We are nearing the end of our journey together. This week, our focus is on the tremendous mercy Jesus gave to us.
Lesson 7 intro video – under construction
To Learn—
For the Soul:
When we accepted Christ, we were remade. Redefined. (If you have not accepted Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, there is nothing better than a relationship with Him. Click here.)
2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”
Ps. 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.”
We have been redeemed, and here’s a great way to say so: “Redeemed” by Big Daddy Weave
There are other points in our lives when we are redefined as well: the transition from child to independent adult; the change from student to employee; from single to married; from childless to parent; from child to parental-caregiver. You did not expect to be an instant expert in any of these changes, so you should not expect supernatural instantaneous success in coping with loss either.
This loss has changed you, too. Something is now missing from your life. How could that not alter who you are and how you approach life?
As you progress through this session, just know that the God who is able to remove all your sin is able to hold your hand through this journey. He will remain beside you as you become transformed.
Our prayer this session is “I am Redeemed!”
For the Heart: Scripture to memorize as you work through this session-
Ps. 107:2 “Let the redeemed of the LORD say so.”
For the Body:
Fruits and Veggies: Let’s refocus on healthier eating during this session. Christ paid for us with His precious blood. With that great price, we should be more concerned with what we put in our bodies. Each time you choose the healthy option, praise God for His Love.
For the Mind:
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- Make a list of losses: With this loss, you are now missing a relationship. But there are other losses involved as a result. Since our goal is to one day face this loss (and everything associated with it) without being overwhelmed, it is important to become aware of everything…EVERYTHING…this loss ultimately as taken from us. If we can make a list here, in a controlled setting, then we are less likely to be blindsided by something later on.
Let me give you an example: I am mourning the loss of my dad. I’ve lost the unwritten history of his family. A storytelling resource. He cannot attend my children’s weddings. I can’t share with him that I have taught this class to people all over the world through the power of the Internet. He will not be at Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations. The traditions that HE began will have to be taken over by someone new. By writing this down now, I can be better prepared at these future events.
- Make a list of goals/priorities: Please remember that you should not place arbitrary deadlines on your grief. However, it may be helpful for you to set some goals for the next year. Set a few short-term goals for the next 1-3 months. These goals may be related to your grief journey. (Completing this grief course, for example) Then add a few long-term goals for the next year. Don’t try to plan too much. Be gentle with yourself. (This list becomes part of an art assignment this session.)
- Do something new: It is time to pamper yourself. To recharge your batteries. Do something that you are good at: write, draw, play an instrument or video game. Then branch out. Is there something you’ve always wanted to try, but you never got around to it? Learn a new language. Take a cooking class. An art class. Take up golf or jogging. Redefine who you are in a positive way.
To Create— (This course is designed for Art Journaling, but you should use whatever media you prefer.)
Do not let any assignment add stress to your life.
It’s a Heart Thing: (10/12)
Hearts on a Vine – Using the list of goals you generated in the For the Mind section, create that number of hearts scattered about page 10/12. Write one goal per heart and connect with a vine. Add leaves. Add color as you wish. (My sample does not show my goals for personal reasons.)
It’s an Art Thing:
I am Redeemed! is our prayer this session. Illustrate what that means to you in your journal.
The Cross – We are redeemed through Jesus Christ’s work on the cross. Illustrate what that moment means to you.
It’s a Writing Thing:
Power– There seems to be a big push toward creating movies about superheroes these days. It caused someone to ask me recently what superpower I wish I had. That’s the question I pose to you: What superpower would you want? Why? How would you use it to help others? Now, since you’ve just outlined how you wish you could help others with your “superpower,” consider the All-Powerful God who loves you and wants to use you to help others. How can God use the YOU that you are becoming to help others in the way you mentioned above?
Vitamin- In the back of your journal, list 1 blessing per day.
It’s a Feeling Thing (Stages of Grief):
Pick 2. Select 2 additional stages of grief and illustrate them using your favorite media. Create a vivid picture that represents that feeling or the way you have found to best deal with it.
To Extend—
Dig: Search these additional scriptures to dig deeper –
- Ex. 15:13
- Ps. 71:23
- Gal. 3:13
Select one (or more) of the following scriptures or quotes to illustrate or letter in your journal.
Scripture:
- James 4:10 “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
- Psalm 56:8 “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?”
Quotes:
- God isn’t finished with me yet.
- There are only 2 options: make progress or make excuses.
- What will you do today that will make you proud in a year?
- You don’t need to have it all figured out to move forward.
- For additional quotes, check out my Pinterest board for this session, “Good Grief – Redefined” here.
Don’t Forget:
My prayer team and I are praying for you daily.
One last thing…
If you don’t have a personal relationship with Jesus, I invite you to meet Him. For more information, click here.
Disclaimer: While I am a certified school counselor, I do not offer this course as a replacement for one-on-one personal therapy. This is an art journaling course designed to approach the grief process through Biblical scripture. If you feel your grief is beyond your control, please call 911 or speak to a health professional.