By Alice
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Jesus gives a new identity. “Risen with Christ” means your life belongs to Him. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- Heavenly focus is a direction, not a daydream. Hearts can aim “above” even during normal kid life.
- Thoughts can be trained. Minds learn to “look up” when worries try to boss us around.
- God is with you in hard stuff. Messes, missing socks, and mean moments don’t cancel His presence. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Kindness becomes your sparkle. Heaven-focused hearts notice people and choose love on purpose. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Have you ever tried walking with your eyes on the clouds and your feet on the sidewalk at the same time? I did that yesterday and almost bumped into our mailbox — twice. Mr. Fluffernutter said, “That’s what happens when heaven’s in your heart but your snack is still in your pocket.”
I didn’t mean to forget about my sandwich. I was just busy thinking about the sparkly things — like how Jesus is getting a place ready for us in heaven, and what kind of doorknobs they have there (cloud-shaped? rainbow jellybean buttons?). Yaya says when we set our hearts on Jesus, our whole lives start to feel a little lighter — like when your backpack is full of books, but someone sneaks in a balloon.
Download the Family Study PDF
Ready-to-use prompts, family discussion flow, and kid-friendly reflection space.
Printable Colossians 3:1–4
So today, we’re going to practice looking up — not just with our eyeballs, but with our hearts. We’re going to imagine what it means to let Jesus guide us like a compass that always points to love, peace, and treasure maps made of grace.
Come with me (and Mr. Fluffernutter, obviously) as we explore what it really means to live with a heavenly focus. No jetpacks required — just a willing heart, a curious brain, and maybe a bunny hug or two. 💕
TL;DR
Colossians 3:1–4 teaches families to aim hearts “above” by letting Jesus guide choices, thoughts, and reactions. When kids remember their life belongs to Christ, kindness grows, worries shrink, and everyday moments become chances to shine with heaven’s priorities.
✨ Our New Identity in Christ (Alice Style!)
Fluffernutter says being “risen with Christ” means you get invisible bunny wings for your heart. Not flappy ones — more like the strong, snuggly kind that help you bounce higher when life gets tricky. 🐰💖
Yaya read us Colossians 3:1, and it goes like this:
Scripture
“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.”
Ariel tilted her head like a thinking robot and said, “Wait… does that mean we’re different now?”
Daddy nodded all wise-like and said, “Yes! When you belong to Jesus, you have a brand-new identity. You don’t just act new — you are new! Your heart is connected to His love, His power, and His purpose.”
Yaya added something super sparkly and smart: “It’s not just a change on the outside, like putting on a fancy hat. It’s a change inside your heart and your thoughts. Being risen with Christ means we share in His victory — over sin, sadness, even death!”
🌈 I imagined it like this: when you say yes to Jesus, it’s like stepping into a giant, glowing storybook where every page has a bit more light, more love, and more giggles from Heaven. And on every page, Jesus is right there, helping you turn the next one.
Now, every day is a brand-new chance to show His kindness and sparkle to others. We can be walking reminders of God’s goodness — like rainbow chalk messages on sidewalks or happy songs that get stuck in your head (but in a holy way). 🎵💫
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Favorite Thought:
“You don’t have to earn your new identity. Jesus already gave it to you! It’s your job to wear it like a superhero cape made of grace.”
💭 Wonder Time!
- If your new life in Christ had a theme song, what would it be?
- What’s something about Jesus you want to reflect more in your everyday life?
- Can you think of a moment when you felt like Jesus helped you be strong or kind?
Fun Fact: “Above” is a Direction Word
In the Bible, “above” doesn’t mean floating into space like an astronaut bunny. “Above” means God’s priorities—truth, love, mercy, courage, patience—stuff that lasts forever.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What does “risen with Christ” mean for kids?
Kids can remember: “Jesus is my leader now.” That means your choices can follow His love, even when feelings get loud or situations feel unfair.
