This is the first day of summer.

Summer has arrived—yea!

Just about all kids love this time of year. It means a break from school, lazy and sunny days, and, usually, a special family trip or vacation. And the warm weather allows for some great outdoors activities: baseball (playing and watching), picnics (remember the ants!), sailing, swimming, hiking, walking, working in the garden and yard (hey—how’d that one get in there?). You get the picture.

With all the relaxing and playing, however, a person can see the days and weeks fly by until suddenly school’s back in session. So now is the perfect time to decide to make summer count—to get some other stuff accomplished, in addition to all the fun.

Here are some suggestions.

You could read a great book, go on a family mission trip, spend a few hours each week helping at a nursing home, compose a song, take music lessons, start a collection, write a letter a week to a missionary or soldier, read a book of the Bible (or more than one)—a chapter a day, write a short story, bake cookies, grow a garden, and so forth. You get the idea.

It’s not that you shouldn’t have fun or take a break from “juggling” and doing all the usual work. Have a great time relaxing and playing with friends and family.

Just be sure not to take a vacation from doing good and from God.

Time is short. Make every moment count.

Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days. (Ephesians 5:16)

To Do

Choose at least two of the activities suggested and do them. If you don’t like any of those suggestions, ask Mom or Dad—they’ll have ideas.

Also on this day . . .

1731—Martha Washington was born.

1859—Andrew Lanergan received the first rocket patent.

1913—Georgia Broadwick became the first woman to jump from an airplane.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

This is World Juggling Day.

See if you can find three Ping Pong balls or Nerf balls (if not, crumple up three sheets of paper). Then see if you can juggle them. After all, it’s World Juggling Day.

That’s not easy, is it? Your timing and hand movements have to be just right. And that’s just tossing and catching three items. Some jugglers can keep five things in the air, juggling everything from flaming sticks to buzzing chain saws!

Even if you can’t juggle Ping Pong balls, you probably feel like a juggler at times, as you try to find time for all the activities and demands in your life. You have friends, family, school, church, sports, clubs, and hobbies demanding time and attention, not to mention watching TV, reading books, working on the computer, and playing video games.

So how do you juggle it all? How do you find time for everything? Probably not very well, usually “dropping” a thing or two. That’s why we need to set priorities—to decide on the most important activities and do those things first.

Jesus said that the greatest commandment was to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength” (Mark 12:30). At another time, he said we should, “make the Kingdom of God [our] primary concern” (Matthew 6:33). Clearly, then, we know what should be number one on the list of priorities.

Next should come family (remember  yesterday’s lesson?). And certainly Mom and Dad will help determine other important activities (like school and homework, perhaps).

Keeping all those balls in the air isn’t easy. Instead of trying to do everything, make sure you do what’s most important.

“Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there you heart and thoughts will also be.” (Matthew 6:20–21)

To Do

Take an index card and make a “To Do” list, jotting down everything that you have to do in the next day or two. Then write “A” beside each item that is very important. Do those tasks first! Then you can follow with the “B” and “C” items if you have time.

Also on this day . . .

1782—The United States Congress approved the Great Seal of the U.S. and the bald eagle as the nation’s symbols.

1819—The 320-ton Savannah became the first steamship to cross the Atlantic.

1863—West Virginia became the 35^th state to join the United States.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

On this day in 1910 Father’s Day was celebrated for the first time—in Spokane, Washington.

What comes to mind when you hear the word, “Father”? Some kids have great relationships with their dads. For others, the relationship isn’t very strong. And some don’t even know who their father is.

The Bible says lots about fathers and children. You’ve probably heard, “Children, obey your parents” (Ephesians 6:1). That’s clear but not always easy to do. As long as we are underage and live under their authority, however, we’re supposed to do what our parents tell us to.

Another verse takes a little different slant. Jesus says, “Honor your father and mother” (Mark 7:10). “Honoring” is different than obeying. To honor someone means to respect that person. And honoring doesn’t stop when we grow up and leave home. Adults don’t have to “obey” their parents, but they still need to “honor” them.

The way people see their earthly fathers can determine how they see the heavenly Father. That can be good or bad. A child with a wonderful, loving father will tend to see God as wonderful and loving. On the other hand, a child with an abusive father will have a much more difficult time drawing close to a heavenly Father.

