how can a Christian love what they don’t like?

God tells us to love our neighbors, therefore Christians must do just that to everyone they come into contact with, if they truly want to please God. “There is no greater commandment…” (Mark 12:30-31). This even includes those waitresses you think twice about tipping and the telemarketers that refuse to take “No” for an answer. It may be a hard concept to digest for the most seasoned believer, but the even bigger conquest is figuring out how to go about doing this.

How does a Christian truly love someone they don’t agree with, especially in heated issues like homosexuality? A lesbian student, Constance McMillen, requested to escort her girlfriend to the senior prom in Jackson, MS. (Associated Press). Soon after, the Itawamba County School district canceled the dance “due to the distractions to the educational process caused by recent events.”

The American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi filed a lawsuit on 18-year-old Constance’s behalf, seeking a court order for the school to hold the prom, allow her to escort her girlfriend and wear a tuxedo. The ACLU previously demanded that banning same-sex prom dates violated students’ rights and that not allowing her to wear a suit violated her free expression rights. Who knows if the board was full of well-intentioned individuals or just the opposite, but from a believers’ perspective, did this situation breed love?

Since circumstances like this are not specifically mentioned in the Bible, how do we figure out just exactly “what would Jesus do?” We all know that Jesus is a not a “respecter of persons” (Romans 2:11). You never see Jesus in the Bible anywhere shaming away any of the biggest sinners… He still was gentle towards the woman at the well, the tax collectors, etc. The only time you even see him get angry at anyone was at the religious leaders who were so high-minded on the smallest issues that they missed the very definition of what it means to love (Matthew 15, 21:12).

Does loving Constance mean to block her from attending prom because she is going astray from God’s plans and attempt to save her from herself and from potentially influencing other students to honor what God does not?

Or does loving Constance mean to stay secure in who you are in Christ, but allowing her to attend prom in the manner she wants to because it’s her decision how to live her life?

In the eyes of a believer, homosexuality goes against God’s commandments. But not everyone in this world is a believer. And it is a Christian’s duty to still love everyone, including Constance, but what would be the best example of it?

ellen on idol!

By Valerie Kennedy
XYM Entertainment Researcher

America…what do you think of Ellen DeGeneres as a judge on American Idol?

We are now in Season 9 and the first week of the Top 12 contestants has begun.  I have to tell you this season has drawn me in and it isn’t because of the new contestants.  It is because of the new judge Ellen DeGeneres.  This is Ellen’s first season on American Idol replacing former judge Paula Abdul who had been a judge since Season 1. Many have mixed feelings on having Ellen on the judge panel.  Some say what does she know about music?  I feel that she represents a voice for America.  While the other 3 judges may be able to give input on the pitch, tone, or the selection of song, Ellen speaks from the heart and gives good and constructive criticism.  She keeps me tuned in because I always want to know if she is going to say what I am thinking.  I don’t know about you, but I will continue to watch Season 9 of American Idol and Ellen welcome to the show!

Examples readers what do you think?  Take our poll to the right!

great tragedy leads to great love

Close to 200,000 people are dead, more than a million are homeless and the injured include hundreds of thousands. Whether anyone has a connection to Haiti or not, the aftermath is seen through the same lens – a horrific one that reflects the likes of an apocalyptic film. But it is usually in the midst of great tragedy, where many of us show our extension of God’s love towards strangers. This disaster is no different.

“Love is patient and kind (I Cor 13:4).” Many generously wanted to send food, clothes and blankets. However, the best tool Haiti could ever acquire for the massive earthquake cleanup would be the funds to keep the rescue efforts coming. And many responded accordingly. U.S. Magazine reported that celebrities helped raise $9 million in one night on Larry King Live. And this does not include donations the average household contributed to the American Red Cross and other charities. Even the young generation broke media relief records by texting contributions through cell phones and chalking up a $10 charge on next month’s bill. 

