YAB Connection

More YAB members answer the question: What is your favorite Bible story—and why?

Kaitlyn: I especially like the story of Mary. It tells me that no matter how many times I sin Jesus is willing to forgive me and help me to do what is right.

DahEu: I am named after Daniel, so naturally I draw the stories about him close to my heart. I especially find it encouraging that he purposed in his heart from the very beginning that he would only follow God’s will for his life, and he never wavered!

Josué: I have so many favorite Bible stories, but among the top picks would have to be David and Goliath. God used one willing young man to do a job that not even the king of Israel dared to do. David’s unswerving faith in God during the whole story is a real challenge to me, and the final defeat of the giant is a monument to the fact that with God nothing is impossible! Therefore, the giants in our own lives will come tumbling down in God’s name!

Harmony: I love the story of Job. Even when faced with unimaginable trials and adversity, he never let go of his hold on God. I want to have a faith like that!

Matthew: My favorite Bible story is the story of Jesus’ life because of the way He showed us how to live like Him. His example shows me His character of love.

YAB Connection

YAB Members, How can you honor God in your daily life?

Sasha W: I honor God when I stand up for what I believe, do my best to be respectful and kind, and when I obey Him. I honor God when I reflect who Jesus is.

Nicole P: I can honor God in my daily life by living in a way that would please Him and by sacrificing my own desires to do His will.

Nathan B: I can honor God in my everyday life by taking care of my body and helping others.

Kaitlin A: One of the ways I honor God is by taking time for Him in the morning and asking Him what He would have me do throughout the day. Each decision I make in a day either honors or dishonors God, and it’s important to have His counsel.

Kaitlyn B: One of the ways I can honor God in my daily life is through obedience. In this way I show Him and others that I love Him.

Caleb B: I can honor God in my daily life by seeking to live a life that reflects God’s character.

Harmony M: I can honor God in my daily life by choosing to serve Him faithfully, even if those around me do not. When I really love God, I will be willing to sacrifice everything in life to be right with Him. He is all that really matters!

Manish R: I don’t need to offer a great, costly sacrifice to honor my God. I can honor God in my daily life by doing things that Jesus wants me to do, like obeying and helping my parents, speaking courteously and politely to everyone, and trying my best to share Jesus with others.

Becky S: I can honor God in my life by doing the best I can at everything I do.

Josué V: I can honor God in my daily life by extending help when I see a need, forgiving those who hurt me, and keeping in mind that anything that I see, hear, or do is being watched by my heavenly Father.

Landscape Full of Life

I grew up in the Midwest, and I’ve always relished its simple beauties, from the wide, lazy rivers to the rippling rows of cornstalks to the forested valleys thick with woodland wildflowers. To me, the lush spring landscape outside my parents’ home in Iowa is as delightful as the mountains above my home in Washington. Mountains are majestic, but fertile valleys buzz with life. In Iowa, dragonflies float on the flower-sweetened breeze while songbirds twitter in the trees. A bullfrog croaks the bass notes, and crickets fill in the background. Radiant green covers the hillside from the treetops to the lawn, and rabbits, deer, and other critters scurry about. Everywhere you look, you see life, growth, and beauty!

Giant mountains, vast oceans, thundering waterfalls, and the starry night sky all impress me with God’s greatness. Even so, normal meadows and forests sometimes astound me the most. To me, they’re the best examples of God’s creative power, because they show His amazing ability to create life—in abundance! And just to think: He made it all from a dark, shapeless blob in space—and a few words.

Does your spiritual walk ever seem as desolate and lifeless as the earth before creation? If so, remember that the same God who spoke life onto our planet can infuse you with spiritual vigor. David believed it; that’s why he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God” (Psalm 51:10). Jesus can make your life as vibrant as a Midwestern hillside in the spring!

Just ask Him!

Blue Ski Slopes

As the chair lift reached the top, my skis touched the packed snow. I glided away, but soon found myself sprawled on the ground after an unexpected bump.

