JUNE 1 - JUNE 7

Good Things

Hey Lightgliders! 

First of all, thank you to all of you Lightgliders who came to the Mother May I party last week. That was a blast!  Here is a picture I took at the party. Taking pictures is one of my hobbies and you all make my photography look good!

Now that you’ve learned more about the Lightglider leaders, who do you relate to? Who would you want to spend more time with?  It’s encouraging to see so many different types of people using their uniqueness to work together for a common goal in Lightglider Academy!

God has created each of us with unique strengths and gifts! He has planned good things for us  to do with our lives that impact the world in a positive way. I hope that as you go on missions, play games, or watch videos in Lightgliders, you discover what you are passionate about, what you are good at, and what gifts others see in you.  Are you like Marlon and think things through before acting? Like Bryce, are you always up for an adventure? Or, like Kwan, do you prefer to work behind the scenes?  

However you were created, God will use you to do good in the world!  You were made to shine!

Glide on!

Tambika

Things to Do This Week:‍

• Play the BRAND NEW Game of the Week, Flooded Bunker, and get on the leaderboard! The top 5 Lightgliders on Saturday morning get a surprise in their inventory! Look for a message from Gertrude Pumpkin Satchel when you log in this weekend!‍

Flooded Bunker

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage

Good Things Through You

The Lord Directs My Steps

• Watch Ethel and Clem in Gliddle Gab Game #16 as they try to complete Swamp Skirmish.  And, we must emphasize the word try... it is really hard!

Gliddle Game Gab #16 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - GOODTHINGS - to receive a Silver and Red Glider!


Things to Think About This Week: ‍

• Read Ephesians 2:8-10 in the Bible. According to these verses, why can we not take credit for our salvation?

• What are some good things God has done through you?

• What makes it hard to do good things sometimes?

• How do you know when you are doing good things?

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MAY 25 - May 31

Joy

Hey Lightgliders! 

How do you know if you have somebody else’s cheese? When it is nacho cheese!

If you thought that joke was funny, then please know that it was mine. If you didn’t, then it was Marlon’s!

Hey everybody! I am Santiago! I try to bring life to the Lightglider Academy party! I cannot tell you HOW MUCH FUN it is to be a Lightglider. You know what our goals are, right? RESPECT. RESCUE. RESTORE.

I believe that to RESTORE includes bringing joy to people who need it. Sometimes through laughter. Sometimes through music. Sometimes through just hanging out and being friendly. Everyone is totally unique, so it can be difficult to know what will bring joy to another. I make it my goal to find out. Do you know what brings you joy? I would love to know!

I grew up in Honduras in a large house with a bunch of other boys. None of us were related but they are my brothers. We’ve been through a lot together. Do you know what brings me joy? People. Having people to talk to, hang out with, and care for is the greatest. I hope you find that here at Lightglider Academy. 

Ok, one more joke. What does a nosey pepper do? Gets jalapeño business! 

Glide on!

Santiago

Things to Do This Week:

• Join us for the “Mother May I” Party in the Lightglider Academy Courtyard this Friday, May 29 at 5pm EST/4pm CST. Moderators will be handing out new themed hatsand leading games. 

• Play the Game of the Week, Brick Pong, and get on the leaderboard! The top 5 Lightgliders on Saturday morning get an outfit to dress like Santiago in their inventory! Look for a message from Gertrude Pumpkin Satchel when you log in this weekend!

Brick Pong

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage

Santiago’s Story

The Lord Has Done Great Things

• Decorate Santiago’s sticker page!

Santiago: Joy 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - SANTIAGO - to receive 4 Green Emeralds!

Things to Think About This Week: 

• Read Nehemiah 8:10 in the Bible. According to these verses, what is our strength?

• What brings you joy?

• How do you spread joy?

• Who could you give some joy to this week?

* How can your unique personality honor God and impact others?

MAY 18 - MAY 24

Caring

Hey Lightgliders! 

My name is Tova. I was one of the first here at Lightglider Academy. Why? I saw the Gliddles in trouble and I wanted to help. My heart was burdened and I had to come. It really didn’t take a lot of thought or planning. Before I knew it, Bryce sent me on a mission to the Yonders.  

