Joyful bubbles

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For this activity, you will need commercial or homemade bubble solution and wands. Here’s a recipe for homemade bubble mix.

Bubble mix recipe

Combine the following ingredients:

1/4 cup of dish soap (any Dawn product, or Dawn with “Olay hand renewal” works very well)
1/4 cup of cool water
1 tsp. sugar

Use any circular item to blow bubbles. If you don’t have any traditional bubble-blowing wands, the handle of a pair of scissors works well, but first tape the blades closed and wrap the blade end in a protective cover, such as bubble wrap, to prevent injuries.

Have fun blowing bubbles together outside. If it isn’t warm enough to play outside, you can still blow bubbles indoors at bath time. A fun song to sing while blowing bubbles is Jesus’ Love is a Bubblin’ Over. After your children are tired of blowing bubbles themselves, suggest that they take a break from blowing and try to pop the bubbles that you blow. When they are done blowing and chasing bubbles, call your children together and tell them this make-believe story. (Feel free to change it to personalize it for your kids.)

Bubble-time s​tory

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Karis. Karis was a normal girl who lived in a normal home with a very normal family. But she thought her life was abnormally boring. She desperately wanted to be a princess. If only I could live in a palace! she thought. If I could live in a palace and have all the privileges of a princess, my life would be full of joy.

As she fell asleep one night, Karis wished – for the one hundred and first time – that she could one day become a princess. Moments later, much to Karis’ surprise, a huge butterfly flew through her window and spoke to her. The butterfly told her that she had been chosen as the next princess of the Land of Chara, and that they must fly there right away.

Away through the dark night they flew, eventually arriving at their destination. As they flew down toward the Land of Chara, Karis noticed that the streets were golden. When the butterfly showed Karis her new bedroom and gave her a tour of the royal palace, Karis thought that she would be incredibly happy in her new role. Her room was full of hundreds of dolls, complete with a tiny kitchen that had mini-appliances of every kind, including a fridge, an oven and a dishwasher – and they all worked!

The butterfly told Karis to put on an extravagant gown and get ready for a royal feast. As she quickly dressed, she wondered what kind of food would be served at the party. Almost as soon as Karis had fastened her gown, she noticed that the lace at the neck and the sleeves had begun to itch. Soon, Karis wished she could take the dress off, but she thought to herself, If this is what I must do to be a princess, then I will have to leave the gown on.

At the feast there were many people Karis didn’t recognize, but they all smiled at her and bowed or curtsied when she walked past. It seemed as though everyone was almost afraid to talk to her because she was royalty. The food that was brought to her table was wonderful; it was pizza with all her favourite toppings, and tiny hamburgers with exquisite miniature fries. For drinks, there were five different flavours of milkshakes to choose from. Karis chose chocolate and strawberry. For dessert, they rolled out a very large tray full of fancy cakes and candy. There were more treats on the tray than Karis had ever seen all at once, and she got to choose whatever she wanted.

After dinner, everyone went outside for a carnival. There were rubber inflatables, giant slides and even a climbing wall. Pretty bubbles floated through the air, generated by automatic bubble-making machines. Although everyone seemed to be having a grand time, Karis felt a little lonely wandering around and playing by herself at the different attractions. She also was a little worried about the nasty-looking little dwarves who ran around popping all the bubbles, laughing as they went. Karis decided to go back to her room to play. She set the dolls up in the kitchen, but it wasn’t much fun playing alone.

By nightfall, Karis’ stomach had started to hurt and her gown had given her a horrible rash. Just as she was thinking about going to bed, the butterfly came fluttering in the window, and reminded Karis that she was now a princess, which meant she could stay up as late as she wanted. But Karis was very tired, and soon going to bed seemed like a very good idea. The bed was beautiful, but it was so high off the ground that Karis worried that she might get hurt if she fell out. As she lay in bed, she longed for her mom and dad to come and tuck her in. She wished she could hear her little brother making silly noises in the room next door. Then a frightening thought came into her mind: Will I ever see my family again? she wondered. All night long Karis tossed and turned as her worries and her aching belly disturbed her sleep.

