Moms with a Plan: 7 Days of Faith Training

Are you a planner? I have to say, planning is not my forte. I'm a roll with it, we'll figure it out, free spirit who still likes to feel prepared for any situation. However, preparation takes planning and it's the planning part that I often fail to prioritize. Planning helps to ensure that we have covered all the bases. It helps us work toward a common goal. There are so many faith-based activities that I want to do with my kids but if I don't have a plan, I don't actually end up executing anything. Also, who has the time or energy for anything these days?

I've come up with a simple plan to help us all stay on track. Hopefully you will look at this plan and think, “Oh, I can do this!”

SON DAY SUNDAY:

On Sundays, we go to church. For us right now that's online, but this is the day that we have set aside to join our church body as a family to worship God. A good way for you to prepare for the week ahead is to jot down a few notes and verses from the sermon and expand up on them throughout the rest of the week. What is a verse/point/Bible story that stuck out to you in Sunday’s sermon? Plan to use that to teach your kids on Tuesday.

MAKE SOMEONE'S MONDAY:

On Mondays we will brainstorm ways that we can bless someone's day and then we'll choose one or several. Sometimes it may mean that we each reach out to someone and ask them how we can pray for them. Other times it'll be a larger gesture like taking someone a meal. Or it might be blessing a sibling - perhaps that’ll stop them from bickering for a few minutes. Perhaps.

TEACH AND PLAY TUESDAY:

Tuesdays will take the most planning, but this is the day when I will choose a Family Faith Activity for us to do together. I will teach about a Bible story, theme, character, or Bible verse and will do an activity that will reinforce it. If you subscribe below, you’ll gain access to my Freebies page which has a growing list of Family Faith Activities for you to do with your kids. Also, I’ll be posting ideas in the Her Children Arise: Community for Moms Facebook group.

WORSHIP WEDNESDAY:

On Wednesdays we will turn up the worship music and dance, paint, build, write, or stretch - there are so many ways that we can worship God. I like to put toys, art supplies and ideas on the table for the kids to choose how they would like to spend this time.

THANKFUL THURSDAY:

On Thursdays we will keep a running list of all the things we are thankful for. We may draw pictures or go on a walk to discover God's creations outside or just talk about it. You can also make a poster or place a jar and slips of paper on the table and add to it each week.

FELLOWSHIP FRIDAY:

On these days we will be intentional about fellowshipping as a family — no distractions or technology. Maybe it'll be a game night or perhaps we'll go out to dinner. Whatever it is, Mom will put down the broom and Dad will step away from the stove (and we’ll all put away our phones) and we'll just "be" together. Here are some fun ideas: family craft, game night, dance party, campout, build a fort, build marble tracks, ride bikes, create an obstacle course, pretend the floor is lava, movie night, etc.

SOUL CARE SATURDAY:

Take time to recharge. As moms it's easy for us to put our needs aside, so we're going to prioritize them at least once a week. What is it that you need that will fill your tank? On a scale of 1 to 10, how are you feeling? What is it that will help you recharge: a bath? A book? Writing? Time with friends? Going to the store alone? It might be going on an adventure with the family without the dirty dishes staring at you. It may be asking for help. Whatever it is, begin this time in prayer. Ask God to give you what you need to fill your tank, relax, and reset for the week. This day will be a great reminder for you to take care of your needs so that you can be ready to care for the needs of your family. Encourage each of your kids to find a way to relax as well. Teach them the importance of soul care by guiding them in prayer and giving them a special space and time to recharge.

Of course, this plan is meant to be flexible and it’s ok if you miss some days. I hope that by using alliteration it’ll remind us of one simple way that we can be intentional about faith-training our kids. As you get into a rhythm, use these as daily prompts for discussion with your kids. Later, you may decide to plan larger activities or lengthen the time, but for now, KISS: Keep It Simple, Sister.

If you would like to learn how other moms are applying this plan, join us on Facebook at Her Children Arise: Community for Moms.

Check out the Freebies page to download a weekly schedule. You can either print one per week or put it in an 8”x10” frame to use as a dry/erase board. If you would like to receive access to the password-protected Freebies page, please subscribe below.