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Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Your Kids

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:28:35 GMT

Fun Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with Your Kids

Anyone who knows me for a minute learns that I’m a sucker for parties. As a homeschool mom, I used any excuse to create a celebration. Guess what? St. Patrick’s Day is around the corner. Most people associate St. Patrick’s Day with leprechauns, shamrocks, and anything Irish. But its origin stems from the life of a real-life, courageous hero of the faith. I encourage you to break from your normal activities to explore the phenomenal history of this remarkable man.

How would you feel if someone took you as their slave? What would you say and do? Use these thought-provoking questions as the springboard to dive into a rich learning unit on St. Patrick. The dive may be deep or shallow, depending upon your available time or the ages of your children.

Below are activity suggestions to incorporate key subjects into a cohesive, life-changing study of St. Patrick that you can tailor for any academic level.

History

Legends about St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, abound, including one about banishing snakes from Ireland. But most agree on the most significant details of his story. Patrick was born late in the fourth century in Britain, then part of the Roman empire. Though his parents taught him about God, he did not follow God.

When Patrick was about sixteen, raiders kidnapped him and took him to Ireland, where he spent long and lonely hours tending sheep. Like David in the Bible, he thought about God, finally putting his trust in Jesus for salvation . After six years, God gave Patrick a dream about a ship that waited in a port to take him away from Ireland. He escaped his captors and made it to the ship, finally returning home. At home, Patrick studied the Bible to become a priest. Then God gave him another dream. In the dream, a man gave him a letter from the pagan people of Ireland. They asked Patrick to come to them. Patrick obeyed God and went back to the people who had mistreated him. Patrick did not hold a grudge against the people of Ireland. Instead, he shared the gospel and devoted the rest of his life to them. Many people in Ireland believed in God because of Patrick’s selfless love.

You may choose to read one of many books that focus on Patrick’s ministry. Or you may simply read the narrative I’ve provided. Either way, be sure to discuss themes of obedience to God, forgiveness, loving enemies, and the power of Jesus’ cross.

Symbols

Use free apps on the internet to create a word search, crossword puzzle, or coloring pages with St. Patrick’s Day symbols.

Green : The green landscape of Ireland inspires green decorations and clothing on St. Patrick’s Day. Some think wearing green brings good luck.

Pinch : If you don’t wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, you might receive a pinch!

Celtic cross : This cross, designed by St. Patrick, has a circle in the center, which represents the sun. Patrick wanted to remind people that God is the Creator.

Shamrock : Staying green year-round, this plant is Ireland’s national flower.

Leprechaun : This fictional elf-like man tries to trick or deceive you. But if you capture him, you may persuade him to tell where he stores his gold.

Rainbow : Leprechauns are rumored to hide their treasure in pots at the end of a rainbow.

Music

-Find Celtic music to play for your St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This traditional Irish folk music uses pipes, fiddles, and Celtic harps to create a unique sound.

-Search for videos of Irish step dancing or clogging. Often, the dancers wear colorful, traditional costumes. If you step along with the video, you can also check off physical education for the day.

-For younger children, sing and clap the following words to the B-I-N-G-O song:

There is a color I can say // That represents St. Patrick’s Day // G-R-E-E-N, G-R-E-E-N, G-R-E-E-N, // And green is that color.

Geography

-Using a world map, help your children to find Ireland. Discuss what type of landmass they see. Find other similar landmasses. Compare its location and size to other places they know.

-Print out a coloring page of Ireland for younger children. Ask older children to draw and label a map of the country.

-Research facts about Ireland to create a travel brochure.

English

-Assign words pertaining to St. Patrick’s Day for vocabulary and spelling assignments.

-Cut the story of St. Patrick into sentence strips and ask younger children to read them and order them chronologically.

-Assign a written essay or PowerPoint about St. Patrick or the day’s celebration to evaluate acquired knowledge.

-Irish people enjoy a particular type of poem called a limerick. Named after a town in Ireland, it has five lines and a unique rhythm. Find a few on the internet (beware, some are naughty), and share them with your kids. Then work as a group to write your own limericks.

-Ask your children to recite limericks for after-dinner entertainment.

Bible

-Compare and contrast people in the Bible, such as Jesus, Joseph, and David, with St. Patrick using a Venn diagram or chart.

-Ask your children to imagine they are St. Patrick and find Bible verses to comfort or encourage him. Pick a favorite and memorize it.

-Study the doctrine of the Trinity. St. Patrick used a shamrock, or clover, to teach the Irish people about God as three Persons in one. He explained that the shamrock has three leaves, but they are all part of one flower.

-Look up God’s commands about spreading the gospel and discuss where today’s missionaries go and what they do.

Arts and Crafts

-Cut out and decorate card stock shamrocks. Write or glue printed Bible verses on the shamrocks and display them throughout the house.

-Make paper chains with green and white construction paper.

-Illustrate your limericks on paper or using a design app such as Canva.

-St. Patrick designed the Celtic cross . Design your own cross using paper or clay and explain how it represents God.

Science and Math in the Kitchen (aka Cooking)

Doesn’t every celebration need food? Find recipes for a special meal of corned beef and cabbage, potatoes, Irish stew (carrots, cabbage, onions, potatoes, and beef), and Irish soda bread. Then head to the kitchen with your kids and apply weights and measurements, fractions, and kitchen chemistry concepts.

