Bible Art Journaling

Old Age

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Hello!

It’s good to have a chance to sit down and write. I may not have long, so I will try to be brief!

I am in the stage of life where I often alternate between taking care of my aging parent (91) and my precious grandchildren. (Ages soon to be born-9 yrs.) When my first granddaughter was born, I felt stronger. I was of course, almost 10 years younger! Back then, it was my Mom who I cared for…now that she is gone, it is my Dad.

It’s hard to see your parents slowly lose their identity. This is especially true for those who do not have a close relationship with our Lord. Those who seek their identity in people and things. This was/is both of my parents. For my Mom, she curled up with the resentment of a lifetime of hurt, for my Dad, he still reaches to find acceptance from others.

I see myself in them both, they are in my genes, and influenced my youth. I am eternally grateful that my loving Father in heaven, rescued me from these things. They would have been my destruction. I chose to look up, and He pulled me out of the pit.

Many of us grow old (if we are given the time here) and must face the symptoms of aging. If we cling to God, He will continue to give us purpose, and provide what we need to accomplish it. I’ve always looked at aging as God’s mercy. For many, a lifetime is lived pursuing self. We get to the end of our rope, and we find that we can’t muster up what we really need. What we’ve been looking for all our lives. Our Savior.

So, in God’s loving mercy, He slowly strips away our reliance of self. This is when we might finally realize He is with us, and then take His hand.

I find this verse in Isaiah so comforting.

I’m so weary of the demands, and even the wounds of the past…but, I know that if I continue to look up, God will provide for me the compassion, perseverance, patience, wisdom and strength needed to be the daughter He calls me to be.

Click on the image above to print 🙂

Many hugs to those of you out there caring for the aging. It is hard, but we might each be there one day. I try to remember that, and love (with God’s help!) even when my flesh wants to run.

Much love,

“I’ve Pitched My Tent In The Land Of Hope”

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A friend of mine, asked me to help lend a visual for a tent. After studying Acts 2:26 in Women’s Bible Study, it’s what comes to my mind whenever I think of, or see a tent:)

Acts 2:26

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope (NIV)

This same verse is written like this in The Message

“I’m glad from the inside out, ecstatic; I’ve pitched my tent in the land of hope.”

Thinking about tents a little further, I created a list of ”attributes”

  • Temporary Home
  • Shelter, Protection
  • Supported by an organized structure (The Church)
  • Held up by it’s frame (Truth)
  • Tied or “rooted” to the ground (Faith)

Abraham left all He had known to obey the Lord’s command and follow Him to a place that was foreign, and for a time, temporary. He lived in tents, and looked forward to the “city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

While we dwell here on earth, in our temporary home, let us “pitch our tent, in the land of hope!” For we can rest in the promise, that we will one day live in “a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God!”

Revelation 21: Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,”for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bridebeautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

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ROMANS 14

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Today’s post was inspired by a timely message given by Beth Guckenberger who is serving as Interim Pastor for a local church here, The Vineyard Cincinnati.

I’ve written many posts highlighting my friend Beth. She and her husband took and assignment from God some 20+ years ago to begin a great work caring for orphans.

Back2Back

“Back2Back Ministries is the best orphan care organization operating in the world today.”

-Steve Biondo, President, Tim Tebow Foundation

This year, Back2Back launched a new global ministry, TRAMA FREE WORLD.

Breaking the cycle of childhood trauma

Trauma Free World is a community dedicated to helping people around the world heal from childhood trauma. We are headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA and offer training all around the world, as well as online for anyone with an internet connection or mobile phone. Trauma Free World partners with leading trauma researchers to adapt cutting edge trauma research into training that is accessible to all, regardless of literacy level, and applicable across cultures.

I hope you will take a look at these life changing ministries, and prayerfully consider participating in them!

Beth’s Message comes from Romans 14. “How to Love When We Disagree!” You can listen below…I promise you will be greatly encouraged by it!

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Doodle 101 “Pocket Full Of Sunshine”

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Happy Thursday!

