Cellophane tape was invented early in 1930 by Richard Gurley Drew after he had already invented masking tape to be used in auto body shops. He worked for 3M based in St. Paul, Minnesota and was trying to solve a problem for packaging companies. Another company, DuPont, had created a clear crinkly packaging that we think of inside cracker boxes or breakfast cereal. That product was called cellophane. Drew was searching for a product to seal these bags and used his masking tape idea to apply to strips of cellophane to seal cellophane bags. Just about the time he perfected his cellophane tape invention to seal cellophane, DuPont figured out a way to seal cellophane bags with heat. So Drew’s new invention wasn’t needed. Oh, really? Today it is estimated that 90% of homes have at least one roll of cellophane tape. We now call this tape by several names but Scotch tape is the most popular name. (The background of how it got the name “Scotch” would be an interesting research project for you.) Scotch tape is used for all kinds of things: wrap a present, fix a book, repair curtains, hem a skirt, fix a hole in a bucket, and wrap cords together just to name a few! It was a very valuable tool during the Great Depression when people needed to repair an item rather than buy new. This funny product was thought to be replaced by a heat sealing packaging machine, but has turned into one of the most useful inventions of all times. A patent was issued on May 27, 1930 and the inventor was inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame in 2007. This reminds me of the story of Joseph who told his brothers, “You meant this for evil, but God turned it for good.” We might not always understand what God has in mind for us. We just have to live each day saying “yes” to Jesus and in the end He will use us in His kingdom. We might even end up doing a job that no one else can do. Scotch tape was invented to seal packages, but it turned out to do something even more important -- lots of little jobs in every household. What little job does God have for you??
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When was the last time you made a paper airplane? Did you know there are lots of ways to make a paper airplane. According to various sources online:
Do you think the Bible talks about airplanes? Isaiah wrote ""Who are these that fly along like clouds, like doves to their nests?" And he wrote, "but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles." Do think Isaiah was describing airplanes? Well, we know that airplanes were not invented in the Bible, but maybe God was describing something to Isaiah that was way in the future. I don't know, but I do know that just as Isaiah had to trust God we can trust God with our future. Maybe God is going to do something in your future that hasn't even been invented yet. I wonder what it could be??! A few days ago Brittnee made a post on Facebook of Isaiah singing. It really blessed me because singing is such an emotional expression. It was obvious that Isaiah believe what he was singing. There was music all through the Bible. I like to look at verses in Psalms, because Psalms really means "songs". Psalm 100 says,"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." It doesn't even matter if you are a good singer. The verse says make a joyful "noise". God loves music -- heaven is filled with music. I hope you sing every day. Mama's need to sing to their babies, old people need to fill their hearts with music. And everyone in between the young and old should sing every day. The Bible also says, "A merry heart does good like medicine." Don't be afraid -- sing loud. Don't be ashamed -- sing often. Hum. Whistle. Sing. Enjoy music every day and especially today on Sing Out Day. I have a brother, do you? I actually have two brothers so I'm doubly blessed. Growing up I was always glad I had two older brothers. I enjoyed playing football with them, riding snowmobile with them, and always knowing that they would help me if I needed. My oldest brother and I had birthdays just 4 days apart so we often had birthday parties together. Brothers are great. Oh, there were days when I'm sure they tried to get rid of the little sister that would tag along. There were times when I thought they were mean to me. Sometimes they weren't very fun. But I always knew that they loved me. The Bible says that as Christians we are like brothers and sisters, all a part of God's family. Today, I hope that you know that your church family will always support you if you are having trouble. We will always be here to help you if you need something. That's what family does, and that's how the family of God acts. We are family, and we are going to get to heaven and live as family together forever! So, happy brother (or sister) day today! How many musical instruments can you name? That's your challenge today. Think of all the brass instruments (trumpet, trombone...), woodwinds (clarinet, saxophone...) percussion (drum, cymbal...), strings (cello, guitar...), and keyboard (organ, piano...). There is also a new classification of instruments called "electronic instruments" which includes things such