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PLAY AND PRAY

First Steps SANDBOX
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DIRECTIONS TO MAKE YOUR OWN SANDBOX


You can make a real sandbox to use at home by finding a small box (make sure
to tape the edges so your sand won't leak out) and fill it with sand (you can
buy sand at craft stores) or if you don't have sand, sugar works just
fine.


Sandbox

Sometimes it feels good to write something you are thinking or feeling,
and then be able to watch it disappear!  Wipe it away!

You can tell God anything you need to and this sandbox is way to pray to God. Write or draw your prayer and then as you wipe it away give it to God.

You can place your sadness in the prayer sandbox and as you wipe it away ask God to help whatever is causing your sadness to go away.

Or you can tell God about something
wonderful in your life by drawing or writing it in the sandbox.

Or you can just draw, scribble and write, and think about your life and where God is in the midst of it.

Whether you want to get something off your chest, or just play in the sand, the FS Sandbox is here to enjoy.

From www.1ststeps.net

Breathing with Bubbles

Take a deep breath, breathing in all that is God, then breathe out releasing all that isn't.  Watch your troubles drift away!
                           OR
            Make your own Bubbles
Directions for Making Bubbles
Breathing with Bubbles
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First Steps Cup of Blessings
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HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN CUP OF BLESSINGS

We use a little communion cup (you can find them at any Religious Bookstore) for the cup. Small cups seem to work best. A medicine cup or tiny cup will work.

To place the drops of water in the cup we use a small dropper that we find in the toy stores or craft stores.

A fun variation on the cup of blessing is that you can use candy to place drop by drop in the cup. And then you can taste the goodness of God's blessing as you eat the candy.

Cup of Blessings

When life gets crazy, it can be easy to forget all the things we have to be thankful for.

TO COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS:
Place a drop of water in the cup
for each blessing in your life. Really think of ALL your blessings and before
long..your cup will overflow!

TO GIVE GOD YOUR SADNESS:
 Drop in undesirable and sad
things in your life and then dump them out, releasing them to God.  It can
be very effective to watch your troubles disappear as they soak into the ground
or go down the drain.

From www.1ststeps.net

First Steps Prayer Beads
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MAKE YOUR OWN PRAYER BEADS

Buy some plastic cord and ponybeads at your local craft store. Thread the beads onto the cord. Tie a cross or charm on the end.

Hold each bead while you say a prayer.
Or just touch each bead while you let your mind rest and relax.

See below for directions on making prayer beads.
Prayer Beads

Prayer Beads

Prayer beads are a great tool for any number of prayer activities.

Prayer beads are a great tool for any number of prayer activities.

You might want to say a verse of scripture or a line from your favorite song
over and over as you pull each bead.

You might want to tell God your problem ten times.

You might want to list ten things you are thankful for and thank God for each
of them as you pull each bead.

You might want to pray for ten friends or family members.

You might thank God for something ten times.

You might want to simply pull the beads and let your mind rest and relax!

From www.1ststeps.net

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