Rocky Mountain Adventures
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
Stories about mountains and deserts and the amazing God who created them.
Description
The mountains in the western part of the United States are very rugged, rocky, and have high peaks. It is a place where mountain lions and bears walk the streets of small towns. It is a land of beauty and danger. Elk, deer, moose, coyotes, and snakes all live here and so do people.
These are stories about white water rafting, the black panther, deadly spiders and poisonous snakes. There are also stories about Native Americans who still have not heard how much Jesus loves them. The author lived in these mountain and desert regions. The stories are about what happened to her. Each story ends with a spiritual emphasis.
- Mountain Climbing – A human mountain climber meets a beautiful but poisonous Gila Monster (large lizard) on the trail. Satan tries to trap us with temptations.
- Adopted Rabbits – Baby rabbits are raised by a dog that cares for them. Humans are born with sinful natures. God is without sin. When we follow the Jesus Way, God adopts us and cares for us.
- Old Baldy – When surrounded by clouds on a mountain top the trail and the mountain could no longer be seen. Sometimes it seems that God has disappeared. This is a test of our faith.
- A Lamb that Strayed – A shepherd looks for one lost lamb just as Jesus, the Great Shepherd, seeks his lost lambs.
- Meeting a Black Bear – Tells of meeting a bear. Protection is provided by an old collapsed shelter. God provides refuge in times of danger.
- My Narrow Escape – A horse goes wild and runs towards a high cliff. God sent His angels to protect the rider.
- A Mountain Shepherd – Like sheep trust their shepherd we must trust Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
- A Foolish Mistake – People often do foolish things. The Bible teaches us how to make wise choices.
- Red Rock Crossing – Two children have a serious problem that is solved by prayer.
- The Sand Painting – Describes the Navajo culture that trusts in pagan beliefs for healing. Christians can trust what to them is God's will.
- Cheese and Crackers – A Christian couple celebrate an important festival without traditional foods. They are thankful for God's protection.
- Beautiful but Deadly – Describes some of the dangers of the Arizona desert. But God has planned that some of these dangers also save lives.
- An Arizona Christmas – A Christian family with little money prepares to celebrate the birth of Jesus (Christmas). God provides surprises to make the day special for the children.
- Mrs. Messing's Mailbox – Two girls skip school and steal a neighbor's mail. God wants us to confess our sins so he can forgive our sins.
The book has ninety-two pages. There are many drawings that illustrate the main ideas of the stories. A map of Arizona and its location in the United States is included. The final three pages are a Rocky Mountain Quiz (test)and answers.
Considerations
- The title of this book may be confusing. All of the stories take place in the Arizona mountains or desert areas.
- The reader should know that the Rocky Mountain States are Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico. The State of Arizona where these stories take place is not a part of the Rocky Mountain Region.
- These stories and lessons would relate well to children who live in the Americas. They would also interest children in other areas of the world.
- Children who live in the Americas would understand these stories and lessons.
- The stories show that not all people in the United States are wealthy, or have nice homes and enough food to eat or plenty of food.
- Each story ends with a Scripture reference.
- Each story includes an example of God's truth.
Limitations
Guidelines for Use
- These stories would make good radio programs.
- They would also be useful for audiocassette.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
Christian Focus Publications Ltd
Cost
$4.99 (UK pounds) This was the cost in 2006.
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
Author: Betty Swinford
Illustrator: Fred Apps
Current copyright owner
Christian Focus Publications Ltd
Other Information
If you are interested in translating these stories for a minority language group, contact Christian Focus Publications Ltd.. Together you will need to work out a Creative Commons License agreement.