Standing up again, I skied over to the top of the slope and groaned. The easy slopes, marked with green signs, had been my friends, but making it down this blue-signed intermediate slope didn’t seem possible. I turned to Jessica. “I can’t ski this. It’s too steep.”

She didn’t hesitate. “Yes, you can.”

I frowned and looked down the slope, incredulous.

“You’re ready, Kezzia. You were flying down the green just a few minutes ago.”

I remembered the first time I went skiing. We had overestimated my capabilities, and I ended up walking down the slope. “Yes, but . . .”

“You can do it.” Jessica’s eyes held confidence. I glanced back at the hill, then back at her; and my trembling stilled. I trusted her—and if she believed I could do this, then I believed also. Digging my poles in, I started down.

I fell often on my way down the steep hill, but I didn’t mind. Through trusting and believing, my fear and doubts had disappeared. Even with the falls, the hill didn’t seem so challenging. I actually enjoyed it.

I’ve long struggled with fear and doubt, but I’m learning that they aren’t invincible. When I believe that God believes in who I can be, then I can believe in His dreams and trust Him with my life. There is no reason to fear the tests ahead. He will keep me!

Unfathomable Love

When I was expecting my second child, I didn’t know whether I would have a boy or a girl. But somehow I began thinking of my unborn child as “Teddy.” I’d tell my husband, “Teddy kicked a lot today,” or “Teddy has the hiccups,” or “Teddy must be sleeping.” I didn’t think of the baby as an indefinite “it.” Instead, he was “Teddy”—a cuddly, lovable, energetic little bundle I could hardly wait to meet.

I wasn’t surprised at all when my baby turned out to be a cuddly, lovable, energetic little boy. Of course we called him Teddy!

This experience helped me understand more about how Jesus feels about me. Even before I was born, He loved me and made plans for me. It’s amazing to realize that thousands of years ago, Jesus spoke of me by name, and made plans to rescue me from the clutches of sin. And then He actually came to this earth to redeem me! He died for me so that I wouldn’t have to pay the price for my own sins.

Jesus went way beyond the most intense love any mother has felt for her child. How can He love me so much? I don’t know, but I’ll be eternally grateful.

Staring Contest

When did you last win a staring contest? To be honest, I'm not usually successful at that game. I laugh too easily to keep my composure, while my brothers—and my husband—have a knack for keeping a straight face while creating all sorts of distractions. At the same time, they aren't bothered by any silly faces I make—if I manage to do so without cracking up, myself!

Several years ago, around a campfire, my youth group started talking about staring contests—and immediately a friend across the circle locked my gaze. Sunset had come and gone, and only the flames dancing between us lighted up the face of my opponent. Friends around us kept talking like normal, not seeming to notice the challenge, but still my antagonist stared back at me. Perhaps the darkness helped me keep my composure, for I held out long enough to be surprised at myself. Then embarrassment crept in at being so intently gazed at; and then—you guess it—bashfulness got the better of me. I looked away just long enough for my rival to declare victory.

Just as some people's stares can't be deflected, some people's peace can't be interrupted—because it comes straight from God. If you want to be like that, you'll have to give your sins and guilt to Jesus and let Him have your heart. In return, He'll fill you with His love and indomitable peace—enough to share with everyone around!

Sounds like a good deal, wouldn't you say?

Undeserved Mercy

In the early 1800s, Napoleon Bonaparte and his men fought battles all over Europe. Napoleon's troops, for the most part, were loyal; but one young soldier committed an act of treason. Napoleon decided to overlook it—but then the soldier was again disloyal. This time, Napoleon condemned him to death.

When the young man's mother heard the verdict, she journeyed many miles to plead with the great general. "Have mercy on my son," she begged.

Napoleon shook his head. "Impossible. He twice committed the same grievous offense. Justice demands his death."

The mother didn't give up. "Sire," she cried, "I am not pleading for justice, but for mercy!"

"He deserves no mercy." The general spoke with contempt.

