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    • Shadows

      shadows

      They shall return and dwell beneath my shadow;
      Hosea 14:7

      START WITH GOD'S STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a table of Contents that tells God's Story

      Shadows

      Engage in wonder as you explore God’s word and through the illustrations of His creation.
      Be sure to remember the 3 rules of wonder: 1) Never contradicts Scripture 2) Wonder is different than facts 3) Always glorifies God

      PDF Printable Study

      Brainstorm everything you know about shadows, including how/when they’re cast and typical objects in nature that provide shelter.

      Look up the definition for this Hebrew word:
      tsel (H6738) צֵל

      What are some movies or books with scenes that include shadows in a fictitious way? How are they usually portrayed?

      Read this selection of verses and ponder God’s purpose for the theme of shadows in his story:

       The imagery of being under “shadow of God’s wings” and being in the “shadow of death” appear multiple times throughout Scripture. Read the following verses and consider what those contrasted illustrations reveal about God’s design of shadows.

      engage in wonder

      How do shadows illustrate God’s living story? Reflect on all you’re learned.

      Here are some additional questions to ignite your curiosity and imagination:

      • Shadows can only be seen when the sun is out. How does the cycle and motion of the earth in relation to the sun (time of day/seasons) effect the casting of shadows?
      • How is a shadow the same and different than a reflection?
      • The spinning earth puts itself into a shadow each night. Why do you think God made the earth to rotate & not the sun? How do these symbolic illustrations tell God’s story?
      • Imagine the changing of the shadow being cast at the cross of Jesus’ crucifixion. How would it would have appeared from 9am-3pm? What happened to the shadow from 3pm-6pm?
      • Shadows cast by objects provide shade, which is an important theme in God’s story. Why do you think God purposefully created trees to provide shade? How are the terms shadow and overshadowing the same and different? Ponder Jesus as our covering.
      • Why do you think God created shadows to be easiest to see when there is a greater contrast between the shadow and lit surface (such as a white wall or light ground)?
      • The shape that blocks the light source determines the shape of the shadow, but so does its position to the light. How does this illustrate God’s story?

      Wonder for Kids

      Recommended for kids 3rd grade and up. Are you a teacher? Check out SOW Classroom.

      God could have designed creation without the cycles and motions that cause shadows. Light could have been constant and everywhere.
      What do you think God was trying to illustrate by his design of shadows?
      Shadows are often portrayed as phantoms in stories because they are not clearly defined and therefore mysterious. We can only identify a few characteristics of the real object and everything else is left to the imagination.
      Show pictures of shadows from objects/creatures in nature & have kids guess what the real thing is.
      God said that the temple was a shadow of what was to come, which was Jesus. But, let’s pretend the Old Testament is an actual shadow and use our imagination to wonder about the new creation. 

      Creative Activity:  Have kids select a picture of a shadow and create the blueprints for a new fictional character/object in nature that could have the same shadow outline as the real thing.

      Family Tradition:

      Have an annual shadow puppet show. You can create your own puppets or learn the hand formations to form different objects and creatures.

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      START WITH THE STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a Table of Contents that tell God's story

      Light or Darkness
      Expanse Separates
      Family Tree of Jesus
      Light of the World
      Fishing & Holy Spirit
      Lion of Judah
      Endless Love
      Continue Reading

    • Home

      home

      ...and we will come to him and make our home with him.
      John 14:23

      START WITH GOD'S STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a table of Contents that tells God's Story

      Home

      Engage in wonder as you explore God’s word and through the illustrations of His creation.
      Be sure to remember the 3 rules of wonder: 1) Never contradicts Scripture 2) Wonder is different than facts 3) Always glorifies God

      PDF Printable Study

      Brainstorm everything you know about homes throughout generations.

      Consider functions, materials, distinguishing parts, and building practices & methods.

      Families of all nations and generations have had a place that they call home. It’s a primary theme in God’s story.

      Think of stories that have a plot of running away from or journeying back home. What feelings do they awaken?

      Brainstorm stories in the Bible that take place in a home. Read this selection of verses and ponder God’s purpose for this theme in his story:

      The Old Testament tabernacle & temple were illustrations pointing to Jesus as our dwelling place. Read the following verses and ponder how each part represents God:

      engage in wonder

      How do homes illustrate God’s living story? Reflect on all you’re learned.

