B-I-B-L-E

One of yoga’s niyamas is studying sacred texts. I come from a Christian background, so my spiritual text is the Bible. I have been part of Bible studies for a long time, dating back to when I was in high school. I also have been an avid journaler since I was about my son’s age. As I got older, I began to take notes (and then journal) what I was reading in scripture. I think I have as many prayer and scripture journals, as I do for regular ones.

 

Studying scripture is an important part of my spiritual life. As I study, I jot notes, reflections and impressions in my journal. I also take notes during sermons sometimes, especially if something really touches my heart or moves me. Poems, writings from secular sources that relate to the scripture I am studying also get added. All that winds up in my scripture journal. I also add prayer requests and intentions (from my intender’s circle) and answers to prayer.  Sometimes, I add pictures or artwork.

 

I love going back to my old journals and tracking my faith progress, as well as proof that prayers are answered. There are certain passages that seem to reoccur as well, and I love seeing how I’ve grown over the years. Its also a great inspiration for my son-he sees both his parents walking in their faith, and he can feel confident growing in his.

Good Shepherd

11“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. 17For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. 18No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
John 10:11-18

This week's Gospel is all about the Good Shepherd, leading and tending His flock. For our family devotional this week, we are doing all sorts of sheep related activities!

After reading the Gospel, we will do a dramatic reinterpretation. I think that our puppy will play the part of the wolf!
I have two games to play-hide the sheep and sheep, sheep lamb.

To play hide the sheep, print out the sheep picture. Cut out the sheep, and hide them. The goal is for someone to find all the sheep, without having the wolf get them first.

Sheep sheep lamb is duck, duck goose just by a different name.

For our craft, we will decorate a sheep picture with cotton balls.

For our snack, we will have sheep made with marshmallows and pretzels.