Friday Fun - Happy Birthday Jesus Cakes

This is my family's favorite Christmas tradition:

I bake everyone in the family a round, single layer cake. When the cakes have cooled, everyone gets to frost and decorate their own cake. We use various colors of frosting, candy, flaked coconut, marshmallows, and sprinkles. When the decorating is done, we light a candle in each cake and sing Happy Birthday to Jesus. Then everyone gets to start eating their own cake.
I've also invited the neighbor over to make cakes with us as an evangelistic activity.

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Thursday Prayer - Perseverance

Pray Kids is a Christian magazine put out by NavPress. They offer a free sample of the 8 page magazine called Perseverance
Print the magazine. Then, find a quiet place to read or get your family and read it together.

Take time to Memorize a Verse
Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Here are some questions that you can answer and discuss.

• Did the you find the story about 12 year old Katie McConnell exciting?
  
• What was your favorite part in the story - The Widow Who Wouldn't Give Up?
• How did you pray for schools?
• What new thing did you learn - about Perseverance?

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Wednesday Worship - Free

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Tuesday Hero - Robert Raikes

The story of Robert Raikes is very inspirational.

God used this man to start many new Sunday Schools. Plus he made going to Sunday School popular. He was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of Robert Raikes for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Quiz

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• Can you imagine working 6 days a week, up to 12 hours each day? Why would these overworked, poverty-stricken children spend their one free day going to school?
• Why were the children hesitant to come to Sunday school at first? What are some things that keep children from coming to Sunday school today?
• The new Sunday schools taught two kinds of lessons. They taught reading and writing part of the day and Bible lessons the rest of the day. Which do you think was more important for helping the children and why?
• What difference has attending Sunday school made in your life? Have you ever invited a friend to Sunday school?
• Many other adults were aware of the white slaves of England, but did nothing to help. Why do you think Robert Raikes chose to do something to help the children? What resources did Robert have that he could use to further this cause?

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Monday Ministry - Elves of Kindness

Your family members can pretend to be elves and do acts of kindness during the Christmas season.

Here are some ideas that you might be interested in doing:

• anonymously leave a gift on someone’s doorstep
• anonymously send a family a Christmas card with a gift card inside
  
• dress up as Santa and his elves and deliver toys and food to a family in need
• decorate an outdoor tree in your neighbor’s yard
• anonymously send someone a bouquet of Christmas flowers
• shovel or plow someone’s snowy driveway before they get home from work
• carry around wrapped Christmas candy to pass out when you’re in public
• deliver Christmas gifts or ornaments to people in the hospital
• fill a stocking and hang it from someone’s front door knob
• do your brother or sister's chores
  

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Friday Fun - Family Slumber Party

Set up your sleeping bags and pillows around the Christmas tree. Have snacks and play games. It will be fun to fall asleep looking at the lights and ornaments on the tree.

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Thursday Prayer - Christmas Prayer Cards

Each evening after dinner, choose from one of the Christmas cards you have received. Pray for the family or person that sent you the card.

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Wednesday Worship - From the Manger to the Cross

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Tuesday Heroes - William and Catherine Booth

The story of William and Catherine Booth is very inspirational.

God used this couple to establish the Salvation Army. They were real heroes.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of William and Catherine Booth for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Quiz

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• William and Catherine Booth's marriage was based on more than love. What common goal did they share?
• What ways did their children get involved with their ministry?
• Are there ways your family can work together to help others?
• What kinds of people did the Booths reach out to? Why do you think so many people (including fellow Christians) were against them?
• Have you ever seen a Salvation Army worker ringing a bell and collecting money at Christmas time? What do you think the money is used for?

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Monday Ministry - Earn Money for the Red Kettle

Ask your parents for extra jobs to earn money for the Salvation Army donation red kettle. You can also decorate a jar that will hold the money that you earn. Then, go to a store that has a Salvation Army bell ringer and red kettle outside the front door and donate the money that you earned. (I've heard that the bell ringers stop collecting money around a week before Christmas.)

