Honorable Vessels

A New Year

2010-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, My Friends,

What a glorious watchnight service we had. 2009 was a banner year with approximately 105 people receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit and over 60 baptized. But...2010 is here and good things are on the horizon. The church website at www.gpupc.org is up and we are working on completing it. You will see the yearly events posted shortly.

I would like to continue the ladies blog site this year. It proved to be overwhelming to have several guest bloggers each month. I would like to ask one person to guest blog at least once a week for the time frame of a month. Any volunteers for January?

I wanted to post some of my favorite pictures from 2009 which were included in the end of year slide show last evening.

Love to all and I'll see you on Sunday, if not before!

Sis. D.

More 2009

2010-01-01T08:25:00.001-08:00

More 2009

2010-01-01T08:21:00.001-08:00

More 2009

2010-01-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

More 2009

2010-01-01T08:15:00.001-08:00

2009 Continued

2010-01-01T08:08:00.001-08:00

More Pics of 2009

2010-01-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

More Pictures of 2009

2010-01-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

No Regrets

2009-10-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

Why is it, that when death comes to someone we love, some of us tend to have regrets of things we "didn't" take the time to do or say, with our loved one while they were alive?

We tend to start playing the "if" game.

"If" only "I" had come to see, visit, or shown this person that they really were worth my time instead of being busy doing ??????.

I, for one am guilty of that, sure I may think of them often, I'm always saying "oh,let me call so and so, ehh I'll call them after I finish this".
But do I ever make the time to call them, visit or even to reach out to them.

MAKE the time to "cherish, enjoy and value" whatever time you have on God's earth with those you Love, your husband, wife, mom, dad, son or daughter.

Tell them daily and show them that you love them and that you appreciate them.

God is awesome, God is good, very good - God is Love... take the time to let God know how much you love and appreciate Him as well.

"tomorrow is not promised"

I love you JESUS!!!!!!!

2009-10-22T06:17:00.000-07:00

Acts 14:17

Nevertheless he did not leave himself without witness, in that he did Good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons filling our hearts with food and gladness.

Life is good; sometimes we have to remind ourselves of that simple truth.
When the work of earning a living, raising a family, maintaining health and fitness, and managing relationships starts to overwhelm us, its good to think about how small our part in the universe really is. While we worry about our families and we preoccupy ourselves over our work, God quietly does His.

He keeps the earth rotating, the planets revolving, and the seasons changing. Without any help from us, He makes the sun rise every morning and set every evening. Everynight He tucks us in and changes the patterns of lights in the sky. He turns out the light so we can sleep, and turns it on again so we can see, work and play. Without lifting a finger we get to enjoy sunrises and sunsets. Our lawns get watered from heaven. Every year the season's change on schedule.

We don't need to pray about it or tell God that its time to send spring. All that He does should remind that "Life is Good" because "God is good", and He will always be there for us; all we have to do is call or reach out for Him. I'am so sure that He loves to hear from us, when we talk to Him be it through prayers or just carrying on a conversations as we do with our loved one's and friends.

Life will sometimes be difficult,painful and for now imperfect. Still it is good, for in all these things nothing can seperate me from God's lavish expressions of Love!
I Love my Lord with all my being and HE is my all. He will never deceive me. I walk with Him, I talk with Him and I know that if I'am an obedient servant, He will give me my heart's desire.

Sis Amy

Holiday Baking

2009-10-21T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, All,

As we get close to the holidays, I thought it might be fun to post favorite recipes. These are great for family, friends, and fundraising! :) I hear tonight the menu is meatloaf. Yum. Looking forward to the youth revival.

Peanut Butter Fudge

4 cups sugar
2 cups milk
1/4 stick oleo
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 large jar marshmallow cream.
Boil sugar, milk and oleo to soft ball stage, full rolling boil, stirring constantly, at least 10 minutes on medium heat. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients, and beat till blended. Pour into buttered 9 X 13" pan.

Love to all,
Sis. D.

God's blessing in disguise...

2009-10-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

1 Peter 1:3-9
3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.
4 whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakes of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
6 and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;
7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins

I really want to take this moment to thank God for allowing circumstances that at the time I didn't understand, to happen in my life. I was feeling so tired, tired and tired all the time. My mornings consisted of ironing and getting my husband out the door then getting my kids ready along with myself and running out the door! My mind was constantly saying along with my mouth...gotta hurry, gotta hurry!I was constantly rushing from the moment I woke up til it was time to go to sleep. And was I cranky all the time, sometimes more than usual. I also felt like I wasn't giving as much as I could of myself to my husband, my children, my church, church choir and most of all my job as a Sunday school teacher.

About the middle of August I was told that our place of employment was shutting down. I was happy but sad and eventually realized regardless of how I was feeling this was going to happen. It took about a month for us to shut it down completely and at first I was lost, I didn't know what I was to do with myself. Now a month after being laid off I can see some of what God had and has in store for me. I'm learning to trust and listen not with me flesh ears but my spiritual ears.

Now I'm not at my best, but I thank the good Lord above for giving me the break I was really needing so that I can do my most, my best for Him and what He has planned for me. HIS will not mine! HIS time not mine...I praise you Jesus!!!!!

Sis Jovita

Galatians 2:19-20

2009-10-15T07:02:00.000-07:00

For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.

A lot of times we as sinners's run and keep running because we cannot forgive ourselves, and tend to forget the stripes that Jesus Christ took for us and how he suffered on "that wooden cross" for us. Jesus always forgives us because He loves us unconditionally no matter what we do.

I was in the world for quite a while and although I knew I was not living right, I always felt like I was "not" ready; I was too busy living my life, a life without meaning, a life with an on going maze, just a jumble of a mess. I kept running like a hamster on a wheel, getting nowhere fast. I was raised in church and I was a believer, but like the old cliche goes and most seem to think, the "grass is greener" on the other side. It took quite alot of bad choices and hitting rock bottom that I finally realized that a life without God, is No life at all.

I didn't realize that going to church was more than listening to the preaching, reading the bible, worship and praise, until a young man named David crossed my path. He asked me if I had ever had a personal relationship with Jesus. I answered "I guess not, what do you mean?". He went on to tell me how "in love" he was with Jesus and how Jesus was everything to him. At the time I was still out in the world (back sliding) and I did not want to hear anything about going to church, but from the day my friend had talked to me about having a relationship with Jesus a day did not go by that I wasn't thinking about having a relationship with Jesus.
I came back home to church and I finally experienced the relationship with Jesus that my friend had talked to me about. If it had not been for that relationship with my sweet Jesus I would not have been able to overcome all the pain and hurt that came with my 17 year old son's death. A lot of the times it takes a tragedy to bring us back to the Lord as it happened to me. My Lord Jesus was always there for me to run into His loving arms. I thank my sweet Jesus for His undying love, for His patience and for never abandoning me or my family. I love my Jesus so very much because He wakes me up in the morning and He tucks me in at night. He reminds me through the day of His love for me. When I get called home, if I can leave anything for my children it would be a legacy of "living a happy life for God, my Lord and Savior" who is, was and always will be the same.

Sis Amy

Cupcake Wednesday

2009-10-14T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hello, All,

On Wednesday's this month, I thought I might share some cupcake recipes. Those of you who know me well know that I LOVE to collect recipes. Hope you enjoy and love to all...Sis. D.

Candy Bar Cupcakes

Ingredients
1 cup sugar
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

FILLING:
6 ounces fat-free cream cheese
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
1 egg
2 Snickers candy bars (2.07 ounces each), finely chopped

FROSTING:
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons fat-free milk
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

Directions
In a large bowl, beat the sugar, buttermilk, oil and vanilla until well blended. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into sugar mixture until blended.
For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg; mix well. Stir in the candy bars.
Fill 18 paper-lined muffin cups one-third full with batter. Drop filling by tablespoonfuls into the center of each (cups will be about half full). Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the filling comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar. Bring to a boil; cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat; stir in the milk, then confectioners' sugar. Cool until frosting reaches spreading consistency. Frost cupcakes. Yield: 1-1/2 dozen.

Banana Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Ingredients
1 package (14 ounces) banana quick bread and muffin mix
3/4 cup water
1/3 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1 tablespoon shortening

Directions
In a large bowl, combine the muffin mix, water, sour cream and egg; stir just until moistened. Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
Fill greased or paper-lined miniature muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 375° for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
For frosting, in a small microwave-safe bowl, melt shortening and remaining chocolate chips; stir until smooth. Frost cupcakes. Yield: 3-1/2 dozen.

"Thanks" for my Church Home and Church Family

2009-10-12T20:34:00.000-07:00

Psalm 100: 4 & 5
Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting And His truth endures to all generations.

Well, let me first say hello and apologize for blogging so late. I've never been a blogger so please bear with me. It's going to be short and I pray sweet..Monday blogging is for Home and Family.

I'm thankful that I serve a forgiving and merciful God, whose grace is made new every day.

I thank Jesus for finding me "worth" the price.

Thank you Lord for blessing me with a the husband who will soon be in church with us. Thank you Lord for all my Kids.
Thank you Lord for blessing me with a "lay off".
Thank you Lord for the great Church family I get to spend time with. The Church I have the privlege to call my church home.
I'm just really thankful..... love ya'll

Happy October!

2009-10-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Hello, All,

October is here and I'm off to a slow start. First of all, I will be hitting up several of you to blog at tonight's service. It would be awesome if we had some volunteers before then. :) Remember that we begin serving dinner tonight at 6:30. I believe the menu is ENCHILADAS!

Sunday night was just an incredible service. I love it when we wear out two drummers.

The fall has good things in store for our church...Youth Revival, Youth/Young Adult Fall Social, Revival for the church, Block Party, Thanksgiving Feast, Leadership Retreat, and on and on...

We are wrapping up Secret Sisters. Ok, 'fess up...who is my wonderful pal?

Sunday School is a happening place these days. This month we anticipate all of the classes moving to new rooms to have more space. The youth area is finished and looking great. Outreach is really going well. The group last weekend was really, really excited about some of the things that happened.

I want to say that I am so thankful for all of you. What a beautiful family that we have in Grand Prairie and what heart you have for ministry. I hope you have a beautiful day.

Love to all,
Sis. D.

devotion

2009-09-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Jesus wants us to devote ourselves for his purpose.He says be like a child and you will enter the kingdom of heaven. A child listens and wants to learn how to be pleasing to their parents.To take their advice and mature from it. He also says he is no willing to let any of his sheep go astray. He's happier every time one of us make our way back to him.I love that he takes such joy in our well being. He also says give up everything for me and you will have treasure in the kingdom of god.Well Ill say i want all that and i love god and want to please my father who loves me.God deserves a lot from me.So I want to bring his sheep back to him. I'm trying to reach out to my generation.I know how happy he'll be when my tasks of winning souls comes to pass.I want my time to come, but for now I want to grow and advance my skills. I know my family and friends will be there praising one day. I claim it. I'm glad every time I reach someone with my testimony. I know it plants a seed and I want to be there to see that seed start to grow.Amen Amen I know god brought me back because I can still fulfill his purpose and I want to reach my goal!!!

back in time

2009-09-24T20:15:00.001-07:00

Sorry I am doing this so late. I was helping the ladies make peanut brittle. That was fun. Sis Lety Galviz was suprised on how crazy it gets when all these pentecostal ladies get together. Tonight I want to say that I am very thankful with what the Lord is doing in the church. I'm excited for the young people and all the kids that are attending on wednesdays.
I was thinking on a question that Vanessa asked me the other day. She asked "mom, don't you wish that we could go back in time before Papi broke his arm and was working?" I answered "yes, but we can't can we". Lots of time we all have wish that could happen, especially when bad situations happen in our lives. Many of us have done that we are not proud of, maybe when we were young and in school or we have said some things we should not have said. Sure I would want to go back in time before my husbands accident or when Victoria totalled my van. But we must keep trusting in the Lord and really believe that God is in control and that everything happens for a reason. Our main goal is to forget about what could of been or what should of happened and just do what God wants us to do now and in the future. We just have keep busy doing God's work and try and win some souls. Don't ever doubt God or His love for you.

Sis Nydia

devotion

2009-09-22T12:11:00.000-07:00

I'm devoted to restoring my family.The one thing that means so much mo me in this life. I'm determined to see it come to pass. The things that has happened to me when i was young make me want to fight that much harder. Ive been through things that no one else knows about but god! As a child growing up Ive endured a lot of emotional suffering.Been hurt by people Ive trusted and loved.I believe that god has brought me back to fight and i know he wants to give it back to me. To turn every bad memory around. I cant wait to see my miracle to come to pass. I believe that there's something great instore for my family. Our past has effected us a lot and no one will ever understand for feel the way we do. I believe it will make me a stronger person though! Even though I have a lot of tears i know it will turn to joy!! Gods up to something! I guess i have to wait and see. I promise i wont give up! amen!amen! I'm glad that my past has given me a deeper drive and meaning to devoting myself to god! I'm glad that some have never been the places i have or felt the pain i have. I believe that i can break the cycle.By keeping it from happening to my family i have now. Everything happens for a reason even though it has been bad good has come from it too.I'm glad that god is watching over me and no one will ever hurt me in those ways again. I love how my little sister always says,"Don't you know were protected!"I believe it! thank you lord you are awesome!!

My Heart Today

2009-09-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

My heart today is breaking....

As I shared with some of you last week, we have a situation in our school district where two of our students lost their mother. It is an extremely sad situation and we are working with the students to try to meet their needs. In talking this morning, we found out that they are completely out of food. These are good kids who keep getting up everyday and coming to school, doing homework, and trying to maintain a normal life. One is a high school senior and is trying to take care of his little sister, a 9th grader. We are heading to a food bank today to get food but just thinking of these kids and the normal needs of my kids is causing me to stop and wonder how we can minister. I'm sure they are without daily personal items, gas, supplies for school, etc. We are making a long-range plan and helping the young man get a part-time job. However, today there are two kids trying to do the best they can in a big, lonely world. Can you help? If so, see me at church. It doesn't have to be immediate but if you can help, I will make sure these kids get what they need.

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.
32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.
35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?
38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,
43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'

44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'

45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'

I love you, my family! Sis. D.

Families.

2009-09-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

The topic for mondays are "Family and Home". Not that I think the topic is bad....it is just broad. I can go any directions I want, but most times, I get stumped. So here goes another attempt to keep your reading attention with boring stories, anectdotes and general questions....

I start this blog with this question.....how much "family time" do you spend with your immediate family?

Some people are so busy with the hustle and bustle of life, church activities, school, and cleaning that they don't spend quality time with each other.

I challange you to this....

Spend at least one evening at home together as a family. And do things together that does not require anything but good ol' time spent. Do not use the time spent as a reward, or a punishment, just use it to build your family.
Here are some ideas.....

Visit the zoo
Find out about your area's community center and/or park activities.
Wash the dog. (A neighbor's dog if you don't have one!)
Have a family slumber party.
Build a fort.
Get out the the family photo album.
Research your family history.
Play stickball.
Play hopscotch.
Play games
Clean the house together (Have a pick-up party.)
Make up a play. Take it to a nursing home.
Fly kites.
Go on a family trip/historical excursion.
Did it snow? Go sledding and make a snowman.
Make a collage out of pictures from old magazines.
Set up a lemonade stand on a warm day.
Shoot hoops together. Play H.O.R.S.E.
Draw pictures of members of your family.
Make a family calander
Tell stories around a campfire. (Or at the barbecue?)
Organize a game of capture the flag.
Make miniature boats and float them in some water.
Write letters to grandparents
Play freeze-tag.
Play broom ball.
Go for a hike.
Go for a bike ride together.
Go get ice cream and walk around the park.
Learn to play the guitar together.
Listen to classical music, lights off, lying on the floor, and take turns saying what it sounds like.
Attend community concerts or listen to a local band.
Organize a community clean-up.
Visit the library.
Go ice skating or roller skating.
Paint a picture, a mural or a room.
Learn how to use a compass.
Plant a tree or some flowers.
Learn the metric system.
Learn sign language.
Learn the Morse code.
Go swimming.
Go bird watching.
Walk the dog. (A neighbor's dog if you don't have one!)
Visit the countryside.
Visit the City. (Maybe on a bus?)
Pick berries/fruit together
Bake cookies or bread.
Make homemade jam.
Take treats to neighbors or friends.
Plant a garden.
Join a family choir.
Start a family journal.
Go to a museum.
Take a nature hike trail.
Play cards.
Start a family exercise group.
Sing (in the car).
Visit a local bookstore or library.
Make crafts together. Give them away.
Make Christmas ornaments together.
Write a story together.
Put a sleeping bag out in the back yard and watch the night sky through binoculars.
Go fishing.
Play touch football

Lite Classic Pecan Pie

2009-09-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon everyone. Next week will be the first official day of Fall. So we need to get into the baking mode. So I have given ya'll a recipe for a Lite Classic Pecan Pie. Hope you all enjoy!

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

* 1 cup Karo® Lite Syrup*
* 3 eggs
* 1 cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1 teaspoon Spice Islands® Pure Vanilla Extract
* 1 1/2 cups pecans
* 1 unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie crust

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DIRECTIONS

1. Mix syrup, eggs, sugar, butter and vanilla using a spoon. Stir in pecans.
2. Pour into pie crust.
3. Bake at 350 degrees F on center rack of oven for 60-70 minutes.
4. Cool for 2 hours before serving.

* Karo® Light or Dark Corn Syrup can also be used in place of Karo® Lite Syrup.

TIPS: Pie is done when center reaches 200 degrees F. Tap center surface of pie lightly – it should spring back when done. For easy clean up, spray pie pan with cooking spray. If pie crust is over browning, cover edges with foil.
*
High Altitude Adjustments: Reduce sugar to 2/3 cup and increase butter to 3 tablespoons. Reduce oven temperature to 325 degrees F.

devotion

2009-09-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

In my devotion I have to change my ways.The way I talk and dress and also the things I do. I'm glad because I have a little girl who looks up to me. She imitates the things I do.Shes very curious of the way Ive changed already. She watches me pray,sing and read the word.Samara says," I'm so proud of you mom!" In her eyes I'm succeeding already.I love that! I want to be a good mother and role model for her.One day my daughter had fever blisters in her mouth. She cried for a couple days I tried putting salt and peroxide in her mouth nothing worked.I told her "lets pray well do it together."We got on our knees and prayed the next day they were gone. She was so happy she said " IT WORKED!" I love you Jesus!Now when i read the bible she wants to also.She wants to learn so I'm teaching her bible verses. I'm so happy she has already memorized one! I want to teach her the best way of life. So in the future she know better than I did. She wont end up the places I did or around the kind of people I was around.She always complains that she scared at night and of monsters. So I'm teaching her the armor of god! In Ephesians 6:14 it says stand firm with then, with the belt of truth buckled at your waist,with the breastplate of righteousness in place,and with your feet fitted with readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this take up the shield of faith,with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit,which is the word of god. She gets the concept of it that she can fight all the things that scare her with the armor of god! She puts it on when shes scared.It gives her confidence this is her favorite thing Ive taught her.This still helps me to this day!!I'm glad she wants to be like me!! She tells me I want to find a friend like you mom! Shes changed to now shes a little more girly. She was a big tomboy before we came to church and now shes wants dresses. Shes a little more friendly too!Our devotion is changing us for the better!!

Memories..

2009-09-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

How do you document family traditions, memories, activities?

There are many ways for you to keep a journal of your family's memoires.

Basic Photo album:
This give you the opertunity to place the pictures quickly and as you go about life. Problem is, that typically there is no room to write a caption, or special thought that might go with the reason you snapped the picture anyways. The good thing about this method is that it is basically no fuss, nothing special to buy, except the pictures. It is just a hard time to remember to take the picture of the memory stick.....geez.

Scrapbook:
A scrapbook used to be where you could place things in a book to keep such as an article clipped from the paper, an award won, etc.
Now-a-days, they have gotten more complexed. A fancy suped up photoalbum, where you are able to write stories, memories, details of an event, as well as keep the "scraps" also. This can tend to be overwhelming, if you are a late scrapper. Keeping up with pictures is hard to do when there are so many events in a year. There is also the need for acid free papers, cool scissors and all sorts of other doodles and daddles of things you can buy to make your book fancy. But the end result is typically a fun family book that you can be proud of, and want to look at often.

Online photostorage:
I have heard of a few people using programs online such as flcker, photobucket and picasa as their families picture storage. This lends itself to an easier way of sharing your pictures with family and friends online.

Blogs:
This is more like an online journal. But there are templates and gadgets that you can add to your blog that keep family and friends updated on your life. It is as real-time as you want it to be (depends on how often you update it) You can add just text, or pictures if you want.

Cardboard box of pictures:
This is what my mom had.....you know...sort of like the sock basket.....it is where every picture ever taken is dumped...I don't like this way! ha ha.

I have done one of each at one point in life.....if at any time you want more information on any of these, get with me and we can chit chat about it...

Hair Updos For Church

2009-09-11T06:02:00.000-07:00

Last night I was on you tube trying to find something quick and simple to do with my hair. We all know most of us ladies have kids so we don't have much time on Sunday mornings to do our hair. I know I don't! :0) Well here are some videos on how to do the do. On the first two videos there is some music playing in the background just turn your volume down please.

This hair style is very elegant and beautiful!

I love this one I really need to try it. Maybe this Sunday, you never know!

Just a few bobby pins, hair spray and your on your way. Alright everybody just one more!

It is very possible to do something to your hair even if it is forever long! These are just a few styles that I thought were very nice for Sunday morning or even Wednesday night. I can't wait for my hair to be like hers. I love it! This is our GLORY ladies. Well everybody I hope ya'll have a good weekend talk atcha next week!

