Crabby, Ungrateful People

By Mary Vee
Exodus 16:1-10

Today's story tells Moses' side of the story:

As leader of the Israelite people, I must admit the people's grumblings and rumors about all their problems bothered me.  God has done so much for us, why can't they be content?

Sure, life in the desert isn't easy. And I understand living in one place while serving Egyptian masters might seem easier than packing a tent and trekking to the next place God chose for us to camp; but we're free.  God freed us from our bondage! 

We have no official army. Egyptian slaves couldn't have an army.  And that's all we've been for the last 400 years. We aren't prepared to march into a city and conquer it.  The Lord knows. 

I'm convinced God has a plan for us. He'll provide everything we need and give us time to organize into a solid people. We need to be patient.

I'm thankful for my brother, Aaron, who listens and shares ideas with me. I've talked with him so many times. Big brothers are helpful in that way.

One day the grumblings grew extra loud.  The people gathered together and stormed to my tent.  They all shouted at once and raised their fists toward me.  "Moses! We would have been better off being killed by the Lord in Egypt.  At least we had meat in our pots and bread in our stomachs.  You led us to the desert to kill us with famine."

I couldn't get a word in edgewise.  When they finshed yelling, they stormed back to their tents. My heart pounded.  I'm not sure if I was angry at them for disrespecting God or hurt that they didn't appreciate what God did for them.  Aaron put his hand on my shoulder and gave me a big brother smile. 

I walked a ways from the camp to talk with God.  He let me tell Him what the people said, even though He already knew. 

He paitiently waited for me to finish talking then said, "It's okay, Moses. I will rain bread from heaven for you." I closed my eyes and pictured bread raining from the sky and smiled. God has great ideas and sometimes His solutions make me laugh. He then said, "The people will go out and gather a certain amount.  It will be a test to see if they are ready to obey my instructions.  On the sixth day the people are to gather twice the amount."

He also told me there would be meat in the evening. The instructions didn't seeem difficult to obey.

I returned to the camp and told Aaron what the Lord said, then we gathered the people.  Aaron told them the message; but I made sure the people knew that although God would send bread and meat their complaint was against the Lord and not us. 

When Aaron finished telling the people God's instructions, I said, "Tell them to come near before the Lord, for He has heard their complaints."  

Everyong looked toward the wilderness and gasped at the sight.  The glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

**********************************
Have you complained about something then suddenly realized Dad, Mom, teacher, or someone else was listening?  The Israelites probably had that same queezy feeling in their stomachs.  They probably thought only Moses heard them yelling.
When we complain, God hears.  God wants us to trust Him and ask Him for help, not complain.

1.  What was the children of Israel's complaint?
2.  What did Moses do?
3.  What did God want the people to do?
4.  Who did God give to Moses as a helper?
5.  Why did the people gasp?

Following God

Exodus 15: 22-27

God gave me the position of leadership over the children of Israel. My name is Moses.



I had no idea I would go before Pharaoh with messages from God, raise my staff to bring on God's plagues to the Egyptians, and lead our nation's escape.

Yet, here I walk through the desert sands of the Wilderness of Shur.  I don't know where we're going, exactly.  My job is to lead the people where God wants us to go. 

Are you wondering how I know which way to lead?  God's presence is in a large cloud above us. When He lets us rest, the cloud stops moving. When He wants us to move forward, the cloud lifts in the direction He wants us to go.

We've traveled for three days since leaving the Red Sea.  A lot has happened.  During the first and second days the people often looked back to see if the Egyptians sent another army.  They jumped when unusual sounds came from behind them. 

We drank most of the water by the end of the second day. No one knew we would travel through the desert for a long time. We expected to find pools or streams of water along the way. When no water was found by the end of the second day, we rationed our drinks. The people grew thirsty.

On the third day we came to Marah.  Before I could say a word the Israelites flocked to the water and gulped.  It was a bad idea. We needed to have someone test it first.  Sure enough, the Israelites spit out the water and screamed about the bitter tase. "What do you expect us to drink, Moses? This water is bad!"

