1
April
Turn off the lights when
you leave a room.
2
Use recharcheable batteries.
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P lant a tree in the memory of (fill in the blank).
3
5
at a city park.
your indoor plants.
Take a walk
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When you’re at the mall combine shopping bags or put them in your backpack. Save your reciept!
15
Recycle the Sunday
newspaper.
16 Never leave a lit candle unattended.
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Carpool
with a friend.
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If you can, walk to church, school or work.
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Use the recycle bins at school.
briomag.com • april 2007
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Drink
from a reusable water bottle.
Rescue old paint to
Takeinstead a shower of
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decorate your bedroom.
18
Bring your
own bags to the grocery
photocopy on both sides of the paper.
13
Look for the ENERGY STAR logo when buying electronics such as TV’s, CD players & DVD players.
7 Adopt
a highway with your youth group. adoptahighway.com
Visit a
national park with your family for the weekend.
19
Choose recycled products.
20
21
Reuse
shoeboxes to organize
your things.
store.
25
a bath.
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Water
6Print and
27 Read Psalm 104.
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Instead of buying new products, swap with your friends or family.
Earth Day is April 22, but here are some ways to take care of God’s creation all month long. 3
briomag.com • april 2007
Delirious? keyboardist Tim Jupp shares his perspective on the body of Christ in Europe and how he’s daily trying to be Jesus, whether on the road or in his neighborhood.
Krishana Kraft recently returned from six months in Vienna, Austria, and hopes to return and pursue youth ministry and missions fulltime.
ISTOCKPHOTO // RECORDS SPARROW
Going Deeper Having traveled to more than 25 countries just in 2006, Delirious? took mental snapshots of the worldwide church. “It’s refreshing when you fly to the other side of the world and discover people running toward the same goal you are running for back home,” Tim says. Which leads to one aspect of Delirious?’s heart: encouraging the church to keep running, be real and go deeper. Even St. Stephen’s has a deeper level. On the surface you see a huge cathedral, but seven years ago portions of an 11th century church were found underneath its foundation. With Delirious?, you see a British band with a worldwide platform, but behind the scenes they are dads, husbands and businessmen trying to be Jesus to their families, neighbors and contacts. “Every morning I take the kids to school, and I meet other parents when my kids are playing at the playground. That’s part of my mission field,” Tim says. “On the road we develop trust with crewmembers who don’t know Jesus by simply being who we say we are. Wherever God puts us—we all have a song to sing and something to shout about.” And Delirious? doesn’t plan to stop singing or shouting anytime soon. f
OF
Tiled Together Tim describes the church as one big mosaic, much like the 230,000 pieces seen on the roof of St. Stephen’s. Each piece works with the others to create a larger picture. If any tiles are missing, the picture is not complete. Tim’s thankful to be only one piece of the whole picture. “I’m grateful [the responsibility of the church] isn’t completely on my shoulders, or anybody else’s, for that matter. It’s great being a part of this enormous family,” he says. “Even tonight, in Austria, there are people coming from Poland, Croatia and Hungary. It’s a celebration of our connection in Christ.” The mosaic-pieces of the European Christian church look a bit different from those in the United States. Tim describes the largest churches in Germany with numbers of people ranging from 400 to 2,000. But numbers don’t define the heart of the church in this part of the world. “Many European churches we visit are passionate about Christ. They aren’t sitting back, but really going for it—taking action and reaching out to their community,” he says. During their European stop in Kiev, the Ukraine, they met Christians who
had a deeper grasp of freedom. This part of Eastern Europe knew religious and political oppression in the past. “Today they’ve not only found political freedom, but if they’ve found freedom through salvation in Jesus, then they understand what it is they receive from Him and are so grateful,” Tim says. “Sometimes we’re passive, and we get a bit forgetful about everything God’s done for us. It’s good to be reminded by people who have in some form paid a great cost for their faith.”
COURTESY
Heart of the Matter Finding themselves in the middle of their 28-day European tour, Delirious? visited St. Stephen’s, known as the heart of Vienna. Most European towns have churches or cathedrals that their town is built around. Often walking toward the largest church means discovering the center of town. In comparison, Delirious? moves toward the core of being Christ-followers. The Mission Bell uncovers recent conversations they’ve had with each other about living as Christians. In “Our God Reigns” they discuss abortion, poverty
and even obsession with self. Forty million babies lost to God’s great orphanage/ It’s a modern day genocide and a modern day disgrace/If this is a human right then why aren’t we free?/ The only freedom we have is in a man nailed to a tree. “We want the songs to be more than songs but ways of wrestling with those tensions as Christians. We’re continuing conversations Christians are already having on how to handle these issues, not necessarily giving answers,” Tim says. The emphasis in this song is that God still reigns even when the church has sometimes lost sight of being salt and light to society.