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Friday Fun - Christmas Craft Night

Spend family night making Christmas Crafts. You can make crafts to decorate your house and to give away as presents. Maybe you'll want to deliver them to the neighbors as you sing Christmas carols at their door.



Here's a family night snack to make - Rudolf Cupcakes.


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Thursday Prayer - Contemplative Prayer

Pray Kids is a Christian magazine put out by NavPress. They offer a free sample of the 8 page magazine called Contemplative Prayer
Print the magazine. Then, find a quiet place to read or get your family and read it together.

Take time to Memorize a Verse
Psalm 27:8 - My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.

Here are some questions that you can answer and discuss.

• Did the you find the story about 8 year old Joy Sutton exciting?
  
• What was your favorite part in the story - What David Did When No One Was Watching?
• How did you pray for people with disabilities?
• What new thing did you learn - about Contemplative Prayer?

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Wednesday Worship - How Great is Our God

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Tuesday Hero - Patrick of Ireland

The story of Patrick of Ireland is very inspirational.
God used this man to evangelized and baptized thousands of people--as many as 100,000! He helped to establish some 200 churches. He was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of Patrick of Ireland for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Quiz

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• What made Patrick so sure that his dreams were from God?
• How did Patrick become tuned in to hearing God's voice?
• Does your school or family celebrate St. Patrick's Day in March?
• Why do you think the color green is the color of St. Patrick's Day?
• Do you think that our modern day St. Patrick's Day celebrations have much to do with the story of Patrick?

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Monday Ministry - Christmas Evangelism

You can pass these out in December. They look like money, but they have a gospel message on the back.

Here are some ways to give them away: at Christmas parades and events, in zipper lock baggies with candy, at Christmas parties, and to friends, relatives, & neighbors.

You get 100 Santa Cash tracts for $4.00 from CustomTractSource.com



This is what it says on the back of the gospel tract:

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice... he’s gonna find out who’s naughty or nice! If Santa used the Ten Commandments for his standard, how would you do? Let's find out... Have you ever lied? Have you ever stolen anything? (No matter the value.) Ever used God's name in vain? Ever hated anybody? The Bible says “Whoever hates his brother is a murderer”

If you are guilty of these things, it shows that in your heart, you are a lying, thieving, blasphemous, murderer-at- heart. Many people don't know that God will use the Ten Commandments to judge the world. Forget about Santa, "naughty" and "nice"... how will you do on Judgment Day? If you are found guilty, that means an eternity in Hell... 2,000 years ago, God sent Jesus to the earth to pay for your sins. When Jesus died on the cross, He took the punishment that you deserve for breaking His Law (The Ten Commandments). God's wrath came down on Jesus, instead of on you. The Bible says, "God commands all men everywhere to repent, because God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness."

Remember if you try to get to Heaven on your own, you must keep every Commandment in thought, word, and deed! Jesus paid the penalty for your sins on the cross. Then He defeated the power of sin and death when He rose from the dead. Repent (turn away) from your sins. Place your faith in Jesus Christ alone to save you. God will grant you eternal life. Read your Bible daily and obey what you read.

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Friday Fun - Family Christmas Traditions

The Christmas season is here. It's time to plan out your family Christmas traditions.

I've made a blog with 100 Family Christmas Traditions.

You may want to choose a few to make your Christmas season more memorable. If you're really ambitious, choose one a day starting the day after Thanksgiving.