I fetl sorry for them; afterall, I was thirsty too.  My toungue stuck to the roof of my mouth like mortar on bricks. I stepped away from the people and cried out to God.  "Lord, what should we do? We're thirsty."

At the end of my prayer, I opened my eys and noticed a particular tree.  Several men help me throw the tree into the water. We waited a few moments then tasted the water.  I must admit, it was delicious.  I stepped aside to let the people get their fill of drink before satisfying my thirst.

The adults sat on the shores of the water and rested while the children splashed and the animals cooled themselves in the water.

That night the Israelites sang praises to God around campfires. They remembered the Red Sea, and now the waters of Marah.  While they sang and told stories, I walked to a quiet place to talk with the Lord.

I sat on a sandy hill overlooking the people waiting for God to meet with me.  He said, "Tell My people: If you heed my voice and do what is right in my sight by keeping my commandments, I will keep all of the diseases which the Egyptians suffered from happening to you. For I am the Lord who heals you."

I told the Israelites His message and showed them the cloud moving.  We continued walking until we reached Elim. There we found twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees.  A perfect place to camp for a while.

Following God isn't easy. But I know He will take care of us.

***************************************
1.  What wilderness did God lead the Israelites to?
2.  What did the people need?
3.  Where did they find it?  Was it good?
4.  What did God tell Moses to do to fix the water?
5.  God allowed the water at Marah to be bitter because He wanted to see if the people would   
      ask Him for help.  Did they?
6.  What can we learn from this story?

Paul McCusker's Thanksgiving Visit

By Mary Vee

Christian writers make us laugh, whisk us to new places, scare us, keep us up late at night, and show us how others handled problems.

My family has listened to hundreds of Odyssey radio programs. At the end of many programs, Chris says, "And don't forget to ask for a copy of today's episode. It's called (title).  Adventures in Odyssey is a production of Focus on the Family, (title of the show) was written by Paul McCusker.

Paul McCusker has written many books for kids and teens.  I asked him to join us today and share a Thanksgiving moment.

Please welcome Paul McCusker author of:

 

Adventures in Odyssey Novels

Each book holds four novels based on the popular radio drama. Essential reading for your young Odyssey fan.

Adventures in Odyssey: Passages
A six-book series in which regular kids from the town of Odyssey travel to the mysterious land of Marus, and become integral to tales that reflect stories from the Bible

The Time Thriller Trilogy:
Three teen thrillers that explore the town of Fawltline, where time shifts and people get lost in it. It's up to Jeff and his eccentric Uncle Malcolm to solve the mysteries and get everyone back where they belong


AND SOOOO MUCH MORE...

Mr. McCusker, please tell us what you're thankful for.

I'm thankful for the English teachers who put their time and energy into teaching me subjects like sentence structure, grammar, Mark Twain, poetry, William Shakespeare, essays, Raymond Chandler, and dialogue. While they were doing that, they didn't discourage me from the frivolous reading I sneaked in during some of the classes, study halls or sports activities - the paperback thrillers and science fiction and mysteries and horror. It was as if they thought reading was important enough, even though I wasn't pursuing the classics.

At the time, I had no idea they were planting seeds in my brain and heart that would eventually grow into something beautiful and life-changing. There isn't a single word or sentence that I write now that doesn't point back to their influence in my life.

They were so diligent, applying praise and correction however need. And, while their praise was always appreciated, I was grateful for notes like "I know you can do better than this" because it told me that they were paying attention and really believed I COULD do better than I was doing. They seemed to notice that behind my crude efforts to communicate there was something worth encouraging. And they did encourage me. Sometimes openly, to my embarrassment. Sometimes pushing me to take on more than I thought I could.

So I want to thank Miss Stegner, Mrs. Baker, Mr. Jack, Mrs. Calhoun and the many others who invested themselves in my life - wherever you are.


[Note: I'm attaching a photo I'm particularly proud of: when I bumped into Neil Simon in London back in 1997.]


