Friday Snippets and Soundbites

If this edition of "Snippets and Soundbites" simply isn't enough news of the weird for you, check out page 38 in the May (and every!) issue of ec. We've got all the strange news you can handle!

Now, on with the show:

• Wednesday must have been a weird day for Charles Patrick Sherlock. That's because he watched the ship he'd served on as a telemetry technician sink into the sea—and it was all on purpose. On Wednesday, the Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, a WWII-era former U.S. Air Force missile tracking ship, was purposely sunk into the ocean near the Florida Keys. The ship joined other purposely sunken ships at the bottom of the ocean and will be used to create an artificial reef. The ship is now the second largest vessel in the world to be sunk to create a reef. It took one minute and 54 seconds to sink the ship. To learn more, stop by here.

• Everyone knows getting a good picture on your driver's license is pretty much next to impossible. And it just got a little harder in four states. That's because DMVs in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia are now requiring driver's license use "neutral facial expressions." Which basically boils down to fewer huge, cheesy smiles. Officials are quick to point out that you can still smile, just maybe not as big. The states aren't just putting the new regulation into affect because they like bad driver's license pics, though. These states are using facial recognition software to identify people trying to assume another driver's identity and the software can't do the job as well when the facial expressions are too dissimilar. Read all about it here. For info on how to take a better driver's license pic, check out this link.

• It's always disappointing to open your drive-thru order and realize you didn't get everything. But most of us wouldn't consider that an emergency, right? Not so for one Oregon man. The guy had gone to McDonald's and ordered an orange juice, among other things. When he didn't get the OJ, he called 911 to complain that the McDonald's employee was rude and to report the missing drink. The 20-year-old man was arrested and spent Memorial Day in jail, accused of improper use of an emergency phone number. To make things even more interesting, he appears to have made all the calls from the drive-thru lane, since while he was on the phone complaining about his OJ, a McDonald's employee also called 911 to report that the guy and his friends were blocking the drive-thru lane and knocking on the restaurant's windows. Read more here.

• Who hasn't met a little dog who thinks he/she is the biggest thing in the room? (ec's editor Mandy has an 8-pound poodle who thinks she owns the world.) Well, sometimes that kind of delusion seems to actually work for the best. Take the story of Chiquita the Chihuahua and Rosie the border terrier who chased off a cougar that strayed into a small town in Oregon. The cougar pinned down Rosie who squealed and yelped, but Chiquita barked ferociously and the big cat fled. Read all about it here.

Music Minute

So this weekend, I got a lecture from my mom. Let me tell you, getting a mom-lecture at thirty-something years of age isn't any more fun than when you're 16, and I admit I kind of sighed a little when she started talking (sorry Mom!). I have asthma, and my mom not only has it too, she's a nurse. This lecture was all about taking my medicine properly. But it quickly became obvious she was saying something I really needed to hear! (Drat.) I should be taking one of my medicines all the time, not just when I feel bad. Not to get all scientific, but this particular medicine prevents your body from having an asthma attack—if you take it right. Long story short, I'm going to have to keep taking this medicine even when I don't feel sick, because there is a real and tangible health benefit from taking it when I'm well.

And - not to be weird, but hymns are like that. The longer I'm a Christian, the more I realize the value of Christian music—whether it's top-40 pop or from a hymnal. And aren't we always hearing about our "spiritual health"? Knowing and singing hymns are a critical part of your spiritual health.

To begin with, most hymns are based on scripture, so when you sing them, you're really reminding yourself of what God says in His word. Hymns are set to music, which most people find at least as easy to remember as scripture—maybe easier. Now, I'm not suggesting that you sing hymns instead of reading your bible, but you will increase your spiritual knowledge if you know a few Christian songs. And sometimes it's really hard as a weak human being with flesh to make yourself pray. (I say that with sadness; I really wish it was easy for me to spring out of bed every day and pray.)

There's also a structure to hymns that can help you in your prayers. You can pray while singing a hymn, you know. And refrains and choruses serve to bring home the essential point of the song, that God is faithful, or that He is watching over you, or that He is mighty to save.

So are you convinced that knowing some hymns is a good thing? Yay! Now I'd like to introduce you to Hillsong United, a really terrific praise and worship band from Australia's Hillsong Church. Hillsong United is their youth worship band, whose brand-new album Across the Earth: Tear Down The Walls is full of tasty, power-pop worship that will make you hear hymns and praise songs in a whole new light.