Field Trip

If you live in a part of the country settled by the Irish back in the day, you might be able to attend an Irish parade. Some bigger cities with rivers dye the water green for the day. But keep the kids away from the green beer!

Game: Name Something Green

Supplies : whiteboard, marker, green balloon, category cards, timer, prizes

Divide the group into two teams and assign one scorekeeper. Mark each team’s name on the board. The scorekeeper chooses and announces the category card and sets a timer. The teams bop the balloon back and forth. Before swatting the balloon, the team must name a green thing in the assigned category. The scorekeeper writes the words on the board in the appropriate column. The round is over if the balloon falls to the floor before a team names a green item. Tally the number of words for each team. After several rounds, the team with the most points wins. Award the winners with prizes that, naturally, must be green.

Categories : fruits, vegetables, animals, foods, things in nature, things we wear, things in the room, etc. Use your imagination!

How Will You Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?

Remember, these suggestions are like a buffet where you can choose what works for your family. You might also recruit other parents to organize a homeschool co-op party. Invite grandparents and family friends to a “show and tell” to reinforce the learning.

Influencing the Next Generation of Faith Heroes

God called Patrick to minister to the people in Ireland who had kidnapped and enslaved him. Through Patrick’s obedience, the gospel of Christ spread and transformed a country.

You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations ( Psalm 77:14 NLT). When you expose your children to St. Patrick and other heroes of the faith, you strike a life-changing spark in their hearts to follow God wherever He is leading. Imagine how God may use them to demonstrate His awesome power!

Annie Yorty writes and speaks to encourage others to perceive God’s person, presence, provision, and purpose in the unexpected twists and turns of life. Married to her high school sweetheart and living in Pennsylvania, she mothers a teen, two adult children (one with intellectual disabilities), and a furry beast labradoodle. She has written From Ignorance to Bliss: God’s Heart Revealed through Down Syndrome , and a devotional, 25 Symbols of Christmas: Finding Jesus . Please connect with her at AnnieYorty.com , Facebook, and Instagram.

Related Resource: Strengthening Your Marriage While Raising a Child with Disabilities

In this episode of Empowering Homeschool Conversations , your host Annie Yorty and her special guests dive into the unique challenges and beautiful complexities of maintaining a strong, loving partnership while navigating the demands of special needs parenting. Our expert guests bring a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to the table, offering invaluable insights and practical strategies for fostering resilience, connection, and joy in your marriage. Whether you're homeschooling parents seeking support, or simply looking for ways to strengthen your relationship amidst life's challenges, this conversation promises to provide the inspiration and tools you need to thrive together. Listen now!

3 Things to Teach Your Kids about Independence Day

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 23:07:48 GMT

By Jaime Jo Wright, Crosswalk.com

The Fourth of July is coming faster than many of us are prepared for! And with it comes the centuries-old traditions that bring to life the rich history of the United States of America. While every nation has its roots in the good and the bad of humanity, there is also much to be celebrated with national pride and a rich history of the coming together of many nations to a place that represents freedom.

It's an especially exciting holiday for our children as they prepare for outdoor fun, cookouts, and fireworks. Remember being a kiddo and running around with a sparkler in your hand? Oh, that is the best sort of Fourth of July fun there is!

But what are important things to teach our kids about this upcoming Independence Day? Are there pieces of American history we can still be inspired by? There are so many layers of ick to sift through in American history, but are there stories of great men and women who furthered the cause of freedom for all?

Let's look at a few lesser-known historical facts surrounding Independence Day that will be great history lessons for your kids and also important elements to remember as we raise the flag with American pride while also humbly acknowledging mistakes made.

1. July 2nd was actually Independence Day

If you ask John Adams. It was on July 2nd, 1776, that the Colonies absolved their allegiance to the Crown and declared themselves independent states. Because of this, John Adams was certain that the 2nd of July would remain a historical date of significance and highlight the beginning of a new nation.

Adams wrote, "[Independence Day] will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festiva. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade with shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

Once voted on, Congress then needed a document of intent explaining everything they had determined in a way the public of the Colonies would understand. It had already been drafted, but it took two days to filter through edits and polish it in such a way that it would last as a foundational stone in the construction of America. The Declaration of Independence was approved and printed on July 4th, 1776. It wasn't until the 8th that it was read aloud to the public.

Later, largely due to the date on which the document was finalized, the Fourth of July became the date of the celebration of freedom. But John Adams stuck to the opinion that the true date of independence was the date it was declared to Britain—July 2nd.

Incidentally, both John Adams and Thomas Jefferson passed away on the Fourth of July in 1826.

2. Betsy Ross made the American flag as a military symbol, not so much a symbol of freedom (or did she make it at all?).

There is speculation as to whether or not Betsy Ross is responsible for creating the American flag. However, while there may not be a formal written record, there is a lot of evidence that may be too coincidental to ignore.

For one, Betsy Ross received a large sum of money from the Pennsylvania State Navy Board, and it was the very next day, June 14th, 1977, that the American flag was made the official flag of the Colonies. And there have also been records found at George Washington's estate that indicate Betsy Ross also made bed hangings for Washington—so it wouldn't be a stretch that he would engage her in the creation of an object of symbolism for him during the War of Independence.

