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Character Chronicles
What Bears Teach Us
Index
Introduction
Winter Wonders
Winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the seasons ahead. In God’s wonderful creation, bears show us important lessons about rest, preparation, and caring for others.
These powerful creatures remind us that even the strongest need times of rest, and that God’s timing is perfect in all seasons of our lives.
God's Gentle Giants:
Wisdom from the Wild 🐻
- Bears can sleep for up to 7 months during hibernation
- Mother bears can give birth while hibernating
- Bears can remember food locations from previous years
- They can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour
- Bears are excellent swimmers and climbers
- A mother bear’s milk is incredibly rich in nutrients
So next time you feel tired or unsure about taking a rest, remember our friend the bear. God gave them incredible instincts to know when to rest and when to rise – and He’ll give you that wisdom too when you trust in His timing!
Parent's Guide
Bear Necessities
- Rest and Renewal
- Bears understand the importance of rest seasons
- They prepare thoroughly for times of rest
- This mirrors our need for spiritual rest and renewal
- Strength and Gentleness
- Bears are powerful yet gentle with their cubs
- They show both strength and restraint
- This reflects God’s character of power and gentleness
- Preparation and Timing
- Bears know when to gather and when to rest
- They follow God’s natural rhythms
- They teach us about spiritual seasons
How to Teach Your Child About Rest and Preparation:
Ages 5-7:
- Create a “rest and play” schedule together
- Practice quiet time with simple breathing exercises
- Make a “preparation checklist” with pictures
Ages 8-10:
- Start a “seasons journal” to track daily activities and rest
- Discuss the importance of balance in daily life
- Create a weekly preparation routine
Ages 11-13:
- Study biblical examples of rest (God Resting After Creation, The Sabbath Command, Mary Sitting at Jesus’ Feet etc.)
- Develop personal quiet time habits
- Learn about setting boundaries and self-care
Kids' Corner:
Hey there, Strong Cubs!
Guess what? God made bears to teach us some amazing lessons! These powerful animals know some super important secrets about being strong and smart. Let’s discover your bear superpowers!
Superpower 1: Super Rest
Bears know exactly when it’s time to:
- Take a break
- Save energy
- Get ready for new adventures
Superpower 2: Mighty Strength
Bears show us how to be:
- Strong when needed
- Gentle with others
- Careful with our power
Superpower 3: Wise Planning
Bears are experts at:
- Preparing for the future
- Knowing when to rest
- Following God’s timing
Super Challenge: Be Like the Bear!
Your Mission This Week:
- Create a good bedtime routine
- Help prepare for tomorrow each night
- Practice being both strong and gentle
Download your very own Bear Bundle!
The Perfect 3-in-1 Resource for Kids- Build-A-Bear Craft, Scripture Memorization Cards and A Bear-Themed Daily Planner.
Family Activity
Bear Cave Academy! 🐻
What You’ll Need:
- Blankets and pillows for cave-building
- Timer for rest activities
- Paper and crayons
- Snacks for “preparation practice
Activities:
- Build-A-Den Challenge
- Create a cozy family “bear den”
- Use it for quiet time and Bible reading
- Practice peaceful rest times together
- Preparation Station
- Set up weekly preparation stations
- Pack bags/lunches the night before
- Create weekly planning charts
- Strong & Gentle Games
- Practice careful movements with delicate objects
- Play “gentle giant” games
- Learn about using strength wisely
Discussion Starters:
If you could plan the best “rest day” ever, what would you do?
(Gets kids to think about their favorite ways to relax.)Do you think even superheroes need rest? Why or why not?
(Relates to their love of superheroes and emphasizes that even the strong need breaks.)Why do you think God rested after making the whole world? Was He tired, or is there another reason?
(Encourages curiosity about God’s example and why He set it for us.)What happens to your energy when you rest vs. when you don’t?
(Helps kids reflect on how they feel after taking breaks.)Why do you think God told us to have one special day every week just to rest?
(Encourages them to think about the Sabbath in simple terms.)
Reflection & Prayer
Discovering God's Strength in Every Season
Reflection Questions:
- How can we better balance activity and rest as a family?
- What areas of our lives need more preparation?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for creating bears to teach us about rest and preparation. Help us learn when to be active and when to rest, just as You designed bears to do. Give us wisdom to prepare well and strength to be both powerful and gentle. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Going Deeper
Additional Bible Verses About Rest and Preparation:
- Genesis 2:2-3 – God rested on the seventh day
- Psalm 127:2 – God gives sleep to those He loves
- Proverbs 6:6-8 – Learning from creatures that prepare
- Mark 6:31 – Jesus calls His disciples to rest
Conclusion:
Rest Like a Bear, Rise Like a Champion: God's Perfect Timing 🐻
Bears remind us that God created seasons for everything—times to be active and times to rest. When we follow His natural rhythms like the bears do, we find strength, peace, and wisdom for our daily lives. Whether you’re preparing for what’s ahead or taking time to rest, remember that God’s timing is perfect.
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