💫 Setting Our Minds on Heavenly Things
Fluffernutter once told me that setting your mind on heavenly things is kinda like aiming your brain at the stars — not to get space dust in it (ew!), but so you don’t forget where your real treasure sparkles from. 🌟✨
Yaya read this from Colossians 3:2 and said it very slowly so we’d remember:
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Ariel scrunched her nose and asked, “But what are the ‘things above’?”
Daddy, who always has those deep-thought eyes, smiled and answered, “They’re God’s love, His promises, His forever faithfulness. Not stuff like new toys or TikTok likes. Those go away. But Jesus’ love? That lasts forever.”
Yaya added with her storyteller voice, “Things like fame or worry or stuff we chase after — they fade. But God’s truth and His Word will never go out of style.”
I imagined a big shelf with invisible trophies — but not the shiny kind you dust. These ones glow with peace, kindness, forgiveness, and trust. You don’t win them by being the best — you grow them by looking to Jesus.
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Whisper-Wisdom:
“If your thoughts are balloons, let God be the string — He’ll keep you from floating off in the wrong direction!”
🌟 How Do We Focus on Jesus More?
Tiny steps. Big heart direction. Jesus-led thoughts on purpose.
I wondered what it looks like to actually “set my mind on heavenly things.” Do I climb something tall? Wear glitter glasses? Ariel says it means praying more, reading the Bible, and making space for quiet thoughts about Jesus.
Maybe it’s writing a thank-you letter to God. Or giving a snack to someone without keeping the better cookie for yourself. Or just stopping to say, “Wow, God!” when a butterfly flutters by or a verse speaks right to your heart.
The more I focus on God’s promises — like how He’s always with me, even when I mess up or lose my glitter pen — the more peace I feel inside. Like my heart is wrapped in a Jesus-blanket. Soft. Strong. Forever.
💭 Let’s Wonder Together:
- How could your family help each other remember God’s promises?
- What are some earthly things that distract you during the day?
- Can you name three heavenly things you want to think about more often?
Activity: The “Above vs. Now” Compass Cards (5 minutes)
Best for: family devotion time, homeschool Bible, or bedtime reset.
- Fold paper into 8 small cards (or cut index cards).
- On 4 cards write NOW choices (examples): “Get even,” “Complain,” “Grab first,” “Ignore.”
- On 4 cards write ABOVE choices (examples): “Forgive,” “Give thanks,” “Share,” “Help.”
- Place cards face-down. Take turns drawing one card.
- Each person says: “If I’m seeking things above, what would I do instead?”
- Close with a 10-second prayer: “Jesus, point my heart toward You.”
Fluffernutter Tip: Put the “ABOVE” cards in a little bunny “treasure box,” and whenever someone uses one in real life, they earn a tiny sticker star.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How do I teach “seek things above” without being preachy?
Use simple swaps: “Now choice vs. Above choice.” Kids learn best when they can name a real moment (sibling conflict, chores, waiting) and practice one small “Above” action.
🧡 Our Lives Are Hidden with Christ
Mr. Fluffernutter says being hidden with Christ is like having a secret clubhouse where only love gets the password. (Also, the password might be “JesusHugsForever” — but don’t tell the frogs.)
Yaya read us this powerful verse from Colossians 3:3:
Scripture
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
Now, don’t worry — it doesn’t mean your bones turn into marshmallows or that you vanish like a magic trick. Daddy explained it like this: when we choose to follow Jesus, our old, sin-soaked life goes away, and we get a brand-new identity — one that’s wrapped up in Jesus like a treasure sealed in a royal scroll.
Ariel, who always asks the really good questions, blinked and said, “So… does that mean we’re safe in Him?”
Daddy nodded and smiled. “Yes! Our whole life — who we are, what we hope for, the way God loves us — is safe and protected in Christ. Nothing can take that away.”
Yaya added, “Jesus is our hiding place, our shelter. His love is the safest place to be. Even when the world feels shaky, He is steady.”
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Cozy Corner Thought:
“If your life is hidden with Jesus, you don’t need a shield — you’ve got a Savior.”
