LeeAnn G Taylor - Embracing the Mosaic Life

Trusting our broken pieces to the Ultimate Artist

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Happy New Year!

January 3, 2021 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

J.J. Heller’s thoughtful music was balm to my soul in 2020 in so many ways.

Here’s to kicking off 2021 with her song celebrating new beginnings at the start of a new year.

This Year by J.J. Heller

This year
I’m not looking back to who I was
Because I’m gonna be someone I’ve never been

This year
I’m not focused on the cracks in the walls
Not keeping track of all the times I fall
This year

So long to the last year
It’s all becoming so clear
There’s no use living in regret

Let’s fight the good fight
Train our eyes to find the light
And make this year the best one yet
Starting right here. Happy New Year!

This year
I can’t wait to see what good will come
To feel alive instead of feeling numb

This year
I plan on thinking less of I and me
I resolve to thing of us and we
This year

So long to last year
It’s all becoming so clear
There’s no use living in regret

Let’s fight the good fight
Train our eyes to find the light
And make this year the best one yet
Starting right here. Happy New Year!

So long to last year
It’s all becoming so clear
There’s no use living in regret

Let’s fight the good fight
Train our eyes to find the light
And make this year the best one yet

Starting right here.
Happy New Year, Happy New Year!

10 Ways to Teach Your Kids About Easter (at Home — COVID-19 Edition)

April 5, 2020 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

10 Ways to Teach Kids About Easter - Hands-On Activities and Books to share the story of Easter

Affiliate links are used in this post to provide links to relevant resources.



With Easter upon us in a few short days and all our normal Easter festivities cancelled, I wanted to share a few ideas you can use with your kids to focus on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, the true meaning of Easter.

It’s so important to us to make sure we’re planting the seeds of truth in their little hearts and minds during a time when the world around us is spinning from all the uncertainty. We can remind them about the most important truth that IS certain — Jesus is RISEN!

While it can feel overwhelming to explain Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection to a child, these resources will give you lots of ideas that you can use or adjust based on the developmental needs of your child and their level of understanding.

10 Ways to Teach Kids About Easter (COVID-19 Edition)

  • Resurrection Rolls
  • Teach With Music
  • Read from a Children’s Bible
  • Sin Rocks & a Jesus Basket – a twist on the Easter Basket
  • Watch an Easter Video Designed for Kids
  • Wash Each Other’s Feet
  • Resurrection Eggs
  • Decorate Your Yard
  • Sidewalk ChalkEncouragement
  • Give a Gift to a Neighbor or Essential Worker

Resurrection Rolls

These are by far our kids’ favorite Easter activity. They remind me every year when it’s time to make these sweet treats!

Resurrection Rolls

Supplies Needed: crescent rolls, marshmallows, cinnamon & sugar (or red sprinkles), melted butter, Bible

Biblical Truth Shared: Jesus went into the tomb and then rose again. Jesus is alive!

  • For this activity, start with reading the Easter story from the Bible. Our favorite Bible for preschoolers is the Jesus Storybook Bible. As you work through the steps of the activity, remind your child about what you just read.
  • Spread out the crescent roll triangles individually on a baking sheet. These represent Jesus’ tomb.
  • Next roll one marshmallow first in butter and then in the sugar/cinnamon mixture. This represents Jesus’ body being prepared for burial with oil and spices. If your child is like mine (not okay with cinnamon), then try using red sprinkles to represent blood.
  • Place the spiced marshmallow in the center of the crescent roll, wrap it up, and press the edges together so the crescent roll seals. This represents the tomb being sealed with the stone.
  • Bake the crescent rolls according to the directions on the package.
  • After they cool a bit, let your child open up one of the rolls. The marshmallow is gone – Jesus is alive!
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Teach With Music

Music is one way I process things and reflect when my heart and head just can’t seem to get on the same page. The melodies melt my anxiety and the words speak truth into the weary places.

Let these songs play this week around the house and allow your own worries to be transformed by truth.

Or create your own family Easter playlist with your family’s favorites. You can come back to these year after year.

Easter Playlist on YouTube

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Read from a Children’s Bible

Our favorite children’s Bible is the Jesus Storybook Bible, but use what you have at home and read the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection this week with your kids.

It’s a simple way to remind them of what happened this week so many years ago that makes the difference between despair and hope to us as Christians.

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Sin Rocks & a Jesus Basket – a twist on the Easter Basket

Every year for many years now, the kids have what we call a “Jesus Basket” instead of the traditional Easter basket.

