Creative Corner

The Bigger Picture

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Sep 15, 2025 in Carmen Eicher, Creative Corner, Home, Home Page, Homeschool | 0 comments

“God looks to the end of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.” Job 28:24

Do you like photography? I like photographing people, but my daughter, Caroline, enjoys taking pictures of the sky. One evening, Caroline sat outside taking pictures of a beautiful sunset.

When she was reviewing some of the pictures on the camera display, I noticed she was purposely zooming in to show a narrowed view of the sunset. She had taken a beautiful picture, and it brought me joy seeing Caroline looking so peaceful while she was enjoying God’s creation.

So, I took a picture of Caroline holding her camera. The picture included green grass, clouds, and an orange sky. Standing behind Caroline, I zoomed my camera lens out to show a wider view of the sunset than what Caroline chose to capture with her camera.

God is a master photographer and sees everything. He knows what is happening and what will happen. While we only see what is right in front of us, God sees every detail, big and small.

The Bible says, “For God watches how people live; he sees everything they do. (Job 34:12) God sees you! Isn’t that exciting?  He is watching over you like a loving parent. He knows when you are happy. He knows when you are sad.

When things aren’t going your way and you are disappointed, you can ask God to give you the courage to trust Him, because He sees the bigger picture.

Thank You, God, for seeing me and watching over me.

Carmen Eicher lives a life full of adventure ~ which inspires her to write devotions, Christian fiction and nonfiction stories for children and adults.

Braden and the Magic Screen — Erase with Amazing Grace

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Jul 28, 2025 in Creative Corner, Home, Home Page, Homeschool, Melanie Mills, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Braden sat on the floor, turning the red knobs of his Etch A Sketch. Across from him, Mr. Fudge—his beagle pup—watched closely.

Slowly, a picture began to appear. It looked just like Mr. Fudge! His tail wagged with excitement. He knew that drawing was of him!

Braden loved using his Etch A Sketch. His dad had told him stories about how it was one of his favorite toys when he was a kid. He would spend hours turning the knobs, trying to make fun pictures. Now Braden was having fun with it too!

The Etch A Sketch felt like magic. Inside, it had powder that looked like sand. When Braden turned the knobs, a little pointer moved around, scratching lines into the powder. One knob moved the pointer up and down. The other moved it left and right. That’s how he made pictures—without even using a pencil!

But then something funny happened. Braden turned the Etch A Sketch upside down and gave it a shake. Mr. Fudge’s picture disappeared! The powder spread out and made the screen blank again.

Braden didn’t mind. That was the best part! If he made a mistake or didn’t like his drawing, all he had to do was shake it and start again. Each time, it gave him a fresh, clean screen.

Braden thought about how that’s kind of like God. Sometimes we mess up—we say something mean or don’t tell the truth. But when we tell God we’re sorry, He forgives us. It’s like He gives our hearts a shake and erases our mistakes.

God helps us start fresh, just like a blank Etch A Sketch. We don’t have to stay stuck in our mess-ups. God gives us a brand-new beginning!

Braden smiled and picked up his Etch A Sketch again. He had learned from his mistake and was ready to try again. This time, he was going to draw a big, tasty bone—just for Mr. Fudge.

As Mr. Fudge curled up in his bed for a nap, Braden got to work. A fresh start of amazing grace is a wonderful gift.

Try This!
Make your own “magic eraser” reminder! Hang a Magic Slate where you can see it every day. When you make a mistake, draw a little picture of what happened. Then wipe it away and thank God for forgiving you.

Don’t have a Magic Slate? You can make one! Just slide a piece of dark paper into a clear sheet protector. Use your finger to draw on the outside. Then wipe it clean with a tissue and start again!

Melanie Mills is a children’s picture book writer who writes heartwarming stories sprinkled with giggles, grace, and the goodness of God’s love.  Her deepest desire is that her words plant seeds of faith in children’s hearts, helping them grow strong in His truth.  When she’s not weaving words, Melanie is found laughing and enjoying the little moments of life with her family—three sons, beloved daughters-in-love, and granddaughter—diving into Scripture, chasing horizons on road trips, and spending time with her beagle pup, Fudgie.

‘‘Chalk-the-walk: JESUS died … now LIVES! Take The Rock!”

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Apr 14, 2025 in Creative Corner, Penelope White | 0 comments

Read the Biblical account of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and the daily events until Easter Resurrection morning

Sketch your story on paper. Use symbols, pictures often

Out to the driveway and sidewalk, chalk your talk!

