13 Oct, 2008

One after the other, the models strutted across the stage to bouncy '80s dance tunes, all showing off designs of the same article of clothing — adult diapers.

Japan has one of the world's most rapidly aging societies, and the fashion show Thursday proved the country's diaper producers are intent on keeping the elderly clean and dry.

"Diapers are something that people don't want to look at," said Kiyoko Hamada of the Aging Lifestyle Research Center, a leading organizer of the show.

"But if you make them attractive, then people can learn about them more easily," she said.

A survey by The Nikkei, Japan's leading business newspaper, showed sales of adult diapers have more than doubled over the past decade, reaching an estimated $500 million this year.

Speakers blared oldie hits such as "Relax" by Frankie Goes to Hollywood as models jaunted on the stage with diapers pulled on over black tights. (AP)


Article courtesy of www.foxnews.com, Sept. 25, 2008

Image courtesy of http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com, Sept. 25, 2008

Diapers and Dentures

Growing up in Christ

1 Corinthians 13:11

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. (NIV)

What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about growing up in Christ?

I don't know how much you remember about things you said or did as a child, but I did some pretty silly and stupid things! I was naive and inexperienced and my view of life and God were pretty limited. Since the day I prayed to receive Christ, 25 years ago, I've had to learn and challenge myself to grow - as the Apostle Paul says in this passage, I've had to "put childish ways behind me." Can you imagine if I was still sitting around putting peas in my nose and whining and complaining about eating my vegetables?! Spiritually, some of us are doing just that! We've refused to grow up in our faith and knowledge of God; we've refused to submit to Christ and allow Him to mold and shape us into mature, fruit-bearing Christ followers! The only time we open our Bibles is at church on Sunday, when our pastor spoon feeds us and sends us on our way . . . if we continue on this path, we will one day find ourselves to be 80 years old, strutting around with silly pride, modeling our dentures and diapers!

How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?

  • Ask yourself, "What are you doing today that is going to help you grow and mature in your relationship with Christ?"
  • Make a plan to spend time regularly in prayer and scripture and ask someone to hold you accountable to your plan.
  • Copy today's scripture passage on a note card and place it somewhere where you will see it daily. Use it as a reminder to strive every day to grow a little more in Christ.

How can we connect today's story, God's Story, and our story to others?

  • As you grow and mature in your relationship with Christ others will notice! When they see you acting in love rather than selfishness, and grace rather than revenge, they will see Christ at work within you and they may even ask you about it! Don't be afraid to give Him the credit and all the glory - let your friend know that it's only because of God's grace and love that you are able to love others in that way!
Comments

Ornament

The Daily Bide is brought to you by a team of writers from Youth for Christ/USA. The writers all have various years of experience in youth ministry but share a common bond in serving Jesus and discovering what it means to abide deeply everyday and to connect God's Story with those around them. A number of the Daily Bide writers have also written portions of our 3Story® resources. You can check out our resources at the 3Story.org website or connect with our writers at 3story@yfc.net. If you have a question or a story you would like to share, please reference the Daily Bide date in your email.

YFC works with young people on campus and in the community in over one hundred countries around the world so that they might have an opportunity to become a follower of Christ and be a part of a local church.