Michael W. Smith - Secret Ambition

Get Better Sleep

   

Don't allow fear, worry and anxiety to disrupt your sleep. Practicing gratefulness allows the body to relax more effectively. Keep a gratitude/thankful journal by your bed and write down three things you are genuinely grateful for that day.

Then we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give You thanks forever; we will show forth and publish Your praise from generation to generation. Psalm 79: 13

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and, with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. Philippians 4: 6

American Idol

Bold and beautiful, 18 year old Angela Miller singing about Jesus setting us free from baggage, from hard times.

She wrote this song herself!

So POWERFUL!!  It makes me cry every time I hear it!  It heals and touches my soul.  Thank you Angela, for sharing your gift to the world!

Angela Miller Performs in Hollywood: Solo Round - Hollywood Week - AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 12

click here- You tube

Angela Miller knew performing her own song was a risk that she was willing to take.
This is her last amazing video on..... American Idol

Read Bible through the New Year 2013

January
Jan 1: Gen 1-3; Matt 1
Jan 2: Gen 4-6; Matt 2
Jan 3: Gen 7-9; Matt 3
Jan 4: Gen 10-12; Matt 4
Jan 5: Gen 13-15; Matt 5:1-26
Jan 6: Gen 16-17; Matt 5:27-48
Jan 7: Gen 18-19; Matt 6:1-18
Jan 8: Gen 20-22; Matt 6:19-34
Jan 9: Gen 23-24; Matt 7
Jan 10: Gen 25-26; Matt 8:1-17
Jan 11: Gen 27-28; Matt 8:18-34
Jan 12: Gen 29-30; Matt 9:1-17
Jan 13: Gen 31-32; Matt 9:18-38
Jan 14: Gen 33-35; Matt 10:1-20
Jan 15: Gen 36-38; Matt 10:21-42
Jan 16: Gen 39-40; Matt 11
Jan 17: Gen 41-42; Matt 12:1-23
Jan 18: Gen 43-45; Matt 12:24-50
Jan 19: Gen 46-48; Matt 13:1-30
Jan 20: Gen 49-50; Matt 13:31-58
Jan 21: Ex 1-3; Matt 14:1-21
Jan 22: Ex 4-6; Matt 14:22-36
Jan 23: Ex 7-8; Matt 15:1-20
Jan 24: Ex 9-11; Matt 15:21-39
Jan 25: Ex 12-13; Matt 16
Jan 26: Ex 14-15; Matt 17
Jan 27: Ex 16-18; Matt 18:1-20
Jan 28: Ex 19-20; Matt 18:21-35
Jan 29: Ex 21-22; Matt 19
Jan 30: Ex 23-24; Matt 20:1-16
Jan 31: Ex 25-26; Matt 20:17-34
Febuary
Feb 1: Ex 27-28; Matt 21:1-22
Feb 2: Ex 29-30; Matt 21:23-46
Feb 3: Ex 31-33; Matt 22: 1-22
Feb 4: Ex 34-35; Matt 22:23-46
Feb 5: Ex 36-38; Matt 23:1-22
Feb 6: Ex 39-40; Matt 23:23-39
Feb 7: Lev 1-3; Matt 24:1-28
Feb 8: Lev 4-5; Matt 24:29-51
Feb 9: Lev 6-7; Matt 25:1-30
Feb 10: Lev 8-10; Matt 25:31-46
Feb 11: Lev 11-12; Matt 26:1-25
Feb 12: Lev 13; Matt 26:26-50
Feb 13: Lev 14; Matt 26:51-75
Feb 14: Lev 15-16; Matt 27:1-26
Feb 15: Lev 17-18; Matt 27:27-50
Feb 16: Lev 19-20; Matt 27:51-66
Feb 17: Lev 21-22; Matt 28
Feb 18: Lev 23-24; Mark 1:1-22
Feb 19: Lev 25; Mark 1:23-45
Feb 20: Lev 26-27; Mark 2
Feb 21: Num 1-2; Mark 3:1-19
Feb 22: Num 3-4; Mark 3:20-35
Feb 23: Num 5-6; Mark 4:1-20
Feb 24: Num 7-8; Mark 4:21-41
Feb 25: Num 9-11; Mark 5:1-20
Feb 26: Num 12-14; Mark 5:21-43
Feb 27: Num 15-16; Mark 6:1-29
