By Shana Rank

A couple of weeks ago I was sitting outside with my son, Gideon. Often times while he and I sit outside I watch him explore and play—giving him space to learn on his own.  At 14 months old, Gideon is fascinated with balls; one of his favorites is a bright yellow bouncy ball—about the size of a basketball.

One afternoon he was trying to push his yellow ball up a slight incline of grass to the patio. Since he is not yet a pro at walking, he was on his hands and knees pushing with the one hand and using the other to move forward. Three times he tried to get that bouncy ball to stay on the patio, and three times it bounced off of something and rolled back down the hill.  After letting out a grunt of discouragement he looked up at me, hoping for some help.  I told him he could do it, and to try again. 

That day he gave up on the bouncy ball. A week or so later, he succeeded with no problem—pushing the ball with ease and control up onto the patio. Even little toddlers try hard and get discouraged, but he didn’t give up.

At first glance, Gideon’s progress might be missed or forgotten, but his small steps are a beautiful process of growing! Each of us can recall an experience that taught us courage and left us with the gift of wisdom. Gideon’s efforts reminded me that I must never underestimate the achievements of daily life—even when trying to control a bright yellow bouncy ball!

by Aaron Hooper (22)

As Americans, we find ourselves in such a busy world that we never see the same face twice. As a result of our high-paced, technologically advanced society, most people have lost their sense of community and compassion. This is a world where one must be cautious of being helped by a complete stranger because it is impossible to know what their motives are.

Such was the case when I helped a middle-aged woman to the gas station to fix her flat tire. She asked, “Why are you helping me?” I had not known her prior to the encounter and she could not figure out why I was so willing to help her. I explained to her that I was simply doing what I thought was right. Unfortunately, she had sustained terrible injuries as a result of domestic abuse. It was even difficult for her to walk. She had since left that person, but her outlook on people in general had forever changed.

The people of this world are subject to the many horrors that man has conceived. As a result, no one is to be trusted and the sense of community and compassion for the fellow person is all but gone.

In God’s Church, we are very fortunate to enjoy the sense of community, compassion and belonging that our society is lacking. We are very blessed in this way as not every one is so fortunate. We are also very grateful in looking forward because of the awesome Kingdom that God will establish. A loving, compassionate community in which everyone can participate and belong. A place where the rest of the world will be able to learn what God’s way of life is all about.

by Michael Link

For the past couple of months I had to learn a great deal of patience.  I have been constantly faced with situations where I had to make the right decisions, but ultimately would come to the conclusion that I need to put things into God’s hands. 

Lately, we have heard prayer requests for those in the Church who have been struggling in their quest for a job or a better job.  I am also one who would fit that category.  For example, assuming that the current job I have would bring forth fruit by now, including a few freelance jobs on the side, I had and still do have many questions in my mind as to what the purpose of all of this may be. I was hoping for greater things to happen by now.   I had a plan when certain things would be accomplished.  However, were my plans in conjunction with God’s plan for me?  Do I have enough patience as God has for me? 

I started thinking about that a lot more and came to the realization that God does have a plan for me, and He knows exactly when things are to come to pass for my sake.  I also know that I have a part to do as well.  I have kept my options open in terms of finding another job, and I have all the confidence that God will lead me in the right direction.  Most importantly, I have to have continuous faith and confidence that God’s plan for me will come to pass, and if I continue to have patience, it will come.

by Simon Akl (18)

Growing up, I have always had fun in participating in many sportive and physical activities.  However, for the past year, due to a recent diagnosis of a herniated disk, I have been limited in the amount of sports that I have been able to do, as well as many related everyday movements.  It has been very tough at times, with constant reminders throughout the days of my physical limitations, what it means to have a normal life.  Movements which I used to take for granted are now things which I look forward to doing again, under strenuous physical therapy and other natural treatments. 

It is so easy to just feel bad and depressed about not being able to do the things that I enjoyed so much.  It is much more difficult to remain positive and have faith in God to work with me, even during times when there seems to be no progress. I know that God’s ways are not my ways and that, in fact, His ways are higher than my ways, just as the heavens are higher than the earth.  In the end it is much more rewarding to know that through tests and times of troubles, I am able to hold fast to my faith and allow God to work with me and teach me whatever lessons I need to learn in my life. 

