April Fools

What is the best Aprils fools day trick you have done?


Here are 10 of the top April Fool's Day pranks ever pulled off, as judged by the San Diego-based Museum of Hoaxes for their notoriety, absurdity, and number of people duped.
-- In 1957, a BBC television show announced that thanks to a mild winter and the virtual elimination of the spaghetti weevil, Swiss farmers were enjoying a bumper spaghetti crop. Footage of Swiss farmers pulling strands of spaghetti from trees prompted a barrage of calls from people wanting to know how to grow their own spaghetti at home.
-- In 1985, Sports Illustrated magazine published a story that a rookie baseball pitcher who could reportedly throw a ball at 270 kilometers per hour (168 miles per hour) was set to join the New York Mets. Finch was said to have mastered his skill -- pitching significantly faster than anyone else has ever managed -- in a Tibetan monastery. Mets fans' celebrations were short-lived.
-- Sweden in 1962 had only one television channel, which broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert appeared on the news to announce that thanks to a newly developed technology, viewers could convert their existing sets to receive color pictures by pulling a nylon stocking over the screen. In fact, they had to wait until 1970.
-- In 1996, American fast-food chain Taco Bell announced that it had bought Philadelphia's Liberty Bell, a historic symbol of American independence, from the federal government and was renaming it the Taco Liberty Bell.
Outraged citizens called to express their anger before Taco Bell revealed the hoax. Then-White House press secretary Mike McCurry was asked about the sale and said the Lincoln Memorial in Washington had also been sold and was to be renamed the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial after the automotive giant.
-- In 1977, British newspaper The Guardian published a seven-page supplement for the 10th anniversary of San Serriffe, a small republic located in the Indian Ocean consisting of several semicolon-shaped islands. A series of articles described the geography and culture of the two main islands, named Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse.
-- In 1992, US National Public Radio announced that Richard Nixon' was running for president again. His new campaign slogan was, "I didn't do anything wrong, and I won't do it again." They even had clips of Nixon announcing his candidacy. Listeners flooded the show with calls expressing their outrage. Nixon's voice actually turned out to be that of impersonator Rich Little.
-- In 1998, a newsletter titled New Mexicans for Science and Reason carried an article that the state of Alabama had voted to change the value of pi from 3.14159 to the "Biblical value" of 3.0.
-- Burger King, another American fast-food chain, published a full-page advertisement in USA Today in 1998 announcing the introduction of the "Left-Handed Whopper," specially designed for the 32 million left-handed Americans. According to the advertisement, the new burger included the same ingredients as the original, but the condiments were rotated 180 degrees. The chain said it received thousands of requests for the new burger, as well as orders for the original "right-handed" version.
-- Discover Magazine announced in 1995 that a highly respected biologist, Aprile Pazzo (Italian for April Fool), had discovered a new species in Antarctica: the hotheaded naked ice borer. The creatures were described as having bony plates on their heads that became burning hot, allowing the animals to bore through ice at high speed -- a technique they used to hunt penguins.
-- Noted British astronomer Patrick Moore announced on the radio in 1976 that at 9:47 am, a once-in-a-lifetime astronomical event, in which Pluto would pass behind Jupiter, would cause a gravitational alignment that would reduce the Earth's gravity. Moore told listeners that if they jumped in the air at the exact moment of the planetary alignment, they would experience a floating sensation. Hundreds of people called in to report feeling the sensation.

devo sheet

Goods or God

Memory Verses: Colossians 1:18-19

Day 1: Think about it!!

Clovis Chappell, a minister from a century back, used to tell the story of two paddleboats. They left Memphis about the same time, traveling down the Mississippi River to New Orleans. As they traveled side by side, sailors from one vessel made a few remarks about the snail's pace of the other.
Words were exchanged. Challenges were made. And the race began. Competition became vicious as the two boats roared through the Deep South.
One boat began falling behind. Not enough fuel. There had been plenty of coal for the trip, but not enough for a race. As the boat dropped back, an enterprising young sailor took some of the ship's cargo and tossed it into the ovens. When the sailors saw that the supplies burned as well as the coal, they fueled their boat with the material they had been assigned to transport. They ended up winning the race, but burned their cargo.
God has entrusted cargo to us, too. Our cargo is to do the will of God. The question is: what other things get in the way of us carrying the “cargo”?


Day 2: Putting Christ First

God gives us many promises in His Word. Many of these promises are unconditional, but most are conditional upon our obedience. Jesus challenged His disciples to consider their commitment. What does Christ say is involved with commitment according to Luke 9:23-24?

Following Christ in this way may mean struggles and trials, but how does Christ respond to us following Him (Matthew 11:28-30)?


