When we overflow with the joy of the Lord people become curious about what makes us tick.

Watch Steve’s story of how a simple smile sparked a spiritual conversation with a not-yet-Christian.

The Smile Challenge
(one gesture of joy)

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People are searching for authenticity. They want to see the scars and the wrinkles, not the Botoxed façade. So if we give not-yet-Christians the impression that we have it all together, suspicion is what we’ll get.

This hunger for authenticity can be a launching pad for sharing the Gospel. The grace of God frees us to be authentic. We can stop pretending when we realize that God treasures us despite our sins. When we’re brave enough to tell the good and the bad, people will stop and listen.

The Shock Their Socks Off Challenge
(an exercise in transparency)

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We were so moved by this story that we wanted to share it with you. Twelve days after celebrating her son Jordan’s wedding, Shirley Thiessen got the phone call every parent dreads.  Her son, just 23 years old, had died in a workplace accident.

Out shopping earlier that morning Shirley found a beautiful black dress on the sale rack.  She wasn’t shopping for dresses so she walked away but she heard a voice in her head say, “I want you to buy that dress. You’re going to a funeral.”

Shirley said, “To think that the God of the universe would take care of this tiny detail, what to wear, spoke to me.” God is in the details of your life. He’s there when it hurts, when it’s scary and when you don’t know what to do.

Where is God when bad things happen?
What I learned from grief

If you or someone you know is mourning today we have mentors available to talk. Use this form to request a mentor and you’ll hear back, usually within a couple of days. (What is mentoring?)

Go to twu.ca to learn more about the Jordan Thiessen Memorial Scholarship.

From The Life

It never fails.  In the days leading up to Mother’s Day, I am at a complete loss over which card to buy for my mom.  The jokey ones seem way too casual.  The sentimental ones are too mushy and feel a little, well, dishonest.  There aren’t many cards that capture the complicated, up-and-down relationship my mom and I experience.

The Love Your Mom Well Challenge
(one gesture of love to bring you closer)

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From The Life Team

Have you ever shared your faith with someone who didn’t seem very interested? What happens if you take the risk and nothing happens? Or worse, what if someone gets angry?

God is at work even when we don’t see the results right away. If you’ve ever thought you’re not well trained or well suited to share the Gospel you need to hear Wes’ story.

The Keep Going Challenge
(10 minutes of encouragement)

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From The Life Team

“Oh, just don’t worry about it!” Hearing that can be pretty irritating. Worry isn’t some switch you just turn off—and presto—now you’re skipping along with reggae swag, singing “Don’t Worry; Be Happy.”

So what can we do with our worries?  This week’s challenge will help you focus on the truths that free you from anxiety. 

The Don’t Google Your Worries Challenge
(30 minutes of mind renewal)

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From The Life Team

“I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (Psalm 91:2)

We’re used to bad news in this world, but sometimes it gets so bad it twists our insides into knots. When we hear news like Monday’s bombings in Boston, we experience more than a fleeting sense of pity. Questions can plague us for days: Am I safe? Why isn’t the world getting better? Why did God allow this?

There have been a lot of excellent Christian responses written in the past couple of days. Here are three of our favorites. They helped us process the situation prayerfully. They could help you too.

What Does God Say About the Boston Bombings?

When Bombs Explode in Boston

Boston Bombings: Two Ways to Respond

Don’t forget to encourage the not-yet-Christians in your life too. Here’s something you can post on Facebook or share by email to get them thinking about where God is in a time like this.

Bombs in Boston – why is this world so messed up? [share to offer hope]: http://powertochange.com/discover/faith/worldnotright/

Christians can feel worlds apart from non-Christians. You may have wondered, “How would I even start a conversation with that biker next door or that musician across the street?”

The differences can seem like an impenetrable wall, so we don’t even try. Jesus didn’t limit his witness to those similar to himself, so why should we? Fortunately, there’s a way through that wall. Learn all about it in this week’s mini challenge.

The Common Ground Challenge
(5 minutes to get started)

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From The Life Team

“There’s a lot of wisdom in having a quiet time first thing in the morning.  Except that I am terrible at it.  I’m also terrible at praying right before bed.”

Can you relate? We know we need to do it, but when? And how?

This week’s challenge focuses on finding a Bible reading routine that fits your life. Let’s do away with the old rules and find something that works for you.

The No Bible, No TV Challenge
(5 minutes to get started)

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From The Life Team

Want to live large for God? Start small. We make choices each day that either expand or undermine the kingdom’s growth in our lives.

As we choose daily to centre our lives on kingdom priorities, we build spiritual wealth for the generations to come. Are you ready to build a legacy?

Check Out–The Build a Legacy Challenge
(20 minutes to get started)

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From The Life Team