Elaine Pendergrass Elaine Pendergrass

Faith Across Generations: The Lasting Influence of Grandparents

Grandparents have a unique opportunity to shape a child’s faith through relationships, stories, milestones, prayer, and a lifetime of experiencing God’s faithfulness. Discover practical ways grandparents can intentionally influence the next generation, whether they live across the street or across the country.

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10 Easy Ways to Teach Your Children about Christmas

Amid the decorations, gifts, treats, and holiday bustle, it can be easy for families to lose sight of the reason we celebrate. Discover ten simple, meaningful ways to help your children focus on the birth of Jesus and make him the guest of honor in your family’s Christmas celebration.

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Zacchaeus in a Pear Tree?

Keep the celebration of Jesus going beyond Christmas Day with a meaningful twist on “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Each day pairs one of the song’s familiar gifts with a lesson from Jesus, beginning with Zacchaeus in a tree, and gives families a simple way to read Scripture, talk together, and remember what Jesus taught.

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Two by Two

On the second day of Christmas, two turtle doves remind us that Jesus sent his messengers out in pairs to share the good news. Explore what their mission teaches families about trusting God, faithfully following Jesus, and sharing his unchanging message with courage and kindness.

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Worry, Worry, Worry

On the third day of Christmas, three French hens remind us of Jesus’s teaching about the birds of the air. This lesson helps families explore why we can release our worries and trust our loving Heavenly Father, who knows what we need and faithfully cares for us.

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Peace! Be Still!

On the seventh day of Christmas, seven swans a-swimming lead us to the story of Jesus calming the storm. Through the peaceful image of a swan gliding above busy waters, families can explore how Jesus’s presence brings peace and reminds us that we are never alone, even when fear and anxiety churn beneath the surface.

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Ring, Ring, Ring, Ring

On the fourth day of Christmas, four calling birds remind us that we can call out to our Heavenly Father. Walk through the Lord’s Prayer with your family and help your children understand what Jesus taught us about honoring God, seeking his will, trusting him for our needs, extending forgiveness, and asking for protection.

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What You Do With What You’re Given

On the fifth day of Christmas, five golden rings lead us to Jesus’s Parable of the Talents. Discover how this story can help your family understand the importance of faithfully using and sharing the gifts, knowledge, and understanding God has entrusted to each of us.

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Are You A Christian?

On the sixth day of Christmas, six geese a-laying remind us that every living thing produces according to its kind. Through Jesus’s teaching about trees and their fruit, families can explore how a Christian’s life should reflect the love, joy, peace, kindness, and other fruit produced by the Holy Spirit.

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To Milk, or Not to Milk?

On the eighth day of Christmas, eight maids a-milking lead us to the story of Mary and Martha. This lesson invites families to consider how even good and necessary work can distract us from what matters most: slowing down, sitting at the feet of Jesus, and listening to him.

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How To Discuss Death With Your Child

Talking with children about death can feel overwhelming, especially when we are grieving, too. Through the story of a beloved family hamster, this article offers honest, faith-centered guidance for helping children understand death, express their feelings, ask questions, and develop healthy ways to grieve.

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Get Up and Get Out!

On the tenth day of Christmas, ten lords a-leaping lead us to Bartimaeus, who sprang up when Jesus called him. His story invites families to explore what it means to call out to Jesus, trust him with our needs, respond in faith, and follow the One who hears us.

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Eggs: For More than Eating

Easter eggs, baskets, and sweet treats are fun, but the heart of Easter is the resurrection of Jesus. Discover simple, hands-on ways to help children experience the Easter story through Resurrection Eggs, Resurrection Rolls, and other meaningful family activities.

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What Is Islam: A Crash Course for Children (and Their Parents)

How can Christian parents help their children understand Islam while remaining confident in their own faith? This child-friendly guide explains basic Muslim beliefs and practices, explores important differences between Islam and Christianity, and encourages families to speak about Jesus with both courage and kindness while treating Muslim neighbors with love and respect.

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Six Ways to Stop Bullying

Why do so many children remain silent when they are being bullied, and how can parents help them feel safe enough to speak? This article offers practical, faith-centered ways to prevent bullying, encourage honest conversations, recognize warning signs, and take appropriate action when a child needs protection.

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Children Grieve Too: 10 Practical Ways You Can Help

Helping children understand death can feel especially difficult when a family or church community is grieving. This gentle, faith-centered guide offers practical language for explaining death, responding to children’s questions and fears, honoring their unique ways of grieving, and reminding them of the hope we have in Jesus.

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