"Ah, no, he most certainly does not," the mother agreed. "But it wouldn't be mercy, sire, if he deserved it!"

The mother's plea touched the general's heart. He called a secretary and signed the young man's pardon.

This little story touches my heart. I've been disloyal to God and His Kingdom more times than I can remember. But He is a God of mercy as well as a God of justice—and when I confess, He is ready to forgive.

I pray that I can show the same merciful spirit to my fellow offenders!

Wonderland Trail

As I gazed at the mountain for the first time, I understood why I’d heard about it so much. Snowfields glistened on the steep slope, with massive glaciers above and delicate meadows below. The base of the mountain stretched out wide and strong, while its top extended far above neighboring peaks. No wonder people call Mt. Rainier the Crown Jewel of the Pacific Northwest!

When I learned about the 93-mile Wonderland Trail that encircled the mountain, I decided I would return and backpack the loop. All winter, I studied the guidebooks to find the best itinerary, and I sent in my permit application right on time. Anticipation grew as I imagined myself setting foot on the famed trail. Soon a rigorous exercise program replaced other activities that I once cherished. No sacrifice seemed too great as I built my schedule around this adventure.

Then one day I checked my favorite trail blog for updates, and disappointment welled up inside. The park had received a record number of wilderness reservation requests and would not be able to grant any more permits to hike the Wonderland Trail that year. In disbelief, I read the words again. It looked as though all my plans and dreams had come to naught!

On Earth, unforeseen situations often destroy carefully developed plans. But there is one adventure I can always count on. My Jesus longs to spend the whole day with me each Sabbath—and that’s something to be excited about! I plan to build my life around something more lasting than a backpacking trip.

YAB Connection

YAB members, why should anyone want to be humble and meek?

Robby S: The Christian wants to be humble because he loves Jesus and wants to be like Him. Jesus humbled Himself to be like us, and continued on that path even to death on the cross. Can we persist in pride when God Himself is humble?

Lilienne S: God can use those who are humble and meek to do great things for His Kingdom. It is harder for God to use those who are prideful and self-exalted because they don’t let Him have every bit of their hearts.

Brandon P: Jesus is humble and meek—so if I want to be like Him I must follow His example.

Olivia A: It may not seem nice to be humble, but when I see Christ’s life I want to be exactly like Him. When Christ, the King of everything, is so humble, who am I not to be meek and humble too?

Josué V: Jesus showed us through His own example that meekness is the best form of greatness.

Lucinda E: Humility and meekness are character qualities that Jesus wants us to have. Examples are scattered all throughout the Bible.

Manish R: Being humble and meek is a great way to bring souls to Christ.

Jasmine P: I want to be humble and meek so that others can see Christ’s character lived out in the life of one of His followers.

Do you have a question for the YAB to answer? If so, leave a comment below!

Lover of Storms

I love storms. Something about a torrential rain and the rumble of thunder thrills my heart. However, I don't often see such storms where I live in eastern Washington.

Several months ago, however, a great storm swept over my house. The pounding of the rain against the windows soon caught my attention, and I went outside and stood on the front step. The clouds hung low and dull in the twilight, while lightening flashed across the sky and thunder seemed to crack the evening wide open.

Wind tore at the trees and tugged at my clothes; but I wasn't afraid. I stepped out a little farther, lifted my hands and face up to the sky, and let the rain soak me. When at last I went inside and closed the door against the tempestuous elements, I felt I'd left something precious outside.

I'm not so enthusiastic about some of the other storms I encounter. When I find myself in the midst of a spiritual or an emotional storm, I often have a hard time raising my hands to Heaven with a quiet and joyful heart.

But that's exactly the attitude Jesus wants to give me! Though all around me and inside me may seem to be in complete chaos, He designs to give me perfect peace—such a meekness of heart that I simply cast myself in His arms and say, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15).

I want that kind of peace continually. Don't you? 