It’s better to think of it the other way around. That is, we should know that God is a Father in the perfect sense—he’s what every father should try to be like. He loves; he disciplines; he cares; he guides; he’s with us and for us. Isn’t that great! That’s why Paul could write, “So you should not be like cowering, fearful slaves. You should behave instead like God’s very own children, adopted into his family—calling him ‘Father, dear Father’” (Romans 8:15).

No matter what your earthly father is like, you can run to your Father in heaven.

Thanks God for both dads.

He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers. (Malachi 4:6, NIV)

To Do

Write two Father’s Day notes, one for your earthly father and one for your heavenly Father. Say thank-you for all that each Daddy has meant to you—be specific. Give the one note to your earthly father, and put the other note in your Bible as a reminder of what God means to you.

Also on this day . . .

This is Juneteenth, the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States.

1964—After a 83-day filibuster, the Civil Rights Act was approved in Congress.

1978—The “Garfield” comic strip appeared in newspapers around the U.S. for the first time.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

This is National Picnic Day.

The sun shines bright as a gentle breeze rustles the leaves overhead. You spread the blanket on the soft grass and place the basket in the middle. Moments later, with paper plate in hand and seated on the blanket’s edge, you reach for Mom’s famous fried chicken. But suddenly your leg begins to tickle, so you stop and glance down. There they are—two ants crawling up your calf. Yuck!

Picnics and ants seem to go together. They come with the territory, literally. If we want to enjoy being outside, in nature, then we have to expect nature’s visitors and pests.

Some folks might remind us that the ants were there first and that they have a right to a picnic, too (even on your leg). But crawling and buzzing (and biting) creatures usually don’t fit into our picture of an ideal event.

Actually, in this world nothing’s perfect. Stuff breaks, mosquitoes bite, clothes wear out, hurricanes hit, people let us down, sickness comes, and ants interrupt picnics. And all that imperfection can be frustrating. But that’s a reality we have to live with.

At the beginning, the world was perfect—God created it that way. But when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, sin entered the world, and everything changed. So everyone since then entered a “fallen” world. Today’s verse tells about the terrible effects of sin. It’s not a pretty picture.

Eventually, the Bible tells us, God will remake the world, and it will be perfect again (2 Peter 3:13). Won’t that be great!

Until then, we’ll have to deal with sin and faults and mistakes in ourselves and others and with splinters, blisters, insect bites, weeds, spoiled milk, broken toys, . . . .

But the future is bright! And every day can be “picnic day.”

When Adam sinned, sin entered the entire human race. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned. (Romans 5:12)

To Do

Take some time off and go on a picnic with a friend. When you see an ant, thank God for his beautiful creation and for his promise of a new heavens and new earth with no sin or decay.

Also on this day . . .

1873—Susan B. Anthony was fined $100 for attempting to vote for a U.S. President.

1942—Paul McCartney of the Beatles was born.

1983—Dr. Sally Ride became the first American woman in space as she traveled aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

On this day in 1215 King John of England signed the Magna Carta.

The Magna Carta (“great charter or contract”) is thought to be foundation of liberty for England because it sets out principles of freedom for all the citizens. This official document established for the first time that the power of the king could be limited.

A few hundred years later, the leaders of the American colonies wrote their own charters of liberty: the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787). These documents helped us gain and then keep our freedom.

But many Americans take their freedoms for granted. They love living in a country where we elect our leaders, instead of living under a dictator, yet they don’t vote. They enjoy all the services that the government provides but complain about taxes and may even cheat on them. They appreciate being able to say whatever they like but may try to keep others from speaking different opinions. And they know that freedom of religion is important yet sleep in on Sunday.

All these freedoms are key, but more important is being free on the inside. When Jesus lived on earth, Palestine was far from free. The powerful and cruel Roman Emperor ruled the land. Yet Jesus spoke to his followers and the crowds about being “truly free.” He wasn’t talking about throwing off the Romans or any other earthly ruler. He meant being free from the slavery of sin and death. And he promised that all who believed in him would be released from the worst kind of oppression.

Today, in our country as we enjoy all the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution’s Bill of Rights, we can still be enslaved and oppressed. We need the freedom that only comes through Christ—forgiveness, eternal life, and the ability to live God’s way.

Celebrate freedom—your “Magna Carta” in Christ.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will indeed be free.” (John 8:36)

To Do

Take out a sheet of paper. On one side, list the freedoms you enjoy because you live in this country. On the other side, list the freedoms you enjoy as one of God’s people. Then spend time thanking God for all your freedoms, one by one.