But what does God want our attitude to be, as seen in Matthew 6:33?

What are “these things”? (Matthew 6:25-32)

Are these necessities or luxuries?

What has God promised if we put Him first?

Day 3: Seeking His Way

What does God want us to do?
Psalm 37:3-
Psalm 37:4-
Psalm 37:5-

What does I Samuel 15:22 say that God wants more than our works?

Read Ephesians 3:20-21. How much do you think God can do for you?

In Isaiah 40:11, how does God promise to treat His people?

What does Philippians 4:19 say that God can provide for us?

See the connection? If we seek Him first and obey His commands, then that which we need is provided according to God’s will.

Day 4- Are You Loving It?

“I’m loving it.” McDonalds has made that a familiar phrase, but the question is what are you loving? What does Colossians 3:2 say that we should love?

But notice what the previous verse says. “Seek those things”. A better phrase for seek is follow after wholeheartedly. I John 2:15-17 tells us to not follow after what?

James 4:1-4 tells us that if we set our affections on the world, then what is our relationship with God?


Day 5- Priority #1

Jesus Christ is the creator of all things (Colossians 1:15-16). Therefore, all things belong to Him. So, he should have first claim on our priorities. What does God want in response according to Colossians 1:19-19?


What does that mean?


Day 6- Putting It Into Action

God wants first CLAIM on our priorities. Using the word “claim”, record what are your priorities in each of the following areas:

Calendar (schedule, time)



Life’s work or school



Affections (sports, friends, hobbies)



Income



Mind (thought life, Scripture memory, reading)

What you think

I have tried different designs for the blog, but I have come back to the original. Did you like any of the others? Are any of you good at this? Someone could design a template for me. Also, if someone is interested in keeping this blog up to date that would be great. I would still oversee it, but you can make changes and additions. Let me know. Also, what else would you like to see putt on here? I would love to see this expand and be more useful.

Another Riddles

This is as light as a feather, yet no man can hold it for long. What is it?

Let see who can get this first without looking it up?

Open Gym

Hey, I forgot to mention this last night, but do not forget that there is open gym time tomorrow March 23 from 2-4. Those that are at school, if you wanna stay after and get something to eat, we can do that. Wear athletic clothes and shoes. There is no games planned; we will play whatever everyone wants.

Journey Apparel and a question

Hey
Don't forget that if you are planning on ordering clothing that you need to do it by Wednesday. Let me know if you need a form. I could put it on here. I could also put the pics on here if you want them.

Also, does anyone have a favorite song you wanna sing. if so, let me know on here and we will sing it tomorrow night.

Where have I been

It has been a while since I have been on here, so I thought I would give you some things to think about.

Questions to ponder...

Why is it that no matter what color of bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Why do people constantly return to the refrigerator with hopes that something new to eat will have materialized?

On electric toasters, why do they engrave the message "one slice"? How many pieces of bread do they think people are really gonna try to stuff in that slot?

Why is it that no plastic garbage bag will open from the end you first try?

How do those dead bugs get into those closed light fixtures?

Considering all the lint you get in your dryer, if you kept drying your clothes would they eventually just disappear?

Why is it that whenever you attempt to catch something that's falling off the table you always manage to knock something else over?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four North Americans is suffering from some sort of mental illness. Think of your three best friends, if they're okay, then it's you.

devo sheet

The Necessity for Evangelism

Memory Verses: Matthew 4:19; Acts 1:8

Day 1: Think about it!!

Jesus said, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matt. 4:19) What does that mean? Who was Jesus addressing in this passage? _________________ What was their occupation? ________________ Being fisherman, these men knew that Christ was saying something about catching men, instead of fish. Just as the Bible speaks of the souls of men as being lost sheep, so He refers to them as fish. The occupation that Christ thrusts all believers into is that of catching lost souls for Christ. What does Christ command every disciple to do in Acts 1:8? ________________
Besides the fact that Christ commands us to catch men (or witness), this week we will look at some other reasons for witnessing.


Day 2: The Condition of Man Demands It

Read the following verses and state the awful inner condition of mankind.

1. Isaiah 1:5-6 ________________________ __________________________________
2. Isaiah 64:6 ________________________
__________________________________
3. Job 25:1-6 _________________________
__________________________________
4. Jeremiah 17:9 ______________________
__________________________________
5. Ezekiel 18:4 _______________________
__________________________________
According to Romans 3:23, how many people are in this condition? __________________________
Wow! What are you doing about it?