The night before Easter, we take large rocks, use a permanent marker to write sins that we’ve been struggling with on the rocks, and take turns reading them to one another. The rocks are heavy and we discuss how our sins can hurt one another, just as throwing heavy rocks can hurt one another.

uneaster basket

This time of recognition and confession is both sweet and difficult, as we have to take the time to really consider the sin in our life. You’ll find as your kids get older, this can be a very impactful time together if you’re willing to lead the way and share vulnerably.

After the rocks are in the basket, we cover them with a red cloth to symbolize Jesus’ blood covering our sins. This basket is then set where our Easter baskets usually appear. In the morning, the sin rocks and the red covering are gone, and simple Easter baskets with treats appear for each child.

We remind the kids that Jesus’ sacrifice was a gift and that he has taken all our sins away with that gift.

When we first started this tradition, I felt like this was the first time our kids really “got” the concept of Jesus paying for our sins. I know personally I learn better with object lessons and this one was impactful to my adult-heart too!

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Watch an Easter Video Designed for Kids

There are so many great videos to watch at home that share the true message of Easter with our kids.

I’d encourage you to find one, sit down and watch it WITH your kids (it’s so easy for us to just put it on in the background and go on with our tasks), and then use the time afterward as a time of reflection.

Ask the kids questions that get them talking about the message. I’m always surprised at what they notice or what impacts them the most.

Right now, Minno Kids is offering free content for families “doing church” at home because of COVID-19. You can find videos about Palm Sunday and Easter topics to watch this week to jump start your conversations.

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Wash Each Other’s Feet

Supplies Needed: warm water, a large bowl or basin, washcloths

Biblical Truth Shared: Jesus taught us to serve one another

Jesus washes the disciples' feet
photo credit

Read the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17.

Ask your children what they think that would be like to be the one washing another person’s feet or to be the one receiving the washing. Take them to another room where you have prepared warm basins of water and washcloths.

Play soft music in the background and encourage them to quietly take turns washing one another’s feet.

As a parent, you can participate in this process, potentially going first to visually show your children what to do and how it feels to be served in this way.

Afterwards, talk about how Jesus taught his disciples to serve one another before he was arrested and crucified and the powerful impact that made on them as they took on the job of spreading the gospel to the world.

Remind them that God calls us to serve just as Jesus did. Have them write down one way they can intentionally choose to serve someone else in the next week.

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Resurrection Eggs

Supplies Needed: Set of Resurrection Eggs or make your own set

Biblical Truth Shared: Overview of the entire Easter story and the gospel message

resurrection eggs
Steel Wool via photopin cc

Resurrection eggs are a visual way to walk your children through the Easter story. Each egg contains a small trinket that provides a reminder of a portion of the story. Use the pre-made resurrection eggs set or make your own using an egg carton, plastic eggs, and small items you can find around your house.

Number the eggs with a marker so they will be in the correct order when you’re ready to talk about the contents.

You can hide the eggs around your home for a mini Easter egg hunt, then have your child put them in the egg carton in number order.

Egg #1: Oyster cracker (or bread) – Matthew 26:26

Egg #2: Silver coins – Matthew 26:14-16

Egg #3: Purple cloth – Matthew 27:28

Egg #4: Thorns – Matthew 27:29

Egg #5: Rope – Mark 15:15

Egg #6: Cross – John 19:16-17

Egg #7: Nail – John 19:18

Egg #8: Sign that says, “This is the king of the Jews.” – Luke 23:38

Egg #9: Sponge (with vinegar) – Matthew 27:48

Egg #10: Cloves or spices – Luke 23:5-6

Egg #11: Rock – Matthew 27:59-60

Egg #12: EMPTY! – Matthew 28:55-56

Annette from This Simple Home shares these scriptures and a free printable you can use to have all the scriptures quickly on hand while you’re doing this activity.

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Decorate Your Yard

One simple way to celebrate Easter and share the message of resurrection with your neighbors while we’re all at home is to put up a homemade cross in your yard the week before Easter.

You can use whatever you can find around your house or yard — sticks work great! Have your kids participate in finding the materials and put up the cross as a visual reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Then, on Easter Sunday, remove the cross and replace it with a homemade sign that says “HE IS RISEN” to share the reason for our hope.

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Sidewalk Chalk Encouragement

If you have a sidewalk in front of your house or even just your driveway, use that stash of sidewalk chalk you’ve been saving to create a mosaic of encouragement for your neighborhood.

For younger kids, draw out an outline of a cross or a dove and let them color them in. Write PEACE HOPE LOVE or HE IS RISEN or other encouraging words underneath.

Older kids can design their creations on paper first and make them come to life on the sidewalk to encourage others as they walk by.

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Give a Gift to a Neighbor or Essential Worker

Take time this week to remember those who either are isolated or who are essential workers.

