It seems that every year, when the new church year rolls around, I am looking for fresh activities for my kids to do. I have most of the same church kids on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings (small rural church problems), and although the lessons aren't the same, I feel the need to make them two very different experiences. Sunday mornings are a little more structured, while Wednesday nights are more fun and laid-back. If you find yourself a similar situation, I'm going to share a couple of ideas that I absolutely love and plan to try in my class this year. If you try them, let me know what you like and works for you! I really love this first idea for my Wednesday night class do before we start our lesson. Sometimes we have new kids, but even if we don't, I still think it would be a fun way for the kids to get to know a little more about each other (and help me get to know them better). I will change some of the prompts, but you can find this particular one on E...
It can start with something as simple as a glance down the pew. You notice her perfectly styled hair, her kids sitting quietly, her beautifully color-coordinated Bible journal- and suddenly, without even realizing it, your thoughts spiral: She's more put together than I am. She's probably more spiritual. Why can't I get it right like her? Comparison is as quiet as a thief. It slips into our hearts, even in sacred spaces like the church, and it robs us of joy, peace, and connection. This seems to be even more true among women. Whether is spiritual maturity, parenting style, leadership roles, or even who's serving the best Bible study appetizers. The temptation is real. At its root, comparison often stems from insecurity and a misplaced sense of identity. When we forget that our worth comes from Christ (not our performance or appearance), we begin looking sideways for affirmation instead of looking up. Of course, social media doesn't help. It magnifies curated moment...