☁️ Wrapped in His Love (and maybe a blanket too)
Safe, held, and cared for—no matter what the day feels like.
That made me feel all snuggly inside, like the feeling you get when Bash curls up by your feet during a thunderstorm, or when Mommy whispers a prayer while tucking you in at night.
Being hidden in Christ means we’re never alone — not even during dentist visits, scary dreams, or when you spill juice on the Bible. Jesus doesn’t leave. He just hugs tighter.
When we remember that our identity is tucked safely in Jesus, we walk a little braver and love a little deeper. His presence gives us peace when things feel messy and joy when things go right. He’s not just watching — He’s walking with us, laughing with us, and sometimes whispering, “Let’s try again, little one.”
💭 Think, Wonder, and Giggle About This:
- If Jesus made you a “safe place” badge, what colors would it have?
- What does it feel like to know your life is hidden with Jesus?
- Can you think of a time when you felt really protected or comforted?
Fun Fact: Your Brain Learns Pathways
Brains build “paths” for repeated thoughts—like walking the same trail until it gets smooth. Practicing truth makes the “Jesus-path” easier to find next time.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What if my kid gets stuck in anxious thoughts?
Start tiny: name the thought, breathe, speak one true sentence, then do one simple action (hug, prayer, water break, “Above” choice). Repetition builds the habit.
🌟 Christ Is Our Hope of Glory
When Fluffernutter hears “glory,” he thinks of sparkly crowns, trumpet parades, and bunny-sized fireworks that spell out Jesus Forever! in the sky. 🐰🎺✨
But then Yaya read this verse from Colossians 3:4, and it made our hearts feel shiny in a way that isn’t about sparkles or sprinkles:
Scripture
“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.”
Daddy explained it like this: “Jesus is coming back. For real. And when He does, we’ll be with Him forever — sharing in His glory, His joy, and His perfect love.”
Ariel gasped a little. “So, we’ll actually be with Him? Forever and ever?”
Daddy nodded. “That’s the big promise — our hope in Christ. That we’ll be with Him in heaven, where there’s no more sadness, no more tears, just peace and glory.”
Yaya chimed in with her hope voice: “When you believe this promise, it changes your whole heart. You start living for the things that last — like loving people, sharing truth, and spending time with God.”
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Fluffy Reminder:
“Hope isn’t just a word — it’s like a treasure map in your heart, leading straight to Jesus.”
💛 Living with Heaven in Our Hearts
Hope isn’t just for “later.” Hope changes how love looks today.
I felt so warm inside, like someone lit a glow-in-the-dark star in my chest.
That promise — of being with Jesus forever — is like carrying invisible treasure. You can’t see it with your eyes, but you feel it with your heart, especially when you’re praying, helping someone, or just remembering you’re loved.
That treasure of hope in Jesus helps us through the hard days, the boring days, and the “oops, I spilled juice on my devotion book” days. It reminds us we’re walking toward something amazing.
Each time we say a kind word, give a hug, or read a verse out loud (even if we giggle halfway through), we’re stepping closer to His promises. And someday, we’ll be in the most glorious place ever — with Him!
💭 Let’s Ponder and Play:
- What’s something you can do this week that shows others the hope in your heart?
- What are you most excited about when you think of being with Jesus forever?
- How does the hope of heaven help you live with more love and joy today?
Fun Fact: “Hidden” can mean “secure”
In Bible language, “hidden” often carries the idea of being stored safely—like a treasure locked up where nothing can steal it.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Does “hidden with Christ” mean God hides kids from problems?
Problems can still happen, but kids can remember: Jesus holds them through it. God’s presence and promises give strength, peace, and steady courage.
🎨 Alice’s Faith Challenge! (With Extra Sparkles!)
Hey friends! Do you ever forget to think about Jesus when there’s cereal to spill, frogs to chase, or glitter to organize? (Same. Fluffernutter says my brain is like a bunny on a trampoline.)
