“How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to Your word.”
Psalm 119:9
Several months back, the Lord put on our hearts to gather a small group of our children’s friends this summer for a few “Play Dates With a Purpose”. We invited the parents to stay for these story time play dates as well.
I was inspired by a book I had read by Jennie Bishop for young girls called The Princess and the Kiss. The accompanying book for boys is The Squire and The Scroll. Another great book about building godly relationships is The Garden Wall.
Jim and I kept this in our prayers for months and did feel the Lord leading us to do this. This was confirmed rather loudly when we were on our family vacation at Camp of The Woods and the daily seminar speaker (Pastor Kelly Brady) was speaking on teaching children about purity. When we had made our reservations many months ago for camp, we had no idea this was the seminar speaker’s topic…but God did! It always amazes us how He goes ahead and prepares for His children!
Planting seeds of purity in children’s hearts is a continual labor of love for parents. As our seminar speaker said, “It is an ongoing process, not a one-time project.”
Prayerfully sewing God’s Word into children’s hearts is the Christian parent’s most valuable investment of love, care and time. These little book studies and play dates with a purpose help inspire and continue conversations between parents and children at home, where the real labors of love happen at a marathon-paced tempo throughout childhood and young adulthood.
The Princesses (the girls group) and the Squires (the boys group) will gather here a couple more times this summer (on different evenings). What a privilege and blessing to come together with other parents as we desire to instruct our children in the ways of the Lord. We are totally dependent on Him! God is entirely good!
We invite you to click on the links above and visit Jennie Bishop’s site for more information on these books that help you plant seeds of purity in young hearts.
May His Name be lifted up!
“With sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”
Colossians 3:22
Heather says
Hi Sharon – I love this post because I know how much it is impacting our daughter. A thought, a seed, whatever, however the Lord sent this, it is meaningful, powerful and life chqnging for our children. In a world where it is cool to go against the Word of God, we are challenging our children to press in, go further, stretch, be confident and unwaivering.
Thank you for your obedience, your leadership and your love shown to each child that crosses your threshold – the Lord is using you. What and honor, what a blessing.
My dad asked Emily what Bible Study was like and she literally bubbled. SHe told him the entire story, completely cracking up at Prince Treasure Chest, but my dad was so happy to hear her understanding of why the story was so important. She said, “I will meet my prince one day and I will have a special kiss just for him. God gave me that gift.” Yippee!
Have a blessed day!
Heather
Unknown says
Sharon,
What you are doing is making sure the roots grow deep! Your love for these young children is doing more than you might realize for years to come.
I'm so honored to know you and call you friend and Sister!
Thank you for sharing all that God is working in you and through you with us!
Our Church did a play for Mother's and Daughters a few years ago that I attended with Lexi then 12 yrs old – straight from the book. She loved it and we still talk about it today. I have the book now to read to Jordan and Abigail this coming year when they are 7 & 6.
Hugs and love!
Jill
Renee Swope says
Sharon,
Thank you so much for sending me a link to this post on your blog. I would love to hear about the way you and Jim lead these groups, what you discuss etc. I want to pray about doing something similar with our boys and these friends but I just wouldn’t know where we should start. I bought all three books so that we’ll have them to share with our boys and our new girls!!!
Love you friend!
Renee