If one should be traveling through some parts of our farming country in the Middle Western states, or more particularly, through Lancaster Country, Pennsylvania one would pause a moment along the way. In box-like horse-drawn wagons that pass there are bearded men in black broad-brim-hats and their bonneted wives with long full skirts. They look […]
It is Saturday afternoon, July 20, 1985. The day is hot and humid, the water temperature of Lake Michigan is pleasantly warm. Perfect weather for a day at the beach! The Federation Board of Protestant Reformed Young People is sponsoring a beach party at North Shore in Grand Haven, Michigan. But. . .wait. . .where […]
Dear Younger Self, As you grow older and face the many trials and temptations of this world, remember this little poem I’ve written for you, and always put God first in your life. The Promise The clock ticks down, the time is near When our risen Savior shall appear Beware, sweet daughter, watch out, […]
As another year comes to a close for the Federation Board, we look forward to new members joining the board. This article serves as an introduction to our nominees for Spiritual Advisor, Vice-President, Vice-Treasurer, Vice-Secretary, and Youth Coordinator. Rev. VanOverloop, Brandon Kaptein, Dan Gritters, Katie VanOverloop, and Dan Langerak finish their terms in a few […]
Hi, Mindy. This may creep you out, but this letter is from you. I mean me. You, only older….or is it me, only younger? What I really mean is that you’re going to be a high school senior this year, but eventually you will grow up to be me, the 41-year-old version of Mindy. Don’t […]
Dear Young Believers, We were asked by a member of the Beacon Lights staff to write an article giving advice to young believers who are in their 16 to 22 year old time of life. My wife and I have chosen to do this in the light of the knowledge we have gained and the […]
Dear younger me, After nearly 40 years of life experience since I was a teenager, I would like to give you some advice you will greatly appreciate in the years ahead. Please take this advice and encouragement from me realizing that I really do know what will be important to you in the future, and […]
When you get old, like me, you tend to look back and think, “I wish I knew then, what I know now.” For that purpose, this article is a letter from me, Jonathon Kamps, at 44 years old to my younger self at the age of 16. Who better to write a letter of advice […]
Dealing with Failure and Mistakes Live in the moment of rejection, failure, or mistakes while controlling your response to such experiences. Avoid becoming angry, downcast, or overly moved by the situation. Take setbacks in stride. Understand that making mistakes are necessary growing pains. Take calculated risks and do not avoid failure, embarrassment, or fear your […]
Now that I am old and gray (I would be gray if I had hair) I have learned a few things that I would remind my teenage self. I guess over 40 more years of experience, a wonderful wife, seven children and eighteen grandchildren have given me a few lessons. Here they are in no […]