Feb 28/29: Num 17-19; Mark 6:30-56
March
Mar 1: Num 20-22; Mark 7:1-13
Mar 2: Num 23-25; Mark 7:14-37
Mar 3: Num 26-28; Mark 8
Mar 4: Num 29-31; Mark 9:1-29
Mar 5: Num 32-34; Mark 9:30-50
Mar 6: Num 35-36; Mark 10:1-31
Mar 7: Deut 1-3; Mark 10:32-52
Mar 8: Deut 4-6; Mark 11:1-18
Mar 9: Deut 7-9; Mark 11:19-33
Mar 10: Deut 10-12; Mark 12:1-27
Mar 11: Deut 13-15; Mark 12:28-44
Mar 12: Deut 16-18; Mark 13:1-20
Mar 13: Deut 19-21; Mark 13:21-37
Mar 14: Deut 22-24; Mark 14:1-26
Mar 15: Deut 25-27; Mark 14:27-53
Mar 16: Deut 28-29; Mark 14:54-72
Mar 17: Deut 30-31; Mark 15:1-25
Mar 18: Deut 32-34; Mark 15:26-47
Mar 19: Josh 1-3; Mark 16
Mar 20: Josh 4-6; Luke 1:1-20
Mar 21: Josh 7-9; Luke 1:21-38
Mar 22: Josh 10-12; Luke 1:39-56
Mar 23: Josh 13-15; Luke 1:57-80
Mar 24: Josh 16-18; Luke 2:1-24
Mar 25: Josh 19-21; Luke 2:25-52
Mar 26: Josh 22-24; Luke 3
Mar 27: Jud 1-3; Luke 4:1-30
Mar 28: Jud 4-6; Luke 4:31-44
Mar 29: Jud 7-8; Luke 5:1-16
Mar 30: Jud 9-10; Luke 5:17-39
Mar 31: Jud 11-12; Luke 6:1-26
April
Apr 1: Jud 13-15; Luke 6:27-49
Apr 2: Jud 16-18; Luke 7:1-30
Apr 3: Jud 19-21; Luke 7:31-50
Apr 4: Ruth 1-4; Luke 8:1-25
Apr 5: 1Sam 1-3; Luke 8:26-56
Apr 6: 1Sam 4-6; Luke 9:1-17
Apr 7: 1Sam 7-9; Luke 9:18-36
Apr 8: 1Sam 10-12; Luke 9:37-62
Apr 9: 1Sam 13-14; Luke 10:1-24
Apr 10: 1Sam 15-16; Luke 10:25-42
Apr 11: 1Sam 17-18; Luke 11:1-28
Apr 12: 1Sam 19-21; Luke 11:29-54
Apr 13: 1Sam 22-24; Luke 12:1-31
Apr 14: 1Sam 25-26; Luke 12:32-59
Apr 15: 1Sam 27-29; Luke 13:1-22
Apr 16: 1Sam 30-31; Luke 13:23-35
Apr 17: 2Sam 1-2; Luke 14:1-24
Apr 18: 2Sam 3-5; Luke 14:25-35
Apr 19: 2Sam 6-8; Luke 15:1-10
Apr 20: 2Sam 9-11; Luke 15:11-32
Apr 21: 2Sam 12-13; Luke 16
Apr 22: 2Sam 14-15; Luke 17:1-19
Apr 23: 2Sam 16-18; Luke 17:20-37
Apr 24: 2Sam 19-20; Luke 18:1-23
Apr 25: 2Sam 21-22; Luke 18:24-43
Apr 26: 2Sam 23-24; Luke 19:1-27
Apr 27: 1King 1-2; Luke 19:28-48
Apr 28: 1King 3-5; Luke 20:1-26
Apr 29: 1King 6-7; Luke 20:27-47
Apr 30: 1King 8-9; Luke 21:1-19
May
May 1: 1King 10-11; Luke 21:20-38
May 2: 1King 12-13; Luke 22:1-30    
May 3: 1King 14-15; Luke 22:31-46
May 4: 1King 16-18; Luke 22:47-71
May 5: 1King 19-20; Luke 23:1-25
May 6: 1King 21-22; Luke 23:26-56
May 7: 2King 1-3; Luke 24:1-35
May 8: 2King 4-6; Luke 24:36-53
May 9: 2King 7-9; John 1:1-28
May 10: 2King 10-12; John 1:29-51
May 11: 2King 13-14; John 2
May 12: 2King 15-16; John 3:1-18
May 13: 2King 17-18; John 3:19-36
May 14: 2King 19-21; John 4:1-30
May 15: 2King 22-23; John 4:31-54
May 16: 2King 24-25; John 5:1-24
May 17: 1Chron 1-3; John 5:25-47
May 18: 1Chron 4-6; John 6:1-21
May 19: 1Chron 7-9; John 6:22-44
May 20: 1Chron 10-12; John 6:45-71
May 21: 1Chron 13-15; John 7:1-27
May 22: 1Chron 16-18; John 7:28-53
May 23: 1Chron 19-21; John 8:1-27
May 24: 1Chron 22-24; John 8:28-59
May 25: 1Chron 25-27; John 9:1-23
May 26: 1Chron 28-29; John 9:24-41
May 27: 2Chron 1-3; John 10:1-23
May 28: 2Chron 4-6; John 10:24-42
May 29: 2Chron 7-9; John 11:1-29
May 30: 2Chron 10-12; John 11:30-57