      Here are some additional questions to ignite your curiosity and imagination:

      • God’s physical illustrations are always pointing to spiritual parallels. We have a natural longing for “home” that we can never seem to satisfy. What is that revealing?
      • Our homes need frequent repair and upkeep, are not always the safe and comfortable place we hope for, and/or can be lost altogether. How is this significant in God’s story?
      • The temporary shelters constructed for the Feast of Tabernacles commemorate the years spent wandering in the wilderness. Read Ezra 8:14-18 and consider the connection to modern day refugee camps.
      • God does not dwell in temples made by man (Acts 17:24). Since Jesus’ resurrection, where does his Spirit reside?
      • Ponder the similarities and differences of single family houses and the Temple. Together, those who have given their lives to Jesus are referred to as the Body of Christ and his Temple. With the theme of home in mind, how do these connect?
      • Jesus is the Door into himself, the Temple.  So why do you think he says, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” Rev 3:20?

      Wonder for Kids

      Recommended for kids 3rd grade and up. Are you a teacher? Check out SOW Classroom.

      God made us creative and gave us endless materials to build. And, we have a natural desire to create homes to dwell in.
      Brainstorm all the creative forms of homes that people have lived in & note how they were built.
      Why do we live in homes & what does the illustration teach us about Jesus?
      Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us (John 14). God is the Master Builder & Designer.
      Spend time imagining what our forever home could be like.

      Creative Activity: Draw blueprints for creative home built entirely from natural resources, such as a tree house or tropical shelter

      Family Tradition:

      Build the ultimate blanket fort, or backyard fort, once a year and spend the night in it together.

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      The Days of Creation are like a Table of Contents that tell God's story

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    • Reflection

      reflection

      For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face...
      1 Corinthians 13:12

      START WITH GOD'S STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a table of Contents that tells God's Story

      Reflection

      Engage in wonder as you explore God’s word and through the illustrations of His creation.
      Be sure to remember the 3 rules of wonder: 1) Never contradicts Scripture 2) Wonder is different than facts 3) Always glorifies God

      PDF Printable Study

      What is reflection and how does it work (surfaces, eyes, etc.)?

      Besides modern day mirrors, list as many reflective surfaces as you can found in nature.

      Look up the definition for this Hebrew word:

      mar’ah (H4759) מַרְאָה

      Brainstorm scenes in stories (books/movies) that includes mirrors and/or reflection.

      How are they typically used in a storyline and what is it often communicating?

      Read this selection of verses and ponder God’s use of reflection throughout Scripture:

      The unveiling of eyes is closely related to reflection.

      Read and ponder the following verses. How does this physical illustration point to our spiritual transformation?

      engage in wonder

      How does reflection illustrate God’s living story? Reflect on all you’re learned.

      Here are some additional questions to ignite your curiosity and imagination:

      • What types of things do you see when you look into another persons eyes? Why do you think God created eyes this way?
      • How is a mirror both a true yet only partial representation of what its reflecting? How is the real object different? Do you think it’s possible that we are living in only a reflection of what’s to come? 
      • Our senses, especially sight, are purposeful in God’s story. In modern times we’ve discovered ways to reflect and refract light using lenses that enhance our vision and memories. Why do you think God has allowed us to see more as time has gone on?
      • Consider the phases of the moon. How does its reflective waxing/waning journey tell a story?
      • The wash basin was made of mirrors by Bezabel whose name means “in the image”. Ponder the symbolic purposes of this object.
      • The law is often called a mirror to reveal our sin. A mirror can show us our dirty face but can’t wash it. Now, instead of a written law, we look to the person of Jesus instead. How is this different?
      • Considering the layers of creation that God designed (heavens, earth, sea), why do you think he made water reflect the color of the sky?

      Wonder for Kids

      Recommended for kids 3rd grade and up. Are you a teacher? Check out SOW Classroom.

      Hold up a mirror & have kids look at the image in the mirror.
      How is what you see in the mirror different from what is real? Do you think it’s possible we live in only a reflection of what’s to come?
      Our senses are so important to God’s story. Especially eyesight. We’ve discovered ways to reflect and manipulate light with concave and convex lenses to view more than the naked eye can see. Why do you think God created ways for us to see more, knowing we would only discover them as time has gone by?
      Brainstorm a list of reflective surfaces, types of lenses, or modern technologies using light:

      Creative Activity: Design a mirror or lens with a special ability.

