WEEKLY COMIC: On the Go!

WEEKLY COMIC: Pun-tastic!

WEEKLY COMIC: Let it go!

WEEKLY COMIC: Long week!

GETTING READY: Why is it good to take a break?

While the blog keeps on cranking, you've probably noticed the coaches have been encouraging you to take a break before starting into the material for Romans and James.  As a matter of fact, you may have noticed that we've not yet posted any information on the new books yet.

Why is it good to take a break?

In the Creation story, God spends six days creating and then rests of the Seventh.  He then enshrined the rest day in the Law as "The Sabbath".  Jesus agreed with setting aside a day of rest as the Sabbath, even as he criticized the Pharisees for elevating it above the needs of human beings.

Recent studies have backed up the human need for rest, repeatedly, especially for brain work.

Mental concentration is similar to a muscle, says John P. Trougakos, an assistant management professor at the University of Toronto Scarborough and the Rotman School of Management. It becomes fatigued after sustained use and needs a rest period before it can recover, he explains — much as a weight lifter needs rest before doing a second round of repetitions at the gym.

Don't underestimate the need for rest as we look towards another year of Bible Quizzing.  Preparation is good.  Learning is good.  But September is still a long way away.

BIBLE NEWS: Cycling the Holy Land

For much of the last century, Israel has been a dangerous place. But recent security gains have revitalized the Holy Land as a destination for tourism and education. Now, Israel has established a series of cycling trails for people who want to tour the land of Jesus on two wheels.

n a loose way, the trail follows the route Jesus might have walked from Nazareth, where he grew up, to Capernaum on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, where he established his ministry. Along the way, you can visit a kibbutz – its perimeter marked by barbed wire and its gate manned by a machine-gun toting guard – and even stay in a hotel there. At only 60km in length, the trail can be cycled in a day or two, so the avid biker will quickly be looking for other perspiration-inducing options. Of these, there are many, ranging from off-road mountain-bike trails in the Ella Valley near Jerusalem to road circuits in various parts of the country.

Back from Vacation - Coach Matt's Photos

It's not exactly Bible-related, but it is related to the blessings of God. Coach Matt and Coach Mark are back from our vacation in Wildwood, NJ and we thought we'd share our photos of the trip with you. Today are Coach Matt's Photos (yesterday was Coach Mark). Feel free to flip on thru and enjoy the experience vicariously. Click on the photo below for the whole set.

Coach Matt's Photos

Back from Vacation - Coach Mark's Photos

It's not exactly Bible-related, but it is related to the blessings of God. Coach Matt and Coach Mark are back from our vacation in Wildwood, NJ and we thought we'd share our photos of the trip with you. Today are Coach Mark's Photos, tomorrow are Coach Matt's. Feel free to flip on thru and enjoy the experience vicariously. Click on the photo below for the whole set.

Coach Mark's Photos

Thank God for Vacations!

Thank you, Lord, for living in a place where vacations - time away from work - are part of the culture. Where we not only get a Sabbath day each week, to rest and reflect upon you, but also a few day or a week here or there for the same.

Congrats and Future Plans

Congratulations, Quizzers! Upper Division did a great job, winning First Place, and Lower Division showed character and fortitude even if the results didn't reflect how hard you have worked. We're proud of you all. In recognition of all the hard work, we're taking a week off to rest, relax, and depressurize. Remember, even God rested on the 7th day!

Next, we'll turn to the future and start thinking about the run-up to Nationals. Keep your eyes on this blog for more news on the schedule between now and July, coming soon.

More Christians doing Missions Trips for Vacations

Currently, a number of men from our church - including some Quiz Team parents - are taking vacation time to go on a Missions Trip to Sudan. It turns out this is not unique to Calvary Church, but is a growing trend in Christianity nationwide.

A recent estimate said that 1.6 million American Christians are contributing $6 billion annually in labor in the form of short-term mission trips. In fact, the phenomenon -- which is being called "vacations with a purpose" -- is utilized by ministries nationwide such as Wycliffe Associates, which supports and encourages Bible translators worldwide.

Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe Associates, says there are many ways to serve.

Have you considered taking some of your own vacation time in high school, college, or after college to Missions? Consider praying to see if God has this in mind for you.