But did the flag mean freedom, as we associate with it today? Not really. In fact, according to the story, George Washington commandeered Betsy Ross to create the flag as a means of recognition on the battlefield and at important locations throughout the Colonies. Perhaps Washington had visions of it becoming symbolic of a nation, but at that time, it was less a symbol and more a form of identification.

Either way, it's probably safe to say that whoever first crafted the American flag did not craft it with the idea of its symbolism being so critical and important hundreds of years later.

3. There is more than one Captain Jack, and "Sparrow" is not his name.

Captain James Jack had his own "Paul Revere" ride, and though it has not heralded him with nearly the same amount of fame, it is no less important.

As tensions were rising and Patriots were determining whether to secede from the Crown, the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was allegedly signed on May 20th, 1775. A whole year before the Declaration of Independence that we are all familiar with. This was a bold move, and to let the Congress in Philadelphia know, Captain James Jack took the document into his protection and rode off to deliver it.

Captain Jack carried the volatile words of liberty in his coat, and Loyalists to the Crown tried to detain Captain Jack for treason. He was not, however, to be thwarted, and in an escape, Captain Jack succeeded in presenting the declaration to members of Congress. While the papers were considered "premature" and Congress—at that time—still hoped for reconciliation—it continued the motion toward the Colonies becoming a free nation.

Had Captain Jack been caught, held, and tried, he would have been hung immediately for betraying the Crown. Later, his home was torched by the British because of his association with the Revolution.

History is easy to lose amidst the pomp and circumstance of the Fourth of July. Parades and fireworks are intended to remind us of these heroes and those who fought for freedom and the making of a new nation.

Do you have plans to remind your children of the sacrifices made so that we can enjoy the nation in which we live? Will you remind them of those who went before us to create a new government, those who have fought to maintain and preserve our nation, and those who continue to do so to this day as they summon the spirit of Captain James Jack and General George Washington and even the simple duty of Betsy Ross?

This Fourth of July, while you lay out the blanket on the lawn, settle in as dusk sets, and prepare for the booms and explosions made by the fireworks of freedom, remember the words of Francis Scott Key that he penned as he witnessed the bombardment of Fort McHenry, and was inspired by the flag as it waved over the fort.

O say, can you see by the dawn's early light / What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight / O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air / Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave / O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave

What Is the 5-3-1 Rule and Does it Lead to Healthy Relationships?

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:41:30 GMT

By Tanita Tualla Maddox, Crosswalk.com

There is a new concept in wellness known as the “5-3-1 Rule,” and it is gaining traction, most recently highlighted in Vogue. The basic idea of the 5-3-1 Rule is to spend time with five different people or social groups each week, have three deeper conversations each month to nurture three relationships, and have one hour of social interaction each day. Proponents refer to this as “social fitness” to be considered alongside physical fitness or being mentally fit. In other words, we have to exercise being social just like we need to have a healthy diet or move our bodies.

Fans of the 5-3-1 Rule say it reduces loneliness, eases stress, and cultivates a stable network of support. What is behind this “rule”? Connection. It seems we are so disconnected that we need rules on how to cultivate social connectedness in our lives. The existence or necessity of such a rule is an indicator that the tide is pulling us away from connectedness. If we let it, we will be pulled further and further out to a sea of solitude. This is a reminder that we are supposed to swim toward the shores of social connectedness, or what we might call: community. This takes effort. The 5-3-1 Rule is an attempt to provide a system for something we used to do automatically: connect, talk, socialize. It is no longer where the tide is taking us. We have to work, try, even fight to connect.

If you laugh and think to yourself: That rule is too small! I connect with way more people on those different levels, so this probably isn’t created for you, or maybe it needs a little adjustment. If you have many small surface-level conversations and no deeper connections, maybe this is worth considering. If you can go all day without opening your mouth to speak to another person (not texting or sending memes), then maybe this is for you. Fitness has never had a one-size-fits-all dynamic. Not every guideline fits every person, but every person needs fitness. Social fitness can be connected to spiritual fitness.

It is interesting to think of relationships, or social fitness, as being part of our spiritual fitness. It’s not a new idea. Even in Hebrews 10:24-25, we are encouraged to “not give up meeting together,” but to encourage one another and spur one another toward good deeds. But maybe we just didn’t need, or didn’t think we needed, a rule or routine to help keep up our social fitness as part of our physical fitness. If God designed us for community and fellowship, let us consider how engaging in social fitness helps cultivate spiritual fitness. We are holistic creatures. Body, mind, and spirit are connected. Luke 10:27 reminds us to love the Lord with our mind, strength (body), and soul (spirit). Romans 12:1-2 involves instructions, connecting the spiritual with body and mind: offering our bodies as spiritual worship and being renewed in our minds. Is there room for a spiritual fitness routine in our spiritual fitness routine?

Like starting any routine, allow space for adjustment, flaws, failures, and mistakes. Let’s try not to worry about doing the 5-3-1 Rule “correctly.” It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just like physical exercise, they say something is better than nothing. I had a ten-minute conversation on the phone with a friend as she shared about hardship in her marriage before either of us needed to jump onto other calls. We were swift, brief, straight-to-the-point, and even cried together in those ten minutes. Does that fit into the “3” portion of the 5–3-1 Rule? I think it does. It’s quality over quantity. After all, two people can have an hour-long conversation and say nothing. This is about connection, not following a stopwatch or timer.