To check them out, you can click this link and get a preview of each song AND a lyric sheet. And if you go here, you can listen to the album for free all week!

And if you listen a couple of times and really like them, you can find their album at the iTunes Music Store. We like "You Hold Me Now."



Fill your spiritual toolbox with lots of hymns and praise songs. You'll be amazed at how they just sort of happen to come to mind when you're feeling a bit lost and scared and small. Paul and Silas sang hymns, and the Psalms are full of spiritual songs. Both hymns and scripture readings benefit you when you do them daily—don't wait until you're feeling bad to rely on them. There is a good chance they'll help you long before you think you need them.

I'll leave you with Psalm 59:16:

But I will sing of Your strength
and will joyfully proclaim
Your faithful love in the morning.
For You have been a stronghold for me,
a refuge in my day of trouble.

Happy Wednesday!

Making the most of graduation

 It’s May, which means that graduation season is in full swing. For some of you, it's the beginning of the rest of your lives; for the rest of you, it’s just another end to another school year. But when you’re celebrating the end of your high school career (and even if you’re not), there are some things we want you to know.

What to do if it’s your year to graduate:
• Take pictures. You won’t regret it. Actually, you’ll want them some day. And don’t just take the expected pictures. Take pics of your friends and capture the candid moments that you don’t want to forget and will never happen again!

• Enjoy these last few weeks of easy classes and teachers who are willing to go a little easier on you than normal. (And if your teachers aren’t letting up, then know that it’s good preparation for college.)

• Treasure not only these moments with your friends, but also the moments with your family. Going off to college, joining the military, or getting a job is really going to change things. You won’t have moments like this again. Trust me, I know.

• Don’t be surprised if you receive graduation gifts. Accept them with grace and thank the gift giver, but follow up that verbal thank-you with a thank- you note.

On graduation day:
• Try not to stress out about the ceremony and don’t fight with your parents/brother/sister/friend. You will regret it, especially when you can’t remember what the fight was about.

(Editor’s note: I had a big argument with my brother on the way to our high school graduation. It’s a black spot on a day of otherwise good memories. So, even though it’s not easy, don’t let the stress of the day take over. Enjoy the ­moment and the people who are sharing it with you! And if you do happen to fight with someone, do everything within your power to right the situation before the day is over. You don’t want your graduation day to be filled with regrets. —Mandy)

• Be gracious with all of the family members and friends who have traveled to watch you ­graduate, even though it gets tough to figure out the happy medium between spending time with your friends and spending time with your family.

• Pay attention to the folks in charge. You don’t want to look like an idiot out there because you weren’t listening during practice or in the few moments before the ceremony.

Staying safe on graduation night:
The night you graduate from high school is one you’ll want to remember, so stay away from the drugs and alcohol that will leave the night a hazy memory at best. (Do we even have to tell you that?)
If your school isn’t planning a graduation night event for you and your classmates to attend, see if your parents will host a party at your house or go in with several other parents and rent a facility where you and your friends can celebrate. Your student ministry at church may also be willing to get involved and plan an all-night event you and your friends can enjoy. (Think bowling alleys, roller or ice skating rinks, arcades, laser tag, the movies . . .)

How awful would it be to work so hard for that diploma and then lose your life in a car wreck or other accident? Be careful that night, and remember that just because you’re making wise choices doesn’t mean everyone else is. Be cautious as you celebrate!

If you’re not graduating, but have a good friend who is:
• Write him or her a letter telling them why you’ll miss having them around next year or detailing the impact he or she has had on your life.

• Consider giving him or her a gift, such as a framed photo of the two of you or something he or she can use in the dorm, apartment, or wherever.

• Maybe the graduate is your best friend, your older brother, or an older friend from your youth group.
Remember that this is their graduation, not yours. Fight the natural urge to make yourself the center of attention and make sure you congratulate your friend for his or her achievement.

• Think about what you’ll do when you’re a senior compared to what the seniors at your school did. What can you do better? What would you like to do just like they did? (No need to let the seniors know your opinions as you evaluate, unless you really liked the way they handled something.)

• Start considering your post-high school plans. It’s never too early to be looking at colleges, figuring out a major, deciding how far away from home you might want to go.