as a laser harp, synthesizer, and turntable. How many did you come up with? Wikipedia has a list of over 1000 different instruments, including many instruments used in native countries. The first mention of an instrument in the Bible is in Genesis 4:21-- Jubal, he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes. There are lots of other instruments in the Bible. Psalm 150 names nine instruments in that one chapter! Can you name a Bible character you know who played a harp? Yep, David played the harp for his sheep and for King Saul. I know many students at Pillager school learn early how to play a recorder. That is much like a clarinet and you can play lots of great songs on it. A recorder is an easy instrument to start with and you can even buy them at the Dollar Tree for $1. In fifth grade you get to choose a band instrument, and even before that many kids start piano or guitar lessons. Those are great instruments to learn because you can use them for the rest of your life. So, today is "Buy a Musical Instrument Day". If you can't buy something today, try to make an instrument -- maybe a drum with sticks. Use your instrument to sing to God and enjoy music today. It is a gift from God!! Yum! Depending on where you live in the nation, it just about time to start finding a spot to pick strawberries. You should look for the plump, firm, and bright red ones. The more red, the better -- in my opinion. Did you know that some people say that strawberries are the only fruit that grow its seeds on the outside. Strawberries grow on a short plant and there are many different kinds of strawberries. They like to grown in the sun and need lots of water. You can go to a big strawberry farm to pick your berries, or grow your own in your garden. Fresh strawberries are absolutely the best and great on ice cream or just by themselves. When I see strawberries in the grocery store it is very hard to walk by them without putting some in my cart. I just feel drawn to them because they are just so yummy. The fruit of the Spirit is listed in Galatians 5. It is not really "fruit" like strawberries or bananas, but it is the attitudes and actions that we can look for in a Christian. "Fruit" is a sign that something is alive and if you are a Christian -- a Jesus follower -- you will have the fruit of the Spirit and people will have a hard time not wanting to know more about us (kinda like the strawberries in the grocery store). Look up Galatians 5:22-23 and make a list of the fruit of the Spirit. Maybe you already can say the fruit because you've learned the list from a song. Then today, enjoy some strawberries (or strawberry jam) and think about how you can show other people that you have the fruit of the Spirit in your life. I found some really interesting facts about bees on the internet. How many miles does a bee have to fly to make one pound of honey? How many flowers does a bee have to visit to gather nectar to make one pound of honey? How many flowers does a bee visit in one collection trip? The answers really surprised me and before I tell you the answers I want you to think about something else. Did you know that there are an estimated 10,000,000,000,000,000,000 different insects in the world? That is 10 quintillion. Ten with 18 zeros! I don't know who counted all of them, but that number is bigger than I can even imagine. Think of the creative imagination that God had on day five when He created the swimming and flying things. Bees have a very important role in nature. Bees pollinate nearly 3/4 of the plants in the world that provide 1/3 of all of our food. Think about that. On average, every third spoonful has something that was affected by bees. We have some people in our church who have bee hives and sell honey. It is really good for you and the closer to your home that the honey is harvested, the better it is for you. I'm amazing at God's handiwork. All of the stars. All of the animals. All of the different kinds of people. And all of the bees in the world. He had a perfect plan for how this world would survive and He uses even the small bees to do a very important job. He also uses small people -- like you-- to do important jobs too. You might be the only one in the world who can encourage someone. Even when you are little He has a job for you every day. Every day tell Jesus "yes, whatever you want from me today!' Oh, yeah. The answers to the questions. Bees fly 90,000 miles (three times around the earth) to make one pound of honey. A bee has to visit two million flowers to make a pound of honey. A bee will visit 50-100 flowers during a collection trip. (info from https://nationaldaycalendar.com/world-bee-day-may-20/) Do you know anyone named Ray? It's not a very common name but today was named after a guy named Ray, but the emphasis of today was to get out and enjoy the sun's rays. May is still considered spring, but for many of us, it is the month that starts to feel like summer (except for the occasional early May snow storm that Minnesota can get). Spending time in the sunshine feels so good, and it is good for us. The vitamin D that we get from the sun helps strengthen our bones, supports