Hello everyone! We hope you had a great time this summer. We definitely did! It’s been a summer full of busyness, fun, and the presence of God.

We took the month of July off due to the busyness of the KOF contributors’ schedules, so this is the August/September issue. We’ve woven many themes together in our various writing this month. The main subjects include butterflies, new life, and metamorphosis. They are some very fun topics, and we all enjoyed putting our articles together.

There are some exciting articles we’ve featured that I’d like to highlight. First of all, for some more information about one of our main themes, check out Focus on God’s Creation: Monarch Butterflies. Alyssa has written a touching short story that really emphasizes the spiritual aspect that we are focusing on this issue. A poem by Jocelberry is a poignant reminder of the depth of God’s love for us. In addition, the Shining Stars article has returned, and this time Ashley’s writing about the Jonas Brothers. Last but not least, Catey asked Bluejane some questions about herself in a light-hearted interview that I’m sure you will enjoy.

One of the biggest things that happened this summer was the launching of Ignition, an affiliate of Kids of Faith and something all of the KOF contributors had a part in. We covered what it is about and the purpose of it more in depth last issue. The first annual Ignition challenge was a great success. While we have no idea how many people were impacted, the biggest hearts that were affected were our own. I personally came away from the experience with a new, greater understanding of who God is, how holy he is, and how great his love is for us. It was amazing. Because of what Catey, Jocelberry, and I experienced over the month of June, we decided to continue Ignition in a different form. So, the Ignition site is now updated somewhat regularly with devotions and other fun stuff on how you can continue to grow closer to God. If you’d like to check it out, here’s the link: www.ignitionchallenge.wordpress.com.

We’re also featuring another poll this issue, so if you wouldn’t mind offering your opinion, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Our next issue will be coming out sometime in October or November, and we’re really excited since it marks the third year since Kids of Faith has started. God has done so much, and exceeded anything we could have imagined or hoped for. He is so good.

See you in a little while!

Because of HIM,

Based on the response we got last issue with our poll, we thought this would be a good way to gather more feedback from our readers. We love hearing your thoughts and ideas. If you’re interested, please take a moment to select your choice on the poll below.

“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world, the master calls a butterfly.” – Richard Bach

The transformation that occurs during the metamorphosis of a caterpillar to a butterfly is truly incredible. In case you’re not familiar with this process, let me tell you more:

After a butterfly egg hatches, it’s called the butterfly larva, more commonly known as the caterpillar. The caterpillar spends most of its time in search of food, and grows rapidly over the course of the larva cycle. It only stops eating when it is ready to enter the pupa stage.

At this point, the caterpillar now wanders around, seeking out a place for it to begin its transformation. Often it will be the underside of a leaf. Once a decent place is found, the caterpillar attaches itself to the leaf by its back legs which are specifically created for this purpose. There, the caterpillar will molt for the final time. The skin underneath is soft and wet, and it will harden into the pupa’s chrysalis.

The species of butterfly determines how long the pupa will be inactive. In some cases, like the monarch butterfly, the transformation period can last about two weeks, but others can last for months or even years. Once the pupa stage is complete, the insect is ready to emerge. The change that occurred while the caterpillar was inside the chrysalis is drastic. What was once an ugly, wrinkled caterpillar has become a strikingly beautiful butterfly.

This wonderful creation process can be compared to what happens when we put our faith in Jesus Christ. Like caterpillars, we were once rooted in sin and concerned only about ourselves. But once we became believers, God transformed us into a stunning new creation. He set us free from our sinful nature and gave us wings to fly.

You’ve probably heard the verse in 2 Corinthians that says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” Nothing could demonstrate this more clearly than the butterfly. I believe God gave us this metaphor so we could gain a greater understanding of the depth of His love.

Another comparison we can reap from this is that this life is not all there is. Our life here is so short, like the caterpillar’s life span. Once God calls us home, our bodies will only be empty shells, like the chrysalis. Our spirit, which could be contrasted to the butterfly, will endure and live with God for eternity. This promise, and others that God offers to us in His Word, are magnificent beyond measure. I recently found this quote by Matthew Henry and really liked it: “If Christ be ours, all things, one way or another, shall be for our eternal good. The man who is a new creature in Christ, may rejoice in all the precious promises God has spoken in His Holiness.”