 All the best,


Paul McCusker




Neil Simon is an American playwrite and screenwriter. He won the Pulitzer prize for drama in 1991. Some of his plays are: The Odd Couple, Their Playing Our Song, I Ought to Be in Pictures, The Good Doctor, The Sunshine boys, and The Star Spangled Gir.

What message do you have for Paul McCusker?

Paul McCusker's web site is: paulmccusker.com

Here are some of his books:

After Crossing the Sea

By Mary Vee
Exodus 15:22

I woke this morning still feeling tired.  We had stayed up really late last night singing and dancing praises to God.  It's hard to express what we felt.  Just yesterday we stood on the Egyptian shore with God's presence in a cloud over us.  He told me to hold my staff over the waters.

Yes, yes God said the waters would part and we'd walk across the dry sea bed, but to hear what would happen is completely different from being there.  The wind blew in my face with a great force, it nearly knocked me down.

The people were nervous about walking on the path. Think about it, a wall of water rising above their heads on both sides!  Once they saw the shore on the other side, they bolted in case the wall of water might crash down on them.  I tried to reassure them, but, I guess seeing the water wall concerned them. 

We also had one other problem.  The cloud separating the Egyptian army from us lifted.  Pharaoh screamed at his army to chase after us.  They clattered forward like madmen.  I knew the Lord would care for us, but my heart pounded like it wanted out of my chest the moment I heard them running after us.

I was the last to place my feet on the new shore.  The Lord told me to stretch my hands over the sea again. When I did the walls of water crashed down on the Egyptian army, horses, chariots, soldiers, the whole army.  Just like that.

Sure, I believed the Lord would do as He said, but the water splashed up on me.  It crashed down on the Egyptians running after us. The water roared and swirled about confused which way to go.  Drops sprayed onto my clothes.

We stood silent. Did God throw the water down on the army and kill them?  Or would they swim to shore and come after us? 

We waited. No one swam to shore.  The water and the birds sang the only song. 

Then we cheered.  We cried for joy. We sang, danced, and gave praises to God.  We told stories about what we saw along the way.  When it grew dark we made campfires and sang more praises to God.

I sat up this morning and rubbed the sleep from my eyes.  Many of the Israelites walked along the shore, some cared for the animals, some organized their belongings.  I looked at the cloud above and thanked God. 

After a morning meal the cloud with God's presence shifted to the northeast.  I called out to the people. "God wants us to more forward.  Let's go."

**********************

1. What do you think you would have seen if you walked with the Israelites across the sea ground?
2. Who chased after the people?
3. What happened to the army? 
4. What did the people do when they arrived at the other shore?
5. How did Moses know it was time to move forward?

Miriam thanks God

Mary Vee
Ex 14:30-15:21

Miriam ran up to Moses and grabbed his arm. They stood with all the other Israelites and stared at the Red Sea. The waves crashed against the shore.

No one spoke. 

Their eyebrows jumped high and their jaws dropped low.  Only the birds and the sea made a sound for one long moment.

Miriam looked up at the towering cloud above them.  "God saved us from the Egyptians, Moses!"

A smile popped on his face. Moses grabbed Miriam and hugged her. "He did! We're free. Free at last."

Miriam laughed and hugged her other brother, Aaron. "Aaron, we're free!"

Aaron patted Moses on the back. "Praise the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel. He saved us!"

Miriam grabbed her tamberine and play as her brothers and the men sang, "I will sing unto the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously!  The horse and its rider He has thrown into the  sea!"

Elders, fathers, and sons joined in singing, dancing, and playing instruments. "The Lord is my strength and song. And he has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise HIm; my father's God, and I will exalt Him."

Miriam laughed and kicked off her sandles to dance on the sandy shore.  She raised her timbrel and led the women with singing and dances.  "Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea."

The children of Israel celebrated the rest of the day and into the night.  Campfires lit the seashore crackling in beat to the songs of praise. The sea, birds, campfire, and land creatures joined in praise to God for His salvation.