Also on this day . . .

This is Independence Day in Iceland.

1703—John Wesley was born.

1885—Speaking of “liberty,” the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

On this day in 1858 Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

More than 1,000 Republican delegates met at the statehouse in Springfield, Illinois for their state convention. At 5 PM they chose Abraham Lincoln to run against Democrat Stephen A. Douglas. Three hours later, he delivered his acceptance speech, highlighting the terrible problem of slavery.

He said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved—I do not expect the house to fall—but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.”

Some have called this “the speech that changed the world” because it pushed the movement against slavery, leading, eventually, to the Civil War.

The phrase, “A house divided against itself cannot stand,” quotes the Bible, paraphrasing Matthew 12:25 where Jesus was talking to the Pharisees. Politicians, especially presidential candidates, often quote Scripture. Sometimes the phrase is a correct interpretation and application. At times, however, the person is just trying to sound religious, trying to get support from Bible-believing people.

The real test of whether someone believes what the Bible teaches is how that person lives, not just that he or she mentions a verse or two. That certainly was the case with Lincoln. Because of his deep commitment to God and to God’s Word, Lincoln fought to put an end to slavery, for the equality of all human beings.

You probably know many Bible verses, and, hopefully you read your Bible often. But make sure that the verses are more than sound bytes or mottoes. Do what the Bible says—live it!

And don’t assume someone knows God just because he or she quotes him. Watch the person’s life. Then you’ll know how he or she really believes.

And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. (Matthew 12:25 KJV)

To Do

Look up the “House Divided Against Itself” speech on the Internet and read the whole thing. It won’t take long.

Also on this day . . .

This is National Fudge Day.

1963—Valentina Tereshkova of the Soviet Union became the first woman in space.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

“The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8 NIV)

Jesus echoed this sentiment in John 15 when He said that our joy would overflow through our love and obedience to the Savior. When we obey Him, we remain in His love and when we do that, our joy will be complete (John 15:10-11).

Obeying God gives joy. It’s so simple, so true, yet so difficult. We stray so easily. Following God goes against what feels good at times. It sometimes makes us take the more difficult path, the path that means hanging in with trust and faith instead of reaching for the short-term fix, what we feel we deserve, what makes us feel good. Obeying means being willing to see that there’s a bigger picture; it’s not all about us. Yes, God loves us totally and completely, but His love has bigger plans for us than to just toss us crumbs of happiness. He wants to give us deep, abiding joy that is full, complete, and overflowing (John 15:11), joy that no one can take away (John 16:22). And, as odd as it may seem, that kind of joy is often forged in the fires of difficulty.

True joy is forged in the fires of trusting God when it doesn’t make sense, obeying God when disobedience would feel better, walking with God when the path looks dark and scary. God wants us to find joy that accomplishes His perfect will in our lives, and then spreads from us into our worlds. All of this comes from obedience to His law.

Why? This psalm tells us.

His law revives even the most tired soul, for it grants us guidance when we don’t know what to do (Psalm 19:7). His statutes are trustworthy, giving wisdom when the gray of the world makes us unsure of where the lines are, what’s right or wrong (v. 7).

His precepts are right, giving joy to our hearts, for we know when we do as He says, we are on the right path and He is pleased (v. 8). His commands are radiant, giving us light and guidance when otherwise we would stumble and be unable to find our way (v. 8). By them we are warned; in keeping them there is great reward (v. 11).

That’s why we need to be in God’s Word every day; otherwise we begin to lose perspective. We need to be revived and given wisdom, joy, and light to penetrate the unknown and unfamiliar path ahead.

His words are “more precious than gold, than much pure gold” (v. 10). Their value is without end.

This is Smile Power Day.

OK, let’s say you’re heading for school, and you’re running late. The weather’s gloomy, matching your mood. You almost trip near the door and splatter yourself and your books on the sidewalk. Out of breath, you rush into class and plop into your seat. Expecting the worst, you look up and see your teacher . . . smiling! Now how do you feel?

Smiles say a bunch. They welcome and invite us, letting us in on the fun. They brighten a room. We love seeing smiles from a coach, the principal, our parents, and a friend.

Frowns seem to come more easily, especially when we hear bad news or think about our problems and troubles.

Smiles only come when we’re having fun or focusing on what’s good in our lives. Here’s a short list.

