October 19, 2010

Shining Lights



The Parable Series: The Pumpkin Patch Parable
Every harvest season, our children hear The Pumpkin Patch Parable by Liz Curtis Higgs.  The book has a wonderful storyline in which a farmer grows pumpkins, chooses one to clean, carve, and illuminate.  Intermixed on each page are Biblical verses that relate to the storyline and create a solid connection between the story line and God's Word.  This modern day parable uses a common fall activity to describe the Christian's life glorifying God. 


After the story, the children and I discussed the ability we have as Christians to allow our Savior's light to shine in our lives.  We then started to make autumn window decorations.  When we were done, I showed the children how each one becomes more beautiful as the sun light shines through it.  Then, I compared these autumn decorations to our lives.  I told the children our lives are more beautiful as we allow the Son's light to shine through them.  



Each year as we share the parable, the children are able to more easily grasp the concept.  It is a joy to use everyday objects and events to point our children to our Lord, and this book, along with the other three in The Parable Series, are a wonderful aid in that process.

For those of you wondering how we made our 'Autumn Window Decorations,' I have included the instructions. 
This is a simple craft that gives beautiful results!
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To complete the project:

Supplies -
thin foam in dark brown color
autumn colored tissue paper (cut into strips)


autumn shapes to trace
scissors
glue (liquid)

Process -
1.  Trace autumn shapes onto foam


2.  Cut out autumn shapes, but allow a small border around actual tracing



3.  Cut out the actual autumn shape
4.  Place a small amount of glue on foam
5.  Place tissue paper side by side on top of glue creating one single layer
6.  Press lightly
7.  Using a foam brush, coat the entire back with a thin layer of glue
8.  Place tissue paper side by side on top in the opposite direction creating a plaid like affect



 9.  Press lightly
10.  Allow to dry completely
11.  Cut off excess tissue paper
12.  Hang on a window in a sunny spot




10 comments:

  1. You could even use cookie cutters to do this! Very pretty!

    I'm posting about this same book later this week and will link to you if that's okay.

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  2. Annette,
    Links are always welcome.
    Thank you for considering one!
    Also, using a cookie cutter for the shape is a great idea, and would work very well.

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  3. love these. i know the girls will enjoy making them.

    newest follower from homeschool hop ;)

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  4. What a great story and activity to go along... I'll definitely be tagging this post for future ideas! Thanks for sharing!

    Stopping by to say "hi" from the Hip Homeschool Hop!

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  5. We have the Easter version of that book - I will have to look at getting this one - what a great series!

    I'm visiting from the Hip Homeschool Hop & am your newest follower! Have a wonderful day!
    ~Erika
    http://erikajo.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. nice craft! I always do the leaf/melted crayon craft, but this would be a nice change, thank you! Visiting from the hop!

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  7. Stopping in from Hip Homeschool Hop. Love the autumn paper craft. I think I am going to use it for my children.

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  8. What a wonderful way to put a very God-centered lesson into the fall/Halloween celebration....I am definitely ordering this today!

    Love the craft idea as well. Such beautiful lessons.

    Visiting from the HHH,
    Danielle
    organizationalhysteria.blogspot.com

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  9. Stopping by from the HHH :)

    What a cute idea! The story sounds really neat too - I'll have to look for that book!

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  10. I love this idea. I think we may do this today for Art! Thanks for the post.

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