Growing Little Women/Growing Little Women for Younger Girls Set
392
Growing Little Women/Growing Little Women for Younger Girls Set
392eBookDigital Original (Digital Original)
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Overview
In Growing Little Women, Donna Miller will provide you and your special girl with teachable moments from the Word of God. In a time where modesty is of little value and many kids have had at least one sexual encounter before graduating high school, children are growing up faster than ever. They experience pressures that, in days past, we're not faced until adulthood. They encounter situations that many adults will never meet. So how do we teach our girls to follow God when life around them at school, in magazines, and on TV teaches them to follow nothing but their passions and desires? How to we share with them that Jesus is the answer to their every question and the fulfillment of their heart's desires? Filled with engaging stories, fun activities, and lessons on life, Growing Little Women will help you prepare her to become a godly woman and establish a bond with her that will smooth her passage to womanhood. In just one hour a week you can impact the future of that special young lady and nurture a friendship that will last forever. Time is ticking. Don't let it get away. "Teach your children to choose the right path, and when they are older, they will remain upon it." — Proverbs 22:6 NLT.
In Growing Little Women for Younger Girls, this workbook will help mothers prepare their 6–9 year-old daughters to grow in their faith in God. Parents desperately need something to grasp onto, a practical way to get their children interested in Jesus Christ and the plans He has for them. Growing Little Women for Younger Girls meets a mother's unique need to spiritually connect with her young daughter(s).
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780802482846 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Moody Publishers |
| Publication date: | 09/01/2000 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 392 |
| File size: | 3 MB |
About the Author
CHRISTINE YOUNT JONES is the executive editor of Children's Ministry Magazine, Children's Ministry Magazine Live workshops, and cmmag.com. She is also a popular speaker who leads workshops nationally and internationally. She is the author of With All Their Heart: Teaching Your Kids to Love God and Awesome Volunteers and the co-author of the ECPA Gold Medallion finalist Growing Little Women for Younger Girls. She, her husband Ray, and their children live in Loveland, Colorado.
Read an Excerpt
Growing Little Women/Growing Little Women for Younger Girls Set
By Donna J. Míller, Linda Holland
Moody Publishers
Copyright © 1997 Donna MillerAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-8024-8284-6
CHAPTER 1
A Dove in God's Garden
Scripture Reading for This Week
Matthew 10:29–31
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
What words best describe the main point of this passage? Write them in the space below.
Daughter ____________________________________________________
Mom _________________________________________________________
Psalm 139:13–16
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; ... My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
What words best describe the main point of these verses? Write them in the space below.
Daughter ____________________________________________________
Mom _________________________________________________________
Tell each other why you chose these words.
As dawn birthed the morning of the sixth day of creation, God stood back and inspected His work.
The sun in the sky cast its warmth over rolling grassy hills and majestic mountains that jutted up between the valleys and plains of earth, pointing back toward heaven. Birds of every kind soared the azure skies before returning to their nests on the seashore or land. Animals of every species found homes in their favorite terrain, while fish and dolphins and other creatures swam vast oceans, lakes, and rivers.
A lazy river meandered through the Garden of Eden where God had placed the first man, Adam, to live. At nightfall the river swelled until it spilled over its banks and blanketed the garden with a thin sheet of water that nourished the lush foliage. As the sun burst on each new day, the water receded, leaving a covering of dew on the ground.
God came down from heaven and walked through the sleeping garden looking for Adam. The power of His presence stirred a breeze that rustled leaves in a whisper of praise to the Mighty Creator.
God found Adam sleeping in a patch of moss growing in the hollowed-out trunk of a redwood tree. For a few moments, God just stood and watched Adam's chest rise and fall to the rhythm of his restful breath. God took pleasure in what He had created. It was good. But He had not yet finished His work. To be complete, earth required one final touch of the Creator's hands.
While Adam slept, God reached His hand down and took one of his ribs, closing up the flesh around it. Stooping near the ground, He gently laid the rib in the soil in front of Him. His hands scooped soft, moist dirt and heaped it in a mound over the bone. Then those powerful yet gentle hands molded and shaped a new creation.
As God worked, the creature gradually began to take shape. The form looked a lot like Adam, but at the same time distinctly different. This image was smaller and rounder than Adam and had a softer appearance.
Several animals poked their curious faces through the bushes to get a better look. They watched ... wondering. A bear padded boldly right up to the creature and sniffed. Other animals began to creep closer now, fascinated by this new addition to the garden.
God paused briefly, considering the qualities this new creation would require to fulfill her purpose on earth.
