By Alice
Contents
Key Takeaways:
- Progress beats perfection: growing in Jesus happens step-by-step, not instant superhero style.
- Leave the “old stuff” behind: guilt, shame, and grudges slow hearts down like a tangled shoelace.
- Aim your eyes: focusing on Jesus helps choices line up with the eternal prize.
- Citizenship matters: home base is Heaven, so everyday life becomes “Kingdom practice.”
- Family faith works best together: encouragement turns hard days into keep-going days.
Hi hi hiiiii! It’s me, Alice!
Guess what happened right after breakfast (besides Fluffernutter almost falling into my cereal again)? We had Bible Time, and oh boy, it turned into a super sparkly race through imaginary jellybean jungles and cloud-hopping challenges with one very important mission—keeping our eyes on the eternal prize (which might be better than a chocolate crown, and I really love chocolate crowns).
Mommy read something from Philippians 3:12–21, and right when she said “press on toward the goal,” I imagined we were all in a gigantic faith race—but not the sweaty kind with gym whistles. Noooope. This race had invisible capes, heavenly signs, and banana-peel traps from Grumble Giants trying to slow us down! (Fluffernutter says the secret to winning is joyful giggles and not tripping over your own shoelaces.)
We even made up our own finish line—a sparkly banner that said “Eyes on Jesus!” Ariel said that meant not getting distracted by the silly stuff (like frogs in sunglasses or glitter that won’t come off). Mommy said it means we’re running toward heaven, and Jesus is cheering us on the whole way.
Download the Family Study PDF
Printable discussion prompts, journaling space, kid-friendly questions, and homeschool-ready pages for Philippians 3:12–21.
Homeschool Bible Study Family Discussion
So today, I decided that being a racer for Jesus means being brave, kind, and super focused. Even when your legs feel wobbly, your faith can run strong. Isn’t that amazing?! I told Mr. Fluffernutter he’s officially our team coach now, and he said, “Hop with heart, little one.” (He always says cozy things like that.)
Wanna race with us too? 🐰🏃♀️💛
TL;DR
Paul explains that following Jesus looks like a race: keep moving forward, let go of what drags you down, and aim your heart at the eternal prize. Philippians 3:12–21 teaches families to focus on Jesus, live like Heaven is home, and encourage each other to keep going.
🌈 Forgetting What Lies Behind (and Not Tripping Over It!)
“Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.”— Philippians 3:13 (KJV)
Okay okay okay—so this verse made my brain do a somersault. Not a real one (because last time I tried, I bonked into Fluffernutter). But like a heart somersault! 💓 Because WOAH, God really wants us to let go of yesterday’s mess-ups and march forward with sparkle shoes and Jesus joy!
🚫 Backpacks Full of Old Bananas?
During Bible time, Daddy said Paul was reminding us not to let our past—whether it’s glory glitter or oopsie goopsies—slow us down. Ariel asked if that meant we should stop looking behind us, and Daddy nodded and said, “Exactly. Eyes forward. The goal’s ahead.”
Yaya leaned in with her “I’ve got wise sparkles” voice and said, “Forgetting doesn’t mean pretending the past didn’t happen. It means choosing not to let it hold us back.” That part made my tummy feel warm. Because sometimes I remember when I yelled at Bash for stealing my toast (even though I had five pieces). But Jesus forgives that.
🎈 Running Free With Forgiveness
Do you know what it feels like when you take off your backpack after it’s been suuuuper heavy? That’s what it’s like when we let go of regrets and old mistakes. They’re like banana peels squished in our bags. But when we give those to God, He tosses them away and hands us hope instead. 🥰
Every day is like a new track with fresh air, bright signs, and grace glitter falling from above. Paul’s words remind us: don’t drag your old days into your new ones. Let God turn those old stumbles into stepping stones. Then? RUN! Like Mr. Fluffernutter chasing a jellybean crown!
“Jesus gives us new starts every morning—like sunrise scrolls filled with fresh promises!”
💭 Family Wonder Questions
- What do you think “reaching forward” looks like in your life today?
- What’s something you’ve been holding onto that God might want you to let go of?
- Can you think of a mistake that taught you something helpful?
Fun Fact: Racing Focus
Runners train their eyes to look ahead, not down at every step. A focused gaze helps balance, rhythm, and confidence—perfect “race language” for faith: aim attention forward toward Jesus, then keep moving.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
Does “forgetting what lies behind” mean pretending nothing happened?
Nope. Memory can stay, yet shame does not get to drive. Paul’s point is forward motion: learn the lesson, receive forgiveness, then keep pursuing Jesus instead of living stuck.