I’ll admit, I’m a bit of an Emma Stone Fangirl. She makes me laugh:) She was in a movie that I wouldn’t recommend (due to it’s content/theme) however, there is a scene in the beginning of the movie that keeps this song on repeat for me when I think of her:)

When I listen to this song….I think of JESUS. …my Pocket Full Of Sunshine:)

I like what Billy Graham has to say about sharing your pocket full of SONshine…below is an article from

Billygraham.org

So how exactly do you shine?

Do not be conformed to this world … —Romans 12:2a, ESV

“Being a light” sounds great, doesn’t it? But it’s also a little abstract. How exactly do you become this brilliant beacon to people around you? Here are 4 practical tips:

  • Be careful what you say. The Bible calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). Yikes! That’s pretty serious. And that’s how we should take our speech—seriously. Maybe a parent once told you, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” It’s not bad advice, even as an adult. Words are powerful and can be used for good or bad. You might even post this verse somewhere as a reminder: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Read How to Tame the Tongue.
  • Consider your entertainment. Where do you go for fun? What shows or movies do you watch? What kind of music do you listen to? Would you go to the same places, watch the same things or listen to the same music if Jesus were sitting next to you? Or would you be embarrassed? It might sound silly, but asking those questions is a good way to keep yourself in check, whether you’re alone or with others.
  • Use social media wisely. People are watching what you post, whether they interact with your posts or not. Think about the things you’ve posted recently—articles, comments, photos and so on. Could they be seen as prideful? Self-centered? Rude? What’s your motive? To put others down or make them jealous? Hopefully not. Aim to make informed, respectful posts that represent the One you claim as Lord.
  • Think of others. Consider other people’s needs and help meet them. Encourage instead of criticize. Be patient. Give others the benefit of the doubt. If you hear gossip, distance yourself from it or change the subject. When you encounter a difficult person, remember that they were made and are loved by God. Above all, “Treat others the same way you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31).

Point 2 is something that I’ve personally learned the hard way! It critical what you “put in.” I’ve heard this argument from my kids as long as I can remember… “Watching gory movies, won’t make me a slasher Mom.” Well… It does change your heart over time. It subtly shifts the way you see yourself, others, and even God. You become numb to things, and the line between right and wrong becomes blurred…God’s voice gets more distant, and you walk further and further away from Him and the Love, protection and provision He provides. This is the journey we often take towards the mess we can make of our lives. I’ve made plenty of messes. Every point on this list hits home for me, and it’s important to be reminded of them….especially in the culture and climate of today.

“Draw near to the Lord, and He will draw near to you.” -James 4:8

The rest of this verse goes like this… “Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

We don’t like to admit that we’re double-minded. The Holy Spirit keeps our thoughts clear on this.

”You can’t ride two horses with one ass sugar bean”

We can’t ride 2 horses…

Stay close to the light, and you’ll have enough Sunshine in your pocket to share:)

doodle-101-pocket-full-of-sunshine-light-of-the-worldDownload

A Few New Doodle 101’s

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It’s been so nice to hear from several of you out there! Thank you for taking the time to write, I appreciate your thoughtfulness so much!

It’s encouraging to know that there are so many Sister’s out there creatively studying God’s Word! At times I can allow the enemy to sneak in a jab… he whispers that what I’m doing here is not important or helpful. I know that this is not truth…it comes from the father of lies.

In this climate of unrest, the world needs more LOVE, not hate. Let’s band together in His name…hunker down, and look to the Lord as our source of help, strength, comfort, perseverance, patience, compassion, self-control, forgiveness and love! Each day is a challenge that can only be met with accomplishment through the One who gives us life. Any small part I can play in encouraging others to abide in Him, is fruitful ❤️

Here are a few new Doodle Pages for you! (You can also find these, and more, by clicking on Doodle 101’s Pdf Files in the menu)

“Dig” into truth, and build your house on a firm foundation so that you can be filled with life (and light) and extend it to this hurting world.

doodle-101-light-truth-sun-flashlight-lamp-magnifying-glass-1Download
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Doodle Devotions WK 2

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Hello! I hope that the pages I’ve created have been a help for some of you! It is my heart, to come alongside others to encourage and support!

