It seems like our quarantine isn’t going to be over anytime soon, and I’m sure that many of you are looking for ideas to make good use of your time, as well as your kids’. I’ve rounded up a list of free and discounted ideas that will hopefully help you out during this time.
Dwell is a Bible listening app and is my FAVORITE and most-used app. It features scripture (with an array of different voice options) set to beautiful music (many choices on type of music as well). There is a huge selection of playlists, or choose to listen through a book of the Bible. There is always a free version that has limited options, but during this pandemic they are offering churches 60-day free trials. A pastor or church leader has to sign up- send this email address to a staff member if you’d like your church to participate! covid19@dwellapp.io
Our church always has past sermons on our website and I happen to be a big fan of the pastor 😉 (he’s my husband if you don’t know us personally haha) Click here for past sermon audio. Of course, all of our services are now online. Click here to see the videos of the last 3 services. Ben started preaching through Psalms on March 1 and it’s just so timely!
Right Now Media has free limited access if you’re not a member: hundreds of Bible studies and videos including resources for kids!
Lifeway Women is offering free Bible study courses (11 to choose from) and the corresponding ebooks are only $5 until April 15. Click here for more information.
As always, you can get a free trial to Audible if you’re a new member. I’m not a huge audio fan (wish I was!) but my kids really like them. Also check out your libraries’ online resources for free audiobook loans.
updated 4/8/2020- Audible also released a Stories collection with listens for kids of all ages. There are some great ones on there, (Anne of Green Gables! CS Lewis!) but also ones that looked like they may contain questionable content, so be sure to oversee what your kids are listening to.
You can also do a free trial of Kindle Unlimited. This is something I use personally. You pay $10 a month and have access to thousands of eBooks. You can have up to 10 loaned out at a time. I have read a TON of books this way in the last year. (Here’s a post of fiction books I’ve loved lately)
Amazon Prime also has some good stuff. In addition to free shipping, you also get Amazon Music for free (not the Unlimited version) but there is a lot of good music to stream! Check out Seeds Family Worship for some great kids’ songs. Thanks to my friend Megan for that tip! We also love the Torchlighter video series of missionary stories. Click here for a free Prime trial.
The Houston Symphony is offering rebroadcasts of previous symphonies at 8 pm CST Sunday and Wednesday nights. Click here for more info.
Beachbody on Demand is offering a free 2 week trial of their workout classes! Just be sure to cancel before your 2 weeks is up if you don’t want to be charged. (ask me how I know ha!)
Bonus resource: If you’re having trouble finding fresh produce, I highly recommend Imperfect Foods Delivery. We have used them for over a year. They sell fruit/veggies that farmers are otherwise unable to sell. They also usually have quinoa, rice, snack foods, nuts etc. (their selection varies week to week but you always get to choose what you want and can skip weeks as well.) And… they bring it to your door which is a HUGE bonus right now. Click here for $10 off your first order!
Watercolor classes: I have long been a fan of Emily A. Lex’s watercolor classes (formerly called Jones Design Company) She is offering 20 FREE downloadable watercolor sheets (you could also color them) and also 15% off water color classes (adult and kids) using the code HOMESCHOOL. I have enjoyed painting so much the last year or so. The girls and I did the kids’ class together last summer and had the best time. I recommend a kit like the one below to get started. It has paints, brushes and water color paper (a must!) included.