PHOTO
nly hours before their concert in Vienna, Austria, the British band Delirious?—Martin Smith (vocals, guitar), Stu Garrard (guitars), Tim Jupp (keyboards), Jon Thatcher (bass), Stew Smith (drums)—stepped off underground train three at the Stephansplatz stop. The “red line” took them to the center of Vienna. As the up escalator ended, they found themselves emerging from the ground to find a towering cathedral, St. Stephen’s, in front of them. The south tower of this cathedral holds Austria’s largest bell, weighing 21 tons. The band headed through the rain toward the door. What a perfect illustration of Delirious?’s most recent album, The Mission Bell. Their heart, in a sense, is to ring the town bell in every city and village across the world, rallying Christ-followers to put their faith into action and show the world Jesus. “What does it really mean when people call us a worship band?” Tim says. “If the only thing we leave behind are songs, then I don’t feel satisfied with that.”
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SALLY BY PHOTOS
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Stuff We
5
Like
6 7 Boscia Intensifying Moisture Pack + ($30, available at Bath and Body Works) This multi-purpose moisture infusion can be used as a mask, an intensifier or a facial massage cream.
Respect Yourself Tee: Mirror Me Esteem Wear ($29, available at mirrormeteez.com) Hard to read this long-sleeved tee? Not when you look in the mirror! And seeing a positive message every time you look in the mirror can really make your day!
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You gotta try these! by Susie Shellenberger
Satin Pillowcase: Satin Wonders ($20$25, available at select salons or satinwonders.com or [301] 990-7008) Looking for a cure for bed-head? We may have found it! As soon as you wake up, check your pillow for any hair that’s been pulled out. Now try to wipe it away. Not so easy? That clinging action—stronger than that blind date who won’t let go—is what’s tugging, snagging, even breaking your hair throughout the night. It’s the culprit behind the dreaded bed-head. The solution: a satin pillowcase. Satin Wonders pillowcases don’t have zippers, another source of hair damage, and instead are designed with a generous safety flip construction to keep the case on the pillow. The Brio staff is having a tough time deciding who gets to keep this one. (Maybe we’ll wait a couple of months and put it in the Brio prize stash to give to a reader!) f briomag.com • april 2007
Web site references do not constitute blanket endorsements or complete agreement by Focus on the Family with information or resources offered at or through those sites.
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Boscia Jujube Salve Stick ($16, available at Bath and Body Works or boscia.net) Benefits: Prevents lipstick feathering, heals chapped lips, hydrates dry skin and eliminates eye makeup mistakes.
DUNN
1 2 3
Michelle Tumes (Levantar/Infinity) Features a 50-piece orchestra (directed by Michelle herself ) and resonates with hints of Enya, Tchaikovsky, U2 and Bjork. Yep, it’s unique. Perfect for chillin’.
Everybody’s Nuts! Pistachios ($3.99, available in 7-ounce boxes in the produce section of most grocery stores) If snacking on the go is something you can relate to, a handful of pistachios—the lowest calorie, lowest fat nut—makes an especially good snack choice. Just a 1 ounce serving of pistachios offers 6 grams of proteins and 3 grams of fiber, eight nutrients, an excellent source of vitamin B6, a natural source of electrolytes. Did you know that a handful of pistachios is comparable to an equal serving of oatmeal? Get munching! Here are your choices: Roasted & Salted; Roasted No Salt; Salt & Pepper; European Roast. For more information, go to everybodysnuts.com.
Most Likely to
Succeed
Success isn’t about fame and fortune. It’s something that comes with strong character and doing your best with what God has given you. Take this quiz to see if you’re on your way to a successful life.
PHOTO
BY
TOM
SAPP
by Martha Krienke
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You have a teen leaders’ meeting 30 minutes before youth group begins. You a. arrive at least three minutes early to get settled and open your notebook. b. walk in the door as the meeting begins and others are waiting for you. c. come 10 minutes late because you lost track of time.
Your teacher offers five extra credit points for your test score if you complete an additional essay. You a. write the essay and hand it in the following day. b. decide you’re happy with a C on your test. c. ask your friends if they plan to write the essay and do what they do.
Your pet Labradoodle must be walked every day and fed before and after school. You a. often forget, and your mom does the work for you. b. put a note on your bathroom mirror, reminding you to do these tasks. c. tell your younger brother to do it when you’re too tired.
Your friends go to the mall and decide to purchase matching tank tops. The shirts plunge lower than what you think is modest. You a. buy a purple one to match your new earrings and to not let your friends down. b. suggest buying coordinating necklaces instead. c. avoid the situation by lying that you can’t afford the shirt.