Day 3: The Gospel’s Power Requires It

Read Acts 4:10-12. According to these verses, what is the only way a man can be saved? _______________________________________

We must witness because there is not other name under heaven that can save a soul.
Read Romans 10:9-17. Before a man can call on the name of the Lord for salvation, what must he do? ___________________________________
Before he can believe, what must he do?
_______________________________________
But before he can do that what must happen?
_______________________________________
Before a preacher can preach what must take place? _________________________________
Therefore, according to Romans 10:17, what is required before a man can be saved?
_______________________________________
We can thus conclude that if we do not go and witness, our lost friends will remain unsaved!!!

Day 4: The Love of Christ Constrains It

Read II Corinthians 5:14. Why was Paul constrained to witness? ____________________
This says that we love God so much, we cannot help but share with others what He has done for us.
Do you love Him that much? In Psalm 119:53, what one word does David use to express his concern for the lost? _______________________
His horror was not for the condition of the lost, but the unsaved caused his feeling of horror. Why is he horrified then? First, he takes no pleasure in seeing God’s Word rejected. Second, he is hurt to see God whom he loves rejected.
Note David’s words in Psalm 139:21-22. How does he feel towards those who reject the Lord? _______________________________________
David’s concern for the lost is grounded in his love for God. The more you love the Lord, the more you will long to see men saved.

Day 5: The Reality of Hell Compels It

Hell is a real place filled with real people. Note seven facts about hell that should stir you to fish for men.
1. The Darkness of Hell
Matthew 8:12 speaks of _______________ darkness.
2. The Fire of Hell
Matthew 3:12 speaks of what kind of fire? __________________________________
3. The Atmosphere of Hell
Revelation 9:1,2,11 describe hell as being like what? _________________________
Imagine souls constantly falling, disoriented throughout all eternity.
4. The Loneliness of Hell
Luke 16:24 describes the rich man calling out to whom? _____________________ Hell is a place of total isolation.
5. The Sounds of Hell
What sounds will be heard in hell according to Matt. 8:12; 13:50? ________________________________
6. The Thirst of Hell
Read Luke 16:24. Think of eternal thirst with never a drop of water.
7. The Endlessness of Hell
According to II Thessalonians 1:9, what kind of punishment shall be upon the lost?
__________________________________Doesn’t that motivate you to tell your friends?

Day 6: Review

What four reasons compel us to tell others about Christ?




What four things must happen before a man can call on Christ for salvation?





Name seven horrific facts about hell.

Things are not always as they appear III

Remember the picture of the guy on the wall. Brandon Knowles was right. He is a professional artist, specializing in illusions. The arm that you see touching the wall, really isn't his arm. His real left arm is tucked away in his shirt, under his suit coat. The fake arm attached to the wall is a steel rod drilled into the wall. The rod then connects to an elaborate body suit that holds him in place. He sits there comfortably the entire time, pretending to be touching the wall. Things are not as they always appear.

Here is 2 final pictures.

These pictures made me think about sin. Sin appears to be one way, but it is actually quite different. Sin is deceptive. Our flesh is actively trying to get us to see sin as a pleasure and not as a problem. Our flesh tells us that you can only be happy is you are dating and intimate, but that leads to heartache. Our flesh tells us that a certain show is hilarious, but the result is it builds habits in us that draw us from God. This means, that often times, when we really feel like we are seeing things the right way and that it is US who has the correct perspective, we are often wrong. Others, often, have a much better perspective on your hearts than you do…mostly your parents, who know you the best. Don't trust yourself. Don't trust your perspective. See below how perspective changes your view.

Things are not as they appear II

These are a little easier to figure out, but still interesting. I will still give an answer to the previous one, but i wanted you to think some more.

Things are not always as they appear

These are real pictures. There is nothing below him holding him up, and there is nothing above him holding him up. Seeing these pictures made me think… See if you can figure it out. I know the answer, but will not tell you just yet.

A funny list

The top 9 strangest Street Names:
9. Tater Peeler Road in Lebanon, Texas
8. The intersection of Count and Basie in Richmond, Va.
7. Shades of Death Road in Warren County, N.J.
6. Unexpected Road in Buena, N.J.
5. Bucket of Blood Street in Holbrook, Ariz.
4. The intersection of Lonesome and Hardup in Albany, Ga.
3. Farfrompoopen Road in Tennessee (the only road up to Constipation Ridge)
2. Divorce Court in Heather Highlands, Pa.
1. Psycho Path in Traverse City, Mich.

(taken from the AP in Los Angelos)

devo sheet

What Friends Are For
Colossians 4:7-18

Memory Verses: Colossians 4:12-13

Day 1: Think about it!!