Chalk this “take-The Rock” with some rocks painted with Palm leaves and trees, crosses, footprints, hill, darkness, nails, spears, hearts, blood,  sunrise;  ‘JESUS you’; ‘JESUS is ALIVE’; ‘JESUS is RISEN’; ‘JESUS lives FOREVER’

Writing for God’s Kingdom: Sharing Stories That Help Others

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Jan 13, 2025 in DevoKids-Writers, Creative Corner, Home, Home Page | 0 comments

Stories are powerful—they make us laugh, teach us important lessons, and help us feel close to each other. For Christians, stories do something even more special: they can help people know God better and feel His love. Writing stories for God isn’t just about making up fun tales; it’s a way to share His goodness and bring hope to others.

Jesus: The Best Storyteller

Jesus was great at telling stories! He used stories to teach people about God’s love and how to live for Him. For example, the story of the Prodigal Son shows us how God always forgives and welcomes us back (Luke 15:11–32). The Good Samaritan teaches us to be kind to everyone (Luke 10:25–37).

When we write stories about Jesus or how He helps us, we’re doing what Jesus did—sharing God’s truth in a way everyone can understand.

How Stories Can Help Others

1. Stories Show God’s Truth
Sometimes, it’s hard to understand big ideas about God. But when we read or hear a story, it helps us see how His love and forgiveness work in real life.

2. Stories Bring Hope
When you tell how God has helped you during a tough time, it can help someone else feel less alone and remind them that God can help them too.

3. Stories Inspire Action
A story about helping a neighbor or being brave in a hard situation can encourage others to live out their faith and make good choices.

How to Write Stories for God

1. Pray Before You Write
Ask God to help you write words that will make others feel loved and encouraged.

2. Be Honest
It’s okay to share about mistakes or hard times. People will feel closer to your story if it’s real.

3. Think About Who’s Reading
Are your readers kids? Adults? People who are new to learning about God? Make your story easy for them to understand.

4. Use the Bible
The Bible is full of God’s truth. Adding verses or ideas from it makes your story even stronger.

5. Work with Others
Ask other Christians to read your story and give you ideas to make it better. Writing together can be fun!

What Can You Write?

• Stories About God’s Love: Make up characters who learn about God’s forgiveness and kindness.
• Short Devotions: Share a little story from your life that teaches something about faith.
• Fun Blogs or Videos: Talk about Jesus in a way that makes people smile and think.

Why Your Stories Matter

When you write for God, you’re doing something that can last forever. Your story might help someone meet Jesus or give them hope when they need it most. Isn’t that exciting? So pick up a pencil or start typing—your words can make a difference!

“Whatever you do, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)

Zeeva Usman is an experienced content manager at Christian Marketing Experts and a content specialist at Salt of Heaven, where she uses her expertise to create impactful, faith-centered content. When she’s not crafting words, Zeeva finds joy in worshiping and singing for the Lord Jesus, drawing inspiration from her faith to encourage others.

Circle Puzzle: “Love One Another”

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Sep 30, 2024 in Creative Corner, Home, Home Page | 0 comments

Starting at the center:

1. Circle the first word
2. Skip two words
3. Circle the next word
4. Skip three words and
5. Circle the next and…

Skip one word and circle the next; skip two words and circle the next two; skip two words and circle the next one; skip three words and circle the next one; skip one and circle the next one; skip one and circle the next one; skip two words and circle the next two; skip one and circle the next one; skip two and circle the next three; skip one and circle the next one; skip one and circle the next three.

It may seem a little confusing, but it reveals an important Bible verse!   1 John 4:7

Download large image of the puzzle.

Sharon Roberts writes for children and has been published in Christian publications like Story Mates, Primary Treasure, Keys for Kids, and Our Little Friend. She published three children’s books with David C. Cook, The Child’s World, and Concordia. She also created Sunday school curriculum for Urban Ministries.

Click to see if you got all the words correct.

Apple of His Eye

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Jul 15, 2024 in Creative Corner, Home, Home Page, Penelope White | 0 comments

🍎Have you ever heard the phrase ‘ you’re the apple of my eye’? If not, be a summer detective and tell us what you discovered.

He found him in a desert land, and in the howling waste of the wilderness; he encircled him, he cared for him, he kept him as the apple of his eye. Deuteronomy 32:10-11

 

For this is what the LORD Almighty says: “Whoever touches you touches the pupil of My eye.” Zechariah 2:8:

When that soccer ball is aimed at your eye or when an eyelash, trash, or sand gets in your eye, what’s your immediate reaction? Cover you … 👁!

You want to remove that irritating and unwanted grain of sand, right? GOD has so magnificently, fearfully, and wonderfully created every part of us, that the eye begins watering to wash out the sand, dust, or whatever!

As God’s people, He protects us the way we protect our eyes. Here are only a few Bible verses that talk about God’s protection:

• Psalm 91:1-4 (NIV): “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.’ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.”

