The NIV ReadEasy Bible brings readability and portability together in one neat, sophisticated package. Whether you’re at church, the coffee shop, or trekking around the globe, this handy-sized Bible is perfect to take with you. Its convenient size makes it easy to keep the timeless truth of God’s Word at hand, no matter where life takes you. Features: * Attractive Italian Duo-Tone™ cover * Portable, readable edition * Presentation page—ideal for gift giving * Words of Christ in red * Ribbon marker
Rating: ✰✰✰✰✰ (5 out of 5 stars)
The NIV ReadEasy Bible is a daily reading bible. It is a great portable size, lightweight, and easy to lay flat. The features include a nice large print, leather Italian Duo-Tone cover, Christ’s words highlighted in red, and a ribbon marker. It’s a very simple bible that contains an index, footnotes, and a table of weights and measurements. The version is New International.
I was very excited to receive this bible for two reasons. One, my old bible is the Young Women of Faith by Zonderkidz bible and the devotionals it contained were much too young for me. Two, I have been really wanting a nice, leather bound bible that I could use simply to read God’s Word. This bible completely satisfied me. I love that there were no distracting messages all over the place. While devotionals and commentary are nice at times, I like to be able to focus on the scripture and this bible allowed me to do that. The large print and typeface make it very easy to read. The black leather cover is soft, attractive, and durable. I also appreciated the ribbon marker and Christ’s words highlighted in red. It really is the perfect bible for me. If you are looking for a bible with no distractions and that’s easy to read, then the NIV ReadEasy Bible is a great choice for you!
**I received this book free from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are entirely my own.


God's Been Good
Sue C. Smith / Belinda Lee Smith
© Copyright. New Spring Publishing (ASCAP) / Bridge Building Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved.
Lately I've been looking back, along this winding road
To the old familiar markers of the mercies I have known.
I know it may sound simple, but it's more than a cliche,
There's no better way to tell you, than to say
God's been good in my life
I feel blessed beyond my wildest dreams when I go to sleep each night,
And though I've had my share of hard times, I wouldn't change them if I could
'Cause through it all, God's been good.
Times replay and I can see that I've cried some bitter tears
But I felt His arms around me, as I faced my greatest fears
You see I've had more gains than losses and I've known more joy than hurt
As His grace rolled down upon me, undeserved.
For God has been my Father, my Savior and my Friend.
His love was my beginning, and His love will be my end
I could spend forever trying, to tell you everything He is
But the best way that I can say it, is this:
His Story Goes On
Released May 2011
All Lyrics are subject to copyright laws and are property of their respective owners.


Today was a big day as I said goodbye to a longtime friend. I don’t know when I will see this person again. I don’t know if we will stay friends. I don’t know what is going to happen in the future..
All I know is that God has a plan with every single one of us. We might try to decide where our life is going to go, but God has a bigger plan. His plan is much better than we can even imagine.
So we don’t need to be scared of endings. Endings are only new beginnings. God has it all under control.
Thus I am looking forward to my new beginning 🙂


Try the new Memorization Tool
HisCompass Ministry is pleased to announce GodWord's new memorization tool with five different and challenging levels to make memorizing scripture fun!
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New American Standard
The New American Standard Bible adheres closely to the original languages of the Holy Scriptures, presenting it in a fluent and readable style.
Read The NASB


Well, it’s been a few days since my last post because we have been out of town and there have been several changes in our plans for our upcoming family visit to Haiti. All of these changes have reminded me that God is in control, and no matter what plans we make ourselves, ultimately God has a plan, and He brings it about in His timing. The plan now is to first go to the FBCJ development for a couple of days and see what all God has going on there. Then we will take our friend Barbara to the airport after which we will be transported to Carrefour where we will connect with a mission organization out of Canada called GAIN. This organization has been doing some wonderful things for the people of Haiti. On this particular trip, we will be working in some medical clinics and doing some construction work in a local orphanage. We will be with the GAIN team the whole time we are there.
As far as the plans to meet up with the soccer coach are concerned, we probably will not get to see him this time. The only way to get down to Cap Haitien would be by way of a commuter flight which would cost about $750. We decided that this kind of trip is not in the budget right now. Jacob is fine with it though because he is really looking forward to working with GAIN in the clinics and orphanage. We still might get a chance to meet up with Tony’s friend with Samaritan’s Purse, but we aren’t counting on that either. Jonathan will indeed get to do some medical shadowing and work though, so that is exciting.
I’m making this post short…compared to others, ha! We are out of town right now at Jacob’s regional soccer tournament. We will be home Sunday evening. Wednesday night we will get to pray with our church family at Crossgates and the next day we leave for our first trip as a family to Haiti. Until next time, we appreciate so much your thoughts and prayers. This time next week we will be finishing up our mission in Haiti and preparing for our last day before returning home.


John “Jack” Anthony Beckman, 76, of Stillwater, OK, passed away Wednesday July 1, 2020 at the Lakeview Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Eufaula, OK. His Rosary service will begin 6:00 p.m. Monday, July 6, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Stillwater, Oklahoma. His Funeral Mass begins 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with his burial following at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The celebrants conducting his mass will be Father Ken Harder and Father Robert Duck, and Father Brian O’Brien, Pastor. Strode Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Anthony Beckman, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
He was born on June 30, 1944 in Louisville, KY to Henry LeRoy Beckman and Bernice Pauline (Allgeier) Beckman. He graduated from Trinity High School in 1962. He attended the University of Louisville graduating with a Master’s degree in Urban Studies. He served as a Louisville Police Officer, St. Matthews Firefighter and Miami-Dade Police Detective. He met Cynthia (Webb) Brungardt and they were married on October 20, 1990 in Louisville. Jack had a strong Catholic faith and a strong devotion to his family. After his mother passed away, he moved his family to Stillwater for his young son, John, to be able to grow up with his only grandparents.
While living in Stillwater and enjoying retirement, Jack enjoyed serving the church by volunteering his skills and time at St. Francis Xavier. He also considered his personal relationship with Fr. Bob Schlitt and Fr. Ken Harder as a blessing from God. His selfless activities included caring for Fr. Bob’s rose garden, helping Cindy to host visiting missionary priests by taking them to dinner and having theological discussions.
He is preceded in death by his parents and sister Sharon McGuire.
Jack is survived by his wife, Cindy of Stillwater; his son, John Beckman and wife Maddie of Tulsa, OK; stepdaughter, Emily (Brungardt) Smith and husband Preston Smith of Tulsa. Mary Lee Ackerman, Louisville, KY., Jerry Beckman and wife Beverly, Louisville, KY., Pamela Morrison, Louisville, KY., Robyn Pierce and husband Joe, Crestwood KY. Also, special friends Orlando Cobos and Cyntia Paladines-Romero and their children Gabriel, Isabella and Addison of College Station, TX.
Live Streaming is available through the parish website: sfxstillwater.org
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Statuary Fund, 711 N Country Club Road, Stillwater, OK 74075; which would be greatly appreciated by the family.


In America’s major cities, there are hundreds of thousands of people who are lost and hurting, desperate to hear the good news. SCORE Domestic has seen firsthand the devastating issues that poverty leaves in its wake. These issues often stem from a lack of knowledge of Jesus, a lack of faith, and a lack of opportunities for education and meaningful work. Our goal is to partner with churches and organizations who are already serving in urban settings, and to come alongside them to share God’s love in practical ways. Our inner-city trips focus specifically on children and teens, but there are often opportunities to share with adults as well.
SCORE Domestic is proud to partner with a wide range of ministries and churches in major U.S. cities. There are extensive ministry opportunities in New York City, Eutaw, AL, Baltimore, MD, and Orlando, FL. We seek to work alongside those sharing the Gospel in their communities through various projects that meet physical needs. Short-term mission teams help supply labor, passion, and energy to reach the lost people in these communities.
As one church planter put it, "Mission teams are like the reinforcements to the front lines in battle. Just when we think we can't make it any longer, they give us the tools to continue the fight!"
Year-Round Trip Opportunities
Rocky Mount, NC


Sunday marked the anniversary of a church in Alabama that was bombed 50 years ago by the Ku Klux Klan. The blast had claimed the lives of four little girls and had become a landmark moment in the civil rights movement.
‘A Love that Forgives’
Remembering the fateful day, the Reverend Arthur Price preached the same sermon that was taught to the members of the 16th Street Baptist Church on the morning of the bombing- ‘A Love that Forgives’. Following the sermon, the rusty old church bell was tolled four times as the names of the four girls were read out.
There were also some songs and hymns that were sung by a church full of congregation members as a solemn commemoration of the day.
The bombing 50 years ago had become a powerful symbol of racism in southern US and had stoked the passing of laws such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.


