The month of January is such an odd month in Texas. The Christmas decorations come down, and we really don’t know what to put up in their place. Snowflakes seem to be a curious choice for décor when it is 75 degrees outside. Some of us jump into decorating for Valentine’s Day (that would be me), and others choose to put greenery where the sparkly Christmas décor once rested.

For most, January comes and goes with little notice, but here at Beaumont’s FBC, we get excited about January because that means AWANA is back! Children and leaders are excited to see what God has in store. Scripture memory begins again, and sometimes even new volunteers commit to work with our awesome kids. Last week, a mom joined our AWANA leadership team. She felt compelled to serve after being part of a discipleship group.

Each fresh semester comes with excitement, but this January, something surprising happened: AWANA AT HOME SNOW DAY!!!! Who would have imagined that AWANA would have a week at home for SNOW

On our AWANA AT HOME weeks, families are encouraged to memorize verses, do a family devotion, and play a family game. AWANA AT HOME usually falls during holidays and school breaks. This was our first SNOW day! Family games turned to snowball fights and snowman competitions. Making snow angels fulfilled the dreams of many children who have longed to see snow. For a day or two, life stopped, school cancelled, most jobs closed, and dreams came true.

Moving into 2025, I made it a personal goal to slow down. I have come to realize that all too often we are “on the go” or tied to the phone “working on something important” when the reality is, what is important is right in front of us. While life has responsibilities that need to be met, setting healthy boundaries is important, too. Sometimes, the phone doesn’t need to be answered that second. Sometimes the text or facebook post can wait until later. Maybe slowing down and dancing in the snow is the most important task of the day.

Make the AWANA AT HOME devotion a regular commitment with your family. Let the games you played together become a weekly tradition. Keep learning Scripture with your kids.

It is now February. We have 11 more months in 2025 to experience God’s blessing and provision. Will we have a major snow fall again? Maybe not. Will there be another opportunity to stop everything and enjoy the day God has given us? Yes. We just need to be intentional with our time, to delight in our family, and to look for the beautiful moments in life. Here in Texas, it may be sunshine more than snow, but the joy and laughter and family time must continue to fill our hearts and homes.

By God’s Grace
Melissa Johnson
Children’s Minister