Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Treasure Time

Years ago, a crazy situation arose in my home. Honest moment here, life open wide for any reader out in blog landia to take a peek into my life. Our Bible time, quiet time, family devotional life ... (insert whatever term you would like to use) had become dull, drab, lifeless, like a leftover piece of toast stuck in the toaster.

This momma knew, slopping some sweet jelly on the top would still not persuade any little ones to gobble it down with glee. I needed an overhaul. A creative solution. A new way of looking at things that would foster a deep down love for God's Word.

With limited resources (serving on the mission field as a family) and no Christian bookstore around the corner to search for ideas, I asked some simple questions. What do I want my boys to think about our time focussing on God? When I think of reading the Bible and praying, what does it mean to me? How can I put value on something that is quite possibly the most important skill I can develop in our family? I summed it up in one word, treasure.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21

And thus began our adventure into a new realm of 'treasure time'. We began with a simple box, our treasure chest, and filled it with a Bible for little hands and a few story books that shared God's love. Gathering around every morning, the boys would take turns on who would open the box as a sense of expectancy and excitement bubbled over.

When we moved back to the US, my prince found an amazing 'treasure chest' with drawers on all sides that we have stuffed with the best and most worthy treasures of all. Our treasure time has led us on a wonderful adventure, one with twists and turns, and bumps as children grew and changed. And worth every moment.

We can linger for hours in our treasure time and sometimes we do. And days like today, when a bustling schedule looms over the hours ahead and a busy momma starts the gears a bit early ... A young boy will stop and say "Mommy, we have to do treasure time, right?" The schedule falls to the side and happy hearts smile as we gather once again around our treasure chest, with the same sense of expectancy and excitement.

For a bit, I will be sharing about our Treasure time. Tuesday Treasures. Come back and splash with me, share your ideas, and together we can turn stale toast into real treasure.

P.S. I also just added a new option to this blog, a chance to be splashed in your email inbox. Over on the right hand side at the top of the page, you can add your email address and Splashin' Glory will be sweetly sent to your email. No fuss. Simple little splashes for your day.

11 comments:

Glenda said...

What a wonderful, creative idea! Your boys will never forget and will always treasure your special times together, and most importantly they are hiding His Word in their hearts.

Catherine Anne said...

Thank you for this, our toast is a bit dry. I am searching and praying for growth.

Anonymous said...

Loved it!

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful idea, especially with little ones!!!

Anonymous said...

You are the most creative momma I know. Love your great ideas. Can't wait to hear more.
Wendy

David C Brown said...

" 'Tis treasure we've found in His love
That has made us now pilgrims below;
And 'tis there, when we reach Him above,
As we're known, all His fullness we'll know."

It's a test to keep a daily reading bright and lively!

Rebecca said...

Sarah, WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!!!!! I think I need an overhaul and have been pondering it. I want to move to memorizing books in the Bible...not just verses...hmmm...

Jill said...

I'm glad you stopped by my blog today! I love what you are doing with your boys- what a great idea!!! How fun that they get so excited about it! I might have to steal your idea:)

carissa said...

this is so smart! this totally takes the "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" to heart! so glad to find you. : )

Anonymous said...

I love that your husband found that awesome treasure chest for you!!

Lindsey said...

love love LOVE this idea! thanks for stopping by the other day, I'm looking forward to digging around here:)