The best part is that our transformation is still underway. God is continuing to fulfill His plan for us in our lives. He’s guiding us, watching us, and working in and through us. This is evidenced in 2 Corinthians 3:18 – “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”

If you want more scientific details about this unique creature, you can read more about the monarch butterfly in my other article. Catey also offers another perspective on a topic similar to this in Growing in God. As always, I hope that this issue will be a beautiful reminder of the amazing work God is doing in you.

Heaven–Don’t Miss It for the World

Maybe some of this is striking a chord within you, and you would like this transformation, but aren’t sure how to get it. It’s simple, really. Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Jesus himself said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Everyone is a sinner. The penalty for sin is death. But Jesus died a horrible death on the cross so that we wouldn’t have to. He was perfect, yet He suffered for our sin. By His grace, we have the gift of salvation that’s free to all who accept it.

So how do we accept this gift? Well, if you “confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9). You could pray something like this:

Dear Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross in my place. I ask you to come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I accept your salvation and I thank you for washing away my sins. I love you, Amen.

If you pray that prayer, or something like it, guess what? You’re clean. You’ve been washed by the saving blood of Jesus and the Enemy has no claim on you anymore. You have the assurance of not having to taste the bitterness of death, but instead you will go to heaven to live with God for eternity.  You’re now a member of God’s family, since He’s adopted you and called you His own.You are a new creation.

Now that you’ve been saved, the next thing to do is take some steps to grow in your faith. See if you can start reading your Bible on a regular basis. The Gospels of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), are some of my favorite choices because they chronicle the life and sacrifice of Jesus. By all means, please talk to your parents, so they can also share in your decision. Also, remember that Jesus is always listening, and He wants to hear from you. If you’re not sure where to begin,  just start talking to Him about anything and everything that’s on your heart. This will build your relationship with Him in ways that otherwise couldn’t be possible.

If you feel so led, we’d like to hear from you about what God’s doing in your life. Or if you need prayer, we would love to hear your requests. You can send an email to us at kidsoffaith [at] gmail [dot] com.

Since you prayed the prayer, the angels are rejoicing in heaven. You’ve been born anew. You’re truly a new creation. Congratulations! Your transformation has begun.

Up

Director: Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson

Rated: PG

Length: 96 minutes

———-

Critics never thought a cartoon movie staring an old man would go far. However, the Disney/Pixar movie Up is now the 5th highest grossing Pixar movie, and for good reason! Up starts out following the life of Carl Fredricksen as he dreams about being just like his hero Charles Muntz. It’s not really that long till Carl is an old man though, and he realizes he and his wife never did the one big adventure they had always wanted to–relocate their “club house” to Paradise Falls in South America. How does he do this? By tying 10,000 balloons to the house, he gets lift off and his plan is under way. The one thing Carl didn’t plan on was Russel.

Good afternoon, are you in need of any assistance today sir? ~ Russel

With or without a Wilderness Explorer, the trip must continue! Before he knows it he is right in the middle of one of the biggest adventures he has ever been on.

Do you want to play a game? It’s called See Who Can Go the Longest Without Saying Anything. ~ Carl

I give Up five out of five stars. Not only for its amazing cast of characters, its zany plot, and its outstanding quality, but because there was not one hint of crude humor through the whole thing. It was all good, clean fun! I recommend this movie to people of all ages!

Who can comprehend His incomprehensible love?

Love that looks down from on high in glory and splendor and all things that are good and perfect as we ponder who is the greatest.

Who can comprehend His incomprehensible love?

Love that died, was tortured and killed-for us to live, to glorify, to bless. Love that died to forgive us our own disgusting sins, as we struggle to forgive the other forgiven.

Who can comprehend His incomprehensible love?

Love that does what is best for us. Love that blesses us by giving and taking away as we complain.

Who can comprehend His incomprehensible love?

Love that is just and righteous. Love that, despite that fact, will forgive sinners, save them from what they have rightfully earned.

Who can comprehend His incomprehensible love?

Love that watched the ones He loved betray Him, as he was being killed. Love that always comes back to forgive gently, without the pointing of fingers while we struggle with pride.

Who can comprehend His incomprehensible love?

Yes indeed, who can comprehend the incomprehensible? Not even the wisest who live or have lived in this world could tell you. For who can explain something that goes beyond all human nature? No one will ever be able to answer that.

Yet… in some small way, we get to experience the incomprehensible.

A privilege not all will ever experience.

Indeed, who can comprehend His incomprehensible love?

