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Jujubees and Raisins!

9.19.13- Episode 26

Our 26th episode would take a year to develop, but it’s not because of my children; I (dad) has been lazy.  We have tried to the concept together, but I took a break from working with them in this area.  My brain needed to be refreshed and at times I felt my ideas were clashing with my children.  I wanted this to be about them and their ideas.  So, I’m glad to have released this one after a year later.

The story would take place starting in the beginning.  I would tackle on the days in consecutive order:

– Day 1: Genesis 1:1-3
– Day 2:  Genesis 1:10
– Day 3: Genesis 1:12
– Day 4: Genesis 1:16
– Day 5:  Genesis 1:21
– Day 6: Genesis 1:26
– Day 7: Genesis 2:3

Then came the trouble of Eve in the garden with her dialogue with the serpent.  (Genesis 3)  She was awestruck with the serpent’s words of persuasion.  She chose to disobey God along with her husband, Adam and all was lost.  Genesis 3:24 would drive them away from the garden.

My hope is to teach my children the reality of sin.  But also to reveal the responsibility for sin:  for Adam and Eve, it was to repent.  They didn’t.  So, Christ took it upon Himself to pay the price for it (sin).

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned… That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” -Romans 5:12-21

8.29.12- Episode 25
This would be an episode chosen by my son.  He loves the story of King Solomon.  Actually he loves the story of ALL kings, even King Ahab.  However, with King Ahab there are lessons to learn, according to Isaac.  With King Solomon, there are lessons to keep.

The story starts from 1 Kings 3:5-14.  In the comic the first scene takes place in the middle.  Solomon is sleeping.  The passage reveals in vs. 5, that Solomon falls asleep and God appears to Him.

Since I’m avoiding drawing God and didn’t make an attempt to draw Jesus here either, I left God as just a voice.  I believe this would do it justice, since John 1:1-2, would give me confidence in portraying God as the Word.  This would give me confidence to apply both God or Jesus here.  Nevertheless, the comic continues on the top left.

God asks Solomon what would He desire or want.  Solomon reflects on God’s goodness towards David (vs. 6-8).  Then, Solomon would ask for a discerning heart and wisdom.  A discerning heart in scene 5 (bottom right) would be drawn as a heart and wisdom as a light bulb.  Give Isaac credit for recognizing ideas in cartoons represented as that.  He was able to pull the concepts together.

In scene 6-7, God would grant his request. Scripture reveals from vs. 10-14, that Solomon would not only be wise, also wealthy.  I magnified vs. 14 in the last scene, because the whole passage is based on God’s commands.  Therefore, within the context of what Solomon received, obedience and faithfulness is the key.

8.09.12- Episode 24
The story of Ruth is a very popular story.  It is a story of redemption and wholeness, because it goes through all the aspects of life that can be hard: the death of a loved one, moving to a new land, or working for strangers you don’t know or trust.  These are all aspects of life, Ruth and Noami had to face together.  Abigail, my oldest daughter, helped me tell this story.

The story begins with Ruth and Noami leaving Moab and back to Naomi’s homeland, Bethlehem.  (Ruth 1:19)  The reason for this is that the death of Naomi’s husband and father would be hard to draw.  So, I decided to move forward a bit instead of taking on the death of the father, Chilion and Mahlon.  When they arrived to Bethlehem they were greeted well.  Ruth had decided to follow Naomi.  One of the more popular verses, I wanted to put down, but didn’t have space.  Those verses are Ruth 1:16-17.

I then practiced drawing a wheat field on a separate sheet of paper.  Since I wanted simplicity, I went for a lighter look on the background and only drew a few large pieces sticking out on the front.  This is where Ruth meets Boaz, which is mostly Ruth 2.  Ruth gets help from Boaz and eventually feelings are mutually shared between the two of them.  (vs. 20-21)  From there, Noami encourages Ruth, that Boaz can redeem her.  Boaz is a kinsman.

Boaz indeed redeems her, but after being able to convince another kinsman, who is closer in line, to not redeem her (Ruth 3:12-18 and Ruth 4:6).   The last scene takes place in Ruth 4 and Ruth eventually has an offspring that would be the futhre great-great-great… father of Jesus.  I used verse 13, “So Boaz took Ruth, and she became his wife, and he went into her.  And the Lord enabled her to conceive and she gave birth to a son.”