 “Love never gives up, never loses faith… (I Cor 13:7).”Aid organization Doctors Without Borders had five supply planes diverted from their rescue mission. But it didn’t stop the organization from using quick thinking to do their absolute all in saving lives. Renzo Fricke, the group’s chief in Haiti, told CNN that in order to make life-saving operations: “This morning we had to buy a saw in the market, in the city … for our surgeons to do amputations,” he said, “the medical equipment is not coming as it should arrive.”

Everyone can do something to make a difference in some way.  No matter your age or your financial position or where you live, we call can do something to help in the relief efforts in Haiti.

1. Give, give, give.  The relief effort in Haiti is not going away any time soon.  There are months of work ahead for the Haitian people to rebuild and financial support will need to keep coming.  Find a local charity (or maybe your local church has something going there) to give financially to as often as you or as God leads.  Examples supports Compassion International, a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.  http://www.compassion.com  You can make a donation directly to their Haiti relief effort by clicking the below:

https://www.compassion.com/contribution/default.htm

2. Pray, pray, pray.  We should all pray frequently regarding the recovery of Haiti.  Prayer for the families that lost loved ones, for children who lost parents and siblings, for families that lost homes, for individuals that lost everything, for the government to rebuild and strengthen.  There is so much to pray for and God will hear you and answer.

3. Mission Trips.  If the opportunity presents itself, consider taking a missions trip to Haiti to help in the relief efforts and serve the Haitian people with God’s love.  Northwest Haiti Christian Mission is just one organization that is offering opportunities to travel to Haiti to minister to their people.  http://www.nwhcm.org  Your local church may also be planning trips for you and your family to get involved in. 

We all are able to do at least one of the above items in order to help this country.  If you know of other ways for people to get involved with Haiti relief, please let us know by posting a comment or contacting us at contact@examplesyouth.org.  We will review and post for others to read about.

family entertainment – “Alice in Wonderland” in 3D

I’m late, I’m late, I’m late for a very important date.  No time to say “Hello”, “Goodbye” I’m late, I’m late, I’m late.

These are some of the most memorable lines in “Alice and Wonderland”.  Do you remember…?  The White Rabbit of course!  This begins Alice’s journey as she follows the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole into Wonderland. 

This was one of my favorite movies growing up as a child.  I remember watching it constantly with my two cousins.  Alice adventure ran her into some interesting characters such as the Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, the Red Queen and who could forget the Mad Hatter.

Well guess what….Alice has returned to Wonderland!  That’s right…Disney has made a 3-D sequel scheduled for release March 5th.  In the sequel Alice is now 19 and attends a party at a Victorian estate shortly after the death of her father. The party is a surprise engagement party for Alice planned by her mother and sister. Just as the arrogant and dull Hamish Ascot proposes to Alice under a gazebo and under the eyes of hundreds of snooty society-types, Alice spots a white rabbit wearing a waistcoat and pocket watch. In shock and confusion, she runs off into a maze and follows the White Rabbit through it, only to later tumble down a rabbit hole into Wonderland, a place she has visited ten years before, yet doesn’t remember. In Wonderland, she reunites with her childhood friends, including the Mad Hatter, who explains to Alice that they need her help in over-throwing the Red Queen, who has assumed control of all Wonderland. Alice then embarks — assuming both large and small sizes — on an adventure of self discovery and to save Wonderland and her Wonderland friends from both the Jabberwocky and the Red Queen’s reign of terror.

 The movie is not currently rated but should prove to be a good family flick.  Go check it out and let us know what you think!

Watch the movie trailer here.

By Valerie Kennedy (adapted from Wikipedia)
XYM Entertainment Researcher

rihanna teaches us to be salty!

Immediately after Rihanna’s interview on ABC’s 20/20 last month, dating abuse hotlines rang off the hook. Calls to the National Domestic Violence crisis line went up 59 percent and teen helplines went up by 73 percent. Her story inspired so many young ladies to reach out from their carefully hidden bruises and plead for help. Although Rhianna reunited with Chris Brown shortly after he attacked her, she eventually walked away from the relationship. And she says her decision was profoundly sparked by the impact she had on her fans.

“When I realized that my selfish decision for love could result into some young girl getting killed, I could not be easy with that part. I couldn’t be responsible,” Rhianna told Diane Sawyer. “If Chris never hit me again, who’s to say their boyfriend won’t?”

