Firm Foundation

The other day, I asked Beatrice what Easter is about and she promptly replied, "bunnies." If you know me in real life or have been reading the blog for awhile, that little statement felt like a big mommy failure. We don't do Santa, we don't do tooth fairies, we don't do Easter bunnies. We don't put a lot of emphasis on the secular side of holidays, especially the Christian ones. It's important that our children know the Reason for the season, and bunnies are not it. Although Beatrice loves a good bunny.

After I told her about Easter, - speaking of, do you know how difficult it is to teach a 2.5 year old about the cross and the resurrection? I was explaining that God sent Jesus to die on a cross for our sins so we can live in Heaven with Him for eternity if we make Him Lord of our lives. Around the part where I told her that He rose again and sits at the right hand of the Father, I noticed a vacant look in her eyes. I asked her if she understood what I was telling her and she said, "what I got on my hand, mama?" Age appropriate crucifixion explanations are not my specialty - I realized that she will always think Easter is about bunnies unless we teach her otherwise. The world doesn't exactly portray Easter and Christmas for what they truly are: celebrations of the greatest miracle on Earth, praise God!

I decided that I was going to fight hard to instill biblical teaching in my daughters. It is my job after all. Talk about [My] commands [with your children] when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road. Talk about them when you lie down and when you get up. Deut. 6:6-7 It is up to JD and me to make sure our girls not only know what Easter is about, but also what God says about them and expects from them. So I made a list of Bible verses for them to memorize.

Photo by Sara Rose Photography.

Memorizing Scripture was a big part of my childhood. My parents sent us to private Christian school and each week from Kindergarten on, we had to memorize a verse or chapter from the Bible. Having that foundation laid in my life as a young child has played a significant role in the choices I have made throughout my life. I want to lay the same foundation for my daughters.

Photo by Sara Rose Photography.

We started with John 3:16. It took a few days of me saying sections of the verse and having Beatrice repeat them until she said it on her own from start to finish. Little stinker won't say it when I get my camera out. You can watch her saying it with help here. Now we are working on Ephesians 4:32. Here is the list if you are interested in teaching your children to memorize Scriptures:

For God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16


Be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Eph 4:32


I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13


And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19


For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23


Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6


Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise: that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. Eph 6:1-3


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of great courage, do not be afraid, do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God will be with you. Joshua 1:9


Children, obey your parents in all things. This pleases the Lord. Colossions 3:20


Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Matt 5:9


I don't think it's ever too early to teach kids what God's Word says. I think these 10 verses are a good starting point for little kids. They're good for the parents too. Start laying a firm foundation today, lest your Easters be filled with bunnies!