“Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). I always thought that was a simple verse. Be happy when others are happy and sad when others are sad. Got it. Moving on. But I was wrong. While I'm somewhat OK at doing the second part, I'm finding I'm not so great at rejoicing with those who rejoice. Rejoice with your friend who got the job you wanted. Rejoice with all those sending you wedding invitations when you mark "1″ on the RSVP card. Rejoice with coworkers getting promoted over … [Read more...]
A Sweet History of Valentine’s Day
For most, Valentine's Day is all about love, relationships, and being romantic. But that's a far cry from some of these root origins. Lupercalia This February 15th Festival of Sexual License was held by ancient Romans who thought the god Lupercus would protect Rome from wolf packs devouring humans and livestock. Their response was to sacrifice goats and flog women with their skins to guarantee fertility. (Thank God we live in the 21st century, eh?) Saint Valentine We can thank Pope Gelasius for switching the occasion to February … [Read more...]
Make a Difference in One School
The future is bleak for children in Cape Town's townships, but with good examples and education, they can have hope. You can give township children hope for the future. CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Flocks of chatting, laughing children in navy and baby-blue uniforms are still swarming onto school grounds at 8:15. Class is supposed to start at 8 — made all too clear by the school bell's continuous blaring. But Mzamomhle Primary School in Philippi is like many schools in Cape Town's townships — understaffed, underfunded, and … [Read more...]
Black History: It’s More Than a Month
Academic performance was not the issue. in the early 1960s south, only the color of his skin kept James Meredith from enrolling in the University of Mississippi. The Dixie state resisted the 1954 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka, Kan., outlawing racial segregation in public schools. Gov. Ross Barnett promised white citizens of Mississippi that as much as it was within his power, the state's public schools would remain segregated. Racial segregation was the governor's successful political … [Read more...]
Top 10 Indoor Activities
Feeling fidgety after too many days of being stuck inside? If the weather outside is frightful, try these indoor engine-revvers: 1. ROCK CLIMB. You can rent the gear, get a lesson, and start climbing all in the same hour at indoor rock gyms. Start with bouldering, then get your belay on with some buddies. 2. RACQUETBALL. Grab your lab goggles, sweatbands, and friends for a tournament of absurdity indoors. Best bet: Play without rules. Just smack and chase that ball. Guaranteed calorie-burning fun. 3. JUST DANCE. The Wii version. We … [Read more...]
Samson: A Life Well Wasted
Despite Samson's efforts to mess up his life, God still used him-and He'll still use us. Learn from Samson's mistakes with our newest six-week study by author and pastor Chip Henderson, Samson: A Life Well Wasted. Samson: A Life Well Wasted explores the life of Samson in Judges 13-16 and offers six ways we can waste our lives if we're not focused on our God-given purpose. Hot-button cultural issues from dishonesty and anger to daddy-issues and sex are discussed. Samson offers encouragement and practical ideas for making God-honoring … [Read more...]
Be Light in the Darkness
In a neighborhood riddled with unemployment, crime, drugs, and abuse, students are needed to show that life can be different. DURBAN, South Africa—With its castle-like architecture and high security, the Pavilion looms on top of a hill in stark contrast to the poor, crime-ridden township of Chesterville below. Durban's second largest mall serves as a physical reminder that in South Africa there are definitely the "haves" and the "have nots" - and not much in between. While the Pavilion represents indulgence in a wealthy lifestyle … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving & Creating Margin
This Thanksgiving, take some time to pause and consider not only what you're thankful for, but think about areas of your life where you need rest and reflection. While you're filling yourself up with good food, allow the Spirit of God to fill you and make some room for the Lord to speak into your current place in life. To get you started, check out this excerpt from our latest study on being a steward with your life, Manage. Because we live in a time-crunched society, any time spent without immediate results seems wasteful. And if … [Read more...]
Young Adults & Giving
Being generous with our tithes and offerings, even when we feel like we can't afford it, is an act of faith. It's a statement by action that a person believes God can be trusted. God told me to do this, and so I will do it because I believe He is wise and loving in what He commands. He has the power to take care of my needs. And, ultimately, He is better than any of the stuff I could get with that money. Easier said than done, right? It all goes back to the widow's gift to Jesus. She gave what she had (see Mark 12:41-44 and Luke … [Read more...]
5 Tips for Confronting Conflict
Conflict. It’s been with us for thousands of years. And we hate to break it to you, but it’s not going anywhere. It’s just a natural part of life and of every relationship – no matter how warm and fuzzy the bond may be. But there’s hope. You just have to learn how to deal with conflict in a healthy kind of way. With that said, the following tips will hopefully get the ball rolling on what is sure to be something you’ll face time and time again. Communication Is Key You had to see this one coming. Open, … [Read more...]
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