Rihanna’s final decision was not only unselfish, but it was a perfect example of how living a responsible life can inspire others to do the same. And for those who believe in Christ, this principle is significant. Sometimes we all can inadvertently become role models, whether it is towards a younger brother or sister who closely watches what we wear and do, or a friend who is curious about our relationship with God but still doesn’t quite understand the gospel.

You can find Rihanna’s daring hairstyles in high schools across the country and hear her voice on car stereos everywhere. So it shouldn’t be a surprise that young and older ladies imitated her decision to get out of an abusive and potentially deadly relationship.  And one can wonder how many look to us? We Christians are supposed to be the salt of the earth. And according to the book of Matthew, if we lose our flavor, who will the world look to as an example?

“..You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 NKJV)

We have a responsibility to be a Godly example that inspires others to want and obtain the best life possible.

How many times have we judged others in front of our children, cheated a waitress out of a tip on a lunch date with friends, or grew angry in front of strangers because a line was too long? We must continue to compare our lives to the Word and adjust in the areas that do not reflect love.

“Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors…they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.” (1 Peter 2:12 NLT)

Rihanna found the strength to rid her own selfishness so that others may benefit. She even possibly saved a life. And if we continue to deny our selfishness, we can possibly lead those closest to us to salvation. With one decision, Rhianna gave hope and encouragement to people everywhere. In our daily walk with Lord, do we?

“The Princess and the Frog” – big movie release from Disney!

OK, this is really a big deal folks.  I am a big fan of Disney: its products, theme parks, and commitment to family and excellence.  I personally, however, have been very careful about introducing my daughter to the world of the “Disney Princesses.”  I grew up with a host of beauty images that did NOT mirror my large nose, full lips and kinky hair.  I have spent much of my adult life recreating positive images of beauty for myself and am very conscious of those that are before my children.  So, I have been slow to bringing the whole Disney Princess craze into my home which in my opinion indirectly promotes images such as “snow white” skin and long blonde hair (or long black hair or long brown hair…long hair!) as beauty – even though they are beautiful, they are not physical similarities shared by my daughter, who is definitely beautiful as well with her short curly hair, caramel skin, and chubby tummy!

Now, I am very aware that there are many images of beauty in the world; all of different races and ethnicities so don’t get me wrong.  But, what we cannot deny is the HUGE media buzz around the movie The Princess and the Frog and what it means to little African-American girls all over the world.  It is exciting to see and maybe it will be another piece of the puzzle in recreating and adjusting the images of what we all view as beautiful – impacting races of people everywhere.

A press release describes the story as follows (from Art Daily and Disney.com):

When the free-spirited, jazz-loving Prince Naveen of Maldonia (Bruno Campos) comes to town, a deal with a shady voodoo doctor (Keith David) goes bad and the once suave royal is turned into a frog. In a desperate attempt to be human again, a favor in exchange for a fateful kiss on the lips from the beautiful girl, Tiana (Anika Noni Rose), takes an unexpected turn and leads them both on a hilarious adventure through the mystical bayous of Louisiana to the banks of the almighty Mississippi and back in time for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. An unforgettable tale filled with music, humor and heart where two frogs—along with the help of a 197-year-old voodoo priestess, a love-sick Cajun firefly, and a trumpet-playing alligator—discover that what they want isn’t as important as what they need.

In the official trailer it is revealed that once Tiana kisses the frog prince, she herself becomes a frog, and they must journey together to change themselves back to humans.

View movie trailer here: http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/princessandthefrog/

balloon boy – let’s not make haste!

So 6-year-old Falcon Heene was never in the home-made helium balloon that somehow accidentally lifted off 15,000 feet into the Colorado air early October.

Some of us were relieved. We had prayed through the CNN newscasts for hours, hoping that he hadn’t fell out of the aircraft his father built. But there were others who took one look at the silver flying saucer-like object when the story first broke, and thought, “Are you kidding me?” This skepticism may now be highly appropriate.