What I like about this 5-3-1 Rule is that it can push us to learn how to pay attention to or listen to the Holy Spirit. Where is God nudging us to engage? Where is he putting opportunities to talk to someone in our paths? Is God putting names in our hearts or minds that seem random but are purposeful? Why this person specifically? If I start each day, week, or month with a goal number of people to connect with on different levels, I am likely to pay attention to who those people might be. I am more inclined to pick up my phone and call someone. Overwhelmed by the number of contacts in my phone, I am more likely to pause and ask the Lord who to contact. The 5-3-1 Rule pulls our heads up and our focus off our own world for a moment to see what else the Lord may draw our attention to.

This is all well and good, but let’s explore the other side of the coin.

I am a mother of two young boys. If I had read this while they were infants (assuming I had the time to actually read an article at that point), I would have scoffed and cried out of hysteria. I would have also scoffed at any idea of having a regular fitness routine during that season, also. It wasn’t about fitness; it was about survival. I could barely manage to take a shower every couple of days. How was I going to connect with people? Even now, I barely keep my head above water between working, parenting, and taking care of the home. Someone recently asked me what my hobbies were. I replied by saying my kids have hobbies, and I drive them to their hobbies. I delay simple tasks for myself, like getting a haircut, because there is “no time” or “no capacity.”

And then it occurred to me, how many people are overwhelmed by proactively engaging with the 5-3-1 rule? How many people are not worried about fitness, but survival? Maybe they would welcome a call or text reaching out to them. Maybe that’s how community works, or how the Church community should work. In the seasons we are just trying to survive, those who are working on fitness hold us up and help us out. In the season we are working on fitness, we can reach out to those just trying to survive.

Recall earlier that this 5-3-1 Rule might need a little adjustment for those who are already healthy or on their way to being socially fit. Here are three adjustments that could be made:

1. Reach out to 1 person a week who you think may need a little support.

This could be a new parent, a grieving widow or widower, someone with a long-term illness, or a long-term caregiver, and so on. A simple “You’re on my heart” or “What is something happening today that I can pray for?” reminds others they are not alone. You may discover that you can provide a meal, shovel a driveway, pick up dry cleaning, or drop off a cup of coffee along the way. Just because someone isn’t swimming toward you doesn’t mean you can’t swim toward them.

2. Go on 3 walks a month while talking to someone.

Grab a co-worker or neighbor. Throw the little one in a stroller. Fire up the scooter. Even in the wintertime, it is amazing how many people will say yes when you ask, “You want to go for a short walk around the block?” This combines physical fitness, sunlight (if you’re in a sunny place), social connection, and sometimes even a time for prayer. I just met up with a college student to walk and pray around our local high school for thirty minutes. It was encouraging, social, and we both left with big smiles on our faces from our time together.

3. Go through the contacts in your phone or address book and pray for 5 people a day, and tell them you did.

Maybe it’s a phone call, or maybe it’s a text, but either way, you are connecting with the Lord on their behalf and opening a conversation with those 5 people. At the very least, it is a chance for each of those five people to know God is paying attention to them, enough so to prompt someone to pray for them.

I would like to try this for a month and see how it goes. I would like to see where I notice the Holy Spirit, and most likely, I want to be open to what the Lord may be doing in and through my social circles. We are designed for fellowship, community, and connection as part of our spiritual lives. What could the Lord have in store when we treat them as connected?

5 Fourth of July Crafts to Do with Your Grandchildren

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 22:32:29 GMT

By Vivian Bricker, Crosswalk.com

The Fourth of July is a celebration of our freedom. On this holiday, my mom used to have my sisters and me play fun games and do crafts. My grandpa, who we called Pawpaw, loved all things crafts and would often participate in any one my mom set out for us. Even though Pawpaw struggled with early Alzheimer's, he still tried to be involved as much as possible, and the crafts we did were a way to connect with him.

He didn't talk much, but my grandma (Mawmaw) did, and she normally spoke on his behalf. While she was never one to do crafts or play games, she did love talking to my sisters, myself, my mom, and my dad to see what was going on in our lives. Those days were always memorable, and I will cherish them forever. Although the Fourth of July looks different for my family and me now, we still remember the traditions set down by my mom and share the memories of celebrations long ago.

Grandparents need to be involved in their grandchildren's lives. They love you and want to spend time with you. A great way to do this is to do a few crafts. Since the Fourth of July is coming up, it is the perfect time to bring out some supplies and have your grandchildren over for an afternoon of fun. Look over the list below and see which ones you might want to do this year.

1. Victory Garden

When I was younger, my sisters and I were obsessed with "The American Girl" series by Valerie Tripp. One of the characters of the series was Molly, whose story took place in the 1940s during World War II. My mom always associated Molly with Mawmaw because Mawmaw grew up in the same period as Molly. As my sisters and I learned from Molly's story, a victory garden was a war effort where families would grow their own food to help prevent food shortages for the soldiers.

If grandparents want to do a fun craft with their grandchildren this Fourth of July, a victory garden is the way to go. All you need is vegetable seeds and herb seeds. Flowers can be added for an extra amount of color. Grandparents and grandchildren can have fun together as they plant their victory garden, tend to it, and watch it grow. Once the plants have grown, grandparents can have their grandchildren harvest the vegetables and herbs, and they can turn their well-earned crops into a delicious meal.