Josh McDowell, a well known Christian author and apologist and Bob Hostetler, also an author, editor and pastor have partnered together to examine 42 popular myths regarding God, Jesus, the Bible, the resurrection, religion, Christianity, life and happiness. The authors have co-authored 11 books altogether. McDowell, originally an agnostic who set out “to refute Christianity and prove it to be a joke”, could not do that based on the evidences that he discovered.
Each brief chapter is followed by a study guide called “Brain Food” to give the reader an opportunity to do their own study of scriptures relating to the myth just exposed. While written for a wide age and reading range; “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” is clearly geared for youth ages 12 and up. Adults will also find much food for thought even if they consider themselves to be well grounded in their beliefs about Christianity. Reading this book has challenged me to reexamine what my beliefs are, why I started believing in Jesus in my early childhood and what I believe now after approximately 40 years of following Christ.
While “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” is well researched and the various myths are exposed for their misconceptions, the aspect I appreciated most was the author’s ability to communicate truth. As the Bible says “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free”, anyone reading this book will learn that there is more to the Christian life than do’s and don’ts; that adhering to a belief in the Bible and accepting what is written is not a sign of a weak person who is gullible and brainwashed.
As a result of reading this book I am more concerned about growing in my knowledge of God and in my daily walk as a believer. I truly desire to “be still and know” the God I serve. My spiritual growth continues to be challenged by the trials of life, but instead of diminishing my beliefs, I have been strengthened by the faith that has sustained me through the storms of life. I received this complementary book from BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program and was not required to post a positive review. I would recommend this book to anyone who is searching for more information or evidence regarding the Christian faith.


Churches and Church Groups
St Denys' Church
St Denys’ Church is a beautiful sandstone building that stands in the centre of the village. It originates from 1060, although there has been a church on this site since 792. The aim for the future is to make the church adaptable for the community’s needs. As there is no church hall, nor any space to build one nearby, the South Aisle is being adapted to form a social area and it is intended to add asmall kitchen when finances allow. The building is currently used for some community activities including Soup and Cheese lunches once a month during the winter and in December 2015 it was the setting for the very successful Angel Festival that attracted visitors from far and wide.
The church provides different styles of worship to cater for all tastes. Each Sunday Holy Communion is celebrated either at 8am, the 10am morning service, or at 6pm. On the first Sunday of every month there is a lively Family Service at 10am featuring our resident puppet team Puppet Tree performing songs and sketches. The evening services cover a wide range from formal Choral Evensong to the informal Café Church and Refreshment Praise services. Messy Church is also held quarterly in the Village Hall.
Full details of each week’s services can be found on the Church website www.stdenysrotherfield.org.uk.
Groups in the community are also welcome to hold their own services by arrangement with the Rector.
ST MARK’S CHURCH, MARK CROSS
St Mark’s Church is a small and friendly church that welcomes newcomers. The building was formally the old Victorian schoolhouse and became a church when the school moved to its present site. In 1985, it became part of Benefice of Rotherfield W Mark Cross and has developed a warm relationship with the parish of St Denys. There are regular services each Sunday providing for both young and old, including a Sunday Club for children on the second Sunday of the month. Our website provides details of our services: http://www.stdenysrotherfield.org.uk
The church runs a weekly parent and toddler group - Jolly Tots. It meets in the church’s community room from 9.15-11.15am on the 1st, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month except in school holidays. On the 3rd Wednesday, there is a pottery class and on the 1st Monday evening of the month there is a very active Book Club. St Mark’s Church enjoys a close working relationship with Mark Cross School and with Frant Primary School as part of The Saxonbury Federation of C of E Primary Schools. The church supports the school with weekly assemblies and within the Governing Body.
The Church and village community are planning to re-order the building to provide both a place of worship and a community village hall for Mark Cross and the surrounding area.


Please help the world's refugees.
All who's lives have been torn apart by conflict,
forced to leave their homes, loved ones, countries.
Protect those who are journeying now
heal those who are safe, but still traumatized
Soften the 'hard hearts' - comfort the broken
Send hope for the hopeless.
Let all who can do something to help... do it
all who have something to give... give it
all who seek a safe place to live... find it.
All who can do nothing but pray... pray.
That all who suffer be given strength; to persevere, to hold on to hope.
That they be accommodated, comforted, cared for.
These people, they're aching... physically, emotionally, spiritually
Their pain must be unbearable, beyond comprehension
Mothers, Fathers, children, babies
Hungry, hurting, homeless... afraid.
Human beings... some dead, some dying
and those who survive the journey...
thrown from a sea of hope into an unfamiliar (largely unwelcoming) world
Washed up, weary worn... stranded.
Help them, Lord... please help them
Thank you for allowing me to share
God bless you, and all those you love
I'm adding this post to this months #1000speak linky on the 20th of October... to find out more about 1000 speak, click here.


of the Knighthood of Honour of the
Protocol Officer Colonel CSLI Rudolf Murth, Grandmarshall of the Knighthood of Honour
Major CSLI Helene Kneidinger, Assistant
On April 29th the yearly investiture ceremony of the Knighthood of Honour of the Lazarus Union took place at the Benedictine Monastery Göttweig which was founded in 1083. Besides many members and friends from Austria lots of international guests (Canada, England, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Poland…) showed up. 43 Dames and Knights of Honour, 19 Expectants and Postulants, 38 flags and banners, 26 musicians, 34 further CSLI members, Boy Scouts from Furt and Gföhl, friendly orders, comrades of the Veteran’s Association, voluntary fire service, the Federal Army, different emergency organisations, relatives and numerous guests formed the beautiful frame for this investiture.
Report by Oliver Gruber-Lavin
Pictures by Hannes Hochmuth, Michaela Matzka, Andres Haftner, Hans-Rudolf Gries, Peter Scherer and Susanne Sluszanski
Translated into English by Lt.Cmdr.CSLI NC Christna Gellert
Accompanied by a drum roll the entering started. At first – after the bearers of the crucifix – the corps banner of the Lazarus Union, the banners of friendly organizations as well as a delegation of the Radetzky Order, of the Order of the Knights of St. Michael and more delegations of confederated orders and associations entered the nave.
As the „Pappenheimer March“ was played the uniformed members of the CSLI and the Dames and Knights of Honour, the Commanders, Grandt Commaders, Grand Cross Knights as well as the members of the Chapter and the Chief Prefect followed. The banners of the Knights of Honour and the sword-bearers formed the end of this section.
Next the „main actors“ of the investiture, the Expectants and Postulants, moved in.
To the sounds of the CSLI-Fanfare the Grand Master – accompanied by his banner –, the ministrants and also the high clergy formed the end of this impressive parade.
The Austrian national anthem was then played and so the ceremonial move-in was finished.
Then followed the personal welcome by the Grand Master. He especially thanked the Monastery Göttweig that made the investiture possible and he especially welcomed the celebrant of the Holy Mass, the Federal Chaplain of the Lazarus Union P.Mag. Stephan Schnitzer OSB. The celebrant entered solemnly the church to the sounds of the song „Wohin soll ich mich wenden“. Thereafter the celebrant started with the Holy Mass of the feast of Saint Catherine of Siena, nun, church teacher patron saint of Europe.
The Holy Mass came to end with the song „Großer Gott wir loben Dich“.
The Postulants and Expectants as well as the Grand Master with his banner left the church to get their mantles that were carried folded on the left forearm.
Accompanied by the sounds of the „Erzherzog Albrecht March“ the Postulants and Expectants as well as the Grand Master with his banner moved in solemnly and went to their places.
Now the Grand Master welcomed the present members and guests:
…. To the sounds of the „Erzherzog Albrecht March“ one of the most beautiful traditional marches in Austria we preluded our investiture.
Today we celebrate our 13th investiture ceremony of the Knights of Honour and we are proud that it can take place at the wonderful Monastery Göttweig. We thank the most appreciated abbot of the Monastery Göttweig and our Federal Chaplain, Father Stephan Schnitzer OSB, who made this come true. …
Then followed the traditional remembrance of the deceased comrades. Three Dames of Honour left the ceremonial area and went to the entrance of the church – accompanied by a drum roll. To the sounds of the choral „Nearer my God to thee“ they returned with the mourning sash and the roll of honour. They handed out the mourning sash to the Grand Master. The Grand Master fixed the mourning sash at the Corps Banner.
In remembrance of:
The Music Corps played the music piece „I had a Comrade“ and the banners were lowered for great salutation.
An important part of every investiture is the renewal of the officer‘s promise. After the „announcement signal“ the Corps Banner came forward and the officers in charge took their position to the right and left of the banner. The officer‘s promise was read out and all the present officers answered the question „Do you promise that?“…… „I promise!“
After the address of the Grand Master the investiture ceremony of the Knight Expectants began.
Each Expectant was called on his name and the Grand Master asked him in front of the assembled Knights and Dames of Honour: ……“is it your free will to aspire the Knighthood of Honour of the Lazarus Union?“ After having accepted the Grand Chancellor dressed them with the basic mantle which was closed by the Grand Master. The Grand Master now handed out the insignias to the Expectant. After the brotherly kiss by the Grand Master the „Knight/Dame Expectant“ was presented to the audience accompanied by the sounds of the CSLI-Fanfare.
The following comrades were appointed to be a „Dame Expectant“ and „Knight Expectant“:
Babak Philip Saviz
Hans Jürgen Eul
Leopold Volnhals (As deputies of Leopold Volnhals, his best friends seine besten Freunde, Friedrich Ehn and Günter Haschka took the insignias due to his absence)
Afterwards the Grand Master described the procedure of the Investiture Ceremony of the new Knights and Dames of Honour.
After the appointment of the Knight and Dame Expectants we now come to the real highlight of the investiture ceremony:
The admission of the Knights and Dames of Honour to the Knighthood of Honour of the Lazarus Union from which no Knight or Dame can resign on his own inititave. Therefore the postulants have to answer two questions, that have to be answered officially.
Only afterwards the Grand Master accepts the postulants in the community and hands out the symbols of the Knighthood. The sword, the mantle and the Knight’s insignia. The appointment is finished with the accolade.
To honour the new Knight resp. Dame the Knight Fanfare of the Lazarus Union will be played and all banners will be lowered for great salutation.
The music piece is the „KREUZRITTER-FANFARE“.
After all Postulants got the accolade the Expectants and new Knights of Honour will stand in semicircle around the Grand Master in order to internalize this ceremony with a ceremonial hymn.
Now the Knights and Dames of Honour to be invested were called on their names.
The Postulants handed out their mantles to the Grand Chancellor. Then the Grand Master asked them whether they „…..want to belong to our community on their own free will and to accept our mission?“ and whether they are aware what it means „to be a member of this community“. After having answered „I want it with all my heart!“ and „Yes, I am!“ the Grand Master welcomed them in the Knighthood of Honour of the Lazarus Union with the following words: „By virtue of my office and with this symbolic accolade you are a member of our Knighthood of Honour from now on and I welcome you brotherly in our circle“.
While the CSLI-Fanfare was sounded the new member was presented to the audience.
Afterwards the new Knight of Honour entered the semicircle of the Knights after having received the decree.
Ordained as Knights of Honour were:
Herbert Alexander Bauer
The names of Guido Mancusi, Piotr Jakub Pniewski and
Wladzimierz Henry Zabka were read. In accordance of our rules, these comrades have been enter in our Knighthood of Honour, because they are not able to attend the investiture personal.
In conclusion of the solemn investiture the Grand Master spoke the „Saint Francis Prayer“ together with the audience.
After the Music Corps played „Sword of Austria“ the promotion and award ceremony started.
The following persons were honoured:
Univ.Prof.i.R. Dr.Josef Michael Schramm with the Grand Cross of the Knighthood of Honour
Gen.Mjr.CSLI Bernd Höhle-Kleinertz with the special rank of the Great Honorary Star of the Lazarus Union
To the sounds of the „Lazarus Union March“ the investiture ceremony was finished.
The „Brucker Lagermarsch“ was played and all present moved out the church and took their position on the stairs of the collegiate church for the usual photo.
The music was carried out perfectly by the Music Corps of the Lazarus Union under the direction of the conductor Fritz Lentner (incl. the plaza concert before the Holy Mass on the place in front of the collegiate church). A big compliment.
The solemn investiture ceremony was terminated with a champagne reception at the assembly hall of the Monastery.
Afterwards all guests met for the gala dinner at the Monastery restaurant.
Secretary General of the Lazarus Union
Grand Chancellor of the Knighthoo of Honour
Links to further picture impressions:


Live to Serve 2017 is for You, Me…We!
“This is not about me. It’s not about you. It’s about how WE do this together!
We’ve noticed that not normal volunteers work together differently than most.
It has to do with putting aside person agendas and deciding to work on one bigger agenda that drew everyone together in the first place.
They know that something out of the ordinary happens whenever you get a group of people together who all have something in common. Something not at all normal.” -Leading Not Normal Volunteers, by Sue Miller and Adam Duckworth
We know volunteering is a special and unique thing. Whenever you find yourself with people who are experiencing the same thing you are, connection happens. No matter who you talk to, no matter if things are funny, sad, frustrating or fantastic, you can identify with each other. You’re all in the same boat. You are all sharing the same moment.
At Live to Serve we want to provide a milestone moment for your team, a moment to share together. We want to cast vision for what You, Me and We looks like and how a team of not normal volunteers who are committed to the “WE” can change a child, a family, a church and even a community.
Join us to remind your team what started as a normal “you” and “me” situation can quickly turn into a not normal collective “we” experience.
Imagine what it would look like if volunteers were unified around the same mission, if those same volunteers were connected relationally with one another. Imagine a child, growing in their faith in an environment like that!
LIVE TO SERVE
Helping volunteers get the MOST out of their serving.
Get ready for a unique and inspiring 210 minute experience for you and ALL your Kids Ministry Volunteers!
This year we have ALL NEW content to help your not normal volunteers get the most out of serving on your team. If you want well equipped volunteers, we are the conference for you!
This conference is called LIVE TO SERVE because we know many of you have amazing volunteers who do just that… So why not create something just for them! We want YOUR volunteers to experience fun, encouragement, laughter, unity, excitement and practical wisdom that will pump them up as they press on to give, love and serve others.
Lets face it…there is no shortage of great conferences for those in children’s ministry today. But most are either too far away or too expensive to take a large number of volunteers. That’s why we’re bringing this conference to you. We want to provide a place where your ENTIRE team can come and be inspired together!
Imagine what the impact on your church and your community would be, if your entire team started moving together in the same direction! Imagine what it would look like if volunteers were unified around the same mission, if those same volunteers were connected relationally with one another. Imagine a child, growing in their faith in an environment like that!
What if you and me became WE?
Let’s meet up and go to work on this at Live to Serve this year.
We. Can’t. Wait.
Sue Miller and Amy Fenton
For questions or more info about our 2017 events please email firstname.lastname@example.org
MINISTRY LEADERS ONLY
The afternoon session is for ministry leaders only and will help you further unpack the “You, Me, We” conversation we will start in the morning. This time will be led by Jeff Helton. Jeff is a counselor, a ministry coach, and consultant and has served the local church in executive roles over the past 25 years. He traveled with the Live to Serve team for the first time last year and we heard nothing but amazing things for the conference attendees! You can read more about him at jeffhelton.com
Before you arrive at Live to Serve, you will receive 1 online assessment that we will ask you to work through ahead of time. This will allow us to present you with a personalized folder when you arrive in the afternoon. In this folder you will have a mini book on YOU!
Our goal in this is to help you in these areas:
• Improve in leadership
• Become better at crucial conversations
• Stronger in communication
• Grow the area of conflict resolution
• Understand the power of “WE!”
We want to end the day helping you see what you do well, as well as where you can grow. Our hope is that the tools Jeff will provide you with, will help you better navigate relationships with:
• Fellow Staff
• Senior Leaders
This is going to be an invaluable time of leadership growth! I hope you can join us.
8:30 Registration opens
9:00 Main Session
11:15 Closing Session
12:30 Lunch on your own to debrief with your team
For Ministry Staff Only (optional and additional cost)
2:00–5:00 p.m. Ministry Leader Session
We are excited to offer the following breakouts at Live to Serve 2017 this year:
Strategies for Leading a Small Group
Do you lead a small group of kids every Sunday? Join us as we talk about kids, their learning styles, how to keep them engaged and more. You’ll leave with strategies for making the most of your time in small group.
How to Speak So They Will Listen
If you are communicating from stage or in a Large Group classroom setting, you will not want to miss this breakout. We’ll share a Storyteller’s Guide that will help you engage your audience in a fun way while teaching them key principles they will remember all week long.
Practical Tips for Partnering with Parents
We know that two combined influences are greater than two influences alone. The question is, how does that play out practically with the parents in your ministry each week? In this breakout, we’ll discuss the importance of developing a strategy to partner with your parents, and share practical tips and ideas.
Best Practices for Special Needs Ministry
If you lead the Special Needs Ministry at your church, you will walk away with ideas that you can integrate into your ministry this Sunday! This will be a great time of learning and networking with others who have a heart for creating an environment for special needs kids.
How to Engage Kids in Worship
Preschool and elementary worship leaders, this breakout is for you. We’ll look at some new and exciting ways to lead kids well, develop an awesome team, and engage even the 5th grade boys in the room! A fun and interactive workshop that will burn some calories as well!
Need some help getting your team to the event?
Here is a tool that might help:


On Tuesday, 27-8-2013, the Evangelical Church of Kurhessen-Waldeck (EKKW) used POLYAS to fire the starting shot for the future of church democracy. With the push of a button the prelate of the Evangelische Kirche von Kurhessen-Waldeck, Marita Natt, commenced the online election.
The Landeskirche Kurhessen-Waldeck is the first organisation to offer its members an online vote of this size along with voting by post and in person. During the church committee elections, all members of the congregation of the Landeskirche are called to cast their ballots. In all, 800,000 members in around 1,200 municipalities are able to elect their church representatives.


