Star Wars Day | JOY for Today
Wield your lightsabers and don your Jedi robes: it's Star Wars Day! Annually we embrace this sci-fi universe and greet each other with the common phrase, "May the Fourth be with you." It is a day to dream of a reality beyond this one, to connect in our common interests, and to imagine ourselves as epically awesome (Which, I want you to know, you already are.). Even if you are not an avid fan, engaging in Star Wars discourse, celebrations, or observations will likely elicit JOY in someone you know. And, if nothing else, it always helps to know, "the 'Force' will be with you, always."
Wolfe Stew Connects
Which verse or quote will you play on repeat today?
Star Wars Activity Suggestions
Star Wars Topics:
- Did You Know... (Tidbits we find intriguing.)
- Wolfe Stew Connects (Why it matters to us.)
- Bible Verses and Quotes (Words that resonate.)
- Activity Suggestions (Ways to celebrate. New feature: "Our Nephew's Suggestion")
Did You Know:
- "Gobbledygook" was the adjective associated with Lucas' original Star Wars draft? 20th Century Fox took a chance on Star Wars: A New Hope based on Lucas' recent success with American Graffiti. But the original draft was in a galaxy far, far from ready. (Lucas' project partner described it as gobbledygook). The original draft underwent four more drafts in two years with major changes in each before the screenplay was production ready. (Biography.com)
- Han Solo was originally a frog-like alien? Han is described in the original draft as, "a huge, green skinned monster with no nose and large gills." And, as for Luke, Luke is described as, "a weary, but still magnificent looking warrior. His face, cracked [and] set off by a close silver beard, and dark penetrating eyes." (Star Warz)
- Kane Starkiller was the original villain? Starkiller's son was Annakin. Skywalker and Starkiller were Jedi brothers. (Star Warz)
- R2-D2 originally spoke English and shot insults right back at C3PO? Artwo refers to Threepio as a "mindless, useless philosopher," when we first meet him and later proclaims that Threepio's way "is always the wrong way." (Star Warz)
- Chewbacca's voice is a mix of four animals? Sound designer Benn Burt mixed sounds from badgers, lions, seals, and walruses to create the Wookie's unique sound for this unique character who underwent only minor changes throughout all four drafts. (BestLifeOnline)
Read more about Star Wars:
- "25 Amazing 'Star Wars' Facts Even Fans Don't Know" by Bob Larkin at BestLifeOnline.com
- "George Lucas and the Origin Story Behind 'Star Wars'" by B Myint at Biography.com
- The Star Wars - Rough Draft by George Lucas at StarWarz.com
We'd Love to Know:
A Star Wars fact you know and want to share.
Wolfe Stew Connects
Star Wars. The series holds a venerable place in this household. I don't dare make light of it or I'll be admonished. So, naturally, I do. Frequently. And with great delight. Let's tell both sides of this tale, shall we?
For the Mr., Star Wars represents his own story. A story of father and son, estranged. A son, longing to know his father, to connect with him, and a father who distanced himself to prevent pain. Then, the father realizes his folly and redeems himself through sacrifice. While the Mr.'s story is still unfolding, he projects the ending detailing a heavenly Father achieving restoration in this earthly father and son story through the sacrifice and redeeming love of His own Son.
For the Mrs., she understands and honors the significance of Star Wars to the Mr., but still reserves the right to wholeheartedly tease him about it every chance she gets. A right bestowed upon her on their wedding day. Along with the right to wear his hoodies however often she desires. (It's officially written so now it's true, my love.) He especially approves of her confusing Star Wars with Star Trek, referring to the Jedi weapons as "life savers" (Well, they are!), and renaming him "Obi Sean Kenobi" (You're my only hope.).
