Summer's Here!

School is out! Summer's finally here. Do you have big plans?
Camping with your family?
Church, music or scout camp?
Swimming or the city zoo?

Whatever you do, it's easy to fall down in your faith and become an easy target for temptation. How will you avoid getting off track this summer? Here are seven tips:

1. Read the Bible and talk to God every day. This helps you remember to do what is right.
2. Think of ways you can help people. Don't always think about yourself.
3. Read good books.
4. Watch wholesome movies or TV.
5. Be safe by being cautious. Slow down. Put on sunscreen.
6. Get plenty of rest.
7. Eat healthy food. Fast food is delicious, but you don't need it every day.

Think About It
No one wants to be around a grumpo. When we don't get enough rest or eat right, we get irritable. That's not fun for anyone. How will you practice thinking of other people this summer?

Pray About It
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for a break from school. Sometimes without the normal structure, life gets confusing and I forget to live for you. Help me not to fall away but to live for you. Amen.

Are You Kidding Me?

Maggie says, "Are you kidding me?"

Christmas is a time to believe, a time to love and share. Many people say they don't believe in God or in Santa or Christmas. Are you kidding me? Who can hold a newborn baby or experience a miracle and not believe in a God who loves and cares about them? What kid doesn't get excited about the tinsel and ribbon under the tree?

Yesterday I helped second graders with their Christmas shopping in the school store. Several times before the children entered the room with the tables of merchandise, teachers admonished, "This is the time to shop for people in your family, not for yourself."

One by one as the kids filled their bags, I led them to a table in the lunch room where we waited for the last minute shoppers to finish. One little boy played with a toy he purchased. "Whose that for?" I asked.

"Me," he said.

"You weren't supposed to shop for yourself," I replied.

"I know." He smiled.

How many of us are guilty of buying for ourselves while we shop for Christmas? I have to confess I am as guilty as the little boy. Yet, I find more joy in wrapping gifts for others, than in satisfaction of buying things for myself.

Think About It
Jesus said, "It is more joyful to give than to receive." Although it is challenging, it is a lesson worth learning. There is a pair of fur lined shoes I'd like to have, but this year, I choose not to think about them. When I see their picture in ads, I delete them off my e-mail, and switch my thinking to others and what I can do for them.

Pray About It
Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief when I am tempted to act selfishly. Help me to trust you to set priorities and make good decisions. Amen.

Dropping Your Guard

School is out and it's time for summer fun. What will you do? Where will you go?
Camping with your family?
Church, music or scout camp?
Swimming?
The city zoo?

Whatever you do, it's easy to drop your guard and become an easy target for temptation. How will you avoid getting off track this summer? Here are some tips:

1. Read your devotions and pray every morning. Now is not the time to forget them. They help you remember to do the right things.
2. Think of ways you can help people instead of thinking about yourself all the time.
3. Read good books.
4. Watch wholesome movies or TV.
5. Be safe by being cautious. Slow down, put on sunscreen.
6. Get plenty of rest.
7. Eat right.

Think About It
No one wants to be around a grumpo. When we don't get enough rest or eat right, we get irritable. That's not fun for anyone. How will you practice thinking of other people this summer?

Pray About It
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for a break from school. Sometimes without the normal structure, life gets confusing and I forget to live for you. Help me not to drop my guard, but to be strong for you. Amen.