I’m especially sensitive to young Mom’s because I believe the call God has placed on their lives is of the utmost importance!

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” -Deuteronomy 6:4-9

If you are new to my blog, please go HERE to catch up on what I’m providing through “DOODLE DEVOTIONS”

Click on the image above FOR THE VIDEO LESSON

God had a plan for His family all along. He knew that Adam and Eve would make some bad choices, which would separate them from their Holy Father. The thing is, God is all about love, and had a rescue plan in place from the very beginning. We are ALL made in God’s image, and through Christ, we are adopted as sons and daughters of the King. We are a Royal family.

Below are some pages for you to print and complete. Use the Doodle exercises to practice drawing people, and then add them to your Family Tree and “Snap Shot” page.

Note that the The family tree is not “Biblically complete!” I want your kids to know that from the time God created Adam and Eve, HE had THEM in mind, and one day, they would be born into God’s family.

Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
(SNAPSHOT PAGE)

The next 3 pages are Challenge Worksheets for Scripture Study for ages 6 and above. I use this 3,2,1 Method of study myself, and often teach it to adult classes. It’s a great structure of studying God’s Word verse by verse.

Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print

The next 3 files are Scripture Study Challenge pages for non-readers.

Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print

Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print

Below is an Activity Page. It includes instructions for the paper “Floppy Ear Dog Project”, The Family Discovery Activity, and Encouragement Tag instructions.

Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
*SEE A GREAT OPTION FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT CARDS WITH THE PRINTABLE

Below are step by step Photos of the Floppy Ear Dog Craft. Written instructions are on the activity page above.

Needed: Printed Dog page, scissors, glue stick

I initially watched the video below for this cute idea. It might help to watch it first, though it took me some time to figure out dimensions and how to make it work! It’s quick!

Dog demo starts at about the 0:24 mark

Choose to print in Black and White or Color. IF you print in Black and White you can color it in yourself!

Click on the image above for the pdf, then click on the title to print
(it is best to print this on cardstock)
Next, cut out each piece
If using the color printable, glue the 2 ear pieces, wrong sides together using a glue stick.
On the background square, Cut a slit where you see a grey line
It’s easier to cut if you gently fold, but try not to create a crease line
Glue the tongue to the Ears like above
I added this tan “body piece” in the wrong order. Do this first, then work on the
dark brown face:)
Apply some glue to the back of the face piece (stay above the area where the face lays on top of the slit. You only need about the width of your glue stick at the top.) 3/4 of the face remains “free and unglued.” Line up the top straight edge of the face with the top edge of the background square. The tab should be sticking up above that.
  • Flip pieces over
  • Add glue to the back of the tab
  • Fold over and press down
Glue on eyes and nose
  • Insert ear & tongue piece from the back with back facing you
  • Flip the pieces over
    (Ignore the fact that I forgot to glue on the eyes and nose here!
  • Fold ears t the front
Flip the whole thing over again and fold the outside edges of the background piece to the back. (About 1/4 inch) Once folded, the final back piece should line up to be the same size with the edges folded down.
  • Doodle Devotions / Sue Carroll/1Arthouse.blog
    Apply glue to the top of the folded edges only
  • Lay final back piece on top of the folded edges
  • Press into place.
Fold the ears down, gently pull tongue to make ears lift up. He is listening to God’s Word!

The Last craft activity on the “Activity Page-Do It” are the “Encouragement Cards.” If it weren’t for our current Covid 19 status, these would be perfect to leave hanging on a mailbox, left for a delivery person, or hanging on your neighbor’s door. Save those ideas for another day, and make them for your family, or whoever you are quarantined with!

OPTION 2: You could take a photo of a finished tag hanging in YOUR HOME for someone you can’t be with in person THEN TEXT the photo to them!!! That would surely brighten someone’s day:)

I LOVE MUSIC, AND I LOVE MUSIC MAE from Crossroads Community Church Kids Club.
Each of my weekly post will include video lessons and songs from this FREE resource. KIDS, TRY THE CUP MOVES AND PLAY ALONG WITH THE VIDEO!