Even if you are not a seasoned gardener, you can still try your hand at this. Victory gardens are a symbol of freedom, patriotism, and bravery. Although not everyone remembers World War II, making a victory garden can remind us of what our country has been through, making us even more thankful for our freedom.

2. Red, White, and Blue Straw Wreath

Making a red, white, and blue straw craft is perfect for spending a summer afternoon with your grandchildren. While my Mawmaw would not have approved of wasting straws, we can rationalize this craft by saying we are making a beautiful decoration for the Fourth of July. Sure, we could just purchase a wreath, but a homemade one means much more to everyone. For generations to come, we can look back at the wreath and say, "I helped make that!"

In order to make a red, white, and blue straw craft, you will need multi-colored plastic straws (preferably red, white, and blue), a glue gun, and a bit of cardboard. The full instructions for the craft can be found here: https://www.instructables.com/Red-White-and-Blue-Paper-Straw-Wreath/. This craft is not overly time-consuming, but grandparents should stay present with their grandchildren while completing it. Since there is a glue gun involved, it is important that the children are monitored at all times.

Once the craft is finished and allowed to dry, you can place it on your front door or elsewhere in your house. When your grandchildren come over in the future, point out the wreath and tell them how much fun you had making it and how magnificent it looks. This will ensure a smile from your grandchildren and encourage them to make more crafts in the future.

3. Sidewalk Chalk

Every Fourth of July, my mom would take my sisters and I out to do sidewalk chalk. This was a fun craft she would have us do usually before our grandparents came over. However, as a grandparent, you can do this with your grandchildren. You only need a box of sidewalk chalk and a lovely sunny day. You could do this craft on the Fourth of July or the days leading up to it. Either way, it will help the entire neighborhood get into the festive mood.

As you are doing sidewalk chalk with your grandchildren, ask them how they are doing, what they are doing in school, and who they made friends with over the summer. Kids love questions like this, and will be overjoyed to answer. If you wanted, you could also share memories of the Fourth of July celebrations you had growing up when you were their age. While some younger kids might have trouble paying attention, older children might be fascinated with the different periods or traditions.

The artwork you and your grandchildren do for the sidewalk chalk can be geared towards the Fourth of July by using red, white, and blue sidewalk chalk, writing "USA," and drawing the American flag. However, if any of your grandchildren want to be unique and take a different route by drawing animals, flowers, or hearts, know that is okay, too. Allow them to express themselves in their art and encourage them to draw whatever they want for the Fourth of July.

4. Fourth of July Rockets

Fourth of July rockets are another craft you can do with your grandchildren, but not to fear—they are not too complicated. The full instructions, directions, and craft supply can be found here. There are many craft supplies that you will need, therefore, make sure you purchase cardboard tubes, white glue, paper, straws, glitter, sequins, ribbons, pipe cleaners, paint, paintbrushes, and tissue paper ahead of time. However, a quick run through your house or your own craft supply closet might help you discover that you already have these supplies in your home.

Fourth of July rockets are really fun to make, and your grandchildren will love them. As it is with most crafts, make sure you monitor your grandchildren and ensure they don't hurt themselves with any of the craft supplies. You can make your own Fourth of July rockets, too, with your grandchildren, as they would love you getting involved with the craft. Don't just allow your grandchildren to have all the fun! Your grandchildren will love the craft even more if you complete it with them.

5. Firework Paintings

A final craft idea to do with your grandchildren for the Fourth of July holiday is firework paintings. Most kinds love art; therefore, doing a firework painting is likely up their alley. I remember art class was my favorite class in school, and I loved it when we had the rare occasion when we were painting. It was always so much fun and made you feel like a true artist. With kids' impressive imagination, having a chance to do paintings can help them discover their interests, talents, and passions.

The full instructions for the firework paintings can be found here. https://www.happinessishomemade.net/4th-of-july-kids-craft-painting-fireworks/. As you review the instructions and craft supplies, check around your house to see if you already have some of the craft supplies. If you don't have any of the supplies, a bonus of this craft is having your grandchildren come with you to the store to purchase all the supplies. This can be an extra outing that can help form more memories for the Fourth of July.

Even just looking around your house for craft supplies can be done with your grandchildren, and you can treat it like a scavenger hunt. They will love the chance to look around Grandma and Grandpa's house to find the craft supplies needed for the fun Fourth of July craft they are going to all do together. Never underestimate how much the ordinary can be fascinating in the eyes of a child.

10 False Versions of Jesus People Are Falling For

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:22:16 GMT

By Jami Amerine, Crosswalk.com

When I found out I wasn’t following the real Jesus, I was totally undone. The hard work of making Jesus fit my brain, answer when I called, and label me righteous was a full-time job that robbed me of peace.

When I finally fell into the loving arms of the real Jesus, I began a genuine relationship with the Savior of the world—the One who died for me. He is everything He promised and so much more.

Our culture presents us with so many versions of Jesus, letting us make Him in our own image. Maybe you’ve come to depend on a false Jesus and didn’t even realize it. If you are struggling to find peace, read about these false Jesuses with an open mind. Consider what Jesus said about Himself and test your beliefs against the truth from Scripture.

Here are 10 false versions of Jesus people keep falling for:

1. Mean Jesus

Perhaps this image of Jesus comes from social media and the rants we see from devoted churchgoers. Maybe it is our constant news sources bickering over who is better. Or it could be you had a hellfire and brimstone pastor growing up, and this became your earliest depiction of Jesus. Mean and angry, full of wrath, ranting and raging about how sin would destroy you.

