Free Happy Face Pencil Toppers

My turn to present the Children’s Message at church came this week just in time for back-to-school.

The children range in age from 4-10 so the message needed to be catchy to get their attention and brief enough to keep that attention.  Additionally, there must be a meaningful message.

This bag and fabric was a gift to me from the Ghana mission team in thanks for the garments our sewing group made. The bright colors certainly caught the children’s attention.

With a large, colorful  tote bag next to me,  I mentioned that they had all begun a new school year.  Then I asked what they learn at school.  The answers were just as expected–math, reading, manners and to be kind (that was nice to hear).

They were curious about the bag but I said they would see what was in it later.  It was a surprise.  Darling tow-headed Reid, 4 yo,  had snuggled up to me before the service began and sneaked a look in the bag.  He shouted smugly, “I know what the surprise is!!!!”

Then I asked  what they do not learn at school.  One response was, “We don’t learn how to eat pizza.”  What????   So I helped by asking if they learn how to swim or how to ride a bike or how to  rub their bellies and pat their heads at the same time? Or if they learn about Jesus? Our homeschooled and Christian school students replied yes, but they others said no.

They were still looking at the colorful bag.  Reid said he wanted to say something. Assuming this bright little guy whose family has a daily Bible study and worship time, had something meaningful to say,  I gave him the microphone.  He screeched into it and laughed hysterically.  Scamp! I snatched the mike away while the congregation shuddered.

So how can they learn about Jesus?  Again, asking for their input, we found that they could learn at Sunday School, at Vacation Bible School, from their parents,  by reading their Bibles and praying for God’s guidance.

These have been some of my grandchildren’s favorites, from when they were very little until now as young teenagers.

From the bag I pulled out two children’s Bibles and a book of Psalms for younger children with illustrations and explanations.  But they could tell there was more in the bag.  So I took out the vase and showed them the pencil “bouquet.”

One of the older children was handed one pencil and asked to read the scripture tied to the pencil with a ribbon.Vivienne read beautifully.

Show me your ways, Lord,

Teach me your paths. Psalm 25:4

They were told that studying their Bibles the Lord will  indeed teach them His paths. And knowing Jesus and  will give them happiness.  That is the reason for the happy face on their pencil topper. This can be a reminder to them while in school. Each child selected a pencil (unsharpened, of course) and were smiling as we ended our little talk with a prayer.

It’s such a joy to work with children.  They always amaze and entertain me.

The pencil topper machine embroidery design is a free download.  Of course, it has many uses and the happy face can be replace with a holiday theme like a pumpkin or candy cane.  With Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, these pencil toppers make nice little classroom gifts.

If you would like  this free design, leave your request as a comment at the end of this post.  I will e-mail it to you.

Detailed instructions can be found in an earlier blog post here.  Wouldn’t  this be a nice little gift for your child or grandchild to hand out to his or her classmates.  They are so quick to make.

Happy sewing!