That’s why I made this super-duper fun Faith Challenge for Kids — so we can keep our hearts focused on Jesus all week long… even while brushing our teeth or building blanket forts. 💗🐰✨
☀️ Start Your Day with Jesus
Quick morning reset—tiny habit, massive heart direction.
Morning Mini-Routine
- Say one promise from God out loud (bonus points if you whisper it to your toast).
- Thank Jesus for something — even if it’s just fluffy socks or your sister’s funny laugh.
- Write that promise on a sticky note and carry it like a treasure map!
Alice’s Morning Thought Bubble:
“Today, I choose joy because God’s love never runs out. Also, because pancakes.”
🌍 Choose Eternal Priorities (a.k.a. Secret Missions from Heaven)
Small actions. Big kingdom ripple effects.
Pick One Heavenly Mission This Week
Want to do something that makes Jesus smile?
- Write a kind note and leave it in someone’s lunchbox.
- Help fold towels without turning it into a towel monster parade (unless it’s a holy one).
- Invite someone to play who might feel left out.
These little things are actually big sparkle-bombs of God’s love.
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Tip:
“Every act of kindness is like a bunny hop closer to heaven.”
🎨 Craft Time: Heavenly Focus Art Explosion!
Creativity + Scripture memory = brain glue (the good kind).
Craft Instructions
Grab your crayons, stickers, and glitter glue (but not the fancy scissors unless Mommy says yes). Make something that reminds you of heaven!
- Draw a sunrise with “Jesus is My Hope” written in the sky.
- Paint stars with Bible verses inside.
- Make a path of golden footprints leading to a heart that says, “I Belong to Him.”
Hang it somewhere awesome — your bedroom wall, the fridge, or even Fluffernutter’s bedtime basket — to remind you to keep your thoughts on things above (Colossians 3:2!).
✨ Alice’s Plan:
“I’m drawing a glowing sunrise with hearts that say ‘Jesus is my hope!’ and giving it sparkly wings so it can fly into my dreams.”
💭 Wonder With Me:
- What can you make, do, or say to remind someone else they’re deeply loved by God?
- What’s one promise from the Bible you can hold onto this week?
- What does it feel like when you know Jesus is with you all day?
Fun Fact: Hope changes behavior
When kids know something good is coming (birthday, trip, special day), they act differently. Bible hope works like that—future joy helps hearts stay brave today.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How can families “live with a heavenly focus” during a busy week?
Pick one daily habit: a 20-second prayer, one “Above” action (share/help/forgive), and one truth sentence when stress hits. Small choices stack into big growth.
💌 The Best Reminder (Straight From Yaya’s Heart)
Before we closed our Bible time, Yaya tucked her glasses on her head and told us a story — the kind that makes you want to hug your bunny and not let go.
She said,
“There was a time when everything felt super heavy and confusing. But I remembered Jesus is my hope and my life. That brought me peace — because I knew He was still in control.”
I leaned into her arm and just listened. Not just with my ears — but with my squishy, thinking, Jesus-loving heart.
That story made me realize something sparkly and important: focusing on Jesus isn’t just about heaven someday… it’s about today, too.
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Thought of the Day:
“God’s promises are like invisible umbrellas — you don’t always see them, but you feel them when the storm comes.”
🌼 Peace in the Middle of Now
Hard moments can happen… and God can still bring calm.
Some days feel like jelly toast landing jam-side down. Splat. But when we set our hearts on Jesus — even in those messy, sticky, stressful times — His peace kinda tiptoes in and makes us brave again.
Knowing He’s here right now, guiding us, helping us, loving us… well, that’s the best reminder I’ve ever tucked in my pocket.
Each time I remember God’s promises, it’s like sunshine shows up in my thoughts. Worry gets smaller. Hope grows bigger. And love? It explodes like confetti balloons in my chest.
💭 Can We Wonder About This Together?
- Who could you tell Yaya’s story to — maybe someone who needs a reminder of God’s love?
- When was a time you felt God’s peace even when things were hard?
