Silent Auction For A Good Cause

This is from Iris's blog, her link is http://www.eph2810.com/

My sweet friend Lori blogged about little Gentry Rose in this post. Gentry Rose has been on my mind over the past week. I was thinking about how I could use my God-given talent of photography to help others. Okay, so I am not a famous photographer (yet - ); I do hope that I can raise some money for little Gentry Rose. Please visit the family’s blog to have a little background why I am trying to help…
My part: I have the above photo printed (16 x 20) by the printing house I use for my portrait business. H&H Color Lab is a professional printer based in Missouri. I will pay for the print, the frame and shipping to the highest bidder…
Your part: The minimum bid for this one-of-a-kind print is $25. The silent auction will run from June 30th through July 7th. Please use my contact form to submit your bid (US & Canada only please). After the silent auction is over, I will direct the winner to Gentry Rose’s pay-pal account (in other words - I will not handle the donation).
Would you consider blogging about this silent auction so others can put in a bid for the print?
Why did I pick the sunflower shot? I really like sunflowers (I hope you do too). If you have ever driven through Arizona in the Summer — it is hot. But for one reason or another, sunflowers can be found by the road-side. In the deepest canyon you can find them raising their heads toward the sun. A marvelous sight - believe me…
Thank you for stopping by today, and your consideration in helping a little girl fighting autism…

In Other Words Tuesday

“We’re not necessarily
doubting
that God will do the best for us;
we are wondering how
painful
the best will turn out to be.”~ C.S. Lewis: Such a great quote, and so true. There have been, and continue to be, painful times in my life. But, I always know that God is working out things for my own good. He wants only the best for me in all areas of my life. The pruning might be a little painful, but from it, will come beauty. The fire might burn a little, but I will rise from the ashes, a much better woman. The rising waters might seem to overtake me, but they are really only cleansing me. The storm might roll in dark, and fierce, but afterwards, nothing can compare to the loveliness of the rainbow. Sickness might come upon me, and dwell for a season, but during that season, it will be well with my soul. My pain, is what gives me strength, and I praise God for giving me His best.

Thankful To Be Able To Worship My God

Hello my friends, praying you are all doing well. I hope you enjoyed your weekend, and that yesterday was spent praising Him with other brothers and sisters. I love praising Him with my brothers and sisters, our hearts united in one accord. We are so blessed to live in a country where we are free to worship as we please. Never take that freedom for granted, thank God for it continually. So many of our brothers and sisters live in opressed countries, praying could get you killed, reading the Bible could get you killed or thrown in prison. Be thankful my friends, be thankful. Praise Him from whom all our blessings flow.

Mission 4 Monday

E85 ETHANOL: CHECK IF YOU ALREADY HAVE A FLEX FUEL CAR

 

Choosing E85 ethanol the next time you fill your vehicle's fuel tank would help reduce the smog in your city's skies – helping people breathe cleaner air – while improving the U.S. economy and lessening America's dependence on foreign oil imports, according to the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition.

Many late-model cars are already "flex-fuel" vehicles, which means they can operate on either gasoline or E85 – a blend of fuel that contains 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Some vehicles manufactured as early as 1999 are flex-fuel. Ethanol is an alcohol fuel made from renewable corn and other plant-based materials, as opposed to gasoline, a petroleum-based fuel made from non-renewable fossil fuels.

E85 has the highest oxygen content of any fuel available today, allowing it to burn more completely than conventional gasoline. E85 contains 80 percent fewer smog-forming compounds than gasoline, reports the National Ethanol Vehicle Coalition, which can reduce respiratory illnesses and help everybody breathe more healthfully.

In addition, using E85 reduces carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" by 40-50 percent, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Greenhouse gases are thought to contribute to global warming.

Fortunately, E85 is easy to use and can be pumped into vehicles in the same manner as conventional gasoline.  You could even save money by fueling your car with E85 ethanol.

Because E85 is a relatively new product, it can be used only by flex-fuel vehicles — those manufactured to use either type of fuel. Take a moment to check if your vehicle can run on E85.

E85 is growing in popularity, but there are a limited number of service stations offering the alternative fuel. See if there is an E85 fuel station near you. The upper Midwest currently leads in the manufacture and sale of E85 with more than 430 stations.

For more information on using E85 in your vehicle, visit the National Ethanol Vehicle Association, the US Department of Energy's Clean Cities Program, or Clean Air Choice.