After the children slept, the adults continued to talk about the ten plauges, the journey to the Red Sea, crossing the Red Sea on dry ground,  the Egyptian army chasing them, and the sea splashing onto the Egyptians.  Moses stood and raised his hands to silence the people.  "Let's be silent before the Lord for a moment."

Miriam hugged her knees for warmth.  She gazed into the fire and listened to the sea splashing on the shore.  She looked up at the pillar of fire above them. I had hoped You'd save us...and You did.  I never expected all You did for us. Thank you.

Moses sat again by the fire.  Miriam joined him.  "Moses, I knew God would use you to save us the moment Momma put you in the basket and set you in the river.  I'm so glad you obeyed Him and came back to help us."

She grabbed her timbrel and leaped up to dance again.  "Sing to the Lord for He has triumphed gloriously!"

Some time later the she fell asleep.  The next morning she rubbed her eyes and heard to the waves crash against the shore.  "Oh, I remember where I am!  God saved us."

*********************
God hears our prayers.  Sometimes we have to wait for His answer, but then we discover His plan is best.

1.  What was Miriam happy about?
2.  How did she get to the other shore?
3.  Who all was with her?
4.  Where had she come from?

Celebrate Thanksgiving with Christian Authors Month

By Mary Vee

I'm thankful for the books Christian authors write.  This month a few of my favorite Christian Authors will be stopping by to say, "Hi" to you.  They'll tell you something they're thankful for.  Stop by each Monday during November to visit with an author.

I am Thankful for Christian Authors
 because they know how to:

Solve a mystery

Paul McCusker, author of Adventure in Odyssey stories and others will join us
November 8-9

Laugh at life

Lori Scott, author of chapter books for young children will join us November 15-16

Go on a wild adventure.

Chris Fabry, author of tween and teen mystery and fantasy series will join us
November 22-23

Takes you to new worlds and beyond.

Bryan Davis author of tween and teenage fantasy books will join us November 29-30

Make mistakes

Hi Mary and kids at God Loves Kids blog!

Thanks for the invite. I'm pretty jammed right now with the release of the new book, "The God Hater." It sounds like you're doing important work and it would be great to connect again when things aren't so crazy.

Again, thanks for thinking of me . . . and the Lord bless your ministry bunches!

              Bill Myers 

Big Bully Pharaoh Loses

By Mary Vee

Exodus 14:23-29

Pharaoh woke early the next morning. His neck hurt from sleeping on the ground.  “Guard, report.”

“My liege, the dark cloud that settled between us at the Israelites last night remained.  There’s no way the Israelites could have moved in this darkness.”

“Good. Prepare the soldiers.  As soon as the cloud lifts, we move.”

Pharaoh ate his breakfast staring to the east.  “How could such a great cloud darken the sky and sit over our camp so long? At least I know those Israelites can’t escape.”

He turned to set his cup down then looked back.  The cloud rose high into the sky. Pharaoh stooped to look underneath. As the cloud rose, he uncurled his body until he stood.  He stared at the valley where he last saw the Israelites. “Where are they?”

A strong wind from the east pushed against his face. Pharaoh shielded his eyes from the sun and looked toward the sea. “What’s happened?” He blinked twice then stared at the water.  “There’s a path--a path in the sea? How was it made? And the Israelites, look--they’ve walked through the path--they’re getting away!  Mount everyone.  Now.  After them!” 

Pharaoh climbed on his chariot. The horsemen and foot soldiers followed with their weapons ready to attack. As they approached the sea Pharaoh waved them forward. “Don’t let one escape.  Capture every man, woman, and child. Don’t let even one animal escape.”

The army bolted across the dry riverbed until each soldier, horse, and chariot touched the bottom.  The men shouted their war cry to scare the Israelites into submission. The soldiers watched the Hebrews turn toward them from the other shore.  They screamed their war cry again when the Israelites faces showed fear.