Easter has become a fairly commercial holiday. And while there's certainly nothing wrong with candy and Easter egg hunts, it is important to keep the focus on the meaning of Easter. We've already suggested some fun Easter crafts and activities, and today we're sharing 5 books that your whole family will enjoy - and they all focus on the true reason for Easter.
- The Very First Easter: The Beginner's Bible
- The Donkey That No One Could Ride
- The Tale of Three Trees
- An Easter Carol (Veggie Tales)
- Benjamin's Box: The Story of The Resurrection Eggs
Bear Hugs Baby Boutique


"The way to be with God in every season is to strive to be near Him every week and each day."
"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."Thomas S. Monson on Abraham Lincoln
"We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls."Thomas S. Monson on Mother Teresa
"When the solution is simple, God is answering."Thomas S. Monson on Albert Einstein
"While I know myself as a creation of God, I am also obligated to realize and remember that everyone else and everything else are also God's creation."Thomas S. Monson on Maya Angelou
"Never trust anyone completely but God. Love people, but put your full trust only in God."Thomas S. Monson on Lawrence Welk
"The principles of living greatly include the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and trial with humility."
"Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval."
"We must not let our passions destroy our dreams."
"I forbid you, agnostic, doubting thoughts, to destroy the house of my faith."
"Choose your friends with caution plan your future with purpose, and frame your life with faith."
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New Faith Missionary Baptist Church is committed to the care of our members. As we adhere to the safety precautions recommended by our local and federal government officials as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic. This moment requires urgent action from all to remain good stewards of our health and the well-being of all persons.The Church office will remain open during normal business hours. Feel free to call for questions or more information.
Please continue to follow the CDC Guidelines in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We will ensure you are up-to-date to any changes made. You can keep updated via our website (newfaithmbc.org), Facebook (NewFaithChicago), Twitter (NewFaithChicago), Instagram (NewFaithChicago), or email (email@example.com).
Let us continue to pray and believe God for healing of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please join us in praying for the world, our leaders, our communities, and our church family. Let us keep our church's 58th theme scripture in mind because God is Able!
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us," - Ephesians 3:20
Rev. Dr. Howard Randolph Pastor
Isaiah 40:31 - "But they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength"


Best Bible Apps for Android
For parents that read this article, a phone use isn’t limited for entertainment purpose like playing games or socializing. You could also use it for religion purpose, reading bunch of quotes and bible. This is pretty useful for everyone especially for those who want to study religious texts like the Holy Bible. When going to the church you will only need to download the app and then use it. So here are the list of the best bible app that is available to download on android play store.
1. Bible Offline
★ God’s holy words any moment for a blessed day! ★
Bible Offline – Holy Bible application is used by Christians from more than 200 countries in 40 languages to pray and receive the Holy Word. Conceived to propagate and make The Christian Bible studies to read the bible in an easily and greatly way, pray and listening a bible free anytime, anywhere.
ABOUT BIBLE OFFLINE
We are the first offline bible free of Play Store, functioning as a free bible offline and audio bible without the need to access the internet. Bible free official application(*) believes that the holy word of God must reach everyone easily, quickly , clearly and freely in a shareable way. Read your verse of day or listen to the audio bible anywhere to bless you all the times.
Bible Offline – the Holy Bible app offers offline content to read the Bible, read psalms, Old Testament, New Testament, and all versions and translations.
On more than 250 million devices around the world, people are reading, listening to, watching, and sharing the Bible using the #1 rated Bible App—completely free. 1,400+ Bible versions, 1,000+ languages. Listen to audio Bibles. Thousands of Reading Plans & Devotionals, in 40+ languages. Download the best rated Bible App.
Customize your Bible with Highlights, Bookmarks, and public/private Notes. Access everything online, or download select versions to use offline. Read, study, and share with friends. Enjoy honest conversations about faith in trusted community. Grow together every day with friends, sharing your discoveries. Create shareable art: add Scripture verses to your photos.
3. Tecarta Bible
The Tecarta Bible is a beautiful, easy to use, full featured Bible app designed for quick navigation, easy note taking and powerful Bible study. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is included with the app, and all the other popular translations (NKJV, NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, MSG, etc.), it can be affordably purchased in the app.
It also available for purchase in the app in are a large selection of Study Bibles, Commentaries and Devotionals. The content integrated beautifully in the app so it is easy to navigate, search and study. The app does contain a single ad in the verse of the day screen. For customers who have made an in-app purchase the app remains ad free. As our user base expands, we have made this change In order to continue our efforts.
All Bible translations, Study Bibles, Commentaries and Devotionals can be downloaded to your device so you can use them off-line (without an Internet connection). Tecarta Bible makes it easy to navigate, search, highlight verses, bookmark, make margin notes, and copy and paste into your notes.


The explanations to what happened to jesus body are numerous in this essay i intend what happened to jesus disciples on the road to emmaus jesus came. Journey with jesus several of jesus’ disciples are there search our site for essays, book reviews, film reviews, music. What was the significance of jesus washing the feet of the disciples what was jesus teaching us by humbling himself and washing the disciples' feet. No other event in history has been the object of as much scrutiny and criticism as the resurrection of jesus the disciples to relate the essay. Jesus' disciples essay examples - when the greatest teacher in the world was born 2000 years ago he taught love and peace to all through out his teachings he took a select few to groom and educate to carry on when he was gone. Free essay: the cost of discipleship the definition of the word disciple means a follower or one who learns jesus chose several disciples to follow him and. Sample of the death of jesus christ essay and illustrates the relationship between jesus christ and his disciples the death of jesus christ is pivotal in. Visual analysis essay most people think that this painting is intended to capture the moment after jesus revealed that one of his disciples would betray him.
The disciples were ordinary people who jesus ask the following story (1:16-20) tells us how jesus called his first disciples as jesus in this essay i. After the death/suicide of judas, the 11 surviving disciples of jesus elected a twelfth man to their group: matthias james, one of four brothers of jesus headed the movement peter was an important leader. The place of the skulls it is at the crucifixion that jesus’ disciples became fearful and took to hiding till the word of jesus’ resurrection. The gospel of mark provides brief, concise parables to illustrate jesus’s teachings throughout galilee, palestine, and finally jerusalem jesus teaches the gospel along his journey and gathers his twelve disciples, who are also devoted to. During jesus' time on earth, he had many who followed him and accepted him so that they would receive eternal life many also applied the teachings to their own lives and proclaimed them to others in order to spread jesus' message these people became disciples of christ, or obedient believers. View this essay on why did jesus command his disciples to keep his miracles secret the messianic secret is an expression which refers to the gospel motif found.
Essays on disciples the actual story tells of the last supper comprising of a huge feast the twelve disciples and jesus had a great time and at the same time. These will focus on how jesus tutors and mentors his disciples and followers essays on theology and ethics like jesus, the perfect mentor.
An essay on mark's gospel the claim has been made that mark's gospel should be seen as an initiation book written to introduce those soon to be baptised into the fellowship of jesus the whole gospel - so the argument goes - was written to be read straight through in one sitting during the easter vigil, and then to be followed at dawn. The previous essays under the heading the sign of the sun illustrated how the gematria values of jesus (888, 8880) and the sun (318, 388) were connected to each other in so many ways which promoted the belief that.
Jesus also teaches his disciples and others through parables, through miracles, and by quoting and interpreting scripture in a prophetic style the final genre of the gospel of matthew is that of the passion story, the narrative present in all of the gospels, of jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus appointed twelve disciples to symbolize each of the twelve tribes of israel in doing so, it were as if he were replacing the old judaism with his new covenant this symbolized a new, more personal relationship with god through his son jesus christ. Mark 3:13-19 refers to when jesus sent the disciples out to preach and to have the strength to make others disciples get your custom essay sample for only $13.
Mark reports that at the time of the crucifixion of jesus all his male disciples had fled but there were some women watching from a distance among them were mary magdala, mary who was the mother of james the younger and joses, and salome. Essay on jesus' disciples and how we are to live 2000 years later the twelve followers that jesus chose for his ministry were not a group of exceptional education, birthright or religious or social standings out of the twelve pupils of jesus, eleven were unwaveringly faithful, but one would betray his dearest friend for his own personal gain. 1 jesus, the disciples, and the church the mirror of the gospels in many ways the church mirrors the disciples that jesus chose to work with him. Start studying religion essays learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards what did jesus' disciples find difficult in his bread of life discourse. The last supper leonardo da biblical event in which jesus and his disciples continue for 3 more pages » • join now to read essay the last supper and other. Twelve apostles essay the fact that the disciples of jesus felt compelled to replace judas iscariot with matthias to complete the number 12 seems to indicate. Research paper on jesus christ this spirit was always present to remind the disciples that jesus came to save both the jews and the essay on jesus.


