[reallifenewsletter] FW: YS Student E-mail Newsletter #165

Hello all,
I hope that your Christmas vacation has been good so far
and that you had a terrific time celebrating the birth of Christ!

We had talked about the possibility of having a ski trip during
the Christmas break, but that is not going to work out from my
work schedule end of things. So back to the date drawing board
so-to-speak.

Justin is putting the finishing touches on an email/weblog newsletter
that will be sent out shortly. It's purpose is to encourage and update
and give a venue to connect to others in the loosely afiliated group
of youth who have gone on our youth trips or are associated by being
in one of the churches etc. It is called Generation Fish. Look for it!

-Nathanael

YS STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER #165
December 27, 2004

Contents
1. Something for Your Heart
2. Surf Report
3. Forgettable Fact
4. Potent Quotables
5. Parting Shot


===========our|sponsor===========

IT'S GODS WORD--THE TRUTH--IN A USER-FRIENDLY FORM
God's Word was meant to be read and understood. It was first written in the
language of the people--of fishermen, shopkeepers, and carpenters. "The
Message" gets back to that feel to help you understand God's message better
so you can live it out daily.

http://www.YouthSpecialties.com/linker/index.php?id=4843

Also available at your local Christian bookstore.

=================================


1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Do over.

When you've made a mess of something, there are no sweeter words in the
English language. Like when you bomb a quiz and your teacher gives you a
chance to retake it. Or when you dribble a golf tee shot five feet in front
of you and your playing partner lets you tee it up again. Or when you
realize you were too hasty in ending a relationship and your boyfriend or
girlfriend gives you a second chance.

How many times have you jumped at a chance to correct a mistake or start
over again? You'd have to be crazy to pass up such a golden opportunity--an
opportunity like the one that rolls around this Friday.

At 11:59:59 on December 31, we say goodbye to 2004 and hello to 2005. And
with the new year comes a new start, a chance to wipe our slates clean and
begin fresh.

For many of us, that's great news.

If you experienced more than your share of awkwardness, embarrassment and
setbacks in 2004 ... 2005 has the potential to be the year that everything
comes together for you.

If circumstances in 2004 forced you to deal with situations you weren't
ready for ... 2005 may give you a chance to turn your painful experiences
into wisdom and peace.

If you failed to achieve important goals in 2004 ... 2005 gives you a second
chance to get to where you want to be, in academics, sports, music,
relationships or any other area of life.

If you struggled with being stereotyped or misunderstood in 2004 ... 2005
offers 365 days to make the changes you want to make. Just think: the way
people look at you today may be a distant memory a year from now.

Don't underestimate the potential that a new year--and a new
attitude--offers. We're not talking about some stupid New Year's resolution
here. We're talking about turning a page in your life. We're talking about
understanding that you don't have to be defined by your past. We're talking
about coming to grips with the fact that you can leave the events of 2004 in
2004.

If the Bible teaches us anything, it's that a fresh start is always
available to anyone who wants it.

So how about it? Are you ready for a do-over?

On your own ...

Read Hebrews 8:12.
http://biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?language=english&version=NLT&passage=H
ebrews+8%3A12

Read Psalm 103:12.
http://biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?language=english&version=NLT&passage=P
salm+103%3A12

Have you asked God to forgive you for the bad choices you've made? If not,
there's no time like the present. Make a mental list of the things you need
forgiveness for and take it to God. If you've already asked for forgiveness,
you have it--at least as far as God's concerned. The question is, have you
forgiven yourself? Are you ready to start fresh?

2. SURF REPORT

~ Does Joan Have It Right?
Do you ever watch the CBS show "Joan of Arcadia"? What do you think of the
way it portrays God and his work? Here are some things to think about the
next time you watch the show.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/cl/2004/005/10.28.html

~ New Year Wish Around the World
Ever wondered how to say, "Happy New Year!" in Norwegian or Russian or
Swahili? Well, wonder no more. With this site, you can phrase New Year's
wishes for practically anyone in the world.
http://www.theholidayspot.com/newyear/wishes.htm

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

The Christmas season officially ends at sundown on January 5.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

Do not trust in your own righteousness; do not grieve about a sin that is
past and gone.
- Antony of Egypt

Forgiveness is the answer to the child's dream of a miracle by which what is
broken is made whole again, what is soiled is again made clean.
- Dag Hammarskjold

There is only one person God cannot forgive. The person who refuses to come
to him for forgiveness.
- Unknown

5. PARTING SHOT

The only substitute for good manners is fast reflexes.



Copyright 2004 Youth Specialties