Robert Burn, Scotland’s national poet 200 years ago, was in a strange city, and feeling lonely and blue, he visited a church. No one there welcomed him, offered him a handshake, or spoke to him. So, before he left the church, he wrote on the flyleaf of a hymnal:
As cold a wind as ever blew:
A colder church, and in it few;
As cold a minister ever spoke;
You will all be hot before I come back!
Wow! Unfortunately, a lot of churches are like that today. Christians ought to be the friendliest people on earth. Christians ought to treat everyone like a friend. What does Proverbs 17:17 say about friends?



Day 2: Three cheers for Tychicus

Every Christian is a brother or a sister in the Lord, but Paul described Tychicus as even more special. He was sent by Paul to give a report to the churches on how Paul was doing.
Paul describes him in 3 ways:
“A beloved brother” (4:7)- He lifted others burdens; He built others spirits. He was an encourager.
Who is a beloved brother to you? __________
Who would call you a beloved brother? ______
“A faithful minister” (4:7)- He was dependable in times of difficulty.
Who is a faithful minister to you? ___________
Who could call you a faithful minister? _______
“Fellow servant in the Lord” (4:7)- Paul saw him as an equal, but also as one who did the work.
Are you a fellow servant?



Day 3: Twice-Born Slave

Tychicus would not be traveling alone to Colosse. Paul sent Onesimus with him. Onesimus was from Colosse where he had been a slave to Philemon. Read the book of Philemon. According to that letter, Onesimus had run away from Philemon, ended up meeting Paul, and was led to the Lord by Paul. Paul was sending him back to Philemon, and he calls him, “a faithful and beloved brother.”
Based on his past and his position in life, what can we learn from what Paul said?


In Christ, we are all equal. In Christ, we are all given a second chance.
Day 4: Three Faithful Jewish Believers

After alerting the Colosse church that Tychicus and Onesimus were going to be visiting them, Paul then sends greeting from three Jewish believers: Aristarchus, Marcus, and Justus.
Aristarchus was a prisoner with Paul at Rome (Col. 4:10). Where else was he with Paul (Acts 19:29)?

Marcus (John Mark) was the nephew to Barnabas (Col. 4:10). Paul and John Mark had a falling out during his first missionary journey. For the next missionary journey, Barnabas wanted to take Marcus again, but Paul refused, so the two parted ways. However, Paul and Marcus reconciled later on. How did Paul describe him in II Timothy 4:11?

Jesus, also called Justus, was also a friend of Paul. These men were faithful to serve with or for Paul. Are you a faithful servant?

Day 5: Some others

Epaphras was probably the pastor at the church in Colosse. He labored fervently. What does Colossians 4:12 say was his prayer for the people?


Luke was the beloved physician. What 2 books of the Bible did he write?
What things did Luke go through while traveling with Paul (Acts 27 is one example)?


Who held a church service in his house (col. 4:15)?


Day 6: Putting Truth into Action

Matching
___ 1. Paul a. called Justus
___ 2. Luke b. a church met in his
house
___ 3. Demas c. likely the pastor of the
Colosse church
___ 4. Archippus d. Needed to fulfill the
ministry he had
received in the Lord.
___ 5. Nymphas e. in bonds
___ 6. Epaphras f. related to Barnabas
___ 7. Jesus g. a doctor
___ 8. Mark h. not commended
___ 9. Onesimus i. a faithful and beloved
brother
___ 10. Aristarchus j. Paul’s fellow prisoner

What will you do to be a better friend to a fellow believer this week?


What step will you take to fulfill a ministry this week?

Family Game Night

Hey
Just a reminder about the activity on Sat. I am looking forward to it. It will be a fun time with the whole family. We will have some skits and games. Don't forget to bring finger foods and a 2 liter of soda (pop, if you wanna call it that). Come ready for fun.

Another riddle

I know I owe Isaiah more candy, but I will get it to him. Since he has 3 now, I will give a prize to the first person besides Isaiah to get it right.

What is greater than god? more evil than the devil? the poor have it. the rich need it. and if you eat it you will die.

New Recommendations

I put some new item I am recommending to you. There are located to the side. If you click on them, it will take you to a site where you can purchase them. I know many of you cringe at I Kissed Dating Goodbye, but it is really the best book on dating I have ever found. If you are dating, wish you were dating, or ever will be dating, then I strongly urge you to read it.

Religion quiz

Here is a quiz about religions. Most of the questions deal with the Bible, but not all of them. See how well you do and let us know. I got 1 wrong. All you have to do to take the quiz is click on the title "Religion quiz" above, and it will send you to a link.

devo sheet

Watching, Walking, Witnessing
Colossians 4:2-6

Memory Verse: Colossians 4:5-6

Day 1: Think about it!!