Instead of feeling down, helpless and depressed, it is important for me to look for the positive points which will not only allow me to feel better psychologically, but also eventually physically.  Even though I have not been able to do many sports this year, I believe that this situation is still a hidden blessing-in-disguise.  My understanding and learning about my current situation have been greatly increased, so that I became fascinated by the treatment related to my herniated disk, which helped me decide what kind of career I want to study, and what I want to do for the rest of my life. 

There are days when I wish I did not have to go through this, but in the end it is, in my opinion, God’s way of teaching me patience and perseverance, which allows me to develop godly character.  God will never give me more than what I can bear.  It is vital for me to remember that whenever I am burdened with any trial, I have always to look to Him for guidance and hope.  I know that when I endure through the obstacles of my temporary physical life, while keeping my faith and looking to God for help, I am becoming ready to be baptized, so that I can ultimately reach my potential of inheriting eternal life in God’s kingdom. In light of this, my present trials become all the more fruitful, gratifying and worthwhile.

by Manuela Mitchell (23)

While I was growing up, I faced many different trials and problems in my life.  Some of these problems, I was able to overcome and take my stand very quickly, while others took more work, meditation and prayer.  Even though many trials were only temporary and built strong character in me, others remained like a shadow, changing the silhouette of an outline every time it moved. I learned that there are many trials in life, they come and go, but some are truly never gone. Problems tend to keep their shadow and unless the problem is completely eradicated, the shadow will make its dark and lifeless form visible again.

Sometimes it’s very difficult for me to recognize and overcome a problem. No matter how minor it seems, it does take effect in my life and will soon become apparent to the people who know me best.  It is very simple to disregard the fact that I may be having a problem, or because of pride, choose to not take advice or talk to those close to me.

 I used to believe that things would get better with time. That is not always true, especially with problems. I learned that I should deal with a problem while still fresh. If left for too long, a shadow will soon disfigure and block the object that was once so clear. Life doesn’t get easier, it gets harder with each new day, and old problems, if not worked on, will only be made more difficult by the new ones.

Through God, I am blessed with a new opportunity every day to take advantage of my life. I am thankful that I have the understanding to recognize problems in my life and will continue to pray for the reconciliation of the shadows around me.

by Shelly Bruno

I wish I had gotten a warning message a few weeks back. Something to indicate what was to come, prior to the fateful moment when I pushed the power button on my computer for the last time. Yes, time was up, and that was the end of my hard drive. The end of all my work, digital photos, and all the files that I had collected and created over the last year. If only I had known when my computer would crash, then I would have backed up my files and had been prepared. I even had the right tool—a backup drive I hadn’t taken out of the plastic packaging. But it was too late—I didn’t use that tool, and I had waited too long—time had run out.

This painful event got me thinking about what else I’ve been neglecting to prepare for in my life. Specifically, my spiritual life. Am I putting off tomorrow what I should be preparing for today? If I knew how much time was left, then I could make sure I’m prepared for Christ’s return. But that isn’t the way it works—I am to prepare every day.

So as I rebuild my computer system and establish a proper backup, I’m thinking about how I can improve my spiritual preparation. Do I have the tools I need to ensure that I’m prepared? I know I’ve got one great tool—my Bible. This time I’ll make sure it’s not wrapped up in plastic.

by John Amorelli

Recently I landed a part-time job in a chiropractor’s office. I had an experience that taught me a few good lessons. The last Thursday before Easter, all the employees in the office were given Easter baskets filled with marshmallow, chocolate bunnies and candy Easter eggs.  When I was given my basket, I didn’t want to accept it. I tried to give it away to other employees in the office but they didn’t want my basket.  I asked myself: “What do I do? Should I just leave the basket there and walk away?  Should I take it and throw it in the dumpster out in the back parking lot? Or should I just accept it and take the basket with me and enjoy the ‘sugar-coated’ tempties?”  These were the thoughts going through my head. There was one thought that didn’t go through my head, though–and that thought was, “Should I tell my employer and my co-workers that I don’t celebrate Easter?” (… even though they knew I keep God’s Holy Days.)

So I took the basket with me. As I drove home through the mountains, I had the basket next to me on the passenger seat. A chocolate one-eyed bunny slid out of the basket and was there on the passenger seat looking at me (with a smile). The temptation to devour that sweet delicacy was there.  At that moment  I was angry with myself for not telling my employer and co-workers that I don’t celebrate Easter.  I then disposed of the basket full of goodies! My voice echoed over the mountain as I yelled out in anger, “Issssshtaaaarrrrr”!!
 