Here are some of my favorites:

• Slumber Party Under the Tree
• Lights in the Bedroom
• Birthday Party for Jesus
• A Craft a Day
• Track Santa's Flight
• Magic Reindeer Food
• Attend a Light Parade
• Date With Dad
• Attend a Christmas Eve Service
• A Tree for the Animals
• Kid's Christmas Tree
• Kris Kringle
• Earn Money for the Kettle
• Cold Night BBQ
• Christmas Eve Family Gift
• Christmas Day Special Activity

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Thursday Prayer - Being Thankful on Thanksgiving

How has God blessed you? Make a list of your blessings and then pray to God and thank Him. You may be thankful for:

• lessons He has taught you
• your needs that He has met
• extra things He has given to you
• family and friends
• your abilities and talents
• opportunities
• family activities
  

Here are some verses about being Thankful:

Psalm 100:4-5 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

Psalm 105:1 Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

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Wednesday Worship - Deep in My Heart

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Tuesday Hero - George W. Carver

The story of George W. Carver is very inspirational.
God used this man as a scientist and inventor. He was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of George W. Carver for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Online Quiz

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• What were some of the obstacles George faced that would have made the average person give up the idea of getting an education?
• In what ways was Dr. Carver resourceful? How can you be more resourceful with the things God has given you? How is being resourceful a good way to care for God's creation?
• George's favorite Bible passage was Psalm 121:1-2: "I lift up my eyes to the hills--from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth." Why do you think this passage is so fitting for the life he led?
• You will find some of Dr. Carver's peanut recipes (soup, bread, candy and more) at

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Monday Ministry - Gifts for Underprivledged Kids

Your family can look through the Samaritan’s Purse online gift catalog and buy baby chicks, goats, llamas, rabbits, pigs, and fish. The ministry will send the animals to families in underdeveloped countries so that the family will have food to eat and extras to sell.

Keys for Kids
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Adventures in Odyssey
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Friday Fun - Karen and Kids Show

Have you heard of the Karen and Kids Show?

Karen and a group of kids talk about Bible stories and things that relate to kids. They sing songs and read God's Word. This show may be on your local Christian radio station, but you can also Listen Online.

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Thursday Prayer - Pray for Missions

You can help support evangelism by praying for Missions. Through missions, people are able to hear about Jesus and many of them accept His gift of salvation.

Here are 5 Ways to Pray for Missions:

• for churches and people to give generously to missions
• for missionaries to serve in places where Jesus is not known
• for mission personnel that plan local outreach programs
• for more prayer warriors to faithfully pray for mission programs
• for the needs of missionaries

Here is a list of ideas that families can use:

10 Ways to Help Kids Love Missions

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Wednesday Worship - Spirit Song

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Tuesday Hero - Mary Slessor

The story of Mary Slessor is very inspirational.
God used this woman as a missionary in a dangerous part of Dundee, Scotland. She was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story about Mary Slessor for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Online Quiz

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• Mary had to stand up to some bullies while trying to share Bible stories on Queen Street. Why do you think they left her alone when they saw that she wasn't afraid?
• She didn't let her young age stop her from sharing God's Word with others. Do you have someone that you can share Bible stories with? Maybe it's someone in your family, your neighborhood or even your school or church.
• Mary wanted a specific job with all her heart. She wanted to teach the street children on Queen Street. What job do you want?

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Monday Ministry - Thank You Cards

Thanksgiving is next week, so today's ministry idea has to do with being thankful.

Get a pack of inexpensive thank you cards from the dollar store. Or, you can make your own cards. Write thank you's to your family members and friends. You can thank them for something special that they did for you. It doesn't even have to be something done recently. Or, you can tell them how you appreciate something about their character or personality.

People really like to be appreciated and thanked. It makes them feel good and it encourages them.


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Friday Fun - Two Missionaries in India

Here's something that you could do for Family Night.

Make a snack and watch these videos about Gospel for Asia missionaries.

These video segments tell about 2 native missionaries who witness to their own people in India.

(Total length of all three segments is 25 minutes.)

Part 2

Part 3

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Thursday Prayer - Pray for Your Parents

Here are some ways to pray for your parents:

• that God will motivate them to read their Bible and pray every day
• that they will want to grow spiritually and to live holy
• that your mom and dad will love and respect each other
• that God will help them to become better parents
• that they will want to do God's will
  
• for help with their jobs
• for their health

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Wednesday Worship - I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord

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Tuesday Hero - David Livingston

The story of David Livingston is very inspirational.
God used this man as an explorer, missionary, and abolitionist. He was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of David Livingston for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Online Quiz.

