Deep In the Heart of Texas – Impossible Clue #4
When you start thinking Texas you are pulling the strings of my heart. I cannot imagine a better theme. Of course, I’m sure there are a few of you who might disagree – especially those of my friends who live north of the Red River (you know who you are) – but then you would just be wrong.
By the way, the heart of Texas is Austin. And our very own Jana Magruder, Director of Lifeway Kids, moved to Nashville from Austin. Landry Holmes, the Director of Lifeway Kids Publishing, moved to Nashville from Texas. In fact, there are a lot of proud Texans (and a few Texan wannabes) around the office. So a Texas theme could definitely be a possibility.
I find it interesting how “heart” keeps coming to the surface of the guesses that have been submitted. Some of you are absolutely sure “heart” is in the theme some way or another. We’ll just have to wait and see.
So what did the gloved (gorilla) hand have to do with Clue #3? That little detail has me stumped. Of course most of the details have me stumped. I’m sure glad I already know the theme. If not, Clue #3 would have me going under for the third time. Maybe Impossible Clue #4 will fill in the missing pieces of this puzzle.
https://vimeo.com/127826181
Now that you regrettably know the theme is not Texas – since I would never have spent so much time in this post talking about Texas if it had anything to do with the theme – share your guess in the comments section. Don’t forget to sign up in the box below to be entered to win a VBS 2016 Jump Start Kit, Preschool Starter Kit, and Kids Starter Kit! Winners will be announced during the theme reveal party on June 1 – beginning right here at 12:40 CST.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Did you take time yesterday to check out the free VBS training being offered by Ministrygrid? You need to share the link with all of our VBS workers – especially those who were unable to attend training for Journey Off the Map.
Click here to check out FREE Ministrygrid training tailored for your preschool and kids leaders and led by Klista Storts and Bill Emeott. We also have FREE Journey Off the Map specific training available by clicking here.
Can’t wait until Monday. You are going to love the theme. I promise!
yes!! I think the content will be about Noah and references in Genesis. Only a person who lived and taught for 30 years Texas history would get it.
Any hints on the password?
You think Noah might have been a Texan at heart? If everything is bigger in Texas Noah’s ark would fit right in.
I honestly have no idea! Every time I think I may have an idea, the next days clue totally changes it! I can’t wait until Monday to find out 🙂
i think it’s construction, or something of that nature!
The theme is: take the gospel to all nations (commute), be baptized (take a bath), Jesus came for the sick (see a doctor), He came to testify to the TRUTH. Something that ties all this together?!
I haven’t looked at the detials enough to guess the what the theme is, but I did see something after the camera zoomed in at the water on the road. You could see a USA flag and a Texas flag. Also there were annoying marks on the road. Im not sure if it was put there or if they just used a camera with a cracked lens. Haha
We might be traveling across the heart of America to find the truth
Proverbs 4:23 – Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.
Wyoming, Yellowstone, Luke 4:18-19 (Psalm 61)
Good guess, but Wyoming might be a bit of a stretch. Hmmmm
Mission Impossible, building (construction) theme with Noah as the main attraction.
Although, I am still holding out hope for robots.
Robots would be great fun! I think we could work one or two into just about any theme, but a theme built on robots would definitely be something we have never done before.
The heart is Isreal and it is dealing with freedom which leads me to the Alamo! Is 31:5, defend, Deliver and preserve. Noah has been mentioned and God delivered Noah. Also checking out the heart the ventricles was noted to guide down in Texas with the other obvious clues which leads me to the Alamo which the five is also consistent with…
my guess for the verse is still Ephesians 5:1-2. “Therefore, be imitators (Mockingbird) of God, as dearly loved children. 2 And walk (Boot) in love (Heart), as the Messiah also loved us and gave Himself for us, a sacrificial and fragrant (Ref: to smelling from work) offering to God.
I completely agree!! It makes so much sense!
I think that is a strong choice for a theme verse based on the info we have!
John 14:6
We guess that the location is Texas, because of the hidden photos, of the State Bird of Texas, the state flower of Texas, and The Texas flag and American flag in front of the State Capitol Building of Texas. The heart of Texas is in Austin.
Psalm 51:10 Create in me a pure heart
Texas seem too obvious however…I will go with it my second thought is New Mexico and Hebrews cast of the faithful.