🏃♀️💖 Pressing Toward the Prize (Even When Your Legs Feel Like Noodles)
“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”— Philippians 3:14 (KJV)
Okay, so imagine you’re in the biggest, twirliest, most jellybean-covered race EVER. You’re a little tired. Your feet are kinda floppy. But up ahead? There’s a super sparkly finish line with Jesus holding a trophy made of love, and Fluffernutter is cheering with pom-poms made of clouds! ☁️🐰💕
🎯 Why Paul Talks About Racing in the Bible
During our Bible time, Daddy read this verse and said Paul was talking about faith like it’s a race. Not the tripping-over-your-shoelaces kind (though I’ve done that too). This one’s about never giving up, even when life feels like swimming through pudding.
Ariel raised her hand (she always has thoughtful questions) and asked, “So the prize is really worth it?” Daddy smiled and said, “Absolutely. Jesus is the prize. And He’s better than anything this world can offer.”
Then Yaya, in her lovely storyteller way, said, “The ‘high calling’ means trusting Jesus, living like Him, and growing stronger in faith every day—even when it’s tough.” I imagined a giant invisible trophy that says “Well Done!” and gives hugs.
🌟 Tiny Steps Count Too
Sometimes the race feels hard. Like when your best friend doesn’t want to play, or your heart feels like a wet marshmallow. But Yaya reminded us that every kind thing, every prayer, every brave choice, and even every “I forgive you” is part of running our race for Jesus.
And guess what? When we run with love and faith, we’re not alone. Jesus is with us. Always. Cheering us on. Handing us water bottles of hope. Whispering, “Keep going. I’m right here.”
“Jesus doesn’t just wait at the finish line—He runs beside us the whole way!”
💬 Family Wonder Questions
- What prize do you think Jesus wants to give you at the finish line?
- What does your “race of faith” look like today?
- When is it hardest for you to keep going?
Activity: “Prize Path” Mini-Track (5 Minutes)
- Draw a mini track: create 6–10 stepping-stones on paper.
- Label each stone: write one simple step: “Pray,” “Tell the truth,” “Help,” “Say sorry,” “Read 2 verses,” “Encourage.”
- Pick today’s stone: choose one step to practice before bedtime.
- Cheer loud: family gives a quick “race cheer” like: Eyes on Jesus—keep going!
Optional homeschool add-on: write one sentence about how that step helps faith grow.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What is the “eternal prize” Paul talks about?
Paul points hearts toward Jesus and forever-life with Him. Rewards are not about showing off; the prize is knowing Jesus, becoming more like Him, and living with Heaven as the real home base.
👑 Living Like Royal Citizens (Even If We Still Eat Cereal Here)
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.”— Philippians 3:20 (KJV)
So guess what?! Daddy said we’re citizens of Heaven. Like… actual members of God’s Royal Kingdom! 👑✨ (Even if my passport still says Alabama.) I almost spilled my juice from excitement. Ariel asked, “Wait… we’re just visitors here?” and Daddy said, “Yup! This world isn’t our forever-home. We’re just passing through on our way to Jesus.”
I imagined our house floating like a space camper, just waiting for us to pack our kindness and zoom to Heaven when Jesus calls us home. 🚀🐰
💌 Yaya Says We’re Royal Representatives
Yaya explained that when you know your real home is Heaven, it changes how you live. Like, you don’t build castles out of mud—because you’re already part of a Golden Kingdom! Instead, you love big, forgive fast, and spread joy like it’s fairy dust from Heaven’s mailbox. 💫
“When we live like citizens of Heaven, we shine God’s love into every room we walk into!”
That made my heart do a happy hop. It means even tiny things—like sharing my last gummy bear or helping Fluffernutter pick glitter out of his ears—can actually show people what God’s Kingdom is like.
🌟 Every Day Is Kingdom Practice
Knowing I belong to Jesus forever makes earth feel like a mission trip. We’re here to show what Heaven’s about! That means being brave when it’s hard, joyful when it’s messy, and always remembering: this isn’t the end of the story.
So I told Mr. Fluffernutter he’s now Sir Fluffy of the Heavenly Hallways, and we’re on assignment—to tell the world that love wins, grace glows, and Jesus is the King who never stops loving us.
💭 Family Wonder Questions
- What are some “Kingdom values” we can practice as a family this week?
- What do you think it means to be a “citizen of Heaven” while living here on earth?
- How can you represent God’s Kingdom in your school, home, or friendships?
Fun Fact: Citizenship Basics
Citizenship means belonging to a place with shared rules and values. Paul’s point: Heaven shapes priorities now—so love, truth, and humility become the “house rules” even in regular life.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How can kids “live like Heaven is home” in real life?