In the morning, Karis was delighted to find herself in her own bed, in her own bedroom. She ran downstairs and found her family eating cereal for breakfast. Her younger brother was making loud slurping noises at the breakfast table as usual, but this time it didn’t bother Karis.

Later that morning, Karis told her parents about her dream and everything she experienced in the Land of Chara. Her parents listened, deep in thought, as Karis explained her dream. Then Karis’ parents offered their thoughts about the dream, and Karis saw the Land of Chara in a whole new light.

What Karis had not known was that the Land of Chara was a fake or a “counterfeit.” All the wonderful things in the dream were things that people often think they need in order to be happy. Although it was named the Land of Joy – for the word “chara” means “joy” in Greek – it was not really the land of joy at all. It was a place that offered false joy instead of true joy.

Karis’ parents explained that the only way anyone can experience true joy is through knowing Jesus. They said that there is nothing wrong with wanting to be happy, as long as a person doesn’t seek after happiness instead of seeking the joy of knowing and being with Jesus.

Then Karis’ parents told her that her name means “grace,” and that her name also came from the Greek root word for “joy.” Her mother then explained that it is because of God’s grace that everyone can have their sins forgiven and experience the joy of knowing God as a friend.

“A relationship with God will give us much joy here on earth,” her mother said, “but we will have even more joy when we go to live with God in heaven someday.” Then Karis’ father got out a Bible and read from the book of Revelation to let Karis know what heaven would be like some day. Heaven sounded much better than the land in her dream. Karis’ favourite part was the promise that in heaven there will be no more tears or pain (Revelation 21:4). Karis found herself thinking a lot about heaven in the days that followed, but never again did she wish to be a princess.

A note to parents: The Greek word for “joy” is “chara,” derived from the word “charis,” which is the Greek word for “grace.” This is important to note, for it tells us that “chara” is produced by the “charis” of God. This means that true joy is divine in origin… it is a Spirit-given expression that flourishes best in hard times.

Finish your time together by asking the following questions:

  • What caused Karis to be dissatisfied?
  • What are some things in your life that tempt you to be discontent?
  • When are you tempted to be selfish or discontent?
  • How do we find true joy?
  • If the bubbles we played with represent joy, then what kind of thoughts and attitudes can pop your “joy bubbles”?
  • What kind of attitudes can prevent your joy bubbles from bursting?
Key concepts

People can have everything their hearts desire and still feel empty and alone if their goal in life is to please themselves and not God. We can be joyful in “normal” circumstances – even when life gets very hard – if we love and trust God. The soap bubbles, as pretty and fun as they were, only lasted a short time. Similarly, having things, popularity and entertainment are short-lived in the length of time they entertain us or offer us fascination.

Some common joy stealers include dissatisfaction and greed (always wanting more or wanting the biggest or the best). These attitudes steal joy, but being content and generous with what we have gives us joy. True joy is found in Jesus and in sharing His love with others.

Relevant Scripture

Psalm 37:3-4 “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”

Joy in obedience

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Throughout your study on joy, be quick to affirm your children when they are obedient or when they make righteous choices. Let them know that God blesses people who chose righteousness with joy. Explain that when we disobey God we end up feeling guilty and unhappy, but when we obey God’s commandments, we feel free and joyful. Read one of the verses below and bless your child with your words of affirmation or another small reward.

Relevant Scripture

Proverbs 10:28 “The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hopes of the wicked come to nothing.”

Psalm 119:13-15 “With my lips I recount all the laws that come from Your mouth. I rejoice in following Your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways.”

Short circuit complaints

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For this activity, you will need a buzzer. A “That was easy” buzzer from Staples is perfect, but any fun noise maker will do.

Unfortunately, people seem pre-programmed to complain. In our affluent culture, it seems as though people get very accustomed to having things just the way they like them, doing the things they enjoy and eating food they enjoy. What are some of the common reasons for complaining in your home? Is it doing chores? Cleaning up? Eating vegetables? Going somewhere “boring” on errands? In most families, the list goes on and on. This activity helps to change attitudes from negative to joyful, with help from a buzzer. Every time a family member is tempted to complain, have them go and find the buzzer. Once they have thought of one thing to praise God for instead, they get to push the buzzer.