• God created you in his image, loves you, and wants nothing but the best for you.
• God sent Jesus to die on the cross for your sins, so you could live with him forever.
• God has given you life and surrounded you with family, friends, teachers, and others who care about you.
• You can think, talk, see, walk, eat, smell, hear, taste, cry, and laugh (or, at least, most of those).
• You have a great sense of humor.

Think about whose day you can brighten. Be a positive person. Lighten up! Smile! Pass the joy!

Let the words of Christ, in all their richness, live in your hearts and make you wise. Use his words to teach and counsel each other. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. (Colossians 3:16)

To Do

For a couple of hours today, try smiling at each person you see, even total strangers. Watch their reactions. Most will probably smile back!

Also on this day . . .

1775—George Washington was appointed head of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress.

1836—Arkansas became the 25^th U.S. state.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005).

Linda Taylor

It is with great sorrow that I read about the demise of several of Christianity Today’s magazines. It’s very sad because, as CT’s building is Livingstone’s neighbor a block away in Carol Stream, that means many of the layoffs affect people I know and love.

And it’s also sad when something that has become an “institution” of sorts has to close its doors. For me, the demise of Campus Life magazine makes me feel both sad and old. I loved that magazine for helping me during my high school years to ground my faith and find humor and fun in Christianity. And, as a high schooler living in with my military family in Europe with no ability to make college visits (and decades before the Internet), I devoured my Campus Life Magazine Christian College Guide, dutifully filling in the handy postcard so that I could receive catalogs and other information by mail for my college search.

And I have similar feelings for Today’s Christian Woman—the subject of Lisa Miller’s article in Newsweek. As I matured in my walk, finished college, married, worked, had a family, TCW was always there to walk me through a tough time with my kids, or with my husband, or with my finances, or simply to offer a dose of encouragement in what at times seemed like lonesome, unfulfilling days (three children born in 33 months will do that to a woman. I know that there are a couple of years of my life that I cannot even recall . . .). So to say good-bye to TCW is difficult indeed.

I know that these are steps CT is taking strategically, and I know that they are based on financial, bottom-line considerations. Every good business has to do that. But I disagree with Miller that this signals the end of Christian publishing. Instead, I’m far more in tune with Mark Kuyper’s take on this whole situation. As Kuyper says, these times are challenging, no doubt. But they also provide great opportunities.

You see, I don’t believe that Christian publishing is no longer needed any more than I believe doctors, plumbers, truckers, and bikers no longer need their trade publications. Christian publishing is where we of likeminded worldviews gather together to share ideas, discuss, disagree, teach, encourage, and figure out how our worldview shapes our responses to an ever-changing society. Christian magazines and Christian publishing provide our “trade publications,” keeping us abreast of current thinking. And there will always be a place for this.

While some mature believers may be able to filter secular material through their Christian worldview (as Don Pape says he does in Miller’s article), I also know that my children (ages 18, 19, 20) are still developing their worldviews—and they are not yet discerning enough to do so completely on their own. They still identify themselves with Christianity, and they still want to know what a “Christian” take would be on world events and on opinions that go largely unchallenged by secular media outlets. They need to know what God’s Word says, and it’s up to us (as my children’s parents), partnering with the church, other mature believers, and the wonderful material produced by Christian publishers, to help them understand God’s Word and how it applies to their lives, their opinions, their very worldview.

You see, we Christians are different. And I for one am glad to be so. I do willingly identify myself with a coherent group that resonates with certain values and beliefs. Of course, Christians have a huge variety of opinions on a huge variety of topics—which keeps us from getting stuck and stuffy and, incidentally, from being “closed minded.” But if we take ourselves back to the Apostles’ Creed, we discover the basic beliefs that do separate us and make us unique.

So maybe some print publishing is dead. And that may be a good thing. Save a few trees, less waste. And I’m glad that Ginger Kolbaba, editor of TCW, is in the process of creating an online magazine. I mean, I still don’t curl up with my laptop at night (magazines are really better), but at least I know the material is available to me and to my kids.

The words of the early church fathers written centuries ago still teach and inspire me. We believers still have plenty of stories to tell, inspiration to give, encouragement to share, insights to teach.

We’re not dead. Not by a long shot.

Time Spent on Social Networks Doubles in a Year

PC World

Now Let’s Get Back to Work I know I keep Twitter open but Facebook closed all day at work (can’t have the bosses seeing me ON my FB page all day). Twitter might give me some new info; FB is more pesonal and hence more addicting. This article shows me I’m not alone. —Linda Taylor