Love Sis. Jessi :0)

2009-09-10T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hope all is well with everyone. With the kids going back to school I know that life becomes a little hectic with getting them ready, feeding breakfast, going to work, helping with homework and all the other hosework duties. Sometimes we get overwhelmed with all these things. There are times in our lives when we feel exhausted, frustrated, and wanting to just scream at the top of our heads. I know I do sometimes. Like the Bible says our help is in you Lord. I want to talk a little about our lost loved ones. After the message Bro. Duvall preaches Sunday morning about the prodigal son I was thinking about all those who have left the church to like he said "try to find something better out in the world". I text my brother after church and said "I wish you would just come back to church, I miss you". I really don't understand why someone would turn their back on God after all He has done for us and after feeling his mighty prescence. When another brother of mine had left the church, sometimes I was mean when I spoke to him thinking that would make him understand until my pastors' wife told me you are not going anywhere with being mean, so I stopped. I just tried to encourage him and it took some years of fasting and praying but eventually he came back. Most of the time a person leaves the church at a younger age and it usually because of friends that that person begins to associate with.. I want to say to all mothers we must be careful at all times who our kids associate with, especially teenagers.
Going back to my other brother, after the text he said "I don't think I will be back, because I don't agree with all the holiness standard" My heart sad for him, because he has lots of talents that could be used for the Lord. I began to think about his statement. The Bible says "Be ye Holy for I am Holy" how plain could that be for us. I know he was talking about wearing shorts because he likes to play sports. The way I look at it is that Holiness is just a small price to pay to make it to heaven. Whatever it takes to make it home, I'll do it. If it takes wearing skirts all the time, if it takes not cutting one's hair, if it takes not wearing jewelery or make up I'll do it. I will not let anything stop me from getting my crown and seeing Jesus. NOTHING IS GOING TO STOP ME FROM GETTING THERE. I would rather be safe than sorry and not make it to heaven for pettiness. Our main goal in life is to please God in every way. AT THE END, IT WILL ALL BE WORTH IT.

So if you have a lost love one have mercy on them and just keep praying that the Lord somehow touch their heart before His coming.

NYDIA

devotion

2009-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Devotion has its steps. Devoting yourself to Christ is more than just devoting yourself on Sunday! Its devoting yourself back everyday. It says in John 15:7 "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you." Jesus tells us this because we will fight everyday against the enemy. He doesn't want us to have eternal life. He wants us to fail and fall back. Jesus already knows what is to come so i love that he warns us to just remain in him. To pray everyday and grow from reading the word. The knowledge we have will prepare us for the fight to come. The bible gives us the tools to fight. You can never undo the knowledge you put in yourself. In John 16:33 "I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world!!" I love this verse because it gives us confidence that there's nothing god cant bring us through! I like the saying what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger!! So true every fight we make it through makes us that much stronger to have confidence that he will bring us through the next! The spirit gives life and our flesh counts for nothing! Keeping myself in the word helps me when i face those people who know who i was and what i use to do. When they ask me to smoke with them that it will be OK Jesus will forgive me. I love that the more i read the more i know better and I grow more fear of god that I know he watching and that nothings worth me giving in.Like it also says in Mark 8:36 "What good is it for a man to gain the world and forfeit his soul." Nothing I have in this life will leave with me. So i put pride in me knowing the word. The words I stain my heart with I will take and god can see. This world is a matter of who you will give your soul to.A god who wants to give you life love and peace. Or the devil who wants you to die and burn in eternal hell. It your choice who will you serve? I'm glad Jesus never reminds me of who i was but who i can now become.Those people cant break me down because I KNOW WHO I AM!! I'VE COME THIS FAR AND I WONT TURN BACK!!It feels so much better this way i love you Jesus!!

Monday chat with Layla.

2009-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, it is me again. Your good ol' forgetful blogger friend Layla.

At last weeks ladies meeting after evening church, from across the room, Sister Duvall talked me into blogging again. Thanks for that. Maybe this is the motivation I need to pick my own personal blog back up...I have been slacking in that.

Family and Home is supposed to be the Monday topic. So, good luck to you readers, because I have a messy home and a crazy family....so I am not sure how enlightened you will be for this next month.

I am an advocate for music in the home. Every day I watch two babies and all day, as I go about my day, I either have "toddler tunes" or "Light Classical" playing. I find that music not only helps me with the kids, but it helps my piece of mind...well I say that, but I do admit the toddler tunes are for the babies, not me, I could do without hearing the rubber ducky song a million times a day...ha ha.
But with the music, when I have it on classical and Aaron and Alyssa are home, I find that they do not fight as much. They are more focused, and dare I say more attentive and thorough. I don't have to repeat my directions to them as much, and they are likely found reading, being creative with art, or wanting to do activities that require the use of their minds rather than the braincell sucking video games.
I would love to say they are learning Mozart, Chopin and all the other great composers, but their desire to work I think stems from their distaste for the music choice, but the soothing rhythms are what contribute to the peace in the home.
And with the babies, they get to hear educational songs that showcase ideas like abc's, nursery rhymes, etc.....

Now I am not saying that classical and toddler tunes are for everyone....but I do think that if we all incorporate a little more music into our children's lives, not only do they benefit from the words of the songs, melody, etc....but it could in fact help them in their walk with God.

I blogged here before about my favorite song/poem. Well that was one of many hymns I learned as a youth (among my favorite, Count your Many Blessings, How Great Thou Art) and that is one of many songs that come to mind when I am in situations that cause me to have to make critical choices for my spirit.

When I first came to Church with Jason, and alter call seemed crazy weird and albeit a bit uncomfortable for me, I used my favorite hymns to help me focus on Christ, rather than trying to figure you guys out. I would sit at my pew, not knowing or understanding worship, bent over trying to pray in different ways than I was used to, trying to put words into my mouth that even remotely sounded like praise, I didn't know how, so I would sing.
"When upon life's billows your tempest tossed, when you are discouraged thinking all is lost, count your many blessing name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done."
So I sang that song out loud, then I would heed it's directions, and start to name all the blessings in my life, which led to me then thanking Christ for those blessing, which then led to me praising.
I learned to praise through music.
I learned to lift Christ up through music.
I am touched to the core by hearing other's testimonies through the lyrics they write.

Another example of how music has helped me,

When at ladies conference, before service one afternoon, the bookstore lady got up and showcased a cd that was for sale. AS. SOON. AS. I. HEARD. IT. I knew I had to have it. I couldn't stop thinking about it, when service was over, i went right over and bought it. I would listen to that song I heard in the preview over and over again. I got home, Jason loved the cd, and started playing it at church as the prelude music. And then that unforgettable night, at the Kennons farewell, they were testing the sound in the sanctuary, and they blasted my song. I had a plateful of food, and heard them testing the speakers....I asked them to restart the song, because it was already half way through, I put my full plate down, walked into the sanctuary and joined the other two people in there and started praying, and praising....next thing I know, I look up and there were a roomful of people in there praising... now I am not saying I was the reason that happened, I am just trying to show how my desire for music, and the Spirit, led me to buy the cd.....and now everyone hears that song and it brings the desire of that night back into our minds and hearts

And you never know when your child will be in a situation, and a song they learned in Sunday School (or during service, or choir) will pop into their minds and keep them from making a bad choice, or help them learn to do good. Play good music for you and your family and it will benefit them more than your eyes can see. That is a promise.

Enjoy!

God Is Wonderful, He Is Alive and On The Move

2009-09-04T06:22:00.000-07:00

Good morning everyone! I hope you all had a great week! I know I have! The power of God has been moving all around. I think it's in the water or something! = ) Well everyone I have to tell you about a young lady that I met about 3 weeks ago. Her name is Rosa Rodriguez. She has a 2 1/2 year old boy and has been facing some troubles in her life lately. One night we were just hanging out at my mother-in-law's house and she happened to be there with her boyfriend, Carlos, working on his car. We all went to the back to sit down and we started talking about Jesus our wonderful savior. She was claiming to be Catholic. Which was not a problem to me. I was just telling her about our Lord and how great he has been moving at our church. We got to the speaking in tongues and it kinda threw her off a bit. She said she went to church but never heard about that. We explained it to her and about everything that God can do in her life. We talked for a while. At the end before we were leaving I invited her to church and she was so excited to say yes. You could tell she was hungry for more. I woke up the next morning not knowing what to expect when I called her. But she was bright eyed and bushy-tailed ready to go! We got to church on a Sunday morning. It was a little unusual for her all the singing and worshiping. I had to explain what was going on. She then understood a little. Our Pastor spoke a wonder sermon as usual. She said that the sermon was speaking right to her. I told her that God knew she was gonna be here before she had even decided to. She had wanted to cry but was holding back. I said if you feel the need to cry you cry. Well the service was over and we all went to eat. As us Pentecostals always do. = ) Her boyfriend happened to come along. We tried inviting him to church but he was a little skeptical about it. He went that night. Well to make a longer story short she has been coming faithfully for about three weeks. This past Wednesday service we had an evangelist come and speak, Bro. Sam Emory. He is an awesome preacher. The service was about God is always there whether the times are rough or times are great we just have to seek him cause he is always on the move. The whole time the services was going on she was clapping and worshiping just like us. At the end of service he asked everyone who as never gotten the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues to come down to the altar. She paused and looked at me and I told her to go. She went and the spirit of God rained on her. She was speaking in tongues. This is the wonderful gift that God has for everyone just waiting for them to seek him. After the whole service was over she was glowing. She said that her burdens have been lifted off of her. She felt so great and happy ready to receive more. Since that day we have seen each other everyday and she is still glowing with the presence of God. She is trying to live her life serving our mighty, powerful and merciful Creator. She can't stop talking about what has happened to her. Everyone God has a new cup of mercy waiting for us everyday even if we fail don't give up keeping going. God never wants us to give up. When the going gets rough turn to him and he will always be there. Bro. Emory said if you don't have a father here on earth, you always have a father up in heaven. Well everyone just keep my friend in your prayers so her walk with God will get even stronger. Thank you everyone for reading this. I hope it has gave you as much joy that it has given me. God is just waiting for us, he is always around. Hope everyone will have a blessed weekend in Jesus name.

Puerto Rican Tacos

2009-09-02T08:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone! Hope everyone is having a blessed day! I am about to tell you how to make Puerto Rican Tacos. I hope everyone will enjoy this recipe. = )

Your Ingredients:
~ Toothpicks
~ Seasonings ( Garlic, Salt and One Tomato Bouillon Cube)
~ Oil
~ Flour Tortillas
~ One can of peas
~ One potato
~ One pack of hamburger meat (est. @ 2.5 lbs.)
~ Lettuce
~ Cheese
~ Avocados
~ Chili
~ Sour Cream
~ Onions
~ Tomatoes
~ And whatever else you can think of to put in your tacos!

First you cook your meat in a deep pan. While your meat is cooking get your potato and dice it up in to little pieces. When the meat is done, rinse it with hot water. Put it back in the pan. Add you potatoes and your can of green peas in your meat. Add a small amount of oil so you can fry it just a bit. Season your meat with garlic, salt, and one tomato bouillon cube. Warm up you flour tortillas in the microwave for a minute so they will get soft. (Not to long because they will get hard.) Get your flour tortillas add your meat. Fold the tortillas in half. Then put your toothpick on the outer edge of your tortillas so your meat will not fall out. After that you are going to fry them until crunchy. (Not burnt.) Take out the toothpicks and add your toppings. Eat and Enjoy!
Love You All,
Sis. Isela

devotion

2009-09-01T09:22:00.000-07:00

My devotion to god is the wisest choice I've ever made in my life.Before I came back to church I felt like the world was breaking me down. Like everything that could go wrong went wrong.I was suffocating in pain like I was running on my last breaths. The group i was in was lost and now face prison or death.The day I decided to devote my life back to Christ was the best day of my life!!!I felt like i was really born again.I love going too my church its my sacred place.His spirit is so strong. I can feel him hovering over me.Just the kind of love I'd been searching for.See god gives you good things when you seek him.When you just close your eyes and speak from the heart.I don't have that sickness in my body or the need to smoke anymore.I don't feel empty and alone.The devil had my eyes blinded and my ears locked to god.I didn't know he was always there.He saw everything I was going through,but he couldn't help me if I hadn't asked.When I did he gave my sight back I know where I need to be.I can hear his voice saying,"Don't look back I have better things ahead." Breathing life back into me.In Genesis 28:15 god says" I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." He's my deliverer he's taken so much off of me. Isn't this the kind of love everyone searches for? He just gives and takes away!! All you have to do is devote your time to him and dwell on his name.His works are amazing,he's always watching and waiting for your cry out to him. I know that in good time my devotion will pay off and soon I will be free. Free to enter the promise land and free to fly into the arms of my maker.Ill tell you this he's worth changing for.You'll never forget the day you decide to devote your time to him! I don't!!!!

Memorizing the Bible A to Z

2009-08-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

Good morning to all!

What a beautiful atmosphere there was in service last evening. The "sweetness" of God was so refreshing. We had a great ladies meeting afterward and then a meeting for Bible Quizzing. It looks like we will have beginner, junior, and intermediate teams this year! How exciting. Also, I can't wait for the festivities of next Sunday and the "Heels in the Kitchen" party tomorrow night. Let's all keep Nikki and little one in our prayers. They are inducing labor tomorrow.

One of my burdens lately has been our children and how to build a desire to memorize scriptures and become familiar with the Bible. It is the staying power of our spiritual life. In my daily devotional, James Dobson wrote "I'm suggesting that we stop and consider the brevity of our years on earth, perhaps finding new movitation to preserve the values that will endure." I Chronicles 29:15 states "For we are here for but a moment, strangers in the land; our days on earth are like a shadow, gone so soon, without a trace." How caught up with get with this earth. If we could just stop and shake ourselves and remind ourselves that we are here to prepare for the life to come. Truly, the things of this world will pass away.

I ran across this idea for helping your kids memorize scriptures. Perhaps you might want to try it, also. Use the ABC's and in 26 days, memorize 26 scriptures. Ready? Let's go...

A

Proverbs 7:2 Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.

B

Psalms 4:4 Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.

C

Galatians 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

D

John 10:9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

E

Psalms 8:9 O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

F

Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

G

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

H

Psalms 42:1 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

I

Psalms 32:8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

J

Psalms 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

K

Revelation 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

L

1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

M

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

N

Romans 15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.

O

Proverbs 15:17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.

P

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

Q

Psalms 105:40 The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven.

R

Job 37:6 For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth; likewise to the small rain, and to the great rain of his strength.

S

Psalms 93:4 The LORD on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of the sea.

T

Psalms 34:13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

U

Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

V
Psalms 23:4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

W

Psalms 86:11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.

X
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Y

Matthew 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Z

Psalms 119:139 My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words.

Love to all...

Sis. D.

" In the Spotlight "

2009-08-27T21:44:00.000-07:00

Joan Margaret (Martin) Cathey

Born on June 17, 1938 in McKinney, Texas to John and Alta Morris. She moved to Howe, Texas when she was 5 years old and that is where she went to school and grew up. She has 6 siblings 2 brothers and 4 sisters. She is the "baby" girl of the family but has a younger brother. She graduated High School after 13 years (she failed the first grade and began her working days). She worked at the cotton mill in Sherman, Texas where she met the man of her life.. Randy Martin. She just knew there was something different about him, he had the Holy Ghost and she wasn't raised in church. On her first date they went to a youth service and she was in amazement as the young people worshipped. She was not use to that.

She was married almost 23 years. The Lord blessed their home with 2 daughters.. Margaret Gail and Rebecca Kay. The Lord took her husband on to glory in 1982. Sis. Joan says that God has been good to her after his passing. He has supplied all of her needs and she knows he will not fail her now. During the later part of Randy's sickness the Lord gave them Rodney. He is a miracle which is another story. The Lord knew they couldn't handle 2 deaths so He took Randy and left her Rodney which is a blessing. In so many ways he is like his grandpa. Her youngest daughter Rebecca, has a daughter named Tiffany and a son named Joshua... they now live in Mississippi.

She moved to the Dallas area and just like the Lord she was put in contact with the Kegley family. In fact she moved right next door to them and the "kids" came over almost every evening. She received the Holy Ghost after they moved to Irving, she had been baptized already in Sherman. They raised their 2 girls in the UPC church in Irving. She later moved to Grand Prairie in 2001. She had looked at another church but just knew in her heart Grand Prairie was the place she would finally be.

" Childhood Memory "

Sis. Joan has lots of childhood memories... and would like to share one with us. It was winter time and the little creek, that ran by the farm was frozen over. They were skating and somehow she cut her leg... Her sister Venita set her on the bridge and put her headscarf around her leg and she had to sit there until they were done skating. They knew if she went to the house mama would make all of them come home. She had a loving home with parents who knew how to pray and as a family they did.

A little message from Sis. Joan:

" I love all of the people here and guess you are "stuck" with me until either I move back to Howe or the Lord takes me home. Thanks for letting me be a part of the church family and if I can ever do anything for anyone of you just let me know! "

God Bless all of you ladies..
Jessica M. Vazquez

Chile Relleno's

2009-08-26T04:16:00.001-07:00

Good Day to all... this recipe I tried this past Saturday and let me tell you it was what I called a "labor of love"! It is or can be time consuming, especially if you're trying it for the 1st time.
Everything needed is at your discretion...so plan accordingly :)

You'll need:

Poblano Peppers (I'd recommend small ones-not big ones)
Ground Beef or Turkey
Grated Cheese
Eggs (6 or more) (do this part after peppers are ready to be dipped)

Pepper preparation

1st-you take your peppers and toast on griddle or comal, you can press down on peppers as they get toasted..most of all try not to crack the peppers. try to toast as much as possible, I mean they can look black like their burn't. (Easier to peel)

2nd-Once peppers are toasted, wrap peppers in a towel put in a plastic bag so that peppers can steam.

3rd-once peppers have steamed take them one at a time and "peel" the skin off, the more toasted the easier to peel.

4th-cut pepper about half way starting from stem and clean out all seeds. Watch out for the vein in the pepper you pull it and it might tear the pepper. (This part was messy and had my Mom frustrated)

Once your done with the pepper and all it's preparation, take whatever your choice of stuffing is and stuff into pepper. Don't overstuff, you want it to close.

You then take some flour and gently rub it on the outside of the pepper, now you're ready for the egg batter!

Egg batter

First your going to only use egg "whites" and mix them with mixer to get "fluffy"
you want the batter to be stiff. (You'll know its good to go when you can turn your bowl over and it doesn't fall out!)
Once your done with your egg whites, "fold" the yellow into the whites.

Make sure your OIL is hot!!!!

(You can take a drop of batter and drop it in oil, IF it floats and stays on top, your oil is ready)

NOW your ready to fry the Peppers.

This is why I called it a "labor of love", alot of work! My husband loves Chili Relleno's and said they were good for our (my Mom and I)first time!

Enjoy and God bless!

Greetings To All In Christ On This Beautiful Day

2009-08-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I am posting this late, but I really have had a busy day today...
I want to start off by thanking my Lord and Savior cause he has really been good to me. Have you ever heard of the saying, "When it rains , it pours."
Well first of all I know that many of you all know that my husband has been without a job for about six months. We are living off his unemployment checks barely making ends meet. Keep in mind we have our mortgage, utilities, car payment and etc. to pay. Well lately we have had a lot of blessings coming in to help us, all because we have trusted in our on time God. We have faithfully paid our tithes and given the last of what we have for offering. Not saying this to brag but to let all know that it is very important to pay our tithes and to give an offering. God will always provide if you just trust in him.

Another thing that I am thankful for is that Pastor Duvall baptized my Dad today. Some of you know that my Dad is a preacher. He has been preaching for more than 25 years. His church is nondenominational. He was baptized in the name of the father, son and the holy ghost. I had found this out about 3 or 4 years ago. I told my Dad that he had to be baptized in the name of Jesus. Keep in mind that I had given him scriptures to back up everything that I had told him. He flat out told me that he didn't want to talk about it because he didn't want to confuse me. I told him that he could not confuse me because I know what the bible says about Jesus name baptism. We left it at that. Well for the past few months my Dad has been going through some hard times. My Dad has had many people besides me tell him that he needs to be baptized in Jesus name. Out of the blue he calls Pastor Duvall. They had a conversation on Jesus name baptism. Pastor Duvall gave him scriptures just as I did. WALAH! He was baptized in Jesus name today August 25, 2009 at 10 o'clock in the morning. After this miracle was done he was praising and worshiping our wonderful Savior. As he was leaving the church he told Pastor Duvall that he might bring his whole church to baptize them all in Jesus name. This is what praying, fasting and reading your bible does. Now you know why I said, "When it rains, it pours."

A Clean Slate

2009-08-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hello, All,

I'm a little late in posting today because it is a day of new beginnings and I have been swamped. We started off the morning with Convocation in my school district. This is a time when we all get together and reflect on the successes of last school year and roll out our goals and themes for a new year. As I sat in the convocation, my mind starting thinking of new beginnings.

One of the things I loved most about teaching in a college was that every 15 weeks my life began fresh. I got a new group of students, possibly new classes, etc. I like fresh starts. I looked around convocation this morning and saw teachers and principals who were very stressed out and tired at the end of last school but ready to go again with a fresh vision.

In our family, we take time every few months to self-reflect and have "fresh starts". Truly, I think the ability to self reflect is so important. I have watched people through the years who never take time to sit down and analyze their life and walk with God. They keep making the same mistakes over and over. This is not how God intended for us to live. The Word of God says, "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23). He meant for us to have fresh starts but we have to have a desire to start again. How often do you reflect on your spiritual life, family life, ministry life and determine what needs to be adjusted?

Last fall we found our family was in a whirlwind. After about two months of each one of us constantly on the go, we sat down and determined we needed a new plan. We determined that we would eat dinner together every night no matter what, we determined that each child would have alone time with us. Fresh starts make us better.

As you enter into this school year, look at your family and make some fresh starts. Someone once said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Live God's way...His mercies are new every morning so that we can start over! Keep the successes of yesterday but turn the failures of yesterday into a new beginning.

Love to all!
Sis. D.

" In The Spotlight "

2009-08-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

Cruz Casas

Born on May 3, 1948 in Thorndale, TX to Grorio and Lola Ortiz. Sis. Cruz comes from a small family... she has 1 brother and 3 sisters. Her brother is Raymond and her sisters are Teresa, Mary, and Stella. She also has 5 children.. 4 boys and only 1 girl.. Her sons are Jerry, David, Andrew and Victor. Her only daughter is Esther. She also has 7 wonderful grandchildren who she loves so very much!

Sis. Cruz grew up in Thorndale, TX lived there several years.. she worked out in the fields to help support her family... back then it was something that just had to be done to help the family... In 1968 she moved to Dallas, TX... where she has lived here since... she later met her husband. In 1992 she was happily married to Francisco Casas to whom she is now widowed.

" Favorite Memories "

In 1974 Sis. Cruz was invited from Sis. Lucy Gilbert to the First UPC Church in Grand Prairie. She attended this church and also made it her home church... she was involved in teaching Sunday School for the 2-3 year old children. It has been about seven years since she was teaching. She enjoyed every bit of her time spent with the little ones.

