California Devotionals

As Amber and I planned our trip, we thought it would be wonderful to include a morning devotional each day.  As part of the "cute bags" we put together, we included a roster with the devotional theme.  Each child had a part each day.  We teamed the little kids with the big kids on a rotating basis so everyone got a turn to do everything and help each other.  Here is the schedule:

Devotional June 10, 2011

Theme: Choose The Right

Conducting:  Madsen           

Song:  Camilla and Gracey

Scripture:  Emma

Story/Poem:  Tanner and Anna

Prayer:  Ella

Devotional June 11, 2011

Theme: Following Jesus

Conducting:  Ella      

Song:  Madsen and Anna         

Scripture:  Camilla

Story/Poem:  Emma and Gracey

Prayer:  Tanner

Devotional June 12, 2011

Theme: Listening To The Spirit

Conducting:  Tanner

Song:  Ella and Gracey

Scripture:  Madsen

Story/Poem:  Camilla and  Anna   

Prayer:  Emma

Devotional June 13, 2011

Theme:  Obedience

Conducting:  Emma  

Song:  Tanner and Anna

Scripture:  Ella

Story/Poem:  Madsen and Gracey

Prayer:  Camilla

Devotional June 14, 2011

Theme:  Being Honest

Conducting:  Camilla

Song:  Emma and Gracey

Scripture:  Tanner

Story/Poem:  Ella and Anna

Prayer:  Madsen

Devotional June 15, 2011

Theme:  Keep The Commandments

Conducting:  Madsen

Song:  Camilla and Anna

Scripture:  Emma

Story/Poem:  Tanner and Gracey

Prayer:  Ella

Devotional June 16, 2011

Theme:  Joseph Smith The Prophet

Conducting:  Ella

Song:  Madsen and Gracey

Scripture:  Camilla

Story/Poem:  Emma and Anna

Prayer:  Tanner

Devotional June 17, 2011

Theme:  The Things Jesus Taught

Conducting:  Tanner

Song:  Ella and Anna

Scripture:  Madsen

Story/Poem:  Camilla and Gracey

Prayer:  Emma

Devotional June 18, 2011

Theme:  Families Can Be Together Forever

Conducting:  Emma

Song:  Tanner and Gracey

Scripture:  Ella

Story/Poem:  Madsen and Anna   

Prayer:  Camilla

We had some very sweet experiences as we listened to the things that the children picked to go with their theme.  It also gave them something to research as we were driving to our destination each day.  I think my favorite thing about it was seeing the way it changed the mood - for instance - the first day, when we left and drove to Amber's parents house, we decided to let them research all day and then we'd do our devotional in the evening.  By the time we got to Colusa it was late and the kids had been in the van all day and they were hot, tired, wiggly, and hopped up on snacks.  As Amber and I were trying to unload they were running wild - then we said - "Let's do devotional!"  They all gathered, in the dark, under one of Grandma Carol and Grandpa Peters impressive old trees, and we had our first devotional.  Afterward we were able to get everything together and everyone in a bed for some sleep.  It was a miracle, and I hope I won't soon forget sitting on the grass in the dark being taught by His Children.