Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 29 – Behaving

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture of Mary crying! Why do you think she’s crying?

Acting Nicely
(sung to Mary Had a Little Lamb)

Acting nicely pleases God
Pleases God
Pleases God
Acting nicely pleases God
And Mommy, too.

When I cannot get my way
Get my way
Get my way
When I cannot get my way
I must not cry.

Bible Time

~Proverbs 7:24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth.

Story

Mommy dressed Mary and put her jacket on because it was cold outside. Mary and Mommy were going grocery shopping.

“Now, Mary,” said Mommy, “I would like you to be a good little girl at the grocery store. If you behave, you and I will make cookies together for Daddy, OK?” (smile and clap your hands)

“Yeh! OK, Mommy!” said Mary.

After Mommy put all the groceries into the cart that she needed, they pushed the cart to the check-out line. While they were waiting for their turn, Mary saw some candy on the shelf. Not just any candy, but her favorite: Skittles!

“Oh Mommy, may I have some Skittles?” Mary asked.

“No, honey,” answered Mommy, “we have candy at home.”

“PLEASE? PLEASE? PLEEEEEEEASE?” pleaded Mary.

“No, Mary. Mommy will not repeat herself so stop asking.” Mommy replied. (shake your head no and frown)

Mary was so upset that Mommy would not let her have the Skittles that she started screaming and crying.

“I want some Skittles!” she yelled.

Mary did not stop crying and continued with her temper tantrum. By this time, everyone was looking at Mommy and waiting to see how she would respond to Mary. Mommy did not buy the Skittles. She paid the cashier for the groceries and then wheeled the cart out to her car. Mary continued screaming and crying all the way home.

When Mommy and Mary arrived home, Mommy brought in the groceries and sent Mary to her room until she finished putting the groceries away. Afterwards, she went into Mary’s room to talk to her.

“Mary, because you threw a temper tantrum today, you will not be able to play with your friends for the rest of the week.” said Mommy.

“But Mommy,” Mary cried, “I’m suppose to go to Ricky’s birthday party!”

“You will not be able to go to his party, Mary. Your behavior today at the store was unacceptable. You disobeyed me when I told you no. So, Mary, because of your behavior, you are being punished. God tells you in the Bible to “obey your parents in the Lord for this is right” and you did not obey.” Mommy said. (nod your head up and down)

“I know, that’s in Ephesians 6:1.” replied Mary. “But couldn’t you let me go to Ricky’s party ayway?”

“No, Mary. You did not obey so you must suffer the consequences for your actions. The next time we go to the store, I’m sure you will not throw a temper tantrum when you don’t get your way, will you?” asked Mommy. (shake your head no and make a sad face)

“No, ma’am! I will be sure to obey right away.” Mary said. (smile and clap your hands.)

Dear God…
Please help me not to change my behavior so I do not throw temper tantrums. I know that I am disobeying You when I do.Amen!

© Kate Plourde 2009

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Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 28 – God’s Creation

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture Daddy and Billy. They are all dressed up for church!

This is My Father’s World

This is my Father’s World, and to my listening ears,
All nature sings and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s World, I rest me in the thought,
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas, His hands the wonders wrought.

Bible Time

(Gen 1:1)  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Story

Billy and Daddy were packing up the car for their camping trip.  Billy was so excited that he was going to be able to spend the whole weekend alone with Daddy.

They got to the campground and put up their tent together.  Daddy taught Billy how to hammer the stakes into the ground so the tent could be tied down in case it got windy.

“Daddy is so smart!” thought Billy, as he hammered down the last stake.

Daddy and Billy went to lake to catch fish for dinner.  As they sat waiting for the fish to bite, Billy heard some loud tapping noises.

“What’s that noise, Daddy?” exclaimed Billy.

“That is the sound of a woodpecker, Billy.  Woodpeckers use their beaks to tap on a tree so they can get to the bugs to eat them.” responded Daddy.  “God created all the animals, birds, and bugs for us to be able to watch them and listen to them.  It’s like watching a beautiful movie right here at the lake, isn’t it?”

Daddy was right, Billy thought.  Billy looked around and listened while Daddy pointed out creatures and different kinds of trees.  Daddy told Billy about how God created everything at the beginning and how we can see God’s goodness in each part of creation.

