The grace of slime

Have you ever heard someone say that once you become a Christian, you can’t have fun anymore?

My stepdad rarely went to any church functions.  One time, he agreed to go with my mom to a Sunday School party held at one of the members’ homes that had a backyard pool.  This particular group was a loving, fun-filled, free-spirited bunch.  Lots of laughter, good humored teasing, and a few pushes in the pool punctuated the evening.

When my folks got home, my stepdad  said to my mom. “Wow, those people had a lot of fun.  And they didn’t even need to get drunk to enjoy themselves either.”

Christians have a lot of fun?  Why not?

After all, we are a people of hope.  We know where we are going on the other side of the grave.  We have peace that God will take care of us no matter what.  We know we are loved by Someone who will never change His mind about us. We have joy because we see how much a Creator God has blessed us with all things good.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

Our church in Western Illinois just completed a week of Vacation Bible School, an outreach ministry to the children in our community.  During the week, we collected an offering of over $600 to give to an area para-church organization that helps families in crisis.  The youth minister promised the kids that if they raised $300, he would let them throw a pie in his face.  If they reached $600, he would let them “slime” him Nickelodeon style.

I wish my stepdad could have been around tonight so he could see that I’m having fun too.  In fact these pictures should prove just how much Christians can have fun.

Here comes the first wave – Green Slime Pie!

I’m not sure how I got selected to throw the pie.  Maybe because I made it?

And then comes the slime! (I made that too.  Eeww!

Adam was such a good sport about the slime!  He’s a great youth minister.  

Yes, sometimes it is tough to be a Christian.  It’s tough because the rest of the world sees Christians as a threat.  It’s hard for the human nature to surrender allegiance to a Higher Authority when our carnal nature screams to live life the way we prefer, a way that gratifies ourselves.  Yet, what they don’t realize is that surrender is like breaking out of jail. Oh, the freedom that Christ brings!  It feels better than being out of debt for the first time.

.  Best of all, my stepdad, you remember the fun you had the night before.

Here’s our recipe for Sline:

Mix 6 packages lime jello, five pounds flour and one gallon of water until all the lumps are gone.  Atlernately add small portions of five pounds of flour and 1 gallof water until the right consistancy.  Add one bottle baby shampoo and mix well.  Do this in a five gallon bucket.  It will mix best if you do it with your hands.

And here is the recipe for Green Slime Pie:

Mix one package pistachio pudding, 1 16 ounce carton light sour cream and one 16 ounce can crushed pineapple.  Pour into pie plate and let set.  (If you plan to eat it, use a pie shell.  If you plan to throw it, skip the pie shell.  Just before serving – whichever way you choose to serve it – decorate with one can Redi-Whip.

Last instruction;  Have fun!