MiCHN Moment-How to Have an Interactive and Educational Election Experience With Your Kids-Nov '24

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“Come, let’s return to the Lord. For he has torn us, and he will heal us; he has wounded us, and he will bind up our wounds. He will revive us after two days, and on the third day he will raise us up so we can live in his presence. Let’s strive to know the Lord. His appearance is as sure as the dawn. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the land….For I desire faithful love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”
 Hosea 6:1-3, 6 CSB


Before voting, the most important work we can do is to pray. Pray for our nation and pray for our leaders as God has commanded. Today, I offer you a prayer as we prepare to vote for the next president of the United States of America.
 
Heavenly Father, we come before You humbled and in need of Your mercy, for You alone are our healer and restorer. As we approach the upcoming election, we ask that You guide our nation back to You. Your word reminds us that though we have been torn, You will heal us; though we have been wounded, You will bind our wounds. Just as Jesus was raised on the third day, You raise us up to live in Your presence and to seek Your face with all our hearts.
 
Lord, awaken our hearts as a nation to Your faithful love, not mere ceremony or empty words. You desire that we know You deeply, to love and serve You with all that we are. We pray for leaders who will govern with wisdom, compassion, and integrity, who will strive to know You and lead with hearts transformed by Your Spirit.
 
May we, as a people, desire You above all else, dedicating ourselves to live out Your love in the world. Guide us to take action that brings others into Your love and truth, that we might share the hope we have in You. Let this election be a step toward unity, peace, and justice, and may we honor You in all that we do.
 
In Jesus’ mighty name, who gave Himself so we might have life eternal with You, we pray.
Amen.

Blessings,
Mike Winter
President, MiCHN

 

How to Have an Interactive and Educational Election Experience With Your Kids

Elections are rich with lessons that go beyond politics—they introduce history, critical thinking, and the importance of praying for our leadership.
 

1. Start with the Basics: Going over Election Terms Start with a simple explanation of what an election is and why it matters. Break down complex terms and talk about the basics, such as voting, candidates, and the idea of leadership.
  • Election
  • Voting
  • Candidates
  • Campaign
  • Policies
  • Parties
2. Bring History into the Mix
Elections provide a perfect opportunity to dive into American history. Share the story of how voting rights have evolved, including important milestones.
  • Create a Timeline
  • Talk About Past Presidents: Read famous quotes/ speeches
  • Discuss the Freedoms We’ve Fought For
  • More Terms: Inauguration Day 
3. Show How Voting Works
Kids are naturally curious about the practical side of things. Show them how voting works, and if possible, bring them along to vote.
  • Practice Voting: Create a mock election at home with sample ballots. This can be as simple as choosing between dinner options or a favorite family vacation.
  • Take Your Kids to Your Polling Place
  • Discuss Voting Methods: Explain different voting methods, like in-person voting, mail-in ballots, and early voting.
  • More Terms: Swing States, Electoral College, Polls
4. Talk About the Importance of Issues
One of the biggest aspects of any election is understanding the issues at stake. Teaching kids to identify and think critically about these topics is essential for developing informed citizens.
  • List Key Issues
  • Create an Issues Chart: Make a simple chart where kids can track candidates’ stances on different issues.
  • Look Up Your Voting Ballot Together
  • Go Over A Voter’s Guide
  • Talk About Leaders and Representation: Explain that elected leaders represent the interests and opinions of citizens, making decisions that affect everyone.
  • Introduce the Concepts of Local, State, and National Elections: This is a great time to explain that elections happen at multiple levels, affecting everything from local policies to national laws.
5. Pray together as a Family
  • Read scriptures talking about leaders. 
  • Remind your children (and yourself) that God is in control. 
Other Fun Options: 
 
 

Click the video to hear our
Legislative Director, Shanté Pickford 

Shanté encourages you to join the fight to maintain our homeschool freedoms by voting wisely!!
Please do your research (Check out a Voter Guide HERE) and vote for candidates to the Michigan House of Representatives who do NOT support increased regulation for homeschoolers, including a homeschool registry!
Vote and encourage every registered voter you know to get to the polls and do the same!
EVERY VOTE MATTERS!!

Also join us THIS Thursday, November 7th, as we sit down with the leaders over at HSLDA and discuss homeschool threats happening on the national level.

RSVP today for FREE! 

See Our Schedule HERE!
And Our Wonderful Speakers HERE!
 

Find the Benefits HERE!

Sign up today and help us continue our work of protecting and expanding homeschool freedoms in Michigan and providing important resources for families. Get fantastic benefits and perks for your family, including up to 25% off upcoming events! (Check out some past events HERE)

Fight With Us HERE!
These are quite uncertain times. Right now, MICHN would advise you to make sure your account is up to date and accurate with Homeschool Legal Defense Association. Be sure to visit their website, and if you have not done so already, BECOME A MEMBER today.
 

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God gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14, “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” As we humbly and diligently seek Him, our own hearts will be changed… and then we’ll see transformation in our families, our communities, our state, and our nation. 1.) Pray for FAMILIES “If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:25 • Pray for a return to traditional, Biblical family values, esteeming the things which God sees as important - especially the values of faith, life, truth, and freedom. (Job 22:21-22) • Pray for renewed passion and obedience to the Biblical view of marriage. (Gen 1:27) • Pray for a return to the Biblical mandate for parents to train their own children up in the fear of the Lord, instead of leaving the responsibility to others. 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Leaders, like all people, need the forgiveness of sins and new life that comes through putting one’s faith in Jesus. (Acts 4:10-12, Jn 14:6, Rom 10:9) • For DIVINE WISDOM: Those in positions of authority and influence are regularly called upon to make very difficult decisions that affect many people. Divine wisdom is available for those who ask God for it (James 1:5). Good decisions will seldom be made without God’s wisdom & direction. (Ps. 111:10, Prov 2). • For DISCERNMENT: Sometimes there is a fine line between a right or a wrong decision. Every day leaders are called upon to decide on issues that may or may not be good for the people they lead and represent. They clearly need the Lord’s guidance and discernment. (I Kings 3:9) • For COURAGE: It is only with courage that leaders can stand up for what’s right and true, and trust that God is the protector and defender of all right decisions, and that He will honor them for their bravery. (2 Sam 10:12). • For PERSEVERANCE: Leaders need prayer to withstand the pressures, tests, and trials that will surely come their way. Even when it seems their careers or businesses may be at stake, they must persevere, not give up, and continue doing what is right. (James 1:2, 2 Tim 4:7) • For HUMILITY: Leaders often have great power, deal with immense sums of money, and can be put up on pedestals or receive special treatment. This can quickly go to their heads and lead to arrogance and pride. Pray that God keeps them on their knees, dependent upon Him, heading His instruction so they may be led by Him and rightly lead others. (1 Pet 5:5, Is 66:2) • For TEACHABILITY: When leaders are wise and resist the temptation of pride, a teachable spirit will be evident. We must all acknowledge that there is always more to learn, and that God has much still to teach us. (Prov 9:9, Eccl 4:13) • For MORAL INTEGRITY: Leaders often face incredibly strong temptations and may be away from their families for long periods with little or no accountability. Pray for them to have strength to resist these temptations that can destroy not only their lives and families, but severely mar their Christian testimony. (Ps 25:21, Is 33:15-16) • For SELF-CONTROL: Leaders regularly face situations and pressures that can cause them to struggle to control their attitudes, actions, and words. They cannot control their circumstances, but they can control their responses, this is essential for their success. (Prov 25:28, 2 Tim 1:7)