Reading List
Adults:
Read all of Luke chapter 9
Genesis 22:1-18 How did Abraham lose to find?
7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess by Jen Hatmaker-American life can be excessive, to say the least. That’s what Jen Hatmaker had to admit after taking in hurricane victims who commented on the extravagance of her family’s upper middle class home. She once considered herself unmotivated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called “rich” by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual was born.
Streams in the Desert: 366 Daily Devotional Readings by L. B. E. Cowman, Jim Reimann: We never know where God has hidden His streams. We see a large stone and have no idea that it covers the source of a spring. We see a rocky areas and never imagine that it is hiding a fountain. God leads me into hard and difficult places, and it is there I realize I am where eternal streams abide. Day by day, Streams in the Desert will lead you from life's dry desolate places to the waters of the River of Life -- and beyond, to their very Source
Youth:
Check out www.d365.org for an awesome online devotional
Read Genesis 22:1-18 How did Abraham lose to find?
Kids:
The Jesus Storybook Bible written by Sally Lloyd Jones. This is an amazing kids Bible written in such a way that it captures the attention of children and adults. The pictures are gorgeous! It's on sale at Lifeway right now for $10.00!
Read the Story of Abraham and Isaac and the true meaning of sacrifice. Genesis 22:1-18
Art Challenge For the Week: ART IN VERSE
Some of you have said that you just don't know what you'll do with your "quiet time" so I submit a challenge to you. I can't think of a more appropriate scripture for folks who are in their first week of fasting than 2 Corinthians 12:9. I purchased this print on ETSY.com from Chalkboard quotes by buhbay. You can check out google images, pinterest or ETSY for inspiration.
Your challenge is to use this as your inspiration to create what I am calling Art in Verse. All you need is paper and your choice of writing utensil whether it be markers, a chalkboard, colored pencils, your computer etc.. You have zero guidelines or rules except that you use this scripture or a portion of it. You can make your art in the great outdoors if you want and never pick up a pen or paper.
Cut and paste the following line to this very cool website for a video guide about making letters with doodles. You don't have to use her fancy pens.
If you want to share, send a picture of your artwork to sloanclone@mac.com
http://www.sakuraofamerica.com/mypages/video_details.php?id=111
Many of you have asked what to do with your kids while you are fasting. My answer is simply engage them.
-I highly recommend the art and game activities in FAMILY FUN magazine. You can get it at Wal-Mart or go to their website http://www.parents.com/familyfun-magazine/
-Create a family prayer chart. Take some time to sit down together and talk about your highs and lows of your day, then take a look at the Lord's Prayer and to guide you in your family prayer.
-Buy a pack of bubble gum and teach your kid(s) to blow a bubble or have a family bubble blowing contest.
-Use the story of Abraham and Isaac as an inspiration and make an alter with rocks and sticks and then burn up a Ken doll. Just kidding about the Ken doll.
-Work together with them to make something for the Art In Verse challenge.
-Let them help with supper! Pillsbury makes an awesome pizza crust. Add your toppings together. Jozie LOVES doing this.
-Make homemade pumpkin playdough and then maybe let them hold some as your read the Bible story. The nose to brain connection will make great memories. Directions are at http://spoonful.com/crafts/pumpkin-pie-play-dough
What you'll need
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup salt
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring (we used 6 drops of red and 15 drops of yellow)
-Challenge them to fast for one hour of TV time. Write down each day how they are feeling about this fast.
-Ask them what they would like to do! Would they like to go for a walk? Maybe a milkshake at Chic-Fil-A? Do they want to make something with legos with you. Dads of little girls be prepared for tea parties! Not everything has to relate back to scripture, just make sure that you're having family time. Journal as a family about how you each liked the time you spent together and what your highs and lows were of the experience.
