(ec) essential connection magazine

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:21:00 +0000

Welcome to the final Friday of March! And you know what that means . . . OK, maybe not, but here on the ec magazine blog it means our online edition of "Snippets and Soundbites."

Yep, we've been digging through this week's news of the weird and watching interesting videos and it's time to share some of what we found this week.

Let's get the weekend started right!

Delayed? Again!
No one likes a delay at the airport. Full of people rushing to get to their next flight or their destination, it's one of the best places to get a glimpse of someone having a complete and total meltdown. Delays usually come from weather issues, mechanical problems, or flights that are running just a tiny bit behind. That wasn't the case at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta this week. Apparently, on Tuesday, a coyote wandered onto a runway and delayed flights by a few minutes while the ground crews chased the animal off of the runway. The whole delay only lasted about five minutes (the time it took ground crews in a vehicle to chase the animal into a ravine), but that's five minutes at the world's busiest airport. You can read all about it here.

Snowball fight! Lawsuit!
Most of us think a snowball fight sounds like fun, but that's not the case for two Massachusetts men. In defense of the guys: this is not your run-of-the-mill fun-with-your-friends-in-the-snow snowball fight. Apparently, Charles Dow of Newton, Mass., and Robert Earley of Nantucket, Mass., were in Jay, Vermont, earlier this winter. On that fateful Friday, Earley was driving his car down the street when Dow fired off a snowball at the moving vehicle. The Vermont State Police report that Earley then stopped his vehicle and assaulted Dow for throwing the snowball. Dow was injured and treated at a Newport, Vermont, hospital. But both of the men now face charges: Earley was cited for simple assault; Dow was charged with disorderly conduct. They're both due in court in May. And we're glad there will likely be no snow around for that court date! Read all about it here.

A sweet story.

We love good stories about dogs as much as anyone. OK, if we're honest, maybe more than most people. But this week we ran across the story of Alice, an 8-week-old springer spaniel who had been abandoned by a breeder at an animal rescue shelter in Ireland because she was deaf. That's where Marie Williams and Mark Morgan ran across the puppy. Deaf themselves, they fell in love with the dog—the fact that she was deaf just made her all the more special. Alice's new family is working to teach her sign language. It seems like she's found a happy new home! Learn more here. Be sure to check out the video!

As always, if today's edition of "Snippets and Soundbites" wasn't enough strange news and quirky stories for your taste, check out page 38 in this month's (and every month's) print issue of ec. You can subscribe to ec here: www.lifeway.com/ec.

What to do (and what not to do) when you're mad at your parents

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 13:25:00 +0000

You can’t get along with everyone all of the time. That truth definitely extends to your parents. You live in the same house, share the same genes, and know the best ways to push each other’s buttons. But how do you deal with your parents when you argue? We’ve got a few ideas.

Remember whom you’re talking to.
Your parents are human. They do and say things they shouldn’t; they make mistakes. But even in the middle of a heated argument, your mom is still your mom and your dad is still your dad. And as a believer, you’re called to respect your parents and treat them as you’d like to be treated. So before you throw out that sarcastic remark, remember whom you’re talking to and treat your parents with the respect they deserve!

Figure out why you get so mad.
Make a list of the things you and your parents argue about most. When you’re finished, look it over and figure out what makes you so angry in those situations. Is it because your parents flat out disagree with you or that they won’t at least see your point of view? When you know why you’re angry, you can take steps to avoid arguments or even solve the problem.

Don’t let anger do the talking.
When you’re angry, it’s easy to let the emotion take control and say and do things you wish you hadn’t. That’s especially disastrous when the person at the receiving end of your anger is your mom or dad. When you feel anger taking control, take a deep breath and refrain from talking. Count to . Pray about your attitude and ask for wisdom. If emotions are running high on all sides, it may be best to table the conversation and return to it when cooler heads can prevail.

Compromise.
You’re not always right, and neither are your parents. Usually both of you have to give a little to end a disagreement or solve the problem you’re facing. Suggest a compromise and set the example for your parents.

Listen!
This one is true for any disagreement or relationship. Listen when your parents talk. Even if it makes you mad, keep your ears and mind open. Try to see things from the other person's point of view; don't spend all the time your mom or dad is talking thinking about what you're going to say next. That means you're not listening, you're not trying to solve the problem, and proves that you're being selfish and want your way at all costs.

Don't interrupt.
Don’t interrupt or offer explanations when your parents are talking. Just listen! This one is particularly annoying to parents. Interrupting can be disrespectful, especially since it doesn't allow the person you've interrupted to get his or her point across. Your parents deserve that right. That doesn't mean you can't say anything. It just means that you need to let your mom and dad make their points without comment from you, and when the time is right explain your point of view. But do so respectfully and with a focus on reaching an agreement or resolving the conflict.

Weird strawberry recipes

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:41:00 +0000

The Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Fla., ended last week, but we're keeping the celebration going. If you want to try out the weird strawberry recipes we included in "Fun:Miscellaneous" in the March issue of ec, here's all the info you need to know!

Photo credit: D. Sharon Pruitt/stockxchange

Strawberry avocado salsa

Wash, chop, and combine in a bowl:

1 cup finely chopped strawberries
1/4 cup finely chopped peeled avocado
2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 teaspoon grated lime rind
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
1/4 teaspoon sugar

Serve immediately. For the original recipe and more info, go here.

Spaghetti with strawberries

1 pound dried spaghetti
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for finishing
1 pound ripe strawberries, cleaned and halved
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 cup tomato purée
4 ounces reserved pasta water
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook the pasta in rapidly boiling salted water until al dente.
Warm the olive oil in a large sauté pan, then add half of the strawberries. Cook over medium heat untio the strawberries start to release juice. Add balsamic and allow the sauce to reduce by half.
Add tomato purée, the rest of the strawberries, and the reserved pasta water, and reduce by half again until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the sauce with spaghetti. Finish with a little olive oil and black pepper.
For the original recipe and more info, go here.

Deep fried strawberries

For this recipe, you'll need:

1 pint fresh strawberries

1 cup plain flour

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

granulated sugar

oil (for frying)

whipped cream

mint sprig (optional)

1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and stemmed
1 cup plain flour
1 egg
1 cup milk
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
granulated sugar
oil (for frying)
whipped cream

After washing and stemming the strawberries, create your assembly line. Put the flour in a small bowl. Beat the egg and milk together in a small bowl and place next to the flour. In another bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and cinnamon and place it last in the line. Begin heating the oil for frying. While it is getting hot, dredge the strawberries in flour, then coat with the egg mixture, then roll in the graham cracker crumb mixture. When oil is hot, deep fry each strawberry for 1 to 2 minutes until the coating is crisp and brown. Drain the deep fried strawberries on a paper towel, then serve a few with whipped cream, Cool Whip, or vanilla ice cream. For more information and the original recipe, go here.

1 pint fresh strawberries

1 cup plain flour

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

granulated sugar

oil (for frying)

whipped cream

mint sprig (optional)

1 pint fresh strawberries

1 cup plain flour

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

1 teaspoon cinnamon

granulated sugar

oil (for frying)

whipped cream

mint sprig (optional)

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:33:00 +0000

Hey, ec fans! Welcome to the first Friday of March Madness!