Pharaoh cheered his men forward. He raised his voice and looked toward the sky until he felt a sploosh of water on his face.  His eyes darted to the right and left. “The wall of water is falling!  Go to the closest shore. Retreat, I say. Retreat!”

He screamed the instructions again then hurried his chariot back to the shore.  The water roared and slapped the riverbed filling in the dry path.  His best soldiers cried out then he heard them no more.

Waves continued to slap into each other and reaching out to the shore to pull sand and rock into the river.  Pharaoh’s jaw fell open.  He looked across the Red Sea to the other shore. Even though they were far and seemed small, he could see them move as though dancing and singing.

Pharaoh fell to the ground and lowered his head. For the second time since he knew Moses he allowed himself to cry.

***************

The first time Pharaoh might have cried was when his son died in the tenth plague.

1.  Why couldn’t Pharaoh see the Israelites move?

2.  Why couldn’t Pharaoh’s army capture the Israelites?

3.  How did God help the Israelites escape?

4.  God gave Pharaoh many chances to change his mind and to follow Him.  Why didn't Pharaoh trust in God?

Pharaoh's Coming-No Place to Hide

By Mary Vee
Exodus 14:10-22

Moses turned back to watch the large group of Israelites.  "Aaron, this is the first time I've seen them happy, real happy."

Aaron walked backwards for a few steps. "You're right.  They’ve dreamed about this day for a long time.  I think many of them never believed it would come, yet, today they're singing praises to the Lord."

Aaron and Moses faced forward to continue in the direction God showed.  Moses pointed upward. "The cloud is shifting east."

The people followed their leader in a southeasterly direction.  They didn't feel tired or complain about their sand filling their sandals.  Some sang, some told stories, some walked silently.

One of the leaders ran up toward Moses. "Look behind.  Up on that ridge."

Moses looked back.  A large cloud of dust rolled forward.  "It’s Pharaoh's army!"

Israelites walking in the front of the group whipped around and stared. Soon the entire group stopped. "Lord, what’s happening!  Save us! Pharaoh will kill us."

A few leaders moved close to the front. "Why did you bring us to the wilderness to die, Moses?  Why did you bring us out of Egypt?  Didn't we say, 'Leave us alone to serve the Egyptians'?  It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness.

Moses raised his hands toward the people.  "Shh. Don't be afraid." He looked into their eyes until he had their attention. "Stand still. Watch what the Lord will do for you today. You will never see these Egyptians again. Watch. The Lord will fight for you and bring peace."

The cloud, which led them from Goshen to, the Red Sea floated over their heads and settled behind them. The people looked back and sighed. “We can’t see the Egyptians. Now what do we do?”

Moses walked to the shore and gazed at the water before him.  "Lord, what would you have us do?"

The Lord answered. "Lead the people forward. Lift your rod and stretch out your hand over the water to divide it.  The children of Israel will cross the sea on dry ground.  In the meantime I will harden the Egyptian's heart and they will follow you.  By tomorrow, the Egyptians will know I am the Lord."

Moses raised his rod and stretched his hand over the sea. A strong wind blew from the east across the water chopping the flow in half and pushing the two sides high into the air.  A wall of water stood to the north. A second wall stood to the south. 

Moses laughed as he set his foot on the dry waterbed. He waved the people forward. “Look!  Look what God has done for you.” He waved the people forward again. “Go now. God has made a way, when we thought there was no way.”

Aaron and Moses helped the Israelites across the riverbed, making sure each one safely made it to the other shore. 

************

Sometimes problems seem too big for God to help.  This story helps us know for sure that God will always take care of us.

1. What did 3 things did Moses tell the people to do?

2. When Moses didn’t know what to do next, whom did he ask?

3. How did God hide the Israelites from the Egyptians?

4. What was God’s plan to save the Israelites? 

Fall Fun-Harvest Game

By Mary Vee

This time of the year many places in the world can harvest foods to use all winter.  Our game today will see how many harvest foods we know.

Match the picture below with the correct word choice.