" Through the Years "

She is a faithful member of our church and is currently involved in the Outreach ministry, and enjoys the opportunity to witness to others about giving their lives to GOD. She is a witness to others at outreach and has been faithful to her ministry. She is also in charge of our Sunday morning breakfast crew. She cooks and cleans and makes sure that all of our children and our community kids have a good breakfast before sunday school. She is very motherly to all of the children. We appreciate everything she does in our church. She does great works for the Lord... we love you Sis. Cruz!!

Love you guys,
Jessica M. Vazquez

Chicken Mole with Mexican Rice

2009-08-19T05:01:00.000-07:00

1 pack of Chicken (Breast, legs, thighs or Whole-cut)

1 Jar of Mole (he always buys "Rogelio" Bueno)

1 Regular Jar of Peanut Butter

3-4 tbsp of Garlic Powder

3-4 tbsp of Onion Powder

Rice (your choice as to how much)

1 small can of Tomato Sauce

Chicken

Boil chicken til chicken meat is tender or falling off of bones, leave boiled water and chicken in pot.

Water should be about 1/2 inch just above the chicken.

Use tablespoon to scoop out Mole and drop scoop in water, Mole should be dissolved by you completely. (Should you find an easier way for this part of having the Mole dissolve, please let me know! I can let him know!)

Use tablespoon to scoop out Peanut Butter. (Peanut Butter dissolves pretty easily, and amount of Peanut Butter is up to you. He usually uses like 3/4 of the Jar)

Rice (you can cook the rice @ the same time you start boiling the chicken)

Take pan add oil then take Rice add your seasoning of choice.
Stir Rice around we want Rice to be "browned" a little.
Pour in tomato sauce - stir
Add water to rice, stir and then let cook for 10-20 minutes (if needed add water)
Rice should be soft when you bite into it

Then serve rice on plate top with chicken Mole!

P.S. My husband Frank (he) shared this recipe with me. He's really the cook of the family and ask those in the family that have tasted it they'll say it's really delicious!

E N J O Y!!!
Sis Jovita

Life at GPUPC

2009-08-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

Hello, All!

Hope you all are having a great Monday. I thought I would post some pictures of different things that have been happening around the church this past month. We are a busy people. I found myself on Saturday night trying to remember what I needed to bring for a fundraiser or youth event on Sunday. I think it was the first time in about four months that we didn't have a pre or after-service event. :)

Block Party

Last Saturday was a great block party! Pastor said he thinks it's the best one we have had and I agree. It was wonderful! Thanks for all who came out to minister to the community.

Upstairs Remodeling

As many of you know, we are out of space upstairs. We started an extensive remodeling project that will give us more room for every class. Thanks to all who have been working so hard!

Fundraisers

We have had many fundraisers to send out youth to Youth Congress, kids to Camp, and now for the family life center. Whew! Fun at the church....

As you are getting ready for your kids to go back to school, consider putting in a family devotional time each morning. Our national youth secretary was saying that growing up his family read a chapter of the Bible together each morning before leaving for school. He said by the time he graduated, he had heard the entire Word of God many times.

I am very much enjoying all of the blogs this month. Keep up the good work! "Heels in the Kitchen" has changed to September 1st. More to come....Secret Sisters also coming soon.

Love to all!
Sis. D.

" In The Spotlight "

2009-08-14T00:08:00.001-07:00

Hazel Inez Stubblefield

Born on June 7,1921 in Charleston, Texas to Paul and Maggie Slakey. She came from a very small family. She had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

" Childhood Memories "

On March 17, 1936 her boyfriend named Olen Stubblefield went to her school and said "Let's go get married" and that is what they did without even telling her parents. Her friend from school went and told Hazel's mother that she left school to go get married. When they went back to her house her mother said "you could have at least told us that you were going to get married." They had 2 boys and then when the boys were 14 and 17 they had a daughter.

" Through the Years "

When the boys were very small her husband went into the army and served in WWII. In the early 50's they decided to move to Dallas for better jobs, and in 1953 they moved to Grand Prairie and built them a house. While trying to build their house they were also building the first Pentecostal church in Grand Prairie, They had been having services in a tent.

She worked for Erlangers Sewing Factory, which mainly made mens suits, until her little girl decided to throw a fit and beat her back to the car while trying to drop her off at the babysitters house. So she just went back home and called her job and told them she wouldn't be back. She then started sewing from her home and had several people that she sewed for. She made all of her own clothes and also made all of her daughters clothes, even the coats for winter, until her daughter became a teenager and decided she wanted bought clothes. Then when her granddaughter came along she made alot of her clothes. She has made lots of baby quilts and has given them away for baby shower gifts. She has even had people to want to buy them to save for when they had grandchildren before she got rid of all them and couldn't make anymore. She also served as a church secretary for several years.

She was a very good cook and had the best tea to drink ever. On suday mornings she would get up really early and cook her Sunday Dinner before church. When church was over there would always be someone coming over for dinner. Her boys were always telling their friends they could eat with them and their was always plenty. On Christmas and Thanksgiving if someone at church did not have family to be with they were always invited to dinner. Bro. Craig Warren would come by and bring his own glass just to get a glass of tea. It has been said that when you come thru Sis. Stubblefields back door it would say eat because there was always something sitting their to eat on. Her complaint now is that her daughter can not and will not cook or sew like she did. She was a second generation Pentecostal and now has great grandchildren that are 5th generation Pentecostals. She has 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren and one on the way, She has always loved the last one just as much as she did the first one and has helped raise most of them. Wonderful lady, loving and caring to everyone.

Love you guys,
Jessica M. Vazquez

We Are Measured by Gods Pattern

2009-08-13T00:05:00.000-07:00

God is a God of formulas and patterns. Everything accomplished in scripture was thru a pattern or a formula designed by God.
Example in the structure of the tabernacle and in today church is also design in a pattern for redemption and salvation today.

The book of Acts is the church of today. The book of Acts is where the church begins and where it stayed. Acts is where God laid out the plan of salvation. It is the complete story of redemption for humanity. The message is still as powerful as when it was written. When God measures me (notice I said God, not my friends) …. I say God Measure me according to the book of acts. The Acts message is not worn out. We are not a book of Mathew Church or a book of Mark Church we are the book of Acts church.
We can’t make it with good singing or good theological education or an organization or with charisma ….
Where are the sons of Levi with the power of unction flowing out of them?
We need to get to the place where we say I don’t care what people say or what you think. I want to be measured by the book of Acts. There is power in the Holy Ghost …We are standing in the greatest hour the apostolic church has ever seen. God is calling people to him. We are anointed by God! I pray God give me a hunger for apostolic anointing.
I thank God for our pastor and his wife they are the measures in my life. We all need a Godly measure influence in our lives. Someone who when you get confused or don’t know which way to go have the authority to direct us. We need to go to them and say measure me... check my prayer life keep me straight. Don’t be afraid of going to them. God has placed them in our lives to guide us. Our pastor is our Sheppard and he will help guide us threw. When you feel like giving up or throwing in the towel get in the word of God and get down on you knees and seek his face. Surround your self with Godly influence. Get involved in your church reach out to the lost souls. There are so many people that are hungry for the book of Acts experience. I have such a heavy burden to spread the good news to people in Grand Prairie.
I must tell people that there is a formula there is a pattern we must follow to get to heaven. We must follow the book of Acts.

Oh God hear us from heaven hear our cry touch our city we are your people crying out in desperation. God measure me….do I witness like I should? God do I Love Like I should? God do I give like I should? My prayer is Lord make me a vessel, Lord a vessel you can use. In Jesus Name.

Love you guys,
Jenna

Chicken Alfredo Recipe

2009-08-12T02:42:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!

Pray all is going well with ya'll! This recipe is very, very easy.
I for one, love the Alfredo taste! A co-worker and good friend brought it to a potluck and I just had to have the recipe.

You'll need:

Boneless chicken (your choice I usually get about 1 ½ - 2 pounds)

2- Jars of Alfredo Sauce ( I use Ragu Creamy Cheesy alfredo)

Italian Seasoning

Garlic Powder

Onion Powder

Pasta Noodles (your preference)

1tbsp Butter

Bring noodles to boil, add about a spoonful of butter and half a spoon of salt to the water before I add the noodles.

After chicken has boiled cut the chicken breast into small pieces or small cubes
you then take a pan add olive oil and let pan heat up, sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder to the chicken breast pieces and place them in the pan with olive oil. Stir til chicken has browned a little.

Drain your pasta, add your chicken and then your alfredo sauce, stir until the alfredo sauce is distributed evenly.

Put back on stovetop to heat a little more and it’s ready to serve.

Hope ya'll will enjoy it as much as I do!

Hope ya'll don't mind but I'm going to add another favorite email

As you know, we need food to feed our spiritual body, and
that food is the Word of God. It should help you plan
a 5 course meal, and it is titled........

Soul Food

I love the taste of T-bone steak,
Delicious every bite,
But there's nothing like the Word of God,
For my spiritual appetite.

The Word of God has milk and meat,
And even ice cream and cake.
Take a slice of the Bread of Life,
And coffee to keep us awake.

Open your Bible and turn to Psalms,
For David's famous buffet.
You can drink all the wine of the word you want,
And still feel fine the next day.

There's enough of the Word for everyone,
And no one has to cheat.
The Word of God is a smorgasbord,
So take all you are able to eat.

Let's have a little long suffering,
Job gives the recipe.
Patience is the main ingredient,
Self denial is the fee.

Wrap that up in temperance,
It may not make much sense,
Cover that with contentment,
Then add some joy for strength.

Let's have love for dessert,
Jesus made this dish,
Cream of joy and peace together,
Sift out all selfishness.

Add some deeds of righteousness,
Enough to make it sweet.
Humility is the frosting,
That makes the dish complete.

Or are you on a diet,
Cause the race seems hard to run.
For a weight losing menu,
Try Hebrews 12 and 1.

Are you suffering from malnutrition,
And don't know what to do?
Your spiritual growth! seems hindered,
Try I. Peter 2 and 2.

If when every time you battle,
the enemy always wins,
Try some Holy Ghost Protein,
And spiritual vitamins.

God's Word can feed millions,
And still have plenty left.
Because the Word of God is Soul Food,
Sent from the World's Greatest CHEF.

Until next time....and with much, much LOVE!!! :)

School Supply Update!

2009-08-11T14:30:00.000-07:00

Here is an update I have received about the school supply donations.

Sis. D has purchased all the rulers, spiral notebooks, and glue.

Sis. Julie has purchased 5 boxes of crayons, 5 boxes of map pencils, 5 reams of Notebook paper, and 15 glue sticks.

So for all you late shoppers here is the list of what we still need:

25 boxes of crayons

25 reams of notebook paper

15 glue sticks

and since Sis. Julie was one of those rebellious ones who bought something that was not on the list we could use more map pencils.

Love You Guys!

Fruits of the Spirit

2009-08-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

But the fruit of the spirit is...(Ga. 5:22)

LOVE: See that you love one another with a pure heart fervently. (I Peter 1:22)

JOY: God filled you with joy in believing. (John 17:13)

PEACE: Have peace with one another. (Mark 9:50) He is our peace. (Eph. 2:14)

LONG SUFFERING: Long suffering of Lord is salvation. (II Peter 3:15)

GENTLENESS: O beseech you by gentleness of Christ. (II Cor. 10:1)

GOODNESS: O how great is the goodness. (Ps. 31:19)

FAITH: The substance of things hoped for. (Heb. 11:1)

MEEKNESS: Walk in meekness. (Eph. 4:2)

TEMPERANCE: And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness. (II Peter 1:6)
Against such there is no law.

If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. (Ga. 5:25)

Block Party School Supply Update!!!!!!

2009-08-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Praise God everyone! How exciting a Block Party is around the corner! I love to see what God does through our reaching out to our community. When I was at camp this summer with all the kiddos I looked around at our group and we had such a diverse group of kids I was so thankful and extremely happy to be a part of 1st UPC of Grand Prairie and the vision we have. Ok so here is an update on the school supply donations that we have received. Great Job everyone for donating I was able to create 29 packs of giveaways and 1 complete 3rd grade backpack stuffed with the entire list of 3rd grade supplies. So our goal is to have 50 to hand out but we can do better than that. I have 30 more sets of pencils so I say lets create 30 more sets and the sets include

Ruler
Glue
Glue stick
1 spiral wide ruled 70 sheet
1 3 punch wide ruled notebook paper
24 ct crayons

So I need 30 more of each of the above listed items. Let me know who can do what and I will do the rest.

If you want to be rebellious and donate other items I can work with that too :)

Language of Apology

2009-08-09T20:07:00.000-07:00

As promised last week, this week information about the language of apology. As those of you who have been married for awhile or had close relationships with others know, an apology can "make or break" a situation. Visit this Web site to take a quiz and find out your love language or language of apology.

The Five Languages of Apology

Expressing Regret

“Expressing Regret” is the Apology Language that zeroes in on emotional hurt. It is an admission of guilt and shame for causing pain to another person.

The Languages of Apology:
How to Experience Healing in All Your Relationships

For those who listen for “Expressing Regret” apologies, a simple “I’m sorry” is all they look for. There is no need for explanation or “pay back” provided the apology has truly come from the heart.

“Expressing Regret” is a powerful Apology Language because it gets right to the point. It doesn’t make excuses or attempt to deflect blame. Above all, “Expressing Regret” takes ownership of the wrong. For that reason, “Expressing Regret” is understood as a sincere commitment to repair and rebuild the relationship.

The “Expressing Regret” Apology Language speaks most clearly when the person offering the apology reflects sincerity not only verbally, but also through body language. Unflinching eye contact and a gentle, but firm touch are two ways that body language can underscore sincerity.

To learn more about this Apology Language, take a good look at Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Languages of Apology.

Accept Responsibility
It is very difficult for some people to admit that they’re wrong. It makes them doubt their self-worth, and no one likes to be portrayed as a failure. However, as adults, we must all admit that we are sinners and that we will make mistakes. We are going to make poor decisions that hurt our mates, and we are going to have to admit that we were wrong. We have to accept responsibility for our own failures.

For many individuals, all they want is to hear the words, “I am wrong.” If the apology neglects accepting responsibility for their actions, many partners will not feel as though the apology was meaningful and sincere. Many partners need to learn how to overcome their ego, the desire to not be viewed as a failure, and simply admit that their actions were wrong. For a mate who speaks this apology language, if an apology does not admit fault, it is not worth hearing. Being sincere in your apology means allowing yourself to be weak, and admitting that you make mistakes. Though this may be hard to do for some people, it makes a world of a difference to your partner who speaks this language.

Make Restitution
In our society, many people believe that wrong acts demand justice. The one who commits the crime should pay for their wrongdoing. A mate who speaks this love language feels the same way towards apologies. They believe that in order to be sincere, the person who is apologizing should justify their actions. The mate who’s been hurt simply wants to hear that their mate still loves them.

There are many effective ways to demonstrate sincerity in an apology. Each mate must learn the other’s love language in order to complete the act of restitution. Though some mates may feel a though all is forgotten with a bouquet of flowers, that may not necessarily work for all mates. Every mate should uncover what their partner’s main love language is (Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Acts of Service, Physical Touch, and Receiving Gifts) and use that specific language in order to make restitutions in the most effective way.

For a mate whose primary apology language is making restitutions, no matter how often you say “I’m sorry”, or “I was wrong”, your mate will never find the apology sincere. You must show strong efforts for making amends. A genuine apology will be accompanied by the assurance that you still love your mate
and have a desire to right the wrong-doings committed.

Genuinely Repent
For some individuals, repentance is the convincing factor in an apology. Some mates will doubt the sincerity of an apology if it is not accompanied by their partner’s desire to modify their behavior to avoid the situation in the future.

It’s important to remember that all true repentance begins in the heart. A mate must feel poorly for hurting their loved one, and rely on God’s help in order to truly change. Admitting you are wrong creates vulnerability. It allows your mate to get a glimpse of your heart. The glimpse of true self is assurance that the apology was sincere.

One important aspect of genuinely repenting is verbalizing your desire to change. Your mate cannot read your mind. Though you may be trying to change inside, if you do not verbalize your desire to change to your mate, most likely they will still be hurt.

Many people have problems with repenting when they do not feel as though their actions were morally wrong. However, in a healthy relationship, we often make changes that have nothing to do with morality and everything to do with building a harmonious marriage.

It is also important to make a dedicated plan for change. Often apologies involving repentance fail because the person never set up steps of action to help ensure success. A person must first set goals for their change. After you create realistic goals, then you can start implementing a plan to change. Taking baby steps towards repentance instead of insisting on changing all at once will increase your chances of successfully changing your ways.

It is important to remember that change is hard. Constructive change does not mean we will immediately be successful. There will be highs and lows on the road to change. You must remember that with God’s help, anyone can change their ways if they are truly and genuinely ready to repent.

Request Forgiveness
In some relationships, a mate wants to hear their partner physically ask for forgiveness. They want assurance that their mate recognizes the need for forgiveness. By asking forgiveness for their actions, a partner is really asking their mate to still love them. Requesting forgiveness assures your mate that you want to see the relationship fully restored. It also proves to your mate that you are sincerely sorry for what you’ve done. It shows that you realize you’ve done something wrong. Requesting forgiveness also shows that you are willing to put the future of the relationship in the hands of the offended mate. You are leaving the final decision up to your partner – to forgive or not forgive.

Requesting forgiveness is not easy. It often leaves one vulnerable to the fear of rejection. Along with the fear of rejection is the fear of failing. Many people have a hard time seeking forgiveness because it means admitting that you have failed. The only way to overcome this fear is to recognize that it is very common amongst mankind. The commonality makes it okay to be a failure. It allows a stubborn mate to apologize to their partner and become a healthy individual.

Ultimately, it’s important to remember that there is a difference between asking for forgiveness and DEMANDING forgiveness. When we demand forgiveness, we tend to forget the nature of forgiveness. Forgiveness is a choice the offended party is supposed to make. Demanding forgiveness takes away the sincerity of asking for it.

Remember not to treat forgiveness lightly. It is something to be cherished and appreciated. The act of forgiveness is hard on both ends – for the person who’s asking and for the person who’s accepting.

" In The Spotlight "

2009-08-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Amelia Cisneros *aka* Sis. Amy

Born on July 13, 1945 in Abilene, Texas to Catarino and Delfina Cisneros. Sis. Amy comes from a small family. She has 4 sisters and only 1 brother. She grew up in Abilene and then she moved to Dallas, Texas in 1966. She is a single mother to 5 girls and 3 boys, out of which 7 survived. Her daughters are Donna, Julie, Jovita, Melissa and Isabella. Her sons are Michael, Carlos, and Joe Richard. Her family is really close and she loves spending time with all of her Kids and grandkids and also great-grandkids... everyone calls her " Grandma Amy " we love her very much and I am happy to say I am married to her grandson Marco.

"Childhood Memories"

Amy's favorite childhood memory was attending Vacation Bible School and playing Baseball... when I asked her what were some of her favorite things that she could remember as a child, she bluntly said I loved fishing, did not like dogs and I loved to eat bologne!

Another memory is that she stopped attending school so that she could help the family by doing migrant work which was working the crops in the fields. She did mention that she worked in a couple of different cities like Lubbock and Temple, Texas she was a lot of help to her family.

" Through the Years "

Being a single mother and knowing how hard it was working the fields, Amy attended El Centro College in Dallas, Texas and DBU f*k*a Dallas Baptist College to further her education and was successful. She is now employed at Vought Aircraft as a Benefits Rep, and has been employed for about 15 years.

This woman loves the Lord and has a lot of Faith and Hope in God. She is a very loving and caring person and is willing to do anything for anyone. One thing I have learned from her and something she always tells people is to Always Trust in the Lord and He will see you through... We all go through challenging times in our lives emotionally, financially, psychologically and spiritually. But we can trust in God to see us through. God is as close as the call of His Name. No matter how low we’ve fallen or how depressed we are, God has the power to save our lives. Be willing to put your trust and faith in God and put aside your pride; be willing to humble yourself and cry out to God for help from the depths of your heart and soul. Love you Grandma Amy!

Love you guys,
Jessica M. Vazquez

The Journey of Faith

2009-08-05T20:41:00.000-07:00

Wednesday night's message from Pastor was about miracles. I just wanted to give my testimony of a miracle God gave our family. Enjoy!

The Journey of Faith

The night of April 15th, 2007 is the beginning of my experience of a lifetime. I had no idea that God was about to take my family and I on the ultimate faith journey. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that God would go to such extremes to prove that He is Lord, that He is in control, and actively involved in my life and my family.

On December 3, 2006 we rejoiced at the news that we were pregnant with our second child. Because of a previous weight loss surgery, eating was difficult. I had not been able to eat properly for about 6 months, thus the baby was not receiving the proper nourishment. On April 15 2007 what seemed to be a normal Sunday suddenly changed. After church we all went to eat at La Madeline’s Restaurant. As I was sitting there it hit me, I am 61/2 month pregnant and I had not felt the baby move in 3 days. My pastor’s wife asked me how I was feeling. She could see that I could not even sit up in the chair I was sitting in. Terri, a very close friend, along with Sis. Martinez gave me direction to go and make sure that the baby and I were ok. Terri offered to take me to the Labor & Delivery Triage.

We arrived at the Triage area around 9:30pm. The attending nurse began asking questions and started the process to completely check me out. I began to tell her we had just been to church and that I was not feeling well. I told her that I was dehydrated and was feeling very weak. They all know me there as I had been put in the hospital several times prior. In the process they checked the baby’s heartbeat. After about 30 minutes I asked her, “Are you having trouble finding the heart beat?” She got this horrible look on her face and said, “I’m sorry but I cannot find it anywhere.” I instantly started screaming NO!!! That is when my friend said, “Jenna, don’t think like that.”

In that moment I started saying, “Lord, you did not give me this baby to take him away!” On the outside I was screaming but on the inside I was saying “Lord I still trust you”. The nurse told us she would have to call the doctor in to confirm that there was no heart beat. The nurse called the Doctor in to come and access the situation. The Doctor did a sonogram and found no movement and no heartbeat. Mason Alexzander Davis was pronounced dead at 10:15pm. At that time the staff started preparing me to have a still birth. I was wheeled into another room with a white rose on the door.

By this time, family and friends were arriving by my side and began praying.
The prayer chain was activated. My pastor and Bro. Freelen prayed. I can tell you I did not feel anything but hurt, rage, anger and loneliness. I remember asking, “Why? Why is God so quiet? Why can I not feel him?” The bible talks about faith of a grain of a mustard seed. Well I now know what that verse means. If I had any faith it was of a grain of mustard. The staff had placed that white rose on the door letting visitors and workers know that the baby had passed away. When I saw that rose on my door I felt such a rage in me. I stared yelling get it off get it off. The rose seemed so final. See the little mustard seed of faith that I had, did not want that rose on the door.

