Hey You!

Pssst. Over here! Yes—YOU. Before you head to the next website, I’ve got something on my mind, and I want to make sure you hear me out. Here it goes:

It’s really possible—you can make it!

I won’t lie to you, it’s hard. As a follower of Jesus, sometimes you may feel alone. Sometimes you mess up and you feel like crap.

Other times, the sun is shining, you’re giving God your all, and it’s the most amazing feeling ever!

Whatever day or week or month you’re having—good or bad—don’t give up. PLEASE! Don’t forget how much God loves you and is on your side and is ready to live every day with you.

You may think that it’s too hard to live for God. You may struggle to overcome sin. But you don’t have to do it on your own. The point is, we CAN’T do it on our own!

I know God is using you to do amazing things, and He’ll keep using you if you let Him. Try trusting Him, even if you can’t figure Him out.

I just don’t want you to give up. I believe in you. More importantly, so does God. Living life for Jesus is worth it. He’s worth it all.

Have you found that Jesus is worth it? Leave a comment and encourage others to stay strong in their walks with Jesus.

Your friendly editor,
Kelly

Oops!

This week Dominique shared a story with ENCOUNTER about a time when he disobeyed his parents and the disastrous results.

We’ve all learned lessons the hard way after disobeying our parents. But look at the positive side of things: leave a comment and tell us what blessings you’ve gained from HONORING your parents.


ENCOUNTER article: "Something I Regret"
article author: by Dominique Morgan (age 17)
magazine: July 5, 2009 issue of ENCOUNTER

Bored during church?

Have you ever felt bored or distracted during church? It happens to everyone at least once! This week in ENCOUNTER, Katrina Cassel offers tips on how you can get more out of each worship service.

But surely there have been times when you've left a church service and felt encouraged, inspired, challenged to grow in your relationship with God. Leave a comment and share what you get the most from during your church’s worship services.




ENCOUNTER article: "Getting the Most Out of Church"
article author: by Katrina Cassel
magazine: June 28, 2009 issue of ENCOUNTER

Are you going?

This week in ENCOUNTER we have a testimony shared in our Mission Trip Devotions & Journal series. If you're going on a mission trip this summer or in the future, check out more info by clicking here. And let your trip leader know that these books can encourage your entire team.

Have you ever gone on a mission trip or participated in a service project? Leave a comment and share what you learned from the experience.

New look sneak peek!

If you want a preview of some new looks starting this fall for ENCOUNTER, click here and download two sample PDFs.

To highlight some of our regular features, we've designed some new pages to catch your eye: Hey You, Fluff, Daily Devotions, My Story, Expressions, and No Limits.

Enjoy and spread the word!

What are you doing this summer?

Jayona talked to ENCOUNTER about her summer plans to help out with a camp for kids with disabilities.

What are going to do this summer? Are you going on a mission trip? Helping in a service project? Serving at VBS? Working at a summer job? Going on a family vacation? Heading to a camp, conference, or youth retreat? We want to know!

Leave a comment and share your plans.




ENCOUNTER article: "KAMP Dovetail"
article author: by Cathy Griffith
magazine: June 14, 2009 issue of ENCOUNTER

Quiz time!

Another week—another quiz in ENCOUNTER to start you off right. What do you value most? Sometimes what we say we value is different from what our actions show we value. What do your choices show you about what you value? Take this quiz and find out.

Leave a comment and share your quiz results.



ENCOUNTER article: "What Do You Value Most?"
article author: by Katrina Cassel
magazine: June 7, 2009 issue of ENCOUNTER