our lung function, regulates our natural insulin, and supports our immune, brain, and nervous system health. And I think that people smile more when they are in the sunshine. That's a long list of very important benefits from sunshine. (Of course, too much sun can burn our skin if we are not properly protected.) As our earth rotates around the sun, we use the sun to set our calendar and our seasons. The sun is what gives our planet Earth light, heat, and energy. It holds our whole solar system together. It is a powerful center of attention and it is hard to imagine anything that is more powerful than the sun. I can only think of one power that is stronger than the Sun and that is the God who created the sun. With God just speaking the words, "Let there be light" the sun was created. God didn't have to struggle and work hard to create this enormous, powerful mass of energy and light -- He just used his words to create it. Wow. Just wow! I know I'm going to spend some time in the rays of the sun today. I will close my eyes and just enjoy the warmth and I will thank God for His power in the universe, and in my life. Thanks, Ray, for this special day to celebrate the creator of all rays! I hope you are reading this early in the morning, because it is important that you celebrate this wacky holiday for the WHOLE DAY. It is NO Dirty Dishes Day! So from breakfast through bedtime snack we are not going to use any dishes that need to be washed. I think there is three ways to accomplish this. Eat at fast food or a restaurant for every meal (not likely to happen), use disposable dishes all day, or eat food that doesn't need dishes. Probably the last option is maybe the best. Let's come up with a list of things that we can have that don't need a dish. How about toast for breakfast (but you can't use a knife for the peanut butter unless you have a disposable one). For lunch you could have a hot dog that you warm up in the microwave on a paper towel. Supper looks like it has to be something you cook in the microwave on a paper plate like chicken nuggets. Use the same plate for your ranch dressing. Remember that your drinks can't use a glass either. No silverware, no plates, no glasses, and no pots and pans. It might be pretty hard, but with some creative thinking you can do it!! So why it important to celebrate this wacky holiday today? It might help you to creatively think about all that you eat and drink today. Have you ever thought about how many dirty dishes are created every day at your house? I bet your mom has! Today I want you to think about it, and then remember that we never have to worry about what we are going to eat or drink or wear or where the money is going to come from to pay for all of it. The Bible says in Philippians 4:19 "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." That means that as rich as Jesus is, that is where He is going to get everything you need. Think about that today, and then tomorrow maybe you want to promise to help your mom with the dishes! Bigger a mouse, the wood rat is a name that is given to over 20 species of rats that live throughout the United States and elsewhere. The pack rat, one of the wood rat species, is especially known for gathering things for his nest, and even just for his pile of stuff outside his nest. The "pile" is called a midden. It might contain bones, sticks, and other things stolen from humans. He has especially a keen eye for shiny things. If he is carrying something and sees something else that is shiny, he will drop whatever he has just so he can carry the shiny items. Sometimes people are called a "pack rat" because they gather worthless things or have a hard time getting rid of things. These might be things that have absolutely no value, or maybe just aren't needed anymore. It reminds me of a friend who was cleaning out his grandmother's house after she had died. In the top of the closet they found a box labeled, "Pencils, too short to sharpen." My question is, why would you keep them if you can't ever sharpen them? That is what a human pack rat is. I am a pack rat. I have books that I read 20 years ago and will never read again. I have papers my kids did in Kindergarten that really have no particular value or meaning, but my kids touched them once so they might want them again someday. I have old storage containers that I might need again someday. Sometimes people who lived through the depression have a tendency to save things because they remember the days when they didn't have anything. Sometimes people who don't have much food at home tend to gather food items just in case they get hungry. Sometimes we gather things just to fill our closets and sheds. But the Bible says in Matthew, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin (critters) destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." So today would be a good day to look around at the stuff you've saved. Do you need it? Are you a pack rat? Make sure that you are storing your treasures in heaven instead of your own "midden". |
AuthorWriten by Sue Van Hal, Children's Church Leader Archives
July 2020
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