How would you like to see one of these along Lake Simcoe?

Wouldn't it be so nice to have one of these by the beach? 

Every time I've hit beach this summer, the majority of those spending time by the water and on the sand seem to be young kids and either mom or dad... how relaxing would it be to borrow a book and read a new story together each time you head to the shores?

This picture is from a real beach library in Bulgaria. =)

Source : http://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/recreation/sunbathers-get-books-at-bulgarian-beach-library.html

Easiest ways to memorize a bible verse

First... Pick a verse that applies to something
that's happening in your life right now.
Cause then it becomes easier to remember - when u can relate to it.

Next...
Write it down. And repeat. Write it over and over again until it sticks
in your mind.

And then for the first few days that you're memorizing it,
place the bible verse that you wrote down.
in various places- like your office desk, use it as a bookmark,
or place it on the fridge.  To remind yourself of it.

Try saying the bible verse out loud, and then incorporating the bible verse into
a prayer... while your remembering to say it.
That's also more likely to stick in your mind when you speak it out.

And finally- if you're into music, or you like singing,
try giving the bible verse a melody that is specific to you,
can help in memorization.
this of course, is a lot easier if you are already a singer.

And if you don't sing, you might wana stick with bible verse cue cards
to aid in your memory of bible verses. :)

Hope these tips help!

Burglar's Change of Heart

Some burglars from California had a change of heart after realizing they had stolen computers from a non-profit group that provides support for victims of violence.

A couple of days after notifying police of the robbery, the group got another call reporting of suspicious activity again around their building.

However, when they went to see what was going on,
instead of finding the burglars, they found a shopping chart full of the items that were stolen the previous day. Inside one of the returned laptops was a note of apology...

Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/thieves-apoligize-return-computers-stolen-from-non-profit

Ways to Praise God, even in Tough Times

Whenever I ask fellow Christians, what is the best way to stay grounded in a stressful or difficult situation... a surprising answer from them is to just simply: Praise God.

As Casting Crowns sing... "I will Praise You in the Storm".

But, how is it humanly possible to honour and worship our creator, maker, and best friend when we "feel" like the tides have turned against us? 

What methods can we use to still have a worshipful heart towards our Heavenly Father, even when our hearts seem heavy?

The website 'What Christians Want to Know dot com' has posted a list of ways that can help focus your mind, heart, and spirit to praise our maker, no matter what hardship you are going through...

1. Just Pray. Talk to God.

2. Listen or Sing Worship Songs

3. Spend quiet time reading the bible

4. Try Fasting

5. Ask for forgiveness and forgive others.

Remember the bible commands us to : "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with
all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; - So let's take that on as a challenge... oh- and, also 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

God knows every detail about you... so even when we go through tough times in this 'imperfect' world, just know what it says in the bible in Psalm 18: "As for God, His ways are perfect."

And never forget Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'

And finally: James 4:8 "Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you."