My goal for posting is EVERY FRIDAY, so that adults have a few days during the weekend to look over the material for the following week. Some of you may choose to pick a few activities/lessons for use on Sunday morning. I’d love to hear how YOU are using these resources! It would help me a great deal in making these better for you!

The material this week took me much longer than I expected, so I couldn’t get this post ready until today! It was fun for me, I hope you enjoy it with your kids!

Much love,

Doodle Devotions WK 1

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Week One : Creation

Hello!

Today is the first day of what I hope will be a weekly resource for many of you! I will post each page for the week, along with a brief description of how to use it. (The description follows the page image)

I will also include a video lesson/and or song to use in conjunction with the printable handouts. You can grab the weekly files by downloading the complete merged document or download them individually…choosing what works best for the ages of your kids.

You may decide to use these materials throughout the week, or utilize specific pages to support your Sunday worship experience!

Click on the image for printable, then click on the title

Above is a cover for you to use, should you choose to create bound pages or house in a binder. You can print this off and slip it into a binder with a clear front pocket. I bound my pages together with washi tape, and then punched holes and added ties:) Each week will have 5-10 pages.

Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title

The above image is a coloring page.

Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title

The above scripture worksheet is designed for readers. It’s a GREAT exercise for young readers to learn how to use the table of contents in their Bible and to practice finding scripture for themselves.

Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title

Young readers or non reader can color in the numbered days as an adult or older reader helps them to understand what happened on each day of creation. Young readers can label the numbers with the corresponding scripture found on the previous page.

Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title
Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title

Above is a “Doodle 101” This is a step by step instruction. Kids can use this and the following Doodle 101 to create their own CREATION picture story.

Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title
Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title

Above is a printable frame for your kids to create their own “mock Polaroid’ of the creation story, using the Step by Step Doodle 101 worksheets.

Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title

Above is a weekly activity sheet, to dig in a little deeper! We all connect to learning by doing! These activities are designed to reinforce the lesson and build tactile memories…seeds that will continue to grow! (Day 3 of the creation plates ground/grass is created with Cheerios dyed with food coloring)

Below: The Creation Story VIDEO LINK

SONG “I Am A Helping Hand” (for Annabelle and me ❤️) VIDEO LINK

WE LOVE MUSIC MAE!!!!!! She and her team have LOTS of FUN original & inspirational songs on YouTube or at crossroadskidsclub.net

COMPLETE MERGED DOCUMENT (ALL PAGES)

Finally, for those of you who enjoy baking with your children, and are able to pick up the ingredients…you’ll find my “Pretty Famous Gingerbread Cookie Recipe” (one of my most requested recipes!)

You can use this activity to reinforce the creation story, especially the creation of man.

Encourage the children to talk about their differences as you cut out cookies and later decorate them.

  • Using one batch of Dough explain how God formed Adam from the dust of the Earth and how we are all made from the same matter, just as the Gingerbread character is made from the same batch of dough.
  • Then as the children cut the Gingerbread character out with a small cutter explain how we are all made the same way no matter what colour or ethnic group we come from and that God loves each of us the same. He created us, out of love…to LOVE US!
  • Once the Gingerbread characters are baked, you’ll find that no two Gingerbread characters are exactly the same, & reinforce that even if we are made of the same stuff we are also unique and special. No one is exactly like YOU!
Click on the image for printable file, then click on the title

*This dough is so AMAZING!!! You can roll it out right away, and after baking, the cookies stay fresh and moist for days! Don’t over bake. I usually don’t leave them in for a full 10 minutes, especially for smaller cut outs. The Cream Cheese icing really makes them special! Hope you try them!

Well, that’s is for week 1! I sure would love to hear from you!

1. How can I better serve specific ages?

2. What do you love? What could I add or tweak?

3. Would you enjoy being a part of a Facebook page, where we could encourage each other with photos of our family’s journey, comments, questions, and suggestions?!