The Denver International Airport was temporarily closed down and National Guard helicopters searched for the boy’s body, but Falcon was found hiding in the attic. Days afterwards, the local county sheriff made plans to bring charges against Falcon’s parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene. Officials say the Heenes did it all for attention in hopes of fame and a television show.

There are so many lessons to be learned. But there is one biblical standpoint that sticks out sharply: No one can force a plan that is not in God’s plan for their life. In 2 Timothy 1:9, we find“…

God, who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.”

How many times have any of us believed in a dream so wholeheartedly that when it didn’t come to pass, we tried to force it? Sometimes visions and hopes stir up so much excitement in our hearts that we know God had to have placed them there. Yet, there are many of us who year after year, wonder why the dream has not manifested into our realities.

The Heene’s family history reveal two parents who struggled to get acting gigs, and tried to get attention through storm chasing and YouTube videos. The height of their journey includes two appearances on the reality TV show “Wife Swap.” The couple had also been in talks with the producers for a separate reality show. And Larimer County Sheriff Jim Alderden believes the Heenes desperately thought the hoax would give them the spark they needed to seal a deal. If true, that spark has put them in a whole new struggle – fighting a possibility of felony charges, six years in prison and a $500,000 fine (The Chicago Tribune).

Sometimes we just have to go back to the drawing board, pray, reevaluate the origin of the idea and possibly let go of something that was more of a good idea than a “God idea.” Other times, it was in fact God speaking to us and His promise is still true. It’s just that we have to remain faithful until it’s our time. But if we try to pursue something despite God’s grace that’s not there to make it a success, we can lose ourselves and do anything to force it to happen. This choice disrupts our lives and causes unnecessary disappointment, or possibly as in the case of the Heene’s, jail time!

Proverbs 28:20 (AMP) A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished.

new movie – Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” with Jim Carrey

Christmas is approaching and soon the streets will be filled with lights decorating the homes of many.  There will be carols playing and every channel will have that one classic Christmas movie that you have to watch every year!  You know you can’t miss the Charlie Brown Christmas Special!  Disney has struck again and has remade a popular Christmas movie which will open in theaters November 6^th: the classic Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”.

“A Christmas Carol” is about a miserable old rich man named Ebenezer Scrooge who believes that Christmas is just an excuse for people to miss work and for lazy people to expect handouts. He doesn’t believe in all of the good cheer and charity that the season promotes, and he makes sure everyone knows it.   Because of his sour attitude he doesn’t have many friends and spends Christmas Eve alone.  That night Scrooge falls asleep and is visited by three ghosts: Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. They show Scrooge his mistake in valuing money over people.  Scrooge awakes on Christmas morning a new man. He becomes very jolly and charitable, and truly turns into the man he promised the ghosts he would become. He then begins to carry the spirit of Christmas with him all year round!

Disney has remade this classic and will be featured as a 3-D motion picture!  Jim Carrey stars as Ebenezer Scrooge and also plays Ghost of Christmas Past and Ghost of Christmas Present.  This movie will truly be a must see for this holiday season.

Check out the trailer here….enjoy!

did ‘Jon and Kate Plus 8’ do the right thing?

Jon and Kate Gosselin broke their own ratings record when more than 10.6 million people tuned in to watch Jon and Kate Plus 8’s latest episode. But unfortunately, their 10 years of marriage snapped too.

They announced their divorce that night and a production break soon followed. During the fifth season of the show, People Magazine reported Kate saying this in an episode: “Parents of multiples have tripled the divorce rate,” Kate said through tears. “I was thinking we were going to beat that. I don’t know if I can say that anymore.”

Kate’s words are now the couple’s reality. And since Jon and Kate welcomed America into their home after the birth of their sextuplets, some viewers still haven’t left.

In an article published by the Calgary Herald online, a blogger identified Justmythoughts wrote: “The children NEED to come FIRST! You need to look at how much you’ve changed, has it been worth it? I’m sure all the nice things (perks) are great, but look at the sacrifice. I hope in 20 years, you’ll think it’s been worth it.”