But balance this image of Jesus with the story of the little children gathering to him, with his compassion for the sisters of Lazarus, with his acceptance of the woman at the well. While Jesus called out sin when He saw it, He was never cruel. Jesus, the lamb, went to slaughter so that you would be free.

2. Political Jesus

How would Jesus vote? Since there were no Democrats or Republicans in His day, we don’t know. What we do know is that He loved. The side He took was the side of the those in need. Today, we are all in need in one form or another, and we all need Him.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, He is on your team. He is for you. He is for your redemption . He is for your sanctification. He died for you while you still sinned. Right or left, wrong or right, He is for you. He is patient with us as we learn and grow and understands the frustrations that we face.

He walks with us through the valleys, and He delights in our newfound wisdom and growth.

3. Genie in a Bottle Jesus

Your wish is not necessarily His command. We’re often mystified when we clasp our hands tightly together and summon Jesus to answer our every request…and nothing happens. We become deflated by what we believe is unanswered prayer , allowing our faith to increase or decrease by what we perceive. If you’re a parent, chances are you desire a good relationship with your child.

But if your child asks for $10 and you say no, does that mean they stop believing in you and the relationship is destroyed? Of course not. In the same way, you must consider what you are asking of Jesus . What are your expectations? And are you still going to believe in Him even when you don’t get your way?

4. I’ll Teach You Jesus.

Imagine what your relationship with your child would look like if these were some of the requirements: You will meet me at 5:00 every morning, I don’t care if you didn’t sleep. Now tell me what you want. I may or may not give it to you. If you have been completely impossible to deal with, I might sprain your ankle or give you a brain tumor to teach you something. Laughable? Sure.

5. You Look Like You Can Take It Jesus.

“God won’t give you more than you can handle.” Do I look like I can handle cancer? Or bankruptcy, or a natural disaster, or the death of a child? Do I even look like I could handle an itchy rash? Scripture teaches that we can’t handle anything apart from Christ. Far from doling out sickness or discomfort or tragedy, He promises to be with us in times of need. In our weakness, He shows Himself strong.

6. I Couldn't Care Less Jesus.

Sometimes we feel like He is nowhere to be found. We call, and there is no answer. This Jesus is not the compassionate Christ who laid down His life for ours. Still, in times of heartache, it is hard to understand why He doesn’t answer. He has shown me it is okay to question Him.

My most favorite prayer in these seasons? “Lord, help my unbelief.” A relationship with Jesus is a journey. There will be ups and downs. He can take the heat—He proved that through the cross . It is okay to ask why. He always shows up, every time. Ask, seek, knock. He will answer.

7. Church Jesus

“The Law is Holy and Good, but it doesn’t make me Holy and Good,” says author and teacher Tricia Gunn. No matter how good a church and it’s teaching of the Word of God, it does not make me holy. Paul reminds us, do not neglect the assembly ( Hebrews 10:25 ). Yes, hold each other up, hold each other accountable, and by all means encourage one another.

But if the pew is shaken, guess what shouldn’t be? You and Jesus . Your relationship with Jesus is separate and not dependent on the church. No matter what unexpected challenges happen in the church, you and Jesus should still be on solid ground. The church is made up of imperfect people, while Jesus is perfect and holy.

8. Rule-Play Jesus

He was made righteous because he said yes to Jesus. There was no other requirement to fulfill. There is nothing that can make the perfected work of the Cross anymore perfect. Your yes to Jesus counts you as righteous. Toss out the rules of religiosity and bask in the refreshment of relationship.

9. Confused Jesus

A couple years ago I went to a pastor and asked some questions about the Sermon on the Mount. The pastor laughed and said, “Yes, ours is not to understand. Ours is just to obey. Jesus was a confusing guy.” I lived with this, heavy on my heart.

It would be two more years before I heard a sermon by another pastor and was undone by the revelation that Jesus was not confusing. Jesus fulfilled the Law and set us free from this heavy burden of condemnation. Jesus died to set me free. There is nothing confusing about this. We walk free from condemnation in the grip of grace.

10. If/Then Jesus

This is the most elusive and deceptive Jesus . If I do such and such, then Christ will do what I expect. But Jesus cannot be manipulated, and our works do not make Him move. Our good deeds do not make him love us more. And most importantly, nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus. The belief that “If I do or do not do, then Jesus will or won’t do” is a Jesus of colossal works. This Jesus keeps us in bondage to busyness and striving that keeps us apart from the good nature of a Jesus who just simply loves. He loved perfectly so that we might be together for eternity. That was all. Simply Jesus.

Was there even a twinge or flutter in your spirit? One that said, “Oh, that is the Jesus I have been serving?” I know as I came to a place of knowing and loving the real Jesus I saw pieces of the false Jesuses falling away and more of His natural and good character shining through. Will you pray this prayer with me? Jesus, I said yes to you. I want only you. The real you. All of you. You promised that if I seek I will find. Help me seek the truth and keep my eyes wholly fixated on the true you. Amen.