1.   Carnival Squash                         2. Butternut Squash                 3. Spaghetti Squash
4.   Pumpkin Squash                        5. Banana Squash                   6. Zuchanni Squash
7.   Summer Squash                        8. Acorn Squash                      9. Turbin Squash
10. Gold Nugget Squash

A                                           B

 

   C                                          D

   E                                          F

  G                                          H

  I                                            J

How Did You Do?

If you need, here is the answer key:

Pharaoh's Mistake

By Mary Vee
Exodus14:5-9

"Oh, great Pharaoh, I've received word that the children of Israel have escaped." The advisor stepped back and waited for a reply.

Pharaoh squinted back at the advisor. "They've done what?"

"Our spies report they have journeyed toward the Red Sea and set up camp."  The advisor raised his hands. "What do you want done?"

"What about my building projects, are they moving forward?"

"Why no, my liege.  The Israelites have left.  Who is to do the work?  Your people have had to take on all the tasks done by the Israelites: cooking, cleaning, caring for the animals, tending the fields."

Pharaoh got up from his throne chair and paced.  "Why have we done this?  Why did we let the Israelites go?  Isn't it bad enough plagues destroyed our crops, animals, and many of our people. Must we suffer without slaves?"

The advisor didn't answer.

Pharaoh grunted and stomped toward the window overlooking Egypt.  "Make ready my chariot and the army.  I want them ready to leave in an hour." 

The advisor bowed then left.  An hour later he returned to report the army stood ready outside the city.  Pharaoh ran to his chariot and  rode to the front.  "Let us not allow the Israelites to escape.  We will overpower them and drag them back into service."

The soldiers cheered.  Pharaoh signaled his driver to proceed. 

The chariots raced to the south east, tracking the Israelites along the way.  A cloud of dust rolled up behind the chariots, raising high into the sky.  Pharaoh's army came to a hill overlooking the Red Sea.  "We have them now! Although the sun grows dim they can't escape.  How foolish of Moses to trap them between the Red Sea, the desert and my mighty army."

A large cloud set over the Red Sea moved over the children of Israel. The cloud continued to move between Pharaoh and the children of Israel.  The thickness of the cloud prevent Pharaoh from seeing the Hebrews.

Pharaoh signaled his army to stop.  His captain rode near.  "We can't see through the cloud.  If we moved forward the horses could stumble and fall."

"Yes, yes, I agree.  Make camp here.  As soon as the cloud lifts, we'll capture those Hebrews." 

"As you wish, great Pharaoh."

Darkness set in over the Egyptian camp. 

*********************************

1.  Why did the work in Egypt stop?
2.  Who did Pharaoh want to capture?
3.  What stopped Pharaoh from his chase?
4.  What do you think will happen?

Tenth Plague-Pharaoh Surrenders

By Mary Vee
Ex 12:29-37

Aaron drummed his fingers on the table.  He held back a yawn. "Must be near midnight."

Moses took a sip of water. "I think we'll hear from Pharaoh soon." He leaned back and closed his eyes. "I'm sleepy and excited all at the same time. So much has happened--The ten plagues; dealing with Pharaoh; reassuring our people, it's been a long journey.  And we've only begun."

"Moses, do you think the death angel will kill first-born Israelites?"

"God's instructions were clear.  He said to get a perfect lamb, paint the blood on the door post, stay inside, cook the meat over fire, eat the meal and wait.  They all knew what to do."

Aaron sighed. "Will Pharaoh let us go?"

Moses nodded. "God said he would.  Tomorrow we'll leave this place, I'm sure."

A few moments later, four guards shoved the front door open. "Pharaoh calls for you. Let's go." The guards grabbed Moses and Aaron, pressing them out of the house. No one said a word. The guards grumbled to each other, "You've gone too far this time, Moses.  Wait 'til Pharaoh deal with you." The guards hurried Moses and Aaron to the council chamber.

Pharaoh glanced at them then lowered his head and moaned. He remained silent for a moment. Then groaned for his deep loss. "My son, my son is dead."  