By this time my husband was on his way to the hospital. He was at work and my friend had to call him to let him know of his son passing away. All the way to the hospital, my husband prayed God you are in control. Lord, have your way.

The Doctor and staff waited until my husband got to the hospital to explain the situation and the next step in the process. The next step was to proceed like we were having a healthy baby. The staff gave me an epidural and gave me medicine to induce labor. It was 12:15am at this time. While in this process a social worker came in and met with my husband to set up a time to talk about an autopsy and funeral arrangements. I had been telling the staff and my family that I feel the baby moving why do I FEEL HIM MOVING? They responded with, That is normal for the baby’s body to shake when you have contraction or when you move around. The staff made us aware of the birthing process. Once we have the baby, they would take it away. Then they would bring the baby back for us to spend time with him, before they take him away forever.

During this whirlwind my husband and I had a moment to ourselves We talked about how this must be God’s will and we had faith that God was in control even though it was the hardest thing we have ever been through. I looked at my husband and said Babe, why do I feel the baby move? Why did God take my baby? Why is God so silent? My husband reminded me, “Jenn, God is still in control” Josh decided that he was going to ask for another sonogram. He wanted to see for himself what was going on.

The Doctor didn’t understand what another sonogram would prove, but that he would honor our request. It was 2:20am when the Doctor rolled the sonogram machine into the room. I was lying on the bed with a pillow over my face because I didn’t want to see it again. My husband was standing on my left and the Doctor was sitting on my right. The Doctor adjusted the sonogram wand and there the heart chamber was on the screen, no heart beat and still no movement. My husband asked if that is what we were talking about. The Doctor then pointed and counted the 4 chambers of the heart. The heart was not beating. The Doctor pulled the wand away to get a better view of the heart. As he pulled it away my husband saw the baby’s left leg jump. My niece Rachel saw it as well. When the Doctor readjusted the wand and the heart chamber came into view on the screen again the heart was beating. About 30 seconds had passed between the Doctors readjusting the sonogram wand. Everyone in the room was in shock and speechless; the nurse acted fast and started removing the labor medicines. You see I was given the epidural and labor meds about two ½ hours earlier. When the nurse removed the labor meds she could not believe what she saw. The labor medicine had never dissolved! It had been there for over two hours. That was a miracle in itself. I heard all of the noise and movement and was thinking that the baby was being delivered. Then I heard he’s alive he’s alive!!! So they placed the heart monitor on me and instantly the heart beat was there. It started at 119 and went to126 then climbed to 176 before it leveled out and became steady. The Doctor couldn’t say anything but that it was a miracle. The same nurse came into the room that could not find the heart beat with the same Doppler. She found the heart beat right away. She said I have heard of a god and of miracles but now, I know there is a God. You see even though I did not feel God and yes he was so silent, He was still there and still in control.

We had a healthy Mason Alexzander Davis on July 29th, 2007 at 1:45pm. He was 6 pounds and 17 ½ inches long. We celebrated Mason’s second birthday last week on Tu Wednesday July 29th.

My family is living proof that God is in control and is actively involved in our everyday lives. My faith today a year later is stronger and more unshakeable than ever that we serve a miracle working God.

For this child I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord;
as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.

1 Samuel 1:27 & 28

Thank You

Enchilada Casserole

2009-08-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone! Pray all is going well ya'll....

I was wondering why I even chose the "recipe day" when most of whatever cooking I do is not even measured!

So....here it goes....hope I explain myself well

Ingredients:

1lb of Ground Beef/Turkey

1 bag Shredded Cheese

Corn Tortillas (amount of tortillas depends on your cake/casserole dish or how deep you want to make it) Cut them if you'd like to fit your pan (halves or quarters)

1 to 2 Tbsp of Chili Powder (I prefer Gebhardt's) you can add salt, garlic or any other spice you'd like

In a pan you take the Chili Powder add some oil and stir like your making gravy, add water til it's almost like flavored water, set aside.

Brown/cook your choice of Meat

Now take the tortillas line the bottom of your pan
add a layer of meat (I usually just grab a hand full and sprinkle around)
add a layer of cheese (same as above)
Start the process over
Once your finished layering, "pour" Chili Gravy on casserole

Bake 20-30 minutes

Enjoy!

P.S. For those of you who like onions and any other extra's you can layer with that as well
also some prefer to cook/fry their tortillas to make them softer.

Iwanted to share this with ya'll as well, hope ya'll don't mind........it's an email that I've always loved and I'm sure that maybe some of you have already read/reread it and maybe some not at all.......

GOD'S CAKE

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?" Here is a wonderful explanation! A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers. "Yuck" says her daughter.

"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake!

God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times.. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about us. He sends us flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose our heart.

Much LOVE!!!

Pleasing God

2009-08-04T07:46:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone! Praying that you all will have a blessed day today....

II Timothy 2:15

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

I really didn't pay much attention to this scripture before , until I went to see my brother in prison. I don't remember what the conversation was about or why he even gave me that scripture, but he did and God only knows why.

Well anyways..... it has been two weeks since I went to visit my brother. That scripture has just been on my mind a lot lately. The scripture says to study to shew thyself approved unto God; to me this means we should be pleasing God in all we do. When we're praying, teaching Sunday School, doing outreach and in our everyday living. I want to strive in pleasing my Lord. Thinking of what our Pastor was preaching on Wednesday night....I don't want to be that person who will let people skip in line on judgment day. Do you?

Love!!!!

2009-08-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Another month of blogging...

I am so excited about some of the things that are on the horizon for the month of August. This month we have the following bloggers:

Monday - Sis. D.
Tuesday - Sis. Julie
Wednesday - Sis. JoVita
Thursday - Sis. Jenna
Friday - Sis. Jessica

I am really excited to hear from these wonderful, wonderful ladies. We already have some bloggers lined up for September but need more. Any volunteers?

For today, I want to talk a little about the five love languages. You may have read this book by Gary Chapman. It is an eye-opening book about the different ways that we express love. Something that was said to me on Sunday made me think about the five love languages. Each of us express love in a different manner. It is so important to understand the love language of your spouse and children. We have to understand that the way we like to receive love may not be the way our spouse or children like to receive love.

I have seen the love languages in action and watched people begin to turn their lives and marriages around by studying those around them.

The five love languages are:

Words of Affirmation
Mark Twain once said “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Verbal appreciation speaks powerfully to persons whose primary Love Language is “Words of Affirmation.” Simple statements, such as, “You look great in that suit,” or “You must be the best baker in the world! I love your oatmeal cookies,” are sometimes all a person needs to hear to feel loved. Aside from verbal compliments, another way to communicate through “Words of Affirmation” is to offer encouragement. Here are some examples: reinforcing a difficult decision; calling attention to progress made on a current project; acknowledging a person’s unique perspective on an important topic. If a loved one listens for “Words of Affirmation,” offering encouragement will help him or her to overcome insecurities and develop greater confidence.

Quality Time
Quality time is more than mere proximity. It’s about focusing all your energy on your mate. A husband watching sports while talking to his wife is NOT quality time. Unless all of your attention is focused on your mate, even an intimate dinner for two can come and go without a minute of quality time being shared.

Quality conversation is very important in a healthy relationship. It involves sharing experiences, thoughts, feelings and desires in a friendly, uninterrupted context. A good mate will not only listen, but offer advice and respond to assure their mate they are truly listening. Many mates don’t expect you to solve their problems. They need a sympathetic listener.

An important aspect of quality conversation is self-revelation. In order for you to communicate with your mate, you must also be in tune with your inner emotions. It is only when you understand your emotions and inner feelings will you then be able to share quality conversation, and quality time with your mate.

Quality activities are a very important part of quality time. Many mates feel most loved when they spend physical time together, doing activities that they love to do. Spending time together will bring a couple closer, and, in the years to come, will fill up a memory bank that you can reminisce about in the future.
Whether it’s sitting on the couch and having a brief conversation or playing together in a tennis league, quality time is a love language that is shared by many. Setting aside focused time with your mate will ensure a happy marriage.

Receiving Gifts
Some mates respond well to visual symbols of love. If you speak this love language, you are more likely to treasure any gift as an expression of love and devotion. People who speak this love language often feel that a lack of gifts represents a lack of love from their mate. Luckily, this love language is one of the easiest to learn.

If you want to become an effective gift giver, many mates will have to learn to change their attitude about money. If you are naturally a spender, you will have no trouble buying gifts for your mate. However, a person who is used to investing and saving their money may have a tough time adjusting to the concept of spending money as an expression of love. These people must understand that you are investing the money not in gifts, but in deepening your relationship with your mate.

The gift of self is an important symbol of love. Sometimes all your mate desires is for someone to be there for them, going through the same trials and experiencing the same things. Your body can become a very powerful physical symbol of love.

These gifts need not to come every day, or even every week. They don’t even need to cost a lot of money. Free, frequent, expensive, or rare, if your mate relates to the language of receiving gifts, any visible sign of your love will leave them feeling happy and secure in your relationship.

Acts of Service
Sometimes simple chores around the house can be an undeniable expression of love. Even simple things like laundry and taking out the trash require some form of planning, time, effort, and energy. Just as Jesus demonstrated when he washed the feet of his disciples, doing humble chores can be a very powerful expression of love and devotion to your mate.

Very often, both pairs in a couple will speak to the Acts of Service Language. However, it is very important to understand what acts of service your mate most appreciates. Even though couples are helping each other around the house, couples will still fight because the are unknowingly communicating with each other in two different dialects. For example, a wife may spend her day washing the cars and walking the dog, but if her husband feels that laundry and dishes are a superior necessity, he may feel unloved, despite the fact that his wife did many other chores throughout the day. It is important to learn your mate’s dialect and work hard to understand what acts of service will show your love.

It is important to do these acts of service out of love and not obligation. A mate who does chores and helps out around the house out of guilt or fear will inevitably not be speaking a language of love, but a language of resentment. It’s important to perform these acts out of the kindness of your heart.

Demonstrating the acts of service can mean stepping out of the stereotypes. Acts of service require both mates to humble themselves into doing some chores and services that aren’t usually expected from their gender. However, these little sacrifices will mean the world to your mate, and will ensure a happy relationship.

Physical Touch
Many mates feel the most loved when they receive physical contact from their partner. For a mate who speaks this love language loudly, physical touch can make or break the relationship.

It is important to learn how your mate speaks the physical touch language. Some touches are irritating and uncomfortable for your mate. Take the time to learn the touches your mate likes. They can be big acts, such as back massages, or little acts such as touches on the cheek or a hand on the shoulder. It’s important to learn how your mate responds to touch. That is how you will make the most of this love language.

All marriages will experience crisis. In these cases, physical touch is very important. In a crisis situation, a hug can communicate an immense amount of love for that person. A person whose primary love language is physical touch would much rather have you hold them and be silent than offer any advice.

It is important to remember that this love language is different for everyone. What type of touch makes you feel secure is not necessarily what will make your partner happy. It is important to learn each other’s dialects. That way you can make the most of your hugging, kissing, and other physical contacts.

I have heard Dr. Chapman talk about the love languages and how they even respond to our love for Christ. Every wonder why you see the same people working over and over at the church? It may be that their love language is acts of service. Ever hear someone pray that is able to speak to God so easily? Maybe they like word of affirmation.

What is your love language? Mine is acts of service.

Maybe next Monday we'll talk about the language of apology.

Love you all and looking forward to a great week.

Sis. D.

Awesome Creator

2009-07-31T06:52:00.000-07:00

Good morning,everyone. I almost forgot it was my turn to blog today... :)

Here's my thought.. God is an awesome Creator. Yesterday, my mom and I were sitting in the drive-thru at Jack in the Box (don't worry, we only got 2 diet Cokes) on our way to Mason's birthday party. As we sat there, I noticed a little bird sitting on a fence. He was just looking around, you know, like birds do and I just starting thinking about what an awesome little creature he is. No, he wasn't a beautiful bird. Just one of those black birds we see around here all the time. But still, God created him and he is an awesome creature. I thought about how God created the mountains in all their majesty, the oceans in all their vastness, and then He creates this little bird that is so small and fragile. And, I thought what an awesome God He is!

Then, a scripture came to mind about how He even knows when the sparrow falls.

"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your father."
"But the very hairs of your head are all numbered."
"fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29-31)

So, if He even knows when a sparrow falls He knows what we need and thinks a LOT more of us than a sparrow. Isn't that an awesome thought?

As we watched the bird, it looked like he was just looking around at his kingdom. It was like he was thinking, this is my world and I'm just observing it from this fence and all you people are so stressed out about everything but I have no worries. I'm just a bird but my Creator is awesome and He takes care of me so guess what, people, He can take care of your needs, too. (of course, I really doubt that's what he was thinking, since birds have no reasoning powers like humans, but I was thinking with my imagination...scary, huh?)

In Matthew 6:25-26 Jesus says, "Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"
Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?"

So, whatever we're going through this week or the weeks ahead we can be reminded that God has it in control. If He can create the mountains then create a little bird then it's nothing to take care of us. He is an awesome God!

Hope this makes sense. This is my last blog for this month. Hopefully, I will get to blog again. I enjoy doing this!!! :) Love you guys!

Until next time,
Kimmie K.

Walk a mile with me....

2009-07-30T06:42:00.000-07:00

Good Thursday morning!

How are my friends today? This morning as I was driving to work, I passed a sign at an oil change place that said, "See you in 3,000 miles." The thought immediately crossed my mind that 3,000 miles seemed like such as long time but in reality could only be a matter of months, if you drive as much as I do.

I then started wondering all the places a vehicle might travel in 3,000 miles before the next oil change--routines routes, unexpected emergencies, to the shop to be repaired, etc.

Just like we travel in our vehicle through a lot of situations, we travel with our friends through a lot of situations. Friends, most of you I've only known a little over a year. But during that year, think about the places we've traveled together. There have been times of change--decorating the foyer, putting classes and kids church in place on Wednesday night, changing the age of the classes. There have been times of great sorrow--Sis. Pat Watson, Kristen Martinez. There have been times of great joy--Rodney and Neda's wedding, Jonathan and Kassie's wedding, pastoral installation, the wonderful ways you as a church have honored my family. Times of fun--choir practice (c'mon, it's fun), Borlik's!!!!!, Thanksgiving Feast. Times of rejoicing--watching people pile off of the van each Sunday, sending many kids off to camp, watching our youth group grow, great Block parties. Times of spiritual refreshing--powerful Sunday evening services, a prayer meeting that lasted for hours after church was over, watching the attendance of DOZ grow, unbelievable revival with Bro. Chad Ducote. Times of ministry--watching and worshipping with children and adult sign teams, putting on the kids Christmas program, all of the various ensembles, driving up to a great looking church yard each Sunday, walking into a clean building, seeing remodeling take place upstairs because we are out of room.

Ok...so I'll see you in 3,000 more miles. Where shall we go?

Love you all, Sis. D.

Being a Giving Person

2009-07-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

Good Monday morning!!!

What a glorious service last evening and great wedding shower for the Seaton's. Thank you to all of the ladies who brought food to make this a wonderful occasion.

Reflecting for today's blog, I wanted to blog a little about being a giving person. This recession that we are facing has brought about one of two reactions in people--total community focus (let's pull together and make it through) or a total hoarding of resources (sorry, I can't help because I need to protect what I have). I can remember my Grandmother many times talking about the great depression. My grandmother is a subject for another blog. She is now 104 years old and really only remembers church and the Word of God. That's because her mind was set on those things when she still was able to make a choice as to what consumed her thoughts. Anyway, she told me story after story of neighbors helping neighbors. She told me about how they had a farm and my grandfather was a trapper. They would share vegetables, dairy, etc with their neighbors who would share firewood and other things with them. I pray that we all have a community focus so we are able to pull out of this recession. Also, as a church we can easily fall into the habit of being as Bro. Stoneking says, "fruit inspectors." Always looking to be sure we don't give more than other people. Guys, character is something an individual person establishes and we can't establish character in people. Being a giving person is a sign of character. Participating in giving activities is a sign of character.

So, to follow my train of thought, I started thinking about teaching my children to be giving in everything. I ran across a wonderful article that I agree with 250% that I wanted to share with you. Hope it helps you and I love each of you very much.

On the subject of giving...we have three great opportunities in front of us...

1. Getting our youth to Nashville for youth congress. They are serving next weekend to try to finish up the funding for gas and hotel. Please consider bringing food to help them. Please contact Sis. Jenna for a menu item.
2. School supplies for the community. We are a church because we have been called to ministry. Consider doing something sacrificial.
3. Remodeling of Sunday School classrooms. We are out of space. WOW!!!! We are going to be knocking down walls and revamping upstairs to give our kids room for Sunday School and our youth a room for "youthy" things. Can you paint, reorganize storage, etc? Have we got a job for you. Someone is at the church everyday working. Can you help?

And for the article...

Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World

Many parents hope they can raise healthy kids by building their children’s self-esteem and focusing on their happiness as much as possible. But the result is the opposite of what they hope to achieve: self-absorbed kids who grow up into unhealthy adults – unable to find satisfaction, get along with others, or contribute well to society.

By giving children the message that their lives are all about their own fulfillment, parents are actually preventing them from discovering true fulfillment. Parents who are bold enough to raise their kids to be givers rather than takers, however, help their kids find God’s best for them in the process.

Here’s how you can raise unselfish children in a self-absorbed world:

Replace a mirror with a window. Help your kids see beyond themselves to other people. If you don’t take the mirror of self-centeredness out of your children’s hands, they’ll become intolerable to live with when they grow up and someone else will shatter the mirror for them, hurting them with its broken pieces. Aim to raise your kids to become selfless adults who function well in the world because they have self-respect, rather than self-absorbed adults who can’t function well because they feel entitled.

Take a hard look at yourself. You’re an important role model for your children. Honestly evaluate in what ways your own lifestyle is either selfish or selfless. Are your good deeds mostly about advancing your own agenda, or about the people you serve? Do you rationalize thoughtless decisions? Do you make excuses for cruel choices? Do you blame others while forgiving yourself? Do you buy things in order to feel better? Do you discipline yourself to live simply and with contentment, or are you constantly pursuing more yet are never satisfied? Ask God to reveal your selfish attitudes and actions. Then ask Him to empty your heart of selfish desires. Do whatever you can to model selflessness for your kids, such as by: not allowing difficult circumstances to make you bitter, trusting God with your children, giving without expecting something in return, making sacrifices, displaying courage, and loving your spouse if you’re married.

Accept responsibility and make a plan. Take full responsibility for your parenting so far – and how that has affected your kids – instead of blaming others like your children’s friends, teachers, or neighbors; the media; or society. Decide that from now on, you’ll change the way you’ve been raising your kids in order to change their perspectives on life, no matter how difficult they may be. Make a commitment to God to raise your children to be others-centered rather than self-centered. Make a commitment to your spouse to live with less in order to enjoy more. Make a commitment to faithfully and joyfully tithe. Make a commitment not to buy the latest products for yourself or your children unless you truly need something. Make a commitment to spend time together as a family regularly. Invite God to transform you into the person and parent He wants you to become. Study the Bible often so you’ll be able to teach your kids God’s ways. Live with integrity so your children can respect you when you reprimand them. Trade your pride in for humility so you can effectively discipline your kids, showing them that you’re their authority because God is your authority. Follow your own advice, doing what you say, so you’ll be able to successfully guide your children.

Take charge of your kids. Realize that children need parents who make decisions for them until they’re mature enough to make decisions for themselves. Don’t go to unhealthy extremes, either: deflecting your responsibility to take charge of your parenting duties and forcing your kids to be in charge before they’re ready, or giving too much or too little (without regard for your children’s needs) while depriving them of the ability to the mature and take charge of their own lives one day. Instead, build your kids’ critical thinking skills in age-appropriate ways by allowing them to make the decisions that they’re capable of making at each stage of their development.

Meet all of your children’s needs, but not all of their desires. Refuse to overindulge your kids in ways like: doing for your kids what they can do for themselves, buying them too much stuff, not expecting them to do chores, not having clear rules, giving them things or experiences that aren’t appropriate for their age or interests, giving them things to meet your own needs (such as looking good to others) rather than their needs, giving too much while expecting too little, and neglecting to teach your kids the life skills they need to survive in the world beyond your home. Teach your children the difference between a need and a want. Then make them work for what they want but don’t need, such as by doing extra household chores to save money for a certain video game. Help them develop patience. Give them opportunities to learn responsibility by assigning them age-appropriate duties to perform regularly. Make sure that you not only explain how to carry out their duties, but show them how to do so, as well.

Encourage your kids to place their confidence in God rather than in themselves. Help your kids know who they are and Whose they are, learn not to think more highly of themselves than they should, choose to be obedient to God regardless of what it costs them, accept their calls from God, learn to listen to God’s voice (such as by reading and memorizing Scripture, and listening to God during prayer), recognize evidence of God at work in the circumstances of their lives, serve God by serving other people (through opportunities you give them), and use their natural talents and spiritual gifts to contribute to others around them and help fulfill God’s purposes for their lives.

Cultivate compassion in your children. Fill your kids’ hearts with love so that, secure in the knowledge that they are loved themselves, they’ll be able to love other people. Choose some of the many different blessings from the Bible and pray them over your children. Aim to show your kids how much you love them through your actions and words every day. Model compassion for them by letting them see you act compassionately toward yourself, them, and others such as your family members and friends. Teach them to get to know people to understand them, and to empathize with their feelings. Help your children learn to look at situations from other people’s viewpoints. Teach them to love others. Practice hospitality, such as by inviting people over to your home for meals, opening your home up for youth group meetings, or welcoming houseguests. Do some service projects with your kids, working together to meet a need in your community (such as doing yard work for an elderly neighbor).

Build family togetherness. Strengthen your family’s relationships to help your kids increase their sense of security, which will give them the confidence to reach out to others in love. Let them learn from their experiences in your family – through good and bad – that love is choice rather than just a feeling. Eat meals together as often as possible. Work on family projects together throughout the year, from making a time capsule together in January and planting a garden in March to going on a neighborhood treasure hunt in June and thanking important people in your lives in November. Help your kids see how each of their parts in your shared projects contributes to the good of the whole.

Help your kids learn how to forgive. Teach your children how to show remorse, repent, and apologize to others they’ve wronged. Forgive your kids when they do wrong. Forgive others when they offend you. Ask your kids for forgiveness when you wrong them.