If you don’t think graduation is a big deal:
Whether you want to believe it or not, graduation is a big moment in your life. Sure, that ceremony might not magically change things, but it is a turning point. You’ve finished something you set out to do (hopefully well) and are starting a new chapter of your life. There will be new expectations, new responsibilities, and new experiences, whether you’re going to college, joining the military, or becoming a part of the workforce. If graduation is still on the horizon for you, don’t try to convince yourself that this milestone isn’t a big deal. If this is your graduation year, celebrate the achievement with all the pomp and circumstance it deserves. Then, set your face toward the future and make a commitment to live out your faith in real ways in the real world. (And, in case we haven’t said it, ­congratulations!)

Staff Flashback from Emily:
My senior year, several parents planned a Mystery Trip for the whole class. During the night-long event, we were bussed to a city two hours away, stopping to eat a huge seafood buffet on the way. We arrived at a mini-amusement park where we played hockey, miniature golf, laser tag, and ate snacks until the wee hours of the morning. Then, they loaded us onto a big boat and took us out on a lake for several hours. We danced, talked, took pictures, reminisced, and then had an awards ceremony where we gave out funny awards such as “Most likely to burst into tears” and “Least likely to be in class.” We were exhausted by the time we got home the next morning, but we were able to form some sweet memories. That was the last time that I’ve seen some of my classmates, and all of those memories of them are happy, thankfully.

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

As the ec team gets ready to head out for a long holiday weekend, we wanted to help you get the festivities kicked off in style—with our weekly online edition of "Snippets and Soundbites." And if this isn't enough for you, check out page 38 of the May (and every) issue of ec!

Ready? Here. we. go.

• Jonas Brothers fans, listen up! The guys will debut the video for their newly released single, “Paranoid” on Saturday at 7:55 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel. The video was directed by Brendan Malloy and Tim Wheeler, who also directed the music video for their hit single, “Burnin' Up.” Look for the band of brothers to discuss the making of the video on Sunday, May 31, at 6 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel.

• For years, scientists had believed that it was a deadly bacteria in the Komodo dragon's mouth that made its bite deadly. Now Australian researchers have discovered the world's largest lizard actually uses a snake-like venom which sends its prey into shock and stops their blood from clotting. Scientists used an MRI to discover venom glands no one had noticed before. One researcher, Bryan Fry, removed a venom gland from a terminally ill Komodo at Singapore Zoo for the study, and said it contained a highly toxic poison which would induce potent stomach cramps, hypothermia and a drop in blood pressure. For more on the new discovery, go here. For all things Komodo dragon, click here. 

• Being the First Dog is a tough job, but Bo Obama thinks he's up to it. And the newest addition to the White House has taken his notoriety to a new level: this week he got his own Beanie Baby. Ty Inc. has released a shaggy black and white version of the dog named "Bo" —and apparently, he's selling fast. For the full story, go here. For more on Bo, visit this site.

• May is almost over! Which means you've got about a week left to answer the ec Question of the Month for May. Sound off on our discussion board on Facebook or send us an e-mail with your answer! (Hint: the question is in the sidebar on our blog's homepage. . . )

Run the race

Do you not know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. —1 Corinthians 9:24

Running. Not my favorite pastime, but a necessary part of my life. Training for races, whether a 5K or a half-marathon or an IronMan, takes dedication. And sacrifice. And lots of time and effort. If you read Renee Short’s article, "We're in this together," on page 45 of this month’s issue of ec, you might have winced with her at her running experiences. But what I admire most about her story was her stick-to-itiveness, even when she had failed many times before. She quit her half-marathon training numerous times, only to strengthen her resolve to accomplish her goal of finishing the race. But it wasn’t until she enlisted help from others that she finally succeeded.

I can tell you firsthand that the need for others is strong in training for a half-marathon, or any race, for that matter. Training with someone else makes all the difference in the world. And on the day of the race, it’s the encouragement from cheering fans that can spur you on, even when you’re ready to forgo the medal awaiting you at the finish line and sit on the sidewalk with the spectators at mile 7. But I’ve also run and not heard a peep from the bystanders watching me sweat it out. It was tough! I wanted to ask them to yell for me in encouragement, but I wasn’t sure what to say.

Granted, all this running talk is a metaphor for the Christian walk. But I’ve actually experienced what Paul was talking about in Hebrews 12:1. I know how good it feels to accomplish something when others are cheering you on, to set aside the worries and burdens and just run (or serve or organize or teach) like it’s my job. I also know how hard it is to complete something when you feel like no one is paying attention or understands.