Relevant Scripture

Philippians 2:14-16 “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the Word of life – in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.”

1 Timothy 6:6-9 “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.”

Shining kids

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Read Psalm 37:5-6 together. Provide recognition for acts of kindness by giving your children a plastic glow in-the-dark wand or bracelet when they are kind. The glow-in-the-dark item can serve as a reminder that God sees their actions and is pleased when He sees them making right choices. (Instruct younger children never to bite or chew on their bracelet.)

Relevant Scripture

Psalm 37:5-6 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

Precious obedience

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Ask your children to imagine a table filled with all kinds of delicacies. Have your children add their favourite foods to the story.

Alternatively, describe a toy box filled with all kinds of wonderful toys, again having your children suggest some favourites.

Now ask your children, “How do you think you could please Mom and Dad the most: by giving up the whole table of treats [box of toys] for them, or by obeying their instructions?”

Of course, the correct answer reflects the truth of 1 Samuel 15:22, which emphasizes that obedience is better than sacrifice. Direct your children’s attention to this passage of Scripture.

Relevant Scripture

1 Samuel 15:22 “But Samuel replied: ‘Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.’ ”

A beary important lesson

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Share the following story about a mother bear and a disobedient cub if you feel it is appropriate for your children.

After reading any of these stories about obedience, have your children re-enact the different roles to further enhance their learning.

The grizzly bear and her cubs*

There were three young grizzly cubs playfully exploring the woods near their den. The scent of food caused them to be drawn away from the protection of their mother. Their curiosity drew them closer and closer to danger. The food they had smelled was a caribou carcass that belonged to a family of wolves who had hidden it in the bushes and dirt near their own den.

As the cubs came closer, the wolves circled preparing for a deadly attack. The mother bear heard the cries from her cubs and came running to their defence. The mother bear fought savagely and was finally able to separate herself and her cubs from the attacking wolves.

They had just reached the safety of a nearby hill when the weakest of the three cubs ignored the protective wishes of its mother and returned to sniff the caribou. In seconds it was surrounded by the wolf pack. The mother now had to expose herself and the other two cubs to the battle again.

The lead wolf had returned from hunting and distracted the mother bear while four other wolves attacked the weak cub. The mother bear broke free from the lead wolf and roared furiously at those who were attacking her cub. She wildly swung her paws in defence. Finally, she drove the three cubs through a thick patch of brush and into a glacial stream.

The smallest cub cringed on the shore, frightened . . . The mother pushed it into the water so the wolves would no longer follow. The wounds the young cub suffered were a lasting reminder of the consequences of not following the instructions of the one caring for you.

* Reproduced from Character Sketches from the Pages of Scripture, Illustrated in the World of Nature Volume I. Institute in Basic Life Principles, Oak Brook, IL, 1976. www.iblp.org. Reproduced with permission.

Questions for discussion
  • Which rule did the little bear disobey?
  • What rules do Mom and Dad give you for your own safety?
  • What could happen to you when you choose to disobey these rules?
  • What do kinds of food do Mom and Dad ask you to eat, but you would prefer not to?
  • What do you think would happen to you if you ate cake, ice cream and cookies at every meal?
  • What kinds of traps do bears get stuck in?
  • What kinds of “traps” does Satan set for people?
Key concepts

Here are some key points to emphasize in discussing this story with your children:

A mother grizzly must help her cubs to survive by teaching them what foods are available in which seasons and how to find them. Likewise, as parents, it is our responsibility to teach you how to eat healthy meals. For example, we encourage you to eat balanced meals, including lots of vegetables.

A mother bear also teaches her cubs how to avoid natural dangers such as hunters, bear traps, porcupines and wolves. Again, without her guidance, the cubs’ chances of survival would decrease significantly. It is our job, as your parents, to teach you how to be safe. That’s why we give your rules such as “Don’t play in the street” and “Don’t go anywhere with strangers.” These rules keep you safe physically.

It’s also our job to keep you safe spiritually. Satan is our enemy and he is always tempting us to do wrong. We need to teach you how to overcome the temptation that Satan sends and how to live to please God instead.

Oh joy!

