August Challenge

Today is August first and that means a new challenge begins today for us at the Ivey household.  Last month I was dedicated to praying for my kids even more than normal and it was fabulous.  I shared about that challenge over at Inspired to Action where I share each month about my challenge.  I find it no coincidence that Cayden made a decision to follow Jesus during the month that I was praying more and more for my kids than ever before.  There are some challenges that I do not continue after that month is over, but last month was a sweet month for me as a momma.

Our devotional

This month is where we are diving into family devotionals more and memorizing scripture with our kids.  I told my kids this morning about this challenge and that we were going to memorize a whole chapter of the bible.  None of them thought they could do it, but I know they will be so surprised at how fast their little minds pick this up.

Memorizing scripture is something that has always been a challenge for me, and something that I was not disciplined in.  I still struggle big time in this area, but more than ever before do I see the need for it.  Hiding God's word in your heart is not only extremely useful to us as Christ followers, but he kinda tells us to do this!  (Also I'll be giving away some resources that will help you and your kids with this!)

For our family devotional, we've been using a book called,  Jesus Calling: 365 devotions for kids, which I highly recommend.  It's written as if it were Jesus talking to you and has scripture to read as well.  I'm finding this to be appropriate for my oldest, but I feel as though my younger ones can get lost.

Psalm 23

Starting tonight we'll be memorizing the 23rd Psalm.  I was trying to think of something that was a substantial amount of verses that we could memorize, that the kids would enjoy.  I think these are great verses to start with, and when we are done with this, we'll move on to the Lord's Prayer and then The Beatitudes.  We may not get all those in this month, but we'll continue to memorize scripture together after this month for sure.

So, who's in this month?  I would love to have some of you join us and keep me up to date with your progress!  You don't have to do the same verses we are doing, but just do something.  Even little kids can do this, so don't think your 3-year-old can't learn the word of God, because they can!  Leave me a comment telling me that you are in, the ages of your kids, and what verse(s) you are starting with!

Let this be an encouragement to you …..“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine god; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”  Psalm 19: 7-11