He shook his head then swiped a tear. His voice crackled. "Go away from my people, both you and the children of Israel."  His chest raised with a sob. He pressed his fists against his chest and moaned again.  "Serve the Lord as you have said.  Take your flocks and herds and be gone, and bless me also."

The chamber remained silent. After a few moments, Pharaoh raised his hand to signal the guards.  One reached out and shoved Moses.  "The sooner you and your people leave, the better." 

Another guard growled. "If they don't leave soon we'll all be dead." He turned to Moses. "Hurry up, get moving."

Moses couln't keep up with the pace the guards set.  He stumbled a few times before finding his balance. A crowd of Hebrews gathered outside their housing to greet Moses and Aaron.  They stood silent until the guards left. "Is this the time we leave?"

Moses smiled and nodded. "Yes! Take your unleavened dough the silver, gold, and clothing given to you from the Egyptians and prepare to leave at once."

The old and young people hugged each other and laughed.  "We're leaving. We're free, at last!" The sun rose higher in the eastern sky, showing them the way.  The people played tamborines and other instruments, sang praises to God and danced for joy while leaving the only life they knew to find the land God promised.

****************************
1. What made Pharaoh decide to let the children of Israel go?
2. What happened to the first born children in Egypt.  Why?
3. What did the Egyptians given to the children of Israel?
4. Unleaven dough doesn't have yeast. Yeast makes bread tall and fluffy. Without yearst bread looks like a pancake or cracker.  Why did the people take unleavened dough with them?

Outdoor Fun-Helmet Game

By Mary Vee

Playing outdoors can be a lot of fun. Sometimes kid can be hurt.  Helmets have been designed to protect you while having fun.  Here is a helmet game for you.

Can you tell which helmet is for which sport?  Match the letter under the helmet with the correct number:


 1.  Hockey             2.  Ski                 3. Bicycle
 4.  Snowmobile    5.  Race Car       6. Dirtbike
 7.  Jetski                8. Baseball        9. Football
10. Karate

       A          B                             C           D

       E            F                       G               H

                                                          I             J



How did you do?

Want to check your answers?



God Can Save You-Passover

By Mary Vee

Exodus 11:1-28

Moses called a meeting of all the Israelites.  The people gathered after supper in a large open space.  Moses climbed up on a rock to help everyone see him. 

Photo Courtesy

When the crowd hushed, Moses smiled.  "Our time has come.  The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has spoken instructions for us."

The Hebrew people cheered.  Moses raised his hands. "Hear me.  God instructs every man and woman to ask the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold. Do this tomorrow then return for more instructions.

The next evening, after supper, the people gathered and shared their stories from the day. "I did as Moses said.  The Egyptian woman gave me all this gold and silver--look!" 

Other's chimed in about their experiences. "Pharaoh's servants said you are a great man, Moses.  So many of the Egyptians spoke of your greatness."

Moses raised his hands to quiet the people. "Here is your next instruction: each household is to take a lamb big enough to feed those in the home. If your household is too small, share with your neighbor. The lamb is to be a yearling male without blemish. Paint the doorpost of your home with the blood of the lamb then cook the meat over fire.  No one is to leave your home. At midnight the Lord will pass over the land of Egypt and will strike the firstborn dead in every home where the door post has not been painted with the blood of a lamb. Be ready, for the Lord will tell us to leave."

The people bowed their heads and worshiped the Lord then left to obey God's instructions.

Aaron and Moses walked side by side back to their home.  "Tonight's the night, Moses?  We're finally leaving this place?"

"Yes. The Lord said we'll leave after this next plague."

They joined the other Hebrew families choosing a male lamb without blemish.  Aaron pointed to a lamb. "I think this one will do, it's a male yearling about the right size for our family, and I don't see any blemishes."  After Aaron chose the lamb, he and Moses took it to their home for dinner. 

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Women in the neighborhood called their children to help prepare the meal inside the homes. Men painted the doorposts by dipping a bunch of hyssop into the blood.  The men nodded to their neighbors, wished them peace then went in their own homes. 