And even if you think college basketball's biggest tournament is nothing to cheer about (we obviously do!), there's plenty news of the weird out there to get you laughing and ready for the weekend.

So let's see what we dug up this week:

A sticky issue
Steven Steel is a city councilman in Toledo, Ohio. A guy who prides himself on "living off the land," Steel and his family have chickens to lay eggs, collect honey from a beehive, and make their own soup. But the city says he took things too far when he tapped a century-old maple tree in front of his Toledo home and collected enough sap for two gallons of syrup. The local paper reported the tree was actually owned by the city (oops!) and a neighbor complained. Apparently, Steel is in the wrong, since Toledo law requires citizens to get approval from the forestry department before doing anything to a tree. Steel removed the taps and buckets right away. We guess he'll just have to buy his syrup at the store like we do! Read all about it here. Want to learn about how maple syrup is made? Go here.

It's MINE!

Photo from the Hershey Farm Whoopie Pie Festival
near Lancaster, Pa. This year's festival is set for
September 17.

If you live in the New England area (or the East Coast) or have visited there, you've probably run across a popular dessert called a whoopie pie. It's basically a cake sandwich involving two small chocolate cakes that sandwich a creamy vanilla filling. Back in January, Maine state representative Paul Davis introduced a bill that would make the whoopie pie Maine's official state dessert. He says he got the idea when he was talking with people at the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival last year, an event that attracted 4,000 visitors to Dover-Foxcroft, which is part of Davis' district. The legislative committee has since dropped the term "dessert" in favor of "treat," but that hasn't stopped Pennsylvania residents from protesting. They say the treat actually originated in the kitchens of their large Amish population and dates back generations. The Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau fought back when they got wind of the bill, creating a website (www.saveourwhoopie.com) and accusing Maine of "confectionary larceny." So far, residents of each state are sticking to their guns and supporting their bakeries in the fight for the origin of the whoopie pie. Things may get heated, but both sides say the fight is all in good fun. Learn more here. Want to make your own whoopie pie? Go here.

Silly baby!

There's nothing like a good funny video to end a long week. The funny part about this one is the baby's very dramatic reaction to her mom blowing her nose. But it's funnier if you watch it. . . . so here:

As always, if today's edition of "Snippets and Soundbites" isn't enough news of the strange for you, check out page 38 in this month's (and every month's) print edition of ec. You can subscribe to ec magazine here.

You can do it: Finishing the school year strong

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:11:00 +0000

If only every school day could be like the first day of the new school year. Expectations are high, attitudes are positive, and the sky seems to be the limit. Your mind felt as sharp as the No. 2 pencil in your hand.

But now it’s March, the end of the school year is in sight, and motivation and excitement are no longer even part of your vocabulary. Frankly, school seems about as exciting as getting a tooth filled, with similar amounts of dull pain and sometimes even numbness. It’s time to take stock, make some simple changes, and finish this year strong. The late bell is about to ring, so time is most definitely of the essence.

I’ll be upfront and honest here; I’m writing from a teacher’s perspective. I’m going to let you know ideas and strategies that teachers really appreciate. These will be labeled STL (no, not St. Louis!) but rather “Stuff Teachers Like.” Ready? Let’s go!

Get some new stuff.
Now is a great time to restock on school supplies. You think that task can only be done once a year? Wrong! It’s amazing what some fresh notebook paper, a pack of sharp pencils, and maybe even a snazzy new binder or notebook can do for your confidence. (STL)
Plus, a new notebook will have rings that actually work, so your papers don’t fall out and leave a literal paper trail of where you’ve been.

Getting organized is a huge key to success.
Clean out that binder and throw away or recycle old assignments and tests. Collect a stack of your old papers and ask the teacher: “Do I need these, or is it OK to get rid of them?” Make sure that he or she notices you recycling the papers, thereby helping protect planet earth. (STL)

Get enthusiastic.
The Bible—it’s just so full of wisdom, like in Colossians 3:23, which says “Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for the Lord and not for men.” Let’sgive a big STL to those words of Paul right now!

If you haven’t figured out by now, teachers care a lot about effort. They recognize it, and they like it. Even if you don’t totally understand y=mx+b, work at it with all the enthusiasm you can muster. Attack that slope-intercept form like you are attacking it for the Lord, not just for Mrs. Jones, who’s been around so long that she possibly taught algebra to Paul back in his school days.

Move around.
If you’re struggling to pay attention—or to just stay awake for that matter, ask if you can be moved to the front of the room so that you will be closer to the core of instruction (STL).
This demonstrates to the teacher that you care more about your grade than daydreaming while gazing out the window or grabbing a few extra winks of sleep. And while you’re at it, don’t be afraid to ask for some extra help before or after class (STL). This shows that you are concerned about your grade and want to see it improve.

Accountability—it’s biblical.
Galatians 6:2 tells us to “Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Now is the time to form a study group to help you get through these last few months of school (STL). Be sure to invite someone who is doing well in the class, along with some friends who might need a little boost. Stay focused on the schoolwork, but have some fun as well.
Pay attention to where you study. Every student needs an area at home that is clearly set aside for homework and studying. Put your study area to the test with our handy quiz:
1. Is there plenty of light?
❑ YES ❑ NO

2. Do you have a comfortable chair?
❑ YES ❑ NO

3. Is your study area away from TV, phone, and other distractions?
❑ YES ❑ NO

4. Do you have lots of pens, pencils, papers, books, and other supplies you’ll need to study?
❑ YES ❑ NO

5. Is your study spot fairly quiet?
❑ YES ❑ NO

6. When you study, do you use the Internet only for study-related activities?
❑ YES ❑ NO

7. Are your homework assignments written down?
❑ YES ❑ NO

If you answered “No” to more than two of those questions, you might want to rethink your study space.

Think ahead.
The last few months of the school year are BUSY! Take some time now to see what’s headed your way in the next few weeks and put it in your planner or write it on your family calendar. Record any band concerts, banquets, team meetings, or special events. Write down the due dates for big projects and list the dates for AP exams and finals. (STL) By taking some time to look ahead now, you can better plan how you’re going to get everything done—without losing your mind!

Take it one thing at a time.
Don’t freak out that you’ve got a million things to do and a seemingly short amount of time to finish them. Make a list of all you need to accomplish each week and break down big tasks into small steps. If you have a big exam to study for, your steps might include reviewing your notes for two of the chapters covered on the test on one night, then reviewing the remaining chapters the next night. The following night, you may review the study guide or practice test your teacher gave you.

With a little extra effort, some new supplies, and a few creative strategies, you should be set to finish this school year strong.

This article written by Will Snipes appears in the March 2011 issue of ec magazine. You can subscribe to ec by clicking here.

March Madness: EXPANDED

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 14:29:00 +0000

This year, the NCAA expanded the Big Dance to include 68 teams, so it only seems right that we also expand our coverage of one of our favorite sporting events of the year!

We hope you're as excited about the NCAA basketball tournament as we are!