I grew up in the United Kingdom. Growing up, I always enjoyed meeting new people and striking up conversations. I realized that many people are hurting, so I made it my mission to be a source of healing and encouragement. I care deeply for the poor, for orphans, and for those who are lonely. Who do you care deeply for?

I like to think of each day as a new opportunity for a purposeful adventure. You never know what new friend or significant moment awaits you! So be on the lookout, and care for those you encounter. 

Glide On!

Tova

Things to Do This Week:

• Play the BRAND NEW Game, Chess with Chums! Lock minds with your friend or the computer to win this classic game. Also, play Waterfall Meadow to get a high score: the top 5 Lightgliders on Saturday morning get a surprise in their inventory! Look for a message from Gertrude Pumpkin Satchel when you log in this weekend!

Chess with Chums

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage

Tova’s Story

A New Commandment

• Decorate Tova’s sticker page!‍

Tova: Caring 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - TOVA - to receive 6 Yellow Gems!

Things to Think About This Week: 

• Read Matthew 22:37-39 in the Bible. According to these verses, how are we to love God? How are we to love others?

• What does it mean to go on a purposeful adventure?

• Have you ever been helped by someone you didn’t know very well?

• Think of three hurting people or situations. How can you bring care to them?

MAY 11 - MAY 17

Wisdom

Hey Lightgliders! 

My name is Marlon. You’ll usually find me hanging out in the Library at Lightglider Academy. I am from the United States and I love doing two things - reading books and working out. It’s important to exercise the mind and the body. I am often considered the more “brainy” of the Academy leaders. I investigate any new idea before believing it or acting on it. That’s why I was the last to join the Academy leaders. I had to make sure that rescuing Gliddles and clearing blight were the right things to do. Usually when we are thinking of others before ourselves, it is the right thing to do. But I had to make sure that the consequences of these actions were good, and not just their intention.  

I am passionate about discovering truth. We are in a world filled with many ideas competing for our attention. Ideas are either helpful or hurtful to others, ourselves, or the world around us. My dream for you is that you learn to tell the difference between a good idea and a bad one. This understanding is where wisdom is found. 

I encourage all Lightgliders--search hard for truth. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And focus on the most important questions, the ones that have the greatest impact on your life and the world around you. Two thousand years ago a man named Jesus claimed to be God and said that whoever believes in him would receive eternal life. People believed him at the time and still do to this day. I encourage you to investigate the truth about Jesus Christ. 

Glide On!

Marlon

Things to Do This Week:‍

• Play the Game of the Week, Word Search, and get on the leaderboard! The top 5 Lightgliders on Saturday morning get an outfit to dress like Marlon in their inventory!‍

Word Search

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage‍

Marlon’s Story

Prayer for Wisdom

• Decorate Marlon’s sticker page!‍

Marlon: Wisdom 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - MARLON - to receive 20 Silver Coins!

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Things to Think About This Week: ‍

• Read Luke 2:52 in the Bible. What are ways to grow in wisdom and in stature?

• Why can we trust the Bible?

• Who do you go to when you have questions?

MAY 4 - MAY 10

Service

Hey Lightgliders! 

My name is Nisha. I am one of the “quieter” Lightgliders. You may not notice me and I don’t mind that at all. You can make a powerful impact on the world without anyone ever knowing your name!

I was born and raised in India. Being the oldest of seven kids, I had a lot of responsibility with my brothers and sisters. They needed me to be consistent and caring. Do you have siblings? Having little brothers and sisters has taught me a lot about what it means to give without expecting much in return. I came to Lightglider Academy a bit nervous. There were so many big personalities and talented people here. Bryce is courageous. Tambika leads the Academy. Marlon is a genius. I didn’t know what I had to offer, so I just looked for ways to serve. I helped Bryce plan out Yonders missions in Mission Control. I assisted Kwan as he created new tech in the Innovation Lab. I worked with Tambika to organize new Treehouses for the Gliddles. One day Tova thanked me for doing the little things that seemed to go unnoticed. She said that these were the things that helped others be effective.

I guess I am learning that the little things make a big difference. It brings me joy to serve. Putting the needs of others before my own helps me to be humble and encourage others all at the same time!

Glide On!