This poem was not meant to discourage you – on the contrary it was meant to encourage you. One of the first times I began to understand God’s love was one night when I was feeling pretty lousy about something bad I kept doing over and over. But as I was thinking about it, I realized that, even though I really didn’t deserve it, God had kept, was keeping, and would always keep loving and forgiving me. It made me feel guilty at first, but then it came to me that this was a chance! The point wasn’t that I was forgiven when I didn’t deserve it, the point was… What was I going to do about it?

The love of God isn’t something you can put into words. It’s only when you look at the delicate petals on a flower, observe what looks like the entire world from the top of a mountain, view a break in the clouds on a stormy sunset that you get a glimpse of how amazing God is – and how puny you are. Knowing that the power that made the world, saved the world, and actually has the power to love the world today, loves you is remarkable. If you haven’t felt this love before, think about it. God has given you all of the love you will ever get, and it’s right there for you to take. Reach out and be completely astounded by God’s incomprehensible love.

Jocelberry is not only an artist, she’s also a photographer. This issue, she’s shared with us some of the lovely pictures she’s taken of butterflies.

(Click for bigger images.)

Interview by Catey

When I first started writing for Kids of Faith, I only knew Bluejane as the cowgirl who happened to be very funny. But throughout the past months, I’ve enjoyed getting to know her as the amazing young woman she really is. Jocelberry and I had the privilege of (very briefly) meeting her in person here in our home state, and I have to say – she’s a very special person. I had the opportunity to interview her as well. I hope you have as much fun getting to know Bluejane as I did. -Catey

How did you get involved with Kids of Faith?

I had been friends with Kylie for a while and one day she just asked me if I would like to write for her online magazine. I looked into it, talked to my Mom and decided to give it a try. Now I love it!

Have you always enjoyed writing?

Ever since I can remember. I don’t know a time when I didn’t; even when I didn’t know how I was always pretending I did.

What are your thoughts on God’s plan for writing, or your writing in particular?

I think God just wants all writing to bring honor and glory to him. That’s His plan for my writing too I would imagine. I’m not sure how far He would like me to take my writing, but I do know he wants me to praise Him with it always.

What kinds of things do you like to write?

Well, the novel I’m writing is fantasy, and I don’t really like writing any other kind of novel, but I don’t write fantasy for short stories. I tend to just write fiction for those, a lot of the time a horse is involved, and used to show someone a lesson that God is trying to teach them.

What has been your favorite thing about writing for KOF?

Movie reviews by far. I love movies, and I love sharing what I think about them so when Kylie asked me to write this I knew I would love it.

What has been a struggle for you in your writing, in KOF or personally? Do you have trouble writing, ever?

For KOF my writing trouble has been the Laughter for the Soul column. I can never think of anything to write for it, and that’s probably why I’ve only really ever written one.  In my personal writing I have trouble staying on track, and sticking with something. I’m always going off on rabbit trails, and getting tired with a novel before it’s done.

I’ve noticed that you enjoy reading. Do the books you read affect your writing?

Very much so. When I have trouble writing I read a whole bunch of books in the same genre as mine and set aside my writing for awhile, and then once I’m done with those books I come back and seem to be able to jump right back in and my problems from before our solved. I’ve also noticed my writing style seems to change with what books I’m writing, so slightly it’s hard to notice, but a change is there!

I know that you love horses. I am not a huge animal person – explain what makes these creatures so appealing to you.

Well, I could go on forever about this, almost everything a horse is makes me love  them. I guess mostly it’s just looking at the beautiful creatures God created, working with them and getting that satisfactory feeling when they learn something from you. Knowing all the power they have, and teaching them to use it for good reasons. Racing with the wind, and borrowing freedom with them, and knowing that it’s one friend who will never hurt you with their words. I guess that went on a little longer then I had planned it to… sorry!

So, aside from writing and riding horses, what are some of your hobbies?

I really love to go camping with my family, digital scrapbooking when I have a computer that will let me, designing templates, working with HTML, and reading.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Remember to glorify God in everything you do, your writing, your words, and your actions, and He will take you places you couldn’t even dream about.

One last question: Have you ever been approached by a tall man in a bowler hat recently?!

Does it count if he was in a movie?

By Ashley

Kylie has decided to keep this column a regular, because it got so many hits in the last issue. I was excited because it was my favorite article to write for Kids of Faith, and I love writing about the Christians in Hollywood.

You all have probably heard of Nicholas, Joseph, and Kevin Jonas, whether you like them or not. I’ve heard quite a few various opinions about them. I didn’t know if I should use the Jonas Brothers as the next “Shining Stars”, but then I decided that, since they are really “shining stars”, I should use them.

