Humility vs. Pride, Part 1 ~ By Heather Young

In this article, I will talk about humility.  I will attempt to explain what humility is, why it is good to be humble, and how we can become truly humble.  What is humility? According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, to be humble means “having or showing a consciousness of one’s shortcomings.”  Surprisingly, this definition matches up almost exactly with what the Bible has to say about humility.

During my search for verse about humility, I discovered four different types of humility:

            1. Humility as a slave/servant

            2. Humility as a child

            3. Humility toward God

            4. Humility toward others

1. Humility as a slave/servant

“and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 20:27-28

“The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”

Matthew 23:11-12

Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:3-11

Jesus is the ultimate example of humility.  Although He could have disobeyed His Father by rejecting the cross, he chose to follow God’s plan for His life by humbling Himself as a lowly servant.  Even to death He was obedient.  After Jesus became fully aware that He was God’s Son, He could have made everyone bow down and serve Him like a king.  Instead, as Matthew chapter 20 says, He “came not to be served but to serve.”

2. Humility as a child

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, ‘Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?’ He called a little child and had him stand among them. And he said: ‘I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 18:1-4

“[Jesus] said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.’”

Luke 9:48

In a way, children are forced to show humility toward their parents.  A baby cannot feed itself, clothe its body, or change its own diaper.  We need to be dependent on God for our daily sustenance, or we will often fee empty.

3. Humility toward God

“What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us’? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’ Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

James 4:1-10

After reading this passage, you may be puzzled, as I was, by verse 9, “Be wretched and mourn and weep.  Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy be turned to gloom.”  How does this verse even fit into the context of the beginning of James chapter 4? In John Calvin’s commentary on James 4:9, he explains:

“[James] addresses those who, being inebriated (drunk) in their minds, did not perceive God's judgment. Thus it happened that they flattered themselves in their vices. That he might shake off from them this deadly torpor (stupor), he admonishes them to learn to mourn, that being touched with sorrow of conscience they might cease to flatter themselves and to exult on the verge of destruction. Then laughter is to be taken as signifying the flattering with which the ungodly deceive themselves, while they are infatuated by the sweetness of their sins and forget the judgment of God.”

4. Humility toward others

“To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

‘God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble.’

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

1 Peter 5:1-6

“For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.”

Romans 12:3-5

When we humble ourselves toward one another, we allow room for God to use us together as the body of Christ.

“[The LORD] mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble.”

Proverbs 3:34

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.”

James 4:10

God is very serious about rewarding those who do what He asks.  When we humble ourselves in obedience to God, He will give us grace, which results in eternity in heaven with Him.

“An argument arose among [the disciples] as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, ‘Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.’”

Luke 9:46-48

The following comments on this passage are credited to Pastor Ron Mehl:

Even though the disciples had walked with Jesus for many years, they did not yet understand true humility.  A lack of humility makes you compare yourself with others like the disciples were in verse 46.  Also, a lack of humility also makes you critical of others like the disciples were in verse 49, where it says, “John answered, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he does not follow with us.’”  In the next verse Jesus informs John that the person was not against them.

True humility is a right perspective of God, yourself, and others.  When we have a right perspective of God, we should be focused on not our inadequacies, but God’s greatness—not focusing on what we’re not, but seeing Him for who He is.  When we have a right perspective of ourselves, we should not be self-degrading, but instead we should be self-accepting.  Lastly, when we have a right perspective of others, instead of being judgmental like the disciple were in Luke 9, we become accepting and want to serve others.

What does true humility look like? I believe Isaiah was one great example.  Once he realized what a wretched sinner he was, and what a great God he served, he said, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”

To overcome a lack of humility, we must constantly remind ourselves that we are always in the presence of God.  If we imagine Jesus sitting right next to us all the time (which He is!), just imagine how much different our lives would be!

Fundraising Ideas~ Heather Young

Even though summer is almost over, and autumn will soon begin, there is still plenty of time for fundraising! Of course, there are many opportunities to raise money, such as garage sales, bake sales, car washes, and going door-to-door selling something.

