10.         Yellow umbrellas are great props even on sunny days.*

 

"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy...The Lord has   done great things for us, and   we are filled with joy."  Psalms 126: 2-3
                                       Hear the Laughter of God through Children!
 
 
 9.           See yourselves through the eyes of your child.*

 

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates..."
                                                                             Deuteronomy 11:18-20                          

                       Families need: Gospel
                                              Acceptance
                                              Relationship
                                              Scaffolding
 
                                  
8.           Invest in a wonderful book collection.

 

"The spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."  Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man  reading Isaiah the prophet.  "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.  "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?"  So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him."  Acts 8: 29-31
                          "Whoever tells the story defines the culture."  - David Walsh

                                                                                                                 

 
7.           Dream a Lot.  Dream what children can become....then live the dream.*

 

 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

 
6.          Hug your child every day.  Let your child hug you every day.*

 

"Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and   people in exchange for your life.  Do not be afraid, for I am with you..."  Isaiah 43: 4-5a

 
5.         Celebrate all children as musicians, artists and dancers.*
"...fan into flame the gift of God which is in you..."  2 Timothy 1:6
 

                                                                                                             
4.         Eat Phish Food™ ice cream.
"...Love one another.  As I have loved you, so you must love one another."  John 13:34
 
 
3.         Declare everything belongs to everyone.

 

"If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."  Philippians 2:1-2
 
                                            A Common Mission
                                       
2.        Tell everyone at the party that you have the most important job.

 

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline."  2 Timothy 1:7
 
 
1.        Look up to children.  Respect little people for what they can do today, not for what they are supposed to do next year.*

 

"We welcome you into the Lord's family.  We receive you as a fellow member of the body of Christ, a child of the same heavenly Father, to work with us in His kingdom.  (Lutheran Worship, ;.204)

        

    

                                               
 

(*Sayings have been adapted from Never, EVER, Serve Sugary Snacks on Rainy Days by Shirley Raines.  Copyright 1995 by Gryphon House, Inc.)