Often, this week is typically Spring Break and families are taking time to enjoy family and friends. However, as we’re all staying home right now, you may have neighbors who are feeling isolated and forgotten. Or you may have friends who are healthcare professionals, delivery people, grocery store clerks, or drive-thru workers who are experiencing high levels of stress.

While you’re out on your weekly essential trip to the grocery store, pick up one of the small potted plants or flowers and deliver it to a neighbor or friend with an encouraging note from you and your kids.

It’s one way we can share the love of Jesus after the incredible love He has shown us.

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If you find these ideas helpful, share this post to let others know about these practical ideas to share the message of Jesus with our kids. You can find more parenting resources on my blog here.



I truly hope you are able to use this extra time at home with your family to sink deep spiritual roots into your children, reminding them that when all else is uncertain, our hope in Jesus IS certain.

With you on the journey,

You Have the Power…it’s IN You!

June 19, 2019 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Note: I dug this post out of my blog draft archives. I’ve since had TWINS, so you know, that’s grown me even more spiritually…but I just love this reminder and wanted to go ahead and share, even if it was from a few years ago. Hope this reminder is a good one for you, just as it was for me.


Nothing has grown me more spiritually lately than having my third child. She is a smiley baby, laid back, as third babies must be, with a sweet disposition.

But her entrance into this world, fast and furious, not waiting on anyone (including the nurse or doctor!), birthed also a new type of chaos I’d not yet experienced in my mothering journey.

haven at cbc

With two kids, I could generally handle whatever daily challenges arose…at least I thought I handled them pretty well on my own. Add a third to the mix and my introverted, planner, type A self-starter to crash and burn.

All of a sudden I realized I couldn’t do this – this job of loving and training up my children in the Lord while working full time, being supportive of my husband and his business, and being a good wife, sister, daughter, blogger, friend – it was all too much for my perfectionistic tendency self to handle.

I found myself overwhelmed with no action plan for change.

But friends, there is hope! 

Once my eyes were opened to the truth that I truly cannot do and be all that I desire to do and be on my own in this life, I found hope.

While reading in Romans, I was reminded that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in us. Did you catch that?

You and me, we have the POWER when we live in step with the Spirit that lives in us!

5 Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.  

6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.  

7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so.  

8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 

9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.  

10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.  

11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you. 

12 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.  

13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 

14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.  

15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba,Father.” 

16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Today I encourage you with the reminder to live in step with the Holy Spirit and God’s desires for your life, not your own. The peace and joy that follows in the midst of our chaos is God’s blessing to us as His children. Embrace it!  

With you on the journey,

Signature

Sequin Sparkle and Change Bible Review

December 26, 2018 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you to FrontGate Media for providing the book for review. 

There’s a new Bible on the market for all the girls in your life who get giggly over mermaid sequins. Sequins are all the rage right now! My oldest daughter received a large mermaid sequin pillow for Christmas from her grandparents and my middle daughter received this new Sparkle and Change Bible.

I really adore this Bible, as the outside caught my 4 year old’s attention immediately, making her want to open it up and explore the inside. The sequins are like magic! When you brush your hand across them, a silver heart appears. While this copy is blue, there’s a pink version as well.

The inside has colorful eye-catching insert pages with places for writing family history and details, as well as a place to keep a list of favorite verses.

The inside has clear text with bold headings. The font is very easy to read, which is great since unfortunately, that’s not always the case with some Bibles and this is super-important for little early readers.

It’s also the International Children’s Bible version, the first version translated specifically for children. For perspective, it’s written at a third-grade reading level. This is the translation my own first Bible was written in, so I’m personally familiar with how simple it is for kids to understand.

I love these inserts that help kids find familiar passages and consolidate important information into one-page summaries for ease of memorization.

And these maps! These bring me back to my childhood in a heartbeat since I remember sitting in Bible class looking at these same maps and trying to imagine what it must have been like to live in Jesus’ time. They’re colorful and easy to read.

I also love the fact that the Bible has an easy to read dictionary of common Bible words and phrases so kids can easily look up words or concepts they’re unfamiliar with. This makes independent Bible study more accessible.

Want to win a copy of the Sequin Sparkle and Change Bible for a special girl in your own life? Click the banner below to enter to win!

 

She Reads Truth Bible: Review

December 4, 2018 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

It’s the holiday season and many of us are focused on making sure all our Christmas gifts have been purchased and are wrapped up beautifully to sit under the tree as they await the grand opening of presents on Christmas morning.

While we all know it’s the gift inside that counts, there’s something to be said for beautiful packaging. A present wrapped in fancy paper with a bow tied ‘just so’ makes us feel loved and cared about in a way a present that’s hastily thrown in a second-hand bag with ripped tissue paper just doesn’t.