Each family gathered around their table for the special supper.  After the meal they talked about what might happen the next day and sang songs.  Not long after, the children went to bed while the adults prepared to leave.

Aaron sat quietly and listened.    "Is it midnight?"

"Soon. I expect Pharaoh will call for us yet tonight." 

"What will our new home be like?"

Moses smiled.  "We will harvest our crops and have plenty to feed our animals.  We will live in our own homes and worship the Lord in freedom."

Aaron leaned on his staff. "What if some Egyptians took a perfect yearling lamb, cooked it over fire and painted their doorposts with the blood.  Do you think God would save them?"

Moses nodded.  "God is just.  He gave Pharaoh many chances before hardening his heart."

"I suppose we'll find out tonight if any did."

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1.  What was Aaron and Moses waiting to happen?

2.  What name did God give this special night?

3.  Why did God ask the Israelites to eat this special meal on this night?

4.  What kind of lamb did the families have to get?

Ninth Plague-Pharaoh Felt the Darkness

By Mary Vee

Exodus 10:21-29

I am the great Pharaoh.  I rule Egypt.  All who live in my kingdom should obey my every word.  My scribe is recording the events of the past three days as I dictate. 

Three days ago, in the afternoon, I conducted business as usual.  Well, not exactly as usual.  Since the Hebrew prophet, Moses, arrived in Egypt I've had nothing but problems. 

Moses speaks for the Hebrew God, words of letting the Hebrews go to sacrifice and serve their God.  He came to me eight times repeating the same message, "Let the Israelites go into the wilderness to sacrifice and serve their God."  Each time I grew more tired of his words. Each time I refused, the Hebrew God sent a punishment: water turned to blood, frogs, lice, flies, disease upon our livestock, boils, hail, and locust.  My country has suffered. We have no food.  We've lost most of our animals. Our homes have been damaged.

I met with my advisors regarding the Israelite slaves.  As the chief advisor spoke his first word darkess rolled through the sky.  We assumed a storm was approaching.  I ran to the window and watched a black cloud swirling through the air, seeping into buildings around the palace. 

I commanded the servants to light every torch, but the light grew weak.  One advisor requested to postpone the meeting until the darkness passed.  I agreed and dismissed the meeting. 

Never had I felt such darkness before. My arms and legs grew heavy.  There wasn't enough air to satisfy my lungs.  My hands, neck, and head poured nervous sweat.

Like everyone else in the palace, I stumbled about.  Guards delivered their report of the thick darkness throughout Egypt, except in the area where the Israelites lived.  Why were they spared?

The second day of darkness brought anger.  Citizens of Egypt screamed at each other.  They grew hungry, afraid to sleep, and lonely.  This had to be Moses' fault. He brought fear into Egypt.  I determined to not let the Hebrews go or give into him.

Toward the end of the thrid day, I could bare the strain no longer.  The citizens stopped shouting and cried.  Their lamenting hurt my ears.  If the darkness lasted another day, I fear we'd all go crazy. 

"Guard, bring Moses."

Sometime later a guard announced Moses' presence. I couldn't see him.  I raised my fist, even though he couldn't see it.  "Moses, go, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and your herds be kept back."

Moses answered. "You need to give us sacrifices and burnt offerings that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. Our livestock will also go with us to serve the Lord, nothing shall be left behind."

Nothing is good enough for him.  He wants me to let all of the Israelites and everything they own leave Egypt.  I won't listen to him repeat this message one more time. "Get away from me! You will not see my face again.  For on the day that you do, you shall die!"

Moses cleared his throat. "You have spoken well. I will never see your face again."

Shortly after Moses left the palace, the darkness ended.

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1.  Name the nine plagues (answers are in this story)

2.  This is the first plague God sent before Moses asked Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go.  Why do you think God sent the plague first this time?

3.  What do you think darkness feels like?

4.  Why do you think God chose darkness as the ninth plague?  Remember there is only one more plague as you think about your answer.

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