Cultivate generosity and gratitude. Help your kids learn how to live with open hands and open hearts by giving them plenty of opportunities to give to others. Nurture gratitude in your children in ways like giving them less stuff, unplugging their electronics on certain days and doing simple activities together instead, encouraging them to pray prayers of thanksgiving often, and requiring them to write thank-you notes for gifts they receive.

Give your children opportunities to serve their community. Incorporate community service into your lifestyle on a regular basis. Consider participating in projects like: hosting a neighborhood Bible club, collecting and delivering needed items for a homeless shelter, visiting elderly people in your area who have difficulty getting out (both those who still live at home, as well as those in facilities like nursing homes), volunteering to teach a class in something that makes use of one of your children’s talents, going Christmas caroling through your neighborhood, and thanking employees at your kids’ schools through notes and gifts.

Help your kids make a positive difference in the world. Give your children tangible ways they can contribute to the world beyond their local community, such as: working on a political campaign, writing letters to the editors of newspapers about topics in which they’re interested, contacting their elected officials about issues about which they care, and supporting global humanitarian efforts through charities working to help those in need around the world.

Parent with eternity in view. Remember that it’s not your job to make your kids happy, but it is your job to point them to the One who can make them holy. Make it a top priority to help your kids keep growing closer to Christ. Nurture their faith so that when they’re confronted with situations in which they must decide to respond either selfishly or selflessly, they’ll choose to trust God and respond with the selfless love that will bless all concerned.

Adapted from Raising Unselfish Children in a Self-Absorbed World, copyright 2008 by Jill Rigby. Published by Howard Books, a division of Simon & Schuster, West Monroe, La., www.howardpublishing.com.

Mississippi

2009-07-24T06:14:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to add some pics I took of Mississippi. Mom and I went to Philadelphia, Mississippi to see her friend Ann a few weeks ago. We had a good time. Just wanted to share these pics. Ann has a piano and I took some pics of Mom playing.

The bridge is crossing the Mississippi at Vicksburg. The drive to Mississippi was much like driving through East Texas on the way to Lufkin. Not a bad drive. Enjoy the pics! There are no mountains :( in Mississippi and that's what I like to take pics of but the countryside was pretty. Momma "shucked corn", too, so to speak and that's the corn pics. The lady in the pic with mom is her friend, Ann Hardy. Enjoy!

njoy!

More on Friends

2009-07-23T05:56:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

What a beautiful day it is outside. Also, I am so excited about the children's prayer revival tonight! I have seen all of the preparation and am so grateful at what is being poured into our children. Last evening Bro. Jamey preached an awesome message. I told him after church that I am so comforted to know he is standing in the gap for my daughter and son. Whew!

So standing in the gap? That's what friends do, huh? Yesterday I had a chance to observe a group of people in my workplace and I was totally shocked at their behavior. A group of people who can go out to lunch and have a great time and then two hours later completely try to destroy each other. What's that about? Many times we confuse friendship and being friendly. Being friendly is nice but shallow. But, friendship, my friend, is life changing. I ran across some quotes on friendship....

A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.-- Walter Winchel.

One who looks for a friend without faults will have none. -- Hasidic Saying.

Friendship multiplies the good of life and divides the evil.-- Baltasar Gracian (1647).

The only way to have a friend is to be one.-- Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Your friend is the man who knows all about you, and still likes you.-- Elbert Hubbard.

A true friend is someone who thinks that you are a good egg even though he knows that you are slightly cracked. -- Bernard Meltzer.

Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.--Swedish proverb.

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.--unknown.

You can hardly make a friend in a year, but you can easily offend one in an hour. -- Chinese Proverb.

When you are friendly with someone, you can easily walk away and leave them during times of stress or times when you don't particularly want to be around them. But when you have a deep friendship with someone, you will as the first saying goes, "Walk in when the rest of the world walks out." I have a special friend like that my friend Sis. Tamara Mahaney. That would describe her to a "T". She is there through the tears of sorrow and there through the laughter that brings tears it is so good. My desire is for our ladies to have a deep friendship and unity of spirit so that when the world walks out on us, we walk in for each other.

You, my friend, are special to me and I hope you have a wonderful day. Take some time out today and tell one of the ladies in the church how you value them. Walk out of your comfort zone and tell it someone whom you normally don't talk with often.

Love you all!

Sis. D.

Saving money eating at home

2009-07-22T09:59:00.001-07:00

Anyone ever heard of Once a month cooking? It's when you make several meals at once for the whole month.I've never tried this before but I think it's a great idea.
We have just recently started buying food in bulk to save money on groceries(I haven't had time for coupons lately)I have to freeze a lot of food before it goes to waste.And now I'm thinking of making meals to freeze.One of my family's favorite meals is lasagna and they can't get enough of it.Next time I make it I'll make 2 or 3 batches to freeze for times when we need a quick meal.(Just remember to thaw before you put it in the oven!)
Now on the weekends and Sunday afternoons after church we come home to eat instead of eating out.It is way more convenient to go out to eat on a busy days like Sundays but this has helped us to save money for other things.
I've used crock pot meals to help me and those are great to save time when you're in a hurry.Just throw together a salad and some rolls and you've got a great healthy meal for your family.I'm sure all of you know all this already but I'm just letting you know what helps me out right now.
If you'd like to start freezing meals I've included a recipe below.

Sticky chicken
4 tsp. salt
2 tsp.paprika
1 tsp.cayenne pepper
1 tsp.onion powder
1 tsp.thyme
1 tsp. white pepper
1/2 tsp.garlic powder
1 tsp.black pepper
1 large roasting chicken
1 cup onion,chopped
In a small bowl,combine all spices together.remove giblets from chicken,rinse cavity well and pat dry with paper towels.
Rub spices into chicken,both inside and outside making sure it is evenly distributed and deep down into the skin.Place in a zipper food storage bag or freeze.
or if you're ready to roast,then stuff cavity with onions,place in a shallow baking pan and roast uncovered at 325* for 5 hrs.
After the first hour,baste chicken every 30 minutes with pan juices.The pan juices will start to caramelize on the bottom of the pan and the chicken will turn a golden brown.
Always let your chicken rest 10-15 minutes before carving.
Enjoy! Hope y'all have a great Wednesday!

May I Be of Service, Please?

2009-07-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

Today, I'm looking back to about this time one year ago. A year ago, I took the Ladies department to try to fulfill a long desire I have had for a while. I went into it running. I wanted to serve in this capacity. I planned to have a ladies retreat, dinner, Valentine Queen, Lady of the year, and many more activities. About November, I hit construction in my life. I had to take a detour.

As some of you know, I became very sick. I have never been this ill before in my life. There were days I felt I would never be well again. I couldn't come to church like I always have. I tried to put on a good front and act like I wasn't sick but my family and friends knew just how ill I was.

I always love to sing in the choir. I sang in the ladies group and I loved it! As some of you know, I have played the piano for about 30 years, too. Well, this was all taken from me. I did not have the strength to do any of these things. I had to give up driving the Sunday School van (which I dearly loved)and for the first time in my whole entire Christian life I found myself sitting on the pew doing absolutely nothing. For the last nine months I have not been able to do anything. My, you don't miss it until you can't do it! But, guess what? This Sunday, after nine months I was able to sing! Awesome!

Ladies, I believe I am back! I feel strong and able to serve. I love to serve God's people. I am writing this blog to ask for forgiveness for letting you all down. I don't know why we go through times of trouble but it sure feels good to come through it!

The doctor says that there is no cure for what I have. However, the God that I serve both day and night is well able to keep and heal me. I am looking forward to serving the greatest ladies that I know. I love you all very much. If you ever need me, just call me.

Sis. Dotty

Building Children

2009-07-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

It was so beautiful so see the young couple in church yesterday dedicating their two beautiful children to God. When Pastor was dedicating them, he said two things that profoundly caught my attention. He said that he knew this couple was serious about God because one of the first things they wanted to give to God after coming into church was their children. Secondly, he talked about a child makes their decision as to what type of dedication they are going to have to God by about the age of 11. I have found this to be so true. Yes, young people can come into church but truly we see those who are dedicating themselves to ministry begin those principles in their life at an early age. How many times have we heard a missionary or pastor say that God began to move on them on their childhood.

I thought back to people in my life and those who went on to do incredible things of God in most cases are those who were seeking God in their childhood years. This really causes me to look at what I'm establishing in my children and the expectations that I have of them. My parents expected that I would be in church and would be involved in every aspect of the church. It was never a choice until we reached adulthood (not even sure they would have accepted it then...ha). Many of you know that I work in education and have worked at all levels, teaching, adminstration, etc, for many years. Not once in that time have I ever had a parent tell me..."We leave it to our children if they want to attend school or not. We leave it up to our children if they want to be involved in class. We leave it up to our children if they want to do their homework. We leave it up to our children if they want to learn math in third grade. We leave it up to our children if they want to listen to the teacher." No, you get the idea. But, I have had several parents of kids 8-11 tell me, "I don't want to force the things of God on my child because I want them to make their own choices." C'mon now. That's not the responsibility God gave us. My main purpose in life is to pour everything into and mold three little Duvall children in my household so they will have the necessary tools to be powerful ministers. I don't want them trying to find out who God is at age 17. This is not the blog I had intended to write this week but feel impressed to pull the cover off the line the world tries to give us. We aren't here to be spectators in the spiritual development of our children but we are here to keep them on the path and give them a nudge when they are headed wrongly. Think of Hannah...she expected Samuel to serve. The Bible says in Joshua 24:15 (NIV), “But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua made a choice to serve the Lord. But notice what he said, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” First of all, he made that choice for himself, and as a result, he made a choice that affected his household. When we make a decision to follow Jesus, it affects all those who are in our household. Joshua said, “We will serve the Lord.” He made a quality decision that effected his eternal destination, and that of the members of his household.

This is not a new principle but are you making decisions with your children that have an underlying determination that they will serve the Lord or are you not making decisions for them because you have bought into the psychobabble of this world that says, "Let them find their own way."

Love all of you so much! Don't forget the Children's Prayer Revival. :)

Sis. D.

Happy Friday

2009-07-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, everyone! Hope this day is a good one. I’m having a little bit of writer’s block this week so I don’t know how good this blog will be.

I was going to continue with the history of how we got the bible and give you some more information on it but I just don’t feel that this week.

How do you get through a frustrating time in your life? As you all know, I’m looking for a job and have been since January. I didn’t think I would be in this place again in my life but here I am. So, I’ll ask the question again…How do you get through a frustrating time in your life?

I have always loved the story of King David. I have lots of favorite people in the bible and King David is one of them. In I Samuel 30, the bible says he “Encouraged himself in the Lord.” He had just gone through a rough time when the Amalekites had invaded Ziklag and burned it with fire. His wives, sons and daughters had all been taken captive. Now, I’ve never gone through anything like that and I’ve never experienced that kind of frustration but I can relate to the fact that David had to encourage himself. There was no one around him to encourage him. Not that my life is like that. I have a lot of people in my life, including all my sisters in the church, which encourage me. I believe that when David encouraged himself that day, though, he was remembering all the times when he was young, out in the desert tending his father’s sheep, that he communed with God and he knew that God was with him.

I believe that one way David encouraged himself was through music. That’s kind of the way I am. I love gospel music because it speaks to the soul and it lets people know that there is hope and that hope is Jesus Christ. I’m not saying that the Word of God does not do that but we all know that people don’t always listen to words. Whereas, a song and a melody can stick with you, if you know what I mean.
I admire people who write beautiful songs (I wish I had that gift) and one in particular comes to mind is “For Every Mountain” by Kurt Carr. I know most, if not all, have heard this song but the words are:

I've got so much to thank God for
So many blessings and so many open doors
A brand new mercy
Along with each new day
That's why I praise You
For this I give you praise

Chorus
For waking me up this morning
That's why I praise You
For starting me on my way
That's why I praise You
For letting me see the sunlight of a brand new day
A brand new mercy along with each new day
That's why I praise You
For this I give You praise

For every mountain You brought me over
For every trial you've seen me through
For every blessing
Hallelujah for this I give you praise

I don’t know the story behind this song but from the lyrics I would say that Kurt Carr went through some very discouraging times. This song is an inspiration to me because it reminds me that no matter what mountain I have to climb I know that He is there to see me through.

So, I’m encouraging myself in the Lord because, “I’ve got so much to thank God for…”….

This is probably the shortest blog I’ve ever written so enjoy. Can’t promise that next week will be short…You just never know what I might come up with….!
Until next time, love you guys,
Kimmie

Edification

2009-07-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday.....

I get so excited about Thursdays during the summer because I have Friday off. So, it's Thursday but really Friday of the workweek! Yeah!

Thank you ladies for the most wonderful birthday ever. I absolutely love my purse. For those of you who know me well, you know that purses and perfume are my favorite things in life. My new purse is so beautiful and will be a treasure for many, many years. I can just imagine the experiences that it will go through with me. Times of refreshing, conferences, great services, weddings, just overall the path of life. And....the special thing about it is we will walk that journey together. Ever stop to think what it will be like in 5 years, 10 years, 15 years at Grand Prairie UPC? What kiddo in children's church do you think will be directing the choir in 15 years? Who do you think will be driving the bus? Who will be the church secretary? In 10 years, which of our young men will be seeking opportunities to preach in order to develop their ministry? Think any of our kiddos will head to the mission field? How will our ministries develop in the next 15 years? See today is not just for today's sake but just another stone in the foundation of the church in Grand Prairie that we are laying for our community. What we do matters in the kingdom.

One of our callings is to edify each other. What's edification? Edification means to build each other up so that He may become greater within us. Acts 9:31 NKJV says "Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied." This is my desire...that we have peace and unity and are able to put our selves aside in our to build each other up. Notice that when the Acts church did this, they had the comfort of the Holy Ghost and multiplied. We are in revival and that's because we are in a time of unity and daily seeking God's presence in our life.

In Ephesians 4:29 NKJV it says "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Wow! I love this scripture. Our words should be for edification so that hearer can receive grace. Do your words with each other bring grace or do they bring anger or condemnation? Communication is so casual with so many venues such as twitter, texting, email, cell phones, etc. However, all communication has an effect. Can we measure our words to see what result they are having?

I remember when Ellerie was really small. I was very, very frustrated with a young lady that was really just throwing her life away. I was talking to my husband and in my southern way said, "Oh, I'm so upset with her. I could just kill her for what she's done." Ellerie started crying and in her little 3-year old voice said, "Mommy, don't kill her. I like a lot of things about her." Wow! What a lesson to me as a mom in so many ways. We are called to find the good things in each other and build those up so that grace may abound and the undesirable things can be placed under the control of the Master.

One of the things that I have enjoyed doing through the years with Sunday School classes, youth groups, ladies, etc is called positive bombing. In positive bombing, someone sits in a chair with their back to the group. Everyone else in the group then begins to say things or "bomb" them with all of the things they like about the person in the chair. Truly, it is easier to say nice things about some people than others. But I remember a time when there was a very difficult young man in the chair and kids were saying things like "I love his socks", "He is always faithful to church", "He brings good snacks", and so forth. I could see this kid's face and with every comment, the smile was stronger and he sat up a little straighter. Our words do mean a lot. So...don't know how this will work but I thought we might do positive bombing in the comment section of this post. As you see one of our ladies post a comment, begin to bomb them with words you would like to say about them. Comment posted, we respond with positive "bombs".

Love you all so much,
Sis. D.

Easy Summer Menus

2009-07-15T08:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone likes to grill out,so why not invite some friends over and try these easy menus the next time you entertain. The great thing is you make most of these the day before.

Ultimate Chicken
or
Honey mustard grilled chicken

For a salad try:
Asian slaw salad
or
24 hr. salad

Dessert:
Dirt cake
or
Strawberry pretzel salad

ULTIMATE CHICKEN

1/4 c. cider vinegar
3 Tbsp. prepared course ground mustard
3 cloves garlic,minced
1 lime,juiced
1 lemon,juiced
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
black pepper to taste
6 Tbsp. olive oil
6 boneless,skinless chicken breast halves

Mix all ingredients except oil together,then whisk in oil.
Place chicken in marinade and marinate for 8 hrs. or overnight.Grill.

HONEY MUSTARD GRILLED CHICKEN

1/3 c. dijon mustard
1/4 c. honey
2Tbsp. mayo.
1 tsp. steak sauce
4 boneless.skinless chicken breast halves

Mix first 4 ingredients together and set a small amount aside for basting.
Marinate chicken in the marinade for 30 minutes. Grill.

ASIAN SLAW SALAD

1 c. olive oil
1 c. sugar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 pkg. cole slaw
6-8 green onions,chopped
1/4 c. fresh cilantro to taste,chopped
1/2 c. almonds
1/2 c.sunflower seeds,shelled
2 pkg. ramen noodles,crumbled,discard seasoning

Whisk together oil,sugar,vinegar ans soy sauce together to make a dressing.The dressing may be made a day ahead.The day that you serve the salad,combine the cole slaw,green onions,cilantro,almonds and sunflower seeds and ramen noodles in a bowl.Pour dressing over salad right before serving,toss until evenly coated and serve.It's a lot of dressing and you don't have to use it all.

24 HR. SALAD

1 head of lettuce,any kind
1/2 med. red onion,sliced thin
4 hard boiled eggs,peeled and chopped or sliced
1/2 tsp. table salt
1 1/2 c.frozen peas,thawed
1 c.celery,chopped or sliced
1 red bell pepper,seeded and chopped
1 med.cucumber,halved,seeded and sliced thin
bacon,cooked and crumbled(as much as you like)
1 c.shredded sharp cheddar cheese
DRESSING
1 1/2 c.mayo
3 Tbsp. cider vinegar
2 Tbsp.hot sauce or you can use one or none at all
2tsp. sugar
1tsp.black pepper

This looks pretty in a trifle bowl but a regular large bowl works fine.
Place half of lettuce in bowl.Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. salt.Rinse sliced onions under cold water and pet dry with paper towels.Layer onion,eggs,peas,celery,bell pepper and cucumber.Add remaining lettuce and top with bacon and cheese.
For the dressing,combine all ingredients and spread evenly over salad.Cover with plastic and refrigerate at least 8 hrs. or over night.
To serve,toss salad until evenly coated with dressing.
REMEMBER,If you don't like some of the ingredients,change it to something you do like.

DIRT CAKE

1/2 c.butter,softened
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese,softened
1/2 c. conf. sugar
2(3.5 oz.) vanilla pudding mixes
3 1/2 c. milk
1 (12 oz.) cool whip,thawed
Pkg. 32.oz oreos

Place cookies in a food processor.It should look like dirt when you're done.
Mix butter,cream cheese and sugar in bowl.
In a large bowl,mix milk,pudding and cool whip together.
Combine pudding mixture and cream cheese mixture together.
Layer in a bowl,starting with the cookies(dirt) then cream mixture and keep layering.
Chill for a couple of hours until ready to serve.

STRAWBERRY PRETZEL SALAD

2 c. crushed pretzels ( I like to leave mine a little chunky)
3/4 c. better,melted
3Tbsp. white sugar

1(8oz.) cream cheese,softened
1 c. white sugar
1 (8oz.) cool whip

2 pkg. strawberry jello (3 oz.)
2 c. boiling water
2 (10 oz.) frozen strawberries

Preheat oven to 400*
Stir together crushed pretzels,butter and sugar; mix well and press mixture into bottom of 9x13 baking dish.
Bake 8-10 min.,until set.Set aside to cool.
In a large bowl,cream together cream cheese and 1 c. sugar.Fold in cool whip,spread mixture onto cooled crust.
Dissolve jello in boiling water.Stir in still frozen strawberries and allow to set for a couple minutes.
When mixture is consistency of egg whites,pour and spread over cream cheese layer.
Refrigerate until set.

Layla you can add all these to the church cookbook!
Hope y'all enjoy!
Hugs,
Sis. Monica

WNOP

2009-07-13T07:10:00.001-07:00

Hello, All,

For some reason, we can't comment on the post about WNOP. If you would like to add a comment or tip from the site, please do so on this post.

Love to all!
Sis. D.

World Wide Network of Prayer

2009-07-13T05:50:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a beautiful presence of God was in the service last evening. It was all I could do to direct the choir without having to just stop and cry. The healing power of God is awesome. As you know, on Mondays we talk about home and family. I know that we all want our homes to be a place of worship for our children. So many things that we remove from our home in order to live a holy life is so the presence of God can more strongly dwell in our homes. We remove distractions from our homes that would place focus on things of this world and replace those with peace, joy, and a place for God to dwell.

One of the jewels that we have in our organization is the World Wide Network of Prayer (WNOP). You can find the wnop at http://www.wnop.org/. As you'll see below there are places for you to enter prayer requests, read prayer requests, and many, many resources for incorporating prayer into your life.

The site also links to Kids Prayer which is the site with a lot of information on how to pray with your kids with many ideas for Sunday School, Kids Church, etc. That site can be found at http://www.kidsprayer.com/.

Also, the Ladies Ministry site offers great articles and resources. It can be at http://www.ladiesministries.org/.

Also, the Ladies Ministry offers a ministry to girls of UPC called Today's Christian Girl. It offers all sorts of resources for our girls and can be found at http://www.todayschristiangirl.com/.

Below is a link to a beautiful worship song from Indiana Bible College - "Majesty":

Have a wonderful Monday and looking forward to the Kids Prayer Revival next week!
Sis. D

How We Got The Bible

2009-07-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

I’m back! Yay! I get to blog again this month and I picked Friday, Yay!
Wanted to start out by saying the bible study with Bro. Josh Davis has been enlightening. It’s been a long time since I’ve been in a bible class like this and even though I went to Texas Bible College I still needed this refresher course in Bible study. It makes me open my mind again to more in depth study of scripture and it fascinates me to think about all the stories in the Bible and how it came to us down through the centuries. Think about it! God protected the manuscripts and the translations through all the years so the whole world would hear the Gospel and come to Christ! Amazing!
As all of you know by now, I’m fascinated by history. If you didn’t know it before, you sure know it now. I should’ve been a history major.

Anyway, the other day I came across a pamphlet I had that talked about how we got the Bible. I have no idea where I got this pamphlet or how old it is but I thought you all would enjoy these little tidbits of history.