- What promise from Jesus do you want to remember today?
🌈 Let’s Live with a Heavenly Focus!
Okay, sparkly sidekicks — ready for your final mission? Let’s all try this week (and next week, and even Monday after snack time) to live with a heavenly focus!
That means we set our hearts on Jesus — like magnets that zoom straight to His love. We let His promises be our guide, our flashlight, our bunny compass! 🐰🧭
When we live for Him, we don’t just sparkle for fun. We reflect His light — like shiny spoons that catch the sunshine — bringing His hope and joy to everyone around us!
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Heavenly Hunch:
“Living with Jesus in your heart feels even better than fresh carrot cake. And I’ve tested a lot of carrot cake.”
💖 Every Day is a Chance to Shine
Heavenly focus doesn’t make life perfect. It makes love louder.
When our hearts stay focused on heaven, our eyes see differently — we notice people who need a smile, we offer hugs without being asked, and we share love like it’s the world’s best birthday gift.
Even when hard stuff pops up — like messes, meanness, or missing socks — we remember we’re not alone. God is with us, always! His presence gives us strength, His promises bring peace, and His love keeps us steady when things feel wobbly.
So let’s keep encouraging each other to keep our eyes on eternity, our hearts full of faith, and our days sprinkled with holy joy.
With bunny hugs and heart sparkles,
Alice (and Mr. Fluffernutter!) 🐰💕💫
P.S. Fluffernutter says:
“Focusing on heaven is like smelling carrot cake before it’s out of the oven — warm, exciting, and full of sweet promise. Let’s savor each moment of faith and sprinkle kindness everywhere!”
More from Blogging4Adventure (Keep Learning)
Quick Check Quiz (2 minutes)
Choose your best answer—then click Check.
Compare & Discern
| Focus Style | What it sounds like | Likely fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Earth-only focus | “Right now is all that matters.” | Stress, jealousy, big reactions |
| Avoidance | “If I ignore it, it disappears.” | Problems grow quietly |
| Heavenly focus (Colossians 3:1–4) | “Jesus leads me—love lasts forever.” | Kindness, courage, peace, steady choices |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Risen with Christ | Belonging to Jesus—living with His life and leadership in you. |
| Seek | To look for on purpose; to aim your choices toward something. |
| Heavenly focus | Choosing God’s priorities (love, truth, mercy) over “me-first” impulses. |
| Set your mind | Training what you think about and what you believe is true. |
| Hidden with Christ | Secure in Jesus—held close and cared for, even in hard moments. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Home | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Bible Stories | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Accountability in Love (1 Cor 5) | Open |
| BibleGateway — Colossians 3:1–4 (KJV) | Open |
| Enduring Word — Colossians 3 Commentary | Open |
| Bible.org — Developing a Heavenly Mindset | Open |
Practice & Pray (Recap)
Remember: Jesus gives a new identity, a new direction, and a safe place for your life.
Practice: Pick one “Above choice” today (share, forgive, help, speak kindly).
Pray: “Jesus, point my heart toward You. Help me think Your thoughts and love Your way. Amen.”
Alice — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Alice writes playful, kid-friendly Bible lessons and activities at Blogging4Adventure. Posts are reviewed by her parents for clarity, family safety, and Scripture alignment. Bible passages are cross-checked with trusted study tools and kid-safe references.
FAQ
What is the main message of Colossians 3:1–4?
Believers belong to Jesus, so families can aim thoughts and choices toward God’s priorities—love, truth, mercy—and live with hope because Christ is real and returning.
How do I explain “things above” to preschool and elementary kids?
Call them “Jesus-choices”: kindness, sharing, truth-telling, forgiveness, patience, and prayer—things that last forever.
What if my child feels guilty when they mess up?
Remind them: Jesus helps us try again. Confess, repair what you can, receive forgiveness, then practice one “Above choice” next time.
How can we use the printable PDF and coloring page together?
Read the passage, do one prompt from the PDF, then color while talking about one real-life moment where your family can “set your mind above.”