4. Please respond in the comments! I would be grateful!

Much love to you,

Sue (aka:MIMI)

Doodle Devotions

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Hello!

I’ve been prayerfully considering what I can do to help families who are house bound during this pandemic. My daughter is in Denver with 3 young children and my Son is close by with 2 of his own. I have many friends and relatives who are Mom’s of school age kids, and I know that it is extremely challenging to provide activities and learning opportunities all day…everyday!

Because I was once VERY LOST, and the Lord RESCUED me, I am daily grateful…so much so, that I desire to use ANY gifts He has blessed me with to bless others. This comes from a place of remembering where I have been, and thriving in the new life God has graciously extended to undeserving me. I want to use what I have to help! I have a background in Children’s Ministry, Women’s Ministry, theater and art…I am a creative who LOVES God’s Word!

All that to say…I will be posting free Biblical lessons and activities for children, including step by step drawings with short topical devotionals. These posts will include links to fun teaching videos for kids that will deepen their understanding of God’s Word…His Story…THEIR story.

I will include free printable coloring pages, printable doodle 101 instructions and worksheets for kids who are able to read and write. The video links come from our local church CROSSROADS. These kid videos are SO well done, and will round out the lesson posts perfectly! Thank you CROSSROADS COMMUNITY CHURCH!

I’m not the most organized, but aim to create posts that follow the Bible chronologically, with a few “random” devotionals along the way 😜 These posts will have enough material for you to pick and choose for the specific ages of your children (Or grandchildren!) and can be used to supplement your weekday or weekend activities.

We’ll learn together as we go! I’m eager to hear back from you about what works and what you might need more of! I would LOVE to know how I can make what I do better for you! As parents, we are called to train up our children…they are really HIS KIDS.

Week One will be about CREATION. That Post is coming to you tomorrow! My hope is that you will look over the material, and use the weekend to decide how you can best utilize it for your family. (A little each day, one day a week, or a supplement for your Sunday Worship)

Hang in there Moms…God is sending His love and encouragement in so many ways…don’t forget to look up!

Much love in Christ,

Free At Last

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A message by Dr. Tony Evans

CLICK HERE FOR THE ABOVE PRINTABLE

WOW, my fingers got tired typing the notes from today’s lesson! There was so much! (You can listen to it for free by going to your App Store and searching Tony Evans)

John 8:31-36

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

In a nutshell, Tony teaches the above text like this:

We can live like we believe we are free, but we operate within the prison walls we have set up for ourselves due to our sin. (Which will always keep us separated from our Father, and the good things He has for us)

We need to gut the room, instead of covering it up with more wall paper. We need surgery, but instead, we take pain relievers to deal with a problem that will not go away without the Great Physician. “Rejecting the truth, is killing us.” -Tony Evans

“Freedom-is being liberated or released from illegitimate bondage or limitations in order for us to become all that we were created and then redeemed to be.” -Tony Evans

UNLESS we abide (remain, rest, dwell, stay…in God’s Word) we will not know truth, which will keep us from the freedom Christ is waiting to give us! We can hear truth, but to live it, we must step forward and take the hand of Christ.

A final thought Dr. Evans gave us today came from John 11.

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Jesus told Lazarus to “come forth!” and Lazarus comes walking out of the grave, yet he was STILL “tied up in death clothes”

——>So, Jesus said to THEM “take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

ONE OF THE WAYS GOD SETS PEOPLE FREE, IS TO USE THE BODY of CHRIST TO HELP UNWRAP ANOTHER’S GRAVE CLOTHES. <——That’s how I got unwrapped!

I am eternally grateful to so many women!

GOD, in His great mercy, ALLOWS US TO COME ALONGSIDE SOMEONE ELSE WHO HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WE ONCE HAD, to help them unwrap their grave clothes. ❤️

When the bail is posted (truth) you feel better right away…you have the paper work for freedom…

BUT, it’s when the door is unlocked (the Son has the key) that you are FREE INDEED.

Blessings and FREEDOM to you Sisters!

Unchained,