HOW WE GOT THE BIBLE - Ten Key Points
1. The Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
2. Made up of 66 different books that were written over 1600 years (from approximately 1500 BC to AD 100) by more than 40 kings, prophets, leaders, and followers of Jesus.
3. The Old Testament was written mainly in Hebrew, with some Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek.
4. The books of the Bible were collected and arranged and recognized as inspired sacred authority by councils of rabbis and councils of church leaders based on careful guidelines.
5. Before the printing press was invented, the Bible was copied by hand. The Bible was copied very accurately, in many cases by special scribes who developed intricate methods of counting words and letters to insure that no errors had been made.
6. The Bible was the first book ever printed on the printing press with moveable type (Gutenberg Press, 1455, Latin Bible).
7. There is much evidence that the Bible we have today is remarkably true to the original writings. Of the thousands of copies made by hand before AD 1500, more than 5,300 Greek manuscripts from the New Testament alone still exist today. The text of the Bible is better preserved than the writings of Caesar, Plato, or Aristotle.
8. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls (in 1947) confirmed the astonishing reliability of some of the copies of the Old Testament made over the years. Some variations exist, most of which involve spelling. No variation affects basic Bible doctrines.
9. As the Bible was carried to other countries, it was translated into the common language of the people by scholars who wanted others to know God’s Word.
10. By AD 200, the Bible was translated into seven languages; by AD 500, 13 languages; by AD 900, 17 languages; by AD 1400, 28 languages; by 1800, 57 languages; by 1900, 537 languages; by 1980, 1,100 languages. (source: The World Christian Encyclopedia)

Isn’t this awesome? I think it is. I hope you enjoyed this (that is, if you read it all…). What an awesome book the Bible is. From the Old Testament manuscripts to the New Testament manuscripts and their translations the Word of God has been preserved for the world!

So, the next question is why? Because the awesome LOVE of God is more powerful than anything man could ever do. Nothing anyone could do through the centuries (persecution, etc.,) could stop the translation of this great Gospel message. The Good News of Christ to the world! More than ever, especially with the way the world is going now, I want to love and appreciate this most precious of books.
Again, I hope you enjoyed this blog. Look for more next week!

Until next time, love you all,
Kimmie

Friendship

2009-07-09T03:00:00.000-07:00

For the month of July, I want to take some time to talk about Friendship! Someone once said that friends are the way God takes care of us. I find this to be true. My sisters in Christ are my closest friends. We share such a special bond and special goal. I have acquantainces and people that I am friendly with outside of the church but they don't "get it" totally. There are so many joys, heartaches, and goals that I can't relate to them on. I think of so many times when I have had joy or heartache. After talking to my family, my next step was to find a phone to call a sister in Christ. I ran across this great recipe for friendship with the "sister chicks":

Sisters In Christ Friendship Recipe

Shortening - Provides texture. Our fellowship and friendship with our sisters in the Lord can add much depth and texture to our lives. We blend together in unity as part of the body of Christ.

Sugar - Adds sweetness. Our fellowship with our sisters adds such a sweet taste to our lives. If we didn't have sugar in our cookies, we'd sure miss it. The same is with our fellowship with our sisters. We can't leave it out of our lives.

Eggs - Holds ingredients together. Sisters in the Lord are someone to lean on. We are held together by fellowship with them. We are stronger because of them, their prayers, and their love in the Lord. We have a special bond in Christ.

Vanilla - Adds flavor. Sisters add that flavor we need. They give us that extra sensation. Without friends and fellowship we become kind of bland.

Flour - Adds substance. We need the substance a sister in the Lord can add. They give us many things by way of mentoring us when we don't even know it. Their shared testimonies and way they live their lives has an impact on us.

Baking Soda - Leavens. Leavening agents in baking helps to lighten the dough. Friendship with our sisters in Christ lightens our burdens through their prayer and encouragement.

Salt - Enhances flavor. We know that friendships add flavor and just when we need it, they help improve the tastefulness and quality of our lives. Friends are the type of people that know just what we are going through and are there when we need them.

Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips - - The kind of chocolate chips we normally add to our cookies is semi sweet. Our sister friends tell us what they feel and think and that's okay. They can be honest and truthful to us. "Iron sharpeneth iron" (Proverbs 27:17).

Nuts...Optional - Just a little craziness in a sister friend is great! Sometimes a little zaniness in our friends can be just the ingredient we need.

My intention was to talk about some of my wonderful friends but there are so many of you that make my life everyday better. I want to take an opportunity to tell you each how much better off I am with you in my life. I love reading your blogs to see what is going on in your life. I make a daily habit to see if Sis. Monica, Sis. Jess, Sis. Layla, or Sis. Kimmie have posted to their blogs. That's because you can't get enough of a good thing....we need each other! I would love to see other blogs from my "sister chicks".

In the month of July, let's take Thursdays as a day of encouragement for each other and an opportunity to stop, pray for our sisters, and tell them how much we love them. Mark your calendars...we're going to make it a day of edification for the family we've been blessed with in GP.

Love to all!
Sis. D.

Summer time treats and crusader camp pictures

2009-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well,it's Wednesday and you know what that means,It's time for some more great recipes!
It's also July here in Texas and being in the kitchen over a hot stove is not something I want to be doing right now,so,here are some easy recipes for everyone's favorite summer time treat!

Easy Chocolate Ice Cream
1 (14 oz.)sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup chocolate syrup
2 cups heavy cream

First line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with aluminum foil.In a large bowl, stir together cond. milk and chocolate syrup until color is even.
In a seperate bowl,whip cream until stiff peaks form.Fold cream into chocolate mixture and pour all into the prepared pan.
Cover and freeze 6 hours until firm.

5 Ingredient Ice Cream
1/2 c.cold milk
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1/8 tsp. salt
1 pint heavy cream

In a medium bowl,stir together cold milk,vanilla,cond. milk and salt.Set aside.
In a large bowl,beat heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.Fold milk mixture
into the whipped cream .
Pour into a shallow 2 quart dish,cover and freeze for 4 hours,stirring once after 2 hours or when edges start to harden.
Serve or store in an air tight container up to 10 days.

For those special occasions during the summer why not try to make your own ice cream cake?

Easy Ice Cream Cake
16 ice cream sandwiches
1 (16 oz.) cool whip
1 (12 oz.)jar chocolate fudge topping ,room temp.
1 (1.5 oz.) chocolate candy bar,grated (your choice)

Place 8 of the ice cream sandwiches side by side in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Spread evenly with half of the hot fudge topping,than half of the cool whip.
Repeat with remaining sandwiches and toppings.Sprinkle with grated candy bar.
Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour before serving.Keep unused portion covered and frozen.

Now this last recipe I have tried with the kids and we really liked it.It's more of a chunky frozen treat.

Frozen Cranberry Banana Salad
1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple
1 pint sour cream
1 (9 oz.) cool whip
4 mashed bananas
1/2 c. sugar
2 cans whole cranberry sauce

First, drain the pineapple well and put in a large mixing bowl.
Add sugar,then cool whip.Add cranberry sauce and sour cream.
In a separate bowl,peel and mash bananas with a fork.Combine and stir well.
Spoon into cupcake lined muffin pan.Freeze and then store them in ziploc bag.This makes it easy when the kids want to grab a quick snack.
I had a lot left over so I froze the rest in separate containers and it lasted for a few days.

Hope you all enjoy these easy recipes on these hot summer days! Have a great Wednesday!
Love,
Sis. Monica

Oh,before I go,I wanted to share some of the pictures I took of the kids at crusader camp last week.Thank you again Layla and everyone else for all their hard work!!!
Getting ready to leave Monday morning.

Stopped for lunch at Mickey D's
Girls hanging out in their dorm.
Quin dressed and ready to go to church!

The Seaton Wedding

2009-07-07T06:01:00.000-07:00

Hello, All!

Beautiful pictures of the wedding of Jamie Seaton and Courtney Boone this past weekend. I am anxious for them to come "home" to Grand Prairie and know the youth are anxious. Love you all! Sis. D.

Raising Thankful Children

2009-07-06T05:58:00.000-07:00

Wow! This is the third month of our ladies blog. I am so grateful to all who have posted, commented, and read the blog. I'm excited about a new month of blogging....

As you know, on most Mondays, we talk about Family and Home. I ran across an article by David Swihart that I wanted to share with you about having thankful children.

In the midst of this materialistic society, parents often see in their children a lack of appreciation for what they have. Here are 10 ideas that can help your children become more thankful people.

Begin to model an attitude that says, "This thing isn't mine, it belongs to God and he is letting me use it right now." With this attitude, you can begin to convey not only that God is the creator and owner of everything, but also that we are entrusted with caring for God's possessions.

Limit the number of things you give to your children. If you are constantly giving things to them, they lose their appreciation for a gift when the next one comes along. Instead of having one prized possession, they will simply have lots of stuff to occupy them. Over time, this breeds a lack of appreciation for things. In short, you spoil your child.

Don't make giving toys or presents the primary way of showing love in your family. Love is a spiritual act, and is best communicated through speech, touch, facial expressions and attitudes.

Take time regularly to be thankful and to give thanks together. Let your children see you telling them and others, "thank you".

During family prayer time, go around the circle and have each family member tell God "thank you" for something.

Plan family activities that involve ministering to other people. Through this a child can see how blessing others produces thankfulness.

Incorporate into discipline the removal of certain things and activities your child likes but may take for granted. This will give the opportunity to "miss" it, increasing his appreciation for having it.

Acknowledge when your child says, "thank you" by looking at him or her, smiling and clearly saying, "you're welcome'. Let them know how it makes you happy to hear them saying, "thank you".

As your children grow old enough to comprehend it, make clear distinctions between "rights" and "privileges", first in your own life and, by application, in theirs. A good example for adults is having a driver's license.

Over time, make the connection for your children between thankfulness and worship so that they can truly grow to worship the Lord out of a thankful heart.

We have awesome children in our church and I want to do my part to be sure they have the resources and training to become powerful ministers of the gospel. I love each of you and hope you have a fabulous Monday.

On another note...the wedding of Bro. Jamie and Sis. Courtney was beautiful. I will try to post some pictures later.

Love you all! Sis. D.

Love

2009-06-30T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry this is so late today.

I Corinthians 13 talks about love. I think love is a wonderful emotion. Sometimes we do not love one another as we should. The bible states that love endures all things. Love covers a multitude of sins.

When we see our sister or brother hurting our love needs to reach out to them. Love does not see color. It causes people to leave their home and family and go to a foreign country. It causes Pastors to lose sleep and stay beside the bed of a dying saint. It causes a Sunday School teacher to take time for a child that is from a dysfunctional family. To the youth pastor, love causes him to go places with the youth and spend endless hours with them. When we have wronged someone love will make us go to that person and say we are sorry.

Now I know there are different kinds o love. There is a parents love for their children. Love between a woman and a man. Love for our parents and grandparents. A friend's love. They are all different. But they are all love.

I need more love. Our church is showing a lot of love to our community and I know that God will bless all of us for this.

I have enjoyed blogging this month. I hope you have all enjoyed what I had to say.

Until next time,
Sis. Dotty

2009-06-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Hello Ladies! I really just felt like I want to thank God for giving me all that He has and for allowing me to do this.
People,we serve an awesome God,a God that loves people,a God that came and died so that we may have life.
We are chosen generation.It really excites me because we are the ones that will see the second coming of God.
Matthew 24 talks about the coming of the Lord,and people we're not too far from his coming.
Are we ready??Are we where we should be with God?Are we praying for one another?Are we lifting each other up?Are we doing the will of God?Are we reaching out?
Let's wake up and get on the ball!Let's put everything under the blood and behind us and start working for God.Everybody deserves Jesus and heaven.
I am here for you all,call me if you need anything(469)235-0420
Let's share heaven everyone!
Love you,
Jules

IN THE KITCHEN

2009-06-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

Ok. Thanks for requesting a recipe. I am going to make this short because Adan just had his surgery and I have lots to do. Housework never ends huh? Sis Duvall wants to know how to make refried beans.

Ingredients:
1 lb pinto beans
Approx 1 1/2 tablespoon of salt
2 garlic cloves
oil

Make sure sure remove any old beans and dirt or rocks from pinto beans. Rinse 2 or 3times. Add beans to boiling water. Add two cloves of garlic and salt. I cook mine in a 3 qt pan. Make sure you add boiling water (adding cold or tap water to a hot pot will ruin your pot)after the first hour and then recheck water level after 1 1/2 hour. I cook mine on #4 heat. They should be done at approx 2hours 15 minutes or 2 hours 30 minutes. Beans should be soft.

Let them cool down for a while. I put mine in the blender so that I won't be mashing them in the pan but you are welcomed to do it that way. Victoria doesn't like for me to do that because she does not like to eat the peel. She just don't get it. She is still eating it if I blend them.

When you are ready to refry just add oil to a sauce pan and let it become hot (not burned) and then add the beans and stir for 2 or 3 minutes. That's it.
You may freeze the remainder of whole beans and refry them at another time.

It's been a pleasure to do this blog. If you have any questions while your doing the recipes, feel free to call me.

nydia

2009-06-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon Ladies!!!

I want to share something I read. I have been struggling with a few things and this lifted my spirit.

“Be still my heart and let your troubles melt away. You are loved, you are free. Yours is the earth and more, for great indeed is your inheritance. You need not be troubled, you need not fear of anything. You need not wear yourself out anymore by efforts that have brought you nothing. You need only to rest, to trust, and to believe that everything’s going to be just fine.

It will be taken care of by the Hand of God. Your prayer has been heard even before it had been uttered, Your desires shall come to be and no one can steal your dreams away. No one can snatch you away from the LOVE of GOD. For you are his alone forever.

Be still and rest your weary soul. Let not your confidence lay upon the workings of the flesh, but upon the power of the spirit whose power is greater in times when you rest than in the many days that you toil.

Be still, be whole, be joyful just where you are for who you really are someone more wonderful than the stars, someone even more beautiful than the rising sun.”

I have to admit that I have given my problems or situations to God and then tried to fix them myself. But like Bro. Seaton said last night, We need to take it off and tear it up. Once we give our problems and situations to God we need to let him handle it instead of still trying to do it ourselves. I ask that you all keep me and my family in your prayers. I appreciate each and every one of you and thank God for my sisters in the Lord. May God bless you all, as we continue to have revival at the First UPC of GP.

IN JESUS NAME!!

Sis. Krisha

IN THE KITCHEN

2009-06-19T16:36:00.000-07:00

I'm so sorry for not posting it on Wednesday. Hope everyone is doing good in the Lord. I was trying to think what recipe to give you all for this week. I decided to post the meat that I do for my tacos. It is so easy, you should only take 10 minutes to prepare.

Shredded Meat for Tacos

Ingredients:
5-7 pounds chuck roast (approx. 30 tacos)
salt
pepper
season salt

Remove fat from meat (if any). Usually I like to buy the meat when it is on sale at Kroger's or Tom Thumb. I bought it the last time at Albertson's and it had lots of fat. The Sale price is 1.99 lb. Usually you get two roast in the package. Cut the roasts in around 4 or 5 pieces each. Remove excess fat. Season them first with salt, then pepper, and last season salt. I do not know the exact measurements but I just shake enough to cover the meat. Once you've done one side of seasoning, turn it over and season the other side. Place in the crock pot. Bake on high setting. Usually I leave it overnight. It takes approx 6 hours. Once it is done you shred it with a fork. You may serve with flour or corn tortillas.

Try it sometime. It's delicious. If I have left overs I make tostadas and or make it with eggs the next morning.

PS. IF there is a particular mexican recipe you need please post it in your comments so that I can post it next week.

Lord Bless,
Sis. Nydia

Blessings

2009-06-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

Matthew
5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit,for their is the kingdom of heaven

5:4 Blessed are those who mourn,for they will be comforted

5:5 Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the earth

5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be filled

5:7 Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy

5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart,for they will see God

5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called sons of God

5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you,persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me

5:12Rejoice and be glad,because great is your reward in heaven

The sermon on the mount cannot save sinners but it is part of the holy scriptures which is inspired by God.It is useful for teaching,correcting and training in righteousness.
If we can apply this to our everyday living and towards our family and friends,it would make serving God so much easier.

God bless,
Sis.Julie

God Is Sovereign

2009-06-16T06:16:00.000-07:00

Psalms 115:3 - "But our God is in the heavens, He hath done whatsoever He pleases."
Isaiah 43:13 - "None can deliver out of my hand."

Are you close to quitting? Please don't. Are you discouraged as a parent? Hang in there. Are you weary with doing good? Do just a little more. Are you pessimistic about your job? Be thankful you have one. Can't resist temptation? Accept God's forgiveness and go one more round. Sometimes God moves just because He is God.

Easter Sunday one year ago I met the sovereign God in our church. I thought the salvation of someone dear to me was hopeless. They came to our service and the sign team got up to sign their Easter song. It was a simple song signed by simple people about a simple message. But there in that church service Jesus touched this person. Later they told me the story. They sat in the service and the most sovereign God touched their heart and they cried. The story was much more beautiful than I can write but I know He moves when He wants to. It doesn't matter if we want it or believe it. If it fits God's fancy and He wants to do something then it is done. He doesn't have to answer to anyone. He is Just in everything He does.

I think I need to realize God is sovereign and I really don't have to worry and fret. Our world is in a mess, the economy is not good, people are worried about the coming storm. We, as God's people, should not be down or depressed. We serve a Big Jesus. He does just as He pleases. He is faithful even when we are not!

He fed thousands with one basket and calmed the storm with one command. He raised the dead with one proclamation and changed lives with one request. He rerouted the history of the world with His one life.

He alone is sovereign and He does whatever pleases Him!

How awesome!

Sis. Dorothy

Summer fun for the family!

2009-06-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Ladies!

Well school is out and our children are home for the Summer!! I have a few ideas of some games, crafts, and fun recipes to do with your children. The Fourth of July is coming up so here is an easy fun craft idea…..

You’ll Need: White construction paper, yarn, craft sticks, red paint, and an old t-shirt you don’t mind getting paint on.

Directions: Trace a flag onto a piece of white construction paper. Tape yarn onto the craft sticks. Let the children dip the yarn in the red paint (holding craft stick in their hand and drag yarn across the flag outline. Makes great stripes! Add stick on stars, and display for the 4th of July!

We all know it has been really hot outside, so here is a cool refreshing game to play outside with the kiddos.

Balloon Battle

You will Need: Balloons, water, and string

Directions: Separate the kids into 2 teams if you have a lot of children, if not you don’t have to have teams. Fill up a balloon with water, tie a sting around it and tie it around each child’s ankle. (Not too tight) Each child tries to burst the other childs balloon first. Whoever ends up with their balloon not popped wins.

After getting wet and running around will then be a good time to go inside and make a delicious snack together with the kids. Here is a recipe for something easy, delicious and fun.

Baby Cheesecake

You will Need:( Per Child) A small plastic bowl or dish, 1 whole graham cracker, 1 tablespoon of cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon of strawberry preserves (optional).

Directions: This is a dump recipe. Have each child dump all their ingredients into their bowl and mix up . Then have them put into individual cupcake holders on plastic bags that than can grab and eat. Store in refrigerator for about 10 to 15 minutes then serve chilled.

The kids will love all these ideas and it will keep them busy for a day. After you make a craft, play, and eat a good snack, then you will probably have some children that won’t mind laying down for some quiet time. I hope you all enjoy this and have a good time with your children/child this summer.

God Bless! Sis.Krisha

2009-06-11T08:23:00.000-07:00

Wow!Can't believe it's been a week already.Everyone is talking about Sunday night after Sis.Carol's going away party.Let me tell you,for those of you that didn't stay that left early,you missed it,it was great!and for you that were there you know what I'm talking about.Where can I start?Blessings after blessings poured out that night.
Oh what a night just seeing the young people praying being touched by God,speaking in tongues crying pouring out their hearts to the Lord.
The little children were also touched,our community children praying through crying too,can you imagine that? Can you not see how good the Lord is to us?
He is just pouring out His blessing on us,our church,our families and friends.My biggest blessing that I received that night was seeing my husband and sons praying for each other,seeing Alex and Jessica pray through was a big blessing to me,no one knows how much I have been praying for them to have their breakthrough and just because they prayed through dosen't mean I will put my guards down.We have to keep praying and like Bro.Decote said just because we're not battling or going through trials dosen't mean to stop praying,this is when we gotta keep praying,keep praising Him.
We are blessed generation.We are blessed church.Jesus has blessed so much and here are a few blessing s that I have been so thankful for:
1)His amazing love
2)The cupful of mercy He gives us every morning
3)Forgiveness
4)Each other
5)Our new families
6)Our community kids
7)Praying teachers
8)The Duvalls(especially Pastor)
9)Our music
10)And of course,our loud speakers)

IN THE KITCHEN

2009-06-09T19:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it is my turn again. Let me know if anyone tried to make the recipe. I want to first thank God, for allowing things to get better within my family. Some of you know that I had family issues with my mom and sister. My sister had been speaking to me for a while now but my mom still had issues with my husband. Well on Mother's day, Adan went ahead and went with me to my moms' and wished her a Happy Mother's Day and ever since then things have been getting better. Sometimes it takes humbleness in our part even though we don't beleive it has been our fault. To God be the Glory.

This week I will post two recipes. If your kids are not really in to eating corn bread, they might like this sweet cornbread recipe.

2 Boxes of Jiffy Cornbread
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1 cup sugar
1 cup melted butter or margarine

Mix all ingredients with either mixer or whisk. Bake in greased 9x13 pan at 350 for 30-45 minutes (depending on pan).

Famous Tortillas

3 cups bleached flour
2 tsp salt
1/4 cup shortening
approx 1 cup boiling water

Mix flour and salt. Add shortening and mix shortening with your fingers. Add approx 1/4 water into flour. If water is too hot for your fingers, begin mixing it with a teaspoon and begin forming a dough. Continue to add water as needed until you have a medium firm dough. If your dough sticks to your fingers you put too much water and you will not be able to roll it. After your done I let it stand in a plastic bag for at least 15-20 minutes. Form into balls before you roll. If needed add flour as you roll. Cook in comal(tortilla skillet). When cooking, let bubbles rise before flipping tortilla over. Flip over twice or three times. Hint: the comal is hot enough to cook the tortillas when you sprinke water and water turns into tiny circles.

It sounds like lots of work but it really isn't once you get the hang of it.
Tell you all what. We can have a tortilla party with any lady that wants to learn to cook these babies. We can plan any Thursday or Friday evening or Saturday. Bring your flour bag and plastic bowl. When do you all want to do this? Let's get you all ready for when we sell mexican dishes.

Love you all,

Nydia

Can You Tell Me Who Sits On The Circle Of The Earth?

2009-06-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 40 has been one of my favorite chapters for some time now.

