God Sightings
Today I’ll be sharing how to prepare kids to trust God’s faithfulness regardless of the challenges they face by teaching them about “God Sightings.” 
God Sightings are moments when you notice something that reminds you of God’s character. They come in different forms – something amazing in nature, something related to God’s incredible provision, a miracle, or the love of a stranger. Encourage kids to share their God Sightings every day. One way they can do this is by writing about them in a God Sightings journal. That journal may come in handy on those days when it’s hard for them to see God. They can be encouraged that God is always active, and He can always be trusted. 
When I was little, I learned how to find the Big Dipper in the sky. Many times over my life during difficult times I have lain on the ground at night to see that the Big Dipper is still there even though its position changed. I learned how it revolves around the north star which is always in the same place and can be found by drawing an imaginary line through the last two stars of the Big Dipper handle. It all reminds me that God is dependable, orderly and has the whole universe right where it’s supposed to be, so it helps me pray from that humble perspective. When out on a clear night, help kids find the Big Dipper and remind them God is always the same and dependable.  
You can look for God Sightings when watching nature programs. For example: the African Jacana is a small river bird with notably long toes for walking on lily pads. Males take over raising the chicks after they hatch. If a predator approaches their babies, the father will call to them and then scoop them up under his wings and carry them to safety. This bird reminds me that God is our gentle and protective Father. Psalm 91:4 says, “He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge…” Look up pictures or videos of African Jacana birds online and encourage kids how they can trust God’s protection.
Despite all the discoveries made through science, there are some animal behaviors that still seem unexplainable. Why do spinner dolphins spin when they leap out of the water? Why do cows always face north or south when they eat? Why do cats purr? All these things show God’s power and presence. Whenever an animal displays a characteristic that is not directly linked to survival instinct, this is another God Sighting. God is saying, “Hey, I’m here! I did that just because I can.” When you and the kids in your life come across science mysteries like these, you can remind them that God is all-powerful and imaginative. 
Your own backyard has great potential for God Sightings. You can show kids God’s attention to detail with this God Sighting activity: Go outside. Find a leaf, flower or plant and observe it carefully. Point out the intricate patterns in the leaves, the delicate curves of flower petals, what makes this plant different from others and the infinite variety! As they consider the intricacy of plant life or other organisms, you can remind them that our God is incredibly creative and detailed. You can thank Him for color, which is just bonus fun. Ask them what their favorite creations are. Together, you can explore the intelligent design behind it and praise God for His creativity and wisdom.
How have you seen God acting in your life recently? How have you seen His provision and power in the past? Maybe you were feeling discouraged and just the right Christian song came on the radio or God brought a passage of Scripture to your attention. Maybe He provided just the right amount of money to pay for something. Maybe He blessed you with something you enjoy through another person, such as a candy bar, a hug or a kind note. Sharing your God Sightings gives testimony to God’s faithfulness. 
Encourage kids to look for their own God Sightings. You can talk about their favorite creation and how it reminds them about the character of God. The more kids practice seeing God in the little things, the easier it will be to see Him during difficult times. If you’d like this information so you can review it with the kids in your life, see the Article on Teaching Kids about God Sightings at cefonline.com.

1. Teach kids to trust God’s faithfulness no matter the challenges they face by teaching them about “God Sightings.”
When life is difficult, we can doubt God’s love and provision for us. But God’s love is constant. He is faithful and true! You can prepare kids to trust God’s faithfulness regardless of the challenges they face in life by teaching them about “God Sightings.” God Sightings are moments when you notice something that reminds you of God’s character. It may be something seen in nature, an incredible provision, a miracle, or the kindness of a stranger. Looking for God Sightings every day can help kids remember God is always active, and He can always be seen. See the full article on Teaching Kids about God Sightings at cefonline.com.

2. The Big Dipper can remind kids they can trust God is constant.  
When I was little, I learned how to find the Big Dipper in the night sky. Many times over my life during difficult times I have lain on the ground to see that the Big Dipper is still there even though its position changed. I learned how it revolves around the north star which is always in the same place and can be found by drawing a line through the last two stars of the Big Dipper handle. It all reminds me that God is dependable, orderly and has the whole universe right where it’s supposed to be, so it helps me pray from that humble perspective. Help kids find the Big Dipper and remind them God is always the same and dependable.  See the full article on Teaching Kids about God Sightings at cefonline.com.

3.  Encourage kids to trust God’s protection.
You can help kids look for God Sightings when watching nature programs. For example: the African Jacana is a bird with notably long toes for walking on lily pads. Males take over raising the chicks after they hatch. If a predator approaches their babies, the father will call to them and then scoop them up under his wings and carry them to safety. This bird reminds me that God is our gentle and protective Father. Psalm 91:4 says, “under his wings you will find refuge…” Look up pictures or videos of African Jacana fathers online and encourage kids how they can trust God’s protection. See the full article on Teaching Kids about God Sightings at cefonline.com.

4.  Remind kids that God is all-powerful.
Despite all the discoveries made through science, there are some animal behaviors that still seem unexplainable. Why do spinner dolphins spin when they leap out of the water? Why do cows face north or south when they eat? Why do cats purr? All these things show God’s power and presence. God is saying, “Hey, I’m here! I did that just because I can. I’m holding it all together and know far more than you about this world.” When you and the kids in your life come across science mysteries like these, you can remind them that God is all-powerful and imaginative.  See the full article on Teaching Kids about God Sightings at cefonline.com.

5. Explore the intelligent design behind creation and praise God for His creativity and wisdom.
You can show kids God’s attention to detail with this God Sighting activity: Find a leaf, flower or bug and observe it carefully. Point out the intricate patterns in the leaves, the delicate curves of flower petals, or what makes this bug different from others. As they consider the intricacy of living organisms, you can remind them that our God is incredibly creative and detailed. Ask kids what their favorite creations are. Together, you can explore the intelligent design behind it, praise God for His wisdom, and then express your trust in Him to take care of the details of your life. See the full article on Teaching Kids about God Sightings at cefonline.com.
6. God Sightings gives testimony to God’s faithfulness.
How have you seen God showing up in your life? Maybe you were feeling discouraged and just the right Christian song came on the radio or God brought a certain Scripture to your attention. Maybe He provided just the right amount of money to pay for something. Maybe He blessed you with something you enjoy through another person. Sharing your God Sightings gives testimony to God’s faithfulness. Encourage kids to look for their own God Sightings. The more kids practice seeing God in the little things, the easier it will be to see Him during difficult times. See the full article on Teaching Kids about God Sightings at cefonline.com.