Focus On Missions

Eric & Rikki DeGrove

Preparing to serve through missions research in Asia

Fast Facts

Family Charles, Violet
Education Eric: B.A. sociology, 2002, University of North Texas, Denton; graduate work in sociology, University of North Texas; Th.M., 2009, Dallas Theological Seminary, Texas Rikki: B.A. speech/language pathology and audiology, 2002, University of North Texas; M.A. speech/language pathology and audiology, 2004, University of North Texas
Appointed June 2008



Ministry-at-a-Glance

Anticipated Ministry Focus: Assisting the WorldVenture Asia Leadership Team through missions research.
The People: The vast continent of Asia is in desperate need of the gospel. Over 83 percent of the world's non-Christians live in Asia (4.4 billion).
Ministry Experience: Eric and Rikki have ministered through short-term missions in a combined six countries. Rikki has taught Bible studies, led small groups and worked with children's ministries. Eric has served the church through teaching, worship leading and music.
Prayer Focus: Please pray that God would lead families and churches to partner with the DeGroves through prayer and monthly financial giving. Please pray that God would prepare their family to live and work in a foreign country.

Super Simple Sunday

Personalized Scripture

James 1: 2-4 (NIV)

Consider it pure joy, ... whenever Denise face[s] trials of many kinds because ... the testing of Denise's faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work, so that Denise may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. Amen

Fearless Friday

Prayer Requests: Please pray for the health of Beth"s parents, and also Lisa"s parents. Continue to pray for the health of Debra, and Marcus. Pray for the restoration of Pia"s marriage. Pray for my church, we will be having VBS July 23-25. Also, our church will be having another time of fasting and prayer, July3-4 Please continue to pray for the health of Allelulabell"s husband Ron. Pray for Cheryl"s sister Jan, she may have to have surgery. Pray for Tom"s mom as she goes through chemo. Pray for the salvation of Stacy"s dad, also pray for the salvation of Lea"s brothers, and dad. Praise Reports: Debra did not have to have a stent put in her heart, she is at home recovering. Marcus came through his surgery really well, he is in the hospital recovering. Vicki"s husband had his prostate surgery today, things went well. Pray that the report will show no more cancer. My friend Lisa got a job, praise God. Also, Angela"s husband got a job, God is so awesome.

Circle Of Love

My friend Laurie, will be graciously highlighting me on her blog post tomorrow. It is called circle of love, please visit her blog, it is a wonderful ministry. Thank you dear Laurie, you are a sweet blessing to my heart.

Thankful Thursday

I am so blessed to be loved, and cared for by my precious Saviour. To wake up everyday, knowing that I am safe, and very secure in His hands, is such a comfort. The world may seem to be falling apart, but God is the glue holding my life together. I am so thankful that I do not get what I deserve, because I deserve nothing. God is so gracious to bestow upon me His beautiful blessings. Through Him, I am made a better woman. He equips me to be able to have a wonder-filled life. I am not going to take one single moment of one single day for granted. I am going to cherish each day, and live it to the fullest. I am going to extend my hand out to others in the love, and kinship of my Saviour. He is to valuable of a possession to keep to myself, I must share Him daily with others. There are so many hurting souls in this world today in need of some love and compassion. I want to pour out my Saviours blessings upon them, and let them soak in His beautiful Sonshine. Use me dear Lord, in anyway You choose. I thank You for all Your daily gifts to me, may I always share them with others. I love You Lord.

Update On Debra

God is good and the procedure went fine. They didn't find any blockage, but they did find an artery that is smaller than it should be, and it has embedded itself into the heart rather than just resting on it. They aren't sure if this is the cause of her troubles or not. She will be getting released in a few hours, and will be home to rest. Her cardiologist will be reviewing the test results next week..

Urgent Prayer Request

Debra is in the hospital for her heart. She has had a cat scan and an ekg. There is something wrong with one of the muscles near, or around her heart, and they are going to do a heart catheter today sometime. If they find 70% or more blockage they will immediately do surgery and put a stint in, or balloon it. If it's less than that, they may move her to ORMC and have the procedure done there. She does not do well under anesthesia, and her heart is weak.Will you please join me in prayer for her right now?