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An obedient child is a joy to their parents! Set aside some “one-on-one” time to spend with each of your children. Let them know that you want to spend time with them because you delight in having a child who chooses to be obedient. Your special time might be spent playing a game, taking a walk, extending story time or going out on a date. The purpose of this activity is to celebrate your child’s obedience.

Relevant Scripture

Proverbs 23:23-25 “Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice.”

Give patience a fighting chance

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Watch for opportunities to talk about how patience calms a quarrel (Proverbs 15:18). You can even use a real quarrel as an example. In this case, discuss how patience could have stopped it. Talk about how hot tempers stir up trouble and discord. Review how responding with love and patience could have changed the situation. The discussion questions are provided to help stimulate dialogue.

Questions for discussion
  • What caused the fight?
  • Did anyone try to stop it? If so, how?
  • How would it have turned out differently if one person had been patient?
  • How would it have turned out differently if both people involved had been patient?
  • Did anyone try to show love?
  • How does the verse, “Love is patient, love is kind” apply to this quarrel?
Relevant Scripture

Proverbs 15:18 “A hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.”

1 Corinthians 13:4 “Love is patient, love is kind…”

1 Peter 4:8 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”

Rewarding cotton balls

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Start by decorating a clear bottle or jar with fruit stickers or pictures. Explain the connection between patience and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Tell your children that each time they are able to wait patiently for something, you will give them a cotton ball for their bottle or jar. Explain that when we are soft-hearted towards one another like the soft cotton, we will be patient with each other, rather than short-tempered or easily irritated. Each child’s goal is to see if they can fill his/her jar to the top. Pray one of the kids talk with God prayers with your children to encourage them before you begin awarding cotton balls.

There is a famous exercise for diffusing anger that requires a person to count to 10. Most of us forget to do it. Instead of counting to 10, you could have your children count the cotton balls in his/her jar as a patience exercise.

Alternatively, when you see your children being tempted to be impatient, encourage them to say their Bible memory verse. For a Biblical perspective, read aloud your choice of the Bible verses listed below. Let you children know beforehand that when their container is full, you will celebrate by playing some silly games with the cotton balls. Ideas include using tape to stick the cotton balls onto parents’ faces or having a snowball fight with them.

Relevant Scripture

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Proverbs 14:17 “A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.”

Proverbs 16:32 “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”

Proverbs 17:27 “A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered.”

Proverbs 25:28 “Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.”

Proverbs 29:11 “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

Proverbs 29:20 “Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.”

Ecclesiastes 7:9 “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”

Patience fruit

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Tell your children a story about a child who experiences the challenges and joys of growing their own little garden. Kids love these impromptu stories, especially if it fills the time during a car ride. Here is a sample story called “Kari’s garden.”

Kari’s garden

Kari loved springtime because she loved looking for little green leaves sprouting out of the ground. One spring, Kari’s mom surprised her by telling her that she could grow her own garden. Kari hoped that her garden could grow all kinds of wonderful things that she had eaten from her grandparents’ garden.

Planting patience

Soon, Kari’s mother brought her to buy the seeds. “You can choose four different plants to grow,” Kari’s mother explained. Kari decided to plant carrots, peas, and strawberries because they were her some of her favourite foods. She also wanted to grow some pumpkins because she loved the big leafy vines and the golden yellow flowers.

When they came home, Kari was ready to put the seeds in the ground. “Not so quick, sweetheart,” her mom said. “First, we must prepare the soil so the seeds will be happy where you put them. We need to throw away old weeds and break up any hard clumps of dirt we find.”

After they had cleared the site, Kari was about to start putting the seeds in the ground, when her mom said, “Wait! We need to read the seed package and see how deep the seeds need to be placed in the soil.” Kari sighed. She was surprised how long it took to plant a garden.

Kari’s mother helped her measure one-cm-deep furrows in the soil where she planted the seeds. Then, Kari watered the carrot, the peas, the strawberry plants and each hill of pumpkins.

Now that the garden was finally done, Kari’s mom went inside, and Kari stayed outside to admire her garden. She wondered how the seeds were doing and decided to check on the pumpkins. She dug a little hole where she thought the pumpkin seeds were. “I wonder if they liked the water. Maybe they are sprouting already,” Kari thought. Her mom looked out the window and called to Kari, “What are you doing, Sweetie? You just planted those seeds. Why are you digging them up?”