While this is sad for me to say, Texas does seem too obvious. Impossible clues are never about what you can see on the surface. That would be much too simple and rob us of all the anticipation. Can’t wait until Monday at 12:40.
A VBS theme that has something to do with New Mexico is a wonderful idea!!!!!!
I agree. Some of my favorite restaurants are in New Mexico. The snacks would be awesome!
“Walk His Way”
The true story of Noah. Gen 7.14
or create in me a pure heart.
Or
What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus
So the theme could be
with man all this is possible. With God nothing is impossible
This guess is from the children of our Dahlonega Baptist Church VBS Director and Co-Director, Story South, Jamey South and Jalyn Cisson
His Eye Is On The Sparrow
from an article by David Padfield
In Matthew 10 Jesus sent out the twelve apostles and “gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease” (Matt. 10:1). This commission was limited in that they were not allowed to “go into the way of the Gentiles” or “enter a city of the Samaritans” (Matt. 10:5). Instead, they were sent “to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matt. 10:6). Our Lord also warned them that persecution would accompany their preaching (Matt. 10:16-22). As an encouragement in the midst of this persecution, Jesus told the disciples of His Father’s care: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matt. 10:27-31).
This is Jamey South, Story South, and Jalyn Cisson’s guess as well. From our own words.
Here’s my theory: The mocking bird from the first clue symbolizes song/hymn, which leads me to the Book of Psalms. The third clue with one dove, the number 5, and two stars leads me to 15:2. The fourth clue with the “heart walk ” along with the “truth” and “a good combination” from the first and second clue confirms Psalm 15: 2 He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart. And I’m sticking with the locomotive/train theme, especially since the last frame in the fourth clue focused on train tracks at a railroad crossing.
psalm 15:2 is where I was leaning also!
This is from Jamey South, Story South, and Jalyn Cisson. From our own words.
We believe that the theme this year will have something to do with medicine and Christ healing. When we saw the words in the man’s eyes from video one we saw “christian latus” and latus means means medicine in greek. Thus meaning “Christ healing”. Also in video one they talked about modern medicine.
Since it is not in Texas that changes my thoughts, now thinking Discovery theme? God knows me, (heart) hears me (the man cleansing) strengthens me ( catch me if you can) and leads me ( commute)
Back to the beginning. Seeking God’s truth.
NOAH or creating a clean heart
TRUTH trackers?
Proverbs 5:5-6
Proverbs 7?
Proverbs 3.5-6
I wonder why the bus are going backwards. Could the traveling theme in several of these be the big idea. Blood travels, traffic, buses, etc. I still think it is something about modern inventions….I wish we would do under the sea!!
Bus spelled backwards is “sub”….hmmmmm I think it will be water-themed.
I am the way the truth and the life no one comes to the father through me
With the whole Texas connection, are we going western again? I can’t wait to find out!
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN as I am putting the finishing touches on prep for Journey Off the Map, which begins Monday, June 1. I will be exhibiting SYMPTOMS of anxiety waiting for the reveal Monday afternoon as we COMMUTE home to rest, TAKE A BATH, and prepare for Day 2!
We’ve got the Flag, Mocking bird, Flower, deep in the heart… It could be Texas, but I wouldn’t think it would be something so obvious. I thought it might be like a mining theme, or to the center of the earth theme, but there is not enough evidence. The new thing I saw was the Geyser. To be specific Strokkur Geyser in Iceland. Why i say this is because of the building in the background (Geysir Center, Haukadalur, 35) is in the background of the picture. Also there is the lupine flower that looked similar to the one in the previous clue. It could be something to do with Iceland or they just wanted to use a geyser for their video.
I think it will be a Back to the Future type theme in the Wild West (Texas).
Genesis 17:1-2
John 17:17
Psalms 86:11
1 kings 2:4
Ephesians 4:23-24
John 14:6
“Walk His Way”
Some sort of combination of walking in truth and a spiritual renewing; using medicine/ science, inventor mindset, or transportation engineering/ manufacturing.
So…if Jerry says it’s NOT Texas (very hard to believe), then maybe just the Heartland (Yellowstone) in general. Something “coast to coast” with the shots of San Fran & NYC. I like the Psalms 15:2 idea.
Maybe I’m reading too much into this, but I have to go with a train theme. Possibly “Ride The Rails Across America” or something like that and the memory verse will likely be from the Great Commission (Matthew 28).
The first video shows blood flowing through the arteries, and transportation networks have been referred to as “arteries” for centuries.