Make your picks!
Join us in a friendly competition to see how well you can pick your brackets. Ec team members and readers will be participating, and we can't wait to see who you pick to win it all! Earn the bragging rights (and more!) by joining us at http://ec2011bracket.mayhem.cbssports.com/e and using the password MarchMadness. If you need our group name, it's: ec magazine 2011 bracket challenge.

View the Izzone

In the March 2011 issue of ec, we highlighted the Izzone, the student cheering section for the Michigan State's basketball team. Check out this video to learn more and see the Izzone in action:

You can also link to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4O_4k-2kQY

Silent Night
Taylor University, a small liberal arts Christian school in Upland, Ind., won’t play in this year’s Division I NCAA tournament, but the NAIA school has its own special tradition. On the Friday before the fall finals week begins (usually around the middle of December) fans come to the game dressed in their pajamas and stay completely silent until Taylor’s team scores its tenth point. Then, the crowd goes crazy, complete with celebrating and confetti. The game is known as Taylor’s “Silent Night,” and afterward, the students come together for a campus-wide Christmas party! Learn more here. Or watch this video:

Trivia!
Want to wow your friends by spouting off random March Madness facts? Check out these sites:
http://www.funtrivia.com/en/Sports/NCAA-March-Madness-4418.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Men%27s_Division_I_Basketball_Championship
http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/march-madness.htm

An interview with Lincoln Brewster

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 13:46:00 +0000

Everyone has a story.
Lincoln Brewster is the first to admit that while his isn’t perfect, it’s bittersweet.

Every person has a story.

For some, that story is filled with love and happy endings. For others, sadness and tragedy. But for most, the story is both bitter and sweet.

On the surface, acclaimed worship leader Lincoln Brewster seems to live the fairy tale. With six acclaimed albums, multiple hit songs, a beautiful wife, and two children, his life seems pretty perfect—from the outside.

“It’s really easy for people to look at my life and say ‘you’re so lucky,’” says Lincoln. “And while I’m really blessed and exceptionally grateful to be where I am today, it hasn’t always been like this.”

An unstable world
Lincoln was raised the youngest of eight children in a small fishing town in Alaska. His stepfather was an abusive alcoholic, and Lincoln says his family life offered little stability.

“When you’re a kid, and you equate your father figure, your dad, with hurting your mom . . . that can do strange things to you,” says Lincoln. “There are still challenges I face today as an adult because of the things I didn’t get as a child.”

Lincoln says that despite his unstable childhood, he knew he could always draw strength from his mother’s love.

“She made mistakes, of course,” says Lincoln. “I think she was frozen by this debilitating fear she felt towards my stepfather. But I never once doubted her love for me. She’s loved me my whole life, and continues to do so today. That doesn’t make her wrongs OK, but it covers them in a way that I can understand them.”

Don’t go it alone
When Lincoln was 12, his mother finally escaped the shadow of her husband, and she, Lincoln, and two of his siblings were finally free from the abuse and tragedy of that broken home. But through his teen years, Lincoln struggled to find role models. He says he went through a string of friends he tried to mold into father figures and role models—but all they could offer was friendship.

“We’re created to have those parent figures in our lives,” says Lincoln. “I found myself counting on my friends to be strong father figures and counselors. They couldn’t stand up under the responsibilities I was putting on them.”

And when friendships fail, isolation often quickly follows. “When you’re in pain and when you’re in crisis, the worst thing to try to do is go it alone,” says Lincoln. “It’s hard to let others in, but you have to find a way.”

Lincoln says as a teen, he made the conscious decision to begin to let “safe” people into his life—youth leaders, pastors, and counselors. These relationships helped him to finally find some solid ground. He also found the incredible, boundless love of a true Father. “I think people going through crisis need to know one important thing,” says Lincoln. “God is crazy, head over heels in love with you.”

Finding your identity in a loving God is far more lasting and stable than finding your identity in friends or romantic relationships. Once you’ve established that relationship with God and found that group of people who hold you accountable, the things you know start to overshadow the things in your life that don’t make sense, Lincoln says.

“There will always be things that happen beyond your control,” says Lincoln. “But at least make good choices with the things you can control. As a believer, you need to rely on the things you know and run all of your decisions through that filter.”

A story of healing
Lincoln says this process of faith, positive role models, and good decision-making eventually brought him to a place where he really started to live for something outside of himself. And that was a good thing. “When you’re not the entirety of your world, that’s not bad!” he says.

Today, Lincoln says he works hard to set boundaries in his life and to remove himself from dysfunctional and dangerous relationships. His desire is to create a peaceful home for both himself and his family. It may not be a fairy tale, but it is definitely a tale of healing and redemption.

“I am living, breathing proof that God can take somebody with a messed-up past and still do something with your life. There’s no such thing as damaged goods in God’s kingdom.”

Media related to suffering: Expanded Version

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

We told you on page 18 of this month’s issue to check the blog today for an expanded edition of Anna McKenzie’s article, “Music, Music, and Books about Suffering.” Well, here it is, for your reading pleasure.

Movies

AMAZING GRACE
2006/FOUR BOYS FILMS
An engaging and heartfelt drama, Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce, a member of the British parliament and a strong Christian who took on the mission of abolishing the slave trade in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s. He endured a great deal of criticism and opposition and suffered from a chronic illness which hindered his progress. This modern classic depicts Wilberforce’s persistence and reliance on God’s strength, which -carried him through the seemingly insurmountable obstacles that stood in his way.

END OF THE SPEAR
2005/EVERY TRIBE ENTERTAINMENT
This is the story of Jim Elliot and fellow missionaries who brought the gospel to a violent tribe in Ecuador. Doing so cost five of the missionaries their lives. It’s sad but also hopeful.

Songs

"IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL"
WRITTEN BY HORATIO SPAFFORD, COMPOSED BY PHILIP BLISS
Horatio Spafford underwent a great deal of suffering prior to writing this well-known hymn. His 4 year-old son died, then he lost a lot of property investments in the Chicago Fire of 1871. Two years later, in 1873, his wife and four daughters were on a ship that sank; his wife alone survived. In the midst of his grief over the loss of his children, Spafford found comfort in God’s grace and salvation. He knew that despite all that might happen to him on earth, it was well with his soul.

"OH MY GOD"
JARS OF CLAY (GOOD MONSTERS, 2006)
This powerful song describes all the kinds of people who call out to God, whether genuinely or taking His name in vain—from “liars and fools,” to “pilgrim saints and lonely widows.” It probes the depths of doubt that can accompany suffering, unabashedly questioning hope and wondering how God will respond. The song finishes with the ultimate cry of humanity, “Oh my God,” which leaves all eyes on God, our only hope of restoration in a broken world.

Also check out:
• “Faith Enough,” by Jars of Clay (Who We Are Instead, 2003)
• “Blessed Be Your Name,” by Matt Redman (Blessed Be Your Name, 2005)

Books

THE PROBLEM OF PAIN
C.S. LEWIS
In this book, C.S. Lewis tackles the great question of why God allows suffering in the world and what that means for humanity. He approaches this difficult subject logically and honestly, without trying to gloss over the issue. Instead, he addresses pain head-on with a theological and philosophical viewpoint, while his straightforward style remains accessible to the modern reader.