Start small: speak kindly, tell the truth, obey quickly, forgive fast, and choose courage when it’s easier to copy the crowd. Heaven-citizen choices look ordinary… until they aren’t.
🎽 Alice’s Faith Challenge: Run Like a Kingdom Kid!
It’s time for a sparkle-charged challenge from me (and Mr. Fluffernutter, official bunny coach of faith races)! If you’ve ever felt tired in your walk with Jesus or wondered how to stay joyful when life feels twisty-turny… this challenge is for YOU! 🐰✨
🏁 Set Your Eyes on the Eternal Prize
“I press toward the mark for the prize…” — Philippians 3:14
Want to run your race of faith with Jesus this week? Try these fun ideas to keep your heart focused and your feet moving:
- 🎯 Pick a goal each day—something that helps you grow in kindness, courage, or faith.
- 🎵 Make a praise playlist—songs that make your soul dance with joy!
- 🤗 Find your cheer squad—talk to friends or family who love Jesus too.
- ✍️ Write or draw your progress—let your journal be your treasure map of truth!
“Running the race means taking one faithful step at a time—with joy in your heart and Jesus in your sights!”
✂️ Let Go and Lighten Your Load
Sometimes our backpacks get stuffed with grumpy moments, old mistakes, or oopsie regrets. Yuck! But guess what?
You can let Jesus carry that stuff away!
Try this:
- 💌 Write down something you want to let go of—a fear, a failure, or something that made you sad.
- 🙏 Say a prayer asking Jesus to lift it off your shoulders.
- 🎈 Close your eyes and imagine Him carrying it away… so you can run light and free!
“Jesus is the best at turning heavy hearts into happy feet!”
🎨 Celebrate Your Faith Finish Line
Grab your markers, crayons, and wild imagination! Let’s make a Victory Track:
- 🏁 Draw a race track with “Jesus Is My Prize” at the end.
- 🛤️ Write words like “Perseverance,” “Hope,” “Faith,” “Kindness,” or even “Banana Break” if that’s your fuel.
- 🌈 Use gold for the prize, blue for peace, green for growth, and any glitter glue you find before Fluffernutter eats it.
Hang it somewhere to remind you that you’re not just running—you’re winning in God’s eyes!
👑 Live Like a Heavenly Hero
Did you know we’re already citizens of Heaven? That means we’re Kingdom kids on a mission! Try these this week:
- 😊 Smile at someone who’s frowny.
- 💌 Write a note to cheer someone up.
- ⏳ Be patient when waiting (yes, even when cookies are baking!).
- 🧼 Help out without being asked (especially when glitter is EVERYWHERE).
- 🙏 Pray for someone who needs love today.
“Every tiny act of kindness waves a big heavenly flag!”
💭 Family Wonder Questions
- How can your actions today reflect your home in Heaven?
- What does your race track with Jesus look like?
- What’s something you need to hand over to Jesus this week?
Fun Fact: “Training” Language Shows Up Everywhere
Strong habits form through repetition. Paul’s “press on” is basically spiritual training: tiny choices repeated until they become the normal way of living.
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
What if I mess up again while I’m trying to “press on”?
Pressing on includes getting back up. Confess, make it right, accept forgiveness, and take the next step. Races are won by finishers, not by people who never stumble.
🌟 The Best Reminder (Like a Faith Star in the Sky)
Before we closed our sparkly Bible time, Yaya shared a story that made my eyes feel warm and my heart grow three sizes. She said there was once a really hard season in her life—like walking through a cloudy storm without knowing when the sun would come back. ☁️💧
But guess what helped her keep going?
She looked up. Not with her eyeballs (well, maybe a little)—but with her faith-eyes. 👀✨
“Even when it felt hard,” Yaya said, “I reminded myself that Heaven is my home and Jesus is my reward.”
Those words felt like a hug made of light. It reminded me that when things are tough—like when I lose a toy or feel left out—I can remember where I’m really going… and who’s waiting there with open arms. 💛
🔦 God’s Promises = Nightlight for the Heart
God’s promises are like little glowing stars. Or nightlights. Or maybe jellybeans that sparkle in the dark (Mr. Fluffernutter says that last one might be wishful thinking). 🌌
Just like the wise men followed a star to find baby Jesus, we follow His promises when life feels twisty. We might not always see where the path leads, but we can trust the One who’s leading us.
In those quiet moments—like right before bedtime when the world feels still—we can whisper, “Jesus, help me remember Your promise.” And He always does.
“When we keep our eyes on Jesus, even the hardest days become part of the most beautiful journey.”
💬 Family Wonder Questions
- How can you encourage someone else who’s going through a tough time?
- Have you ever faced something hard and felt God help you through it?
- What is one of God’s promises you want to remember this week?
