September/October 2007

A Little Fun with Sarcasm -- Did you know that the front of the brain enables you to comprehend sarcasm? See how sharp your frontal lobe is by tackling a little Tolkien sarcasm.

Change Your School -- Find out how some schools are breaking down barriers and fighting prejudice. Be the Change in your school!

Compare Denominations -- Ever wish you knew more about other denominations? Check out this list of official denominational websites and compare the practices, beliefs, and social/ethical stances of nine major denominations.

"Do You Want a Revolution?" -- If the lyrics of this Sixpence None the Richer song inspire you to dance or to change the world, share them with your friends. Create a LyricsBox for your website or MySpace page.

Explore Your Calling -- Check out these helpful denominational links about the call to ministry, and discover some print and online resources to help you explore what God is calling you to be and to do. Also discover how Brian Littrell, one of the Backstreet Boys, understands his call from God.

"God-Shaped Hole" -- Check out the lyrics to this song by Plumb -- or get the Bruce Almighty soundtrack and listen to it. Add it to your music collection as a reminder that only God can fill the emptiness in your life.

Hildegard of Bingen -- Learn more about the life and prayers as well as the writings and music of this beloved saint -- plus a few interesting facts!

How to Start a Conversation -- Talking to others about our faith can be a little scary, but it is worth the risk! Check out these tips for starting a conversation with another person or with a group, and then take some practical steps toward talking and listening to those who are different.

Is AA for You? -- Do you have a drinking problem? Take a short quiz to find out. Then read the stories, check out the 12 Steps, and decide whether AA is the place you will go to get help.

King David dances: 2 Samuel 6:12-22 -- If you are inspired to dance in response to God's blessings, you might want to try liturgical movement.

Learn to Listen -- Take a quiz to see if you are a good listener. Whatever the outcome, take some time to practice your listening skills.

Learn to Prioritize -- Got more to do than can be done? Check out the Priority Quiz in the middle of this article -- great questions to help you prioritize, be realistic, and let go!

Modern-day Persecution -- Christians around the world are still being persecuted and killed. Read their stories as they make the news, and find out what you can do to help.

Need More Ideas? -- To stay in touch, light a candle and pray for siblings who are close or far away. Buy a phone card to help a military sibling (yours or someone else's) stay in touch with family and friends -- even one that plays a recorded prayer for safety and peace. Email us your ideas for staying in touch with sibs, and we'll post them on our website.

Pop Some Virtual Bubble Wrap -- Need some stress relief? Popping bubble wrap always seems to help. And if you are on the computer for hours at a time, consider programming in some stretch breaks.

Reflect on Photographs -- Take a break in your day or use your devo time to focus on some amazing photos. Pick your fave or scroll through a series of pictures, and let the images help you to relax, to enjoy, and to give thanks to God for the beauty and wonder of creation.

Spa and Brownie Recipes -- To create your own "Sister Spa," prepare one or more of these homemade spa recipes and top the night off with a delicious batch of brownies.

Stop Bullying Now -- Whether you are the bully or the one being bullied, learn more about this problem and find out what you (and your parents) can do to Stop Bullying Now.

Surviving Rape -- If you are a victim of sexual assault, get free, confidential help through the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) or call the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-865-HOPE). If you are a survivor or your life has been touched in some way by sexual violence, consider sharing your story through art as a means of healing. Or learn how you can help to be involved in anti-rape activism and education.

Take a Sibs Quiz -- Test your knowledge of a few Biblical Siblings, or find out how your birth order can affect your personality.

Take the Challenge -- Did you know that almost half the world lives on $2 a day? Check out the stats per country. Find out how students are fighting poverty through technological inventions, and learn how you can help through organizations such as the ONE campaign. Or encourage your youth group to take the $2 a Day Challenge!

Teens & Money -- Does money make your world go round? Check out these money management basics; then play a game to see if you've learned how to earn, spend, and save. Use the Money Maker Calculator to find out what your diploma is worth, or take a quiz to see if the career you are planning will support the lifestyle you imagine.

The Simple Way -- Learn more about how this community of believers is intentionally living out the example of Christ in one of the poorest neighborhoods in Philadelphia. And take a minute to read a sample chapter of Shane Claiborne's book The Irresistible Revolution -- or to order it so you can read the whole thing!

Throw a Virtual Pot -- Have a little fun! Take a spin on the potter's wheel and see what you can create. As your pot takes shape, think about how God's creative power is at work in your life and in the world.

Try an Affirmation Exercise -- Learn several different ways to practice affirming yourself and others. Or use this affirmation exercise to counteract put-downs and to build self-esteem among your friends or your youth group.

Understanding Buddhism -- Read a little about the history and beliefs of Buddhism. Then reflect on how this religion is similar to and different from Christianity. Record new insights in your journal.

Watch MLK Jr.'s Speech -- Watch the YouTube video of Martin Luther King, Jr. giving his famous "I Have a Dream" speech during the March on Washington on August 28, 1963. (If you have trouble with the link, copy and paste this URL into your browser: http://www.holidays.net/mlk/speech.htm)