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• What qualities did David Livingstone have that made him a worthy hero?
• Do you know any modern day heroes whose values and faith could be compared to David Livingstone's?
• David Livingstone's love and study of science prepared him to serve God in a unique way. What subjects do you enjoy studying and how could that help you to serve God?

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Monday Ministry - Disaster Relief Kit

You can help people by making disaster relief kits. These kits provide basic toiletries to people who have lost everything in a natural disaster. They will be distributed by the Christian organization Operation Blessing.

Instructions -

Fill one or more 1-gallon size Ziploc bag(s) with...

1 new wash cloth 1 new hand towel 1 new bar of soap 1 new comb 1 new fingernail clipper 1new pack of dental floss 1 new toothbrush 1 small travel size tube of toothpaste 1 small travel size shampoo 1 small packet of tissue 1 small package of adhesive bandages NOTE: All included items need to be new and unused. Shipping Information: Label the outside of each box – Disaster Relief Kits Have an inventory sheet in each box listing the number of kits enclosed. Send To: Operation Blessing International Disaster Relief Kits 977 Centerville Turnpike Virginia Beach, VA 23463

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Friday Fun - Orphan Related Family Night

How your family can Help Orphans

• Listen to a free episode of Adventures in Odyssey - The Chosen One (about a foster child)
• Watch Anne of Green Gables (about an adopted orphan) at YouTube.
  
• Watch Little House on the Prairie - Family Tree (when Albert was adopted by the Ingalls) at YouTube.
  

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Thursday Prayer - Pray for Orphans

Here are some ways that you can pray for orphans:

• to encourage Christian families to adopt orphans
• to build more Christian orphanages
  
• that orphanages will be funded and staffed with godly people
  
• to show you how God wants you to help orphans
• that churches will start orphan ministries and encourage christian families to adopt
• that Christians will have a passion to help orphans
• that orphan caregivers and adoptive parents will come to know the Lord

• that orphans will be taught about Jesus and be shown how to receive salvation
  

• that the Lord will raise up godly foster care families

• that God will provide the money needed for Christian families who want to adopt

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Wednesday Worship - Here I Am to Worship

Christian Orphans - Love in Action Children's Choir in India

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Tuesday Hero - Gladys Aylward

The story of Gladys Aylward is very inspirational.
God used this woman as a missionary to China and to care for orphans. She was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of Gladys Aylward for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Online Quiz.

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• When people question your ability to do something that you sense God may be calling you to do, how do you respond?
• How did God provide for Gladys during times of need in her life?
• How have you seen God provide for you or your family’s needs?

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Monday Ministry - Help Orphans

November is National Adoption Month.

I've made a blog called How to Help Orphans. It lists many ideas for how you and your family can help orphans and promote adoption.

• Projects to Support
• Items to Give
  
• Ways to Volunteer
  
• How Churches Can Help

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Friday Fun - Comic:The Little Ghost

Here is a neat Online Comic called The Little Ghost.

This comic is about a boy named Joey. He dresses up as a ghost and ends up learning about Jesus.



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Thursday Prayer - Petition

Pray Kids is a Christian magazine put out by NavPress. They offer a free sample of the 8 page magazine called Petition
Print the magazine. Then, find a quiet place to read or get your family and read it together.

Take time to Memorize a Verse.
1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Here are some questions that you can answer and discuss.

• Did the story by Elizabeth Winger encourage you to pray when you feel God urging you to do so?
  
• What was your favorite part in the story - Praying Like Crazy?
• How did you pray for Military Families?
• What new thing did you learn - about petitioning God for His help and guidance?
  

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Wednesday Worship - Tell the World

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Tuesday Hero - Martin Luther

The story of Martin Luther is very inspirational.
God used this man to reform the Roman Catholic Church. He was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of Martin Luther for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Online Quiz.

