Disclosure / Disclaimer: No compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to post about it, all opinions are my own.
Now that Mardi Gras has come and Gone, Lent started yesterday.
Now that Mardi Gras has come and Gone, Lent started yesterday.
if you are finding it hard to find the inspiration for the season, I have a great book that will take you through ALL the weeks of Lent, and provide plenty of inspiration, AND stir up your creativity!
Synopsis:
f reading scripture discourages you instead of drawing you closer to Jesus, wrestle with God on the pages of your Bible and make something beautiful out of your chaos.
Word Made Art: Lent challenges you to cut, color, scribble and reimagine your way through scripture during Lent. With eight unexpected projects, weekly questions for both individual and group study, and a gentle, encouraging tone, this creative devotional will help you bring your messy, honest self to God.
Review:
As an adult, Lent can seem vague to us- we have church readings, Ash Wednesday services and bible studies, but how does it affect US? In searching for that answer, Heather came upon a new way to look, and read the bible. She allowed the words to speak to her creative side, and soon an idea was born, mirroring the two.
In this book, Heather first gives us a historical look AT Lent itself, and you might be in for a few surprises there! She then explains what the book is about, and how it is too be used, and yes, GASP! it is not sacrilege to use the bible as an art source. Understand she is NOT talking about the family bible with all it's births, deaths, etc/ She is talking about your old study bible, that is weathered and torn, and not the one you currently use. I don't know about your house,. but we have at least 4 old study ones laying around! Then she talks about prayer and a way to pray if you don;t have to to do the reflections and projects for the 
Then she starts the body of the book- each week of lent is it's own chapter, with it's own scheduled readings, reflections, and projects. The readings ARE from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer (she gives you an online link), as they are already scheduled and posted, But you could use your own church's links if you prefer. These bible passages are then the source for thought and reflection during the week, and the basis for the art project. I like the pocket about with notes for God- it makes him see so much closer, like a true relative, doesn't it? You can use the bible itself as your crafting supply source, or use additional supplies, to follow along with the weekly project.
I know it may be hard to get your head around, but when you stop and really THINK, isn't this what God would want? Thank we take his word, allow ourselves to feel and experience it, and then display that understanding, in a way that shows others, and reminds ourselves, of that moment of understanding? Prayer is not a finite thing- if walking a labryinth helps to center your prayer, why can't using the bible this way? Each week ends with reflections and more ways to think on the passages and how they apply to your life.
This is an interesting book, and I can see teens and coeds, really finding it much easier to access and use as a Unit Bible study during the season, or for a family to do together. So if Lent leaves you a little lost, look to this wonderful book to wind your way!
About the Author
Heather Caliri is a writer, a shy artist, and a grateful child of God. She uses little yeses to free herself from anxiety. Her work has appeared at ChristianityToday.com ,iBelieve, SheLoves Magazine, The Mudroom, and Relevant.com. She lives in San Diego with her husband and two daughters. Check out her website for more info
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