THE HIDING PLACE
CORRIE TEN BOOM
During World War II, Corrie ten Boom and her Christian family hid Jews until they were taken away to concentration camps themselves. In The Hiding Place, Corrie recounts her experiences of Nazi brutality and how she was able to keep her faith during even the bleakest of circumstances. Through the darkness and cruelty that she felt and witnessed, Corrie found that God was still present with her—and it gave her hope and a hard-won peace even in light of intense personal and global suffering.

Also check out:
• If God Is Good by Randy Alcorn
• Where Is God When It Hurts? by Philip Yancey

Take a [basketball] poll. Please.

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

It's March, which means that the college basketball season is coming to its glorious end. So that's why we want you to take part in the following poll (as seen on page 39 of this month's issue). Enjoy! (Because we sure do enjoy hearing what you think about things!)

How do you feel about March Madness?online surveys

Daily Bible Readings: March

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:22:00 +0000

It’s that time again . . . if you’re reading through the Bible this year using ec’s plan, here what you need to know:

Tuesday, March 1: Numbers 22–24; Mark 5:1-20
Wednesday, March 2: Numbers 25–26; Mark 5:21-43
Thursday, March 3: Numbers 27–29; Mark 6:1-13
Friday, March 4: Numbers 30–31; Mark 6:14-31
Saturday, March 5: Numbers 32–33; Mark 6:32-56

Sunday, March 6: Numbers 34–36; Mark 7:1-23
Monday, March 7: Deuteronomy 1–2; Mark 7:24-37
Tuesday, March 8: Deuteronomy 3–4; Mark 8:1-10
Wednesday, March 9: Deuteronomy 5–6; Mark 8:11-26
Thursday, March 10: Deuteronomy 7–9; Mark 8:27-38
Friday, March 11: Deuteronomy 10–11; Mark 9:1-13
Saturday, March 12: Deuteronomy 12–14; Mark 9:14-29

Sunday, March 13: Deuteronomy 15–17; Mark 9:30-50
Monday, March 14: Deuteronomy 18–20; Mark 10:1-16
Tuesday, March 15: Deuteronomy 21–23; Mark 10:17-31
Wednesday, March 16: Deuteronomy 24–26; Mark 10:32-52
Thursday, March 17: Deuteronomy 27–28; Mark 11:1-11
Friday, March 18: Deuteronomy 29–30; Mark 11:12-33
Saturday, March 19: Deuteronomy 31–32; Mark 12:1-12

Sunday, March 20: Deuteronomy 33–34; Mark 12:13-27
Monday, March 21: Joshua 1–2; Mark 12:28-44
Tuesday, March 22: Joshua 3–4; Mark 13:1-13
Wednesday, March 23: Joshua 5–6; Mark 13:14-37
Thursday, March 24: Joshua 7–8; Mark 14:1-11
Friday, March 25: Joshua 9–10; Mark 14:12-31
Saturday, March 26: Joshua 11–12; Mark 14:32-52

Sunday, March 27: Joshua 13–15; Mark 14:53-72
Monday, March 28: Joshua 16–18; Mark 15:1-15
Tuesday, March 29: Joshua 19–20; Mark 15:16-39
Wednesday, March 30: Joshua 21–22; Mark 15:40-47
Thursday, March 31: Joshua 23–24; Mark 16

The editor's thoughts on the March 2011 issue

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 15:41:00 +0000

A friend of mine found out that her stepfather, the man who had been
her father since she was a child, passed away while she was hours away
from home in a foreign country on a mission trip with her college. I
didn’t know her then, but I’ll never forget the way she talked about
her pain or her description of her tears splattering on the uneven
planks of the hardwood floor in the lobby of the hotel. In my mind’s
eye, I saw her there, sobs wrenching from her body and tears coming
unbidden.

But I’ll also never forget the simple e-mail she got from a friend,
someone we both admire. It simply said, “The aching may remain, but
the breaking will not.”

No, those words aren’t Scripture. They’re the lyrics of a song by
Andrew Peterson called “The Silence of God.” And in the midst of her
suffering, they spoke truth to her—that the pain she felt was real and
would last a long time and may never fully go away. But it wouldn’t
kill her, because the God she loved is the same God who promises to
redeem all things.

As Christ-followers, we sometimes believe a false concept that because
we’re following Jesus, our lives will be problem-free. That we won’t
have to suffer. That God’s biggest role in our lives is to do whatever
makes us happy. But the problem with that idea is that it isn’t true.
Jesus promised that His believers would face persecution and suffering
(John 15:18; 16:33). And the fact is, Jesus Himself suffered greatly
while He was on this earth in human form. If Jesus Christ—the Messiah,
God in human flesh—suffered during His earthly life, why would we
expect that our lives would be free of pain, sorrow, and suffering?

We will face suffering, pain, and loss in this life. It won’t always
seem fair, and at times, we’ll feel overwhelmed and broken by it.
That’s the truth. And this month, we’re telling the truth about
suffering in ec. Jennifer Denning’s cover story, “Faith under Fire” on
page 27, tells the truth that suffering is part of our fallen world
and speaks to the lie that God exists just to make us happy. Through
Anna McKenzie’s article (p. 18), Lindsey Dugue’s quiz (p. 19), and
numerous other devotions and articles, you’ll learn that God can give
us hope even in our deepest sorrows, and He often redeems the things
we thought would kill us so that they shine with His glory. After you
read this issue, I hope you realize that God can even use the
suffering in our lives to bend and break us so that He can mold and
shape us to look more like His Son. You can’t escape suffering in this
world, but you can trust God.

The aching may remain, but the breaking will not.

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:07:00 +0000

It's Friday! The last Friday in February! And since that seems like something we should celebrate, we thought we'd get the party started with this week's online edition of "Snippets and Soundbites." We just can't wait to fill you in on some of the crazy stories we found among this week's headlines!

Let's go!

GOAL!!!!!!

Soccer is exciting. . . but apparently one student took his love for soccer a little too far—and that decision had its consequences. While secretly listening to a soccer game during class, he got a little excited. Why don't we just show you the rest?

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Thin mints in jail?

Members of a Georgia Girl Scout troop may have wondered if they'd be munching on Girl Scout cookies in jail this week after a strange run-in with a local police officer. Apparently, the girls and their leader had set up a stand to sell cookies at a strip mall near Atlanta on Wednesday when the police officer approached them and asked if they had a peddler's permit. They didn't, and he then told them to pack up and go home. The younger members of the troop were convinced they were headed to jail and very frightened by the experience. Of course, the story hit the local news and both the city's police chief and mayor have now spoken with the officer in question. They say the whole incident was a "misunderstanding" and are planning to make it up to the girls with a pizza party. To read more about this story, go here.

Run, Robot, Run!

Once upon a time, we thought robots would rule the world—or at least do our household chores like on the cartoon "The Jetsons." And robots are doing a lot of cool stuff these days. There are robots used in medical fields and surgery, robot vacuums, and robots who do a lot of basic tasks in manufacturing that we'd never even dream of. And there are robots who run. Yep, run. The world's first robot marathon got underway yesterday in western Japan. According to the story we read, 5 two-legged robot participants are racing on an indoor track as a way to “demonstrate the machines' durability and maneuverability.” The race is sponsored by a Japanese robot maker, and the robots are 1-foot-tall and battery-charged. They will have to cover 26 miles and it's expected the race will last through Sunday. To learn more, go here. Check out a video here.

