July 31: Let's Choose Self-Control

Dear families,

This is our final week in our “Let’s Get Cooking with Miss Elisa” series exploring the Fruits of the Spirit! We’re looking at self-control, and oh man, it can be tricky! Especially when we want something so much (like popcorn, Elisa’s favorite snack, or plantain chips, Mélissa’s favorite snack), or when life doesn’t go our way (ahem, the past two years, anyone?), or in the words we use.

Here’s the bottom line: thankfully, God gives us the power to have self- control. The Holy Spirit is with us every moment of every day to guide us! We pray that kids will begin to see that they don’t need to do this all independently. God can help them show self- control.

Thank you for going on this cooking journey together! It’s been so much fun to share these gifts (or “life applications”) from the Holy Spirit through the analogy of food:

  • We prep all the food just like God has prepared us for life with Him.

  • We follow the recipe just as we live life in the way of Jesus.

  • We enjoy the meal just as the Holy Spirit invites us to enjoy life.

Together, we’re called to “make waves” because what we do today can change the world around us. Take a moment to have a family conversation to reflect on this series and what you and your child has learned along the way.

With love,
Miss Elisa


movie night popcorn

Ingredients:

  • Corn kernels (yellow or white)

  • Oil (olive, sunflower, avocado, coconut)

  • Sea salt

  • Butter

Method:

  1. Heat up a saucepan (and lid) or popcorn popper on medium-high heat. Add a generous drizzle of oil in the bottom. Drop one kernel of corn and toss it around.

  2. Once it pops, you can add the rest of your corn. Regularly rotate / toss the corn so it all gets evenly coated by the oil.

  3. While the kernels prepare to pop, heat up your butter in a small saucepan or measuring cup.

  4. As the kernels pop, rotate / toss them so they don’t burn and as many of the kernels can pop as possible. Once the popping slows down (1-2 pops per 10 seconds), take off the heat and empty into a bowl immediately.

  5. Drizzle the melted butter over the popcorn, tossing as you go. Add salt to taste. Enjoy!


This week’s preschool episode
Ollie and the wonder clubhouse

  • All month, our preschoolers are learning with Miss Elisa that Jesus can help us do everything.

  • Today's story is all about When Jesus Is Your Friend Forever (John 3:16) and we remember that Jesus can help us choose self-control.

  • Practice our preschool memory verse: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’” (John 14:6)


This week’s LOWER Elementary Episode
THE 252 Story

  • This month, our elementary kiddos are exploring with Miss Elisa that making waves is what you do today can change the world around you.

  • Today's story is all about Taming of the Tongue (James 3:1-6) and we remember that God can give us the power to have self-control.

  • Practice our elementary memory verse: “God began a good work in you. And I am sure that He will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)


This week’s upper Elementary Episode
THE so and so show

  • This month, our elementary kiddos are exploring with Miss Elisa that making waves is what you do today can change the world around you.

  • Today's story is all about Taming of the Tongue (James 3:1-6) and we remember that God can give us the power to have self-control.

  • John, Brandon, Stephen, and Kellen explore the key question: What can happen when you lose control?

  • Practice our elementary memory verse: “God began a good work in you. And I am sure that He will carry it on until it is completed. That will be on the day Christ Jesus returns.” (Philippians 1:6)

Armistead Booker

I’m a visual storyteller, nonprofit champion, moonlighting superhero, proud father, and a great listener.