Amazing how God works when sustaining those who are in greatest need and of greatest loss.

6.23.012- Episode 23
Isaac turned 5!  This is a day that will be glorious.  I drew this artwork in remembrance of his craziness and high energy.  I love him so much.  Thank you for playing a small part of Isaac’s life.  I praise God for all of you.

6.01.012- Episode 22
There’s no special release of any new character this month, however there is my son’s birthday!  This will be the first part of two gifts for my son, Isaac.

This story takes place in Daniel 6 when Israel is held captive by Persia.  Daniel one of the king’s royal advisers impresses Darius.  He earns top honors, however the other wise men are jealous.  So, they conjure up a plan to trick Daniel, so they can get rid of him.  Does this sound familiar?  If you’re thinking the story of Joseph, then you’re thinking what I’m thinking.

Daniel is supposed to trust the other wise men considering they’re serving in the same court.  However, that is not the case.  Daniel 6:7 shows that they convince the king to issue an edict that no one worship anyone but the king.  Daniel only worshipped one god, evident in all the other stories about Daniel, and that is God (the only God of Israel).

The consequence of him praying again, led to his demise of being thrown into the lion’s den.  Although, the edict was far from being morally right, it was a law nonetheless, and Daniel had to go.

With much reluctance, the king had to thrown him in.  Fortunately, nothing happens to Daniel for he sought for help from God above.  God shut the mouths of the lions in Daniel 6:21-22.  King Darius was elated, and Daniel was not hurt.

Daniel’s faithfulness in trial showed his dedication to His God.  There is not even found an idolatrous heart.  It says, that Daniel was found innocent even in the sight of God.  That speaks volumes about his character.

Do you have an idolatrous heart?  If you do, turn it over to God, and trust Christ with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength!

5. 12.12- Episode 21
Our first female animal makes a cameo!  It’s a zebra!  Abigail wanted Esther to be a zebra, so here’s her first role.  The zebra’s actual name will be revealed soon.

This is the story of Queen Esther.  The plot is very thick.  King Ahasuerus ruler of the Persia and Medes had a powerful empire, except in this specific story it started when a queen had to be chosen.   The story in its entirely is found in the book of Esther, chapters 1 and 2.

In this comic, King Ahasuerus is looking to find a new queen and he chooses Esther.  Scripture shows that Esther found favor and kindness in his eyes (Esther 2:17-18).

However the story quickly turns as Haman, King Ahasuerus’ favored advisor, expects all these Jews to bow to him.  However one man, Mordecai, does not.  Mordecai was a respected man of the Jews and of the king, but not to Haman  (Esther 3:1-3).

Haman looks for the king to sign a decree allowing for the killing of all Jews.  (Esther 3:7-11).  In a stunning fashion, Mordecai tries valiantly to warn Queen Esther what is going to come.  Because of their filial relationship, he was able to inqure for her help.  (Esther 4)

Esther invites Haman and the king for several banquets (three times to be exact) and finally she has the courage to bring up Haman’s devious plans.  (Esther 7:1-6)

Because of Queen Esther, Israel was once more saved.  This is a story of God’s hope preserving a nation, even at their most lost state.  This brings hope even with the most dire circumstances plaguing us today.  Will you not worry?  God is in control!

4.13.12- Episode 18-20
It is hard to wonder how a king as young as David could have been prepared so quickly for what is to come. My son Isaac can hardly imagine what it takes to be father and a husband, much less a king.

In these three episodes, we’ve encapsulated in brief detail David’s rise to be a humble king. You probably thought I would say ‘stardom’, but that’s far from what Scripture reveals.
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Episode 18, begins with David’s anointing. In 1 Samuel 16, the prophet Samuel receives a call from God to anoint Israel’s next king. Because of King Saul’s lack of obedience towards God, He stripped his kingdom away from him. Prior chapters reveal the evidence for that conclusion. This grants an opportunity for David to become king.

In 1 Samuel 16, Samuel gets caught up in the looks and likes of a king. He thought Eliab, the oldest, Abinidab, and Shammah had qualities of a king, but they only have the physical attributes. 1 Samuel 16:7 says this, “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” S

amuel did not think like the Lord. However, the Lord allows Samuel to discover David, Jesse’s youngest son. David was out in the field tending sheep, yet God found it fitting that he should be anointed king.