Nisha

Things to Do This Week:‍

• Play the BRAND NEW Game of the Week, Entryway, and get on the leaderboard! The top 5 Lightgliders on Saturday morning get a special surprise added to their inventory!

Entryway

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage

Nisha’s Story

Love is Patient & Kind

• Decorate Nisha’s sticker page!

Nisha: Service 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - NISHA - to receive 3 Lilies!

Things to Think About This Week: ‍

• Read Mark 10:43 in the Bible. According to this verse, what makes the people of God different?

• Who do you know that is quiet and wise?

• What does it mean to show hospitality?

• In what ways might you serve those around you today?

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APRIL 27 - May 3

Friendship

Hey Lightgliders! 

Hi, I’m Kwan. I was born and raised in South Korea. I have always been curious and inventive. And I like to work behind the scenes. My biggest passion at Lightglider Academy is to figure out the blight problem. That dark ooze is destroying the land and taking away its beauty and purpose. Have you seen it yet on one of your missions? Thankfully, we can use our light to clear the blight. But, I want to find a permanent solution. That is my goal.

I usually hang out in the Innovation Lab. Feel free to come visit me there. I work closely with the Gliddles to invent things that can help -- better gliders, new technologies, stuff like that. To solve problems, we need to be creative and we need to work together!

I don’t like to be the center of attention but that doesn’t mean I can’t make a powerful impact on the world. I work behind the scenes to help Tambika run the Academy, assist Bryce on missions, and support each Lightglider in the mission to Respect, Rescue and Restore. I have discovered ways to use my unique gifts to help others. I’ve learned that a great way to develop friendships is to be a friend to others and to look for ways to serve them. 

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Glide On!

Kwan‍

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Things to Do This Week:‍

• Play the Game of the Week, Gliddle Millionaire, and get on the leaderboard! The top 5 Lightgliders on Saturday morning get a Lab Outfit added to their inventory!‍

Gliddle Millionaire

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage‍

Kwan’s Story

Fruit of the Spirit

• Decorate Kwan’s sticker page!‍

Kwan: Friendship 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - KWAN - to receive 5 Blue Gems!

Things to Think About This Week: ‍

• Read Galatians 5:13 in the Bible. How should we use the freedom that God has given us?

• What does it mean to “work behind the scenes?”

• Who is a good example of someone who leads with humility?

• Who needs your support and encouragement today?

APRIL 20 - APRIL 26

Leadership

Hey Lightgliders! 

Jabari yako rafiki! That means ‘How are you my friend?’ in Swahili. I’m Tambika. I manage Lightglider Academy while the Professor is away. Running this place isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. I get to meet all the new Lightgliders when they arrive in the Courtyard. That is a fun part of my job! I even get to send you on your first mission to the Yonders.

I was born and raised in Tanzania. Do you know where that is? It is a beautiful country in Africa. Growing up, I always looked for leadership positions in my school and community. I love to serve others through organization. I love plans. I love calendars. I love details. And, all of these things are important at Lightglider Academy. Otherwise, everything would be more chaotic than it already is!

My desire is for you to look for opportunities to be a servant leader. We need people in this world with all types of gifts and talents. No matter how you are gifted, always remember that above all else, being a leader means serving others first.

Glide On!

Tambika

Things to Do This Week:

• Play the BRAND NEW Game of the Week, Low-RES Rescue, and get on the leaderboard!

Low-RES Rescue

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage

Tambika’s Story

Following God

• Watch this week’s new Gliddle Game Gab #13!

Gliddle Game Gab #13

• On Friday at 6pm EST/5pm CST, we'll be gathering in Lightglider Academy for a April Showers Party! Meet in the Courtyard and receive a new hat!

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - TAMBIKA - to receive 50 Bronze Coins!

Things to Think About This Week: 

• Read Romans 12:6-8 in the Bible. What gifts do you believe God has given you?

• What does it mean to be a leader by first becoming a servant?

• In what ways could you be a servant leader?

• What are your gifts and talents and how can you use them to serve others?

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APRIL 13 - APRIL 19

Perseverance

Hey Lightgliders! 