As always, if this edition of “Snippets and Soundbites” isn't enough for you, check out page 38 in this month's (and every month's) issue of ec. You can subscribe to the print edition of ec here.

What we wish we'd known in high school: Dating

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Recently, we asked some people who are a little older and a bit wiser than you to share with us what they wish they had known when they were in high school. Here's what they had to say about dating:

“You’ll be just fine if you haven’t had a boyfriend, girlfriend, first date, or first kiss by the time you graduate from high school.”
—Emily Cole

“I wish I’d known that purity in every form of the word—spiritually, emotionally, mentally, physically—is so very important and to be guarded and protected.”
—Kaylan Christopher

“Girls, if a boy doesn’t call you back, don’t keep calling him. Let him pursue you.”
—Emily Cole

“I wish I had known that in the large majority of cases, high school sweethearts and boyfriends do not last. If I could do it all over again I would spend way less time worrying about my dating life and more time focusing on my GPA, dental hygiene, and driving skills because those are things that affect and stay with you forever.”
—Julie Sallee Partin, ec writer

“The reality that high school relationships usually don’t last forever doesn’t give you permission to be a jerk. Your friends may break up and go out with a new girl every week. That doesn’t mean you should be flippant about how you treat who you’re dating. No matter how long it lasts, treat her with respect. It’s a good thing I did; I married my high school girlfriend.”
—Scott Latta

“I wish I’d known that when you give your body to someone, you’re also giving a piece of your heart.”
—Pam Gibbs

“Having a girlfriend or boyfriend should not define you. Our identity and our worth is found in Christ and Christ alone, not in a guy or a girl who likes us. Dating can be an important part of your teenage years, but it should never become your primary focus.”
—Will Snipes, ec writer

If you'd like to see more articles like this one, subscribe to the print edition of ec at www.lifeway.com/ec.

The truth about exercise and YOU

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:07:00 +0000

by Kevin McKechnie, M.D.

Exercise may be the cheapest and one of the most effective medicines available. But unfortunately, among children, teens, and adults, it’s often ignored.

Definitions, Please!
By exercise, I mean cardiovascular or aerobic physical activity that raises your heart rate for at least 30 sustained minutes. A simple example is a brisk 30-minute walk. Other possibilities include cycling, spinning, swimming, running, jogging, aerobics, aerobic dance, water aerobics, jumping rope, hiking, stair climbing, and cross country skiing. There are many more activities from which to choose. Some team sports also qualify as exercise. Playing soccer, lacrosse, and hockey certainly count, unless, of course, you are the goalie. The examples of rugby and ultimate frisbee show how diverse and fun cardio exercise can be.

Pump that Iron
I often am asked about weight lifting. Lifting a few sets or seeing how much you can lift does not count as aerobic exercise. However, circuit training—using higher repetitions of lower weights with little or no break between sets—can provide a good cardio workout. Circuit training also builds strength and muscle tone.

Keep trying
Many people are quite active and yet do not exercise by the definition above. Activity is better than inactivity, but activity and exercise are not exactly the same thing. The walking you do between classes or at the mall is good activity but does not qualify as aerobic. Even going up a few flights of stairs is great activity but not the cardio workout that you need. Again, sustained heart rate elevation is a requirement for the activity to be called aerobic.

No excuses
Unfortunately, too many people make excuses to avoid exercising at all. “I don’t have time” is the most common excuse that I hear. Most of us are busy and have to set aside the time. Two or three hours a week may sound like a big time commitment, but it is less time than many of us spend on the computer and watching television. The habits you start now are likely to continue long into adulthood; the first and most important step is starting. Do not put it off until January 1 next year.
If you have not been exercising, I would suggest you start slowly with walking and work your way up to more intense forms of cardio.

Make Time
Each of us must set aside the time to get our formal exercise. Spread the exercise over several days each week rather than a 3-hour workout on a Saturday. Getting together with friends also helps make it more interesting and helps with accountability. Vary your choice of exercise. As one of your exercise options, pick one that you have access to all year and under any weather conditions. Do not forget to warm up and stretch out.
Many of my patients who have started to eat healthier and exercise regularly not only feel better and look better, but also need fewer medications. There are benefits to exercise! I caution you, though: if you are unsure if it is medically safe for you to exercise, consult your physician before starting any kind of exercise program.

Dr. Kevin McKechnie is an internal medicine physician. He’s originally from Houston, Texas, and currently lives in Nashville, Tenn.In his spare time, he enjoys medical missions, spending time with his wife and three kids, coaching sports, and, yes, exercising. You can find this article and more in the February 2011 print issue of ec, available at www.lifeway.com/ec and some LifeWay Christian Stores.

Want to subscribe to ec? Go here.

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 15:31:00 +0000

Happy Friday! In honor of Friday (or as we like to call it, FriYAY!), the ec team thought we'd get things started right. . . with some of the strangest stories we could find in this week's news. Ready?!

It's a record!

When Phyo Min Min Soe, 26, gave birth to her daughter Le Yati Min she asked the nurses if she was born complete with all her fingers and toes."They replied that the baby even has more than she needs," she says. That's because Le Yati Min was born with 12 fingers and 14 toes! (Yes, you read that correctly.) The little girl is now 16-months-old, and the family, who lives in Myamar, is seeking a Guinness World Record. According to the Guinness World Records website, the record for most fingers and toes for a living person is currently held by two people in India, who have 12 fingers and 13 toes each. Le lives with her family in a small wooden house on the outskirts of the Southeast Asian country's former capital of Yangon, where she runs around with seven toes on each foot. To learn more about polydactylism (being born with extra digits), go here. To read the original version of this story, go here.

Real-life Survivor

Henry Morello, 84, may never appear on "Survivor," but he's a survivor just the same. The 84-year-old was driving home from a restaurant in the Phoenix area last week when he realized he had made a wrong turn. So he made a U-turn and ended up with his car stuck in a ditch near Interstate 17 in the Arizona desert for five days. His car and cell phone batteries soon went dead. Morello couldn't get out and had to figure out how to survive, so he drank windshield wiper fluid when he got thirsty, used his car mats to stay warm—and read the car manual from cover to cover to pass the time. A group of hikers found Morello last Saturday morning, 5 days after his ordeal began. Doctors said he arrived in good condition considering what he had been through. Morello will remain there for a few days while he is treated for kidney damage. Morello lives on his own, but a caregiver visits each day. His family and friends said he won't be driving on his own for a long time. Read all about it here.

No more headaches!

We'll end with the tale of a man from China who had been suffering from severe headaches, but won't be anymore. That's because doctors discovered the cause: a rusty, 4-inch knife blade that had been stuck in his skull for four years. A little back story: 4 years ago, Li Fuyan, 30, had been stabbed in the lower right jaw by a robber four years ago and the blade broke off inside his head without anyone realizing it. Surgeons successfully removed the blade this week. Read the whole story here.

