Be Salt And Light

By Chuck (Sharing Compassion)

Sometimes we think we can't make a difference. Sometimes we feel inadequate and not at all significant. The more I reflect on that I realize that it is Satan's way of weakening us and trying to make our efforts seem trivial.

We have been called to be Salt and Light to the world. Our efforts should be authentic and obvious to all. Others should see within us a difference and want to be a part of that.

Compassion exists to release children from poverty in the name of Jesus. How powerful is that? It is not just us trying to make a difference through our own ways and means. It is putting Christ and the center and using his power to accomplish what would be normally impossible. Having seen the results first hand I know it works. Having met my sponsored children I know it makes the difference.

I have included this video to show the children's thanks. Sure it is promotional BUT look in their eyes and smiles and know that they are genuine. That can't be faked. Reaching out to others is significant and does make a difference.

Give Your Hopes And Dreams To God

By Pat

On the very first Easter morning, scripture tells us that Mary Magdalene went to the tomb where Jesus had been laid, expecting to find the dead body of the Lord she had loved. (John 20:1) Her hope was gone. She accepted the defeat of the cross and was resigned and saddened. But then something wonderful happened! Mary learned that God had other plans and had performed a miracle!

Aren't we like Mary? All too quickly, we bury the dreams and goals that seem to be unattainable. We allow ourselves to believe that we must accept the challenges in our lives that seem to large to conquer. But sometimes God has other plans. If He can raise Jesus from the dead, He can certainly resurrect the hopes and dreams we had given up for dead! We must learn to trust that, even when things seem the bleakest and hope is gone, God can do anything! We have to believe that God can and does perform miracles, so never bury your dreams. Give them to God!

Why Should I Pray?

By Jason, M.Ed., M.A.R., Headmaster

As Christians, we are told to pray without ceasing (I Thess. 5:17). But many of us still may struggle with understanding the purpose of prayer. Why should we pray? Does it really change God’s mind or plans?

We should pray because God asks us to pray. Think about the wonder of that statement. The God who created time and space invites us to pour out our hearts before Him. He invites us to share our burdens and longings with Him.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (I Peter 5:7, NIV)

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” (Psalm 55:22, NIV)

We should pray because God listens to our prayers. God has promised to hear us when we pray to Him. He is never too busy to hear His children.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (I John 5:14, NIV)

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. (Psalm 34:17, NIV)

Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. (Psalm 55:17, NIV)

Click to read more ...

YOB: #4. Make Pretzels (Point/Counterpoint)

By Lara

One of the many things that I love about Beth is how she makes me aspire to excellence. Literally. She forces me. Sometimes she uses a sharp stick. Sometimes she tells me over the phone about the funny article that she has written about our pretzel making adventure.

Even if this article isn't as funny as hers, (and it won't be, I'm sure) I will at least be able to defend myself.

I made pretzels for the first time as a child. My grandmother had given my parents a recipe for soft pretzels, and my father thought it would be a good activity to introduce at the church Halloween party. Dad told me that I could be his helper. Being an only child in the home of a minister, I had already learned that being "helper" meant doing a lot of the work so other people could enjoy themselves. Making pretzels, however, was the exception.

Click to read more ...

What Is Technology?

By Alan

This column tends towards talking about new technology, and as a result, tends to concentrate on computer, internet, or websites. But, what really is considered to be Technology?

One of the preeminent Internet personalities Leo Laporte has a weekend radio show called “The Tech Guy” that he broadcasts from his cottage in Petaluma, California. He opens his show with a definition of “Let's talk technology: computers, TVs, cellphones, anything with a chip in it.” But, he agrees that technology is much more than that. There's materials science, there's biotech (which may soon redefine what a “chip” is); there's optics, applied thermodynamics, nanotechnology and micromachines. Find the silicon chips in those things.

Click to read more ...