      (Example: mirror that reflects light onto an object which doubles the gravitational force, glasses that gives x-ray vision, mirror that causes changes of color when viewing)

      Family Tradition:

      Use paint pens to write a Bible verse on your kids’ bathroom mirror. Switch it out monthly. James 1:22-25
      Alternatively, write a question to wonder about through the month.

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      START WITH THE STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a Table of Contents that tell God's story

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    • Living Water

      living water

      ...but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again...
      John 4:14

      START WITH GOD'S STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a table of Contents that tells God's Story

      living water

      Engage in wonder as you explore God’s word and through the illustrations of His creation.
      Be sure to remember the 3 rules of wonder: 1) Never contradicts Scripture 2) Wonder is different than facts 3) Always glorifies God

      PDF Printable Study

      List as many facts as you can about fresh water, including the water cycle, natural sources, needs & uses, impact on environment, etc.

      Look up the definition for this Hebrew word:
      mayim (H4325) מַיִם

      Whether rain, rivers, streams, wells, or natural springs, brainstorm stories (books, movies, games, etc.) where fresh water is used to illustrate a scene.

      List as many Bible stories as you can where living water is prominent to the passage.

      Read this selection of verses and ponder God’s use of the theme in Scripture:

      Rivers & Streams

      Thirst & Wells

      Washing or being made clean is also an important illustration in God’s story.

      Read and ponder the following verses:

      engage in wonder

      How does living water illustrate God’s living story? Reflect on all you’re learned.

      Here are some additional questions to ignite your curiosity and imagination:

      • Fresh water comes from above but is often harvested in deep places. How does this illustrate God’s story?
      • Considering how God’s physical illustrations point to a spiritual truth, why do you think God created us to get thirsty?
      • Why do you think God made fresh water both easily polluted but also able to be purified?
      • Wells are an important illustration in God’s story. Brainstorm stories in Scripture where a well was dug or a meeting took place. What is different about wells from other natural sources of living water. How do wells point to Jesus?
      • In John 19:28, Jesus spoke the words, “I thirst” to fulfill prophecy. Why do you think that was significant?
      • Read Joel 2:28-29 and Acts 2
        Pouring, raining, flowing— the movement of fresh water represents the Spirit. What happens when fresh water stops flowing?
      • Considering the water cycle and the function of rain and clouds, read the following verses from a metaphorical point of view:
        Acts 1:9-11 and 2:14-17

      Wonder for Kids

      Recommended for kids 3rd grade and up. Are you a teacher? Check out SOW Classroom.

      Our physical thirst points to other thirsts in our lives.
      What types of things do we try to use to satisfy our thirst?
      Who is the only one who satisfies our souls & how is he like Living Water?
      We need fresh & clean water for many reasons. List them.
      Research ways that water is purified and/or harvested (animals & nature).
      Design a creative new natural water storage system
      (Example: Tree leaves that are made of sponges, rocks with holes that naturally filter, etc)

      Family Tradition:

      Buy an inexpensive portable filter and purify your own water the next time you’re on a hiking or camping trip.

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      The Days of Creation are like a Table of Contents that tell God's story

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    • Time

      TIME

      There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:
      Ecclesiastes 3:1

      START WITH GOD'S STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a table of Contents that tells God's Story

      Time

      Engage in wonder as you explore God’s word and through the illustrations of His creation.
      Be sure to remember the 3 rules of wonder: 1) Never contradicts Scripture 2) Wonder is different than facts 3) Always glorifies God

      PDF Printable Study

      Ponder God’s creation of time and his design of the heavens to give us methods to segment it into days, months, years, etc.

      Brainstorm all the methods people have invented to keep track of time.

      Look up the definition for this Hebrew word:

      yom (H3117) יוֹם

      Can you think of any fictional stories that use time creatively in the narrative?

      What kinds of comments do you usually hear people say regarding the passing of time?

      List as many Bible stories as you can where a certain amount of time is prominent to the event.

      Read this selection of verses and ponder God’s use of the theme in Scripture:

      Read and ponder the following verses with their key phrases and themes as you consider God’s creation of time:

      engage in wonder

      How does time illustrate God’s living story? Take some time to reflect on all you’ve learned. 