As always, if today's dose of strange stories isn't enough for you, check out page 38 in this month's (and every month's) issue of ec. Subscribe to ec here.

Facebook: "Like" it or leave it?

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:21:00 +0000

Once upon a time, in a faraway land called Reality, before MySpace invaded our virtual kingdoms, Facebook took over the world, and Twitter conquered our online existence, people actually had to communicate their thoughts through spoken or written words.

Oh yes, gone are the days of actually having a face-to-face conversation with someone unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Know what I’m saying?

Status Updates
A good friend of mine says, “If you wouldn’t say it in real life, don’t be sayin’ it on Facebook.” That’s the truth.

So what are you saying about yourself through your Facebook account? Think about these questions:
• Do your statuses make Jesus famous or make you famous?
• Is what you post building people up or shredding them to pieces?
• Are you laying out all your dirty laundry or the truth of God’s Word?

Facebook seems like a good place to vent and get it all out there. But, if you’re a believer—especially if you’re a believer—people are watching. And they notice your attitudes, words, and actions.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word is a gift” (The Message). Before you hit “Share” or “Comment,” check your motives.

Profiles
It’s dangerous to feature every detail about yourself online. Increase your privacy settings and leave out personal stuff.

Overall, your profile should reflect the image of Christ in you. What can people tell about your life from it? Does it say you’re a committed Christ-follower or an overly obsessive Twilight fan? It doesn’t mean you can’t be a fan of things, but if your page says you’re more in love with Edward (girls) or your girlfriend (guys) than Jesus, then that’s a problem.

Here’s the deal:
• Indecency and Facebook shouldn’t be friends. Really, no one wants to see that.
• Alcohol/drugs/partying and Facebook do not mix. And frankly, you shouldn’t be mixing with them either. End of story.
• Vulgarity and filthy language do not make you look cool. Seriously. No exceptions.

Facebook Misuse
Nobody likes a stalker. (This also applies to those of you who like to log in as someone else and hijack his or her profile.)

Just because you know about somebody doesn’t mean you know him or her. If they haven’t given you complete permission to invade their lives, then don’t. Even then, so much information out there is false.

Are you keeping tabs on someone else’s activity? Are you preying to stock up on the latest gossip to pick apart and share with your friends? Understand this: tearing someone down in private or publicly defaming someone is miles away from what the Bible tells us to do. (See Colossians 4:6.)

Take a Break
Are you addicted to Facebook? Here’s the test. Answer yes or no to the following:
• I can’t stay away from Facebook for five minutes (except when required).
• I can no longer hold a conversation with a real live person.
• I live to post my next status update.
• I don’t know what’s going on with my friends unless they update their pages.

If you said yes to any of these, you likely need a vacation from Facebook in a bad way. Like everything else in life, it has the potential to become an idol and take over. That number one spot in your heart is reserved for Jesus.

The one thing we want you to get out of this article:
Start looking at Facebook as a virtual ministry instead of an online gossip column. This is your chance to glorify God in a public setting, live out your faith, and encourage others toward Jesus. “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12).

If you'd like to see an expanded version of this article by Kaylan Christopher, check out "Facebook: "Like" it or leave it?," ec magazine, February 2010, p. 46-47.

Image © istockphoto / cristian lazzari.

POLL!

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:55:00 +0000

If you read Snippets and Soundbites this month (pp. 38-39), then you know that it's time for you to tell us what you think about Valentine's Day. Here's your poll:

"We love because He first loved us." –1 John 4:19
Happy Valentine's Day!

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:19:00 +0000

Good morning! And greetings from a freezing cold Nashville! No matter what the weather's like where you are, we know you're ready to get this Friday off to a good start.

And the best way to do that, you ask? Well, "Snippets and Soundbites" on the ec blog! Let's see what random news and weirdness this week's news sites holds in store!

Flashing lights mean stop.

Especially if they belong to a police car and an officer who's alerting you to that fact that you're speeding. But the police in Sandusky, Ohio, can't take much credit for nabbing a woman who was drinking and driving there this week. Apparently, the woman thought she saw flashing police lights in her rearview mirror and pulled over. The lights actually came from a nearby skating rink. Then, the woman's car got stuck in the snowbank (near the sign) that she'd pulled into. A passing motorist called the police, who came to the scene and arrested the woman on charges of operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. For more info on this story, go here.

Help! I'm trapped!

The flight was set to leave Washington's Reagan National Airport for Hartford, Conn. Everything seemed to be going well. The baggage had been loaded. The cargo doors were shut. It was time to push the plane back from the gate, but no one new where the tug driver was. The man had also been one of the bag handlers in charge of loading passengers' baggage into the cargo compartments. At some point in the confusion, the co-pilot heard screaming and pounding coming from the cargo area. The crew investigated—and found the missing baggage handler. He had crawled into the cargo area while loading the plane and another baggage handler closed the door on him. He was quickly freed and wasn't hurt at all. The flight left on time. . .but we bet that guy has a talk with his coworker! Learn more here.

Good manners are important.

Your parents have probably drilled manners into your brain. It's just polite to say thank you, yes ma'am and yes sir, right? Well, apparently, it's even important when robbing a convenience store. Seattle police made an arrest in a weekend robbery committed by the "polite robber." The man entered the store and politely informed the clerk: "I'm robbing you, sir." He explained and apologized, saying that he had bills to pay and a family to feed. He even promised to pay the money back if he ever got back on his feet. The man left the store with $300. Police quickly identified a suspect and arrested him after the surveillance video went viral and people called in with tips. You can learn more by clicking here.

If this edition of "Snippets and Soundbites" isn't enough, be sure to check out page 38 in this month's (and every month's) issue of ec. You can subscribe to ec here.

What we wish we knew in high school: The parents edition

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Recently, we asked some people who are a little older and a bit wiser than you to share with us what they wish they had known when they were in high school. Here's what they had to say about parents:

“Believe it or not, your parents know what it’s like to be in high school. They do know what it’s like to have an exam, get dumped, or want to hang out on Friday nights. They’ve been there. When they make decisions about what you can and cannot do, they’re shaping them around their experiences, too. Don’t think they don’t know what it’s like.”
—Scott Latta, friend of ec

“I wish I’d known that my parents’ wisdom, leadership, and protection was for my own good and only served to bless and benefit me.”
—Kaylan Christopher, ec writer

“I wish I’d known that my parents missed me and wanted to spend time with me. I wish I’d known that they wanted to talk to me but didn’t have a clue how to start.”
—Pam Gibbs, friend of ec

“I wish I would [have] known that my parents were not always against me.” —Kaylie, ec reader

What are your thoughts on this topic? Is there anything you wish your parents understood better about you? Let us know in the comments!

Vantage Point

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:16:00 +0000

POINT OF VIEW
The first 23 minutes of the suspense movie Vantage Point (Columbia Pictures, 2008) is the apparent assassination of the American president during his speech at an anti-terror conference in Spain. For the next 67 minutes, viewers watch various portions of those 23 violent minutes re-played from the vantage point of others who were present on that Spanish plaza: a Secret Service agent; an American tourist with a video camera; a Spanish plainclothes cop; a mom and her young daughter. We get to see, through their eyes, a new perspective of the event. In the end, we learn the truth.