And right at that moment, Billy had a fish bite at his line!  Billy and Daddy took it back to the camp ground and cooked their supper on the campfire.  That was so much fun!  Later on that night, they sat and looked at all the stars in the sky.
“Daddy, there must be a gazillion stars in the sky!” exclaimed Billy.  “Did God make those too?”

“Yes, Billy, God made everything in the universe!  Isn’t His creation beautiful?” asked Daddy.

Dear God…
Thank you for creating all the beautiful creatures, trees, clouds and stars!  I love to look at all of them and listen to them, too.  Amen!

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© Kate Plourde 2009

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 27 – Compassion

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture of Mommy. Mommy has a present for Grandma.  Mommy look so happy!

This Little Light of Mine

This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine…
All around the neighborhood, I’m gonna let it shine…
Don’t let Satan pfft- it out! I’m gonna let it shine…
Let it shine ’til Jesus comes. I’m gonna let it shine…

Bible Time

(Mat 5:16)  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Story

Mommy was carrying a present for Grandma.  As she was taking it to the car, she was humming “This Little Light of Mine.”

“Mommy, why are you so happy?  Why do you have a present for Grandma?  Is it her birthday?” asked Gary.

“No, Gary.  It’s not Grandma’s birthday.  It’s just a present to show her I love her.  She seemed a little sad yesterday because it has been a year since Grandpa went home to be with Jesus.  So I thought I would cheer her up with a present!” answered Mommy. (give a big smile)

“That’s a great idea, Mommy!” said Gary.

“That is how we let our light shine to others, Gary.  When we see someone that needs a hug or needs a special friend, we show them that light and the love that Jesus has by doing something special for them.” Mommy said.

“Do you know someone that might need something special done for them, Gary?” asked Mommy.

“Yes, Mommy, I think I do.  Mary was sad yesterday because her Daddy had to go away for 2 weeks on a trip for his job.  She will miss him a lot! (make a sad face) Do you think I should do something special for her?” asked Gary.

Mommy answered, “Yes, Gary, that’s a great idea!  What do you think you would like to do?”

“How about if I ask her to come over to play with me?  Would she be able to stay for supper, too, Mommy? Gary asked.

“Sure, Gary, that would be very nice!” Mommy said. (clap your hands and smile.)

Dear God…
Please help me to let my light shine to anyone that needs a special something today.  This way I can show them that I love you and your light is shining through me.  Amen!

© Kate Plourde 2009

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Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 26 – Be Careful

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture of the little girl. She looks so happy, doesn’t she?

Oh, Be Careful Little Eyes What You See

Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
Oh, be careful little eyes, what you see.
There’s a Father up above, looking down in tender love,
So be careful little eyes, what you see.

Be careful little ears what you hear
Be careful little mouth what you say…
Be careful little hands, what you touch…
Be careful little feet, where you go…

Bible Time

(Psa 19:14) Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.

Story

Mary was playing in the sand box outside when Billy ran over to play with her. He wanted to help her build sand castles with the plastic containers Mommy had given them to use as molds.

As they were making their sand castles, Billy remembered that Jimmy had some nicer molds in his sand box. Billy ran over to Jimmy’s house and grabbed the molds out of his sand box and brought them to Mary’s sand box.

“Where did you get those, Billy?” asked Mary.

“At Jimmy’s house. He is at his Uncle’s house so he isn’t using them.” responded Billy.

Mommy came outside to bring the children some nice cold lemonade. (rub your tummy and smile)

“Oh! Where did those nice nolds come from?” asked Mommy.

“From Jimmy’s house.” said Mary.

“Did you ask Jimmy’s Mommy if you could borrow them?” Mommy asked.

“No, I just took them.” said Billy.

“Oh Billy, taking something without asking is stealing. Let’s go to Jimmy’s house and tell his Mommy that you are returning them. OK?” said Mommy.

“But why? She didn’t see me take them. Can’t we just put them back without talking to her?” asked Billy.

“No, Billy. Just because she didn’t see you, you must remember that God sees you. He sees everything you do. He hears everything you say. He even knows what you are thinking. God knows that you took them without asking. So going to talk to Jimmy’s Mommy is the right thing to do. OK?” Mommy said.