• Psalm 23:1 (NIV): “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.” (This entire psalm is a beautiful metaphor for God’s care and protection.)

• Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV): “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

• Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV): “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

• Isaiah 54:17 (NIV): “No weapon that is forged against you will prevail, and every tongue that rises to accuse you you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication comes from me,’ declares the Lord.”

There are many other verses in the Bible that speak of God’s protection.

Activity:

List or draw some examples of how The LORD protected you, your family, or pets … how He protects animals, sea creatures, and our earth!

Prayer:

🙏🏾Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being our Shield, our Protector, and our Provider. When we face hardships in this life, help us to keep our eyes focused on the promises You have made to us as You keep Your eyes on us. Yes, keep us as the 🍎apple of YOUR eye. Help us to trust in You above all so that we do not fear. In Jesus’s name, we pray. Amen

©2024 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com

Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!

Holiday Crafts & Activities for Kids!

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Dec 27, 2023 in Creative Corner, Home, Home Page | 0 comments

Hey there, little crafters! 🌟 The most magical time of the year is here, and what better way to celebrate than by making some festive DIY crafts and enjoying fun activities? Let’s explore creative fun using DIY kits and colorful A4 sheets! 🎨

1. DIY New Year Wish Cards 💌

Materials Needed:

• Colored A4 sheets
• Glitter glue, stickers, and markers
• Scissors
• Craft glue

Steps:

1. Fold your A4 sheet in half to make a card shape.
2. Use glitter glue, stickers, and markers to decorate the front of your card.
3. Write your New Year wishes inside, and voila! You’ve made a special card for someone you love.

2. Festive Paper Chains 🎊

Materials Needed:

• Colored A4 sheets (red, green, gold, and silver)
• Scissors
• Craft glue or tape

Steps:

1. Cut your A4 sheets into strips, about 1 inch wide and 8 inches long.
2. Create a circle with one strip and secure it with glue or tape.
3. Thread another strip through the first circle and make another circle, linking them together.
4. Continue this process until you have a beautiful paper chain to decorate your home or classroom!

3. Snowflake Magic ❄️

Materials Needed:

• White A4 sheets
• Scissors
• Glitter (optional)

Steps:

1. Fold your white A4 sheet into a triangle.
2. Cut out small shapes along the edges and in the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Unfold your paper to reveal a beautiful snowflake design!
4. Add some sparkle with glitter if you like. Hang them on your windows for a winter wonderland effect.

Wrap Up 🎁

There you have it, little artists! A sleigh full of fun crafts and activities using DIY kits and colorful A4 sheets. Whether making cards or creating winter wonders, remember to have lots of fun and spread holiday cheer! Achieve ชัยชนะง่ายๆ กับ UFABET and enjoy easy wins.

ADVENT In Action Week Four

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Dec 18, 2023 in Holiday Traditions, Creative Corner, Home, Home Page | 0 comments

JESUS – an excellent, powerful, and glorious name!

Luke 1:31 says:

“You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.”

What’s your name? Is that the name your grandma and grandpa call you? Your teachers, friends and coaches? How about uncles, aunts or neighbors?

Jesus… what a beautiful name it is! It’s a powerful, loving, and sweet name with so much authority. It is a name given by God and has dominion above all other names. This name is so unique that at this name, all people everywhere will eventually bow, honor this name, and call Him LORD! Jesus is known as Savior, The Good Shepherd, The Way, The Truth, The Life; King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Living Water; Living Bread, Bright and Morning Star.

Here are some activities to deepen our understanding of Who Jesus is as we celebrate and appreciate His great name:

1. Search the scriptures this holy season and find as many Bible verses as you can with names of Jesus.
2. Create a book with all the names you found.
3. Design a cover for your book with some symbols of the names that are most important to you 
4. Make a list of these names and use them in your conversations with others as you share who Jesus is.
5. Use these names in your daily prayers.
6. Review your learning with family and friends. Explore who Jesus says He is by creating or enjoying an electronic game with visual hints.
7. Plan and invite families, neighbors, and others for a spelling bee including some of the Names of JESUS. Of course,  hot chocolate as everyone’s cup is filled to the overflow for sharing with others;  ice cream as everyone gets the scoop on Who Jesus really is; creative decorating  craft! JESUS is The Star -Who this praise party is all about for sure! 
8. Celebrate His great name with love, joy and gratitude.

Thanking GOD for His year 2024; GET ready, Get set- Now, let’s GO!…on this journey of discovering the depth and significance of Jesus’ name. Embracing and sharing  His love, guidance, and power as we grow in our faith. This gift is fit for our KING JESUS!