I feel blessed to have spent five days at Ammachy’s bedside, touching her and talking to her before she left us on September 14. Being physical present with her reminded me in a powerful, palpable way of the enormous role she has played in who I am today.
- Please take the time to write a condolence message or light a candle on Ammachy’s online memorial site.
- Read examples of her published and unpublished works below.
- See a picture of Ammachy below.
- Share this tribute via Facebook
Through her spirit, the physical strength she still had in her, her smell, her feel, and the personality she still exerted as best she could while surviving on IV fluids, I physically felt all the ties that bind me to her. There is the wonderful intellectual and moral guidance that I was immeasurably lucky to have been born to receive from her. There are also all the emotional ties of a grandchild who learned to read, speak grammatically correctly, in a clean accent, think through, weigh and judge the world, from this wonderful person. And there are also the ties of childhood comfort, happiness, silliness, and meaningfulness that belong only to her. I could not be luckier than to have been her grand-daughter and cherish that I am her namesake.
She was a deeply philosophical person who questioned and observed the complexities of life, but never allowed them to dissolve her into nihilism or uncertainty. She possessed moral certitude and an unshakable faith in God’s love and Christian ethics. She was a great observer of humanity, and in her reserved and implacable way she was a deeply self-assured and moral person.
Everyone respected her, but she was no blowhard. She commanded attention but was never aggressive. She stood her ground, and had the backbone to never sway. Her command of the English language and literature was expansive. She quoted poetry and was quick to offer reflections and allegories from literature for any occasion–particularly the vicissitudes of Indian politics on which she wrote plenty of wry, activist commentaries in newspapers. She had a humanistic outlook because of that intellectual background and a Christian outlook because of her faith. She took the time to teach the humblest of students English conversation. Nothing was beyond her, nothing was too low for her.
Writings by Anna Joseph I Want to Share!
I want to share with you a small sample of writings I retrieved from a jumble of fraying papers in the library of 249 (as we nicknamed her home) by both her and my grandfather, Rev. Dr. K.C. Joseph. I marvel at their timelessness, the play on themes from a broad range of literature, the humanism, the activism against injustice and on behalf of the needy and poor, and the theologically thoughtful Christian belief that these writings demonstrate:
1) Caring for the Dying Patient, by Dr. K.C. Joseph (PDF, undated) (Ed: so touchingly written and so timely when I found it)
2) Children and Good Manners, by Anna Joseph (PDF, undated) (Ed: A MUST READ!)
3) Are You Mentally Healthy by Anna Joseph (PDF, Reprint from The Church Weekly, undated)
4) Learning to Love by Anna Joseph (PDF, Reprint from The Church Weekly, undated)
5) An 80th Birthday Tribute to T.B. Thomas by Anna Joseph (PDF, written out in her pearly hand, undated)
6) Austerity for Whom? by Anna Joseph (PDF, Letter to the Editor: Indian Express, undated) (Ed: on the hypocrisy of politicians)
7) An Indifferent Nation by Anna Joseph (PDF, Letter to the Editor, 1980s) (Ed: expressing outrage at an incident of Sati)
8) Politics at its Lowest Ebb by Anna Joseph (PDF, Letter to the Editor, undated) (Ed: on the role of Sonia Gandhi as a political leader)
9) Is This Democracy, by Anna Joseph (PDF, Letter to the Editor, undated)


The greatest story ever told has a beginning…
Billy Tucci’s A Child is Born tells the famous story of nativity, the birth of Jesus. The nativity story comes from the Bible. The Bible is a compilation of texts or scriptures of a variety of forms that are held to be sacred in Christianity, Judaism, Samaritanism, and many other religions. These texts include instructions, stories, poetry, and prophecies, among different genres. One of these stories is the nativity story, the story of the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. These events are described in the gospel of Matthew and the gospel of Luke. Each book was written at different times and in different locations.
A Child is Born was adapted from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, and meticulously researched with Nativity scholars including the clothes of the time, locations, and even the scientific explanation for the Star of Bethlehem to recreate the Middle Eastern world at the time of Jesus’ birth.
THE CREATIVE TEAM
The events surrounding Jesus Christ’s birth are illustrated by Billy Tucci who created a stunning rendition through his beautiful artwork. Billy is an award-winning illustrator, writer, and filmmaker. A graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, Tucci has sold more than three million comic books worldwide including the modern samurai graphic novel Shi, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion and Miss Fury
The book was colored by Paul Mounts and lettered by Bill Tortolini. Barry Orkin worked on the design and Mike Renzine on the production. The book was edited by J.C Vaugh with cover art by Billy Tucci and Mark Sparacio. Rick Larson, Evan Archilla, and Jason Peet also collaborated in making this project a reality. The book was published in 2012 by Apostille Arts LLC.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The hardcover edition of this 32-page graphic novel is made with the highest quality paper, cover stock, and production detail. On the cover, the title and baby Jesus’s wrapping cloth have a gloss-over effect. As you open the book you will see beautiful uncolored art on the interior side of the hardcover. Next to it is a space to add the name of the lucky person you will gift this book to in case you decide to do so.
The story starts with a one-page passage from Isaiah 9:2:7. The main story is illustrated on 23 pages. By the end of the story, Billy shares with us through the 2-page “The Road to Bethlehem” his experience with the project and how much it means to him. Tucci found inspiration in his faith through his wife’s year-long battle with breast cancer and committed to putting the nativity story in a graphic novel.
Next, we will find 2 pages with original character artwork and a 2-page anecdotal story from Rick Larson, one of the project’s contributors. The book ends with one ad for the book and another for wordvision.org World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to building up communities from the injustices of extreme poverty.
The art is beautiful, and the story is told faithfully. Billy Tucci’s A Child is Born is a book for the whole family. I bought this book last year and fell in love with it. The hardcover edition is a beautiful gift to be shared with family and friends, especially for Christmas and Three Kings’ Day. There seems to be a paperback edition available as well.
The paperback edition of A Child is born can be found on Amazon. For the hardcover edition visit Billy Tucci’s online store. At this moment there is a special deal where you can get the hardcover book and 2 prints. Check it out!
All images in this publication belong to the original creators and are used as references under fair use.


I am so much inspired by Doctor Harold J. Sala’s book, ”Winning Your Inner Struggles”- The rightmost book to compliment the exact feeling I have right now. The book tells you not to take refuge in failure situations. Rather than feeling sorry for thyself and crying over the misery, it encourages us to plan a change and be responsible for it.
What am I currently struggling for? One word to answer my question, ”CHANGE”. People may think that this is just an excuse for me since I want to make up for every bad thing I did in the past. So what? Shut your flat face there! Over there! by the tree! Seriously!
No matter what you did in the past, you are worthy of change but this is hard to establish because of the memories that scar our lives- memories that burn!. Let’s not take delight in recounting the story details of our misery. The past doesn’t have to destroy our future. Stop remembering the sordid details of failures. All of these are “psychiatric garbage”. The question now is how are we going to start “the change” ?
Based on experience, I say we begin accepting ourselves. Understand yourself. It is wrong to think less of yourself, it is pride- willful arrogance- to consider yourself much better than the rest of mankind.
People right now are really indispensable- They want people to know that they have taken their place in the society. They flash their jewels or assets in such a way that you can’t help noticing. Their image/status is very important. They want people to know that they have impeccable family background, that they have been to the right schools and have a prestigious circle of friends. And so? That’s so wrong. We must always remember that every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from the Father above. Don’t boast.
Because and Becoming. When we realize that God is at work with our lives, instead of blaming God and saying,” I am this way because…” we should say,” I am becoming the person that God wants me to be”. When you can accept yourself as a person of worth and value, you can then accept circumstances in life which are adverse and realize that God has not forsaken you and is not punishing you.
Just what should be the extent of forgiveness? I say, we should not grow tired of forgiving people. Make sure to ask God’s forgiveness first and then extend forgiveness to the one who has hurt you. We usually find ourselves in the position of not being able to forgive another yet God forgives us so he expects us to forgive too. Pray for the one that has hurt you, the one you can’t forgive, eventually your hatred will turn to pity and finally will be replaced by tenderness that allows you to forgive.
Forgive yourself. “What right do I have to fail to forgive myself when God has forgiven me?”
You don’t have the right! Your failing to forgive yourself only destroys your peace of mind and further diminishes your effectiveness because of the burden of guilt you bear.
Refuse to let your mind dwell on the memory that burns. If God has forgiven you, and you have forgiven yourself, and forgiven those who may have hurt you, refuse your mind to dwell on that matter. Satan defeats us by bringing to our minds things which have been forgiven and must be forgotten.
Lastly we should begin praising God for bringing restoration and healing to our lives.
I have underlined the keywords one must undergo before effectively making a change. Honestly I already have experienced it all that’s why I can say that no matter how shameful your past is as long as you are willing to change your life for the better then it(the past) wouldn’t count any longer. We must not let our past destroy our future. The past must be left in the past where it belongs.


Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and kindness. Because of DHP we were able to continue our baby’s Catholic education. She is the 4th child we are putting through Catholic school. It has always been a bit of a struggle to afford a Catholic education for our children, but my husband and I both feel that it’s the best gift we can give to our children. Unfortunately, after almost 15 years of paying tuition, we got behind on our tuition payments. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2014 and had to undergo surgery and radiation and my 14-year-old daughter also had to have surgery to remove a lump from her breast. We had a difficult year, but with God’s grace, we were healed and are both doing well again and trying to recover financially.
We will always be grateful for your help when we needed it the most. Our baby is so happy to be able to stay at Holy Ghost and continue her education there. Because DHP paid our outstanding tuition balance, we were able to return to Holy Ghost.
We looked at your website and are very impressed with all that you do for our veterans. My husband served his country for 24 years so we know first hand what a sacrifice these men and women make for our country and we are forever indebted to them. Thank you so much for all of your efforts and for deeming us worthy of your help.
If possible, we would love to meet you and thank you in person.
God Bless you,


The Randolph Lockhart Christian School was founded by the
late Gloria Lockhart in 1999 who served as Principal until
April 2009. The Lockhart family would like to thank the
everyone for their for their support and prayers.
(The Lockhart Family Says Thank
June 14 1948 - April 18, 2009
The Randolph Lockhart Christain is a 501(c)3 nonprofit
organization offering classes from preschool to the
Our vision is to Educate Children So That They Will
Increase in Wisdom and Stature and in Favor with God and
Man. (Luke 2:52).
Registration is now open for the 2009-2010 school year.
Please visit our school office to register. Thank you.


Richest Pastors in South Africa 2021
Top 5 Richest Pastors in South Africa. Around the world, corporate and successful business men and women are no longer the only wealthy people. A number of men and women of the cloth have joined the list of richest people in the world.
However, religion and wealth usually result in controversial debates in most African countries. This is because of the question of how these rich men of God accumulate their wealth. But despite this, the number of insanely wealthy pastors in South Africa is still growing.
The Top 5 Richest Pastors in South Africa
South African pastors are among the richest in Africa. Apart from their day job, these men and women have diversified and now own many successful business worth millions or Rand.
These are the Top 5 Richest Pastors in South Africa.
5. Pastor Ray McCauley – Networth : $29 Million
Pastor McCauley is one of the richest preachers and the senior pastor at the Rhema Bible Church. He is also the president of the International Federation of Christian Churches, and the National Council of Interfaith in South Africa.
In 1979, he received training then later started his own ministry. He is currently based in South Africa and he has a reported net worth of $ 28 million.
4. Prophet Uebert Angel – Networth : $35 Million
Prophet Uebert Angel founded the Good News Church in 2007. He is among the youngest pastors in South Africa who have made a great fortune. His sources of wealth include; real estate business which he has heavily invested in.
He also runs two TV stations which air his own services. In addition, he is also the CEO of Sam Barkeley Construction and Angel Organization.


I received this message at one of my photo sites I hang out at:
I stumbled across your profile – and what a great find. I was first quite impressed with your photography, but after looking more thoroughly, I have found that you have included a lot of “Christian Imagery” I would imagine this to be the case because you are indeed a Believer/Christian yourself. My wife and I are also believers and I was just thinking yesterday – how can I use photography to glorify God, to be a witness. I believe you have done that on some level in your photography, including Bibles, Scripture Passages, Crosses etc. Thank you for sharing your faith regardless of the outcome…. I’m encouraged.
PS. Keep Shooting for God, for Art, for Creativity
Can you send me a link to the song so that I can download it?
I not only enjoy doing good things for others- I’m compelled to.
This entry was posted on October 24, 2012 by monochromejunkie. It was filed under Messages and was tagged with Bible, birgitta, Christ, Christian, Christian music, Christian photography, Christian songs, Cross, Crucifixion, Glory, God, Hallelujah, Holy, Images, Jesus, photography, photos, Scriptures, singing, song, Spiritual, spiritual images, truth, Word, Word of God.


Jemar Tisby’s book “How To Fight Racism” is a welcomed guide for Christians and non-Christians alike in a time when many pastors are still electing silence and “preach the Gospel” rhetoric over public condemnation of racism as evil sin. “Fighting… Continue Reading →
Amena bares her soul on “How to Fix a Broken Record” and shares the lessons she’s learned along the way. This book is inspiring and encouraging and a must-read for anyone that has their own “broken records” that need fixing. It offers hope for redemption and healing.


Erin and Jason's wedding was full of elegance, love and fun! Their ceremony and reception was held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church.
We loved ...
... Erin's beautiful voice! Erin is a talented singer, who also owns a music store. She sang before
acapella before walking down the aisle. At the reception, she surprised Jason by singing to him during their first dance.
... They signed their family Bible during the ceremony! They, along with their family, signed the Bible during the ceremony. It was a really unique take on a unity ceremony.
... The groomsmen's special dance! Jason's brother is notorious for cooking something special up for the reception. All of the groomsmen, and a few guests, danced for Erin. Jason even busted out his signature "worm" for the love of his life!
Congratulations Erin and Jason!


Nope, it isn't The Weather Girls. I actually have Psalm 78 on my mind. He rained meat down on them like dust, flying birds like sand on the seashore. (verse 27)
I discovered this psalm a few years ago. I suppose I had read it plenty of times, but never paid much attention. But one day while reading it, the truth of God's faithfulness and the tragedy of the human condition struck me at the same time.
There are so many years of history packed into this one psalm that if you stop to remember each event, you go through a roller coaster of emotions.
First, there is the promise of the people to never forget God's deeds. read more/-


Justin Bieber is firing back at a report claiming he is studying to be a minister at the Hillsong church.
If you don’t know, Justin has been long-affiliated with Hillsong but it seems he has cut ties with the church after his friend, pastor Carl Lentz, admitted to infidelity.
Now, Justin is firing back at the report suggesting he’s studying to become a minister at the church. He wrote:
Justin also posted a series of messages on his Instagram Story about this fake news, and explained his current affiliation with Hillsong after all the controversy surrounding Lentz.
Click through the gallery to see what Justin Bieber posted about his current affiliation with Hillsong…
Source: Read Full Article


10:00 am Sunday School
11:00 am Morning Worship
Starting the end of September
6:00 pm Evening Worship
7:00 am Overflow Breakfast
7:00 pm Men's Basketball & Devotional
3:30 pm IBC Kids after-school program
5:30 pm IGNITE (Youth Worship)
6:00 pm Adult Bible Study
9:00am-3:00 Open Gym
We would like to welcome you and invite you to join us for any of our weekly services!
We have a lot of exciting things going on from nursery to seniors and anyone in between.


The Jubilee program is for adults who are interested in integrating faith and justice work into their lives in a meaningful and transformative way. Over the five-month online program participants will explore and deepen their understanding of theology, systemic injustice, and the methodologies of social change. Each month includes skill and knowledge building workshops accompanied with group discussion and spiritual reflection.
The next Jubilee cohort will begin in January and end in May. We ask that applicants apply by November 30th, 2023. Spots are limited.
APPLY FOR 2024
The Jubilee program is comprised of four complementary components:
Workshops take place every month. Areas of development include: Progressive Christianity, Racial Justice, Nonviolence, Forms of Social Change, Social Location and Leadership Skills. Each workshop is accompanied by discussion to process and explore application.
As faithful people, we are called to do the work of justice in community. Participants will explore and deepen their faith in monthly reflection gatherings with a spiritual sojourner, while also providing support and accountability to one another in their justice work.
Each participant will work with JLP to identify a justice organization with which to volunteer. Working with agencies directly involved in social justice work provides participants the opportunity to see this work in action, meet others engaged in similar work, and be a contributing force to the work of justice in their community.
Our communities of faith can be centers of hopeful change and transformation. Participants will work with their existing faith community to enliven and inspire congregational mission and ministry through justice-centered projects.
How many hours can I expect to spend on the program per week? Will the hours be flexible?
Jubilee participants will build their hours around their schedule and the needs of their community agency, but average between 6-10 hours per week. Workshops, discussions and sojourning are monthly, reoccurring on the same day of the week, usually in the evening.
Are there age restrictions on the program?
The Jubilee program is for adults. Often participants are in a transition point in their life or have time and flexibility to intentionally develop their faith and justice work.
What is the cost of the program?
The cost for the five-month program is $500. We encourage participants to talk with their congregational leadership to collaborate on fundraising a contribution or scholarship.
What if I am not currently part of a church?
We anticipate that most participants will be coming from a congregation, however we understand that not all participants may be currently active in a faith community. We will work with candidates to find a congregation with which to work.
Do I need to live in a specific place to participate?
Jubilee is available to anyone in the United States or beyond (time zones being the main limiting factor). It can be challenging away from more urban centers to find a community agency involved in systemic justice, but we will work together to find something.
Do I need anything specific to participate?
Yes. You will need a computer, a Zoom account, and reliable internet access to participate in this online program. We will do our best to assist with setup and troubleshooting.