But by doing the television show, is it possible that Jon and Kate did put the kids first? Most, if not all, parents want the best for their children. And for the Gosselins, the best would come at a VERY expensive price. Simply multiplying $40,000 a year for two kids headed to college simultaneously (and then calculating the costs for another six preparing to do the same!) could equal extreme debt or maybe even impossibility.

As I sat and pondered the summer clothes expense budget for my two children, I could only imagine the food and clothes expenses a family has for eight children. As my husband and I prepare to move to a larger living space this year for our family of four, I consider what the price would be for a home where a family of 10 could all live comfortably (for at least another 10 – 15 years!). Would this be possible for the Gosselins without the (up to) $75,000 per episode TLC paid the couple for a 20–show season? I’m sure other families of multiples could weigh in here.

“… It used to be fun watching this show on how a big family of sextuplets would go thru their daily routine such as naps, laundry and potty training” CijiDunne wrote on the website. “Now it’s nothing but product placement each and every week. Very disheartening. …Get off TV and take care of your “real” lives….. money isn’t everything.”

This is another thought some ponder. I remember the struggles I went through (and still go through for that matter) when I decided to not work and stay home with my children. I knew what kind of income I could bring into our home and what a difference it would make in our budget (a big one let me tell ya!). Eddie and I weighed that against our perceived benefit we thought our children would have if I was home more with them. We felt, and still feel, that for us the benefit of me being with our children outweighs the family financial benefit of me working…BUT, the struggle in our minds still lives. We are not moving at the pace we desire to move with our finances. Our budget many times does not allow our children to partake in things that we believe would benefit them. We desire to sow and give more into our ministry and others, but we are greatly limited. So, if I had the chance to stay home with my children AND bring home a significant income, I’m not sure if I would have chosen any differently than Jon and Kate.

Whatever the case may be, Jon and Kate have a heavy burden on their hands. And blogger Kriss reminds us that “People need to stop making assumptions about this family. Nobody has any idea what the truth is and all these magazines have no idea what is going on with the family either.”

Probably enough said, huh? God bless them all.

‘Note To God’: Charice releases first single

Jennifer Hudson made “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” her trademark. So it can take a whole lot of guts to be just 15 years old and publically attempt to sing the song on the Ellen DeGeneres show.

But Charice Pempengco didn’t need guts – she’s got unspeakable talent.
As soon as Charice opened her mouth on Ellen’s show in December 2007, she proved that her vocals were as strong as the beat of the drum and a destiny was being fulfilled.

The now 17-year-old wonder appeared on the Oprah Show to perform her first U.S. single, “Note to God.” The song was released on May 18, and hit No.2 on Amazon’s MP3 Downloads Bestsellers and Hot New Releases the next day. The song even surpassed Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and Beyonce’s “Halo,” according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

When Oprah asked the teen how it felt to sing her new song, Charice fought back tears.

“I’m about to cry because I was so nervous,” she said smiling. “I felt like I was going to faint because this is really big for me. I sang my first song…my own song…people are going to say that’s Charice’s song.”

There are millions of people saying just that! “Note to God” also ranked No. 9 on the ITunes charts the same week it was released.

The song describes an intimate conversation Charice would have with God if she wrote him a letter. Backed by a powerful choir, Charice prays for God to “helps us find a way,” “give us the strength to make it through… because it seems like so much is going wrong” and “for all the hate to be swept away for love.” And even with the soulful sound of the dozens of older choir members, Charice’s voice still leads the pack by a landslide.

Even though Charice is an international success, times weren’t always so great. The Philippine native began singing in amateur competitions as a child to make money for her family. Barely a toddler, Charice, her mother and younger brother left their father because of domestic abuse. It wasn’t until 2007 where Charice gained worldwide attention on YouTube.

Her album, which was produced by music superstar David Foster, will hit stores in the fall. Charice’s fame continues to grow as she works with big name artists. “Note to God” was written by the legendary Diane Warren, who’s known for Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and Toni Braxton’s “Unbreak My Heart.”

As her appearance wrapped up, Oprah reminded Charice to remain humble with her newfound success. “I hope you keep your feet on the ground,” Oprah said, “even when you’re wearing better shoes.”

by Teresa Sewell

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