Garage Sale Tips:

·         colorful signs

·         easy-to-read signs

·         consistent signs

·         good prices

Garage sales are one of my favorite ways to earn money, even if it’s not for fundraising! The number one rule to a successful sale: have good signage! Have colorful signs that people can easily see and read from far away, and place a lot so no one will get confused about where to go.  Moreover, have consistent signs.  Once, I was on my way to a garage sale following a yellow sign that read, “Huge Sale!” As I got closer to my destination, the sign changed to a smaller orange sign that read, “Garage Sale.”  Obviously, I became puzzled, wondering if both signs indeed belonged to the same sale.  I soon found out yes, they were, but if you have a garage sale, please make everyone’s trip easier by not have varying signs.  When pricing, try to sell items for less than their original worth, while not going so low that you won’t get much profit.  Or, you could even not put prices on anything and let people decide what they want to pay!

Bake Sale Tips:

·         good location

·         samples

·         fresh food

·         reasonable prices

Personally, I have not had much success with bake sales.  Sadly, I only tried once because my first and final attempt only attracted one customer, not counting my friends.  But, I am sure many of you could sell a lot of goodies if you choose a location within view of cars.  One thing the consumers enjoyed about my sale was the samples I laid out.  Be careful not to cut them too big, or some people might only eat samples.  Also, instead of baking a huge batch of goodies in the morning, bake a small amount every hour or two to keep your food fresh.

A car wash cannot only earn a decent amount of money; it can also be fun! Most importantly, have good advertising (see “Garage Sale Tips”).

Lastly, when you go door-to-door (with a buddy!) you can find numerous ways to earn money, whether by selling a product or doing yard work! Be sure to always have a smile on your face and make your offer look appealing.  No one wants to buy something from someone who doesn’t look friendly! Also, make sure you have a flyer to hand out or show to your customers so they know you aren’t just some kid trying to make a few bucks for yourself.

Although you may have already finished your summer fundraising, I hope you will take these ideas into account for the future! Have you tried any creative ways to raise money? If so, please leave a comment!

For more fundraising ideas, go to:

http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Phtograph taken by Lauren Jaji.

The Three Brothers~ Hogan Stevens

"She's caught tight!" Othniel called from atop the ravine.

Quinn sighed in aggravation, but Nolan stood off to the side, thoughtful.

The three brothers were sheep herders. For half an hour now they had been searching for one wayward lamb, which had wondered off into the ravine. Its wobby legs had somehow led it toward the most dangerous part of the slope, where just below the rushing river threatened to sweep it away should it fall. The rocks were more like boulders here where the small creature had succeeded in tangling itself in some reeds wedged just between two large rocks. The poor lamb bleated mildly as Othniel carefully made his way out of the ravine and back to his brothers standing safely at the edge.

"I can walk down to him, Quinn. It won't take but a second, and then we can be on our way." Othniel crossed his arms over his chest and surveyed the rocky slope, determination set on his rugged face. He was the oldest of the three and by far the most adventurous and confident. Once when he was just Nolan's age, he had slain a wolf with his bare hands.

Quinn snorted. "Yes, you would slide down to it, and be eaten by the river." The second brother, by far the most intelligent, squinted at the raging waters below. Calculating. "We need to think this through. Perhaps if you tied a rope about your waist and tied it to that tree--"

"Oh, and tell me where we'll get a rope that long!" Othniel interrupted with a barking laugh.

Quinn scowled at him and fell silent, but by the look on his face he was still forming a delicate, flawless plan.

"I can take a running start at it and avoid the rocks, alright? And then I can throw aside the boulders, scoop up the wee lamb, and there. Problem solved."

"By the steep set of the incline, you would fall to your death by running! I say we use the rope to help you down half of the way, and then you can crawl the rest of the distance. You'll need to roll the rocks aside, of course--"

"Of course--"

"--and try not to scare the lamb into running off."

Othniel frowned, insulted. "What? You think I don't know how to handle a lamb? I've been doing this far longer than any of you can--"

"Oh! Don't start that up again!"

The two brothers had forgotten all about their youngest, and assuredly most thoughtful and quiet, brother. Nolan had been standing off to the side, ignoring his siblings' bickering. He was quite used to being forgotten, pushed to the side. But this day, he knew exactly what to do. He was surprised neither Othniel nor Quinn had already thought of it, but then again, they were too busy arguing to really look.

Without a word, Nolan slipped away. Othniel and Quinn didn't even notice his leaving.

With a growl of aggravation, Othniel glanced up at the sun. "We're losing daylight, brother. I'm going down. Without that blasted rope." He scowled at the length of rope that Quinn was now holding.

"At least start from the least dangerous spot, Othniel." Quinn pointed with the rope, indicating what looked to be the least dangerous way to start the descent.

Othniel laughed again. "Least dangerous?! And where would be the fun in that?"

He turned from Quinn, his movements sure and confident as he readied himself for the run down the ravine. Cracking his knuckles dramatically, he turned to spot the lamb--and stopped. From behind Othniel, Quinn gasped as he saw it at the same time.

The lamb was no longer pinned.

It was now resting safely in Nolan's arms as the boy slowly made his way back up the rocky slope. The two brothers watched in shock as Nolan cleared the edge.

"What...How did you...?"

"You could've been hurt--"

With a smile, Nolan interrupted, "While you two were bickering about the best way to avoid sliding down the rocks, that's exactly what I did. They actually helped me get down safely, and I used them as handholds on the way up."

The light of understanding lit Quinn's face, but Othniel simply continued to frown.

Setting the lamb safely to its feet, Nolan shrugged. "Sometimes, brothers, what we see as a hindrance...can actually be used to get us out of the problem we're in. We only need to see it."

Othniel glanced at Quinn, both of them wearing expressions of complete surprise. Then smiles broke forth, and Othniel nudged Quinn in the ribs.

"I think I like this kid. He's not too bad!"

　

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Vanessa.

John 15~ Heather Young

Have you ever found yourself puzzling over John 15? “What’s so important about a grape plant, anyway,” you think.  Here is an article that I hope will clear up your confusion.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

John 15:1-11

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.” (v. 1)

The vine is the trunk of the grape plant that grows out of the ground.  Branches are connected to the vine…  The vinedresser is the keeper of the vineyard.  He works hard to coax from his plants the most pounds of grapes possible.

The branches of the plant are the main focus of the vinedresser’s efforts because they produce fruit.  They are tied to a trellis or propped up with sticks to let air circulate, to provide the maximum amount of sunshine, and to allow full access for tending.  Lovingly, the vinedresser cultivates each branch so that it will bear as much fruit as possible.  Yet every branch responds differently to his efforts, and when the time for harvest comes, each branch will have produced a different-sized crop, displayed in verse 2.

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” (v. 2)

Fruit represents good works, as shown in Titus 3 and Psalm 1:

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”

Titus 3:14

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

Psalm 1:3

The phrase, “take away” in verse 2 suggests that one might be “cut off” from God, severed from ever having a relationship with Him.  However, a better translation for the Greek word “airo-” would be “take up” or “lift up”.  Examples of where this is used can be found in Matthew 14:20, Matthew 27:32, and John 1:29.  One expert said, “New branches have a natural tendency to trail down and grow along the ground.  But they don’t bear fruit down there.  We lift them up and wash them off.  Then we wrap them around the trellis or tie them up.  Pretty soon they’re thriving.” 

“Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.” (v. 3)

See John 13:10 for an explanation as to why Jesus said this.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (v. 4)

Notice that “Abide.” is said as a command.  When someone commands someone else to do something, it is because it won’t come naturally.  To abide means to remain, to stay closely connected, to settle in for the long term.  The branch shares an ongoing, vital connection with the vine; if it is disconnected, we wither and die and become of no spiritual use (v. 6).

You bear inner fruit when you allow God to nurture in you a new, Christ-like quality (Galatians5:22).

You bear outward fruit when you allow God to work through you to bring Him glory (Ephesians 2:10).

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (v. 5)

More abiding is performed by keeping Him in your thoughts and activities throughout the day.  Have an attitude like David did in Psalm 42:1, “As the deer pants for water, so pants my soul for You, oh God.”

“If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” (v. 6)

“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” (v. 7)

“By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” (v. 8)

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.” (v. 9)

“If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.” (v. 10)

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” (v. 11)

We are here not to fulfill our own dreams, but to fulfill God’s dream of us giving Him glory.  In this way, we find our greatest joy.

1. no fruit (v. 2a)

Producing no fruit is a result of enduring sin.  In order to correct us, God can make Himself heard in many ways.  Just as the vinedresser takes necessary measures to correct a wayward branch, so does God take necessary measures to correct wayward believers.  Throughout each of our lives, He persistently offers us opportunities to respond to His loving and wise nudging us in the right direction.

“Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the LORD your God disciplines you.”

Deuteronomy 8:5

“And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?

‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.’”

Hebrews 12:5-6

2. fruit (v. 2b)

To prune means to thin, to reduce, to cut off.  As your relationship with God grows, you will need more of your lesser priorities cut away to make room for God to get greater glory.  Similarly, as a grape plant grows, more and more branches must be cut away each year to let enough sunlight in for a maximum fruit product.  One difference between disciplining and pruning is during discipline you need to repent, and during pruning you need to give God permission to work in your life.  The most fruitful and the most joyful Christians are the most pruned Christians.

3. more fruit (v. 2c) and 4. much fruit (v. 5b)

During abiding, only what’s happening on the inside matters.  The process begins with activities such as Bible reading and prayer.  Also, the key is to break through from duty to relationship with God.

In conclusion:

1. If your life consistently bears no fruit, God will intervene to discipline you.

2. If your life bears some fruit, God will intervene to prune you.

3. If your life bears a lot of fruit, God will invite you to abide more deeply with Him.

God can use you no matter what season you are in!

***Credit to Bruce Wilkinson’s book, Secrets of the Vine for the majority of information in this article***

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photograph taken by Corrine Voelp.

The Glory of God~ Heather Young

Many times in the Bible, there is evidence that God appears to be an egomaniac, all about Himself and His glory.  Actually, that is true, but perhaps not in the sense you may think.  In the following verses, there are clear statements that show how much God cares about His glory:

“Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

Exodus 34:14

“For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”

Deuteronomy 4:24

“For My own name’s sake I delay My wrath; for the sake of My praise I hold it back from you,

so as not to cut you off.  See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction.  For My own sake, for My own sake, I do this.  How can I let Myself be defamed? I will not yield My glory to another.”

Isaiah 48:9-11

If God was not all about His glory, we would not be alive today.  We deserve death, but God has mercy on us because of His glory, not because of anything we do or are.  In thanks, we should give glory back to Him, so that He may be even more magnified through us.

“For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.”

Ephesians 1:4-6

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

1 Corinthians 10:31

We were created to give Him glory in everything, but we don’t have to choose between God getting glory and us getting joy.  Instead, “we were made to find our capstone of joy by forgetting ourselves in the presence of magnificence.” (–John Piper) God is the one Being in the universe for whom self exaltation is not an act of a needy ego, but an act of infinite self-giving for our enjoyment.

“I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’

Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth—everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”

Isaiah 43:6-7

The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 29:11

Moreover, God is a just God, and deserves whatever praise we can give Him.  When we disobey Him, however, He must deliver punishment.  Although we don’t deserve a satisfying “reward” (the cross), God gives it to us anyway.  The cross is the heart of Christianity.  God put Christ forward to absorb His wrath and His anger against our sin; the punishment is removed from us when we choose to accept His gift.

“The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Psalm 103:8

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate His justice, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—He did it to demonstrate His justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”

Romans 3:23-26

“For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man.”