Christian Students at UW-Madison
Badger Bible Reading Challenge
We aren't stopping just because it is summer! Join us in reading Genesis and Exodus and let God show you what is on His heart.
Summer Bible Study
Sticking around Madison this summer? You're not alone! Meet up with those who love the Word of God and come to our Bible Study at Union South. We will be going over major topics in Genesis and Exodus! Click below to find out more.
Mondays . 5:30pm . Union South . 2nd floor - Sift and Winnow
© Copyright Christian Students at UW-Madison


I have always considered myself to be a strong Christian. However, early in 2010, I was reading in the book of Titus, when God showed me that I could be doing much more. The passage was written by Paul. He was telling the people that they should go about the business of appointing elders in every town. Paul said, an elder "must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it" (Titus 1:9) After reading that, I felt like I, and every other man, should be preparing ourselves for become an elder.
So, I began to study the Bible with greater fervor. I made it my personal goal to read the entire Bible in 2010. I have not completed every book. However, my study has dramatically improved my life. I have greater clarity of my life's purpose. I feel less stressed. My focus for getting things done is much better. And my relationships with family and friends are improving, most importantly, my three children. I'm motivated to encourage others to take the same pledge I did, because I believe others will benefit in the same ways that I have. Plus, God calls us to share his word.
Matthew 28:16-20 talks about The Great Commission. Let me give you the scripture.
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Like the verse 19 says, I am going out to make disciples of all nations. I ask you to help me in my mission to baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. I will be teaching them to obey everything that is commanded by leading a Bible Study, Cover to Cover. It begins in January 2011. For more information check out.
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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. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore i will wait for him.”
december (even though its still november)
i love this time of yearr ((: !
i dont like pencils; they’re so high maintenance and squeaky.
Dear San Diego,
i miss your face(s). see you in three days!(:
Prayer in the closet and in the Spirit ~ John Piper “Anything that you plan to do, and make a decision to do, and are intention about doing, may be a work of the law designed to get God on your side… not the overflow of confidence that He is on your side.” … —> Prayer = overflow of the confidence that God is 100% for us He is 100% on my side by one basis alone: by who He is and...
i like cookies(:
Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.– Psalms 27: 14
[[Psalm 33:6-11]] 6 By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him. 9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The LORD foils the...


This book can serve to re-calibrate according to a biblical framework our thinking about suffering. If you are seeking to work through your understanding of theology to come to terms with where suffering and grief fits into a biblical worldview, and how Scripture’s writers regard suffering, this is a go-to book. Allow me to quote from it at length:
“Death is not simply something that happens to me. It happens to me because I am a sinner. In that sense I have caused death; I am death’s subject, not just its object. In my transgression I have attracted the just wrath of God. […]
“I do not wish to be misunderstood. I am not saying that it is wrong to rage against death, or that Paul is wrong to treat death as ‘the last enemy’ (1 Cor. 15). The Bible everywhere assumes that those who are bereaved will grieve, and their grief is never belittled. Job grieves unbearably at the loss of his ten children (Job 1:20; 2:13); so does the widow of Nain who lost her son (Luke 7:11-13), and she attracts Jesus’ compassion. And to our grieving minds there seems an inequity when wicked men live out their seventy years while little children perish.
“It is essential to grasp the theological point that stands at the heart of our lostness, and therefore of our redemption: death is, finally, the result of our sin, and therefore rage directed against God, as if he were unfair for passing the sentence that our sin deserved, is inherently foolish, as foolish as criticizing a judge for passing a just sentence on a bank robber. Our rage is better directed at the ugliness of death, the wretchedness of sin, our sense of betrayal and self-betrayal. It may be a venting of our profound loss and frustration. But thoughtful Christians will never lose sight of the origins of death, and therefore will not, at least on this ground, rage against God himself.”
“How Would You Counsel a Couple Curious about IVF?” by C. Ben Mitchell (see also: “An Interview with John Feinberg on Ethics for a Brave New World,” by Justin Taylor )
These resources are available to help those who are learning about IVF and considering the facts surrounding this process.
Here is a quote from the sermon:
‘“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” (Rev. 7:9)
Notice that the distinct identity of every person in this vast crowd is maintained. They are from every tribe, nation, and language. The distinct individuality of every one of God’s people is preserved. What makes us different no longer divides. There is not a hint of conflict or tension. Truly, in the presence of God, “out of many, God’s people will be one.”
This speaks directly to the question: Will we know one another in heaven? Let me give you a one word answer, and then seek to support it from the Bible. Will we know one another in heaven? Yes! You will be you. I will be me. We will all be like Christ, but each of us will reflect his likeness through our own individuality.’”
Jonathan Edwards provides an illustration and explanation about how to think about God “permitting” evil and pain in this world. This subject can weigh heavily on our hearts and minds. So, if you wade through these words, I think they will bless your soul.
Here is this article’s introduction: “Have you ever felt guilty for experiencing grief? It might seem like a strange question — why would you feel guilty for grieving? But sometimes Christians do feel guilty, precisely because we believe in Jesus. Belief in Jesus, so it is thought, should remove any reason for grief. Jesus loves me. Jesus died for me. Jesus is in control. Jesus raises the dead. With such beliefs, how could any real Christian give in to grief? Believers commonly subscribe to this equation. But this equation is completely wrong — as seen in the life of Jesus himself.”
These links were originally published at Hope Mommies.


„Arianism was the teaching of the priest Arius (250-336), who lived in Alexandria, Egypt, in the early fourth century. His main belief was that the Son, Jesus, had been created by his father, God. God was therefore unbegotten and had always existed, and so was superior to the Son. The Holy Spirit had been created by Jesus under the auspices of the Father, and so was subservient to them both,“ writes Jacobsen. The Catholic belief (the trinity) is somewhat different, holding that god is present in the father, son and Holy Spirit, making them one and equal.


2024 Easter Message from the Principal
I am looking forward to the Easter break as I am sure many students and staff are. As a community of faith, we participated in our Easter Liturgy this morning in the Tenison Woods Centre. This centred around the Stations of the Cross – our fundamental belief is that Jesus rose from the dead after three days and the Easter season is core to who we are.
An Easter Prayer
As we greet the signs in nature around us, we are grateful for an even greater sign of new life – the resurrection of your Son, Jesus.
By modelling his life, in reaching out to the poor, the marginalised, the least among us, we strive to be life-affirming to all we meet.
Change our hearts to be authentic messengers of Easter joy and hope.
St Joseph – Guide Us
St Mary of the Cross – Pray for Us
I wish all students and families a relaxing and safe holiday. Happy Easter to all!


It's hard to believe the holiday's are over and we are back in CR. It was so great to be back in Michigan. It actually felt like Christmas with the cold and the snow. Since there are people staying in our house, we invaded Mom and Dad's. So Mom had six extra people and 2 dogs, bringing the grand total to 8 people and 5 dogs. Not to mention the days we had the Hall and Palmer cousins over! After our dog ate a 3 pound bag of peanut M&M's and vomited all over the house and then the next day chewed up one of those neck pillows with a million styrofoam beads, Mom didn't seem quite as sad to see us go this time! We also spend a week in Pennsylvania with the Dice's. It was a great year for me because I won 2 games of Bid, a card game we play every visit. That brings the grand total of my winnings to 3 in the thirteen years we've been married!
It was a reminder again of how blessed we truly are. We have a wonderful church, wonderful family, wonderful friends....it is so easy to loose sight of that. Before we left, Adela, our maid, told me at lunch that she didn't know how she was going to feed her family while we were gone. She didn't realize that we pay her from August through April. When I told her that she was still going to be paid, she began crying, thanking God and thanking us. The standard wage for a maid is about $50 a week. Can you imagine? $50 a week... It was so humbling. She lives in La Carpio, the old dump, with 20,000-50,000 other Nicaraguans. I am sitting here typing on a computer in a home with indoor toilets, a washer and drier. She has none of those things. I gave Adela brownie mix for Christmas, she loves those Garradelli brownies, but she has to cook them here because she doesn't even have an oven! Yet, she loves the Lord and thanks Him for everything. I hope that we can be as much of a blessing in her life as she has been in ours. Dad wanted us to find a good cause for his Christmas present, so he got 4 backpacks for her family. We can't wait to give them to her.
The Lord has been working in my heart since we started traveling to Nicaragua. I am addicted to things, things I want, things I think I need. I am trying to learn to enjoy the things that God has blessed me with without being attached to them. I am not always successful. The author Erwin McManus said that often we let the blessings of God become an anchor holding us back from following Him. We hold on to the things He has given us instead of holding on to Him who gave them. I still have a ways to go to learn this lesson. So often I feel like I am playing a game of Wack-a-Mole. Just when I think that I got one area of my spiritual life taken care of, another problem pops up. It's hard to believe that God loves us anyway, isn't it?
Jeff left this morning for General Conference in Honduras. There will be delegates from every UB National Conference: the US, Hong Kong, Nicaragua, Honduras, Sierra Leone, and Canada. The delegates from the Phillipines were denied visas to travel through the US. It will be fascinating to hear what God is doing through U.B. churches throughout the world. He will miss three days of class which means I am going to start out ahead!
Love to you all,
April (& Jeff)