“OK! Let’s go!” said Billy. (clap your hands and smile)

Dear God…
Please help me to remember that You see everything that I do even though Mommy and Daddy don’t see me. Help me to remember, too, that You hear everything I say even when they are not around. Amen!

© Kate Plourde 2009

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 25 – The Bible

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture of the Bible.  The Bible is God’s Words to us!

The B-I-B-L-E

Oh! The B-I-B-L-E,
Yes that’s the book for me.
I stand alone on the word of God,
the B-I-B-L-E!

The B-I-B-L-E
I’ll take it along with me,
I’ll read and pray,
and then obey,
the B-I-B-L-E.

By F-A-I-T-H,
I’m S-A-V-E-D,
I’ll stand alone
on the word of God,
The B-I-B-L-E.

The B-L-O-O-D
That Jesus shed for me
Cleansed me from sin,
I belong to him,
The B-L-O-O-D

Bible Time

(Psa 119:105)  NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Story

(Take out your husband’s flashlight and sit in a room without windows.  Compare the darkness lit up by the flashlight to God’s Word lighting our way in a dark world full of sin.)

Did you know that the Bible is just like Daddy’s flashlight?  What happens when we turn off the lights.  (Turn the lights off.)  Is it dark?  Can you see very well?  (Now turn the flashlight on and smile and clap.)  Yeh!  Isn’t it much better once we turn on Daddy’s flashlight?  Now we can see better, can’t we?

Did you know that because we do bad things – which God calls sin, our heart gets dark just like this room when all the lights are on?  God’s Word, the Bible, is like Daddy’s flashlight.  (turn the lights out and then turn the flashlight on again so they can see the comparison)  The more we read the Bible, the more the light will shine on our sins and show us how dark our sin and our heart really is.

Did you know that Jesus came to take our sins away?  He gave us His Bible, God’s Words, so that we could know that our sins are really bad.  Just like Daddy’s flashlight, Jesus wants to shine in our hearts and make it bright and clean.  We need to tell Jesus that we know our heart is dirty, dark and full of sin (frown at this point and shake your head no) and that we need Him to wash our heart clean (smile and nod your head yes)!!

Dear God…
Please help me to see the darkness in my heart.  Help me to see my sins and to ask Jesus to shine His light on them so I can see them.  Jesus please wash my sins away so I can have light in my heart.  Amen!

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© Kate Plourde 2009

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 24 – Helping Mommy

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture of Jesus and the Apostles.  Jesus is telling the Apostles where to throw their nets so they can catch fish!

Apostles Song
(to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me”)

Jesus called them one by one, Peter, Andrew, James and John,
Next came Philip, Thomas too, Matthew and Bartholomew.

Yes, Jesus called them, Yes, Jesus called them,
Yes, Jesus called them, The Bible tells me so.

James the one they called the less, Simon, also Thaddeus,
The twelfth apostle Judas made, Jesus was by him betrayed.

Yes, Jesus called them, Yes, Jesus called them,
Yes, Jesus called them, The Bible tells me so.

Bible Time

(Mar 1:17)  And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

Story

When Mommy asked Bobby to help her with the trash, Bobby began to throw a temper tantrum.  He was busy playing with his cars and he did not want to stop to help Mommy.  Mommy asked Bobby again but he continued to cry and say, “No!”

Mommy sat Bobby on her lap and told him how sad she was that he would not help her.  (make a sad face and shake your head no.)

“You know, Bobby, Jesus had helpers too.  He could not do all the work by Himself.  Jesus had to preach to the people, just like Pastor.” Mommy said.

She continued, “Jesus did not have time to fish or hunt for food.  So He would send the Apostles, like Peter and John, to get the food for everyone to eat.”

“I didn’t know that!” Bobby said.

“Yes, Bobby, it’s true.  Would you say no to Jesus if He asked you to help Him?” Mommy asked.

“No, I would say yes!” said Bobby.

“Good, Bobby!  I’m glad you would say yes to Jesus!  I would, too!  You know, Bobby, the Bible says that you would obey me just as you would obey Jesus if I ask you to do something.  When you throw a temper tantrum like this, it makes me sad and Jesus, too!  Jesus wants you to obey me.  And when you obey me, you’re obeying Jesus, too!”  (clap your hands and smile)

“Now,” said Mommy, “won’t you come and help me empty the trash?”