“Oh Mommy,” explained Kari, “I was just checking to see if they liked the water enough to sprout.”

“Gardeners have to be patient, Kari,” her mother replied. ”Your seeds will not start to sprout for a few days yet.” Kari sighed again and decided to go into the house. She had no idea gardens could take so long.

Growing patience

That night, Kari dreamed about her garden and the magnificent fruit and vegetables it produced. In the morning, Kari looked out the window and saw a patch of black dirt where they had planted the seeds. Kari had to wait for almost a week before any seeds sprouted.

Soon, the carrots came up. Kari thought they looked like baby carrots. Ever so carefully, Kari pulled one up. All she saw was a teeny tiny white root that didn’t look at all like a baby carrot. Kari watched and waited for the pumpkin leaves to show too. It took a little longer for them to sprout, but Kari was proud of herself for not digging down into the hill to take a look.

Kari was not so patient with the strawberries. When one turned the slightest bit pink, she gently picked it and tried to eat it. She put it in her mouth, only to find she had to spit it out! The taste was so sour! Her mom saw Kari’s reaction. She smiled and said, “I guess gardeners have to grow patience as well as fruits and vegetables.” Kari laughed, too.

Finally one day, Kari noticed the baby peas forming on the vines. “What cute little pods!” she thought. “Maybe I should open one to see what is inside.” Can you guess what she found? You can imagine Kari’s disappointment when all she found were eight tiny peas, each the size of the head of a pin. “I am going to get really good at practicing patience this summer,” she told her dad when she showed him the miniature peas.

Tantrums don’t please God

Kari was also enjoying watching the progress on her pumpkin patch. Under each “female” flower, she would find a little green ball the size of a small marble. Her dad explained that when the bees took nectar from the “male” flower, its pollen would stick to the bee and pollinate the “female” flower so it could turn into a pumpkin.

Some days, Kari would wonder if the bees were doing their job. So Kari decided she could help them. She picked a male flower and sprinkled the pollen into the female flowers to make sure that little pumpkins would form. When her father saw her doing this, he called her his friendly little bumblebee.

“Dad,” she asked. “Does God think I am impatient because I am helping the bees do their job? Would He be mad?”

”No, honey,” he answered. “The kind of impatience that doesn’t please God is the kind that comes along with stamping of feet, whining, crying or a combination all three called a tantrum.” Unfortunately, Kari knew exactly what he meant.

Fruit of the Spirit harvest

As fall came, and the pumpkins in Kari’s garden were plump and starting to turn orange, something very good and very bad happened all in the same day. Kari’s two-year-old cousin, Benny, saw her beautiful pumpkins and asked, “One for Benny?” After seeing how her dad had cut a pumpkin off the vine for her, Kari got the scissors and cut a nice, round pumpkin for Benny.

As they were walking towards the house to show his parents, Kari saw Benny throw the pumpkin on the ground. It splattered all over the concrete patio. Benny laughed, but Kari wanted to scream and cry and jump up and down and shout. The very good part of the day was that she didn’t.

“Dear God,” she prayed, “please give me the same kind of patience that Grandma has.” Kari had tears in her eyes when the parents came out to see what Benny was laughing about.

“Ball broke,” laughed Benny. Then Kari started to laugh, too. Benny had thought the pumpkin she had given him was a ball. That is why he threw it on the ground. Kari was so glad that she hadn’t been impatient and yelled at him. It had been an innocent mistake.

Later, when Benny was leaving to go home, Kari’s mom helped her pick another pumpkin to send home with Benny. Kari explained that he was supposed to eat it, not bounce it. Benny laughed and said, “Tank oo, Kari. You are my best cousin!”

Kari’s parents both gave her a big hug after their company drove off. “Kari,” said her mom. “I really do see that you are letting God grow one of the fruits of his Spirit in your heart.”

“Can you guess which one, Mom?” Kari asked.

Smiling, her mom said, “Let me guess . . . patience?” Kari smiled, too, and thought, “Dear God, thank You for growing patience fruit in my heart this summer!”