1 Samuel 16:13 says, “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.” Out of all the brothers, only David had the Spirit of Lord powerfuly evident in his life.
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Episode 19, is David’s explanation to King Saul of why he could fight Goliath. This story is found in 1 Samuel 17:34-37. It is a description of David’s brief and brave exploits against the enemies of his father’s sheep. His battles with a lion and bear at the risk of the sheep, shows what is important to David’s life that he would risk his own to save them. It is no wonder God chose him to be king.

Psalm 34:7 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lor hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

I remind my children, that their struggles may seem insurmountable, but with God, they can be certain that He will be victorious, even when they are weak.
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Episode 20 is the battle against Goliath. Isaac loves this story, but so does my girls. They wanted to see how Jujubee would handle being Goliath. Obviously, he handles it quite well.

David again, played by Raisin, takes the mantle to fight against this giant. Whether the other men were too afraid, giant is too big, or the armor is not fitting, God has an answer. There is nothing five stones, a sling, and a young boy can’t fix right? Wrong. It is not a story fixated on the glory of David and what he does, rather it is a story of God’s providence of what He will do through David.

1 Samuel 17:47 says, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” The battle is the Lord’s. It is not for David to win or Israel to claim. If you allow for God to do and fight our battles, we will be reminded of His sovereignty.

4.04.12- Episode 17
Jesus, “King for a Day”, sounds like a pretty cool name for a social event in high school. Unfortunately, this was a real life situation for Jesus. Praise on one day, reject the next.

Tradition hasn’t lent much support in the true remembrance and history behind Easter. So, it’s only necessary that my children and I do something to remind one another of what the Bible says about Jesus’ last days.

Judas took 30 shekels to betray Jesus, He was then beaten, and having been traded for Barrabas (a guilty murderer) He hung on the cross (found innocent by Pilate). Dying for our sins, He then was resurrected, conquering death. This is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ Jesus!

“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

“Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

Don’t get caught up with the egg hunts and bunnies or we lose the true sense of what He did on the cross for us.

Live victoriously! Share the gospel with many!

3.23.12- Episode 16
My daughter is turning three. She loves her sheepy, soapy hands, jumping couches, gymnastics, and ice cream. There are so many other things she likes, but if I were to condense it into five things at the age of two that reminds me of her, those five things are it.

I take great joy in watching her grow. She is the Lord’s delight and I’m thankful I get to have front row tickets to watch her mature.

I praise you Jesus!

1.06.12- Episode 15
They wanted to see how I could draw Jujubee, Raisin, Blurry, and Thomas race. I’ve already done three sprint triathlons by this time. I enjoy the thrill of the race, but did you know Paul, in Scripture (Bible) reminds us that the Christian walk is a race?

It’s not a quick race, but one that is methodical and full of endurance. We must race in such a manner that we need only do well, but we finish well.

1 Corinthians 9:24 reminds us, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win.”

Run well.

12.25.11- Episode 14
Every year, just before Christmas we look forward to the first snowfall, snowman, snow angel, or even the first day after Thanksgiving when we put up our decorations.

This is a reminder from my kid’s and to myself, that our focus should be on the very first Christmas. The day when Christ came. It was the beginning of His search for us and a rescue plan to save us all.

Take a few days and read through the first few chapters of Matthew and Luke. Refresh yourself of how important it was for Christ to come. It was a dangerous mission and required the faith and function of Mary and Joseph to not miss a step when it came to protecting our risen Savior.

Remember Luke 19:10, memorize it, keep it to your heart. “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”

11.15.11- Episode 12
Thanksgiving is another teaching tool for my kids. It is easily to get caught up in the holiday, the turkey, pies, and stuffing, but I want them to strive and remember the importance of it historically and Biblically.

In November of 1620 the Mayflower landed on the Eastern shore of the current United States. Having arrived so late, they had to endure a harsh winter. Lo, and behold, they met native Indians who provided them food and taught them how to farm the land. They were forever grateful for them. Even though they lost half of their crew, they still endured.

Paul reminds the church of Thessalonica to rejoice always in suffering in chapter 5. Not only does he ask them to pray continuously, but also to always give thanks. We may get caught up on the one day and all its festivities, but let us not forget the importance of Thanksgiving. It is a day of remembering God’s goodness and providence throughout this year and our lifetime. Let’s give Him praise!