I’m Bryce, one of the leaders at Lightglider Academy! The Professor asked me to tell you a little about myself and to share with you one of my character qualities that stands out. Well, I’m from Australia. I am passionate about doing courageous things, such as going on missions to the Yonders, shining light in the darkness, or sharing truth with my friends. I’m not afraid to go and make an impact. Living for something greater than ourselves is the secret to living a life of purpose. But, it’s not always easy.

That is why I would say that one of my most admirable character qualities is perseverance. That’s a big word that simply means to “keep on.” I seek to persevere no matter how hard things get to complete whatever goal or task I’m given. I don’t even think about quitting. 

If you seek to learn new things and to make a difference in the lives of others, you will have to persevere. You will have to “keep on” in the midst of challenges.  What is going on in your life right now that requires perseverance?  I encourage you to keep on!

Glide On!

Bryce

Things to Do This Week:

• Play the Game of the Week, Gliddle Colors, and get on the leaderboard!

Gliddle Colors

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• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage

Bryce’s Story

Love Is Not Rude

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• Watch the LGTV episode, Gliddle Mission: Rescue!‍

LGTV Gliddle Mission
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• Hang out with other Lightgliders in the Academy this week. Look for a moderator every weekday at 5pm EST in the Courtyard! Check your time zones. 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - BRYCE - to receive 3 Red Rubies!

Things to Think About This Week: 

• Read Mark 16:15 in the Bible. What does it mean to “preach the Good News to everyone”?

• What meaningful moments has God used in your life?

• In what ways could you be more loving?

• What does it mean to live for something greater than yourself?

• What are you doing right now that requires you to persevere?

Did you know that you are a person of faith, whether you think of yourself as “religious” or not? We all are actually.

We all adhere to a set of beliefs about reality that we cannot prove. And these beliefs impact our values, our ethics, and even our sense of purpose. They affect how we engage the world.

There are people with all kinds of beliefs that cannot be proven. There are people whose beliefs are greatly influenced by their friends. There are people whose beliefs change over time. There are people who have beliefs, but never stop to identify what they are or why they have them. 

I have a confession to make. I have been all of these people at one point or another. That is why I am so thankful that the first goal of a Lightglider is respect. We are all on a journey, and we want to respect each other no matter where we are on that journey. 

I want to tell you what happened to me that solidified my beliefs. 

Years ago at Lightglider Academy, Professor Watts said to me, “Marlon, how do you know that your life matters?” 

I had to think. “I’m not really sure Professor, but I know it does. My parents tell me I’m special all the time. I feel it in my heart. And I hear it here at Lightglider Academy. I mean, purpose is one of our core values.” 

Then the Professor asked me the question that changed my life. “But, Marlon, how do you know that it is true?” 

I didn’t have an answer, at least not one that was solid. “Ok, Professor, you got me. I guess I don’t really know why my life matters.”

Then I decided to challenge him. “But, Professor, do I have to have a reason?  Why can’t I just believe that my life is valuable because I feel it in my heart, and that be enough?”

The Professor looked at me with sadness in his eyes.  “Marlon, you can try to do that. Many people do. Your feelings are very important and you should listen to what they are trying to tell you. But, your feelings come and go. What will happen on the day that you begin to feel insignificant? What if that day turns into weeks or months?” 

“Professor,” I muttered, “are you saying that my life is insignificant?” 

“Absolutely not, Marlon!” There was no sadness in the Professor’s voice this time, rather a fiery passion. “You are valuable. You are loved. You are significant. You matter!”

I admit, it felt good to hear this from someone I admire so much, but I had to ask my new favorite question. “Professor, how do you know this to be true?”

Professor Watts smiled and said, “Easter.”

Now I was truly confused, but also curious. “Easter! I don’t understand. Are you talking about the holiday where we look for eggs?”

He laughed. “I am. It is also the holiday where we celebrate the most important event that ever happened --the resurrection of Jesus. If this happened, then your sense of value, purpose, and significance rests upon truth.”

Once again, I was confused. “Professor, I don’t understand. How does that event affect my sense of purpose? And, if it does, how can I know that it actually happened?”

And the Professor said to me, “Marlon, investigate Easter and you’ll see.”

I left my conversation with Professor Watts not knowing exactly what to do. I mean, how do I investigate an event that happened 2,000 years ago?  And how could it affect my sense of purpose?  The only thing I knew to do was to look at Jesus; what he did, what he said, and what others said about him. I went to the Lightglider Academy Library to begin my investigation.

