeds, apple trees, etc.

-read the story of Johnny Appleseed

-read stories about apples

 

- etc.  What else can you think of to do?

Inspired by the book

Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes:

Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share

by Becky Baxa

Available from Amazon.com

 






 

 

 

 

 

Shake-a-Pudding

The kids want a snack..

You want them to eat nutritiously... 

They need a little fun and excitement
 along with an activity to exert some of their abundance of physical energy. 

 

Below is a perfect solution!

It takes just a little time, but produces big results.

It is also an activity that can be made independently by older children.
 

Add a little music for your "shaking" and you have the perfect snack/activity.

 

So, grab a spoon from the drawer, a box of instant pudding mix, an empty container with a secure lid, a willing child;  add some music and let the fun begin!

(I like to use empty plastic peanut butter jars.  The lids screw on, you can see inside and they are eay to pour from.  However any container with a lid that fits on securely will work.)

 

Happy "shakin, snackin"!

Photo:  Property of Hidden Splendor©

 

Individualized Shake-A-Pudding Cups

Hidden Splendor © 2014

Would you like to have a small amount of pudding, but don’t want to make an entire box?  Below are the ratio’s needed to  prepare just the right amount  for single snack size servings.

Ingredients needed:  1 box instant pudding mix, milk, container with a secure lid, and a teaspoon size spoon from your silverware drawer (NOT a measuring spoon)   Directions:  Add desired amount of pudding mix and milk together inside a securely closed container and shake for several minutes until well blended.  Open and enjoy!   1/4 cup milk + 2 spoons of instant pudding mix 1/2 cup milk + 4 spoons of instant pudding mix 1 cup milk + 8 spoons of instant pudding mix   Inspired from the book: Miraculous, Magical Moments in Minutes: Over 500 Quick, Easy Activities for Adults and Children to Share by Becky Baxa Available from http://www.Amazon.com in both Kindle and Paperback versions