Bobby went to help Mommy right away!  Yeh Bobby!  (clap your hands)

Dear God…
Please help me to always obey my Mommy and Daddy when they ask me to do something.  I know that when I obey then, I am obeying you. Amen!

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© Kate Plourde 2009

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 23 – Days of Creation

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the pictures and match where they live!

Days of Creation
(Sung to: This Old Man)
lyrics written and contributed by Sharon Broome

On day one God made light
Made the difference in day and night
God just spoke the words and it came true
Wonder what else God will do?

On day two Split in two
Skies above the water blue
God just spoke the words and it came to be
What will happen on day three?

On day three God made land
Then he put plants in the sand
God made herbs and grass and fruit on the tree
This was all done on day three

On day four God made lights
Some for days and some for nights
Stars are dim, but the sun and the moon are bright
Aren’t you glad that God made lights

On day five God made alive
Fish for the waters and birds for the skies
All the things that swim and birds to fly
These were made on day five

On day six God did fix
Animals, mankind and even ticks
God made lizards, cats, and other things that lick
Animals were created on day six

On day seven God in heaven
Rested from all the work he’d done
He’d made the earth, the stars, the moon, and sun
It was good what God had done

Bible Time

(Gen 1:1) In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Read the entire Genesis account of creation.

Story

Let’s read about each day and see what God made on those days. Isn’t God wonderful? He loves us so much that He gave us all kinds of things to look at and to listen to. (clap your hands and smile!)

After reviewing each one, go outside and point to the grass and ask your child(ren) what day the grass was made. Point to a bird, etc. Clap your hands and rejoice when they get the day right!

Dear God…
Thank you for creating everything for us to enjoy.  Help me never to forget that You are the Creator of everything! Amen

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© Kate Plourde 2009

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 22 – Joy

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color this picture! What are the children doing?

I’ve Got the Joy

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
down in my heart, (where?)
down in my heart, (where?),
down in my heart,
I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy
down in my heart, (where?)
down in my heart to stay.

Bible Time

(Act 13:52)  And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

Story

Katie was sad because her best friend, Suzie, moved away.  All she could think about was how much fun she and Suzie had together!  The more she thought about Suzie, the sadder she got.  Her Daddy came into her room and said, “Why are you so sad, Katie?”

“Suzie is gone, Daddy!  I don’t have anyone to play with!”

“Awww,” said Daddy.  “What about Mary?  Why don’t you call her and ask her if she wants to play with you?  I’m sure she misses Suzie, too!” (make a sad face)

“Oh thank you, Daddy!  That’s a great idea!  I didn’t think Mary would be sad, too.  Maybe I can make Mary happy and Mary can make me happy at the same time!” exclaimed Katie.  (clap your hands and smile)

When we are sad, we can always get our joy back by being nice to someone else.  That is what Jesus would do.  Katie did the right thing, didn’t she?  (Nod your head yes.)  She knew that if she was a blessing to Mary, it would give Katie a blessing, too!

Dear God…
Please help me to be a blessing to someone else that needs it.  If someone is sad, help me to be nice to them and help them to be happy again.  Amen!

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© Kate Plourde 2009

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 21 – Being Different

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture of Zacchaeus! Why was he in a tree?

Zacchaeus Was A Wee Little Man

Zacchaeus was a wee little man, and a wee little man was he.
He climbed up in a sycamore tree, for the Lord he wanted to see.
And as the Savior passed him by, He looked up in the tree,
And he said, “Zacchaeus, you come down from there;
For I’m going to your house today, for I’m going to your house today.”

Bible Time

(Luk 19:2)  And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, which was the chief among the publicans, and he was rich.

(Luk 19:3)  And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.

(Luk 19:4)  And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycomore tree to see him: for he was to pass that way.

Story

Johnny was playing with Jamie in the sand box.  Freddie walked up to the sand box and told them that he wanted to play too.  But Jamie did not want Freddie to play with them because Freddie had a patch over his eye.  Freddie had an operation on his eye and had to wear a patch over it to keep the dirt out.  Jamie made fun of Freddie and called him names.

Johnny felt sad because Jamie was making fun of Freddie.  But he did not know what to do.  He didn’t want Jamie to stop playing with him.  But he did not want Freddie to be sad.  Johnny went to talk to him Mommy.

“Mommy,” Johnny asked, “What should I do?  I want to play with Jamie AND Freddie!”