The second video showed someone working hard and getting dirty. Then it said to take a bath. Jesus commanded His followers to go to all nations minister to them and to baptize them. The Greek word for ministry is “diakonia” which literally translates as “kick up dirt” meaning that you are in such a hurry to do something that you kick up the dirt because you are running. The other part is baptize which is also Greek. The word baptizo literally translates as “cleanse by submerging in water.” Also the crossword puzzle spelled out “turth” and that is what Jesus came to teach us.
The third video said “round and round she goes where she stops no one knows.” I know it was used for a variety show in the 50’s, but it could also refer to riding the rails on a trip. Chris LeDoux had a song with those lyrics which were followed by “the miles are gettin’ longer.”
This next one really made me think railroads. Nothing but transportation and moving cars. Then @ 0:26 seconds they show 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. Cornelius Vanderbilt commissioned Grand Central Terminal to consolidate the railroads going in and out of Manhattan. Grand Central is located on 42nd Street in Midtown.
Railroads. Great Commission.
“TRUTH” not “truth”
I think it’s an ocean theme…
I think it is a creation theme.
Symptoms = Sins, Take a Bath = Salvation, Catch Me If You Can = Spirit-filled, Commute = Sharing the Gospel??? After researching the Bible for verses, these are the ones that stick out as possibilties: #1 = Psalm 26:2-7, then Psalm 15:2, Psalm 86:11, Psalm 119:30-32, 1-John 3:18-24. The setting might be something with “Deep in the Heart of Texas”. My son was really into researching these clues and did a still shot of the quickie views in each of the videos and what he found in video #1 was a picture of a guy that almost looked like Jesus with the word Christiaan in his right eye and Barnard in his left eye. Upon further research learned that Christiaan Barnard was the first surgeon to do a successful human to human heart transplant. Jesus takes out our heart of stone and gives us a heart like his! That is a “good combination.” Truth is at the heart of the matter! Don’t know if we are on the right “trail” and can’t wait for the reveal!!!
After watching the last video and reading that Texas is “too obvious”, I have a verse. It is not a guess at the VBS theme, it is a description of my current state:
We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;
2 Corinthians 4:8
Well, my first thought was Create in me a clean heart. Then I had thoughts about Noah. Now I don’t have a clue! Can’t wait til Monday ☺
My son Sean came up with the theme of “20yrs of VBS in 5 Days”. Every video has clues that reference all past VBS themes. Video 1-Christiaan Barnard was the 1st surgeon to perform a heart transplant-he was born in Africa. Victoria Falls is in Africa “Amazing Wonders”. The blood platelets flowing through the heart are like the ocean current of “Ocean Odyssey”. The diagram showing the path of the blood through the heart flows like the Amazon through South America “Amazon Outfitters”. It’s been a “Good Combination” for 20yrs of Biblical truth with craft, snack, rec, missions, & music. (Ooh, the #5 from video 3). Video 2-The music at the start of the video is very suspenseful & very close to the “JAWS” theme, so I’m thinking “Ocean Odyssey” & the guy was digging aka: ”tracking” for the TRUTH crossword-“Truth Trackers”. The horse clopping is for “Saddle Ridge Ranch” & the noise was made by coconuts for “Outrigger Island”. Video 3-the letters or “characters” were being rearranged into a code, therefore “Kingdom Capers”. The watch from “Agency D3”, sports balls & trophy from “Game Day Central”, bicycle horn from “Rickshaw Rally”, the various north-placed colored markers represent the Northern Lights of “Arctic Edge” & “Amazing Wonders”. Also, the star block for “Star Quest”. Video 4-NYC “Big Apple” to San Fran which means coast-to-coast “Colossal Coaster”. The geyser is from “Ramblin’ Road Trip”, the snow covered mountains represent “Mt. Extreme”. The bus or “express” moving backwards represents “Boomerang Express”. And all the Texas references just add up to the very first theme that started them all “Good News Stampede”. Oh yeah, and in case you think we’re waaay off base on this; then we’ve just travelled “Off the Map”-ha. (It also just happens to be the logo in the bottom left corner of all 4 videos, just sayin’.)
There; 20 references for 20 amazing years of VBS! My family had fun looking at every possible clue.
You know, that could be. Especially since Jerry mentioned it on one of the blog posts. Oh well, guess we’ll find out on monday.
You REALLY know your VBS history!