Monument of His Power

The wilderness valley's vibrant slopes framed distant granite peaks with striking greenery—a tantalizing taste of days ahead. From our sheltered campsite, we eagerly anticipated tomorrow's views deeper into the Cascade Mountains. Most of all, we looked forward to seeing Glacier Peak, the most secluded of Washington's five massive volcanic mountains.

But the next morning, fog and drizzle blocked out all the views. The weather didn't improved much over the next couple of days. In the afternoons, the sky would clear a little, and we enjoyed glimpses of mountains nearby—but still no sight of Glacier Peak.

Our final morning, the clouds began to lift. Still, I didn't believe we'd see the mountain. Maybe it existed, but it seemed evident that it seldom emerged from the fog. What good was a mountain continually shrouded from the longing hiker's view. I convinced myself I didn't care about the old volcano.

As we hiked to a viewpoint for Glacier Peak, I looked up, fully expecting a bank of clouds. Was I ever surprised! Glacier Peak towered high above all the other mountains—a glorious monument of God's power. That one glimpse made the whole hike worthwhile!

When tough times hit us, it can seem as though life is nothing but gloom. If we don't watch out, we can get to thinking that no one cares and that nothing good ever happens to us. Yet all the time, Jesus is there—waiting for the perfect moment to lift the clouds and let us see His glorious purpose.

Trust Him—it will be worth it!

Tomi's Gods

by Margaret W. Eggleston

Just outside the gate of a little Japanese town stood the shrine of the goddess Kishibojin. Every morning for many months, a young girl came to the shrine and bowed before it in earnest prayer. Sometimes she poured cold water over her body as she prayed. At other times she cut off strands of her hair and offered them to the idol. Tomi Kagata was determined to have the answer to her prayer, and she tried in every way she knew to make Kishibojin hear her. Still her prayer was not answered.

Each day, after Tomi’s prayer was over, she worked hard at a factory. Then, in the evening, she went home to care for her ailing father and two small brothers. Tomi was always tired, even in the morning when she went to pray.

Things had not always been so hard. Although Tomi’s mother was dead, her kind father and loving elder brother had taken good care of the home. Then disaster struck. First, her father became ill. At about the same time, Tomi’s brother, Matsui, began to drink. One day he struck a policeman. To avoid paying a large fine, he ran away from home. Now it was up to Tomi to provide for the family.

Quarantined!

by Adele R. Dewey

Did you ever stop to think about
This place we call the earth,
And why you’ve never left it
Since the moment of your birth?
And how the folks in other worlds
Can all go out and in,
While you’re restricted to this earth?
You’re quarantined for sin!

God put up the quarantine
With a bright and flaming sword,
When the Father sent our parents
From the Garden of the Lord.
But His heart was moved with pity
As He saw our sad estate,
And the world that He had quarantined,
He moved near Heaven’s gate.

Then He sent the Great Physician
To our world to save the lost,
And reveal the love of God to man.
He did not count the cost
Too great to pay; but gave His life
A ransom full and free,
So He could lift the quarantine
That’s over you and me.

In the glad day before us
When He comes to claim His own,
He will take the purified
Right to His Father’s throne.
With the quarantine now lifted,
We may all go out and in,
And tell how He redeemed us
From the quarantine of sin!

Thirty-three Cents

by Minon Auda Hiebert

I clutched the paper and stared. Thirty-three cents! My senior year of academy was only half over, and my account carried a credit of just 33¢.

Father was ill, and Mother could never manage to help me from her meager earnings. When I had arrived in September with my savings of $200, I had hoped that I could work off my expenses. But my wages were low, and expenses were high. Now I had just 33¢ for the rest of the year!

Umbrellas

by Michelle Chai Song

It was another day in Uijeongbu, Korea. The forecast had predicted heavy thundershowers—but I hoped the meteorologists were wrong. My cousin and I needed to take a trip on the subway.

I looked out the window and then turned to my cousin. “No rain yet. Maybe we can get to Chamshil village without getting wet.”

A few minutes later, we opened the door to leave. “Oh, no,” I groaned. “It’s pouring—and it looks like it’s getting worse! We’re going to be soaked from head to foot.”