      Here are some additional questions to ignite your curiosity and imagination:

      • Along with everything physically created, God also used something as abstract at time to illustrate his story. How does observing the Sabbath Day personify Jesus?
      • Brainstorm lists of the following things in creation:
        • Can be used to measure age
        • Functions on a repeating cycle
        • Occur routinely at an appointed time
        • Requires waiting
      • Why do you think God made waiting such an important part of his illustrated story in our personal lives?
      • God designed each new 24-hour period to start at sundown. How does this darkness to light pattern illustrate his story?
      • Why will be no darkness, sun, or moon in the new creation (Rev 21:23-25)? Do you think there will be “time” in eternity
      • Given that God knew the end before the beginning, why do you think God designed us in a way that allows us to look back and remember the past but not see ahead into the future?
      • How does the physical earth change as time progresses & how do scientists “look back” at times past? How does God work in generations throughout his story?
      • Ponder God’s use of reoccurring dates (feasts), specific & vague declarations of time (ex: “In that day”, 3 days, 40 years).
      • Testimony: Share a story of a time when God’s time table was different than what you expected and/or he made you wait to build your endurance or faith. 

      Wonder for Kids

      Recommended for kids 3rd grade and up. Are you a teacher? Check out SOW Classroom.

      There is a giant clock in the sky.
      Discuss and/or demonstrate how it works & brainstorm inventions used to track time.
      Why do you think God made time only move forward?
      Design your own imaginary way of tracking time in nature.

      Family Tradition:

      Honor the Sabbath by starting a tradition that points to Jesus and is enjoyed every week.

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      The Days of Creation are like a Table of Contents that tell God's story

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    • Rain

      rain

      ...it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you.
      Hosea 10:12

      START WITH GOD'S STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a table of contents that tells god's story

      rain

      Engage in wonder as you explore God’s word and through the illustrations of His creation.
      Be sure to remember the 3 rules of wonder: 1) Never contradicts Scripture 2) Wonder is different than facts 3) Always glorifies God

      PDF Printable Study

      Brainstorm everything you know about rain and water cycle.
      Think about both scientific facts & natural benefits.
      Look up some fun & fascinating facts.

      Can you think of any fictional books or movies that use the rain to establish a particular mood in the narrative?

      What thoughts and feelings does the rain stir up inside
      of you?

      List as many Bible stories as you can recall that feature rain.

      Read this selection of verses and ponder God’s use of the theme in Scripture:

      God rains down or pours out many other things besides water. Read & ponder:

      engage in wonder

      How does rain illustrate God’s living story? Take some time to reflect on all you’ve learned. 

      Here are some additional questions to ignite your curiosity and imagination:

      • Why do you think God made the water cycle? Brainstorm other things God created that are cyclical. What does that teach you about the nature of God?
      • God created some things to rain down and others to spring up. Make a list of things that God created that spring up. Also, ponder Jesus’ ascension and descension.
      • How is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit and “times of refreshing” illustrated by rain? What condition does our heart need to be in for the Holy Spirit to penetrate? What is our role in “pouring out” to those around us?
      • It is during the most severe droughts, and thirst is unbearable, that rain is most appreciated. Why do you think God allows for spiritual droughts to occur?
      • Like all other symbolic illustrations of God (fire, sun, wind, etc.) rain can be both beneficial or harmful. Why do you think both are always represented?
      • In God’s multi-layered story, everything physical has a spiritual parallel. Try to explain the entire rain cycle and/or planting process from a spiritual perspective.
      • Testimony: Share about a time that you walked through a spiritual drought and then finally received God’s life giving water pouring out in your soul. 

      Wonder for Kids

      Recommended for kids 3rd grade and up. Are you a teacher? Check out SOW Classroom.

      Ponder all the different forms of water, learn about the water cycle, and then brainstorm other cycles God created.
      Using any objects you can think of that are found in nature, design a new creative “cycle” to add to God’s story.

      Family Tradition:

      Whenever it starts to rain enjoy a marshmallow or gummy candy to represent the soft (humble, repentant, loving) condition we need to keep our hearts so that the rain of God’s Spirit can penetrate our lives and bear fruit.

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      START WITH THE STORY

      The Days of Creation are like a Table of Contents that tells God's story

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