- About Us
Ellen GillstromJuly 11, 1919 ~ May 16, 2017 (age 97)
Ellen Gillstrom, 97, of Bemidji, died Tuesday, May 16, 2017 at her home, Rosewood Eldercare in Bemidji.
Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Bemidji on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are with Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home, Bemidji.
Ellen was born on July 11, 1919 to David and Viola Gillstrom in Bemidji. She grew up in the Bemidji area working on the family farm and later worked at the potato factory alongside her two sisters. She then lived and traveled with her sisters and brother-in-law until 2002 when the three sisters all moved to Rosewood Eldercare. She was a longtime member of the First Assembly of God Church. She loved going to church functions and read her bible every night. Ellen loved animals, dancing, singing, playing the harmonica and tambourine. Her greatest love was being with her family and working on puzzles with her sisters. Her laughter, sweet disposition and love for life and the Lord will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her brother, Albert (Doneta) Gillstrom of Bemidji and her beloved niece, Michelle Smith of Bemidji.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Albin and sisters Elsa and Ester Gillstrom.
Online guestbook at www.olsonschwartzfuneralhome.com


What is the message in your books that you want your readers to grasp?
Death changed my perspective on life, and moved me in the direction of seeking God. My Dad was a totally different man before he died. I knew at that moment that only God could change the heart of a man. I was misunderstood before I became a Christian, and even more so after becoming Christian. In order to clear up the misunderstanding about who I am, the Lord put it on my heart to share my life story with family and friends. They needed to see and to understand the brokenness, the hurt, the pain, the isolation, the loneliness that I had been dealing with my whole life, and no one ever took the time to ask or to be of any help, support or encouragement in my uniquely different personality. It was the supernatural love of God that mended my heart, changed my thoughts and opinions; He changed everything about me. Now, I can embrace being different, odd, and out of place, because I know Jesus loves me the way I am and wants to use my struggles in life to help others to see and to come into the everlasting love of Jesus Christ.
Are there other writers or speakers that inspire your own work?
I began Christian movies and documentaries. They helped mold my thinking as to what it really means to walk with the Lord. In 2014, I graduated to reading Christian-based postings and blogs. I took a special interest in faith-based issues that people are faced with every day: relationships, marriage, death of a loved one, depression, praying, forgiving, just to name a few. I have been very selective in the speakers and pastors that I watch on television. My most influential writers are Ray Comfort, Greg Laurie, Robert Morris, and Max Lucado. Not only are they writers, but they are also pastors and preachers. I was drawn to their style and heart-felt messages and writings – which include storytelling- that drew me into the story from the context of the Bible. It became so real and applicable to my life, that I have been able to share my faith more effectively, both non-offensive and truthful. Furthermore, it has been a model for my writing that speaks to the conscience and the heart.
Do you have another writing project and when will it be released?
I have another writing project called, “The Writing on the Wall of My Heart.” It is currently under review. The completion and release date are not yet known. I will share that it is the story of how secrets, lies and deceptions separated and ripped my family apart.
Did you decide to communicate in the written form to reach more people or were you just compelled to write?
Writing has always been therapeutic for me. When no one wanted to listen to me or was able to understand the struggles of dating, and my lack of communication with my Daddy, I began to journal my thoughts and feelings. From about the age of 25 to 28, poetic words flowed out of my heart like a fountain. Oddly enough, the season of poetry ceased after 3 years. I knew that my Dad’s heart change was a miracle from God. I knew my transformation is a miracle from God.
Repentance, the change of my mind and heart, is the greatest miracle that is no talked about in church. Other people cannot know about the miracle if I am not unwilling to share my life story. If I truly believe I am forgiven of all my sins – like the Bible promises – then what do I have to fear. What started out as just a friendly email conversation, evolved into a collection of poems and letters that I believe in my heart will draw people closer to God. My life is a testament of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness: the underlining theme throughout the entire Bible.
Have you ever faced criticism living a life a faith and how have you dealt with it?
In 2013, I gave up my career and sold my house I had in Texas, and moved back home to Arkansas. The Bible says the greatest adversaries are in your own family. Let me tell you that statement Jesus made is undeniably true. It seemed like all at once, my cousins, my aunt and uncle, and my niece all wanted to attack me. Now, granted, we did not speak to one another regularly -but on Facebook- that all came at me with so much hate. The Lord showed me, it was not them, but Satan was using them to attack my faith. I used this time, to read God’s word regularly, and watched Christian television. I did not – do not currently- watch secular television or listen to secular music. Making this choice alone offends many people. The Lord took the desire for these things out of my heart. I no longer want to listen to this music or watch these kinds of television programs. Most importantly, I prayed that the Lord would give me the words to say, would give me patience and wisdom and understanding to deal with all of these attacks. My sister thought she was smarter than I was. The Lord gave me a message to say to her (it is included in the book). My mom did not really believe I would move back home. She was in adulterous relationship that I had to address. My mom was the hardest and most emotional attack of my faith to deal with. I can say that Jesus has overcome all of these attacks! I can testify that it was not me, but the Love of Jesus working in me and through me!
What advice would you give to encourage readers in their own spiritual journey?
Here are the most important things to keep in mind as you continue on your spiritual journey:
1.) Find someone that you can trust, someone who is able to give you sound, biblical advice. In my confusion and doubts, I needed someone to answer the question “why” for me. I was not interested in your opinions and feelings, but solid truth made sense and was logical. The only truth that brings healing, clarity, confidence: this love is God’s Truth.
2.) Be prepared for the truth to hurt your feelings. The Lord used my younger brother to help me see the light. How is that possible, you may ask? God uses what is weak in this world to confound the proud. I was very arrogant and conceited. I had to be knocked off my high horse. I had to be humbled so I would be able to receive and accept the truth. My brother never said that I was wrong or that I should stop doing something. It was the truth that made so much sense that it convicted me, and I made the decision to accept the truth and stop.
3.) Make some new friends. Find some real Christian friends that will encourage you, support you, listen to you, invite you to new places and invite to a Bible-believing church.
4.) Give God your heart-felt apology. Admit you are a sinner and worthy of Hell. Recognize that you have offended and broken His Commandments. Accept Jesus Christ as the only way to salvation and eternal life. Be humble and willing to turn away from your life and follow God’s way of life.
5.) Be willing to make some sacrifices for God so you are able to establish an intimate relationship with Him. Be willing to give up friends, television, music, that distracts you and keeps you away from God. This change does not happen overnight, but have an open heart and mind about these things. Ask the Lord what you need to do to get closer to Him. I promise He will show you.
6.) Read God’s Word and be prepared from the attack of Satan. When you live your life as a Christian, life does not get easier, but it gets harder. The best protection and defense against the enemy is reading God’s word daily. Yes, I know, it is hard to just pick up the Bible and start reading it. I have been there. I suggest starting with the Book of John (I am actually doing a Bible study on the Book of John, and posting the videos on Facebook). In addition to reading the Bible, find one that includes commentary and explanations. It helps you understand what it says, what it means and how it applies to your life.
7.) Understand that your life is not about you, but all about Jesus. The question is how can you live a life that honors and glorifies God in all that you do? Your friends may talk about you; your family may abandon you; co-workers may mock your faith; Even with all the opposition, remember that Jesus is well-pleased. He is always with you, and never leaves you.
Start an active prayer life. It is life line to God. It does not need to fancy, just talk to God like you are talking to your friend. God wants you to speak from your heart, even things you have not told anyone, tell God. He is always ready to listen to you. Allow Him to fight your battles for you. Take it to the Lord in prayer. He will answer the call, you have to believe and have faith that Jesus will do everything He says that He will in His time, not ours.
Besides The Bible, where do you recommend readers start with their own journey?
I recommend “Way of the Master” by Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron; Max Lucado has an amazing reference book called, “The Devotional Bible”; “Four Keys to Effectively Share Your Faith” by Greg Laurie; “Faith Commanders” by Korie Robertson and Chrys Howard. My favorite web site visit for resources is www.livingwaters.com.
How can readers discover more about you and you work and keep in touch?
I am primarily on Facebook. On my personal page, you will find a wealth of videos I made, along with other videos that will also help you on your spiritual journey: https://www.facebook.com/edukateacademybooks
In addition, there is my book page: https://www.facebook.com/EpistlesOfARepentantHeart
Excerpt from What Does a Christian Look Like?: Epistles of a Repentant Heart
The most profound idea that was presented: “would you go back and change anything about your past?” As I sat and pondered on this question, it was revealed to me that all the heartache, the pain, the mistakes I made led me to this point in my life. Everything that happened in my life had to happen the way it did so I would come to Christ!
Many times in our lives, we often ask, “Why me, Lord, why is this happening to me?” God is most glorified in the storms of life, the times in which seem to be unfair and scary and painful is when God can reveal and manifest Himself in such a way that there is no doubt it is God!
Each of us desires to be loved, wanted, and accepted by others. The truth is we cannot depend on or rely on people to love us the way we need to be loved; make us feel wanted and accepted the way we deserved to be loved. I always knew I had Daddy issues which directly impacted my relationship with every other man I got involved with. Most importantly, the broken relationship with my Dad was the barrier that hindered my relationship with God. From the time I was 3 until 25, my relationship with my Dad with a constant battle. I never felt loved or appreciated. I always felt like the butt of every joke and nothing that I did was ever good enough. As a child, I was overly sensitive, but as a young adult I became arrogant, sarcastic, conceited, a “hot head” to over compensate, and to mask the brokenness I felt in my heart.
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