It would be nice if we could see a Hollywood version of our lives. Or better yet, a DVR version, where we could pause live life as it happens, back it up and see it again, maybe this time from another perspective. That way we could figure out why we didn’t make the cheerleading squad or why our parents never get along or why our lives seem to be so much harder than everyone else’s.

GOD’S PERSPECTIVE
There is another vantage point, though. Actually, we’re closer to it than we think when we ask God why. The problem is that we often don’t stop and listen long enough when we ask Him that question. I don’t know if it’s because we’re afraid to see another vantage point, don’t want to, or don’t think God cares enough to show us. The reality is, if we’ll open our eyes and gaze upon the God who loves us, it’s like the camera angle on the movie spins, revealing to us a different perspective of our circumstances.

The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk asked, “How long, LORD, must I call for help and You do not listen or cry out to You about violence and You do not save?” (Hab. 1:2). The rest of the book is like a spiritual journal, Habakkuk asking God the tough questions and hearing God’s answers. In the end, Habakkuk saw God’s perspective and proclaimed, “Though the fig tree does not bud and there is no fruit on the vines, though the olive crop fails and fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will triumph in Yahweh; I will rejoice in the God of my salvation!” (Hab. 3:17-18).

In other words, Habakkuk learned to view his circumstances through God’s perspective.

NFL quarterback Drew Brees has asked God the tough questions. The final game of a disappointing 2005 season turned into huge uncertainty for Brees. Scrambling for a fumbled ball, Brees dislocated his shoulder, suffering what most believed to be a career-ending injury. Looking back, he reflects: “I truly believe that God can use anything—even an injury—for good. I believe that God has a plan for people’s lives, even when that plan doesn’t work out the way we think it should. I don’t think God dislocated my shoulder, but in the normal processes of life, he allowed that to happen. And I have the faith to believe there was a reason for it. But in that moment in the middle of the exam room with the tears flowing, my worldview was clouded. I was struggling. I felt right on the edge.”1

Clinging to their faith in Jesus, Brees and his wife refused to give up on life or on God. Five years later, having learned through faith the hidden power of adversity, Drew Brees was voted the Most Valuable Player as the quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, Super Bowl XLIV champions. The fact that he became a Super Bowl champion isn’t the point, though. The fact that he found perspective through faith in Jesus is the point.

Maybe you started reading this article hoping to find answers for your questions. Life’s not that easy. The power of hope in God is that it’s most often realized in the middle of adversity. We cannot guess, predict, or determine what challenges we will face tomorrow or even later on today. We can, however, determine, in the Lord’s strength, to view those challenges through the vantage point of God’s unchanging love and powerful presence. Ready for a change of perspective?

We know that you’re probably dealing with some pretty tough situations right now. A divorce. A death in your family. An illness, a disappointment, grief over a broken relationship, or a failure.

Take some time right now to think about the biggest problem you’re currently facing. What is it?
Why is it such a big deal? How is it affecting your life? What is your current attitude toward it?

Take some time to pray about your problem. Tell God what’s going on,
how you feel, and why this is so difficult. Pour out your heart to Him; He can handle
whatever you have to say.

Now, take some time to be silent before God. Focus on who He is and how He has helped you in the past. Ask Him to help you see your problem from His perspective and to open your eyes to how even this experience could be used for His glory.

Has your perspective changed at all?

1. Drew Brees, Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity (Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., 2010), 13.

Daily Bible Readings: February!

noreply@blogger.com (emily) — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:55:00 +0000

If you're craving some daily Bible readings, here they are for February:

Tuesday, February 1: Exodus 27–28; Matthew 18:1-20
Wednesday, February 2: Exodus 29–30; Matthew 18:21-35
Thursday, February 3: Exodus 31–32; Matthew 19:1-15
Friday, February 4: Exodus 33–34; Matthew 19:16-30
Saturday, February 5: Exodus 35–36; Matthew 20:1-16

Sunday, February 6: Exodus 37–38; Matthew 20:17-34
Monday, February 7: Exodus 39–40; Matthew 21:1-22
Tuesday, February 8: Leviticus 1–3; Matthew 21:23-46
Wednesday, February 9: Leviticus 4–5; Matthew 22:1-14
Thursday, February 10: Leviticus 6–8; Matthew 22:15-46
Friday, February 11: Leviticus 9–10; Matthew 23
Saturday, February 12: Leviticus 11–13; Matthew 24:1-31

Sunday, February 13: Leviticus 14–15; Matthew 24:32-51
Monday, February 14: Leviticus 16–18; Matthew 25:1-30
Tuesday, February 15: Leviticus 19–20; Matthew 25:31-46
Wednesday, February 16: Leviticus 21–23; Matthew 26:1-35
Thursday, February 17: Leviticus 24–25; Matthew 26:36-56
Friday, February 18: Leviticus 26–27; Matthew 26:57-75
Saturday, February 19: Numbers 1–2; Matthew 27:1-31

Sunday, February 20: Numbers 3–4; Matthew 27:32-66
Monday, February 21: Numbers 5–6; Mathew 28
Tuesday, February 22: Numbers 7; Mark 1:1-15
Wednesday, February 23: Numbers 8–10; Mark 1:16-45
Thursday, February 24: Numbers 11–12; Mark 2:1-13
Friday, February 25: Numbers 13–14; Mark 2:14-28
Saturday, February 26: Numbers 15–16; Mark 3:1-12

Sunday, February 27: Numbers 17–18; Mark 3:13-35
Monday, February 28: Numbers 19–21; Mark 4

Here are some highlights from this month's readings. When you come across them in your daily Bible readings, leave us a comment and let us know where you found them in Scripture!

"Moses slaughtered it, took some of its blood, and put it on Aaron’s right earlobe, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot."

He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Silence! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. Then He said to them, “Why are you fearful? Do you still have no faith?” And they were terrified and asked one another, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Notes from the editor: February issue

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:00:00 +0000

That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. Queasiness. Clammy hands. Deep, overwhelming regret.
That’s the way I usually feel in the moment when I realize my careless words have hurt someone’s feelings or my inattention to detail caused me to make a big mistake at work. But none of that really compares to the way I feel when I recognize and admit that I have sinned against God. Devastated might be a better word.

I’ll admit that it hasn’t always been that way. There was a time in my life that while I understood I was a sinner in need of forgiveness, I’m not sure I comprehended the depth of my sinfulness or the fact that sin didn’t just displease God, it dishonored Him. That choosing to sin was like throwing God’s grace and goodness back in His face and telling Him I knew better. There came a point, though, when I realized my attitude toward sin didn’t quite match up with God’s. I found myself facedown on the floor repeating David’s words from Psalm 51, crying out for forgiveness.

I finally understood in that moment that sin really is a big deal. We like to think it isn’t or justify our actions by saying we can always ask for forgiveness later, but those attitudes mock a holy God who can have nothing to do with sin. We don’t take sin seriously. But God does.

