Story contributed by Kristen
Click here for the theological background
Remember, repetition helps children internalize and make connections. It might be a good idea to read the same story every day for a week. You can add different activities every day.
Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Phillipians 4:8
My dear friends,
I am writing you this letter from prison. Yet even though it is hard here, I find myself laughing! I find myself smiling! I find myself thinking of you and feeling so much happiness and gratitude. I am so thankful to be connected to you. I am so thankful to know that we are all trying to follow Jesus, and to find life and joy in him.
You see, when I think about the things that matter most to me, the things I used to care about fade away. Instead, I think about Jesus. I think about how Jesus’ love has filled my heart. I think about how my whole life has changed because of Jesus. I think about how peace has filled my whole body, peace even when things are hard and confusing.
And here is what I really, deeply believe now: all good and lovely things can bring us closer to Christ. The sun in the morning. The raindrops on the tulips. The wind in the fields. The waves of the sea. The sweetness of a cake. An apple. The smile of a new baby.
If there is anything true, or honest, or helpful, or clear, let it fill my life. Let it fill my mind, and my heart, and my whole body. Let it become a part of me so that I may be true, and honest, and helpful, and clear. So that I may be filled with peace. So that I may be peace.
I pray these things, and I pray for you.
With love,
Paul
Ideas for Play
Contributed by Kristen
Ideas for Play:
- Pretend you have received a letter from Paul and read!
- Learn about Euodia and Syntyche (here too), two of the named women Paul mentions
- Make a collage of lovely, true, good, pure things that you want to fill your lives
- What matters most to you? Discuss as a family
Read All the World
Poetry
Compiled by Caroline
How can the earth teach us of God’s goodness? How can the earth help us follow Paul’s injunction to focus on what is virtuous and lovely? If you’d like, use this beautiful prayer by St. Francis of Assisi as a guide.
Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon
by St. Francis of Assisi
Most High, all-powerful, all-good Lord, All praise is Yours, all glory, all honour and all blessings.
To you alone, Most High, do they belong, and no mortal lips are worthy to pronounce Your Name.
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In the heavens you have made them bright, precious and fair.
Praised be You, my Lord, through Brothers Wind and Air,
And fair and stormy, all weather’s moods,
by which You cherish all that You have made.
Praised be You my Lord through Sister Water,
So useful, humble, precious and pure.
Praised be You my Lord through Brother Fire,
through whom You light the night and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong.
Praised be You my Lord through our Sister,
Mother Earth
who sustains and governs us,
producing varied fruits with colored flowers and herbs.
Praise be You my Lord through those who grant pardon for love of You and bear sickness and trial.
Blessed are those who endure in peace, By You Most High, they will be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord through Sister Death,
from whom no-one living can escape. Woe to those who die in mortal sin! Blessed are they She finds doing Your Will.
No second death can do them harm. Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks,
And serve Him with great humility.
Art
Compiled by Caroline
Watch this video of beautiful artwork accompanied by classical music. How does viewing what is lovely and beautiful help your spirit? Show your children some of your favorite artwork and discuss why seeking out beauty is important.
Music
Compiled by Caroline
All Things Bright and Beautiful, John Rutter
All Things Bright and Beautiful, Keith and Kristyn Getty
All Things Bright and Beautiful, Rain for Roots
milk & honey mamas 
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