So where do you need help and encouragement from others? Is it admitting a secret sin and then finding an accountability partner? Or does your mood and outlook leave you needing encouragement from others? Or maybe you need help from others to push you toward your goals, be it finishing a race or completing high school. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It doesn’t make you weak or unstable.

Now, let’s flip this situation. Where you can you help others? Look out for the classmate who may be struggling with the same stuff you are. Encourage him or her. Share your vulnerability so he or she realizes this isn’t a lonely battle. Pay attention to all the people around you. Take the time to let them you know you appreciate them, think they do a good job, or to praise whatever else they do that impresses you.

The cliché “Life is a marathon, not a track meet,” is true. It’s a journey that requires endurance, and we’re not going to make it to the end of this race without encouragement. So be an encouragement to others! We bet it’ll come back to you.

Therefore since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us. —Hebrews 12:1

And to Mandy, ec’s content editor: Good luck at the race in Colorado this weekend! We’re cheering for you! :)

Give Lanae Hale a listen

Last month during GMA week, Emily and I got a chance to sit down with up-and-coming singer Lanae Hale. She was geniune, funny, and down-to-earth. She made us laugh, told us about her battle with cutting, and spoke honestly about her struggle to believe that God really, truly loved her.

And we liked her for it. Because in a world in which most Christians, particularly those in the spotlight, like to say that faith makes their lives problem-free, Lanae's words struck a chord with us. She knew what it was like to feel forgotten, to wonder if you could indeed trust God with the desires of your heart, to wonder if the mistakes you've made and the scars on your soul are too much for God to handle. Lanae is someone who knows the truth of Jesus' words in John 16:33: "You will have suffering in this world." But she also knows the truth of His next words: "Be courageous! I have conquered the world!"

Later, after our conversation with Lanae, we got a chance to hear her perform some of her songs at a small dinner put on by her label. It was just Lanae and her guitar in a room full of media, publicists, and other singers and performers. She sang "Back and Forth," the title track on her album, and when she finished, the room was silent. The song was beautiful and Lanae's voice was astounding, but it was the combination of those things and the spirit with which she sang the lyrics that captured our attention. Here was a young woman who'd just put the cries of our hearts to words and left us standing before a Holy God who loves in a way we can't even fully wrap our brains around.

I understood then that Lanae knew what it's like to come before God with all the pain, mistakes, and fears you have and simply pour them out. To trust them to the One who made the universe, who created you, who bought our freedom at great sacrifice to Himself, and who desperately wants to have a relationship with you. She understood the humility of standing before God like that and simply saying, I don't know what You're doing. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. But I come to You trusting You can do all things.

Today, Lanae's album comes out. And we think you should give it a listen. You can even get a free download of it here. We don't think you'll be sorry!

Prayer: It's just a conversation

So, by now, you've probably read Chansin Bird's article "Prayer Exposé" on page 26 of the May issue of ec. Maybe that article left you wanting to go deeper in your prayer life but you just don't know how to get started. Well, here are a few ideas a good friend of ec, Pam Gibbs, shared with us awhile back.

Drawing God and Me
Before you accuse us of treating you like children, try this idea. You might be surprised! Grab some paper and colored pencils, markers, or crayons. Then find a quiet place to sit. First, spend a few moments in quiet. Take a few deep breaths. Then, pick up a pencil and write at the top of the page, God and me. Remaining quiet and relaxed, draw a picture of the two of you. Choose images, people, animals or objects to represent God and you. You can use any sizes, shapes, or colors you want. Do not stop to think about how you should portray God or how you want to appear. Don’t worry about being a Picasso. Just draw.
After a few minutes, talk to God about what you’ve drawn. Why did you choose that particular color for God? For example, you might have chosen red because you thought He was angry or blue because He felt as far away as the sky. What image did you choose for God and why? Where are you in the picture in relation to God? Close or far away? Picture yourself like a small child who is describing a picture to her parent. After describing it to God, sit and be quiet in the stillness. After a few minutes of quiet, ask yourself: How would God draw me and Him together?

