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August 16, 2021: Think on These Things

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“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 4:8, KJV).

I became acquainted with this verse as a young adult, and it quickly became a favorite of mine. Being raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I often felt completely out of sync and appalled by pop culture, which only continues to deteriorate and get worse. So this verse, which extols all that is good and pure, was very comforting and inspiring to me.

August 15, 2021: All You!

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“And I will turn my hand upon thee, and purely purge away thy dross, and take away all thy tin” (Isa. 1:25, KJV).

I grew up in a nominal Seventh-day Adventist home where guilt abounded. “I’m going to be good,” my cousin and I would say. But we drifted away from God.

At 21, I was sincerely, miraculously converted. For 18 years, I struggled with guilt and could never quite “be good enough.” So I drifted away again.

Fast forward to 25 years of being “in and out of the world.” The tender pleading of the Father’s Spirit—wooing, entreating and drawing this wanderer to the Father’s heart of love—awakened my soul to return to God.

August 14, 2021: Jesus, Please Come Soon!

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“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Rev. 21:4, NIV).

In the time we are living, especially with this pandemic, Revelation 21:4 fills me with hope and happiness because Jesus is coming soon, and there will be no more pain or crying. Recently, in a class in my Pathfinder’s club, we studied the first vision of Ellen White. That gave me even more hope, knowing that this will all happen, and that very soon we will live in a better place.

August 13, 2021: The Power of Words

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“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21, NKJV).

This verse reminds me of the power that words have, and that I have to watch what I say. Words can either encourage or destroy, and, because they can stick in one’s mind forever, they can positively or negatively affect the lives of others. This is important to me because I have not always been careful with my words, and have hurt people as a result.

August 13, 2021: The Power of Words

Image from iStock

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit” (Prov. 18:21, NKJV).

This verse reminds me of the power that words have, and that I have to watch what I say. Words can either encourage or destroy, and, because they can stick in one’s mind forever, they can positively or negatively affect the lives of others. This is important to me because I have not always been careful with my words, and have hurt people as a result.

ASI Columbia Union Goes to Orlando

Story by Michele Joseph, managing editor, ASI Columbia Union newsletter

Members of ASI Columbia Union attended the national ASI Convention in Orlando, Fla., held Aug. 4 to 7.

They were part of many coming to enjoy seminars and exhibits, share information about their own businesses and ministries and join in prayer, fellowship and praise and worship.

Takoma Academy Holds First Virtual Alumni Weekend

Story by Salena Fitzgerald

Alumni weekends are traditionally held annually, face to face and in a familiar environment. Last year was very challenging, however, forcing most people to adapt to new realities. Due to the pandemic, Potomac Conference's Takoma Academy (TA) wasn’t able to host their 2020 Alumni Weekend on campus, celebrating years ending in zero and five. For this year’s event, the Alumni Association decided to expand the celebration and honor both last year and this year’s honorary alumni, celebrating classes ending in zero, one, five and six.

August 12, 2021: Outside Forces Have Nothing on Us

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“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27, NIV).

The law of inertia states that an object at rest or in motion will remain so unless acted upon by an outside force. Maybe not intentionally or consciously, but when things don’t go our way, we reason it’s the outside forces’ fault, not ours!

So that’s the reason I’m stressed and miserable. No one wants their progress halted or rest interrupted by “outside forces,” but can these forces really halt and interrupt? Do they have that power and control over us? Jesus tells us not to worry.

SALT Provides Food for Underprivileged Families

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

When Claudia Wheeler, a member of Allegheny East Conference's University Heights church in Somerset, N.J., looked at the number of families in need of healthy meals in contrast with the amount of food wasted by restaurants and stores, she decided to start the SALT foundation in December 2017.

SALT restocks items weekly for neighborhood community fridges, food pantries, homeless shelters and soup kitchens. The foundation collects and distributes more than 3,500 pounds of food per week to serve about 500 families and individuals. They work with community programs, centers and churches to run food distribution events and partnerships.

Family Takes Vacation Bible School Beyond the Walls

Story by Debra Anderson

Some might say Vacation Bible School (VBS) is synonymous with summertime, and this summer was no exception. William Ovalle, pastor of the Manassas (Va.) Central Spanish, the Manassas (Va.) Battlefield Spanish and the Centreville (Va.) Spanish churches, along with his wife, Tetiana, and their sons, Vitaly and Matthias, decided to take a step of faith and expand the concept of VBS.

The family organized a VBS event for their entire district, instead of hosting an event solely for their church members. It was the first VBS for the area since the pandemic hit in March 2020. William led the program, Tetiana organized the event and Vitaly and Matthias, along with other volunteer children, participated in song service.