Fun Fact: Team Races Exist for a Reason
Relay teams win when runners trust each other and pass the baton cleanly. Faith families do something similar: pass encouragement, pass truth, pass hope—no dropping the “baton.”
Kid-Safe Links:
FAQ
How can a family “keep eyes on Jesus” during a chaotic week?
Pick one small anchor: a short prayer at breakfast, one verse at lunch, and one “where did God help us today?” question at bedtime. Small anchors hold big ships.
🏁 Let’s Run This Race of Faith Together!
So friends, let’s run the race of faith with big hearts, twinkly courage, and buckets of hope! 🌈 Life can sometimes feel like trudging up a giant pudding hill—with flip-flops! Slippery, slow, and just plain sticky. But when we focus on our eternal prize—Jesus!—our steps start to feel lighter, and our hearts fill up with joy that sparkles from the inside out.
“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus…”— Hebrews 12:1–2 (KJV)
✨ Eyes on Jesus, Feet Full of Faith
Every day we have a chance to align our hearts with Heaven—that means choosing love, kindness, and bunny-sized bravery, even when the world feels upside-down. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we’re not just going through the motions… we’re pressing forward with purpose. 💖
And guess what? His presence gives us power hugs of peace and superhero strength to face every twist, turn, and spilled juice moment with grace.
“Every faithful step brings us closer to the One who runs beside us—and welcomes us at the finish line.”
🎉 We’re in This Together!
Let’s celebrate each little victory—whether it’s remembering to pray before lunch, helping a friend, or forgiving someone who squished your favorite drawing (it happened). These moments weave together a story full of faith, joy, and sticky-fingered kindness that glorifies God.
Love,
Alice (and Sir Mr. Fluffernutter, Knight of Carrotland) 🐰💕
🐰 Fluffernutter’s Final Race Tip!
“The race of faith is sweeter than carrot cake! Every step is like a spoonful of joy—meant to be shared! So cheer someone on today, wave your faith flag high, and don’t forget… Heaven is your finish line!” 🥕✨
Internal Links for Further Reading
Keep the Philippians series rolling with these family-friendly next steps:
Quick Check Quiz
Fast review + instant results. No stress, just growth.
Compare & Discern
| Focus Style | What It Sounds Like | Likely Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Stuck in the past | “I can’t move forward because of what happened.” | Shame + stalled growth |
| Distracted sprinting | “I’ll chase whatever feels good today.” | Burnout + mixed direction |
| Pressing toward the goal | “Jesus is worth it—keep going.” | Steady growth + stronger character |
| Heaven citizen mindset | “Home is Heaven, so choices matter now.” | Wisdom + joyful endurance |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Press on | Keep going with steady effort, even when it’s hard. |
| Goal / Mark | The target direction for life—following Jesus more closely. |
| Eternal prize | Life with Jesus forever, plus becoming like Him as faith grows. |
| Citizenship | Belonging to a place with shared values; believers belong to Heaven. |
| Forgiveness | Letting go of the debt of wrongs and choosing restoration with God’s help. |
References
| Citation | Link |
|---|---|
| Blogging4Adventure — Finding Contentment (Philippians) | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Choosing Unity, Joy, and Peace | Open |
| Blogging4Adventure — Living Generously | Open |
| BibleGateway — Philippians 3:12–21 (KJV) | Open |
| Enduring Word — Commentary on Philippians 3 | Open |
| GotQuestions — Citizenship in Heaven | Open |
Practice & Pray
Drop the shame-bag. Take the next step. Keep eyes on Jesus. Running the race keeping our eyes on the eternal prize means choosing steady faith, Heaven citizenship, and family encouragement—one day at a time.
Simple prayer: Jesus, help our family keep going. Teach us to forgive, to focus, and to live like Heaven is home. Amen.
Alice — Kid Author & Faith Explorer
Homeschool writer at Blogging4Adventure.com who turns Bible passages into kid-friendly adventures, questions, and activities. Posts are reviewed by parents for clarity, safety, and Scripture accuracy (KJV cross-checking plus trusted study references).
FAQ
How does Philippians 3:12–21 help kids today?
Kids learn perseverance, forgiveness, and focus: keep growing, let go of shame, and aim choices at Jesus.
What does it mean to “press on” when feelings are big?
Pressing on can be one small faithful step: pray, tell the truth, apologize, and try again—then repeat tomorrow.
How can families encourage each other without nagging?
Use teammate language: “I’m with you,” “Let’s try again,” and “Jesus helps us.” Pair truth with kindness.
Where should a family start if they feel behind?
Start with one verse (Philippians 3:13–14), one short prayer, and one tiny action step from the Prize Path activity.