Mommy told Johnny the story about Zacchaeus and how short of a man he was.  Jesus did not make fun of Zacchaeus because he climbed a tree so he could see Him.  In fact, Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down from the tree so He could go to his house to eat with him!  Jesus did not care that Zacchaeus was short.  Jesus loved Zacchaeus no matter how tall he was.

Mommy said, “Johnny, we need to be like Jesus and love everyone – no matter what is wrong with their body!  Wouldn’t you be sad if Jamie did not want to play with you ?  What do you think you should do?”

Johnny knew that he would feel badly if someone did not want to play with him because he looked different from them.

He felt so much better after talking to his Mommy.  He ran outside and told Jamie to stop making fun of Freddie because Jesus loves Freddie just as much as He loved him.  Then he turned to Freddie and said, “Come play with us!  We don’t care what you look like!”

Aren’t you glad that Jesus loves us even though there is something wrong with our bodies?  Our bodies may not all look the same but inside, we are all the same!

Dear God…
Please help me not to be nice to people even if they do not look like me.  Help me to love them the same way that You love them!  Amen!

Back to Mini Manna for Little Lambs series

© Kate Plourde 2009

Mini-Manna for Little Lambs – Day 20 – Temper Tantrums

Coloring/Teaching

Let’s color the picture of Johnny and Katie praying! Why do you think they are praying? Who are they praying to?

Temper Tantrums
(sung to Mary Had a Little Lamb)

Throwing tantrums is a sin
Is a sin
Is a sin
Throwing tantrums is a sin
It makes my parents sad.

I cannot always get my way
Get my way
Get my way
I cannot always get my way
And fussing makes things worse.

If I learn to be patient
Be patient
Be patient
If I learn to be patient
Then Jesus will bless me.

Bible Time

(Luk 15:28 ) And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.

Story

Mommy asked Johnny and Katie to pick up their toys before going outside to play on the swings. Katie did not listen to Mommy and went outside. (make a sad face) Katie disobeyed her Mommy didn’t she? (nod your head yes)

Johnny obeyed Mommy right away and went straight to his room to pick up his toys (clap your hands and smile)! Afterwards, Johnny went to play on the swings with Katie. Johnny was angry because it seemed that Katie always disobeyed Mommy but he always obeyed Mommy. (Put your index finger on your cheek and look upward like you’re thinking and say:) Johnny thought to himself, “It isn’t fair that Katie gets away with being disobedient!” (make a frown)

Later, Mommy came outside and called them in saying, “Since you’ve been such good children, come in for cookies and milk!” Johnny did not want to go inside. He was still angry because he had obeyed Mommy and Katie had not obeyed her. Katie was getting a reward for being bad and he did not like that. So, Johnny stayed outside.

Katie went in the house and said, “Mommy, I’m sorry that I did not obey you. I did not clean my room. I’m so sorry! I will go clean my room right now before I eat my cookies!”

Mommy was so glad that Katie was sorry for disobeying! (smile and clap your hands) Mommy went outside looking for Johnny to remind him to come in for cookies and milk. Johnny was very upset and throwing a temper tantrum because Katie didn’t have to clean her room and he did. Mommy sat Johnny down on her lap and said, “Johnny, Katie knew she did wrong and came to me and asked me to forgive her. Why are you throwing a temper tantrum?”

Johnny said, “Because I always obey you and Katie doesn’t always obey you! She gets cookies even when she disobeys! It’s not fair!”

So Mommy gave Johnny a hug and said, “Johnny, I know that you always obey me and that is VERY good! (smile) But the Bible says that when someone sins and disobeys and comes to ask forgiveness, we should be ready to forgive them just as our Father in Heaven is always ready to forgive us when we sin! Did you know that it is a sin for you to have a temper trantrum? (make a sad face) I’m very happy when you obey me but it makes me sad when you have a tantrum because things don’t go the way you think they should go, Johnny!”

Johnny felt badly that he had made Mommy sad. He said, “I’m sorry Mommy! I will try not to have any more tantrums!”

So Mommy and Johnny went inside to sit with Katie and they all enjoyed their milk and cookies!

Dear God…
Please help me not to have temper tantrums when things don’t go my way. I know that this makes You sad and makes Mommy and Daddy sad, too. Amen!

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