I was thinking of this time of year and how it is the time that all of the students go back to school. Summer seems to have passed very quickly this year and I hope all the kids going back have had a restful time along with looking forward to the future school year. I know as a kid I did not always look forward to going back to school but I just wanted to encourage you in this time of your life as you grow. I had to think of the verse in Timothy 4:12, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." Don’t underestimate the impact that you have on others. Be the light in the darkness for those around you and I will be praying for you as you continue to grow and shape your lives!

By: Michal Troyer

After a stressful morning, I went to get a bite to eat. Upon entering the restaurant, I heard laughter, and realized two employees were having a good laugh about something. Hearing that laughter helped to lighten my heart and the stress I had been experiencing. I was reminded of the scripture in Proverbs 17:22 that says “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This scripture says a joyful heart is good like a medicine and laughter helps to encourage us. Laughter can be healing both mentally and physically and I was encouraged by the two employees’ laughter.

Laughter is a God given gift that each of us has been given. Too often we allow our circumstances to weigh us down and we forget to enjoy life and laugh. Laughter is a tool that we can use to battle against stress, anxiety, fear, or worry. When did you last laugh? I mean really laugh until it hurt. If it has been a while, I encourage you to try it and allow it to lighten your day. Here is a little laughter for today: At a party, a young wife admonished her husband, “That’s the fourth time you’ve gone back for ice cream and cake. Doesn’t it embarrass you?” “Why should it?” answered her spouse. “I keep telling them it’s for you.” (Selma Glasser, Good Housekeeping)

By: Elton Gingerich

10 fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

The God of the universe, even the Creator of the universe is WITH us. That’s what He said. Then He went on to give us several more promises just in this one verse! He’s not just with us, He will HELP us. Friends, it doesn’t get any better than that. Think for a moment about your worst day. Was God with you? I think He was.

Now, think for a moment about things to come. We have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but we can find rest in the promises in this one verse. If we search the Scriptures, we’ll find thousands of additional promises. One source states that there are 7,487 promises from God to His children (while I haven’t independently confirmed that, there are certainly thousands of promises). How many can you find? We all have days of uncertainty, and some might even say that we live in a day of complete uncertainty, but let’s remember God’s promises and cling to them, because those promises are certain.

By: Marcus Steury