[reallifenewsletter] FW: [SPAM] - YS Student E-mail Newsletter #192 - Bayesian Filter detected spam

Wow what a trip!  And I'll say it again!  Wow what a trip!

This summer's trip was sensational, powerful, moving and fun!  We know and have heard many stories of how people were blessed, touched by God, given direction for the future, had terrific times with God and with the others on the trip.  Just a reminder to get those descriptions back to Debbie.  If you want to send it to her by email and don't have her address, just email me and I'll forward it to you (I'm not gonna put it in this general letter since it gets posted to a blog and I don't want to add to Debbie's spam :) ).

Also as a reminder, we'll be meeting again with those who wish to continue on the Christian Character stuff as well as additional "Preparation for Marriage" material.  We're shooting for this friday at 8:30.

-Nathanael

 YS STUDENT E-MAIL NEWSLETTER #192
July 4, 2005

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

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

1. SOMETHING FOR YOUR HEART

Early last year a woman in Romania had a tumor removed. After the operation, she weighed 88 pounds. The tumor that had been attached to her, however, weighed 176 pounds. That means that prior to the operation, two thirds of her body weight was doing nothing but weighing her down and creating physical difficulty.

After her world-famous case of neurofibromatosis, Lucica Bunghez could tell you what freedom feels like. Yet her eventual freedom was the result of a difficult campaign of fundraising, international travel, and research that involved a number of financial backers, some charitable doctors, and a reporter who saw to all the details. If she hadn't been willing to undergo a lot of hassle and receive much help from other people, she would never have achieved that wonderful sensation of freedom.

Our national freedom was no small achievement either. It started with a few upstart colonies that were determined to rebel against one of the world's greatest powers of the time. And since that initial success, it has been one war after another to maintain our freedom.

Yet the sensation of freedom is so terrific that we want to share it with others. Consequently, this Independence Day a number of our military men and women don't have the luxury of picnicking with their families, chowing down on hot dogs and potato salad, and watching a spectacularly choreographed music-and-fireworks display. They are stationed in countries around the world, taking a stand for freedom. They are standing guard, holding weapons, running drills, and doing the intense work required for others to enjoy freedom.

Perhaps no freedom is taken for granted more than Christian freedom. We bask in the love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness of God. We want our “rights” as Christians, yet we may show little if any gratitude for all we receive. In fact, some of us allow sin to creep in and sap us of the strength God provides. Before we know it, the “tumor” of sin becomes nasty and unsightly. Some of us may simply need to bathe in God's pure love and forgiveness to be clean again. Others may need more of a surgical removal of accumulated sinful habits, compulsions, and addictions. It certainly doesn't sound pleasant, does it? Yet the resulting sensation of freedom is worth every ounce of effort we make toward restoring a pure relationship with God.

On this Independence Day (and throughout the week), do some reflection on what it means to be free--physically, nationally, and spiritually. Think of others who have paid a price for your freedom, and give credit where credit is due. And because YOU'RE truly free, start looking for ways to help others find freedom as well. It's darn near impossible to enjoy one's freedoms when surrounded by sin-bound, oppressed, and defeated crowds. So have a cheeseburger fresh off the grill. Watch some fireworks. Acknowledge your freedoms. And then get out and share them.

On your own ...

Read Galatians 5:1-15.
http://biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible?language=english&version=NLT&passage=Galatians+5%3A1-15

When it comes to spiritual freedom, our privileges as Christians are tremendous. Yet with that freedom comes responsibility. Consider some of the guidelines for how to make the most of the freedom Jesus provides us.

2. SURF REPORT

~ Red, White and Blue Christians
Check out a timely devotional on this day of remembrance and celebration of America's freedom.
http://peggiesplace.gospelcom.net/words161.htm

~ Phantom Fireworks
Virtual fireworks--almost as good as the real thing. This site lets you create your own fireworks display over the skyline of your choice.
http://www.fireworks.com/interactive/fireworks_show

3. FORGETTABLE FACT

Tennis was the first Olympic sport in which women were invited to compete.

4. POTENT QUOTABLES

Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves, and, under a just God, cannot long retain it.
- Abraham Lincoln

We find freedom when we find God; we lose it when we lose him.
- Paul Scherer

No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.
- Douglas MacArthur

5. PARTING SHOT

Why do they report power outages on TV?

Youth Specialties :: 2005