verb
1. have a portion of (something) with another or others.

MUSIC // Rend Collective — 'Revival Anthem'
I have always loved this song! The lyrics seem to never become irrelevant! (Jo Darby)

REFLECT // What would you choose?
If you knew that the forces of evil would be victorious at Armageddon and ultimately inherit heaven and eternal life, would you still choose to be on God’s side of the Great Controversy?  Do you love Jesus for who He is or for what He can do for you?  Do you love Him the way He loves you - prepared to lose it all, just for you?  Maybe this question challenges you a little too much?  Just remember, Jesus doesn’t love you for what you can do for Him.  Even if you had nothing to offer Him at all, so great is His love for you that He gave Heaven away.  

READ // Alex's Recommendations
- Jesus the King: Understanding the Life and Death of the Son of God, Timothy Keller (2013)
- Washington: A Life, Ron Chernow (2011)
- Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, Candice Millard (2012)
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum Website
- FDR, Jean Edward Smith (2008)

ART // Albert Namatjira
Alex spoke about loving our country, as well as considering our citizenship and the kingdoms of this world. When I think about individuals who love their country, I always think of landscape artists. They are a special group, with a unique perspective and appreciation for the land they live and work on! One remarkable artist that came to mind as I listened to Alex’s message was one of our most famous Aboriginal artists, Albert Namatjira. If you are not familiar with his beautiful watercolour landscapes, you need to do some googling! I think of Namatjira in particular, not just because of his love for his country and his iconic paintings, but because he was the first Aboriginal person to be granted citizenship in Australia, in 1957, ten years before the Referendum of 1967. He was a significant figure in the advancement of Aborignal rights, however alongside this triumph came the damaging disruptions and expectations of ‘assimilation’. His story is complex and includes both triumph and tragedy. These complexities and challenges in navigating the dominant (oppressive) society and walking the line between two worlds offers much for us to think about as we consider our place in the earthly kingdoms we inhabit as well as the heavenly Kingdom that is already come in Jesus Christ, and that we get to enact.

verb
1. form (something) by putting parts together or combining substances; create.
2. cause (something) to exist or come about; bring about.

Have you seen Marcus Tatton’s ‘Wide Brown land” sculpture in Canberra? Kids might like to try making their own ‘Wide brown land’ mini sculpture out of pipe cleaners. Or can you think of a phrase for Jesus’ kingdom that you could sculpt like this? Maybe lines from his prayer in Matthew 6  “Your Kingdom come” or “On earth as it is in heaven”.

MAKE // My Country
This is a beautiful kids story by Ezekiel Kwaymullina celebrating our country, Australia. Maybe you could try writing down some things you love about your country and drawing some colourful pictures like these one by Sally Morgan?

verb
1. make an attempt or effort to do something. Use, test, or do (something new or different) in order to see if it is suitable, effective, or pleasant.

TRY // Rock Climbing

Go rock climbing either in a climbing centre or with a friend out doors.
You want to know that the rock can hold you.
A rock that can hold us is like pledging allegiance to the rock . We are betting our life that this rock will hold.

Who are we pledging allegiance too? Are we ready to climb?
How good is it to do something dangerous and come out the other side safe and sound?
Who are we coming to the cliff for?

verb
1. engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation