Fear Not

“The LORD is my light and my salvation;

whom shall I fear?

The LORD is the stronghold of my life;

of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1 ESV

It's Summertime!

It’s summertime, and for a lot of young people that means more free time than usual. I understand that some of you may be busy working at your summer job or going to camps. However, if you do find yourself with a little extra down time, here are ten ideas for ways to fill that time in service to God:

1. Read your Bible! If you haven’t been keeping up with your daily

Bible reading regularly, now is a great time to implement the habit.

2. Invite a friend to worship with you. Sometimes there are other events

going on in our congregations during the summer that provide excellent opportunities for inviting guests (VBS, gospel meetings, youth events, etc.).

3. Volunteer to do yard work for an elderly member of your

congregation. If you are a resident of the South, you better get up

early to complete this one!

4. Assist with or teach a Bible class. Without the added pressure of

schoolwork, summer is a great time to develop your teaching skills.

5. Volunteer to run errands for someone who cannot get out as easily.

Pick up groceries for someone, or take them to a doctor’s appointment.

6. Write notes of encouragement to Christians near and far. Send cards

to people in your congregation and to missionaries or friends in other areas.

7. Offer free babysitting services to a young family you are close to. I’m

sure the parents would appreciate an evening out. If you would not feel comfortable watching the kids on your own, even offering to watch the kids while the mom or dad gets some things done around the house would be a great help.

8. Cook a meal for someone. If you are living at home, offer to make

supper for your family one night. If you are living on your own, invite

someone over or offer to bring a meal to someone who would

appreciate the help.

9. Become part of or start a women’s study group. If your congregation

or one nearby already has a ladies’ Bible study in place, see if you can join. If there isn’t one around you, get with some of your friends or other ladies in your congregation and start one. Fellowship and study with other women can be a huge source of encouragement.

10. Pray. Use your spare time to develop a deeper and more consistent

prayer life. It doesn’t require a huge amount of time, but getting into the habit of prayer will change your life, not just for the summer but for the years beyond.

Summer is a time of great possibility. Don’t let a moment go to waste!

#operationreadmybible

Jennifer Gerhardt has a great series going on about overcoming obstacles we face when trying to get into a habit of daily Bible reading. I have found it to be very helpful so far. She offers lots of practical advice for developing this vital discipline in our lives.

Check out her blog here: http://jlgerhardt.tumblr.com/

I’d also encourage you to read some of her other articles while you are there. She is a very powerful writer with a heart for leading people to God.

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before GOD, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” James 1:27 ESV

If you have grown up going to church, I’m sure this is a verse you are very familiar with. Yet, as a young lady, you may be searching for practical ways to fulfill this commandment. For instance, you may be too young to take care of any children or even too young to drive to visit widows. Let me offer you a couple of examples of ways you can still help.

1. Pray, pray, pray. Pray for orphans and widows you know

specifically. Pray for opportunities to help, and I’m positive doors will be opened for you (Matt. 7:7). Pray for efforts that you know of to alleviate the pain and suffering of these often marginalized groups.

2. Use worship services as an opportunity to visit. Sit with a

widow before and during services. Ask her how she is doing and if

there is anything you can do for her. Ask her if she has any prayer requests. Please do not focus on yourself when doing this. Do not think, “Oh, I am doing such a nice thing for this lonely woman.” I guarantee you will end up gaining more from this experience than she will! Recognizing the value of the elderly in our community is something every young person needs to do at an early age. We are to learn from the older women in our midst (Titus 2:3-5). This cannot happen if we are unwilling to form relationships with each other!

3. Give, give, give. (2 Cor. 9:7) Give of your time to volunteer for

efforts to help orphans. Give of your possessions to children’s homes

or other organizations where clothes and toys can be given to the children. Give of your money if you are able to Christian organizations working with orphans and/or widows. For instance, Chinese Agape is an organization working to help orphans in China (http://chineseagape.org/home). Research organizations and find a place you feel comfortable giving, whether it be of your time, possessions, or money. Get your whole family involved. What we have isn’t ours anyway. In a world where people are urged to get more, let us always a people trying to give more.

Modesty Matters - Links to Help You Shop Smart

     We feel your pain when it comes to finding modest clothes-especially during the summertime. So here a few hopefully helpful links to assist in your closet filling quest.

noVae Clothing -  We love this lady alone just for putting modest clothing in her web address and sticking to the claim in her merchandise. This site is the product of a stay-at-home-mom of four, who got fed up with the tiring search to find modest fashionable clothing. While some of it is pricey, keep in mind she makes these items herself, in limited quantity so you're buying a nearly one-of-a-kind item. Also be sure to sign up for the newsletter to be alerted of the great sales she offers. And I'm pretty sure if you spend much time on Pinterest you're going to recognize several of these pieces.

The Skirt Outlet - Not only will you find awesome denium and knit maxi skirts on this site (also seen in abundance on Pinterest)...you'll find modest shells/tank tops/sleeveless shirts! How many times have you purchased a spaghetti strap "shirt" or tank top to layer under an immodest top only to have it fall short as well?! Is that not the most frustrating feeling??? It is for me. That's why I love this type of tank top-you know you're covered. Another big plus about this company? Free exchange shipping! Who doesn't love that?! Now that I've had my say about this company listen to how they describe themselves:

The Skirt Outlet was founded from a desire to provide affordable, classic and comfortable long skirts for women and girls, without hours of shopping disappointments. We are committed to providing a real alternative to today's extreme fashions and yesterday's out-dated look.

Founded in 2008, The Skirt Outlet started out as a retail brick-and-mortar store in Eureka, Illinois. As word spread about the store, The Skirt Outlet began getting calls from out of state, requesting skirts to be shipped to them. This website was thus founded to meet the needs of those who were unable to make it to our store. However, we still welcome all customers to come and visit our retail store in Eureka!

ThredUp - Online consignment shops are huge right now, which is to your advantage...it means more affordable available clothing. ThredUp does a great job accepting and selling only gently used clothing-much of it looks just like new. Be sure to check out their stock and keep them in mind when you clean out your own closet.

-M

7 Steps to Help You Become a Better Worshipper

1.     Rest well on Saturday night by going to bed early. It is very tempting to plan activities on Saturday night, but it really is better not to. Pick another night to go on a movie date or bowling with friends. We should never feel like preparing for service is an inconvenience. It is a privilege and we should treat it as such.

2.     Avoid the “Sunday morning rush hour.” Get up early. Don’t wait on your parents to drag you out of bed. Set your alarm the night before and get up on your own. (When you’re grown and no longer living under your parents’ roof, you will have to do this anyway. Get used to it. It will happen sooner than you realize.)

3.     Eat breakfast. Hunger deters focus. By eating a filling breakfast, you avoid a growling stomach and slowed senses.

4.     Avoid disagreements with your siblings and parents on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Help everyone keep a clear focus on worship.

5.     Plan your contribution and have it ready.

6.     Bring your own bible and notebook/iPad/laptop to take notes.

7.     Don’t be late. Do not assume this does not apply to you just because you are not the driver. Be ready to go on time. Once you arrive be sure to take care of restroom needs before worship service begins. Take time to get settled and focused.

“Little things make the difference. Everyone is well prepared in the big things, but only the winners perfect the little things.”

-Paul “Bear” Bryant

list adapted from Ready For Worship podcast

available via The Light Network

Homemaking 101 - Kitchen Tips & Habits to Develop

                  For gals who hope to one day hold the title homemaker, it is never too early to begin gleaning knowledge from those with more experience. By no means do I claim to be an expert in the field of homemaking, but I do have some tips and lessons that I am able to share. Some is from my own experience, but much of my knowledge comes the wisdom of those older and wiser. So get your notebooks out, today I’m sharing 9 tips and habits that make life in the kitchen better.

                  Whether the first time you move out of your parents home is with a college roommate, on your own, or as a newlywed, it will be up to you to fix something to eat which equals time in the kitchen. Lots of time in the kitchen. If you marry a man who likes to eat and then you have children, just go ahead and accept the fact that the kitchen will be the room you spend the most time in. So with that said, tip #1…

1.     Make it a place you enjoy being. Decorate with your favorite colors. If you love new modern style, decorate with bright, bold colors. If you’re a vintage lover, create your own by framing handwritten recipes from your mother and grandmother. If you need music to help motivate you, find a designated spot for a radio/iPod dock/cd player. Be creative and use resources such as Pinterest for decorating ideas. Make your kitchen your space and you will enjoy spending time in it. (For those

2.     Wash as you go. You are not going to want to do this, but trust me on this one. If you wait until you completely finish, you are going to hate that you didn’t heed this advice. Washing as you go means less clean-up and a more relaxing space to work in.

3.     Clean out the sink after the dishes are done. I hear you-this is a gross job, but the jobs we dread most are the ones we need to go ahead with and get out of the way. Don’t put this one off, you’ll be sorry.

4.     Label the leftovers. You will not remember if you made that hamburger casserole last Wednesday or Tuesday. When this happens you either take your chances eating spoiled food or you follow the old rule: “When in doubt, throw it out.” Label what it is and the date it was prepared. You can even keep a roll of tape and a sharpie on top of the fridge to make this super easy.

5.     If it can be frozen, freeze it. The list of foods that can be frozen for later use is practically endless. Do your research and make the most of your freezer.

6.     Make a meal plan. Have a list of go-to meals and do your best to keep most of the ingredients in your pantry. It’s also a good idea to keep a list of foods to take to families who have lost loved ones or have new additions to the family. This makes last minute meal prep a breeze.

7.     Stick to your grocery list. Make your weekly meal plan and base your list on ingredients you’re missing. This will cut down on spontaneous purchases, which often leads to wasted food (and money).

8.     Transfer bagged food into mason jars. I store beans, grains, dried fruit, trail mix and so on in inexpensive canning jars. It’s a great way to keep my pantry and cabinets neat and organized.

9.     Prep vegetables and fruits at the beginning of the week so that you snack on healthier foods. If you’re like me you will eat healthy snacks, but only if they’re as easy to grab as a handful of potato chips.

(P.S. – For those of you still living with mom & dad, I doubt they’d object much if you want to put a few of these into practice. Give them a break sometimes and get some much need experience for yourself!)

Don't Feel Guilty, Resting Is Essential.

Rest is one of those words that has become almost taboo in our society. We are encouraged to push ourselves to the limit. We are bombarded with advertisements of drinks and foods that will assist in our quest to be super human, but that's just it-we are only human, not superhuman. Sometimes even as Christians we feel guilty resting because we want to be busy for the Lord. However, we need to consider that the Lord designed us with physical bodies that require rest. He even set an example for us when he created the world-on the seventh day, he rested! Jesus also knew the importance of rest. In Mark 6, He told the apostles, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while:for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.”

Resting is not quitting. Resting is essential for our bodies. So-called experts have found that we focus and retain information better when studying if we do so with a pattern of taking a ten minute break every twenty minutes. We want to do our best in everything. God expects our best in everything. Part of giving our best is providing ourselves with adequate rest.

As summer break approaches for many of you, make a point to take a break from pushing yourself so that your strength can be renewed. Evaluate where you’ve been and where you are now. Marvel in the small things that you have accomplished so far while your mind is being rejuvenated and don’t ever let quitting become an option. Balance is the key.

- adapted from Under the Juniper Tree podcast

available via The Light Network

-M

Mention Worthy Monday

I recently discovered a new (to me) author and I wanted to share her amazing work with you.

Her name?

Emily Nelson. Read all about her here and here.

What I've read?

The Locket.

Why was it so great?

"In the end, after time and

breath steal the rest away, some things linger still.

Some memories whisper in your heart forever. 

Love goes on, even when life doesn't."

 Emily is a Christian author. You do not have to worry about encountering foul language, inappropriate scenes or such like when you read her work. The Locket is a beautiful love story. Although it is short fiction, it is a true-to-life story of overcoming hardships and celebrating life's beauty. (I read this in one day. Yes, it was that good.)

What's on my list to read next?

Reflections: A Collection of Poems and Short Stories

When the Church Forgets to Blush

I cannot wait.

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There is a fairly new podcast over at The Light Network called The New You. It's a short, daily devotional and a great resource for new and seasoned Christians alike. And while you're over at TLN be sure to check out The Royal Family podcast. Who doesn't love hearing about what the British royals are up to? Emily does a great job keeping us up-to-date with the goings-on and has wonderful insight to show the similarities between the earthly royal and spiritually royal family. Be sure to give these great podcasts a listen and then go rate them in iTunes to help spread the good work the folks over at TLN are doing!

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When Christians Should Stay Off Social Media - So often people, even Christians think social media is an outlet to voice their frustration over various issues. This post is a good reminder to keep our attitudes in check even (or should I say especially) when using social media-remember that those are words you will answer for as well.

Scripture of the Day

Psalm 119:50

"This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life."

The Heart of Man

Intellect:

1. Thinks-Genesis 6:5
2. Believes-Romans 10:10
3. Understands-Matthew 13:15

Converted by faith-Romans 10:17, Romans 1:16, Acts 15:9

Affection

1. Desires-Romans 10:1-3
2. Loves-Mark 12:30
3. Trusts-Proverbs 3:5

Converted by repentance- John 14:15, James 4:8, II Corinthians 7:10

Wills

1. Intends-Hebrews 4:12
2. Purposes-II Corinthians 9:7
3. Obeys-Romans 6:16-18

Converted by baptism-Romans 6:17-18, Romans 6:1-5, I Peter 1:22

All the parts of the heart are involved in the conversion process. Becoming a Christian isn't what you do because it FEELS like something you're supposed to do or based simply on emotion. Becoming a Christian is a change of heart. A change of the WHOLE heart. Through hearing the word, repenting of sin, and being baptized for the remission of those sins. Don't listen to the world and think that being a believer in God and His Word is unintelligent. That is simply not true. 

How to Avoid Being a Fence Straddler

• Take time to be holy (II Timothy 2:15)
• Develop a good prayer life (Philippians 4:6-7)
• Choose friends wisely (I Corinthians 15:33)
• Set priorities (Matthew 6:33)
• Just do it! (James 1:8)
• Accept personal responsibility (Numbers 32:23)
• Get rid of the clutter (Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Grow up! (II Peter 1:5-7)
• Be true to yourself (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
• Trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Adapted from the book "Straddling the Fence" by Anita Whitaker

Beautiful YOU.

I want you all to read this and start believing it!!!

happy Wednesday, girls.

-C

How to Live a Happy Life!

• Be content (Philippians 4:11)
• Learn to forgive (Luke 6:37)
• Esteem others better than yourself (Philippians 2:3-4)
• Consider the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:28-29)
• Develop a good sense of humor (Proverbs 15:13)
• Get a life! (James 4:14)
• Find your niche (Romans 12:4-5)
• Don't forget you're a woman (Genesis 2:22)
• Never give up on God (Hebrews 13:5-6)
• Be a real Christian! (Romans 12:2)

This list was adapted from the book "Straddling the Fence" by Anita Whitaker

Easy Evangelism Ideas (New!)

• When you make denominational friends look for opportunities to begin a conversation by asking a question such as “I’ve been wondering what your church teaches a person to do in order to go to heaven,” or “Who was your speaker at that youth event last weekend?” or “How old were you when you ‘got saved?’” Questions like these are great study starters. Imagine how the conversation might go from there and try to prepare accordingly by individual study or talking with a parent, youth minister or older mentor.

• When you attend lectureships/gospel meetings pick up business cards/material to pass out to your friends or just leave them on the table when you go out to eat. Some I would recommend are The Light Network, Apologetics Press, Focus Press & The Gospel Broadcasting Network. Also check with your local congregation about this type material; they may keep this type of information in stock or they might decide to.

5 People You Should Be Following

If someone were to look at your followers on Twitter, what would they learn about you? Would they find that you are obsessed with Hollywood celebrities? Would they see you following others who constantly use foul language or the Lord’s name in vain? Or would they notice how carefully you choose those you follow? Our social media is not a place where we can go and leave our Christianity at home. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or whatever your social media preference are opportunities for us to share our faith, be godly examples and encourage others. By using Philippians 4:8 as our standard before we click that follow button, we can be sure that are filling our newsfeeds (and therefore our minds) with things Christians should be thinking on.

Social media can be a powerful (& fun) tool for us if we use it properly. Here are 5 people who always strive to do just that. 

1. Us! We are striving to share great article links, quotes & Bible verses with you. 
2. MarliReese. A single Christian blogger who is always sharing a positive thought or verse.
3. Apologetics Press. A work dedicated to the defense of New Testament Christianity.
4. Adam Faughn. Youth Minister/Preacher. Husband. Father. We live in Nashville, Tennessee, and love to encourage all to love and serve Christ.
5. Kathy Pollard. follower of Christ, wife of Neal, mother of OhBrother, blogger, baker, tea-lover, Bible-marker, reader, hopeful author

Links to Love

The Royal Family - Who isn't just a little fascinated with the Royal family? I know I am and I've found a kindred spirit. Emily Hatfield is a tiny bit fascinated with them as well...so much so that she is doing a podcast that...well, just read her own words...
"The premise of the show is simple: who doesn’t adore those lovable Brits? Will and Kate? Super adorable and mildly relatable. Prince George? Full on cuteness monster. Queen Mum? Precious and hilarious and always keeping it classy. Fortunately for me, with each of those names, a mental image came up in your mind, because really, who doesn’t know something about the royal family? We probably all know something, and some of us probably know a whole lot. Because we’re stalkerazzi, let’s be real.
While I love the bunch across the pond, my greater concern is for the royal family that I’m a part of, that all Christians are part of, and that’s the royal family of God. We are called heirs, we get crowns—sounds pretty legit to me. And, it sounds pretty parallel to the earthly kingdom we see in the British Monarchy. So that’s exactly what we’ll be doing: paralleling those lovable Brits to the truly important and eternal royal family."
This podcast is awesome. The episodes are short and easy to listen to and once you start you will be hooked. So what are you waiting for? Go check it out!

God's Handiwork - While we're talking about Emily...have you looked at her blog featuring God's Handiwork? Emily had the opportunity to visit several countries (most mentioned in the Bible) and she shares her journey with us through articulate wording and beautiful pictures. Take a moment to visit her blog and travel to another place and time.

From the Mouths of Teen Girls  - The following comments were made by Christian teen girls at an out-of-state retreat.  They were asked some questions in a very casual setting.  I was just an observing visitor, but I was struck by their determination and sincerity so I started writing down their answers...

Southern Snow  - If you watched the news within the past few weeks, no doubt you've seen the south get hammered (rather unexpectedly) with winter weather. You may have even been right in the middle of it. This link is nothing but pictures taken in and around Birmingham, AL. Looking at these photos and reading the story about Chick-fil-A's generosity will warm your harm and remind you that there are still some good people out there.

Modesty Matters (New!)

If you've been in any department stores recently you know that finding modest clothing is challenging. Not only is it difficult to find modest pieces to wear, but often when you do manage to find the needle in a haystack, you can't afford it! In an effort to encourage one another in our pursuit of modesty while being good stewards of our money, we will be sharing our finds in this brand new fashion feature-Modesty Matters.

Secret Keeping - We have shared this article before, but we felt it was worth out time again. This fifteen (yes, fifteen) year old does an excellent job reminding us why modesty is so important. Be sure to check it out!

Virtue (video)  - You might be surprised to find out that most young men actually prefer girls who dress modestly. This particular group of guys got together and put a fun twist on sending that message out.

What I Wear - I recently stumbled across this blog and love the purpose behind it. This blogger posts pictures of her outfits along with where she found individual pieces. She describes her style as fashionably modest and I would agree. She does a great job inspiring others to piece their own modest outfits together on a budget.

These Aren't Pants! - While this link is actually a product review on a particular brand of leggings, this blogger does a great job of demonstrating how leggings are supposed to be worn. Leggings make a wonderful additional to your wardrobe, but they are not equal to pants. Please don't be one of those guilty of treating them as such.

Legalism v. The New Birth

A Child of Legalism Says…

-      I have to go to church.

-      I have to do good deeds.

-      I have to be pure in heart.

-      I have to repent.

-      I have to be meek.

-      I have to be generous, kind, merciful.

-      I have to get baptized.

-      I have to produce love, joy, peace, etc.

-      I have to wash feet.

-      I have to do what Jesus would do.

-      I have to turn the other cheek.

-      I have to go the extra mile.

-      I have to love my neighbor/enemy.

-      I have to be “faithful unto death.”

-      I have to love God with all my heart, soul, and strength.

·        Having completed a good portion of the list, I feel confident that God will give me my place in heaven. By the grace of God and my good track record, I don’t have to go to hell.

 

A Child of the New Birth Says…

-      I want to worship God with fellow saints.

-      I want to help others in my Father’s name.

-      God help me to be pure in heart.

-      I want to change my life.

-      Lord, take control of my life.

-      I want to be generous, kind, merciful.

-      I want to be washed from my sins in His blood.

-      I want to produce evidence that God’s Spirit is in me.

-      I want to be of humble service in any area needed.

-      I want to do what Jesus would do.

-      Lord, give me strength to do whatever is necessary to promote your kingdom in this world.

-      I want to love my neighbor/enemy.

-      I want to be “faithful unto death.”

-      I want to love God with all my heart, soul, and strength.

·        God has been so gracious to me to show me love and I want to draw closer to Him and honor and worship Him. I just want to be to others what He has been to me so they can see how great my God is.

 

From Chestnut Drive Church of Christ bulletin

Michael R. Underwood

February 3, 2013

Doraville, Georgia