Having an opportunity to spend some time in Israel a few years ago almost seems like a dream. What a tremendous privilege and blessing. Visiting places where God chose to take on human form, live…

I have made several different types of tents for the kids to actually use while we act out the Bible lesson. This post shows some of them! I usually used this style for Abraham and Sarah. It is a table pushed up to a wall, and the fabric is attached to the wall or bulletin board. Adding fabric for the floor and a plant and pots, baskets, etc creates the look of a Bible time tent. They really like having the lesson on the floor! This tent stays up year round in my Bible class. It is in the corner and I have used it for Isaac with Jacob and Esau, Abraham, Paul, etc. I change the felt banner for the lesson. Again, baskets, pots, blankets, plants, etc. finish off the look. This corner is where I used the Daniel in the lion's den and used the same inside fabric The original idea is found in an older Ideashop Magazine, published by Gospel Advocate (which I really miss, BTW!). But there is another tent idea in Ideashop Vol.6, No. 1, Spring 1998, page 5, if you have the old copies. Newer version of the tent (different fabric) and different banner. There was a request for the directions, and it's been over 3 years since I put up the last one, but these directions should be enough to help you. There are lots of variables, depending on the fabric you use and your type of ceiling, so keep this in mind. Sorry, if they are not clear. I don't have photos of us installing our tents. Click here for the directions. First, you need to measure from the ceiling to the floor. Multiply times 4. That is the fabric you need for the tent. (The 2 inside walls, and the 2 from pieces that you see folded back.) Also a piece of fabric about 24" times the front two corners distance. How big the inside is will depend on how wide your fabric is.) And, 4 ceiling hooks. For the drop ceiling, something like these. For a drywall ceiling, hooks something like these. Here is the prison for Bible lessons, mostly Paul. Again, the kids love it. I bought prison chains/shackles at Halloween stores to add to the scene. I used stone bulletin board paper, attached it to the wall, put a table in front of it, added my wood bars, and covered the table and one side with the paper. All reusable! And, too much fun! Another wall is Paul leaving Damascus in a basket. The stone paper was attached to the wall, and I found a very large basket. I added the rope to the basket and attached it to the top of the paper, underneath so you couldn't see the ends. The kids could sit in the basket, but REALLY wanted to be pulled up and down! Also, another felt banner was added. 

Carpenter at work in Nazareth Village (Seetheholyland.net)

An overview of my amazing week in Israel as part of the Vibe Israel Comida food blogger tour, from the start in Jerusalem, to visiting the port of Acre (Akko), Rosh Pina, Galilee, and then finishing with three wonderful days in Tel Aviv.

So, I make the lesson plans for all the little kids at church that are under four years old. They are split into two main rooms and usually their books coincide with the DVDs that we have, but this week, half of them are learning about Jesus being raised by a carpenter and the other half is learning about Jesus being left in the temple as a twelve-year-old. I decided to combine both lessons with this craft: A hammer (denoting the carpentry aspect...which...yes, I realize that Joseph was probably more of a mason than a modern day woodworking carpenter, but...it's gonna be okay. They can learn the more historically accurate aspects of Jesus' life when they get older.) with Luke 2:49 on the handle. Luke 2:49 is the verse where Jesus says, "Why were your looking for me? Didn't you realize I'd be here doing my Father's business?" For this craft, I just found a graphic of a hammer, turned it vertically, mirror reflected it and added a verse to the handle. For this craft you will need: Cardstock, tongue depressors (optional), glue, and crayons. Just cut around the hammers, glue a tongue depressor in the middle, and then glue the other side of the hamer on top. Color before or after. Done! So...it's definitely irony that will be lost on the little ones, but hopefully someone will make the connection that Jesus had an earthly father and a Heavenly Father, and while carpentry is one father's business, things of God are the other Father's. Maybe it's too deep, but...it's what we're going with, people! If I wanted to get really deep, I could incorporate three nails...yeah...no. Feel free to use it if you need it! The End!

Giraffe Silhouettes in the African Savanna 2nd Grade First, the students drew a giraffe and painted it black . ...

The Sea of Galilee and the town of Capernaum is a marvelous experience. Check out the 5 things that you must see when visiting The Sea of Galilee.

There are so many things to do in Jerusalem, from historical to cultural, alternative and foodie attractions. Discover our Jerusalem Guide for First Timers!