Wednesdays Walk Down Memory Lane

Well, last night, lovebug and I decided we wanted fast food for supper. So, we jump into our mustang, and away to the food we go. After getting some very healthy food(yea right, not!!), we headed back home. We live in an apartment, and there is assigned parking spaces. Our parking space happens to be right under a very large tree. The birds are totally in love with our mustang. We have to keep it covered, and take it to the car wash everyday. Well, as soon as we had pulled in, and parked, we hear a splat. Lovebug was not very happy, since he had stopped at the car wash on the way home. I open the passenger door to get out, and plop, a bird pooped on my arm!! Gross, totally gross. I handled it very maturely, I started screaming. My exact words were: Help me lovebug, I just got pooped on. Of course, lovebug was laughing so hard, I thought he would pee in his pants. Being the gentleman that he is, he hands me a napkin. How kind of him. I begin to wipe my arm so fast, and so hard, it is a miracle that I still have any skin left on that arm!! I grab my food, and start running. No way was I going to let another bird poop on me. So, we get in the apartment, and we both start laughing. We were rolling on the floor, it was too funny. When we calmed down, then we finally ate our supper. About an hour after eating, lovebug looks at me, and proceeds to ask me the following question: Honey, will you go outside with me, and help me cover up the mustang, so the birds will not leave anything on it. Oh, I see, he wants to protect the car, what about his wife??? I said, are you crazy?? It is a bird jungle out there, I am in fear for my very life. I cannot take being pooped on again, not this soon!! lol Well, lovebug is so darn cute, I could not resist. So, I went outside to help him cover the mustang. But, I did not go empty handed, I took my water spray bottle with me, as protection. I kept it aimed at that big ole tree, ready to fire away. I thought I heard a bird near my head, and I began to spray like crazy, accidentally soaking lovebug. Lovebug started chasing me around the parking lot, of course he caught me, grabbed my bottle, and soaked me. So, to recap the events, I got pooped on, and then soaked. lol

Word Filled Wednesday

In Other Words Tuesday

“There was a time when [you fill in] defined my life and left me physically void, cocooned in a prison of fear. It stole my every hope and dream. But God’s love, and His Word set my heart free. I learned that within the confines of God’s story, nothing had been stolen from me, rather everything was given to me. My life, which felt so out of control, was in reality in complete control – God’s control.”: There was a time when rejection defined my life, and left me physically void, cocooned in a prison of fear. I felt as if everything I did was not good enough, that I was a total failure. I felt as if I were not worthy of any ones love, I actually thought that the world would have been much better off if the abortion had worked, instead of me surviving. But, praise God, He loved me through my hurt and pain. He was in total control of my life from the very moment of my conception. He blessed me by saving my life, and then saving my soul. A double portion of precious blessings were given to me. I thank Him for freeing me from the chains of self doubt, and self hatred. He controls my life, and I am so glad He does. He loves me, what more do I need?? Nothing.

Church Yesterday

Hello sweet friends, hope you all enjoyed your Fathers Day, I sure did. Yesterday was a day of praising my heavenly, and earthly father. My dad went to church with me last night, it was so awesome. We enjoyed an hour of praise and worship time, then we went over to our gym for a time of fellowship. There were so many delicious pies, and home made ice cream. After everyone had filled their tummies, pastor Fred said that anyone who would like to share something about their dad could come up front to the microphone and speak. Several people shared such precious tributes to their dads. I went up, and spoke about my dad, and dear lovebug. First, I spoke about my dad. I told him how much I loved him, and how proud I was of him for the changes he had made in his life, especially for asking God into his heart. I told him I was so happy to have him in my life. Then, I told dear lovebug how very much I loved him. I told him that even though he is not a father, he deserved to be honored. I told him that he had shown me throughout our 24 years of marriage, what a wonderful father he would have been. The way he treated my momma, the way he loves me, and always takes care of me when I am sick. Any boy, or girl, would have been truly blessed to have him as their father. Thank You Father, I really enjoyed yesterday. I love You.

Mission 4 Monday

SAVE MONEY WHILE GENERATING LESS GARBAGE

Americans are burying themselves in trash, producing 4.5 pounds of waste per person per day, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. We don't "reuse and reduce" enough.

One out of every $11 consumers spend for products pays for containers and packaging, and about 60 percent of those materials ultimately end up in landfills.

While recycling is one answer to this problem, the goal is to increase the practice of reuse and reduce; that is, prevent as much as possible the amount of material that is thrown away or recycled. An increased focus on reuse and reduce habits is critically needed along with more participation in recycling, which currently has disappointing compliance: only 32 percent of municipal solid waste is recycled, composted, or recovered. Of the remaining 68 percent, 54 percent is landfilled and 14 percent is burned at combustion facilities.