Overhead, a dove cut against the wind, striking a fanciful silhouette against the blue. God watched the bird rise higher and higher into the sky, pumping its wings harder, faster, higher until it was merely a speck in the heavens. God bid the bird to come to Him, and the pale speck in the distance grew bigger and bigger as the dove suddenly plunged toward earth. Dropping near the ground, it spread its wings and glided to rest on God's shoulder.
God whispered softly to the dove and stroked the back of its head as it cooed its allegiance to the Mighty Creator. He loved the qualities of the dove—gentle, friendly, and delicate. To Him the dove represented peacefulness, loyalty, and purity.
Inside woman, God placed the gentle characteristics of the dove.
But like Adam, this new creation would also need to be strong like the lion. But, no, not the lion. More like the strength of the alabaster—a pure, white stone God had tucked into the hillsides of Milan. Yes, that was more like it—strong, yet beautiful and translucent.
Now the creature was complete.
God smiled. Then, inhaling deeply, He breathed life into the woman.
Once more, God viewed His masterpiece. "It is perfect," He said with a smile as He woke Adam up to make the introduction.
Adam was clearly delighted. "I will call you Eve," he said to her. Then God rested from His work.
Discussion Questions
1. What does it mean when we say that God delights in us?
2. Have you ever made something that gave you pleasure? Do you think that might be how God felt?
3. Do you think God delights in your unique traits—those qualities that make you different from anyone else?
DEFINITION OF DELIGHT: To take great pleasure, joy, and satisfaction.
DEFINITION OF UNIQUE: Distinct, one of a kind.
What Does the Bible Say?
Look up the following Scriptures and fill in the blanks.
Psalm 149:4
For the Lord takes____________in his____________.
Psalm 103:14
For he____________how we are____________.
What does this tell you about the level of God's involvement in our personal lives?
Matthew 10:30
And even the very____________of your head are all___________.
If God knows even the small details about us, how much more does He care about the more important things in our lives?
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is____________, he is____________. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Look at the second part of the last verse. It says, "He will take great delight in you ... he will rejoice over you with singing." Write one word that best describes how that makes you feel.
Daughter ____________________________________________________
Mom _________________________________________________________
Looking Deeper
For Discussion:
Ask each other to list some of the qualities that make each of you unique.
Daughter:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Mom:
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Together, list three ways you can begin to use those qualities on a daily basis.
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
List three things both of you could do this week that would please God.
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
Compare your ideas with these:
• Go to bed early one night each week to enjoy a leisurely chat with God.
• Read from your Bible every day, even if all you can manage is a few verses.
• Ask God each morning to accompany you throughout your day.
Wow! Now you have six great ideas. Practice them this week.
For Discussion:
Discuss and list below three reasons you know you are special to God.
1. __________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________________________________
Compare your ideas with these:
• His Word says so.
• He died on the cross for my sins.
• I experience His love when I feel His presence.
Action Ideas
Spend some time looking at old photos of you and your family. Daughter, ask your mother to tell you all about the day you were born.
Words to Memorize For the Lord takes delight in his people. Psalm 149:4
Your Goal for This Week
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Closing Prayer
Lord, help me to remember that You created me for Your pleasure. Teach me how to please You in all that I do.
CHAPTER 2A Heart That's Pure
Scripture Reading for This Week
Luke 1:46–55
And Mary said: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers."
What words best describe the main point of these verses? Write them in the space below.
Daughter _____________________________________________________
Mom __________________________________________________________
Tell each other why you chose these words.
On the streets of heaven, the changing of the guard caused a windstorm of activity as some angels returned from their earthly assignments and others left to take the next shift. Those returning stopped at the Streets of Gold Newsstand to pick up the evening edition of the Celestial Tribune. A flame of excitement ignited the air, spreading like wildfire in the wind as, one by one, the heavenly hosts noticed the day's headline. It said: "Messiah to Be Born." And just below that: "Tonight God's Son Becomes a Child."
Awed by the significance of this long-awaited occurrence, the celestials whispered among themselves, "Today's the day! Today's the day!" They chattered and nodded to one another as they read the article that followed. The news column announced that God's commanding officer—the archangel Gabriel—had played a significant role in the event. All were invited to attend a meeting to celebrate.
In the center of the city, a majestic crystal palace rose from the golden streets, perched atop a platinum scaffold like a gigantic diamond solitaire. It sparkled, its facets casting prisms of color over the terrain. The Architect had left the roof of this structure open to allow for a panoramic view of the universe.
The celestials converged now on the great hall, where God convened the meeting with Gabriel at attention before Him. Divine love traced the Sovereign's face as He reminded them all of His perfect plan to ransom His wayward children.