Romans 8:3

God’s God-centeredness is a powerful test of our God-centeredness.  Ask yourself these questions: Do I love for God to love His glory? Do I love for God to magnify His name? Or do I love for God to be centered on me?

Finally, if Jesus is more glorious than anything, what better could He do than ask His Father that we could be with Him? (See verse below.)

“Father, I want those you have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory you have given Me because you loved Me before the creation of the world.”

John 17:24

There are many ways to give God glory in everything, and here is just one example that a pastor at my church shared:

            When you get up in the morning, as you pour your orange juice, thank God for all the work that went into getting it to your hand.  Thank Him that you didn’t have to peel and squeeze the orange yourself.  Thank Him that you have money to be able to buy orange juice, and a fridge to store it.  Thank Him your family members didn’t drink it all.  Thank Him you have a cup from which to drink it.

Maybe even more ways can be found how to thank God for that one little thing.  Wow, right there are six reasons to give glory to God for what He has given you.  Just imagine how much our lives will be changed if we focus our attitude on God all the time, giving Him thanks and praise for all He has done.  We could turn the world upside down!

Did you know that Heather went on a missions trip to Mexico last summer?!?!

Water Games~ Heather Young

While you’re having fun in the sun this summer, don’t forget the water! Just a drop can add a refreshing feeling that will leave you wanting more! Although you can add water to any outdoor game, here are some more original ideas – maybe even a few you may not have thought of before:

·         Water Balloons

o   Volleyball

§  Using a volleyball or badminton net, toss water balloons over the nets and catch them with sheets.  The more water balloons you add, the more fun it will be!

o   Hot Potato

§  Sit in a circle with some friends, pass the balloon around the circle until someone pops it.  Then, that person sits out and you keep doing that until there is only one person left.  Instead of passing the balloon around the circle, you could toss it across the circle for more of a challenge.

§  Also, you can have someone playing music, and when they pause it, the person holding the balloon has to pop it on themself.

o   Balloon Toss

§  This game is probably the most common.  Have people get into teams of two and stand across from one another, face each other.  Every time a team makes a successful catch, one person takes a step back.  If the balloon breaks, that team is out.  The last team standing wins.

§  You can also use bowls or old plastic containers to catch the balloons.

o   Dodge Ball

§  In this case, of course, you will be using water balloons instead of balls.  Water balloons may even be safer.

o   Team Balloon Race

§  Have everyone get into teams of two, stand back-to-back with one another, and link their arms together.  Place a water balloon between their backs.  The first team to the finish line with their balloon intact is the winner!

·         Squirt Guns

o   Target Practice

§  Build a target with whatever material you have available, then shoot away! (Don’t forget to put a board behind the target in case you miss!)

§  To create a competition, put different-colored food coloring in the water in each person’s gun.

o   Squirt Fight

§  Divide players into teams, each with a different color of water.  Have everyone wear white shirts, and after everyone runs out of water, determine who wins by looking at which color appears most on the shirts.

§  To prevent running out of water too quickly, you can use trash cans or large buckets to hold large amounts of water for each team to refill their guns.

o   Shoot the bottle

§  Set up bottles on a table and see how many you can knock down in 3 tries!

Please don’t hesitate to add comments if you know of any other entertaining water games!

Photograph property of Lilies Among Thorns Magazine. Photography taken by Abby Whear.

Party Ideas~ Heather Young

When planning a party, the first thing you want to figure out is what the theme should be.  If the party is being thrown for someone, like maybe a birthday party, decorate with their favorite color, animal, or any other things they would enjoy.  Matching streamers and balloons, cups, plates, napkins, and tablecloth will add a nice touch.

Second, either you or your guests should decide what games you would like to play.  There are numerous activities you can do, and here are a few ideas:

·         Board Games

o   Some of our family favorites are Apples to Apples, Monopoly, and Cranium.

·         Card Games

o   Whether it’s Uno or Go Fish, cards add variety to any party.

·         Group Craft

o   There are tons of creative things you can do with a large group around! All you need is some construction paper, scissors, and glue! Who knows what you can come up with? You can also buy craft kits from almost any store.