A reuse and reduce approach saves natural resources, reduces energy use and emission of greenhouse gases, cuts down on transportation costs and pollution, and results in less materials dumped in landfills. Reuse and reduce practices also save money for consumers, schools, businesses, and communities.

Everyday, you can make choices to reuse products and resources and reduce by hundreds of pounds the amount of materials that you personally contribute to landfills. The time to reuse, reduce, and save money is now.

• Reduce bag use at the checkout counter: bring your own canvas bags, reuse bags from previous shopping trips, and decline a bag from clerks for single or small items that you can carry easily or put in your pocket or purse.



• Purchase items from the bulk food department at the grocery store. Wash and reuse the containers that the store provides, or bring your own if they allow.



• Buy the largest packages of items that you use frequently (e.g., cat litter, laundry detergent, pet foods, shampoo). If the quantity is too much for you, divide the purchase with a relative or friend and you will both save money.



• At restaurants, take only the number of items that you need: for example, one napkin, one sugar packet, one packet of ketchup.



• Reduce the need to replace light bulbs often by switching to compact fluorescent bulbs, which last about ten times longer than incandescent bulbs, use 75% less energy, and save money.



• When choosing between two similar items, select the one that has the least unnecessary packaging.



• Reduce the number of print newspapers and magazines you get — read some or all of them online, get them at a library, or share a subscription with a relative or friend.



• If you work for a company, introduce them to free information on how they can reduce waste and save money.



• Reuse and reduce paper consumption at home and office and save money and resources: use both sides of copy paper and stationary, make scratch pads from paper used on one side, make two-sided copies, send email memos and letters whenever possible. Avoid printing out emails and webpages, but if you must, use the back side of used paper.



• Reduce household paper use by switching from paper to cloth napkins and from paper towels to sponges or old but usable small cloth towels. Cloth napkins and towels can be washed; sponges can be cleaned in the microwave or dishwasher.



• Rent, borrow, or share infrequently used items (e.g., party supplies, ladders, lawn tools, folding chairs) instead of buying them.



• Buy used instead of new. Buying from secondhand stores offers several benefits: it reduces the use of virgin resources, saves the energy that would have been used to create a new product, saves money, and frequently helps support a cause, as secondhand facilities are often run by charities.



• Reduce the amount of junk mail you receive at home and at the office by contacting the National Do Not Mail List and other free services to have your name removed from mailing lists.



• If you are a teacher or are in charge of a group of young people who participate in environmental projects and activities, you can get free curriculum information on reuse and reduce from the National Science Teachers Association Middle School Source Reduction Curriculum.

More reuse and reduce tips are available in The Consumer's Handbook for Reducing Solid Waste, published on the internet for free by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Focus On Missions

Mike & Ghed Miguel

Church planting and leadership development in the Philippines

Fast Facts

Birthdays Mike (12/27), Ghed (11/5)
Anniversary (1/16)
Family Michael Gerald (4/30), Christine Grace (3/4), David Gideon (11/7)
Education Mike: B.S. in commerce, 1981, Polytechnic University of the Philippines; certified public accountant, 1981, Philippines Ghed: B.S. in nursing, 1976, University of the East, Philippines
Appointed October 2008
Home Church Circle Drive Baptist Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado


Ministry-at-a-Glance

Anticipated Ministry Focus: Church planting, leadership development and expanding partnerships in strategic cities of the Philippines.
The People: Most Filipinos wander in abject poverty and spiritual darkness and endure the rule of corrupt government and oppression of empty traditional and cultural religion. Over half of the Philippine population live below the poverty line, and only 3 percent are believers.
Ministry Experience: Mike has planted a church in Hawaii and served as associate pastor in three churches over a period of 12 years. He is gifted in evangelism, teaching, preaching, discipleship, music and administration. Ghed has been involved in evangelism and teaching with women and children. Her nursing skills have helped her minister to the sick, and her compassion has endeared her to those she has ministered to.
Prayer Focus: Please pray that God would quickly raise up a solid core of supporters to join the Miguels in their ministry. Please pray that the Lord would work out all the details of their departure and that even now God would prepare the hearts of those they would minister to.

Super Simple Sunday

Daily Devotion

June 20

1 Kings 17:14-15 (NIV)¹⁴For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD gives rain on the land.'"¹⁵She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.

