We’ve come to the end of our journey together through God’s Big Story. But it’s not really the end! Our prayer is that families will keep learning together and growing together in faith! Talking about Heaven is a great place to start this week. Here are some ideas:

Preschoolers: What do you want to do in Heaven? Who will you see there? How will you feel in Heaven? The Bible tells us there will be no crying, no hurts, no tears!

Early Elementary: The Bible tells is that Jesus is preparing a place for us in Heaven, and that “In my Father’s house there are many rooms.” (John 14:2-4) Describe what you hope to see and do in Heaven!

Older Elementary: How do you feel when you think about Heaven? What questions do you have? What do you hope for? What would it be like if time didn’t matter and there was no sadness?

Here are some more resources to help your family grow in faith together!

• The Beginner’s Gospel Story Bible (great for toddlers and preschoolers!) [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1945270047/ref=cm_sw_r_as_gl_api_gl_i_JFV6C4EMJ55EKKPJ9J55?linkCode=ml2&tag=kylarodrigu01-20&fbclid=IwY2xjawNHowFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaaXZ5NzhhZ2h5QnFBWGxjAR7CtyATUloTdZuX2qXpxj9VoA8K7xVJje7j7ECuSdm_kFuOez-GB2HLPbreZQ_aem_2YGcPyOKvb5trVDtpf_S9w]

• The Hear-Me-Read Bible (great for young readers!) [https://www.cph.org/the-hear-me-read-bible?srsltid=AfmBOooNPYXfbM9jAFFAlWvMwOoMgSoKBEjMdRXFx-137oO791BZUWnS]

• Notes from Jesus (one of my very favorite books for early elementary!) [https://www.christianbook.com/notes-jesus-best-friend-wants-know/mikal-keefer/9781470750299/pd/750299?en=google&event=SHOP&kw=childrens-books-0-20%7C750299&p=1179710&utm_source=google&p=1234083&dv=c&cb_src=google&cb_typ=shopping&cb_cmp=20379181146&cb_adg=157175267691&cb_kyw=&utm_medium=shopping&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20379181146&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dTHbFzY2-zWFUCgITdWMmTNZr7&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3OjGBhDYARIsADd-uX440XaOoZb1rXqo0Uea5NM2rRNOK-17eo8VoYGUsFV1TYVtJ_vxi1kaAmTlEALw_wcB]

• Kindling the Heart- Family Edition (simple devotions for families!) [https://www.amazon.com/Kindling-Heart-Nurturing-Christ-like-Servant/dp/B088BD5RG2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14AS4K0HJOK0H&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.mkRUxF0uUJDIBrJgydVepAZK_zJUo9m9IYHwW-beLtTGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.cLJm87p1gghexC7U23s0mcxa2mEyC0va3F0U8kASdY0&dib_tag=se&keywords=kindling+the+heart+family+devotions&qid=1759169492&sprefix=kindling+the+heart+family+devotions%2Caps%2C87&sr=8-1]

• RightNowMedia [https://app.rightnowmedia.org/en/library/115] and Minno [https://gominno.com/home2/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=HDLT_Minno_Google_Search_Web_Brand&matchtype=e&network=g&device=c&adposition=&keyword=minno%20kids&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22686010035&gbraid=0AAAAAC2KiEzHB_gTC37LFA83sZLu-pTNN&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3OjGBhDYARIsADd-uX6gW2XXNQe-HERxGhbchpRi3TgyGaD-HSymXHUv2Bv3pc4HhGo8ex4aAvYREALw_wcB](Christian video content for kids!)

• Seeds Kids Worship [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/37i9dQZF1DZ06evO38DMYF?si=R1RG5V9tTb6HOVYrIfK6Ng] and Rain for Roots [https://open.spotify.com/album/3vszbQjMDkqlHAVDZ7tATM?si=W4tfYOKdSrm9yiIcH0NF4A&nd=1&dlsi=3ed16dd423e746de] (Kids worship and Bible memory songs)

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

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180: KIDS VERSION - The End of Time

There's a lot of myths and misinformation around the end of time. It tends to make imaginations run wild (as a quick Google search will show). In this week’s episode, Pastor Jim Mueller separates fact from fiction. We're going right to the source—the Book of Revelation—to find out what the Bible really has to say on the subject. What we find is both fantastical and fascinating. Revelation is a book like no other, and I am excited to teach on a topic that inspires so much good (and really, really bad) discussion.  Let's get to the real story and discover what apocalyptic writing from 2000 years ago can tell us about our world today...and in the future.

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/]. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

179: The End of Time

Today we are learning more about Paul. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:

Ask: How did Paul serve God? (He taught people about God). Paul travelled to Rome on a boat. How do you travel? How can you serve God? (ages 2-5)

Paul says he doesn’t care if he goes to prison, he wants to finish the work that God gave him- which is to witness to others about God’s love. What are some ways you can show and tell others about God’s love? What kind of job do you want when you grow up? How can you serve God in that job (ages 6-9)

Paul is clear that salvation is a gift from God-nothing that’s deserved or can be earned. Since the Bible is so clear, why do people still believe they’ll go to heaven because of their good works? If you could share God’s love anywhere, where would you go? (ages 10-12)

One last thing! This week April asked, “What will you DO with all the love God has given you?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

 178: KIDS VERSION - Paul's Final Days 

Imagine you were in Paul's sandals. For 30 years you devoted your life to zealously carrying out a mission, traveling far and wide to spread the Gospel. Church leaders valued your teachings and copies of your letters spread throughout the churches you help build. You were on fire for Jesus, but your ministry ends with you alone in a cell awaiting execution.