While playing a trivia game in history class, you answer a question incorrectly. You a. slouch in your desk and pout about not getting a point. b. ask the teacher for the correct answer to learn from your mistake. c. rehash the situation in your head all day, believing you’ll never be good in history. New Year’s resolutions are a. a great way to set goals and achieve them. b. good for a few months. c. a waste of time.
The bully in your neighborhood says you’re too short, too round and have too many freckles to ever have a boyfriend. You a. give a comeback that sends her running home in tears. b. roll your eyes and walk away. c. say, “That’s what you think, but God says He’s enthralled by my beauty!” On Wednesday, you agree to baby-sit for a family Friday night. On Thursday, a friend
invites you to her house Friday. You a. call the family and cancel your plans to baby-sit. b. don’t show up Friday to baby-sit. c. tell your friend you have a previous commitment. When you graduate from high school, you’ll likely spend the summer before college a. working a part-time job. b. hanging out with friends, reliving the good ol’ days. c. in your room still trying to decide what college to attend. At your spring piano recital, you play a difficult piece by Bach. Afterward, as friends and family compliment your musical talent, you a. say, “Thank you.” b. hang your head and avoid eye contact. c. say, “I messed up. I don’t want to play piano anymore.” f
Scoring Add your points for each letter you circled. 1. a: 3, b: 2, c: 1 2. a: 1, b: 3, c: 2 3. a: 1, b: 3, c: 2 4. a: 3, b: 2, c: 1 5. a: 3, b: 1, c: 2 6. a: 1, b: 3, c: 2 7. a: 1, b: 2, c: 3 8. a: 2, b: 1, c: 3 9. a: 3, b: 1, c: 2 10. a: 3, b: 1, c: 2
briomag.com • april 2007 briomag.com • april 2007
24-30 Reliable Rachel You have many traits for success: responsibility, humility, ambition and confidence. Continue to put others first, let Christ’s strength work through you and take advantage of the opportunities God brings to you. 17-23 Lazy Lacey Occasionally you may be seen as lazy and unreliable. Remember that becoming successful includes forming good habits and developing your character even while you’re young. Don’t wait. Learn to put others before yourself and to earn others’ trust. 10-16 Selfish Sadie Do you desire to be all God has called you to? Then show some initiative and commit to some life changes. Ask God to first work inside your heart; then take one situation at a time to choose godly character and set the example. briomag.com • april 2007 briomag.com • april 2007
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Amy’s Affirmations
Thoughts from the 2007 Brio Girl, Amy Gilbaugh
Satisfied
ILLUSTRATION
BY
ISTOCKPHOTO
by Love
Ahh, the signs of spring: robins chirping, lilies blooming and that particular smell that’s a matchless mix of new grass and freshly fallen rain. Every spring I stand in wonder as God showcases His glory in creation. I especially love to watch baby birds, with all of their newfound strength, break through the shell that’s been their hiding place. What amazes me is when these newborns, with eyes still sealed, open their fragile beaks, trusting that their mother will feed them. They haven’t seen their mother with their eyes or beheld the big, juicy worm in her beak. All they know is they’re hungry, and she’ll feed them. The psalmist penned a beautiful reminder to all who are hungry: “The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing” (Psalm 145: 15-16). We can all testify that birds are not the only hungry creatures. Each of us is created with a longing for something bigger—something more satisfying than the worms of this world. We were created to be satisfied by the love of our Creator, just as the birds are created to be fed by their mother. Imagine, though, if once hatched they opened their beaks and, instead of looking to their mother to feed them,
briomag.com • april 2007
they turned to each other, hoping to be filled. Crazy, isn’t it? But, oh, how often we do the same. Filled to Overflowing God promises to “satisfy the desires of every living thing.” But all too often we turn to worldly things, hoping to be filled with relationships, food, possessions, money and popularity. All these things will consistently leave us empty. As spring continues to bloom and new life emerges all around us, we must remember the new life that’s ours (2 Corinthians 5:17). In repentance we must fall to our knees and sacrifice all the things we vainly seek to fill the longing in our lives. Dear sisters, we must break out from our shells, open our hearts and, like those newborn birds, trust that He’ll satisfy our deepest hungers. Our Creator alone can fill and satisfy us to the measure we need. Beloved, the God whom we can’t see but know exists will meet our needs and give us the desires of our heart, should we choose to seek Him (Psalm 37:4-5). There are needy “birds” all around us. Let’s seek to be filled by the only One who can fill us to overflowing so that we, too, may by used to fill others in their time of hunger. Tweet! Tweet! f
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