When I got home, I meditated on the situation. I realized that I turned into a “basket case!” Instead of directing my anger towards that “basket,” I should have utilized God’s perfect love towards myself and others by praying for strength to be upfront with my employer and co-workers about not celebrating Easter.  The lesson I have learned is not to become a “basket case” in trials, but to stand firm in my convictions. I should not “sugar-coat” God’s Truth.

by Louise Amorelli

In a recent show on PBS, I learned the life story of one of the most beloved chefs of all times. She was awkward in her own way… very tall for her gender… 6 foot 2 to be exact.  She actually did not debut on American TV until she turned 50, and her first cookbook did not hit the bookstores until age 49! Her story inspired me because of her dedication to her craft, no matter what the challenges. Even her failure at receiving her first degree at one of the most prestigious cooking schools in France did not stop her.  Her teacher said she would never make the grade as a chef. But she managed to convince her teacher into letting her stay on and earn her degree, no matter what the time frame. 

When she finally did earn her degree, she spent endless hours exacting just the right recipe for breads, omelets and wild game. Her goal was to change the way Americans viewed cooking, by bringing the French cuisine to the table. At that time, most women were opening cans and cooking TV dinners. Even publishers rejected her first cookbook, thinking that French cooking would not make it big in America. But her energetic enthusiasm, charm, wit and her avoidance with commercial endorsements on her show, made her one of the most unique and beloved personalities of all times. Her name was Julia Child.

In contemplating Julia Child’s remarkable success story, it inspires and encourages me to continue to move ahead, no matter what adversities may come my way. In applying it spiritually, I can see how much more I need to battle on in this Satan-inspired world when I go through trials–especially knowing that I don’t have to struggle to get the right “recipe,” as it’s all there for me in God’s Word, the Bible, which is the “ultimate cookbook.” I don’t need to spend endless hours of experimentation and error, trying to get the right “recipe for life.” I am thankful to understand that God has revealed His commandments, which contain all the necessary ingredients for His perfect Way of Life. Julia Child’s dedication to her craft can inspire me to find reassurance in the fact that I do not need to tamper with God’s perfect recipe, but stay dedicated to Him. As Julia Child had to persevere in physical ways, I know that I must always continue to strive to meet the challenges of my Christian life that may come my way!

by Robb Harris

As a young boy, I used to love to build models. When my allowance would suffice, I would ride my bike several miles to the local drugstore to buy my next project. 

Growing up in Pasadena, California, I was exposed from an early age to traffic and a busy lifestyle. Part of my freedom of going out on these short trips, was the assumption that I would also abide by the directions of my parents. I was given clear instruction how to cross the streets, the routes I should take, and how long I would be away.

In order to get to the drugstore from my house, I had to cross a large boulevard with six lanes of very fast traffic.  Having made this trip many times before, following my parents’ direction, I was one day exposed to a shortcut. A few friends took this same bike ride with me, but they knew a shorter path, one that saved 10 minutes by crossing that boulevard, NOT using the crosswalk.

In my young mind, taking shortcuts to reach my goal seemed logical. I had no fear of the real dangers around me; only the desire to get what I wanted. Although the story turned out well, in hindsight it impressed on me the need to be careful not to take the same attitude in this spiritual race I am running. The precautions God has given to me to be followed, although they may seem unreasonable at times, will eventually lead me safely to my goal.

by Kalon Mitchell (21)

When my sister was in the hospital, a few months ago, the doctors first gave her a 50-50 chance to live. Medically speaking, she should have been dead. But she pulled through, I believe, with the help of God.

During the month she spent in the hospital, I came to realize just how fragile our human existence is, and how easy it is for us to die. It struck me to know that no matter what, God is in control. Learning this, made me come to have a better relationship with those around me and to appreciate and enjoy every day that I wake up. I came to see that human life is not something to be taken for granted. During that month in the hospital, my sister had so many people thinking of and praying for her, and coming to see her. It made me realize how many lives we can touch, by just an action, a smile, or a nice word.

I also grew to be thankful to God for everything that He gives us in this world–from the air we breathe and the food we eat, to our spiritual calling. We, as the people of God, have more than any single person in this world. Many go through life wondering what will happen to them when they are dead–perhaps even wondering why they are here. We know that God placed us on this earth to fulfill a purpose. We must continue living and overcoming, realizing that with God, our chances to live eternally are much greater than just 50 percent.