Paul never did see the fruits of his labor. He may have experienced doubts that all he sacrificed even mattered. But you know what he never doubted? The love and grace of Jesus that saved his life and spurred him on. It's the same love and grace that we have been given, and it's a message worth hearing every Sunday. Pastor Chuck Schlie takes a look into the last days of one of the giants of the faith in this week’s episode. In his words we find absolute assurance that a life lived for Jesus is always worth any cost!


If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/] You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs:  https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

177: Paul's Final Days

Today we heard the amazing story of Saul’s transformation into Paul! Parents, here are some conversation starters that can help you keep talking about this story!

Preschoolers: Paul sang songs to God, even when he was in prison! What are some of your favorite songs to sing to God? Can singing songs to God help you feel better when you’re in a bad mood or a bad situation?

Early Elementary: God did an amazing thing – He changed Paul’s heart! Paul then did an amazing thing – he changed his whole life and became a missionary! Would you ever become a missionary? Where would you like to go to share God’s love with people?

Older Elementary: Paul didn’t escape prison when his chains came off. Why do you think he did that? Would you have acted the same way? Talk together about a time when your actions spoke louder than your words. Parents, you share too!

One last thing! This week Hannah asked, “How can your ACTIONS share more about your faith than your words?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

176: KIDS VERSION - Paul's Mission

If you've ever doubted that Jesus can change the heart, just look to the example of Paul (aka, Saul). Once renowned for his violent persecution of early Christians, Paul has a conversion experience that knocks him to the ground (literally!). Days later, he sees the light (literally!) and emerges as one of the church's great leaders. Take a listen to this week’s episode as Vicar Ryan Pfendler walks us through the heart change Paul experienced and how we can change our own hearts.

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/]. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

175: Paul's Mission

Today we are learning about the Holy Spirit. Parents, want to keep talking? Here are some ideas:

Ask: What did God give his people? (the Holy Spirit to live inside them) Who can receive the Holy Spirit? (Everyone who believes in God) The Holy Spirit gave Jesus’ disciples the power to speak in other languages. Teach your child a few words in another language. (ages 2-5)

This chapter of The Story says Jesus’s followers had hearts that were glad and honest and true. How do you think they showed that? Talk a little bit about being glad, honest and true. If you could always live that way, how do you think people would look at you? (ages 6-9)

As faith grew in the early church, so did persecution. Peter and John were beaten and arrested. Stephen was stoned to death. Why didn’t Christ’s followers just give up and hide? Why do you think faith thrives when there is persecution? Do you think being a Christian is too easy where you live? What’s the hardest part? (ages 10-12)

One last thing! This week April asked, “What do you want people to KNOW about Jesus?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

174: KIDS VERSION - New Beginnings

It was an exciting time to be alive in Jerusalem back around AD 30-33. Not only did you have the chance to run into Jesus in the flesh during His ministry years, but you would have heard first-hand accounts of (or even bore witness to!) His victory over death. Imagine getting in on the ground floor of the Jesus movement! Those church fathers (and mothers) had a front row seat to the action. But what they began, we get to continue. In this week’s episode, Pastor Chuck Schlie will help us experience the passion of the early church and learn from their example on how we can ignite the same fervor for the gospel today.

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions. [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/] You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

173: New Beginnings

Today you heard one of the very best stories ever told - the Easter story! Without Easter, none of the other Bible stories would matter. Here are some conversation prompts to keep your family talking about the importance of Easter:

Preschool: What is a surprise? Have you ever had a happy surprise? Jesus' friends had a happy surprise on the first Easter- what was it?

Elementary: Have you ever gone from super sad to super happy? Tell that story. That's what happened to Jesus' friends and followers on the first Easter! Why would the empty tomb make them so happy? Why should it make US so happy?

One last thing! This week Hannah asked, “If you got to be the first one to see Jesus alive, who would you tell?”. Simply record a voice memo and send it in a text to 636-280-5433. You may even be featured in an upcoming episode. *By sending in a voice memo, you’re providing consent for your minor’s voice to be on the podcast*

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

 172: KIDS VERSION - The Resurrection

In last week’s episode, we looked at the interactions of Jesus and his disciples during the final evening of his earthly ministry. The events after that fateful night would forever alter their worlds (and ours). Imagine seeing the person you learned from, sacrificed for, and loved over the course of three years publicly executed—and someone you considered a brother being the catalyst for your teacher's shocking end. The pain and distress overwhelmed them. Then something changed everything. In this week’s episode, Pastor Jim Mueller is going to celebrate the greatest comeback in history. Experience the disciples' confusion, elation, and ultimate understanding of what they were a part of when Jesus conquered death. It's a life and a movement that Jesus invites us into too!

If you’d like to dig deeper, check out these discussion questions [https://messiahstcharles.org/the-story/]. You can complete them on your own, with your Community Group, or with family and friends.

Normal Goes A Long Way Website: https://www.normalgoesalongway.com/

Normal Goes A Long Way Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/normalgoesalongway/

Normal Goes A Long Way Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SeekTheStill/https://www.facebook.com/Normal-Goes-A-Long-Way-110089491250735

Normal Goes A Long Way is brought to you by Messiah St. Charles: https://messiahstcharles.org/

Normal Goes A Long Way is hosted on Zencastr. Create your podcast today! Get 20% off when you choose Zencastr for your podcasting needs: https://zencastr.com/?via=jill

#madeonzencastr

171: The Resurrection

Christianity has become known for judgy people, strange words, confusing rules, and a members-only mindset. This is why I stayed away from the church for so long, but it’s not supposed to be that way. I’m Jill Devine, a former radio music personality with three tattoos and a love for a good tequila. Join me on the Normal Goes A Long Way podcast where we seek answers to real questions with real people about how faith and life intersect.