That’s a really good theory!
Selinda – your VBS knowledge alone should receive an award!
Well shucks! I just posted my guess and I guess you beat me to it with the VBS in review idea! I too picked up on some of the references to previous themes! Good for you on remembering so many. I have helped, and led with so many of them and watched my son be a part of most of them in the past 12 years. They have been great!
Wow Salinda, I’m impressed. You make so much sense. Even if you’re not close, you deserve a prize for tying every VBS together! It’s a good combination.
Selinda, your guess is amazing. You and Sean really know your Bible school themes! Can you put them in order without help? Seriously, I think the two of you definitely deserve prizes. Please send your shipping address to my e-mail – [email protected]. I have a couple of I Heart VBS Tervis tumblers with your names on them. Thanks for playing!
I’m thinking something to do with transportation or travel historically. Maybe a stagecoach, which might also explain all the “Texas” references we keep seeing, or train. I can’t wait for Monday!
I can’t wait for Monday either! This time to tomorrow and we will know. You are going to love it. The Bible content is awesome and exactly what so many kids (and adults) need today.
So it wasn’t anything close to what I was thinking, but I’m already in love with the thought of planning an underwater VBS! I can start now without feeling the least bit guilty because we had an awesome week last week last week where every day except one we had more kids than our biggest day the year before. Lots of awesome things happened with “Journey Off the Map!” I can’t wait to see where God will lead us with “Submerged!”
Movie theme about “Truth”
I’m thinking it’s something to do with a sea theme…
Well if there is a clue in his boot and he is from Texas… I would have to agree with the Noah theme because we are wearing our wading boots here!!!
Planning for Success: Drink of the Spirit; Grow in Christ. First Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.”
I’m guessing an ocean theme, because it is the least possible theme. I’m stumped.
Since everything is bigger in Texas. I would say that God’s Love is Deeper/Bigger than anything one could imagine. God will carry us during our darkest times and that we should fully rely on Him.
Adventure Across America.
Create in me a clean heart.
Road Trip round up.
I think that the theme is something to do with mining. Birds were often used in mines to sense odorless gas. Miners wear boots, and gloves. Coal miners may suffer from black lung and miners certainly do get dirty while digging in the mines. It looks like the mountains may be the Rockies and the commute pictures were from different locations – not the same city. So maybe it has to do with the gold rush?
Then too I’m wondering if there is a special anniversary year and that you are going to take the kids on a journey to 5 of the old themes? The crossword puzzle had clues on it that showed things from previous VBS – one being the Great Kingdom Caper – or maybe you are going to have a quick review of our country’s history from the American revolution to western expansion? OK – did multiple guesses knock me out of the contest?
So Rachel, I’m intrigued. If you could pick five (one per day) of the previous 19 themes, which five would it be?
I’d vote for Artic Edge. That’s been my all-time favorite. Great music, and most of all, talking about ice during a hot summer is well, perfect.
A man after God’s own heart (you always heard the “heart of Texas” hence the Texas theme going with the heart in the first video. The guy in the first video is a heart surgeon (God works on our heart). When your dirty, God cleans you up (cleans your heart up) The different cities maybe come into play with no matter where you go God is always there willing to clean you and make you new. — At least it is a good guess!
The creation story from Genesis chapter 1. Creation verses Evolution is my guess.
“In the beginning God” which is were all VBS themes begin.
I’m totally unsure! LOL. When I think I have a clue I change my mind the next day. Would love if it is a Western theme tho! Love the “Heart of Texas” idea, but agree that this seems to obvious.
Kelly, I keep changing my mind as well based on the guesses that have been submitted. So many good ideas.
USA & Texas uncover the TRUTH
The back of a bus has a person walking in boots with the words “Heart Walk” beside it. I still think something medical.
What if it was one of those marathon races. They could start in Texas and run/bike all the way up to Canada or something.
NASA’s Johnson Space center, Houston.
“The stars at night, shine big & bright,
Deep in the heart of Texas.”
Philippians 2:15 “. . .so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world.” HCSB
Back to the beginning.seeking God’s truth.
