LightGrams
June 4, 2026
Volume 30, Number 20
There’s something about a blanket fort that children just love. Haven’t heard of it? It’s a quick and simple “structure” made from a blanket tossed over chairs spread apart to form a tent. My wife was a master at building them when our grandsons were younger. These forts were small, just big enough for a young child to sit inside with an assortment of stuffed animals, but they were cozy and private. Only those invited to come in should dare stick their head inside!
A group of high school students recently designed and built a blanket fort that has been officially certified as the largest ever. Constructed recently in Las Vegas, Nevada, this fort is 14,103 square feet big. The requirements set by Guinness World Records mandate that there be ”no gaps larger than one inch, all sheets touch the ground, and the structure meet minimum height requirements to allow a person to sit comfortably inside.” An entire community in Clark County came together to make this happen, including high school students, community volunteers, and even a crane.
It wasn’t just about breaking a record, they state, but to bring awareness to foster and kinship families. The real focus is the children who are often neglected, left behind, and who generally miss out on the simple joys of childhood we often take for granted. But let’s remind ourselves that this fort was not a place to live; it’s a fort in name only, and it doesn’t provide real security.
Jesus taught a parable about two builders, one wise and the other foolish. They both had common goals: to provide a safe structure for their families. One, however, built on a rock while the other took an easier path and built on sand. When the wind and rains came (as they inevitably will), the foolish builder saw his structure fall (Matthew 7:24-27). His family had nothing sturdier than a blanket fort!
What did Jesus mean to communicate to us? “Whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24). Following the teachings of God produces a life that is sturdy; it will withstand the storms of life and provide safety for all those inside.
Solomon gave counsel to his son in Proverbs 3:1,2: “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.” And what was at the heart of Solomon’s teachings? “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10).
Paul urged Timothy to “continue in the things which you have learned” from childhood “which are able to make you wise for salvation” (2 Timothy 3:14,15). And what had he been taught? “The Holy Scriptures” (v. 15). By following God’s will, Timothy would live in a fort, not a blanket fort.
Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.
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Copyright, 2026, Timothy D. Hall. All scripture quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New King James Version (Copyright, 1990, Thomas Nelson, Inc.).
“LightGrams” is produced by the Central Church of Christ, 2722 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, Tennessee, 37601, and is written by Tim Hall, minister. It is sent free of charge every Thursday to all who request it. To subscribe or to receive more information, write to “Tim@GraceMine.org” (our E-mail address), to the U.S. mail address above, or call (423) 282-1571.
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