Once the Kerith Ravine dried up, the Lord sent Elijah to the home of a Gentile woman. If you thought ravens were stingy, try humans. But a few verses earlier the LORD said He had commanded her to feed Elijah. Elijah gave her a real faith test by asking her to feed him first and then cook their meal from the little left in her jar. If the LORD had not commanded her to do this, I doubt she would have even considered it. Even though there was a promise that a miracle would happen, consider that this woman is not Jewish. The prophet before her had been camping out in a ravine for months. Who is going to give their last meal to him instead of feeding their own child? But just as the LORD commanded the ravens, so He commanded her.

When she obeyed, she found the promise was true. One pastor tells of the surprise she must have experienced each time she reached in to scrape the bottom of the jars. Just enough for another meal, again, and again, and again!

We have the same experience when we abide in Christ. We think we have scraped the bottom of the mercy and grace jar with a certain brother. We reach into the life of Christ within us and, low and behold, there is just enough for the present situation. Then another situation comes along. The last time, we know we scraped the bottom and had just barely enough. Here this brother is offending us again. How can we possibly find the mercy to forgive him? But we reach into the earthen vessel that holds the treasure and what do you know! It is just enough to meet the present circumstance.

Consider: If you will give love and mercy and grace to those around you first, there will always be enough for you when you have a need. Even when you think you have run out, reach down in there again, and you will find it in Christ, the One who lives within you.

When The Lord Created Fathers

When The LORD Created Fathers

When the Good Lord was creating fathers, He started
with a tall frame.  A female angel nearby said,
"What kind of father is that?
If you're going to make children so close to the ground,
why have you put the father up so high?
He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling,
tuck a child in bed without bending,
or even kiss a child without stooping?"
God smiled and said, "Yes, but if I make him
child size, who would children have to look up to?"

When God made the father's hands, they were large.
The angel shook her head and said, "Large hands
can't manage diaper pins, small buttons,
rubber bands on pony tails, or even remove splinters
caused from baseball bats."  
Again God smiled and said,
"I know, but they're large enough to hold everything a small boy empties
from his pockets, yet small enough to cup a child's face in them."
Then God molded long slim legs and broad shoulders,
"Do you realize you just made a father without a lap?"
The angel chuckled.
God said, "A Mother needs a lap. A father needs strong shoulders
to pull a sled, to balance a boy on a bicycle, or to hold a sleepy head
on the way home from the circus."

When God was in the middle of creating the biggest feet
anyone had ever seen, the angel could not contain herself any longer.
"That's not fair. Do you honestly think those feet are going to get out of bed
early in the morning when the baby cries, or walk through a birthday party
without crushing one or two of the guest?"
God again smiled and said, "They will work. You will see.
They will support a small child who wants to ride to Branbury Cross
or scare mice away from a summer cabin,
or display shoes that will be a challenge to fill."
God worked throughout the night, giving the father few words,
but a firm authoritative voice; eyes that see everything,
but remain calm and tolerant. Finally, almost as an after thought,
He added tears.
The He turned to the angel and said,
"Now are you satisfied he can love as much as a Mother can?" 
The angel said nothing more.

©Erma Bombeck

Fearless Friday

So many people are hurting in so many different ways. My friends, please pray, pray, and continue prayting. Health: Lisa's parents, Stacy's dad, Vicki's husband, Tom's mom, Allelulabell's husband, Tammy, Lea, my sister Vicki, my dad, my father in-law, Marcus. Financial: Angela, Eddie and I, Lisa, Bucky, Tobin. Salvation: My brother Jim, Stacy's dad,Lea's dad and brothers. Restoration of marriage: Pia Job security: Eddie Praise Reports: Eddie got to work overtime this week, trying to get the big order out. My dad is going to church with me Sunday.

Thankful Thursday- My Fathers Eyes

Happy Thankful Thursday everyone, Laurie has chosen a great theme this week in honor of Father's Day. Our earthly fathers do deserve to be honored, and I am glad there is a day set aside just for them. But, what about our heavenly Father? He deserves much more than we give Him, He deserves to be honored, and celebrated everyday. We should give Him our very best everyday, we should unfold our lives to Him each new day as a present from our heart to His. Not just on Easter, and Christmas, but every single day. Celebrate Him, praise Him, and love Him. I am so very grateful to have my earthly father in my life, after all the years without him, or his love in my life, God blessed me by bringing him into my life, and saving his soul, at the end of last year. My earthly father will be at church with me on Sunday night, we are celebrating our fathers with a pie and ice cream social. I am so looking forward to this, it will be the first fathers day that my father has spent with me since I was born. Praise God for His kindness to me. I will never forget the facts of my life, and I choose to give glory, and honor where it belongs. It belongs to my heavenly Father, always. My heavenly Father created me, and wanted me. He has always loved me, cared for me, watched closely over me, wiped my endless tears from my eyes, shared laughter with me, carried me and my burdens, cheered on my successes, and forgave my failures. He saved my life from the very beginning of my life, as I was in the womb. So many times since then, He has saved my life. He walks with me, and talks with me daily. He gives me endless gifts everyday, such as: strength, peace, comfort, joy, acceptance, and unending love. I love Him, I love Him, I love my Father. I pray that when people look at me, they see my Father. He is why I am here, He is my life. Thank You my precious Father. Happy Fathers Day, from Your daughter Denise.