In the 12th verse it says that “He measured the waters in the hollow of His hand. He meted out the heavens with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?”

How can you measure the mountains in scales? Tell me if you can. Who stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain? Please tell me who is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth? We are as grasshoppers before Him.

Verse 29 reads, “He giveth power to the faint and to them that have no might He increaseth strength.”
Verse 31 reads, “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.”

And then, there was the service Sunday night. After eating at Bro. and Sis. Kennon’s party, prayer was beginning again in the sanctuary. I commented to Sis. Ruby that I just wanted to go back into the sanctuary and sit. Several young people were in the sanctuary praying and worshipping. Sis. Ruby said that’s what she wanted to do, too. The children’s sign team had also been in there practicing and the Spirit was falling.

As I entered the sanctuary, I sat down but was unable to just sit long. I had to be a participant. I saw different ones worshipping the Creator spoken about in Isaiah.

Please excuse the personal reference. I saw some of the young men I had in my Sunday School class about 10 or 12 years ago worshipping God. They looked beautiful! We also had one man come in off the street who joined us in worship. The children were down at the front praising the One who doesn’t need counseling or instructions. He is the One who sits on the circle of the earth!

Until next time,
Sis. Dorothy

2009-06-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Ladies! WOW!!! Wasn’t last night an AWESOME night!? I didn’t want to leave the church. What a mighty work God is doing we are truly in revival. God is doing a mighty work in our children and community children. One of our community children, Julissa, got the Holy Ghost last night and when she left she asked Bro. Rodney if she could do it again on Wednesday night. He told her she didn’t have to wait until Wednesday, that she could pray and fill God no matter when it was or where she was at. I am so glad that we have that liberty to fill our God whenever and/or wherever. We need to have prayer meetings like that in our homes just as well. We need to let our Family members and children see us pray like that and have a mighty brake through in homes. We should carry the presence of God with us were ever we go.

I know last week I talked about Family time and spending time with our children. Well I guess this kinda goes along with that subject. We need to train our children up how to be mighty prayer worriers. If they don’t never see or hear us in our prayer closest at home how will we teach them to have a prayer life. We need to fight war on our knees in mighty prayer on daily basis for our families, our church, our pastor and his family and our community. A steady, faithful prayer life will keep Revival going, our families closer together through Christ, and strengthen our church as a whole. So help me take the mighty prayer we had last night home and keep it going throughout the year and always. God is doing and going to continue to do mighty things for us but we have to do our part as well. May God bless my sisters in Christ this week and may the power of prayer continue on in our lives and homes.

God Bless!

Sis. Krisha

Least of These.

2009-06-05T08:55:00.000-07:00

ha ha ha...thought I forgot didn't you...well I didn't! ha!

I just found out this week that I will be doing "In the Spotlight Fridays"...and because I have no clue about anything, I am not prepared to spotlight anyone in particular.
SOOOO I am going to spotlight a song.

Music is my life. If you had to tell me I could only bring one thing to a deserted island, I would choose my zune (it is like an ipod) full of music.

Growing up in church I lived for singing hymns on Sunday. I learned how to conduct music in my youth class and I would join the choir and even sing a duet or two (with lots and lots and lots of practice).

We all know the church I grew up in is not the same to the one I attend now....but the main subject is the same to me.... Christ Jesus our Savior and Redeemer.

This song was originally a poem. It talks about how this one person did good deeds throughout his life, and in the end Christ recognizes them.
It is long, but please read....

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief

A poor wayfaring Man of grief
Hath often crossed me on my way,
Who sued so humbly for relief
That I could never answer nay.
I had not power to ask his name,
Whereto he went, or whence he came;
Yet there was something in his eye
That won my love; I knew not why.

Once, when my scanty meal was spread
,He entered; not a word he spake,
Just perishing for want of bread.
I gave him all; he blessed it, brake,
And ate, but gave me part again.
Mine was an angel’s portion then,
For while I fed with eager haste,
The crust was manna to my taste.

I spied him where a fountain burst
Clear from the rock; his strength was gone.
The heedless water mocked his thirst;
He heard it, saw it hurrying on.
I ran and raised the suff’rer up;
Thrice from the stream he drained my cup,
Dipped and returned it running o’er;
I drank and never thirsted more.

’Twas night; the floods were out; it blew
A winter hurricane aloof.
I heard his voice abroad and flew
To bid him welcome to my roof.
I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest
And laid him on my couch to rest;
Then made the earth my bed, and seemed
In Eden’s garden while I dreamed.

Stripped, wounded, beaten nigh to death,
I found him by the highway side.
roused his pulse, brought back his breath,
Revived his spirit, and supplied
Wine, oil, refreshment—he was healed.
I had myself a wound concealed,
But from that hour forgot the smart,
And peace bound up my broken heart.

In pris’n I saw him next, condemned
To meet a traitor’s doom at morn.
The tide of lying tongues I stemmed,
And honored him ’mid shame and scorn.
My friendship’s utmost zeal to try,
He asked if I for him would die.
The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill,
But my free spirit cried, “I will!”

Then in a moment to my view
The stranger started from disguise.
The tokens in His hands I knew;
The Savior stood before mine eyes.
He spake, and my poor name He named,
“Of Me thou hast not been ashamed.
These deeds shall thy memorial be;
Fear not, thou didst them unto Me.”

James Montgomery

Now I spotlight this poem/song because of Pastors message on Wednesday night. He spoke to us and encouraged us to become servants to each other and to the church...and all I kept thinking about was this song...and how the little things we do for each other is what our memorial will be.
Did we lift each other up in times of need?
Did we give without expecting anything in return?
Did we search daily for a act of kindness to perform?

Any time I feel "forced" or feel like I have to do something and I find myself doing it withOUT a glad heart, I have to remind myself....

Matt 25: 30-40

30And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
31When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Blessings

2009-06-04T04:50:00.000-07:00

Before I start this blog I want to give God the glory and I want to thank Him for all that He has done in my life and for what He is going to continue doing.
My topic for today is on blessings,which I have blessed to do.I pray that I will be able to write something that is going to bless someone.Having Rev.Decote this past weekend for revival was such a blessing to me and my family and I'm pretty sure to all of you too.You see on Friday morning while Bro. Joe(my husband) was cutting the grass at church I waited for him in the truck so I started praying and looking around at all the things the Lord has blessed me with,the beautiful blue skies,green grass,the birds,my family,my friends,I just went on thinking of all that I could think of that Jesus had blessed me with,then I got to "me"
I started thanking Him for my sight,I thanked Him because I am able to walk,talk,feel,taste,hear,all of these good things.Then I started looking in the rear-view mirror,I started looking down on myself,not feeling good about me.I tried taking every thought into captivity like the word of God says.I felt so bad and I asked the Lord,"Lord,how do you see me?""What do you think about me?"
I cried,I bald that morning,no one knew how I was feeling only Jesus and I needed to hear from God.Well that night Rev.Decote was preaching on How we should see ourselves
the way God sees us,how He loves us.How we are the apple of His eyes.That made me cry,it blessed me because hear Friday morning I had asked Him how He saw me cause I was looking down on myself and then Friday night He's letting me know that I am the apple of His eyes and how He loves me.
For God to have answered me the very same day,you know that we are a very blessed people.We are blessed because we serve a God that cares and loves His people,no natter how we act,no matter what we do,no matter what we think.He is merciful and to me that is a blessing.God is so good and He deserves the glory and honor.
Sis.Julie

In the Kitchen

2009-06-03T04:46:00.001-07:00

I hope that I can help you all get some good, fast and easy recipes for your kitchen, especially Mexican food.

First, I want to thank God for all the blessing he has given to my family and I. Even though our income has decreased since last year, God has provided our needs and I trust that he will continue to provide our need until my husband can return to work.

I would like to say that I was almost forced to doing this by someone we all love and respect and you all know who that is.

At work, all the ladies ask me if I cook real food all the time and I tell them "yes, are you kidding me I have 3 children and a husband to feed." I can't afford to go out as much. I make flour tortillas all the time because I don't like the store bought kind. I enjoy cooking food that I know my family will like.

I have this recipe that you ladies might enjoy. It would be a good activity for a girls' sleep over because I know most girls enjoy baking cookies. My sister calls these Mexican Wedding Cookies.

Ingredients:
6 cups of flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon of aniz tea
3 cups of Crisco butter flavor shortening - 1 tablespoon
1 egg

To make the tea, bring water to a boil, then add approx 1 tsp of dry aniz. Continue boiling for 3 minutes.

In bowl mix flour, sugar and tea. Add the shortening and mix with your fingers. Add the egg.

Roll out dough 1/2 inch thick and cut with cookie cutters. I got some small ones from Hobby Lobby. They are 6 different shapes in the box, I believe they are made by Wilson. They have a heart, bell, clover, flower, butterfly, and a wavy heart.
If the dough becomes dry you may add another egg.

Bake at 350 for 13 minutes.
Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
In seperate bowl mix sugar and powder cinnamon. Dip cookies in bowl with sugar and cinnamon.

Bet you can't eat just one.

Makes approx. 8-10 dozens.

Hope you all try and make them some day. If you do, feel free to call me if you have any questions.

Until next time. May God bless all of you.

Nydia

What Not To Do In the Storm

2009-06-02T08:07:00.000-07:00

Don’t forget His Presence!
Don’t forget His Promise!
Don’t forget His Power!

In Mark 8:35-41, Jesus and His disciples were in a ship and He told them to “Let us pass over to the other side”. Jesus fell asleep in the “hinder part of the ship”. A storm came up and began to toss the ship about. The disciples were very fearful and woke Jesus up saying, “Carest thou not that we perish?”

Jesus immediately awoke, rebuked the sea saying, “Peace, be still”, and there was a calm. In the midst of the storm the disciples forgot His presence; that His just being there is enough. They forgot His promise to get them to the other side and they forgot His power to take care of them.

Life sometimes can throw us a curve and we can find ourselves in the midst of a storm. The winds of frustration are blowing. You have fought wave after wave until you are totally soaked and you can barely stand. And, yes, here comes another wave! The boat is tossing from side to side and the lightening is flashing across the sky! It seems like the thunder of His silence comes to us and we almost give up. With every clasp of thunder you hear, “You’re too old or too young, too weak, not smart enough and Jesus doesn’t hear you”. “He will not answer your prayers and you’re not going to make it.”

But in all our doubts and fears and disarray we pick ourselves up and blindly make our way to the bow of the ship. Maybe Jesus is still on board; maybe He can still help me. Yes, there He is! I can barely see Him. But wait, I can feel His presence! As I make my way to Him I remember His promise to take me to the other side. As He holds out His arms of love to me I run, yes, run, into them and He holds me like no one else can.

Have you ever been in a place like this? Maybe not but if you ever find yourself here don’t forget His presence. He may be silent like the teacher giving the test but it doesn’t matter, He is still there. Don’t forget His promise to take care of you. It doesn’t matter the circumstances, He will take care of you. And last, but not least, don’t forget His power to step on board your ship of life and speak calm to your storm.

Please allow me to reiterate what NOT to do in the storm.

Don’t forget His Presence!
Don’t forget His Promise!
Don’t forget His Power!

Until next time,
Sis. Dorothy

2009-06-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon ladies. This is my first time to ever blog so please bare with me. Hopefully I will get better as this month goes on.

Today I want to talk about how important Family is. I love being around Family all the time, wether it be my Family, church Family, or friends that are just like Family. I believe you should have at least 1 night a week for Family night. We need to learn to take time out of our very busy fast paste lifes to make sure our Family knows we still have time for them. As most of you know I am a single mom of a wonderful 4 year son named Caden. He brings so much joy to my life. Even though it is just the 2 of us we are surrounded by lots of Family that loves us. I have the most wonderful church family that is always there for me and my son and I couldn't ask for a better church family. My pastor and his Family are very awesome and the greatest. (love ya'll)I have wonderful parents who I thank God for raising me in a Godly home.

It is not always easy being a single parent, but with God on my side he makes it easier. I make sure I spend some time with Caden every evening and let him know how much he means to me. If you are a parent it is very important to tell your children that you love them and take time out for them when they are young. It is so easy to let life pass us by and we are looking back wondering where time went. One day we are holding our child in our arms and the next they are starting thier first day of school. Cherish every moment you have with your children. If we don't take time out for our children and express out love to them, then they will go looking for it somewhere else. Let the love of God be in your home and in you.

I hope this helps someone out and I know it is short, but agfain this is my first time. Until next Monday may God bless my sisters in the lord.

Sis. Krisha

The Month of June

2009-06-01T07:35:00.000-07:00

Hello, All,

We are beginning our second month of blogging...Yeah!!!!!

As Sis. Krisha said, Mondays belong to her. I'm so excited to read the posts.

This month:

Monday: Home and Family...Sis. Krisha
Tuesday: Devotional...Sis. Dorothy
Wednesday: In the Kitchen...Sis. Nydia
Thursday: "Blessings...How to Bless Others"...Sis. Julie
Friday: "In the Spotlight....

No name on Friday because we still need a blogger. Anyone want to volunteer? Even if you did it last month, we need you!

However, to start the morning off, how about if we all comment on our favorite revival moment? I am in awe of what God did this last weekend.

Can't wait to read Sis. Krisha's post. Love you all!

Sis. D.

2009-06-01T07:30:00.000-07:00

Mondays for the month of June belong to Sis. Krisha and she will not be able to post until this afternoon, so check back this afternoon to see what she has to say.

Until later.......

In The Spotlight

2009-05-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

In The Spotlight

Okay, this is my last blog for May. I hope you have enjoyed the previous “In The Spotlights”.

I thought I would go in a different direction this time. Last week, before I finished the blog on Sis. Elsie, I was looking at some history of the church on the web. If you know me at all, you know that I am interested in history. I just think the more you know about history the more you can understand why things are the way they are today. As I was cruising the net I came across the old book, “foxes Book of Martyrs”. I have no idea how or why I came across this particular book. I have this book in my collection and I have never actually “Read” it. I love to read but a book like this one would be kind of hard to decipher because it was written so long ago and in a way that is hard to understand. It’s really just for study purposes.

Anyway, I really just read the first chapter and it listed all the ways in which it is believed the Apostles were persecuted and died. I thought I would list them here to give us an idea of what they REALLY went through according to this book. No, this isn’t the Bible but it is a book that has been around for centuries and can give us additional information on what may have happened to the Apostles after the accounts in the Bible.

1. Stephen – we all know he was stoned to death. (Acts 7: 54-60)
2. James the Great – also known as James the son of Zebedee, the elder brother of John – Beheaded around AD 44. According to the book this took place 10 years after Stephen’s death.
3. Philip – scourged, thrown into prison, and afterwards crucified. AD 54.
4. Matthew – slain with a halberd (whatever that is, a club maybe?) in the city of Nadabah, AD 60
5. James the Less – author of the epistle ascribed to James. At the age of 94 he was beat and stoned by the Jews, and finally was killed with a club.
6. Matthias – took Judas’ place. He was stoned at Jerusalem and beheaded.
7. Andrew – crucified
8. Mark – dragged to death
9. Peter – crucified and it is believed he was crucified upside down because he said he was unworthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus.
10. Paul – beheaded
11. Jude – crucified at Edessa, AD 72
12. Bartholomew – beaten and then crucified
13. Thomas - thrust through with a spear
14. Luke – traveled with Paul, - supposed to have been hanged by an olive tree in Greece
15. Simon – crucified AD 74
16. John – The “beloved disciple”. Brother to James the Great. Was put into a cauldron of boiling oil but escaped by miracle, without injury. He was eventually exiled to the Isle of Patmos where he wrote the book of Revelations. He is the only Apostle to escape a violent death.

This is all very depressing, I know, to repeat all of this here but when I read about all of this it really hit me. Hey, we have not been through anything like what they went through! And I thank God we have not! I am so glad we live in this day.

We are so BLESSED to be living in this century! But, on the other hand, what does the future hold for us? I feel a lot like Sis. Kim. The world is changing and there is a movement or spirit, whatever you want to call it, that is trying to topple the Church. We are warned about this in the Bible, too. (II Thessalonians 2:3) People are being deceived into believing a lie and are leaving the faith. But, guess what, there are a lot of people coming into the truth, too! Our church is seeing a great revival so I’m encouraged, not depressed!

When I thought about what the apostles went through the first question that came to my mind was, “Would I have the courage to stand in times like those?” What is coming on our world and are we prepared for it? No one knows what is on the horizon. We just know that Jesus is coming soon! Like Bro. Duvall preached on Wednesday about trials..yes, we’re going to have trials in this life. Jesus never said it would be easy. But we have to think about what He did on that cross! That is an awesome thought. Without His sacrifice and His resurrection we would have no hope. That’s what drove the apostles and what kept them and made them strong. I’m sure they were afraid. They were human but in the end, when it mattered, they never lost their faith. We have all gone “through the fire”, so to speak and we have all come out of each of them stronger than before. We are all leaning on Him. There is a song that I just love and it talks about going through the fire.

He never promised that the cross would not get heavy
and the hill would not be hard to climb
He never offered our victories without fighting but He said
Help would always come in time.

So just remember when your standing in the valley of decision
And the adversary says Give in
Just hold on, our Lord will show up
And He will take you through the fire again!

So, what I’m trying to say is, we have a great heritage and we are truly blessed by God!
We can look back and see where history played a part and led up to today’s time. We can also see Jesus’ handy work in all of it. After all, if the persecution had not taken place the Gospel would have only remained in Jerusalem, right? God’s hand is always at work in this world. What courage the apostles showed in their day. I pray and I know that we have the same courage because we have the same Holy Ghost living inside of us.

I hope I haven’t totally depressed all of you now. Just wanted to give us all something to think about. I hope you have enjoyed the “in the spotlights” this month. I hope I have given you new information about different ladies in the church and also given you some of my own insights. Scary, I know….:) I really hope this last blog makes sense, too. I’m not sure if I accurately conveyed what I was trying to say.

Love you all, until next time,

Kimmie

2009-05-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

Praying for our Families!
I think a lot about prayer for my family because my husband is my partner; we have become “one in marriage”(Genesis 2:24) and my children are my responsibility of being “trained in the way they should go” (Proverbs 22:6).
Lately society tries to teach us that our beliefs our values our morals our entire ways are wrong. Years ago it was ok to be a Christian recently I have heard it said we are not a Christian nation as though it is wrong to have one mind set. It was the norm for marriage to be between one man and one woman not any more now we are wrong if we believe that. I can go back further when they wanted us to stop disciplining our children; statistics speak for their selves on this one. A little further when woman stopped dressing like women.
These dictations from society of what is right and wrong have lead our nation further and further from God. Our society is not so powerful as to have turned all the people who are dictated by society from all of God’s values overnight it has been a long slow process. So when people say I am old fashion when I say I dress gender specific and raise my children that way I say thank you because you cannot tell a male from female anymore and by our society dropping that principle that was given by God’s word is how we are here today where people don’t know if they should date or even marry the opposite sex. This is my strong opinion but when I read in God’s word about women dressing like women and men like men. Then when I am driving to church and I see two young people walking down the road and I can’t tell which is male or female or I am walking in the mall and see two very beautiful young ladies acting as though they are a couple and then my children come home from school and children their age openly talk about homosexuality. I say we better step up praying for our families. The time is getting closer and closer to when the Lord will return and I want to stop the enemy from corrupting others and keep him and his ideas as far from my family as I can.
Here is a link from the world network of prayer on how to pray for families
http://new.wnop.org/modules/docs/getDoc.asp?DID=1081

I am not trying to sound brash or rude or mean spirited but my family is so important to me and when I think of the enemy trying to distort something so important as family values while I am trying to raise them the right way it angers me. So by no means do I believe in being mean or ugly to someone who is dictated by society and those ungodly principles because I truly believe the scripture For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12. So by society being so far from God and it is only getting worse I believe it is a call to prayer.
Until next time……
Sis. Kim

Oops!

2009-05-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I guess I was trying to overcompensate for making my blog late last week...I ment to schedule this post for tomorrow, but published it before I remembered! Sorry again!

Layla

Kitchen Tricks

2009-05-26T12:03:00.001-07:00

A few quick tricks of the trade.....

Problem: You made your mashed potatoes too early, they will get cold before the rest of the food is done....
Solution: Put the potatoes over a pot of boiling water (in the same pot you just made them in, or a metal bowl) and that will keep them warm until you need them. If they have to sit there for a long time, wrap the top with foil, and don't forget to check the water level of the bottom pot.

Problem: The recipe requires a double boiler.
Solution: Use the same technique as the mashed potatoes above. Put water in the bottom pot (fill about halfway up) and use another pot that will fit snugly at the rim of the water pot so as to not have the top pot laying in the water. You can also use a metal bowl in replace of the top pot.

Problem: Every time you make cupcakes they do not all looked uniformed, some are larger than others.
Solution: Use your icecream scoop to fill each cupcake. That way you have the exact amount in each cupcake and they will all come out looking pretty.

Problem: Your cookies are never the same size.
Solution: Use a mini-icecream scoop (it is about a tablespoon) or a melon baller to measure out the same size scoops for your cookie dough.

Problem: There is a bad smell coming from your garbage disposal.
Solution: Cut up citrus (any kind lemon, oranges, limes, grapefruit...) stuff them into your disposal along with chunks of ice, and turn on the disposal, turn on the water, and let it grind for a few minutes. tada, a fresh smelling sink.

Problem: Everytime you package cookies up to mail to a friend, they are always stale by the time they get to her.
Solution: Place a slice of bread inside the package, and the bread will be the item to become stale, not your cookies.

Problem: Everytime your kids take out the trash, they forget to put in a new liner.
Solution: Place a few extra liners at the bottom of your trash can that way as you come to your trashcan and need to throw something away, you won't have to go searching for new liners, they are right there waiting for you.

Problem: Your microwave is so messy with cooked on gunk you couldn't scrub it out to save your life...
Solution: cut up some lemon, put it in a bowl of water, put the bowl of water in your microwave, turn it on high, and cook for about 5-7 minutes. Then try scrubbing again, if it still isn't budging, add more water to the bowl, and turn on the microwave for another few minutes, keep trying until the dirt comes off...

Problem: You can't remember when you bought your eggs, and you are not sure if they are fresh or old?
Solution: Place the egg in salt water, if the egg sinks it is fresh if it floats it is old. Or look on the outside the egg, the smoother and shiner it is, the older it is.

Problem: You know that you will not have time tomorrow to make dinner, but you have a few extra minutes right now...
Solution: Casseroles can be premade and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance..nothing different has to be done other than cooking it for another 15 minutes to compensate for the cold.