“Well, you could always take these.” My mother held out a couple of umbrellas.

Supreme Court of the Universe

How much do you know about the Supreme Court? Whether you realize it or not, its decisions affect our laws in big ways. Here are the basics:

• The Supreme Court always has nine justices. No tie votes!
• The Supreme Court is mostly a court of appeals—it decides on cases that lower courts couldn’t settle.
• The Supreme Court accepts only about 100 of around 10,000 cases referred to it each year—the ones justices think will help clear up questions to do with Constitutional law.
• Before the court hearing, lawyers from each side of a case hand in written arguments. At the actual trial, each side has just half an hour to speak and be questioned.
• After the hearing, the justices discuss among themselves which side has the backing of the Constitution. Finally, they take a vote. 
• After the vote, a justice from the majority side writes a court opinion. The judges from the majority side review and revise the report. Finally, they sign it. 
• Once the opinion is made public, it becomes the official interpretation of the law.

Odd beginnings. During its first term in 1790, the Supreme Court had no cases and made no decisions—but the justices still convened. Some judges of lower courts still wore tall white wigs, but Justice William Cushing alone showed up at the Supreme Court wearing his wig. After the boys loitering outside made fun of Justice Cushing, Thomas Jefferson added his opinion: “Do discard the monstrous wig which makes the English judges look like rats peeping through bunches of oakum.” 1 The wig came off!2

Divine court. Daniel 7 describes the supreme court of the universe, where the Ancient of Days and His Son are the judges. In this court, the judge is also the lawyer for the defendants.3 He longs to pardon whoever He can! And unlike human courts, the divine court never errs. “O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for Thou shalt judge the people righteously” (Psalm 67:4).

Puff's Choice

as told by C. Roscoe Swan

Art: Heidi Reinecke

I paused for a moment on the narrow trail and gazed at the rugged California landscape. What a beautiful place to hike!

Suddenly the silence was shattered by the distant roar of motorcycle engines. I listened for a moment. They were getting closer. Someone else had decided to take advantage of this beautiful day in the mountains.

I glanced around. “Puff! Where are you, girl?”

Immediately I heard doggy feet pattering toward me. My Australian shepherd raced up, bouncing and wagging from head to tail. We surely had named her right when we registered her as “Blue Puff Tempest”! I reached down and petted her fluffy blue merle coat. She had so much energy—like a tempest in a teapot!

Uneasy Conscience

by Christina Boyd Evert

It started as a great day. With my homework completed, I actually looked forward to my first period class—sixth-grade science. The class was about to start when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

“Hey Christina, did you do your social studies homework?”

“Yup.” I grinned at my classmate, Michael.

“Could I see it?” he asked.

“Why?”

“Well, I didn’t quite finish. Please, could I use it for just a second?” Michael’s voice had a desperate tone to it.

“But Michael, that’s cheating!” I frowned.

“Oh, come on,” he urged. “I promise we won’t get caught.”

It Only Takes a Spark

You know the song: “It only takes a spark to get a fire going . . . ” (In fact, this time of year you may find yourself around the campfire singing it quite often!)

But it does take a spark! 

Just as the tiny mustard seed grows into a large plant, and a little bit of leaven raises a whole batch of bread, even a small word or act for Christ can grow into something big. Jesus will bless and multiply our efforts to work for Him—when we start!

“Every follower of Jesus has a work to do as a missionary for Christ in the family, in the neighborhood, in the town or city where he lives” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2, page 632).

Do you want to share your faith but are not sure what to do? Here are a few suggestions to get you started. Why not see how much you can accomplish in the next few months?

Lessons from Woodworking

When I was in eighth grade, I had the privilege of taking woodworking. At the time, I had neither a wise nor a willing heart. I wanted to take home economics—not woodworking. But since the school didn’t have a budget for both classes, the principal opted for woodworking. He assured me that I would enjoy the class, and that I’d learn valuable skills. In the end, I decided I might as well go into it with an open mind.