You may know of the Jonas Brothers because of their music, or because they were on Camp Rock, or because of their new Disney Channel TV show JONAS.

Now how exactly are these guys shining stars? I’ve got an answer for that question. Let me give you a bit of a background on them.

Firstly, Nicholas, also known as Nick, was the first one to get a record deal. He was also on Broadway, in The Sound of Music, and Les Miserables. His unreleased first album Nicholas Jonas, was a Christian Contemporary CD that included some other songs that wouldn’t be classified as Christian.

Joseph, also known as Joe, never wanted to sing growing up. He wanted to be a stand-up comedian and make people laugh. Well, he’s still doing that, but in a different way. All of you Jonas fans out there know that he is definitely the funny one!

Kevin, also known as K2 (because he’s named after his dad), taught himself how to play guitar one day when he was home sick from school. Isn’t that pretty impressive? Kevin taught Joe how to play the guitar, but Nick also taught himself.

Now that you know a little about the Jonas Brothers, I can tell you how they let their lights shine for the Lord. Many interviews with the Jonas Brothers have shown them telling everyone who watches that their faith is what keeps them going. How exactly did they get their faith? Well, probably because they grew up in a Christian home, and they also grew up as pastors’ kids. Their dad preached at Wyckoff Assembly of God church. So they grew up going to church, and learning about their Lord and Savior. I believe that their faith is still strong today.

You can check out the Jonas Brothers in Camp Rock, and their Disney TV show JONAS! You can also view their website here: http://www.jonasbrothers.com/*.

*With parental permission. As always, please surf with caution.

(Note: While we cannot tell you for certain whether the celebrities in this column are saved, this article is supposed to present evidence that indicates that they are living their life for Christ. Only God can discern a righteous heart.)

In the Cocoon

By Catey

I would guess that most of you reading were raised in a Christian home. Isn’t that a great thing? My parents are believers, and they’ve always helped me get through hard times in my life, blessed me with a knowledge of God and his ways and made sure that I had every opportunity to know Him.

My mom’s childhood was very different. She grew up in a very New-Age, hostile environment where the truth was suppressed. When she talks about believing in Jesus, she talks about a huge transformation that took place in her life.

I used to be really jealous of that testimony. When people would ask me what my testimony was, it was always so… short. (I was raised in a Christian home. Loved Jesus all my life. Christian when I was eight. The end.)

So, we’ve all read the verse that tells us that we are new creations, remade, when we accept Jesus. But where was that in my life?

While there is a change that happens in every person’s heart when they accept Jesus, it’s really the little changes that happen along the way that make you into a new person.

Take for instance the story of David. It’s obvious at the beginning of the story that David is walking with God – he’s had his first step in that change process. But as you read through the book of 1 Samuel, you’ll notice that David changes a lot in the time between his childhood and when he becomes king.

When I read my old journals or my old emails, I can see how much I’ve changed. Most of this growth is slow, progressive growth, which just happens as I mature in Christ. But where I’ve noticed the most dramatic change is when I’m struggling.

I know you’re cringing. Struggling is not fun. It’s hard. Growth happens when it’s hard to go on. One of my favorite quotes is this one: “Mountaintops are great for views, but fruit is grown in valleys.” When we are in trials, then we grow.

When caterpillars are young, they’re worms. They feed on grasses and crawl in the dirt. They’re nothing. But as they mature into butterflies, they go through a cocoon phase. Here, it’s dark, painful. But when they come out of the darkness, they are a heavenly creature.

So if you’re going through a cocoon phase right now, and your life seems to be pain, trust in God. He knows what he’s doing, and he will use a worm and make a beautiful butterfly from you.

If you are discouraged right now, the Kids of Faith staff would love to pray for you. Just send us an email at kidsoffaith [at] gmail [dot] com.

The caterpillar crawling along

The child without a care

We are the same you and I

We see the world as all fair

Tomorrow will be beautiful

The next day will be the same

We are the same you and I

We both follow the same lane

The caterpillar in the cocoon

The teenager searching for hope

We are the same you and I

We both have no hope

We see the dreams of yesterday

They slip away like sand

We are the same you and I

We’re both searching for dry land

The butterfly in the sky

The graduate in cap and gown

We are the same you and I

We both have found common ground

The dreams we lost we now hold

And we both have learned to fly

We are the same you and I

We both must learn to fly

And so the pattern goes through life

Some worry and some strife

But the world is a place

To learn to crawl

And finally to fly