When God paused, Gabriel approached the throne. His expression revealed his excitement as he looked into God's eyes and asked, "Master, can it be true? Is tonight really the night?"
"It is true!" God confirmed. "The time has come. Tonight My Beloved Son will be born as a child to save My people from their sins."
Gabriel tilted his head slightly to one side as he listened earnestly to God's every word. He knew well his assignment, for he had rehearsed his part in this plan since the beginning of time.
The Almighty stood to His feet, opening His arms in a grand, sweeping gesture. The glory of His presence electrified the atmosphere as all of heaven waited, listening attentively for the voice of their God.
Finally, He spoke. "I have searched the earth for a special young woman to be My servant. Not a stranger. Someone familiar to Me. Someone pure. Someone I can trust with the life of My one and only Son." A wistfulness settled on God's face as He spoke of His Son.
"I have chosen a girl named Mary," God continued. "She is a descendant of my servant David. I know her well because she worships Me with her whole heart. In all the world there is none with a heart so pure as Mary's. I can trust Mary with My Son. Tonight she will give birth to Him and name Him Jesus."
As God spoke and angels watched, Gabriel's wings fluttered behind him anticipating his departure. And heaven poised breathlessly, marking the moment that would alter the destiny of the world forever.
"I know exactly what to do." Gabriel bowed his allegiance, and with the reverberating sound of a thousand birds in flight, he spread his massive wings and ascended high above heaven. Then, tucking his wings close to his body, he plunged suddenly out of sight toward earth to announce the special gift God had sent to earth.
* * *
Several months earlier, starlight fell from a midnight sky across the sleeping town of Nazareth. All was quiet except for the lowing of cattle that stirred in the pastures and an occasional rustling of leaves tossed about by a warm breeze. On the edge of town, in a mud-walled hovel, a girl lay in deep slumber on a mat. Her long, dark hair fell away from skin tanned from long days spent under the fierce eastern sun.
Because she was now in her teens, Jewish culture considered Mary a young woman; she was ready to marry and begin her own family. Mary was fortunate. Her father had promised her in marriage to a kind and gentle carpenter named Joseph, who Mary thought was the finest young man in all of Galilee. Over time, she had grown to love him deeply.
As Mary slept, visions of her upcoming wedding danced happily in her dreams.
Suddenly, a flash of light burst through the doorway, illuminating even the shadowy corners of the room. Startled awake, Mary bolted upright in her bed. Her hands flew up instinctively to shield her eyes from the glare as she squinted blindly at a form that now began to take shape on the threshold. She rubbed her groggy eyes briskly with her fists, attempting to wake herself from this terrible nightmare, but when she looked again, the creature was still there.
As her eyes began to adjust to the light, Mary could see a brilliant image standing in the doorway. He wore a shimmering robe that spilled over his feet and onto the floor. Two glistening wings rested against his massive shoulders, extending down his back and brushing the floor. His long hair framed a striking face that seemed to radiate the presence of God.
Terrified and still squinting, Mary sprang to her feet and crouched against the cold wall.
"Don't be afraid, Mary. My name is Gabriel, and I've come to congratulate you." The angel's voice echoed in Mary's head. "The Lord takes great pleasure in you, because you worship and love Him completely."
Mary froze, her hands clutching her robe. The pounding of her heartbeat raced in her ears, and a lump formed in her throat.
"There is no reason to be afraid, Mary," Gabriel comforted her. "God is going to bless you in a wonderful way!"
Mary straightened slightly, but confusion etched her face as she struggled to make sense of the angel's words.
"Very soon now," Gabriel spoke gently, "you will become pregnant and give birth to a baby boy. This baby is the Son of God—the Messiah that God has promised!" Gabriel stepped forward and looked into Mary's eyes. "Name Him Jesus," he said slowly to be sure she understood him. "As it was written, God will give His Son the throne of His ancestor David, and He will reign over Israel forever."
Mary swallowed hard and then swallowed hard again, trying to reclaim her voice. "B-b-but ... how can I have a baby?" she whispered. "I'm ... I'm a virgin."
"Don't worry, Mary," Gabriel assured her. "You will become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and God's power."
Mary stared intently into the angel's eyes, no longer afraid as she felt a strange peace pour over her like warm oil. "I am the Lord's servant," a more confident Mary spoke now. "I am willing to do whatever He asks. Let everything you have said come true."
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Growing Little Women/Growing Little Women for Younger Girls Set by Donna J. Míller, Linda Holland. Copyright © 1997 Donna Miller. Excerpted by permission of Moody Publishers.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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Table of Contents
Contents
Growing Little Women,Growing Little Women for Younger Girls,