Journaling with a Twist
You might already use a journal to write out your prayers. Even if you do, keep reading for a twist at the end! In connecting with God through journaling, you write out a conversation with God. To begin, write “Dear God,” or another favorite term you’ve adopted for God (Abba, Lord, Father). Then, write down what you are feeling in your heart or what’s on your mind. You can write about the ordinary things of your day. God loves to hear about those things. Maybe you need to write about something that’s troubling you; God wants to hear about those things, too. If you’re just in the mood to write, pick a topic: your deepest desire; your greatest fear; the you that nobody knows about; your big-gest confusion. Don’t censor or edit anything you write. Just let the words flow.

Once you’ve written down everything on your mind and heart, go to the next page in your jour-nal. At the top of the page, write “Dear (Your Name).” Then, write a reply as if God were writing to you about what you’ve written to Him. Again, don’t censor yourself or edit what you’re writing. Al-low God to speak. You’ll be amazed at what happens!

Breath Prayer
Ever feel overwhelmed? Ever feel too stressed to stop and pray for a long time? Ever crave a really simple prayer that expresses what you’re feeling? Then try this activity.

First, find a place to be quiet and alone for a few -minutes. Picture Jesus standing before you, asking what you want Him to do for you. Maybe He’s simply asking, what is the cry of your heart? Wait and listen. The cry of your heart will emerge. In all probability, though, you will hear a lot of noise in your head, and it will be difficult to listen to your heart. If more than one thing surfaces, look for the root problem. For example, if you want to get along with your friends and your family better, your deeper need is love for others. Finding the cry of your heart is a lot like finding that special spot on your back that itches and needs to be scratched. You can scratch around it and close to it, but you know immediately when you’ve hit the spot!

Once you’ve found that heart cry, identify how you -address God in your prayer, such as Abba, Father, or God. Or identify a name of God that coincides with the need of your heart. Some common breath prayers are:
• Give me strength, O Christ (for when you’re tired)
• Father, show me your love (for when you feel unappreciated)
• Gentle Shepherd, carry me (for when you feel overwhelmed)

Take some time to sit quietly and repeat the phrase gently in your mind. As you inhale, voice the name of God (O Christ). As you exhale, voice the prayer (Give me strength). You can use breath prayer in lots of places, such as when you’re walking to your next class, driving in the car, or taking a shower. This prayer is helpful when your emotions are so stirred that you don’t know what or how to pray. Over time, the repetition of this prayer -creates a time and space in which you become more aware of God, who hears your cry.

What it means to you:
The point of all this is simple: God wants to spend time with you.

He wants to know about the things that worry you and hear about the things that frighten you. God wants to know you and spend time with you, and one of the ways He’s made that kind of relationship possible is through prayer. So don’t just recite the same tired prayer you’ve been praying day after day, year after year. Get to know God, be honest with Him, and live in daily relationship with Him. You won’t be sorry!

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

Welcome to this week’s edition of “Snippets and Soundbites”! If all this randomness isn’t enough for you, pick up an issue of ec and check out page 38. We don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Well, on with the show. First up this week:

• Yes, we figure you’ve already seen the video of Britain’s Greg Pritchard, but if you haven’t . . . .well, you’ve just got to!


We really have no words for this one. Really. Speechless.

• In other news, Wikipedia is a resource we often consult here at ec . . . and we’re fairly sure you do, too. But it may not be the BEST source. Especially when you’re doing a research project. Wikipedia is publicly edited, meaning anyone can add content to the site. And one enterprising Irish college student wanted to test it out. Shane Fitzgerald recently posted a fictional quote on the Web site in an entry devoted to the late Maurice Jarre, a French composer. Fitzgerald was studying how quickly news and information are spread on the Internet in one of his classes and wanted to see how much today’s journalists valued accuracy and accountability. The results of his test? Dozens of U.S. blogs and newspaper Web sites in Britain, Australia and India picked up the quote. The free online encyclopedia did eventually catch on to the quotes lack of attribution and removed it, but not quickly enough for some writers to resist copying and pasting it right into their stories. Fitzgerald says he doubts anyone would have noticed the editorial fraud if he hadn’t come forward. Read the whole story here.

• We hate cleaning out the fridge as much as anyone, but an office in California may have taken the tiresome task to a whole new level. That’s because when a worker began cleaning out the office fridge last week—a refrigerator described as being “filled with rotten food”—the task ended with seven employees being treated at the hospital and 28 others who needed treatment for nausea and vomiting. Apparently, the stench from the forgotten, moldy lunches and disinfectant was so bad that it people started getting sick. Firefighters had to evacuate the building and a hazardous materials team was even called in. Read the whole story (and note what happened to the lady who was cleaning out the fridge) here.