8 Prayers to Lessen Your Love for This World

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 00:52:53 GMT

By Jess Brown, Crosswalk.com

One of my favorite parts about living the Christian faith is the invitation to view earthly things from a heavenly perspective. As Jesus prayed, "On earth as it is in heaven," I like to think of this as our personal invitation to look at the world through the lens of heaven. Suddenly, everything has an extra layer of possibility. This means long commutes aren't just time vacuums; they become opportunities to listen to a podcast or call an old friend. Standing in line at a coffee shop isn't simply an inconvenience, holding up our day; it's an opportunity to share a little of Jesus' light with the people directly around you. Even something as simple as brushing our teeth can turn into an invitation to dance with our kiddo. This applies to the hard aspects of life, too. Seasons of struggle will be challenging, but they don’t break us because we know our God uses everything for his glory. The ordinary and the hard become Holy Spirit -infused, and we can turn anything into an opportunity to worship and glorify God. The Christian faith calls us to see a life overflowing with opportunities that many people would otherwise overlook. This is a Kingdom-minded perspective. I find this part of the Christian faith so joyful, and yet it seems to be the very thing missing within the health and wellness space.

I've been in the health industry for over two decades, and if I'm honest, that experience didn't exempt me from the very thing I now see so often in others: forgetting that faith is meant to infiltrate every aspect of our lives, including how we care for our bodies. If God is Lord over everything, why don't we live accordingly when it comes to our physical body? I know I didn't, for a long time.

When I started my career, I was fascinated with the science of nutrition. The way God designed food to partner with our bodies is a work of art. There is the science of it—and believe me, it is fascinating—but there are also spiritual layers that make partnering with our health so much more meaningful and much less distracting. Because for years, I lived in a tension I now recognize in so many of the people I work with: vacillating between obsessing over food in pursuit of a "healthy" lifestyle that can never be attained, then sinking into apathy when the striving inevitably fails. Overwhelmed on one end, disconnected on the other, and either way, disconnected from the body He created. Both are false gods dressed up as health. Both are crafty distractions from the abundant, worship-filled life God intended for us.

Applying Biblical Stewardship to Our Health

One of the clearest places to start reframing health spiritually is in how Scripture speaks to money and wealth. The principles of stewardship are clear and, quite frankly, incredibly helpful. Let’s have a look at a few verses:

"You shall have no other gods before Me." Exodus 20:3

"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much... So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?" Luke 16:10-11

"Honor the Lord with your wealth…" Proverbs 3:9 a

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to that you can be generous on every occasion…” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11a

Among many other passages, Scripture teaches us something much deeper than financial management. It teaches us stewardship — seeing money not as something to accumulate, but as a tool to glorify Him, multiply for His purposes, and use in the service of others. It allows us to see money and wealth completely differently from the world's default, which is confined to “more is better.” These verses ask believers to recognize that everything they have comes from God. While we are here on earth, our invitation is to steward His gifts well by viewing every part of life through a spiritual lens, including our own bodies. Watch what happens when we apply these same principles to our health.

Do not make health your god. This one is worth sitting in, not skimming past. It's easy to swap one god for another — to trade an old fixation with the scale for a new fixation with macros, mobility scores, or supplement stacks, and call it stewardship because it sounds holier. Stewardship isn't the pursuit of a flawless body or superior wellness. It's the posture of gratitude and obedience underneath whatever body you're stewarding today.

If God cannot trust you with what you've been given, how will He trust you with more? We often set health and wellness goals as lofty ideas that overlook the blessings we already have today — the very overcommitment that leads to overwhelm, burnout, and eventually the apathy on the other side of that same swing. What if instead we stewarded the body we have today well and watched in anticipation of what God would do with it?

Honor the Lord with your health. What is your body telling you today, and how might you honor God with what you're hearing? The simple, ordinary steps you take in response become opportunities for worship.

Paul's letter in 2 Corinthians makes a similar promise to generous givers: God will always supply what they need to keep giving. Wouldn't it also make sense that He who supplies fuel for the body and rest for repair will also increase your physical capacity — not for your own comfort or Instagram-worthy wellness, but to show up fully for the people and purposes He's placed in front of you?

Different vehicle. Same principles.

Everyday Choices Become Acts of Worship

The amazing thing about stewarding money is that, when it is done with reverence toward God, it becomes an incredibly powerful tool for His Kingdom. The worldly definitions of wealth don’t confine us because our God can do so much more with what we have. The same is true of our health. This comes to life in the ordinary decisions we make every single day.

Going to the gym, even when you don't feel like it.

Opting for the menu item that serves your health in the long run, not simply in the immediate moment.

Honoring a needed day of rest without feeling guilty.

Releasing the obsession with macros to connect with a friend in need over lunch.

Defining health through a spiritual lens.

These mundane, daily decisions are not actually small. They are acts of holy stewardship. They are moments of worship that quietly say, "God, thank You for this body. I recognize it came from You, and I want to care for it in a way that praises You." Holy stewardship is never about worldly outcomes (although they may be present too). A body in chronic illness, in recovery, in a season that looks nothing like "wellness" can still be stewarded faithfully, and we can stand in hope that God can do so much more than we imagined. Capacity doesn't always look like more strength. Sometimes it looks like more patience, more presence, more gratitude in a body that isn't cooperating.

Imagining What God Can Do Through Us

In my personal and professional health pursuits, I always come back to the parable of the talents. Here, Jesus showed us that what He entrusts to us is meant to be multiplied. How many of us have been handed an intentionally created, beautifully designed body, yet have never imagined how abundantly this body could be used to multiply and worship?