Regardless of our personal standings, we both recognize parallels between the Star Wars saga and the greatest story ever told: God's redemptive love through His beloved son. In the fight between the "Light Side" and the "Dark Side," we recognize our position as a light in the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16) and pray we do not hide it. In realizing that we are all connected by a "Force" greater than ourselves, we welcome it (John 17:21), are improved by it (Proverbs 27:17), and identify the connective Force by His true name: Jesus (Colossians 1:17). Finally, in walking through this life, we recognize that we must "unlearn what we have learned," always leaning on the Father for understanding (Hebrews 4:12) because our thoughts betray us (Proverbs 28:26).
Friends, Fellow Stones, Warriors in the Fight, the betrayal of our own thoughts is just one of the daily struggles that prevent us from accurately identifying the battles we face, from seeing them for what they really are, and from adequately equipping ourselves for them. But it's a fight we signed up for the day we chose Jesus. If you could grow in learning to accurately IDENTIFY your battles with us, we'd love to have you. We've crafted a GROWTH for Today Calendar that aims to do just that. Each day features a short, but impactful, activity built around learning to accurately identify your true enemy. If you can grow in this area too, join us. We need you in the fight, Warrior!
We'd Love to Know:
To which tale you most relate: The Mr.'s, The Mrs.', or the one about Jesus?
Star Wars Bible Verses and Quotes
Verses
- "He was before all else began and it is his power that holds everything together." Colossians 1:17 TLB
- "One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Ephesians 4:6 KJV
- "We have to fight to keep our faith. Try as hard as you can to win that fight. Take hold of eternal life. It is the life you were chosen to have when you confessed your faith in Jesus - that wonderful truth that you spoke so openly and that so many people heard." I Timothy 6:12 ERV
- "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow, as it judges the thoughts and purposes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12 ISV
- "and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this - that I am with you always, even to the end of the world." - Matthew 28:20 TLB
Quotes
- "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." - Yoda, The Phantom Menace
- "Be mindful of your thoughts, Anakin, they betray you." - Obi Wan, Attack of the Clones
- "Dear child, the belonging you seek is not behind you...it is ahead." - Maz Kanata, The Force Awakens
- "That's how we're gonna win. Not fighting what we hate, saving what we love." - Rose Tico, The Last Jedi
- "As long as he lives, hope lives." Supreme Leader Snoke, The Last Jedi
We'd Love to Know:
Star Wars Activity Suggestions
Star Wars, a multi-generational franchise, is sure to excite learners and leaders. As you embark on this great adventure, may the force be with you.
Our Nephew's Suggestion:
Dress like your favorite Star Wars character. He'd choose either R2D2 or the hang-gliding Ewok. The Mr. is already pulling out his Obi Wan costume and the Mrs... well... she'll probably dress as someone from Star Trek just for the (loving?) reaction. Totally worth it.
Our Suggestions:
- Watch your favorite Star Wars movie or episode.
- Eat Star Wars food. Choose from recipes at StarWars.com. What we'd choose:
- For an at-school snack: Fruit TIE fighters or Yoda Cucumber Bites
- For an appetizer: Ahsoka Red Pepper Dip
- For the main dish: Dianoga Meatballs
- For dessert: Chewie Chews and Blue Milk
- Make a Star Wars craft:
- Easy shape craft (at Toddler Approved)
- Lego building guides (from Chris McVeigh)
- Homemade Soap: Millennium Falcon (with Simplistically Living) or Han Solo (with Totally the Bomb)
- Embrace technology:
- Star Wars themed Coding (code.org)
- From the Star Wars universe (StarWars.com).
- Create your own adventure with these writing prompts from Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls.
- Take a Break with our Star Wars Brain Breaks PowerPoint. It includes ten brain breaks of varying types so you can choose the kind of break you need: energizing, calming, or discussion-based.
We'd Love to Know:
Who you'd dress up as for Star Wars Day.
We’re excited to share one more day with you and wish you JOY for Today and HOPE for Tomorrow. Check in next week for...Mother's Day!
Fighting the Good Fight with You,
Find even more JOY for Today in our monthly calendars, holiday, and seasonal posts.
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Thank you for adding your flavor to the stew.