Wednesday's Walk Down Memory Lane

Today, is my first time to participate in this meme. I would like to share a memory from the summer of 1975. I was 11 years old, and madly in love with Donny Osmond!! He made my heart beat purple juice, lol purple was his favorite color, and of course mine too. He loved wearing purple socks, so of course my sock drawer was filled to overflowing with purple socks. My favorite color is still purple!! I had all of his records, his posters were plastered all over my bedroom walls, I would watch him every time he was on television. I knew all of his songs by heart, and sang them over and over again. Well, we had just moved to Chattanooga Tennessee from Huntsville Alabama, my friend from Alabama called to tell me that the Osmond's were going to be coming to Huntsville for a concert. She was going to the concert!! I got off of the phone, totally heartbroken. My momma asked what was wrong, of course I told her the entire story. She said, I am sorry sweetie. I thought that was the end of it, but a few weeks later to my surprise, she brings me an envelope. I open it, and inside were two tickets to the Osmond concert in Alabama. I started screaming, and crying. I could not believe it, I was beyond happy. She said my sister and I were going to the concert together. So, the concert was on a Friday night, my sister and I got in her mustang, and away we went to Alabama. From the moment the Osmond's came out on stage, until the last song was sang, I danced, screamed, and sang my heart out. As my sister and I were walking across the parking lot to get in our car to go home, I spotted their tour bus. Donny was sitting in the back of the bus, I started running after the bus, screaming: I love you Donny!! He held up a glass of milk, and waved at me. My heart turned somersaults. Woo Hoo, what a sweet memory. Thank you dear angel momma for making a dream come true, and thank you sis for being my traveling companion on such a great memory making adventure. Don't forget to link to Lynette's blog to read more participating posts.

Word Filled Wednesday

My Weight

Hello my friends, praying you are all doing well. I am doing super duper well this evening!! I have decided to not participate anymore in any weight loss challenges online. Please know that I greatly support any of you that are in these challenges, you are all very awesome. I tend to become very hard on myself, pushing myself way to much, and it seems to always affect my diabetes. So, I am going to take my time, slow and steady will win this weight loss battle. Right now, I am still weighing 175. But, compared to 258, which was what I was weighing three years ago, I have come a long way baby!! I still have many more pounds to go, but they will go, in time. Take care my friends, love you all.

In Other Words Tuesday

In trouble then and fear I sought, The Man who taught in Galilee;and peace unto my soul was brought,all my faith came back to me.”~ Anonymous: Everytime, not just sometimes, He gives me sweet peace, and restores my faith. When troubles threaten to overtake my life, and fear is overwhelming me, He comes to my rescue. No matter what my need, He can, and will fulfill it. When my soul is weary from the trials of this world, He brings me rest from up above. There is no one who can comfort me like He does. He restores my faith daily, and replaces my tears, with laughter. I am going to run straight into His arms always, He is my place of pure serenity. Thank You Jesus.

My Weekend

Hello my friends, praying you all enjoyed your weekend. I am praying for your week to be filled with love, and sweet blessings. Wow, what a weekend I had. On Saturday, lovebug had to work, so I spent the day doing laundry, and cleaning the apartment. After lovebug got home from work, he shaved my head again. I have been having major problems with my scalp again due to my skin condition caused from my diabetes, also due to my thyroid problems, hair was falling out again. So, I am once again, mrs. baldie. Lovebug kept freaking me out by asking me the following questions: Are you ok? Are you going to be able to go back to church, they have not seen you totally without hair. How is your confidence right now? Stop, in the name of love, stop!!! Ok, I am over it. So, we wake up Sunday morning to a flood in our apartment. Our upstairs neighbor, had a leak in their washing machine, and it caused a leak in our ceiling. It totally flooded our living room closet, and into our living room. It ruined several things in our closet, such a mess. So, needless to say, we were not able to go to church yesterday, which I really hated. I miss it so much, going to church gets me through the week. I always tell my pastor that I get my tank filled up on Sunday, and by Wednesday, it is half empty. So, I go to church on Wednesday to get my tank refilled. Back to my hair, or lack of hair. I do not care anymore. I am who I am. God created me, and He loves me as I am. I go to church to worship, and praise God, not people. So, when I go to church Wednesday night, if anyone stares, or says anything(which in my heart, I do not think anyone will), I am just going to smile really big, and say bless you my friend. Have a wonder-filled day everyone.