Problem: You dropped an egg on the floor
Solution: Cover it with salt, the salt will absorb all the liquid making for an easier clean up.

Hope you learned something new!

Layla

GIGO

2009-05-26T03:00:00.000-07:00

Many of you probably don't know that I started out my career teaching Computer Programming at Richland High School. Wow...years ago. Anyway, teaching computer programming to high school students was a lot of fun. They loved the part of programming where they did their flowcharting and planned their program. They really like writing the programs and seeing what that strange "language" looked like. But..they all hated debugging. Trying to find that small error that was keeping them from seeing their desired result. Many times, we had to discuss GIGO--garbage in, garbage out.

See a computer is really a dumb machine and what you put into it is what you get out of it. You put in correct instructions, you'll get the desired result. You put in an error (garbage) and you'll get a result different than you expected (garbage). A computer program will run up to a certain point and then you'll start to get bizarre results. Until you go in and read that programming code line by line and examine up to the minute detail, it's hard to find the error.

So true of our walk with God at times. We all know where we want to be, what ministry God has called us to but we don't feed our walk with what will get us the desired results. We get the elementary things such as prayer, fasting, feeding ourselves with the Word but we don't get the "take up your cross and follow me" part.

Sunday morning's message really blessed me. I'm sitting there in the middle of the sermon trying to dish it out to others in the congregation when God hit me between the eyes and said, "Dummy, this is for you." It goes right along with a book I've been reading--A Life God Rewards. One of the chapters in the book is entitled, "The God Who Gives Back." The chapter starts off with the same scripture that was read on Sunday morning, Matthew 6:19-20. In this passage, Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal."

It is this principle that causes our lives to never quite run correctly. We do the daily things of prayer, fasting, reading the Word, witnessing but many times we don't trust our treasure with the King of Kings. We direct it. I'm talking to myself here because I have to constantly remind myself of keeping the end of this life as my goal. In Luke 12:34, it says, "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." So many times I've listened to people talk about how in love they are with serving others and ministry but then their lives shows differently. Where your heart is, is what you treasure. What you are willing to hold back is your treasure. But on the other hand, once you totally trust the Lord with your life and His service becomes your treasure, anxiety about tomorrow will disappear.

What does Matthew say? Several things...lay up your treasure for yourself. Only you can "lay up" or store your treasure for the King. It is an individual decision. Churches and pastors can set visions but only you can put your "treasure" or ministry into the Lord's hands and choose to follow it no matter what. Matthew also went on to say that your treasure should be laid up in "heaven." Are you spending your life trying to follow ambitions that aren't God's ambitions? You are laying up treasure but not in heaven.

The book that I mentioned goes on to say "The treasure God asks you to serve Him with is the very force in your life that threatens your loyalties to your Master....when you serve God, you are using God's money to accomplish His wishes. But when you serve money, you are using God's money to accomplish your wishes. And when you do that,you will inevitably follow your human instincts."

So what to do? Begin to move your treasure today to what matters in heaven, not what will give you a temporary result on this earth. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be...

GIGO? Tired of getting garbage and unrest? Stop putting in garbage and begin to trust God with ALL of your life. As we enter into a time of revival, my friends, let's take stock of our "treasure" and see if our life is focused on what we can do for God rather than seeing if God is doing something for us.

Much love,
Sis. D.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

Originally called Decoration Day,Memorial Day commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service.It's a special occasion in which we can all take the time to honor those who have given their lives in the service of protecting our country.We commemorate not only those who have died serving the United States and provided security to our country but also those living who have served in the past or are currently enlisted in the military.
So,as we spend time with our families today,please remember all of our military still fighting for our freedom and be thankful today that we live in such a blessed country.

In The Spotlight

2009-05-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

Elsie Aubrey

Born on January 15, 1954 in Dallas, Texas to Fred and Viola Mullis, Elsie is part of a big loving family. Fred and Viola Mullis had 9 girls and 2 boys, out of which, 8 survived. Elsie grew up with her 5 sisters and 2 brothers in West Dallas or Big “D”, as Elsie likes to put it. Her sisters were Freda, Sarah, Barbara, Diana, and Pamela. Her brothers were Johnny and Herbert.

Childhood Memories

One early childhood memory is when she was 5 years old. She had a crush on her older sister’s boyfriend. Her sister was 15 at the time. The boy’s name was George and he would let her follow them around. She remembered that this was her first love. She never forgot his kindness to her.

Another fond memory also took place when she was 5 years old. She watched someone make fig preserves. She told her mother about it. Her mother put Elsie up on the kitchen counter and she told her how to make them. Of course, at 5 years of age, she had no idea how to make it but her observation skills helped her out and her mother made fig preserves.

Dating and Marriage

While attending Bro. Wheatley’s church in Dallas (church is no longer there), she was introduced to a nice young man named Kenneth Aubrey. She was introduced to him through Letres and Jim Cherry. Elsie was 13 at the time. They dated for about 9 months and then got married. She was 14 when they were married. Elsie says there were 3 main events in her life. She was born, potty trained and then she got married! Her and Ken will celebrate 41 years of marriage next month. They were married on June 8, 1968 and have 4 kids. (Carol, Christy, Kenny, Josh). And she has 5 grandkids (Brandon, Christopher, Kayla, Dustin and Landon).

Grand Prairie

Elsie and Ken moved to Grand Prairie in 1969 and have lived here since. They started attending Bro. and Sis. Lee’s church around that time and have remained faithful through the years.

In 1975, Elsie started teaching the 4 and 5 year olds in Sunday school. She taught for 23 years, until 1998. She says she loved every minute of it and has many fond memories of those times. One in particular instance is with a little boy named Ricky. In class one morning a bus kid came in. This little boy had ½ bologna sandwich and was very unkempt. The lesson that day was on friends. Observing the little bus kid, Ricky went over to him, hugged him and said, “He’s my friend.” This brought tears to Elsie’s eyes and she never forgot that moment. It taught her a lesson that even though the bus kid was messy and she knew he didn’t have much he still needed to hear the Gospel and needed friends. That really touched her heart. Isn’t it true that “A little child shall lead them”.

Not only were there serious moments during those times but there were also some funny moments. If there is one thing I know about Elsie…she loves to laugh! She remembers one time when some grandkids of one of the ladies in the church (Betty Smith) were in her class. They had just got caps put on their teeth. Of course, they thought that was cool so they were showing them to Elsie. Elsie was telling them oh, that’s cool and how do I get some of those. Well, the kids told her how to get them. They said, “Well, just don’t brush your teeth”! Kids are hilarious and will say the funniest things!

I asked Elsie if teaching was rewarding. Her reply was that her time of teaching was the most rewarding time of her life. She loved it!

Even though her days of teaching are over, she always will remember those times with happiness that she was able to shape and mold children and point them to God.

She is also thankful that God has been good to Grand Prairie church. We have been blessed with great pastors. Grand Prairie Church has a good heritage. We’re blessed that the Lee’s founded the church and we were blessed with Bro. and Sis. Martinez’ loving spirit. Nobody could love you any more than Bro. Martinez! Elsie considers the Martinez’ boys to be part of her family. Those boys were and are a big part of her life!

She also wanted to say that she loves Pastor and Sis. Duvall! She is so thankful that God placed them at our church. We are blessed to have such a great Pastor and family to carry Grand Prairie into the future. God is good!

Well, I think I’ve just about covered everything about Sis. Elsie. I love this lady! She is so sweet and I love her ability to make me laugh. You can’t be down when you’re with her! I hope you’ve learned something new about her.

God bless you and see you next week!

Love ya,
Kimmie

I am good at...

2009-05-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

dropping the ball..... so for all of you who tried to come read "in the kitchen Wednesday" yesterday, I am sorry (Sorry Sis D!). My mind has been a bit overwhelmed with getting money up for camp that the blog slipped my mind. No excuse by any means....but I am still sorry!

I have had the idea of this blog subject all week, it has been moving about in my head like a pinball machine, trying to come up with a funny, cleaver, and witty way to explain it, but when it comes down to it, I will have to get straight to the point...

Money.
It is hard to come by for a lot of people right now.
Food.
It is hard to buy healthy nutritious food for your family if you don't have money.
Help.
Where do you turn for help getting food on the table?

I can't find you a job, I can't come up with food to make your dinner.... but it has been impressed into me that I need to share with you, a way to get food.

Angel Food Ministries.

It is a church based operation started in the early 90's, a pastor and his wife felt the need of her neighbors and church family....they needed help putting dinner on the table. From their back porch they supplied food for 34 families, and now they are still supplying food, but on a larger scale. Angel food ministries supplies food for 34 states, and reaching over 500,000 families a month.

Each month AFM offers a menu, and with that menu is enough food to feed a family of 4 for at least a week. And the cost is $30. The average cost of each box of food, if purchased at a grocery store is estimated at $64. Here is what going to be offered for June.

1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
2 lb. Homestyle Lasagna Dinner Entrée
2 lb. Beef and Bean Burritos (8 x 4 oz.)
2 lb. Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast Chunks
28 oz. Jumbo Beef Pattie Entrée with Gravy
1 lb. Lean Ground Beef
1 lb. All Meat Hotdog
10 oz. Individually Wrapped Sliced Cheese (16 slice)
20 oz. Shoestring Fries
1 lb. Broccoli Cuts
12 oz. Peanut Butter
1 lb. Rice
1 lb. Pinto Beans
1 lb. Margarine Tub(Zero Grams Trans Fat)
32 oz. 2% Shelf Stable Milk
Dozen Eggs
Dessert

This isn't food that is about to expire, or a bunch of cheap off brand reprocessed food. It is healthy fresh food that is distributed from top national ranking food distributors.

There are also specialty boxes you can purchase....

Senior boxes are $28 and come with prepackaged easy to prepare healthy foods, and this box will last one senior for almost one month.

Allergen Free Box
Seafood Box
Grill Meat Box
Fresh Fruit and Veggies Box

A few of the specialty boxes can only be ordered if a standard meal box is ordered.

But guess what.....there are no applications to fill out to do this. You will just have to find the local host to this and arrange for pick up of your food. There is no limit to how many boxes you buy, so if you are struggling, and know someone who is struggling also, purchase one for you, and bless someone else.

And for those of us who are using EBT/Food Stamps, they also accept food stamps as payment to the food boxes. What a blessing!

I haven't done this program justice in this blog.
You need to go explore their website
www.angelfoodministries.com

Resources for Prayer on Thursday!

2009-05-21T07:13:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about resources lately. Resources that can help in our prayer lives and so from time to time I get on world network of prayer a link from the UPCI website and there is usually an article or two or three or four that really ministers to me. So I wanted to share with you bits and pieces of those today. The first one is titled Hindrances to Prayer by Lisa Marshall and so I have included her list of what hinders prayer.

1. Not Fellowshipping with God
To fellowship means to partner or spend time with. Why would God answer prayers of someone who never speaks to Him? An example is a friend vs. a total stranger asking you to borrow $100. If a close friend asked, you would probably give it to them – but if a stranger asked, you would be less likely to do so. What if I pledged my loyalty and love to you and then we left church and I refused to speak to you all week. We went back to church on Wednesday and I did the same thing, yet when we left, nothing but silence all week. You tried to talk to me and I ignored you. You wanted to spend time with me but I refused your request. After a few times of this, how much confidence would you have in my words? We say, “God, I will do anything you ask.” He’d better ask on a Sunday or Wednesday or many will never hear the question.
2. Not Asking According to God’s Will
God won’t answer a prayer that’s against His will – even if you have faith. For example: “God would you let lightening strike that person who cut me off in traffic!.”
3. Not having God’s Word in You
John 15:7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will and it shall be done unto you.” Reading the Bible is important. You may even get the answer you need from God – after all, it is His Word.
4. Doubt & Unbelief
James 1:5-8 says to ask God in faith without doubting for your request to be fulfilled.
5. Not praying in Jesus’ Name
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name.” Colossians 3:7
6. Not Asking or Asking with Wrong Motives
If you don’t ask, your prayers won’t be answered for sure. Don’t pray selfishly. God wants more than your grocery list. “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss.” (amiss defined as wrongly) James 4:3

7. Giving Up
Luke 18:1 says to “pray and faint not”. We must be persistent even if it looks impossible. Don’t give up; the next prayer may bring the answer.

8. Unforgiveness
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your father will forgive yours.” Matthew 6:14

9. Unconfessed Sin
Psalm 66:18 “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:” You may hide sin from others, but you can’t hide it from God.
a. Now that this is out of the way, try the key again.

Another article and resource I thought was really good is titled Creating a Vocabulary of Praise and in this article the writer gives us 31 scriptures with an attribute of God to be praised and he uses them as “Praise Starters” and says this has just been wonderfully helpful. So what he does is uses one scripture a day for a month and starts from at the top of the list the next month. I believe I will be giving this one a try. Here is the list of scriptures and it was taken from Pray Magazine.
1. God the Creator. “Creator God, I praise You because ’you made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you’” (Neh. 9:6).

2. The Only God. “God, I praise You because You are ’the LORD, and there is no other; apart from [You] there is no God’” (Is. 45:5).

3. The Almighty God. “’O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you’” (Ps. 89:8).

4. The Everlasting Father, the Ancient of Days. “I praise You, Lord, as the ’Ancient of Days’ (Dan. 7:9), the ’Everlasting Father’ (Is. 9:6), who lives forever and ever.”

5. A Loving God. “I praise You because You are a loving God, whose very nature is love”
(1 Jn. 4:16). 6. A God of Justice. “Lord, I praise You and magnify You, who is ’just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus’”
(Ro. 3:26).

7. A Faithful God. “Heavenly Father, I give You my praise and adoration, because You are a ’faithful God, keeping [Your] covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love [You] and keep [Your] commands’” (Dt. 7:9).

8. A Merciful God. “’You are a gracious and merciful God’ (Neh. 9:31), and I praise You for Your great mercy.”

9. God, My Refuge, My Fortress. “I praise You, Lord, for You are ’my mighty rock, my refuge’” (Ps. 62:7).

10. A Patient, Persevering God. “Father, I praise You because You are ’patient with [Your children], not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance’
(2 Pet. 3:9). Thank You for Your patience with me.”

11. Eternal, Saving God. “I give praise to You, Father, ’the only God our Savior.’ To You ’be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore’” (Jude 25).

12. The Holy One. “Holy, holy, holy [are You] Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come”
(Rev. 4:8).

13. A Personal God. “I praise You, God, because You are a personal God, who gives me the honor of knowing You personally, even inviting me to feast at Your kingdom’s table with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” (Mt. 8:11).

14. A Giving God. “All praise and honor be Yours, O God, because You are a generous God, who did not even stop short of giving Your own Son” (Jn. 3:16).

15. A Provider God. “I praise You today, Lord, as my Jehovah-Jireh (the Lord Will Provide), who makes all grace abound in me and generously provides all I need”
(2 Cor. 9:8).

16. God, My Shepherd. “I bless Your name and praise You as my Jehovah-Rohi (The Lord My Shepherd), who will shepherd me and guide me in the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake” (Ps. 23:1-3).

17. God, My Victory. “Praise to You, my God, because You are my Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord My Banner), God, my victory, ’who always leads [me] in triumphal procession in Christ’” (2 Cor. 2:14).

18. God, My Peace. “I praise You with all my heart, Lord, because You are my Jehovah-Shalom (The Lord Our Peace), ’the God of peace [who] will soon crush Satan under [my] feet’” (Ro. 16:20).

19. The God Who Heals. “Father, I praise You because You are the Lord who heals me” (Ex. 15:26).

20. The God of All Comfort. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” (2 Cor. 1:3).

21. The God of Miracles. “Lord, I praise You because ’you are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples’” (Ps. 77:14).

22. A Forgiving God. “I want to bless You with praise, Father, because ’you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love’” (Neh. 9:17).

23. The Burden Bearer. “Praise be to the Lord, to God [my] Savior, who daily bears [my] burdens” (Ps. 68:19).

24. A Faithful God. “I praise You because ’your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies’ (Ps. 36:5), and ’great is your faithfulness’” (Lam. 3:23).
25. King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “All honor and praise be to You, my God, ’the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light’” (1 Tim. 6:15).
26. God the Liberator. “I will praise You because ’you are my help and my deliverer; O LORD’” (Ps. 70:5).
27. The Lifter of My Head. “Father God, I praise You because ’you are a shield around me, O LORD; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head’ when I am weary or despised” (Ps. 3:3).
28. God of Light. “I praise You, Lord, because You are ’my light and my salvation’ (Ps. 27:1), and because You know ’what lies in darkness, and light dwells with [You]’” (Dan. 2:22).
29. God of Joy. “I give You praise, O Lord, because ’you have granted [me] eternal blessings and made [me] glad with the joy of your presence’” (Ps. 21:6).
30. The God Who Answers Prayer. “I praise and honor You, Father, because You are a God who loves to answer prayer and who begins to answer even before I pray”
(Is. 65:24).
31. The God of All the Earth. “I praise and adore You, Lord, as ’the Holy One of Israel . . . [my] Redeemer . . . the God of all the earth’” (Is. 54:5).
Oh, that all just makes me so excited. I don’t know about you but when I read about all the good things my God is and does and will do. I get an untamable excitement deep down in my heart. It makes me what to just go have a time of praise. So this is what I have for you on Thursday. Until next week and I hope you just go have a Praise Session with Jesus after reading these scriptures. Another thought I am so glad we praise God because he is worthy and not we ourselves because my list would be very short of my worthiness and definitely would not provide untamable excitement down in someone’s heart but YES it is God and God alone who is worthy. Until next week!

Sis. Kim

Family of God

2009-05-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, All,

Last week God impressed a blog to write upon my heart and I wrote it but today I feel impressed to go in a different direction.

I want to stop and say, "I love my church family." Ever have one of those days when you just feel so grateful for the love and support of our fellowship?

Recently, I have had several hard knocks and the breath knocked out of me. Know what I mean? Does life every come at you that hard? I had probably five of those knocks on Sunday and Monday. But....I absolutely felt no anxiety, instead, I just felt so at peace with my church family. I went to bed on Sunday night bruised and battered but woke up Monday morning with a heart of purpose and joy. The fellowship of the brethren will cause this to happen. We are each other's strength.

Sunday night was such a sweet, refreshing time of consecreation. Over and over I looked around the sanctuary and became so grateful for the lives I saw. So many hard times represented but yet so many hands praising God. I heard the message on SIN..and saw some of the young people who have only been there less than two months be the first to stand in support. I saw the elderly saint of God raising his hands and face to a God who has carried him many miles. I saw the young child who was alone overwhelmed by the sweet presence of a God that cares. I saw families binding together in consecration. I saw men praying for each other. I saw ladies reaching out a caring hand. I saw the church celebrate lives consecrated and serving in youth ministry for so many years and heard the plan for those lives to be used in even greater ways. I saw the laughter and heard the conversations of a church enjoying each other in fellowship. I saw the church come together and work as a team putting together a celebration. Last Wednesday night was much the same...the laughter and conversation was long gone from the auditorium but there was one lone teenager still in the altar drinking in His presence.

We have a great church family that has been through tumultuous times but is still standing. When I think of where we are going, I become so very excited. Are you ready, my friends?

I love each of you so much and wanted to take an opportunity to say that when life knocks me down, you are the first group of people I run to and what a delight to be part of the family. I can't wait for us to meet at the river and join hands and cross over into the promised land shouting, "We made it, we made it." Yours is the hand that I want to grasp.

With lots of love,
Sis. D.

Decorating With What You Already Have

2009-05-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

I'm sure at least one of you reading this would like to redecorate an area,space,or a whole room within our home but have no idea how to start.If you're thinking you have to spend a lot to do it,you don't.With just a little creativity,you can give your room a fabulous new look for almost nothing.How? By simply rearranging your furniture and accessories!
I have found a great blog called imagine cozy where the designer shows before and after pictures of rooms she has redesigned using things the homeowners already have.
In this picture,the living room looks o.k.,but wait till you see what just a little rearranging can do.

See what a difference it makes?Now it looks much more warm and inviting.

The same with this room.It's just o.k. until you rearrange furniture and just play around with accessories.Remember you don't have to go out and buy something new for your room,just grab things from other rooms that will look better in the space you're redecorating.

AFTER

The next picture shows a wall with four pictures and a cabinet to the far right.It looks scattered but when you position them together as a unit or grouping,it makes a powerful focal point!
BEFORE

AFTER

For more inspiration,visit Angela at imaginecozy she has lots of ideas to share and great tips to make your room look it's best.

2009-05-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

A Few of My Favorite Things

Christian Historical Novels

I love to read Christian Historical Novels. My favorite authors are Brock and Bodie Thoene. The best novels that they have written are the Zion Chronicles and the Zion Covenant. This is a series of stories set in the pre and post WWII era. Filled with adventure, love and spiritual journeys of its primary characters, these stories are, to me, enlightening. Even though they are not true accounts of that tumultuous time in world history I have still learned a lot from them.

Usually, in these novels there is always a moment when one or more characters receive salvation. No, they do not receive salvation the way we teach (as in receiving the Holy Ghost) but Christ is included in every story. I’m looking for someone in the UPCI to take up this issue and write stories like these authors but also add the Total plan of salvation. So far I have not discovered any one that compares to these authors. You have to try their books. If any are interested in more about these authors, I have all the books in these two series. You can also find these books at any Christian Bookstore.

Bookstores

Okay, I love Mardel’s Christian Bookstore. I cannot just go there and stay 5 minutes. I have to look at their music collections and the book section. Hey, its book heaven and they are all Christian! Love it! I can stay in there hours.

I also like Barnes & Noble. Good bookstore. You can get any book you need there but it doesn’t compare to Mardel’s. Oh, and 1/2 Price Books is an awesome store, too!

Gospel Music

My favorite Gospel music is Black Gospel. Favorite artists: Hezekiah Walker, John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin. My favorite of all is Kurt Carr. The best song he has out is “For Every Mountain”. That one’s a classic. I don’t know the story behind this song but it is awesome. I also like Israel Houghton and Martha Munizzi which is more Praise and Worship but they usually have good collections.

I really like Mark Condon, too. Love the release, “Worship The King”. Every song on this CD is good and is great for your worship time. You can go to his website and order this CD or you can also get it through the Pentecostal Publishing House.

So, these are just a Few of my Favorite things. Hope you enjoyed this Foray into MY thoughts and Favorite things. Guess I put myself in the spotlight this week… Scary, huh?  See you all next week.

Love,
Kimmie