10.25.11- Episode 11
We have decided to let the kids be involved in our neighborhood by passing our their own tracts. They came up with this idea. The comic revolves around harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and Halloween. Underneath all the holiday festivities is the importance of what Christ did on the cross to pay for our sins. All the fun and games are a distraction to what is important. I pray this would be a way our children can share the gospel. I hope you enjoy it!

Remember Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ DIED for us.”

10.10.11- Episode 10
The church in some ways have not looked like the church represented in Acts 2:42-47. My son and daughter asked me how they could serve the kids in their class. I told them, “Each could use their own talents, to serve, and love one another. If you find someone is sick, you could make cookies for them.” Abigail suggested ice cream. Isaac suggested building a playground.

Somehow I found that these two ideas could be made in order to serve one another. But I remind them always, you must share the gospel!

09.21.11- Episode 9
My son asked me if I could do one with angels. I said let’s work on it together. My son had the idea that they would represent some Biblical examples of angels. The one immediately though of was the angel Gabriel appearing before Mary and Joseph. With that I was able to substantiate that story with other accounts in the Old Testament and New Testament. If you’re reading it with your child, try reading the significant of the story. Notice that the angel in each story is just a messenger. The greater glory and act belongs to God and God alone. I’ll list the passages out and explain them with the comic side by side.

– Genesis 19:1-29: The Genesis passage is about Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah.
Lot was told to leave and given fair warning by the angels.
Unfortunately, his wife did not listen and was turned to a pillar of salt.

– Judges 6:1-7:25: The story of Gideon is unusual. Not many recall that an angel of the Lord appeared to him by an oak tree,
while he’s secretly trying to press grain. The angels try to tell Gideon that God chose him,
but it took a while for him to listen and follow.

Luke 2:1-20; Matthew 2:1-12: The birth of Christ was my kid’s favorite.
I placed the angels appearing before the shepherd(s) and wise man(s).
The reason for that is to make sure I not miss a part.

Revelations 1:1-8: Tells of the angels showing forth the glory of Christ.
What a better picture than for us in the end,
see the coming of Christ, live, and fellowship with Him.

I hope you enjoy it!

09.19.11
A couple things. One of our previous post, specifically episode 7, mentioned about a little child who was represented by the little pea with one small arm and leg. She was born on 9.17.11 @8:32pm weighing 5lb 5oz.

What a wonderful joy to behold!

09.04.11
We added peas! The idea and concept came up from Horton Hears a Who, a movie that puts significance on every little being and God puts significance on them. This story also is inspired from friends of mine, the Fruge’s who have endured through special times to one day deliver their blessed child. Enjoy!

08.26.11
The kids and I decided to add two new characters. I know we were going to wait a while, but we decided that this comic needed new characters. Blurry is the turtle and Thomas is the duck. As you know these characters made cameo appearances. The turtle made it in episodes 4 and 5, the duck in episode 2. Enjoy the new characters!

08.17.11
Decided today, that a new section containing our concepts will be added. They will be pre-edited versions of the comics. You can use these for your kids to color or as time progresses use these blank sheets to teach your children to color or better yet use these sheets to help them story tell. Since none of the concept sheets have writing (a few may) they can easily be an effective tool for any family.

Again, thank you for giving us an opportunity to make you smile and laugh.

08.09.11
These are comics inspired by my children. I currently have three who are all under five who love and embrace art. This is my way to reach into their imagination and put something forth for them. I hope to use my ability to draw and story tell to light a fire under them, so that they too can use their imagination and God-given gifts to produce art that is glorifying to God and filled with laughter.

My prayer is that through art they can enjoy the presence of God and reflect God’s goodness in their lives. Each of these comics is to bring laughter and joy to the readers, but most importantly to help the artists enjoy God’s richness of color and imagination.

I found out recently that Jujubee is some sort of tree that grows out Chinese dates. Although the spelling is actually Jujube, I found it hilarious that my kids put Jujubee with a raisin (which looks like a date). The only difference is that most dates have pits. Jujubee is actually a baby giraffe. My son thought of it because of his love of baby giraffe’s since birth. My oldest daughter loves raisins. She doesn’t eat them all the time, but when she does she eats a ton. Obviously, I’m exaggerating, but you get the point. My youngest will one day contribute, but she doesn’t know how this works yet. There will be an added character one day and I look forward to changing this comic as the kids get older.

For now enjoy a few giggles, smiles, and laughs at our expense.