Mission 4 Monday

CLEAN-UP YOUR TRASH

Americans throw out more than 200 million tons of trash every year, or about 4.5 pounds per person each day. Not only does this trash create huge landfills and detract from the natural beauty of the landscape, it can also seriously harm animals and wildlife. By taking a few moments to think about the potential impact of your trash on wildlife, you can save animals' lives.

When we put out trash as garbage or even for recycling, often the items we're discarding include residues of the foods they used to contain. For raccoons, skunks, squirrels, birds, and other wildlife, these aromas of tuna, yogurt, peanut butter or other tempting foods promise a tasty treat. Unfortunately, the reality can be deadly. Plastic and glass bottles and containers can become lethal traps for small animals, including mice, lizards and skunks; six-pack rings can cause strangulation; and plastic wrap can cause fatal intestinal blockages. Discarded fishing line — which accounts for as many as one-third of all trash-related wildlife injuries — frequently ensnares animals and even causes amputation, while fishing hooks can get stuck in the mouths and throats of birds, turtles and other animals. Broken glass can cut the paws of raccoons or any animal that happens by.

For wild animals, anything that injures, traps or otherwise hinders their ability to get food and escape predators is likely to cause their death.

The good news is that much of this harm is easy to prevent. In just a few minutes, you can help make sure your trash won't injure animals and wildlife.

Wildlife-proofing your garbage is just a matter of three easy steps:

• Rinse and recycle. Make sure you recycle all recyclable plastic, glass and aluminum containers, and before you do, rinse them well to eliminate food remnants and odors that might attract wildlife in the first place.


• Cut and crush. Plastic and aluminum containers should be crushed before disposal to minimize the chance that a small animal (or even just its head) might fit and get stuck within. Six-pack rings should be snipped to eliminate the possibility of trapping, and all fishing line and string should be cut into 6-inch pieces before disposal.


• Close and cover. Always make sure your garbage is stored in a plastic or metal trash can with a secure lid before disposal. Plastic wrap should be rinsed and placed in a closed garbage bag before it is thrown out.

What about when you're hiking or camping? The best policy is to take your garbage home with you for proper recycling and disposal.

Wildlife-proofing your trash may take a few extra minutes on your part, but for animals, it can mean the difference between life and death.

Focus On Missions

Jonathan & Mandy Casurella

Serving in medical and counseling ministries in Madagascar

Fast Facts

Birthdays: Jonathan (1/20), Mandy (9/7)
Anniversary: (7/3)
Education: Jonathan: B.A. in biology, 1999, Seattle Pacific University; Medical Degree, 2003, Loma Linda University; residency, 2006, Alaska Family Medicine. Mandy: B.S. in psychology, 2001, Texas A&M University, College Station; M.A. in counseling, 2005, Mars Hill Graduate School, Seattle, Washington
Appointed: June 2007
Home Church: First Evangelical Covenant Church, Anchorage, Alaska



Ministry-at-a-Glance

Anticipated Ministry Focus: Jonathan plans to partner with Malagasy people to provide and develop sustainable healthcare in remote communities. Mandy plans to use her skills as a counselor in a variety of contexts on a relational, spiritual and social level.
The People: The medically and socially disadvantaged people of Madagascar.
Ministry Experience: Jonathan has frequently volunteered care as a physician in a variety of international settings through both faith-based and governmental organizations. Mandy has been involved with youth leadership and mentoring for the past 10 years. She has led multiple groups on matters of faith and mental/emotional health.
Prayer Focus: Pray for Jonathan and Mandy to use their combined skills in physical and mental health to compliment spiritual healing and engagement in Madagascar.

