8 Jul

An Unpleasant Reunion

posted by Mike Blackaby

August 31, 2007. The day I look forward to all summer: the last day of my summer job. While driving home, I suddenly realized that in my haste I had neglected to pick up my insulated lunch bag from the refrigerator. The thought of going back to get it briefly occurred to me, but I dismissed the idea and continued on my way. I assumed I would never see that bag again. I was wrong.

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7 Jul

Who is in control – SHAMU?

posted by Luke Harper

This summer, I had the privilege of going to Student Leadership University [SLU] in Orlando, Florida. SLU is a youth camp for student leaders. One of the highlights of the week was going to Sea World.

We got a chance to see dolphins, sharks, turtles, and polar bears, but the true highlight and top attraction of Sea World is SHAMU.

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2 Jul

Mountains Become Hills

posted by Jody Johnston

Gas prices have now officially gotten too high for me. I am riding my bike around my hometown, and I have to tell you, it isn’t the best way to get around. It is hot outside, and I work up a sweat without the sun burning into the back of my neck giving me a very unusual tan. I have gotten in biker shape though! Now that I think about it, my rides aren’t as bad as they use to be; actually, I love to ride my bike!

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28 Jun

ALL THE COLORS OF THE…HAIR?

posted by Mike Blackaby

In my attempt to be accepted and admired, I had made many changes in my life: I switched my clarinet for a set of drums; I replaced my mushroom haircut with a “spikier” one; I started buying jeans instead of sweat pants; and I traded in my Star Wars books for…uh…harder-to-read Star Wars books. I thought I had tried everything, but still the ladies took no notice of me! I thought I had run out of options when I got an idea…an awful idea…I got a wonderful, awful idea! I would dye my hair!

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27 Jun

Seeking God: Part 4

posted by Kaylan Christopher

In 2006, God broke me—but I asked for it. I lost my job. I was poor—in spirit and my pockets. My grandfather died. I began to slip again spiritually. And God told me to leave my family and friends in Dallas—my comfort zone—and go to serve him at a suburban church just southwest of Houston. All within the first six months!

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26 Jun

Seeking God: Part 3

posted by Kaylan Christopher

In my mother’s womb, my parents dedicated me to God. At six-years-old, I realized I was a sinner, begged for His forgiveness, received His grace, and committed my life to Him. At 15, even when I didn’t understand His call, I surrendered to serve Him in ministry with my life. With our history together, He wasn’t going to let me forget these things and His purpose for me.

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25 Jun

The Ice Pack Attack

posted by Luke Harper

It was a lonely and painful day of baby-sitting and the only thing I could think to do with my sister was to watch TV. She was getting bored because, of course, me being a guy, I’m not the best baby-sitter. I just watched ESPN for three hours. My sister, desperate for some fun, decided to play a game called “ice pack attack.” She thought it would be funny to nail me in the face with a frigid, freezing cold ice pack.

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My Teeth: A Tragic Tale – In Seven Acts

posted by Daniel Blackaby

Recently I received notice from my dentist that I was past due for my annual checkup. Reluctantly, my younger sister Carrie and I booked appointments. We’ve had very different track records with our teeth. On one hand, Carrie’s never experienced a cavity. Having shared a sink since birth I’m painfully aware of why; athletes have completed Olympic triathlons in less time than she spends brushing. I, on the other hand, got about a one/per appointment ratio going. But this time I was determined things would be different.

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24 Jun

What does it mean to seek the Lord? Part 2

posted by Kaylan Christopher

When I left my adolescence and graduated to middle school and the first two years of high school, I was more than made fun of for my faith. Consistently, I was called “God’s daughter” and “Prude” and “Jesus freak” to my embarrassment.

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23 Jun

To Nap, Or Not To Nap…Is There Really A Question?

posted by Daniel Blackaby

Throughout history there have been many dynamic duos: Batman/Robin, Pinkie/The Brain, Brad Pitt/Angelina Jolie. But the most deadly duo of all? My buddy Robbie and I. That’s deadly as in, “from the perspective of our camp counselors.” Oh yes, Rob and I terrorized many youth camps in our day. That is until the unthinkable happened, we got old.

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