That’s how I feel about the She Reads Truth Bible. 

This newly released Bible is the same time-honored and Holy Spirit inspired Word of God as all the others you can pick up at your local Christian bookstore. But the packaging just makes you feel like the treasured daughter of the King you are.


She Reads Truth Bible 1

The She Reads Truth movement is focused on getting women in the Word every day. I’ve used the She Reads Truth app that makes it simple to follow a reading plan along with thousands of other women around the world.

But truly, there is nothing like having a physical copy of the Bible in front of you to be able to sit and soak in the words of truth.

I received this copy to review and it truly is stunning. The Bible is well-bound as a heavy-duty hardbound book in a sturdy thick case you can slide the Bible into easily to protect the binding and the pages.

She Reads Truth Bible 3

Features include:

  • 189 devotionals
  • 66 artist-designed key verses
  • 35 full-color timelines
  • 20 full-color maps
  • 11 full-color charts
  • reading plans for every book of the Bible
  • one-year Bible reading plan
  • detailed book introductions
  • key verse list
  • carefully curated topical index
  • smyth-sewn binding
  • two colored ribbon markers
  • wide margins for journaling and note-taking

This Bible is just stunningly beautiful to look at. Each book of the Bible starts out with a key verse highlighted in script art.

She Reads Truth Bible 4

Each book also includes a reading plan and a “going deeper” area with additional related scriptures to read.

There is also a section that helps you place the book of the Bible within the timeline of history, gives a little background to the book, and shares a short synopsis of the book’s message and purpose.

I find this extremely helpful information to have context before I start reading.

She Reads Truth Bible 5

There are also devotionals included, which I’ve found to be relevant and encouraging to my daily experience.

She Reads Truth Bible 6

If you’re wanting to start the year out with a fresh new approach to Bible reading, the She Reads Truth Bible would be a good option. It’d also be a wonderful gift.

As shared in this video sharing the heart behind it, this is a Bible not just for your shelf, but for your life!

Purchase a copy on Amazon HERE.



DISCLOSURE:  I was given this Bible to review for B&H Publishing by FrontGate Media.  While I was given the Bible for free all thoughts and opinions are my own. Affiliate links are used in this post.

Love Does for Kids: Book Review & Giveaway

November 25, 2018 By LeeAnn G. Taylor

Affiliate links are used in this post. Thank you to FrontGate Media for providing the book for review. 

Recently I was captivated by Bob Goff’s book, Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World. There were so many gems and I truly loved his perspective. I quickly read his wife Maria’s book, Love Lives Here: Finding What You Need in a World Telling You What You Want, as well, to get her perspective on their life. Both were fascinating and encouraging.

Some of my favorite stories in both books revolve around their relationship with their kids and the adventures they had together as a family.

So when the opportunity to review Bob Goff’s newest book, Love Does for Kids, I jumped at the chance.

Bob writes the book with his daughter, Lindsey Goff Viducich, and I love that! She is an elementary school teacher, so her input certainly helped shape the book to appeal to a younger audience.

The thick hardcover book is sturdy and seems to have been crafted to withstand the sometimes rough treatment books for kids often receive. The size of the book it not much larger than an adult’s hand, making it easier for children to handle.

The book is divided into 46 short stories, each about 5-6 pages long, including a page or two of illustrations to highlight the story.

This first story is entitled Mistakes. The story talks about how we all make mistakes but that the TRUTH is that God can and does use our mistakes to shape us into the wonderful person he’s crafting us into.

Each story starts out with a personal anecdote from Bob, leads into a Biblical story, often highlighting how Jesus sees us and our identity in Him, and then encourages the young person to live in a way that walks out Jesus’ love for us and others.

The illustrations are rich and fun and will keep kids’ attention.

The stories aren’t too long and quickly move from Bob’s story to Jesus’ story and then application.

Each story only takes a few minutes to read. I think this would make a great nightly devotional book for parents to read to and with their kids. It would also function well as a book for older elementary kids or middle school kids to read on their own.

Bob addresses kids directly in the book and there are often questions for kids to think through their answers in the middle of the text. Since the questions are interspersed, it doesn’t feel like “homework” and instead challenges kids to think through important concepts.

Would you like to win a copy for yourself or someone you love?

Enter your email address and first and last name to be entered to win a copy of the Love Does for Kids book from FrontGate Media.

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  • Happy New Year!
  • 10 Ways to Teach Your Kids About Easter (at Home — COVID-19 Edition)
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  • She Reads Truth Bible: Review
  • Love Does for Kids: Book Review & Giveaway
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