Bible Lesson on Reputation

Start lesson by showing a picture of  different animals or fruit and get them to name the reputation of each of those by looking at a list of words. (Put these words on board:  cuddly and cute, loyal, slow, stubborn, sloppy, ferocious man-eater and healthy.)

Present Bible memory verse:  Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right.  Proverbs 20:11.

Ask if anyone knows what the word "reputation" means.  (What people think of someone because of their attitude, actions or what they say.)

* What would you do if some of your friends at school wanted you try a cigarette?  What would your first reaction be?

* What about something not as harmful to you such as watching a movie or a television show that your parents don't want you to see?  Would you immediately say no. 

What we do during times like these gives us a reputation, either good or bad.  If we give in and do what is wrong, our reputation for doing good is weak.  If we easily say no and stand firm for what is right we build a strong reputation for doing good.

One story in our Bible that I always think of when I think of someone with a reputation for doing good is found in Daniel 1: 1-21.  (Have someone read this out loud)

Discussion Questions:

1)  Why did the servant want Daniel and his companions to eat the king's food?
(So they would be strong and healthy like the others)

2)  Because he didn't want to eat or drink anything unclean, what did Daniel ask to be served instead?
(Vegetables and water)

3)  How did Daniel prove he and his companions didn't need to eat the king's food?
(After a 10 day test, they were stronger and looked better than those who ate the kings food)

4)  How was Daniel rewarded because he had a strong reputation for honoring God?
(He was given knowledge and wisdom and allowed to serve before the king)

5)  In Daniel's time certain foods were considered unclean and forbidden.  What kind of things do we have in our life today that might be considered unclean and forbidden?

Have everyone think of ways that we can build a strong reputation for doing good. 


A reputation is built by doing something over and over.  If you do what is right over and over, you build a reputation for doing good.  If you do what is not right over and over, you build a reputation for doing what is wrong.  The stronger your reputation is for doing what is right, the closer you will feel to God and the easier it will be to continue doing what is right.  Also, others will see you as a strong Christian, someone they can look up to.  Daniel's reputation was obvious that in whatever situation he found himself, he would honor God and let anything evil become a part of his life.  We can all learn a valuable lessonf rom Daniel about building a stong and Godly reputation.

Nature Walk

Today Abbie and I took a walk in the woods.  It is always relaxing when we are able to take time and just wander around in the woods.  We spotted a lot of wild violets and also another flower that right now I don't know the name of it.  I will be checking to see if I can find out what kind of flower this is.

Book Review

I have decided that it might be fun if I start writing a little bit about the books that I read.  Last week I checked out from the library Cast of Characters by Max Lucado.  This is a great book.  Max Lucado is one of my favorite Christian authors and this book, in my opinion, is one of his best.  This book has 23 chapters devoted to different Bible characters and at the end of each chapter it has a section on reflection and discussion which would make this book great to use for a personal Bible study or a group discussion.  Cast of Characters is helping me to reflect on my own Christian walk and how I can draw closer to Jesus.

American Girl Doll Clothes

I just found this website tonight for free online American Girl doll clothes.  I can't wait to check it out and maybe make a few of the clothes.  I'm sure this is something that Abbie would really enjoy!

American Girl Doll Clothes Patterns

Today was such a busy fun day!  We started off with an Easter Egg hunt at church.

After the all of the fun we had at church we went home to celebrate Abbie's birthday.  It's hard to believe that she will be 11 years old Tuesday.  So for the next few days we will be celebrating the wonderful gift that God gave to us when he let us be Abbie's parents.  She is such a great girl and I am so proud to be her mom. I hope she will always let God lead her life.   Here's a few pictures from her party.

Abbie's Birthday

Okay, we actually have a few more days until it is Abbie's 11th birthday but tomorrow we are having a small birthday party at our house for her so today I made her birthday cake.  She loves turtles so this is what I came up with:

Saturday

Today has been a very productive day.  Since it was Saturday we took the trash to the dump, bought a few groceries and dropped a bag off at the Hospice Store.  I have managed to gather things to donate to the Hospice Store for the past four weeks.  Hopefully, soon my house will be completely decluttered!  I've also almost finished with the lesson plans for next week.  I only have to work on our history plans tomorrow and we will be ready for another week.  I hope to post pictures during the week of some of our school work.  It will be so easy to fill up the workboxes every night and then Abbie will be able to complete her school work for the day.   Maybe soon I will post a picture of our workbox system.

At the end of the day you can see a picture of our cat Furball.  She must have worked very hard today too since she is all snuggled in for a nap!