Designer Genes Devo

Chapter 29 - What a Character! - page 158

Quick! What’s the definition of “character”?

Did you think of a person in a book, cartoon, TV show or movie… such as Peter Pan, Hannah Montana, Nancy Drew or Prince Caspian?

The word “character” can also be used when you’re talking about someone’s inner qualities, such as honesty, courage and kindness. This week’s chapter in Designer Genes has fun activities that help us think about some of the character traits each of us should have, especially if we are followers of Jesus.

Here’s something else to try: Make a list of all the words you can think of that describe Jesus (however much you may know about him). Then look at that list and circle all the words that you think honestly also fit you. Got a bunch of words left over? Why not pray and ask God to help you develop those character traits?

Hey… how’s your summer going? Please send me a note! I’m at: designergenes@annhovsepian.com.

Have a great weekend!

Ann-Margret

Chapter 28 - Got Any Fruit? - page 154

Just before I sat down to write today’s post, I had a big handful of raspberries. Yummmmmmmmm!

Back in chapter 5 of Designer Genes (You Are What You Eat), we talked about the importance of eating well and how fruits and vegetables (at least five portions) are an important part of our daily nutrition.

In this chapter, we talk about spiritual fruit!

Imagine having an apple tree or peach tree in your backyard… and never seeing any fruit on it. You might start to wonder what kind of tree it really is! When you see apples on a tree, you know exactly what kind of tree it is, right?

It’s like that for us when we become Christians — when we ask Jesus to forgive us of our sins and invite Him into our lives to be our guide and friend. His Holy Spirit starts to change us to become more like Jesus: loving, joyful, peaceful, good, kind, patient, gentle, faithful and self-controlled. WOW!

Here’s a simple colouring page that can help you remember the fruit of the Spirit: http://www.sermons4kids.com/fruit-of-the-spirit.gif

Oh, and look! A Fruit of the Spirit jigsaw puzzle! Just give it a minute to load up: http://www.dltk-bible.com/jesus/fruit_puzzle1.htm

One of you recently suggested that Designer Genes should have memory verses. So here’s your challenge for this week! Try to memorize Galatians 5:22-23. As you go over the fruit of the Spirit in your mind, ask yourself if people can see those qualities in your life. And remember: God is with you to help you develop those fruit!

Have a great week!

Ann-Margret

Chapter 27 - Let’s Get Together - page 149

You may sometimes hear words in church that make you go…

Huh? What does that mean??

Words like redemption, consecration, atonement, and justification may leave you scratching your head! What about the word “fellowship”?

As this chapter in Designer Genes explains, fellowship is basically the time we spend with other Christians in church (or even outside of church sometimes) while we worship God, study the Bible, pray together or just talk together about the things God teaches us and does in our lives. God wants us to have fellowship so that we can help each other — and it’s a great way to practice loving and being kind!

Do you have fellowship with other Christians? What do you do? Is it a big group? Just your own age? I’d love to hear about it!

Have a great week!

Ann-Margret 

Chapter 26 - Read It… You Need It! - page 144

Ahhh, summer! Don’t you just love it?

I don’t know about you, but when I think about vacation or having a break from the things that keep me busy, one of the things I look forward to is getting comfy with a really good book! (Like Designer Genes, right??)

How much time do you think you’ll spend reading this summer? For some of you it might be a lot — for others, you might be thinking, “READ??? Are you kidding! I’m going swimming and camping and biking!” Or “I’m going to just veg in front of the TV!” or “I’m going shopping with my friends!”

Well, whether you’re going to read a little or a lot, I just want to remind you that the most important book you’ll ever read is the Bible… written by your Designer! This chapter in Designer Genes gives some tips on how to get into reading your Bible and explains why it’s a great book even for kids.

I’d love to hear about your summer plans, what you’re reading, and how your Bible reading is going! Please write to me at designergenes@annhovsepian.com.

Ann-Margret

Chapter 25 - What Is Worship? - page 139

Wow — we’re just about halfway through Designer Genes already. I can hardly believe it! I hope you’ve all been enjoying the book.

This week we’re taking a look at worship. Do you know what that means? We use it a lot at church and most people who use the word are usually just talking about the singing time or the Sunday morning service. Worship is a lot more than just singing great Christian songs and closing your eyes and maybe even feeling kind of warm and fuzzy inside because you’re inspired by the music.

Worship is focussing completely on God and recognizing how awesome and powerful and great He is. It’s loving Him more than we love anyone or anything else in the world. It’s taking time to talk to Him, learn about Him, and do the things He wants us to do… because we’re just so excited by our relationship with Him.

Wooo! That’s pretty heavy, isn’t it?? Can you imagine feeling that much passion about God? Well, just think about your best friend, you favourite pop star, athlete, pet, TV show, ice cream or anything else you get really excited about. Can you feel that way about God?

I hope that this chapter and the daily devotionals will help you really get into worshipping God!

Here’s some fun stuff for you to do…

• A “worship” colouring page
• A video of the CUUUUUUTEST little girl singing “The Lord’s Prayer” HEE!!!!! (If you’re like me, you’ll watch it a whole bunch of times!)
• An interactive quiz about the life of Jesus. See how much you know!

Bye for now… Don’t forget to take time to worship God today (don’t wait until Sunday)!

Love you all,

Ann-Margret