Music Minute

I've been dying to tell y'all about my new favorite band, so here goes!

Fans of Talking Heads and Michael Jackson will love Los Angeles-based rockers No More Kings. They've got guitars, grooves, a horn section, and a name that comes from an old School House Rock episode (what's not to like?).

For those of you just joining us, Talking Heads and Michael Jackson were big big artists in the 1970s and 80s. School House Rock was a Saturday-morning series of "short" cartoons that explained something about history, government, or other school subjects using music (the episode in question is about the Pilgrims, of course, who left England to get away from kings). Almost thirty years later, I still credit my knowledge of how a bill becomes law to this episode.

Despite the history lessons, NMK is anything but dated sounding! There's a lot to like on their new album And The Flying Boombox. "Obey the Groove" is a funky horn-filled tune with big-stage production and an irresistible beat. "Critical Hit" has catchy riffs and some 70s slap-style bass-playing straight out of Sly and the Family Stone.

The best news? You can download the album's first single "Obey the Groove" at their web site for free! Other tracks are available on iTunes, with the album coming in at a wallet-friendly $9.99. Check 'em out! You won't be disappointed. Here's a link for "Critical Hit" to get you started.



And happy Wednesday! You're halfway there. :)

So, if you read "To Tell the Truth" on page 16 of the May issue of ec, you’ve heard what Bruce Willis and Bill Maher, representatives of our culture, have to say about spiritual matters. But what about Jesus? What does He have to say?

• “Jesus said to them, ‘I assure you: Before Abraham was, I am’”(John 8:58).
• “My sheep hear My voice, I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish—ever! No one will snatch them out of My hand” (John 10:27-28).
• “ . . . If anyone is thirsty, he should come to Me and drink! The one who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him” (John 7:37a-38).
• “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
• “ . . . the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me” (John 15:26b).
• “He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important commandment. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments’” (Matt. 22:37-40).
• “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world!" (John 16:33)
• “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it. What is a man benefited if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits himself?

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

 If all of this strangeness isn't enough news of the weird for you, check out “Snippets and Soundbites” on page 38 of the May (and every) issue of ec. There's always more crazy-but-true news to go around!

Like . . .
• Know those guys who dress funny and work as the Pope's security force? Well, comments from the Swiss Guards' new commander have led to spectulation the ranks might someday soon include—gasp!—women. Col. Daniel Anrig, the new commander, told a private television station that he was open to the idea of women serving in the elite, 500-year-old papal security force. His statement flies in the face of the long-held position of his predecessors. He acknowledged there might be logistical problems, since the Vatican barracks housing the Swiss Guards are already crowded. The Swiss Guard, a force some 110-strong, provides ceremonial guard duty, assist at Vatican functions, and protects the Pope. They're known for their jaunty blue and gold uniforms and helmets with bright red plummage. Currently, each recruit must be a Catholic male, between the ages of 19 and 30, have completed mandatory Swiss military service, have an impeccable reputation and agree to sign up for at least two years. The company was formed in 1506 when Pope Julius II assembled the first group to protect him and the Vatican. For more on Anrig's comments, go here or here. For more on the Swiss Guard's history, check out this site.

• If you're in to numbers, this story may be of interest to you. Yesterday, May 7, was an Odd Day. (Well, maybe your's was weird, but that's not exactly what we're talking about.) The date, 5/7/09 is one of only six dates in this century that will feature three consecutive odd numbers. Ron Gordon, a California teacher who champions such math holidays, like Square Root Day, even offered a prize of $579 to those who celebrated the date with the most zeal or who got the most people involved in an Odd Celebration. Our question: what exactly would an Odd Day celebration include? Leave your ideas in the comments section. And read all about Odd Day and its quirky celebrations here.

 • In the not-so-weird, but-interesting news category, we have the story of CCM artist Phillip LaRue. For those of us who've been around awhile, Phillip and his sister, Natalie, produced three albums as the group LaRue. When Natalie got married, they called it a day. Phillip then spent his time producing groups like Over the Rhine and Tenth Avenue North and writing songs, including a hit for Brandon Heath. Phillip released his long-awaited solo album Let the Road Pave Itself on April 7. This week, we heard that he is being featured on AOL Music Main and PopEater in the 'About to Pop' feature and has also been selected as an Artist To Watch in the adult category on iHeartradio.com. The singer/songwriter has had three song placements on television shows "Ghost Whisperer," "One Tree Hill," and "Harper's Island." For more on Phillip, stop by his MySpace page.