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses in order to begin a debate on topics he felt strongly about. What modern topics would be good to debate?
• Luther was especially inspired by Mary's song, the "Magnificat." Do you have a particular song that inspires you?
• Can you describe some of Martin Luther's defining moments?

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Monday Ministry - Halloween Evangelism

Don't miss out on easy ways to evangelize this Halloween:

• Get tracts from a Christian book store and distribute them with candy to trick-or-treaters. You can also print out the Are You a Good Person? comic tract on your own home printer. (I have printed them in just black and white and have given them away.) Creepy Cash Tracts, Christianbook.com Tracts
  

• Pass out tracts and candy in public places. (You can even offer free face painting.)

• Tell the neighbor kids about the local church harvest party or carnival on October 31st. (For many churches, this is one of the biggest evangelistic outreaches of the year. They just need others to help get the kids to come.)

• Invite kids over for a Harvest/Halloween party on Saturday. Have a pumpkin object lesson, play harvest games, make a scarecrow tract craft, and serve scarecrow cupcakes.

• Deliver pumpkin pies and tracts to neighbors.

• Make up your own cards (business card size) with the website www.smartyface.com and give them to trick-or-treaters.
  

• Email: Tell kids about this online Halloween comic for Kids - The Little Ghost

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Friday Fun - Comic: Poor Little Lamb

Here is a neat Online Comic called Poor Little Lamb

This comic is about the first Passover. It also tells about Moses warning Pharaoh to let the Jewish people go free.


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Thursday Prayer - Seeking God

Pray Kids is a Christian magazine put out by NavPress. They offer a free sample of the 8 page magazine called Seeking God
Print the magazine. Then, find a quiet place to read or get your family and read it together.

Take time to Memorize a Verse.
James 4:8a "Come close to God, and God will come close to you."

Here are some questions that you can answer and discuss.

• Did the story by 10-year-old David Sutton encourage you to praise away the doubts?
  
• What was your favorite part in the story - The Guy Who Just Wouldn't Leave?
• How did you pray for Christian Athletes?
• What new thing did you learn - about seeking God?
  

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Daily Devotion

Adventures in Odyssey
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Wednesday Worship - Trading My Sorrows

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Tuesday Hero - Augustine

The story of Augustine is very inspirational.
This man was a famous Christian thinker and writer. He was a real hero.

I hope you enjoy reading the story of Augustine for kids.

You can also take a 6 question Online Quiz.

Here are some questions for you to answer.

• It was many years before Augustine's mother's prayers were answered. What have you been persistent in praying for?
• Have you experienced times when God's answers to your prayers were better than the answers you were hoping for?
• Augustine's mother and his friend Alypius both shared their faith with him. Are there people in your life who have shared their faith with you?

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Monday Ministry - Help an Older Person

What can you do to help an older person?

• Mow their lawn.
• Help out around their house or yard.
  
• Your family could drive the person to church.
• Go to their house for a visit.
• Help with the groceries.
• Join them for a walk.
• Ask the person how you can help?

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Friday Fun - Discuss the Bible and Prayer

A Family Night Idea: Discuss the Importance of reading the Bible and praying.

I like visiting Christian blogs, reading Christian books, and listening to Christian radio stations. All of these things teach me more about Jesus.

However, my pastor reminded me that these Christian things do not replace reading the Bible and praying. It is more important that we read the Bible; it is God's word. It is our Christian instruction manual, telling us the best way to live. Prayer also needs to be a priority, because it is the time when we actually talk to God.

I don't want to just know about Jesus, I want to have a personal relationship with Him. That means that I must spend more time with Him - reading the Bible and praying to Him.

Ideas:

• Make a chart recording your daily Bible reading and prayer.
• Set a special time each day to pray and read the Bible.
• Listen to an Audio Version of the Bible
  
• Use the Kid's Prayer Calendar

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