And here are some of the things that I found out:‍

1. Jesus is one of the most influential people in the history of the world.‍

As I studied his influence on the last 2,000 years, I could not help but conclude that Jesus of Nazareth has had and continues to have a huge impact on the world. Yet, when he was crucified, he did not have but 100 or so followers. And many of these deserted him when he was arrested. ‍

2. Jesus made bold claims about himself and his role in the world.  ‍

Jesus claimed to be God and the Savior of the world. And he did it many times. Just look at a few of his quotes.

• “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

• “I and the Father are one.” John 10:30

• “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Claiming to be God is flat out crazy (unless it’s true). But, Jesus is the only person in history who claimed to be God AND has had a major impact on the world.‍

3. The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christianity. ‍

The claim that Jesus died on a cross and three days later was resurrected back to life is the event upon which Christianity rests. If it is true, it validates his teachings, his claim to be God, and his authority to call us to believe in him and receive eternal life.  If it is false, it is the most impactful hoax, whether intended or not, in all of human history. ‍

4. There is strong evidence that the resurrection of Jesus actually happened. ‍

Like any investigation, we have to look at the facts. The following events are considered knowable history by virtually all scholars:

• Jesus was a man who lived in the 1st century and claimed to be God, the promised Messiah.

• People who heard Jesus speak saw him do things that appeared to be miracles.

• Jesus convinced many of his disciples that he was God.

• Jesus died due to the rigors of Roman crucifixion and was buried.

• His death caused his disciples to despair and lose hope.

• Jesus was buried in a tomb that was discovered to be empty just a few days later.

• The disciples and others had overwhelmingly real experiences that they believed were literal appearances of the risen Jesus.

• Because of these experiences, the disciples were transformed from doubters afraid to identify themselves with Jesus to bold proclaimers of his death and resurrection.

• Many of these disciples were killed proclaiming their belief in the message of Jesus’ divinity, death, and resurrection.

As I looked at this evidence, I could not help but think about Jesus’ disciples. The very ones who deserted him at his death actually spent the rest of their lives proclaiming his resurrection. Many of them were even killed for it. Why would they do that if they did not see a risen Jesus? That doesn’t make any sense.‍

5. If the resurrection happened, then our lives are EXTREMELY valuable.

The death and resurrection of Jesus is evidence that my life is significant. Yours too. If the resurrection is true, then it is proof that I need a savior, that I need to be rescued from my sins. If God cared about me so much that he sent Jesus to die for me, then I am truly valuable. It cost God A LOT to love me. He paid for my life with the blood of Jesus. And the resurrection is the evidence that this story is true.

I am loved. My life is extremely valuable. This is something I need to remember whether I feel it or not. My feelings come and go, but the resurrection proves that I matter. This goes for you too!

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Happy Easter, everybody!  And thank you, Jesus!

APRIL 6 - APRIL 12

Easter

Happy Easter Week Lightgliders! 

In Lightglider Academy, we go on rescue missions into the Yonders every day. But at Easter, we are reminded of the greatest rescue mission of all time. Even before the world was created, God had a plan to rescue us from sin and brokenness. That plan was and is Jesus. At the cross, Jesus gave up His life knowing that only His blood could pay the penalty of our sins. And on Easter Sunday, God raised Jesus back to life. He is alive! This event is what Easter is all about. Let’s celebrate what He has done for us!

Glide On!

Nisha

Things to Do This Week:

• Play the BRAND NEW game, River Journey, and get on the leaderboard!

River Journey

• Watch the Sparks and Prayers on the FrontPage

Easter Spark

The Cross Spark

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 Easter Prayer

• Decorate the Easter Sticker Page and send it to a friend to brighten up their week!

Easter Sticker Page

• Hang out with other Lightgliders in the Academy this week. Look for a moderator every weekday at 5pm EST in the Courtyard! Check your time zones. 

• Use this week’s Mystery Code - EASTER - to receive a Gold Glider!

Things to Think About This Week: 

• Read Luke 24:1-7 in the Bible. Why is the resurrection so important?

• How does your family celebrate Easter?

• What miracle happened at Easter?

• Why is the cross so important?