But God also takes restoration seriously—and if there’s one thing you get out of this issue of ec, I hope it’s that. That God takes sin seriously, but He also takes loving you seriously and is willing and able to forgive and restore you. You’ll find that message of hope and restoration in Cynthia Hopkins’ cover story, “What’s the big deal with sin?” and in nearly every devotion this month. Take it to heart and dwell on it. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s true for everyone but you or that God couldn’t possibly still want you with all your flaws, sins, and bad choices. He loves you, and His love is relentless.

Let His relentless love overwhelm you this month. Let it change your attitude toward sin and challenge you to a life of obedience. Let it show up in the way you treat others and what you do and say on Facebook (see p. 46). February is the month of love, and I couldn’t think of a better time to celebrate the God who gave His one and only Son so that we could have a relationship with Him than now. Jesus loves you—and that’s a fact, not just a song you sang as a child. Believe it. Trust Him. Live in the overwhelming power of it.

You are the one Jesus loves. Be loved.

Keep your car happy this winter

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:15:00 +0000

With another winter storm on the way for large parts of the country, we thought it seemed like the perfect timing to pass along Randy Williams' tips on winter car care.

EMERGENCIES
Like a good boy scout, your first order of business is to be prepared! A pair of warm gloves, a can of de-icer, and a window scraper are three essentials to every car north of Atlanta for the winter. If you live in the North or in areas of the country that are routinely hit with large amounts of snow and ice, don’t forget to carry tire chains or something similar in the trunk of your car. You’ll be forever thankful for these things if you ever need them.

PROPER TIRE TREAD
The next order of business is to make sure your tires have proper tread. Slick or heavily worn tires are extremely dangerous in all kinds of weather, but especially in winter weather. A little trick (taken from off-roading) for driving in slushy or snowy conditions is to slightly deflate your tires. This allows for more of the tread to make contact with the road. But remember, this is only for extreme conditions. Otherwise, tires should always be properly and fully inflated.

ANTIFREEZE
Cold weather can really mess with your engine, too. Think about it: all that metal is below freezing when the engine is off. Then, you start the car and within a minute, things heat up to well over 100 degrees in some cases. That’s why anti-freeze is a MUST in the winter. If you can’t afford to have your cooling system flushed, you can simply top off the radiator with an equal mix of antifreeze and water (a little more antifreeze if you’re living up in the tundra). You cannot, however, have only water in there because it’ll freeze and can crack the engine (because water expands when it freezes).

WIPERS
Windshield wipers really take a beating during the winter, so keep an eye on their condition. Streaky patterns or dangling pieces mean it’s time to change them. Also, refill your reservoir with winterized washer fluid.

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR
Although it has nothing to do with the performance of your car, you should still remember to take care of the interior and finish of your car. Salt and sand on the roads can really pile up, so a good rinsing every week can go a long way to preserving your car’s finish. (Don’t forget the headlights and mirrors!) Inside, find a good conditioning protectant for any plastic and leather. In the long run, this will keep cracks and damage from appearing.

If you’re like me, most of your car care happens when the clunker won’t start (or stop, or simply can’t decide). But, preventative maintenance can save us all a headache or two. Following these easy tips will help make your winter a little more carefree, as far as your car is concerned.

Homework, tests, and projects? You’re on your own.

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:31:00 +0000

It's the last weekend of January, and we can't wait to round-up this week's news of the weird. We've got everything from a stray lizard to a car encased in ice in this week's news stories.

Ready to get this weekend started off right? Let's go!

The mystery of the grand piano: SOLVED!

Earlier this week, news sites all over the Internet were abuzz with the mystery of a grand piano that mysteriously appeared on a sandbar in Miami's Biscayne Bay. The piano was placed on the highest point of the sandbar so that it wouldn't be submerged when the tide came up. Theories abounded about how the piano got there and many people tried to take credit, but the mystery came to a close yesterday: 16-year-old Nicholas Harrington put the piano there and he has the whole thing on video. Harrington, his older brother, and two neighbors took the piano out to the sandbar on January 2 on the family's boat and left it there. Harrington doesn't like to call the escapade a prank, since his intent was to create an experience for boaters. It was also something he thought made help me get into a prestigious art school. The piano was an old movie prop (Harrington's dad is a production designer) that had been burned during a neighborhood New Year's Eve party. Harrington says he would have preferred to leave the whole thing as a mystery and had intended to remain anonymous (except for including the photos in his college application). But then the story went viral and others began taking responsibility. The piano has now been removed. To read more about this mystery, go here.

Out for a stroll

Residents in a Riverside, Calif., condo complex were in for a surprise earlier this week when they noticed a stray (nope, not a dog) monitor lizard ambling down the sidewalk of the complex. The lizard was so big that it even scared the animal services officer called in to do something about the 5-foot-long lizard. "She said she saw it and almost jumped back in her truck," said John Welsh, spokesman for Riverside County Animal Services. "The residents were freaking out because here's the Godzilla-like creature walking down the sidewalk." The officer used a catch pole (a long pole with a loop on the end) to catch the animal, which seemed calm at first, then started hissing. Black-throated Monitor lizards are carnivorous, legal to own in California and native to the African grasslands and parts of Asia. Young lizards generally cost about $100 in pet stores. Because this lizard is so big, the animal control officers think it was probably someone's pet and might have escaped its cage or gotten loose while the owner was gone. They're holding the animal at a local animal shelter with the hopes the owner will claim it soon. To learn more, go here.

It's an iceberg! No, it's a car!

And we'll just leave you today with this video of a New York man's car:

If today's online edition of the news of the weird just isn't enough for you, please check out page 38 in this month's (and every month's) issue of ec!

What you watch DOES affect you.

noreply@blogger.com ((ec)) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:50:00 +0000

With mid-season shows kicking off on TV, new movies to choose from every weekend, and the uproar over MTV's decision to air “Skins” (a TV show that we would NEVER recommend you watch), we thought it was important to help you figure out what you should be watching and what's better left off your DVR.

Here are some guidelines to help you decide what to watch and what to leave alone:
1. Do some research. What's the message this show is sending? How does that message or the subject matter it focuses on fit with the standard God has called you to? Is the show promoting a belief or practice you believe goes against God's standard? What values, lifestyles, and points of view are being lifted up?

2. If you choose to watch a show, consider how it makes you feel. If the entire time you're watching you feel like you're doing something slightly wrong, you probably shouldn't be watching. If a show's message, subject matter, or depictions make you feel uncomfortable or fly in the face of how you know God has called you to live, turn it off. If a show's theme, message, subject matter, or even the characters lead your mind to thoughts that you know aren't pleasing to God, then you shouldn't be watching it. As you're watching, consider: Does this show lead me to behave or think in ways that go against God's standard? If you answer yes, then the answer is pretty clear: this isn't a show you should watch.

3. Ask yourself if this is a show you should spend your time on. There's nothing wrong with watching TV or movies. We all need rest, relaxation, and entertainment and fun aren't bad things. But if a show adds nothing beneficial to your life and is primarily focused on situations that aren't pleasing to God, is it really worth the time you have? Our lives are finite, and we only have so much time on this earth. Make sure you're spending yours in a way that counts!