Write your prayer using several of the names of Jesus you studied.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, You alone are LORD over everything, everywhere, all the time! Thank You so much for saving us when we confess our sins and invite You into all we are and all we do. You are the only Savior of the world! My Friend ; Light in dark times! I love You! Because of who You are, I bow in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving! Happy birthday, JESUS! Merry Christmas! Amen.

©2023 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com

Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!

ADVENT In Action Week Three

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Dec 11, 2023 in Holiday Traditions, Creative Corner, Devotions, Home, Home Page | 0 comments

On bended knee more, more and MORE…“On coming to the house, they [wise men] saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

We learned the discipline of bowing in week 2! JESUS is The King of all kings! Let’s continue this practice of bowing at least three times a day to thank, praise, and worship GOD as we consider the magnificent, wonderful, never-ending, everlasting love of GOD in that HE HIMself came to earth in human form to save us. We show honor and respect in bowing. Now, with thanksgiving to God in our hearts, our bodies are made low, let’s bow our words, affections, desires and appetites, treasures and talents, thoughts, emotions, and ALL of every part of ourselves/our lives under The Father’s control.

Activity:

God gave me the talent and gift of:______________________________________ and I give these back to Him for His direction, use, and plan. 

Which emotions are you bowing before God in prayer? ___________________________________

What thoughts and habits are you making low? _________________________________________ 

Take this practice of daily kneeling in the awesome presence of our loving LORD into the New Year!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, YOU and YOU alone deserve worship, praise, adoration, obedience, and service. Therefore, I acknowledge You as The Most High GOD, The One and Only True and Living GOD by kneeling before YOU now with prayers of thanksgiving! Help me take this position every day as a reminder to gladly keep this posture in my mind and heart.

May I willingly place all thoughts, desires, plans, and activities in Your Almighty, all-powerful, and loving hands. I make them low and under Your control, influence, subjection, and direction. Help me to remember how Mary, (Mother of JESUS)-a godly, young, humble servant of GOD yielded herself (the whole self— her thoughts, future, spirit, and body) to GOD’s perfect plans and holy purposes.

Bring to my remembrance Joseph’s ( Jesus’ earthly father) willingness to abandon his plans, future, reputation, EVERYthing to follow God’s perfect plan! May the journey of the wise men be ours. They set aside their day-to-day priorities, power, positions, plans, treasure, time, and talent for the purpose of seeking YOU so that they could bow/humble themselves before You in worship.

They all showed us how to approach The Sovereign LORD GOD. Everything within them -as in us-bodies minds, souls, plans, agendas, and desires all bow to adore, worship, and honor the true KING of kings, LORD of lords, GOD made flesh…JESUS! Thank YOU, LORD! AMEN!

©2023 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com

Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!

ADVENT In Action Week Two

Posted by Pirate Preacher on Dec 4, 2023 in Holiday Traditions, Creative Corner, Home, Home Page | 0 comments

ADVENT In Action

Healthy, Safe, Peace-filled December! Advent is Going … thanks!

Jesus who is king of all kings; He is God Himself ; yet, shows humility by leaving His throne, home, and Father to become a tiny, helpless, human baby during this holy season!

Imagine a king doing that for you, for all the world! Yes, everyone! That’s what Jesus did because he loves us!

Think of some ways you will not brag or boast about yourself. Actions you can take to show humility and wanting to be more like Jesus.

“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.”

Humility

Let’s humble ourselves this Advent season by:

• Meekly kneeling before GOD in daily prayer
• Allowing someone to go ahead of us in the line
• Quickly acknowledging when we cause hurt; honestly apologizing and seeking forgiveness from GOD and people
• Cleaning up a mess made by another
• Completing a chore or task that is not ours
• Carrying a package; holding a door

Prayer

Dear LORD, You are so, so high! So holy! So righteous! So faithful, forgiving, loving! You are King ! You are The Son of God equal with God! We can hardly understand how You could love us so much that You would push all that aside to come to earth! You showed us how to live and obey our Father God; how to love all people even those who hurt us on purpose. Thank You! Because of what You did, God gave You a name higher, greater, wiser, stronger, bigger, better than any name anywhere. You are on Your throne right next to Your Father now. Help us to follow your example. We bring You the gift of our. We love You, JESUS. Amen

©2023 Penelope White Use with author’s permission. Send requests to penywhite@hotmail.com

Penelope Allen White is a wife, mother of two young adult sons, and grandmother. Her passion is for all children and people to have an intimate knowledge of God. She works as a Christian educator, speaker, church school curriculum writer and teacher, workshop facilitator, middle school counselor, and neighborhood tutor. Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to enjoy a game of hopscotch!