Public Service Announcement: Mother’s Day is this Sunday!

We know you’ve got a lot on your mind, with school winding down and summer heating up (unless you live up North, where it’s definitely not too warm yet). No doubt teachers are piling on last minute assignments and you’re just ready for the last day of school. But don’t forget to take some time to celebrate your Mom this weekend on Mother’s Day.

Mom. You know, the woman who brought you into this world? The one who does more for you than you’ll ever realize? The woman who helps you with your homework, drives you to your plethora of extracurricular activities, and makes sure you don’t starve? Yeah, that’s her. So take some time to be extra-sweet. She deserves it!

Since we’re giving you a few days’ warning, you can make it better than last year, when you realized late on Saturday night that the next day was Mother’s Day and ended up making a card with whatever random, dried-up art supplies you found under your bed. (BTW: handmade cards are great; just make sure you put some time and effort into it.)

So here are some ideas: If you have siblings, why not make a Mother’s Day plan with them? (Your dad would probably appreciate being included too.) Go in together to purchase a gift that she’ll actually use and really love. Take turns tackling a meal (or even better, all three meals on Sunday) and cleaning up afterwards so that your mom can enjoy some time away from the kitchen. A bouquet of flowers, even if they’re just picked from the yard, will brighten her day. Let her take a nap, uninterrupted. Or better yet, spend some time talking with her. Make sure you listen when she talks. (Otherwise, it’ll be like any other conversation you’d have with her on a typical day, right?)

The bottom line is to make her feel special. Consider it your assignment. After all, the Bible does say to honor your mother. (It’s in Ephesians 6:1-3.) Show her the respect she deserves. Don’t roll your eyes or talk back to her. Don’t argue. Be grateful. Try to live in peace with her and the rest of your family. (We know that can be tough, but it’s also in the Bible, in Romans 12:18.)

So consider yourself informed. Now go and make this the best Mother’s Day yet! And feel free to share with our other blog readers any great ideas you’re planning (or have planned in the past) to celebrate your mother or other special women in your life. Just leave us a comment.

Enter our contest!

Want some SAT or ACT study prep material?

Well, we've got just what you need. The ec magazine team will be giving away two resources we recently got our hands on and if you'll be taking either test, you're SO going to want them!

Today, we'll be giving away "Future U: The Prep Game for SAT," computer game by Kaplan that works on a Mac or a PC, and "ACT in a Box," flashcards to help you ace the ACT.

What do you have to do to win?

It's simple, really.

To win the SAT game, you must be the first person to email the next SAT test date to godlifefun@gmail.com. Include your mailing address and we'll get your prize on its way to you.

To win the ACT flashcards, you must be the first person to email the next ACT test date to godlifefun@gmail.com. Don't forget to include your mailing address!

And if you give us your T-shirt sizes, we'll also send along an ec T-shirt. You know you want it! So let the games begin!

Top 10 signs you're overcommitted

by Julie Sallee for ec magazine

10. You lost your daily planner, and it literally left you in a panicked, out-of-control, hysterical state.

9. You don't take the time to listen to your voicemails until the inbox is completely maxed out.

8. Your Facebook relationship status says "In a relationship with caffeine."

7. You can't even watch a new episode of your favorite show without thinking of what you have to do as soon as it is over.

6. Anxiety attacks are now a part of your everyday routine, just like fast food for lunch and faster food for supper.

5. You constantly find yourself looking at you dog in envy of its simple lifestyle.

4. You tried to say "no," but it came out as "no problem."

3. It has been at least a week since anyone heard your voice over the phone—who has time for a conversation when texting is so much faster?

2. So what if you haven't showered or flossed in almost three days . . . hygiene is secondary to sleep.

1. Sleep? S-L-E-E-P? You must be joking!

Do these sound like you? If so, here's some advice:
• Evaluate what's going on. Where is the pressure coming from? Do your parents have great expectations for you and you feel overwhelmed by that? Talk to them! Don't be disrespectful or argumentative, but do be honest. Is the pressure coming from you? Take a step back and evaluate. Spend some time in prayer. Talk with your parents or trusted, mature Christian advisers. Learn the lesson now that you can't always do everything.