Super Simple Sunday

Cafe Chat

Is there a deep hurt in your life/heart that you have not let God heal yet? If yes, are you ready to let God begin the work of healing your heart? (Feel free to post the specifics if you would like, and remember you can always post anonymously)For those of you that answered no to the question above, has there been a hurt from your past that God has healed? If so, was the healing instant, or a process? (Again, please give specifics if you feel so led, and again you can post anonymously): There have been several hurts from my past that God has healed, and I gladly give Him praise for His sweet healing upon my life. None of the healing was instant, it was all a process. But, I am glad about that, because going through the process of healing, I learned so much, and grew stronger in the Lord. He healed me from cutting, depression, the shame I felt from being sexually abused by my stepfather, feeling unloved, and unwanted due to the fact I was an attempted abortion. He took all the broken pieces from my shattered life, and made me whole again. I love You Lord, and I will forever be thankful for the precious gift of healing You blessed me with.

Sisters Of Faith Presents:Free To Be Me Bloggers Retreat

Some mighty incredible sistas!! All together in one place!
Girls, this promises to be the most incredible time you could ever imagine!
Already Marsha, of Marsha’s Musings is ready to give away a “free” registration to this event! Please head over to her blog TODAY! The contest will run from June 1st – 17th.
A note to our regular readers ~ We want you to do several things: .
*Pray for us. All of the speakers, the workers, the bloggers who want to come, the worship leader, the prayer team, the cooks, and the transportation for all!
*Pray for the anointing in the worship services—for lives to be touched, women blessed, and ministered to!
*Pray for the LORD to provide a way for you to come!
We will be learning LOTS and having fun while doing so! These ladies are full of fun and information on how you can get started blogging and turn that blog into ministry for Jesus Christ!
There will also be personal testimonies shared—did I already mention you will be BLESSED? YOU will! You will hear from all the sweet faces pictured!

Our keynote speaker is Mary Snyder --- you will LOVE her---she will have you laughing and, yes maybe even crying--- she will bless you with her wit and wisdom from life’s experiences and the Word!
We cannot wait until October---there is much going on in our little corner of the world! We hope to see you here!
BE SURE you stay tuned to the Free To Be Me Bloggers Retreat site…there will be updated information continually---you can register there and see who else is coming!
So---what are you waiting for?

Fearless Friday

Prayer Requests: 1) Continue to pray for Stacy, her dad is dying, and he is not saved. 2) Josh is 7 years old, and he has stomach cancer. The chemo is making him really sick, please pray for him. 3) Pray for the youth, and college age kids at my church, they are out of town this week at retreats. 4) Pray for Angela, her family is really hurting financially. 4) Pray for Peggy's doctor, he had back surgery. Also, pray for Peggy's husband, he needs the Lord. 5) Please continue to pray for Eddies job. 6) Please pray for Tammy's health. 7) Please pray for my friend Lisa, she is dealing with diabetes. 8) Pray for Susan's dad, he is in rehab to gain strength, memory, and mobility. Pray he will do well, so he can return home to Susan, she really loves, and misses him. 9) Pray for Allelulabell's husband Ron, he is not doing very well physically. Praise Report: Jessica, a young girl at my church, got her foot ran over by a car. By the grace of God, she is ok. It did not break her foot, only bruised it badly. God is so amazing.

Thankful Thursday- True Beauty

I am truly thankful that Jesus does not judge me by my outward appearance as man does, but by my heart. People can be so cruel, and very judgemental. There have been so many times that I have been made fun of due to my weight, and my lack of hair. But, that is ok, Jesus loves me just as I am. I was created in His image, and that makes me beautiful in His eyes. Jesus is the true definition of pure beauty. His beauty shines throughout this world, just look around, He is everywhere. I love to soak up His beauty daily, it fills me with joy. He is in the flowers, the trees, the lakes, the rivers, the streams, the oceans, the waterfalls, the mountains, the woods, a new born baby, a couple getting married. He is here, His beauty surrounds us. I see His beauty in my own life, more and more. I feel like I am becoming a female David, all I want to do is dance before Him, and sing praises to Him. I love Him so very much, and this love we share is such a beautiful thing. I thank Him for pouring His beauty all over my life. Open your heart, and eyes, and allow Him to pour His beautiful self all over you. Soak in His beauty, and let out all the ugly of the world that you have allowed to seep in. Be blessed my beautiful friends, you are loved.

More Answers

April asked: What is the bravest thing you have ever done? Taking care of my momma when she was dying. Chris asked: Have you ever traveled outside the United States? No, I would love to one day though. Alicia asked: Have you traveled to other states? Yes, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Ohio,

Word Filled Wednesday