This week, we will begin a 4-week series on God's names, exploring the indescribable majesty of our God. As you explored the beautifully broken world we live in this summer, were you able to glimpse at the magnificent handiwork of God? The God, who created the entire universe and all the galaxies within it, created every grain of sand on the seashore every hair on your head to proclaim His majesty and glory. Isaiah writes, "We are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand." (Isaiah 64:8b) As a potter intricately molds clay into a magnificent work of art, unique to others, God has created each and every one of us unique and wonderfully made by Him. Every single person to walk on the face of the Earth. Isn't that just breathtaking? The God who created the Universe also created every blade of grass, every morsel of grain, every cloud in the sky to proclaim His glory. Will you stand in awe with me today of His majestic handiwork? Will you give glory to our Awesome God this week? This post was inspired by Rend Collective's song - The Artist. Take a listen here!
This Changes Everything: How the Gospel Transforms the Teen Years is written by a teen for teens. Jaquelle Crowe (pronounced "Juh-kell") is a young writer from Eastern Canada. She is a Thomas Edison State University graduate and homeschool graduate. Jaquelle has expertly crafted a book that covers eight areas (our identity, story, community, sin, disciplines, growth, time and relationships) in which the Gospel transforms one's life.
Each chapter contains a graphic illustration to interpret visually what Jaquelle has explained, as well as discussion questions to provoke thoughts, and to give the reader a chance to sum up the chapter for themselves. The book is small (only 150 pages), but This Changes Everything is still drenched with Gospel truths, and packed to the brim with transformative words. So, as the weekend approaches, if you're a tween, a teen, or you've been a teen, I'd highly reccomend you snag this book and give it a read. Your life will truly be transformed. (To buy the book, simply click the affiliate link below!) Take a step outside. Do you hear the warble of a chickadee, as her wings rustle through the trees? Can you hear the pattering of the rain on the forest canopy above you? Do you see delicate forget-me-nots scattered throughout your yard? Now look up at the sky. Do a multitude of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows silhouette the trees down below? Or do puffy white clouds stretch across the sky, appearing as marshmallows dancing beneath the sun?
God created this amazing world for us to live in, to enjoy, to bring Him glory. He created these things, the snowflakes that waltz across the sky, the sunlight that glows through our windows, to point us to Him. So we may exalt Him. And give Him all the glory. So embrace them. Let the remarkable creativity of God fill you with wonder. Marvel at God's intricate creation and exalt Him. The metro train came to an abrupt halt. I stepped outside into the bright sunlight of the charming European city I would be visiting for the next week. Bikes hastily darted along the cobblestone streets, and the chill of the winter air caught my breath. The buzz of the city shook me awake. I had finally arrived in Denmark. Traveling on a mission trip was never my idea. But I am grateful that God graciously put my imperfect, human self into his Amazing Plan. His Plan for this faith-searching city. His Plan for the World. The experience of merely traveling abroad creates plenty to learn and experience already. But I learnt so much more than adjusting to a new country, and I am still learning. Here are five (out of the many) things I learned from my mission trip to Denmark. 1. I BECAME PART OF A SPECIAL FAMILYI was blessed with an special group of individuals to embark on my adventure with. Their merry laughter overflowed by heart with joy. Their warm smiles contrasted so strongly with the darkness of the winter air. My trip would have been nothing without them. 2. THERE'S MORE THAN JUST ME IN THIS WORLDDoing journalism along the picturesque streets of Copenhagen, lined with quaint coffee shops and colourful buildings I was given a small window into people’s lives. Everyone on this earth has their own fears, dreams, delights, prides, hopes and sorrows. It’s not simply about MY struggles or MY doubts or MY desires or MY accomplishments. I have to let go of thinking just about myself and realize that i’m not the only person on this earth, whom everyone has to support, encourage and compliment. There’s more than just me in this world. 3. WHAT THE WORLD SAYS BRING JOY ARE NO MATCH FOR THE JOY CHRIST BRINGSDuring my time in Denmark, I learned quickly that the thought that Denmark is the happiest country on earth is an over-statement. These people have all the world says will make you happy, but they’re still searching. This is true to our First World society on the other side of the Atlantic as well. We binge shop for things we don’t really need and waste our time fixated on earthly pleasures. The truth is that we can’t experience true joy-filled living without Christ. The things the world says will make you happy, such as the latest, overpriced clothing, or the best, newest phone on give the smallest fraction of happiness compared to the immeasurable joy Christ gives. 4. USE THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS CHRIST HAS GIVEN YOU FOR HIS GLORYThis message was truly the main object of the trip, as well as doing mission work. We were able to exercise our God-given gifts through producing media in the categories of journalism, photography and videography. Hearing the click of the camera and the pattering of feet to the next photo shoot was music to my ears. We were able to use the spiritual gifts God had given us for his ultimate glory. 5. OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE FANTASTIC POSSIBILITIESEver since I made the decision to go to Denmark, I strive to let go of my fears and cling to God, in the good days, and the bad days, because no matter how far I drift, he never lets go of my hand.
I need to open my heart to the fantastic plan He has for my life. To let the Holy Spirit guide me through my doubts, my mess-ups, because He knows my future, the plan for my life, after all, He created it. He is with you and for You, forever and always. Letters are powerful. Though simple and time consuming they may seem, snail mailing is a beautiful form of writing, that has been connecting people for centuries. Here are 6 reasons why you should turn off your screen and pick up a pen and some paper and get writing! Reason #1:Writing a letter lets you re-charge and take a breath from the busyness of life. Reason #2:Snail mailing easily communicates gratitude, apologies, hope, joy, love, pride... the list could go on! Reason #3:Letters are real things you can hold in your hands and treasure forever and ever Reason #4: Mailing a letter easily connects you, pen to paper, to your family and friends who live both near and far away from you. Reason #5:Letters are so much more meaningful and profound than anything that technology could create. Reason #6:Writing a letter is the perfect outlet to let your imagination run wild! So today, find a pen pal! Maybe it's your old roommate, or your friend overseas, or even it's your little sibling! Find someone who would be blessed by a kind word from you today. Giving the gift of a letter to give someone smile will make your heart sing, too.
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JOIN US!Feel free to join us sometime at our new site (as of Spring 2018) @ lightletters.org!
MEET HANNAHWelcome to this wee corner of the internet! I'm Hannah; snail mail aficionado, paper enthusiast and child of God. Join me on this adventure! ARCHIVES
April 2018
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