·         Coloring Pages

o   You can print designs off the Internet, color in a coloring book, or even create your own drawing! This activity is especially a hit with younger kids.

·         Charades

o   No props needed! This game is particularly enjoyable when playing with outgoing people.

·         Outdoor Games

o   Although the activities mentioned above can be played outdoors, the following are most effective when played outside: Hide-and-seek, sharks and minnows, various types of tag, etc… Sports are a great idea if you have the space for them.

·         Gift exchange

o   Last but certainly not least, gift exchanges provide a fun opportunity to get to know each other through giving.  You can choose to let people bring what they want, or you can set boundaries like no gross things.

Do you enjoy other games with friends and family? If so, please leave a comment and add your activity to the list! Thanks for reading!

My Testimony~ Heather Young

I was born and raised in a Christian home.  Early in life I accepted Jesus as my Savior.  I only listen to Christian radio stations, and have no urge whatsoever to do otherwise.  In addition, I have no desire to say cuss words.  If you would like to begin practicing those habits, pray that God would make you more like himself.  He works in my life every day, and I know he will do so in yours as well.  All you have to do is ask.

About a year ago, I was pondering whether or not I had trials.  Of course, in my small group at church, I would hear stories of what others were going through.  But, I felt different.  Instead of struggling to pray and have faith in God like everyone else around me, I had peace and did not feel like I was challenged with anything.  I talked to my small group leader, and she suggested praying to God and asking Him for a challenge.  Soon after, I spoke with my dad, and God gave me insight on why I felt like I wasn’t having trials.  He opened my eyes to ten things I had not seen before, ten ideas that helped me understand why I felt like I didn’t have trials.  I found verses that proved they were true, and now I would like to share them with you.

1.  Everyone has trials.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

1 Peter 4:12-13

Hardships are guaranteed in this life.  “Do not be surprised” when you suffer, but expect to be tested.  Moreover, “rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ.”  If you have joy in the fact that Christ has already suffered on your behalf, then that joy will continually encourage you throughout your journey.

2.  Everyone’s life is different, so not everyone experiences the same trials and things.

“May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

Hebrews 13:20-21

God prepares us for what is to come.  Although these gifts may be the same as some others’, each and every person obediently pursuing God’s plan for their lives will be equipped “with everything good for doing [God’s] will.”  Also, God “works in us what is pleasing to him,” meaning he prepares us each n our own way for what he is going to let us experience.

3.  God has a special purpose and plan for everyone.

“‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

Jeremiah 29:11

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

4.  My life reflects God’s grace and goodness toward people.

“How great is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you, which you bestow in the sight of men on those who take refuge in you.”

Psalm 31:19

“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:6-9

I realized that my life displays God's mercy toward us, because he has given me great faith to stand strong when things seem difficult. 

5.  I may not feel like I have trials, but I do.

“…so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. You know quite well that we were destined for them. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted.”

1 Thessalonians 3:3-4

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

2 Timothy 3:12

6.  God doesn’t protect us from trials, he helps us through them.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

7.  The reason it’s hard for me to see my trials is because God helps me to get through them so they seem really small.

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.”

1 Corinthians 1:25

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

8.  And in reality, trials are extremely small compared to our great big God!

“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.”

1 Corinthians 1:25

“Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.”

Isaiah 26:4

9.  Trials make us stronger, even if we don’t feel like they do.

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

1 Peter 1:3-4

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Romans 5:3-4

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:2-4, 12

The song “Stronger” by Mandisa relates to this topic very well.

10.  God doesn’t let us go through anything we can’t handle.

“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13

A few days after a good small group discussion at church, my small group leader texted me and asked what I thought would be a good verse for us to memorize.  I found this verse, and the next week she brought cards that she had painted herself.  Having a verse put so artistically in front of me really helped me to remember it.  I recommend trying it.

I pray that my testimony has helped you to understand why you are having trials, how you should react to trials, or why you feel like you don’t have any trials!