A young pastor, eager to make his first sermon a memorable one, shared a few of his sermon ideas with one of the deacons. “I am planning to confront hypocrites, gossips, and lukewarm Christians.”

Solemnly, the deacon informed the pastor that some of the rather influential church members fell into those categories. “It might be best, Pastor,” the deacon advised, “to preach against witch doctors. There isn’t one of them within 4,000 miles of here.”

Those are the type of people Paul is addressing in Colossians 4:2-6. Read the passage and pray for God to show you were you need to change.

Day 2: Don’t Give Up Praying, Don’t Ever Give Up

North Carolina State basketball coach, Jim Valvano, inspired his players to put their best effort into every game. “Don’t give up, Don’t ever give up,” Coach would tell his players. The players took his advice winning the national championship in 1983. Later, Valvano would carry this attitude into a much harder battle, the battle against cancer. He fought valiantly until his death in 1993. Near the end, he was assisted to the podium of a national sports award show to give a speech. He told the audience, “Don’t give up, don’t ever give up”.

That is the attitude Paul was looking for when He said, “Continue in prayer”. (Col. 4:2) What was Daniel’s attitude concerning prayer in Dan. 6:7-10?


What did the Christians of Acts show us about prayer in Acts 12:1-12?


Day 3: Thank you, Lord!

Our loving Heavenly Father has invited us- and even urged us- to approach Him anytime with any request (Phil. 4:6; Heb. 4:16). However, our prayers should consist of more than requests. Along with our requests, we should offer thanks. Colossians 4:2 says, “watch in the same (prayer) with thanksgiving”.
This means we should be alert to opportunities to thank God. Take a few moments to list in each category below some items for which you are thankful.

Family-

Church-

Personal-


Day 4- Be Specific

Paul urged the Colossians to pray specifically. Paul does not ask for prayer for his release, but instead ask that God can use him while in prison (Vs 3-4). Paul asked the people to pray for evangelistic opportunities. Each of us has a distinct mission field- a circle of friends, acquaintances, and relatives who need Christ. Our youth group survey revealed that over 50% of our youth group has at least 6 unsaved friends. We need to be prayer for those open door chances to witness to them. Think of 3 friends that you want to witness to and pray that God will create an opportunity. How can you create one?


Day 5- Walk and Talk

Christians need to change the world by standing out as different. In the last 3 decades, church membership has grown by 30% in our country, but in the same time, the countries moral climate has deteriorated. Violent crime has increased by 550%. Single parent families have increased from 10% to 40%. Divorce rate has doubled. We should contrast the world, but too often we do not.

Paul says we are to walk in wisdom, but why (vs5)? ________________ That is right. We are to be an example to the lost. If evidence exists that we are a real Christian, then opportunities to share the gospel will follow.

Paul then addresses one specific area to walk wisely- our speech. Based on verse 6, how should our speech be?



Day 6- Putting Truth into Action

1. Christians should pray
____ a. Infrequently
____ b. Occasionally
____ c. Constantly
____ d. Never

2. Prayer should include
____ a. thanksgiving
____ b. wish lists
____ c. vain repetitions
____ d. self-adulation

3. How can you find time this week to share the gospel?

Survey results

here are some of the results from the survey we did on Wed. night. I will have more later.

Age for marriage:
83% of group would like to be married btween the ages of 21-24.
8%- between 25-29
6%- between 18-20
1%- over 30

Bible character you want to meet: (I will only give top 4)
Paul (7 votes)
Ruth (5)
David (4)
Jonah (2)

Weekly TV watching:
56% of the group spends 1-5 hrs watching TV.
28%- 6-10 hrs.
14%- 11-15 hrs.
3%- over 16 hrs.

Weekly internet use:
50% of the groups spends 1-5 hrs using the internet.
28%- 6-10 hrs.
14%- 0 hrs.
8%- 11-15 hrs.

Greatest struggle for teens:(t0p 3 areas)
1. Friends (75%)
2. Entertainment (69%)
3. Pressure to look a certain way (58%)

I will give some other results later, maybe next Wed. night. Thanks for your help.

Devotional Sheet is coming

I had some issues with the devo sheet, so I will get it on here tomorrow. Sorry about that. I am not a computer genius, that is for sure.

Another chance to beat Isaiah

Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

A bus driver was heading down a street in Chicago. He went right past a stop sign without stopping, he turned left where there was a "no left turn" sign, and he went the wrong way on a one-way street. Then he went on the left side of the road past a police car. Still - he didn't break any traffic laws. Why not?

You must answer both of them.