Combine all the 20 years. Yeah great idea
Psalms 15.2
I think we might be healing the heart of America with a look at the past through time travel
I’m stumped….My two guesses would be:
1. that is has something to do with the Sermon on the Mount from the blocks that show 5, 6, and 7 in the third video….(Matthew 5-7 has some of the richest teaching in Scripture), or…
2. that is has something to do with Jesus’ final night with His disicples as recorded in John’s gospel. Various little pieces of the clues tie in with what he talked/did with them that night (washing their feet [take a bath], telling them about the Holy Spirit [catch me if you can–the dove on the block at the end], he is the way [commute], etc.)
But both of those are a stretch 🙂
Route 66 themed
Fun idea. Route 66 has many sites and sights that are theme worthy.
My son and I still think this is an underwater/submarine theme, mainly because of the two backwards bus clips (bus spelled backwards is sub) and all of the water images and references. I somehow missed the geyser until today, but again it’s sort of a water thing too. I posted our theories in yesterday’s comments, but the comment never got posted for some reason. (Perhaps because we’re onto something?). This is our first year playing along with the game in a dedicated way, and we’ve been having a blast with it.
Nothing underhanded going on – just been busy with Sunday School and VBS at my church and haven’t had time to approve comments. Happy to have you and your son playing Impossible Clues. We’re having a blast as well. I don’t know where you live, but if it is anywhere close to Texas you know the state has become an underwater adventure in itself recently. Keep those theories coming!
We’re in Mooresville, NC. We’ve got the opposite problem. Not enough rain here lately. But, plenty of sunshine and nice days to be ouside, so still thankful.
Thanks for all you guys do to make this fun each year.
We think from all of the clues that it is either a pirate theme or gold rush theme. From video 1 and 2, We see that “a good combination” of the heart is needed to find “true” treasure. From the 3rd video, the blocks at the end led us to the verse Deuteronomy 5:6-7, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” In video four, the emphasis on water as well as the buses moving backwards (sub) led us to maybe pirate theme.
Good guesses. Thanks for joining us for another year of Impossible Clues.
JERRY WHERE IS CLUE #5??
No Clue #5 Noah. You have to decide with the evidence provided. You can do it! Thanks for playing Impossible Clues.
I am set on the cowboy type theme… this was so very very much woody’s line in toy story!
I keep coming back to time travel. I see Doctor Who in the second video. Buses going backwards in the fourth. But I can’t get it tied altogether with the clues…but that is my best guess since I’m running out of time.
Can’t wait to find out tomorrow! I have no clue what it is
Keep dwelling on this and could be do many things also see Rio Grande with all the rivers, water, commute it goes through 5 states and 5th longest river. Birds also represent promises, innocence. Think number 3 might have something to do with morse code, sound and all the dots. So ready for today!!!!
I think it will be a space theme based on NASA mission control in Houston, Texas.
Did some research on the “geyser”….came up with some interesting info. That particular picture appears to be a geothermal iceland well. So a possible reference to Energy? Geothermal energy is stored and generated within the Earth itself.
It could be about the garden of Eden because the heart of Texas is Eden. Everything points to hearts and medicine.
Correction… I typed wrong… Everything leads to hearts and Texas.
Everything leads to hearts and Texas … Even though it has nothing to do with texas… The heart of Texas is Eden and that could point to the garden of Eden.
Everything points to hearts and Texas. The heart of Texas is Eden which could lead to the garden of Eden which could also lead to the 7 wonders.
A Journey to the center of the world theme concentrating on how Jesus blood can cleanse our hearts.
I believe Selinda is correct that each video references the vbs themes over the past 20 years. I was starting to think that when I saw Chicago in the last video and other references in the other three videos. Overall I think TRUTH will be revealed as the foundation of the theme for 2016 and it will be a building/construction based theme or an archeological dig.
“Digging up VBS” bringing past vbs into the present
I’m going to guess its South Africa, the home of Christian Barnard, who performed the first human to human heart transplant. The visuals led me to the heart theme since it is a high efficiency pump which keeps our blood flowing. Just as the traffic is the lifestream of the system, so is the blood to the human body. Jesus dwells in the heart of Christians and is our life source.
It isn’t Texas, but it has to do with birds, stars, and the number 5???? And what does “A Good Combination” mean? And the word puzzle clues… and aviation one, a character one… they spell TRUTH…. then you have the clock works at the beginning…
I GOT IT! It’s a steam punk, time traveling, geocaching theme with bird watching!
Am I close?
Well, not too close – but thanks for playing. Did Rob help on this guess?
I’m not sure what it is but I’m excited to find out!!
Theme verse: And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13
Theme: A Heart of Missions