• Learn to listen, take deep breaths, and don't underestimate the power of taking a break from a stressful situation.

• Are you taking too much on yourself? This could be your workload, class load, problems—and sometimes it might even include other peoples' problems. You can't take responsibility for everything in the world and not everything is your fault. If it's school work that's stressing you out, break things down into smaller tasks. Learn some basic study skills and plan ahead. Don't procrastinate. If you're having trouble juggling work, school, sports, or whatever it is you do, understand that there's no shame in NOT doing something. Talk things through with your parents. Pray and ask for God's leadership in the situations. Follow the Holy Spirit's leading to the things that are most important and spend your time there.

• Don't mistake all your accomplishments for self-worth. Sometimes we get caught up in doing a lot of things because it makes us feel useful, important, and someone who is worth something. That's not the truth. Your worth is found in the fact that you are made in God's image and He loves you. You are a child of God; let that define who you are and what you do. If you recognize that you are trying to find worth in the things you do, talk to your parents about it. Enlist a trusted Christian friend or mentor to talk to when you start to feel overwhelmed by your lack of perfection. Do what Scripture says and take negative thoughts captive (2 Cor. 10:5) and erase negative talk from your vocabulary.

Finally, understand this: sometimes, God uses the most broken, disappointing moments of your life to teach you about Himself. Maybe you can't handle whatever it is you're facing—and that's kind of the point. God wants to handle it and display His power in and through your life. That's easy to say, but it's hard to submit to when you're actually going through it. But you can trust Him. He doesn't leave when things get tough.


© 2009 LifeWay Christian Resources
Julie Sallee, "Top 10 signs you are overcommitted," ec magazine, May 2009, LifeWay Christian Resources: Nashville, 2009, p. 8.

© 2008 LifeWay Christian Resources
Mandy Crow, "Overwhelmed: Ways to fight back," ec magazine, December 2008, LifeWay Christian Resources: Nashville, 2008, p. 56-58.

Want to read more articles like this? Subscribe to ec magazine, the magazine for you. We offer relevant stories, info you need, daily devotions, and honestly want to guide you to a deeper relationship with Christ. For more info on subscribing, go here.

Friday Snippets and Soundbites

If this snippet of strange isn't enough for you, check out “Snippets and Soundbites” on page 38 of the May (and every) issue of ec. We’ve always got more news of the weird to share with you!

• First off, big ec news: ever wanted to have daily devo text on your phone? Um, yeah, ec can do that now! Starting today, May 1, ec will be offering a daily devo thought via text. It will cost you $1.99 a month on your phone bill, so talk to your parents before signing up. Text "ec" to 32577 to join the ec text community!

• According to a few scientists, some animals can indeed dance to a musical beat. (Too bad ec's editor can't!) The scientists studied a cockatoo that grooves to the Backstreet Boys and about 1,000 YouTube videos, looking for signs that animals were actually feeling the beat of music they heard. The verdict: Some parrots did, and maybe an occasional elephant. But researchers found no evidence of that for dogs and cats, despite long exposure to people and music, nor for chimps. Why? The animals tht really seemed to be dancing shared with people some ability to mimic sounds they hear, the researchers say. (Even elephants can do that). Aniruddh Patel of The Neurosciences Institute in San Diego says the brain circuitry for that ability lets people learn to talk, and evidently also to dance or tap their toes to music. To learn more about the study, read this. To see a "dancing" bird on video, go here.

• A thief in Pennsylvania must have really needed an afternoon sugar fix. That's because he apparently broke into a northwestern Pennsylvania home and stole—wait for it—jellybeans. That was it. No TV, no DVDs, no jewelry, no electronics. The only thing missing from the home was jellybeans. The robber broke a window in the front door, gained access to the home, and took the bag of jellybeans from the dining room table. Guess he was hungry? Police say they are stumped by the strange turn of events.

• Spiders don't usually make most of us happy, but the harmless Theridion grallator might make you smile. The spider bears unusual markings, which happen to look just like a smiley face. Scientists believe the markings help protect the spider from its predators, but that may not be working out so well, since it's facing the threat of extinction. The spider is found only on the islands of Oahu, Molokai, Maui, and Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean but is under threat from non-native animals. To see the smiley faced spider, click here.