Now, imagine if we did.

Imagine if we approached our daily food choices with the same intentionality, abundance, and grace.

Imagine the patience we would have. The presence. The generosity with our energy. The perspective this would create.

Imagine how much more fully we could serve His Kingdom — not because a well-kept body earns us more usefulness, but because we've finally treated it like the temple He said it was, built and ready to be used for exactly what it was made for.

Jess Brown is a registered dietitian, founder of The Well Collective, and host of the Fuel Her Awesome podcast — but the work she's known for rarely stays on the plate. People come to her for gut healing, hormone balance, or energy boosts; what they find is an invitation to stop white-knuckling their own bodies and trust the One who made them. A board-certified specialist in sports dietetics and eating disorders, Jess built her Empowered Eating MethodTM on a single conviction: healing is almost never just physical. Nutrition is really about the mission it fuels. She writes and speaks on hormone and gut health in addition to the imperative daily work of choosing calm over control when it comes to caring for your body. Jess lives in New Mexico with her husband and two boys, and is often found off on an adventure. She believes your health can be a place you meet God, too. Start here with her Spirit-Led & Well-Fed devotional .

6 Signs Shame May Be Controlling Your Life

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 01:15:45 GMT

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you accomplish, serve, or strive, there is still a quiet voice whispering, “You are not enough”? That is the voice of shame. Shame is one of the most painful emotional experiences we can carry because it attacks our identity rather than simply addressing our behavior.

Have you ever felt like no matter how much you accomplish, serve, or strive, there is still a quiet voice whispering, “You are not enough”? That is the voice of shame. Shame is one of the most painful emotional experiences we can carry because it attacks our identity rather than simply addressing our behavior.

Guilt says, “I did something wrong.” Shame says, “I am wrong.”

As a Christian neuropsychologist, I have spent decades helping people untangle the thoughts, beliefs, and emotional patterns that keep them stuck. I have seen how shame affects the brain, the body, relationships, and spiritual life. But I have also seen the freedom that comes when people replace shame with the truth of who God says they are.

If you are longing to break free from shame and embrace your God-given identity, there is hope!

What Is Shame and Why Is It So Powerful?

Shame is more than a fleeting feeling of embarrassment. It is a deeply internalized belief that something is fundamentally wrong with you. Shame often develops through painful experiences such as criticism, rejection, trauma, failure, abuse, or unhealthy comparison. Over time, those experiences can shape the narratives we carry about ourselves.

From a neuroscience perspective, shame activates many of the same brain regions involved in physical pain. The brain does not sharply distinguish between emotional threat and physical threat. When we experience shame, the nervous system can respond as though we are in danger. This can lead to heightened stress, anxiety , withdrawal, and self-protective behaviors.

Shame also tends to create a self-reinforcing cycle. A painful event occurs, we interpret it through a negative lens, we believe something defective about ourselves, and then we look for additional evidence to support that belief. The brain’s tendency toward confirmation bias can make shame feel increasingly true, even when it is not.

What Shame Does in the Brain:

1. Shame activates the brain’s threat system. It can trigger the amygdala and stress response, causing the body to react as though it is under attack.

2. Shame reinforces negative self-beliefs. The brain naturally looks for evidence that confirms existing beliefs, which can make shame feel increasingly true over time.

3. Shame drives withdrawal and hiding. When shame takes hold, people often isolate, avoid vulnerability, and protect themselves from perceived rejection.

4. Shame can reshape neural pathways through repetition. Repeated shame-based thoughts strengthen those mental pathways, but repeated truth-based thoughts can help build new, healthier patterns.

The encouraging news is that the brain remains capable of change. Through intentional thought patterns, healthy relationships, and spiritual renewal, new neural pathways can be formed.

The Difference Between Conviction and Shame

One of the enemy’s favorite tactics is to confuse conviction with shame.

Conviction is the Holy Spirit lovingly drawing our attention to sin so that we can repent and be restored. Conviction leads toward God.

Shame pushes us away from God. It says, “Hide. You are unworthy. God could never truly love you.”

We see this contrast in Scripture. After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God. Shame led them to cover themselves and withdraw. Yet God pursued them. Throughout the Bible, God consistently moves toward broken people with truth, grace, and restoration.

Romans 8:1 reminds us, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” If you belong to Christ, condemnation is not your portion.

6 Signs Shame May Be Controlling Your Life

Many people carry shame without realizing it. Consider whether any of these patterns feel familiar:

1. Constant self-criticism . You speak to yourself more harshly than you would speak to a friend.

2. Perfectionism. You feel that mistakes make you unacceptable or unlovable.

3. People-pleasing. You work excessively hard to earn approval and avoid rejection.

4. Hiding or isolation. You avoid vulnerability because you fear others will discover the “real” you.

5. Difficulty receiving grace. You believe forgiveness is available for others but not fully for you.

6. Identity confusion. You define yourself by your failures, wounds, or past rather than by God’s truth.

Shame often masquerades as humility, responsibility, or motivation. But its fruit is fear, exhaustion, and disconnection.

Imagining What God Can Do Through Us

Now, imagine if we did.

Imagine if we approached our daily food choices with the same intentionality, abundance, and grace.

This content first appeared on Crosswalk.com and is used here with permission. To view the original visit: https://www.crosswalk.com/health-and-wellness/when-healthy-habits-become-holy-stewardship.html