May 31: 2Chron 13-14; John 12:1-26
June
Jun 1: 2Chron 15-16; John 12:27-50
Jun 2: 2Chron 17-18; John 13:1-20
Jun 3: 2Chron 19-20; John 13:21-38
Jun 4: 2Chron 21-22; John 14
Jun 5: 2Chron 23-24; John 15
Jun 6: 2Chron 25-27; John 16
Jun 7: 2Chron 28-29; John 17
Jun 8: 2Chron 30-31; John 18:1-18
Jun 9: 2Chron 32-33; John 18:19-40
Jun 10: 2Chron 34-36; John 19:1-22
Jun 11: Ezra 1-2; John 19:23-42
Jun 12: Ezra 3-5; John 20
Jun 13: Ezra 6-8; John 21
Jun 14: Ezra 9-10; Acts 1
Jun 15: Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-21
Jun 16: Nehemiah 4-6; Acts 2:22-47
Jun 17: Nehemiah 7-9; Acts 3
Jun 18: Nehemiah 10-11; Acts 4:1-22
Jun 19: Nehemiah 12-13; Acts 4:23-37
Jun 20: Esther 1-2; Acts 5:1-21
Jun 21: Esther 3-5; Acts 5:22-42
Jun 22: Esther 6-8; Acts 6
Jun 23: Esther 9-10; Acts 7:1-21
Jun 24: Job 1-2; Acts 7:22-43
Jun 25: Job 3-4; Acts 7:44-60
Jun 26: Job 5-7; Acts 8:1-25
Jun 27: Job 8-10; Acts 8:26-40
Jun 28: Job 11-13; Acts 9:1-21
Jun 29: Job 14-16; Acts 9:22-43
Jun 30: Job 17-19; Acts 10:1-23
July
Jul 1: Job 20-21; Acts 10:24-48
Jul 2: Job 22-24; Acts 11
Jul 3: Job 25-27; Acts 12
Jul 4: Job 28-29; Acts 13:1-25
Jul 5: Job 30-31; Acts 13:26-52
Jul 6: Job 32-33; Acts 14
Jul 7: Job 34-35; Acts 15:1-21
Jul 8: Job 36-37; Acts 15:22-41
Jul 9: Job 38-40; Acts 16:1-21
Jul 10: Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40
Jul 11: Ps 1-3; Acts 17:1-15
Jul 12: Ps 4-6; Acts 17:16-34
Jul 13: Ps 7-9; Acts 18
Jul 14: Ps 10-12; Acts 19:1-20
Jul 15: Ps 13-15; Acts 19:21-41
Jul 16: Ps 16-17; Acts 20:1-16
Jul 17: Ps 18-19; Acts 20:17-38
Jul 18: Ps 20-22; Acts 21:1-17
Jul 19: Ps 23-25; Acts 21:18-40
Jul 20: Ps 26-28; Acts 22
Jul 21: Ps 29-30; Acts 23:1-15
Jul 22: Ps 31-32; Acts 23:16-35
Jul 23: Ps 33-34; Acts 24
Jul 24: Ps 35-36; Acts 25
Jul 25: Ps 37-39; Acts 26
Jul 26: Ps 40-42; Acts 27:1-26
Jul 27: Ps 43-45; Acts 27:27-44
Jul 28: Ps 46-48; Acts 28
Jul 29: Ps 49-50; Rom 1
Jul 30: Ps 51-53; Rom 2
Jul 31: Ps 54-56; Rom 3
August
Aug 1: Ps 57-59; Rom 4
Aug 2: Ps 60-62; Rom 5
Aug 3: Ps 63-65; Rom 6
Aug 4: Ps 66-67; Rom 7
Aug 5: Ps 68-69; Rom 8:1-21
Aug 6: Ps 70-71; Rom 8:22-39
Aug 7: Ps 72-73; Rom 9:1-15
Aug 8: Ps 74-76; Rom 9:16-33
Aug 9: Ps 77-78; Rom 10
Aug 10: Ps 79-80; Rom 11:1-18
Aug 11: Ps 81-83; Rom 11:19-36
Aug 12: Ps 84-86; Rom 12
Aug 13: Ps 87-88; Rom 13
Aug 14: Ps 89-90; Rom 14
Aug 15: Ps 91-93; Rom 15:1-13
Aug 16: Ps 94-96; Rom 15:14-33
Aug 17: Ps 97-99; Rom 16
Aug 18: Ps 100-102; 1Cor 1
Aug 19: Ps 103-104; 1Cor 2
Aug 20: Ps 105-106; 1Cor 3
Aug 21: Ps 107-109; 1Cor 4
Aug 22: Ps 110-112; 1Cor 5
Aug 23: Ps 113-115; 1Cor 6
Aug 24: Ps 116-118; 1Cor 7:1-19
Aug 25: Ps 119:1-88; 1Cor 7:20-40
Aug 26: Ps 119:89-176; 1Cor 8
Aug 27: Ps 120-122; 1Cor 9
Aug 28: Ps 123-125; 1Cor 10:1-18
Aug 29: Ps 126-128; 1Cor 10:19-33
Aug 30: Ps 129-131; 1Cor 11:1-16
Aug 31: Ps 132-134; 1Cor 11:17-34
September
Sep 1: Ps 135-136; 1Cor 12    
Sep 2: Ps 137-139; 1Cor 13
Sep 3: Ps 140-142; 1Cor 14:1-20
Sep 4: Ps 143-145; 1Cor 14:21-40
Sep 5: Ps 146-147; 1Cor 15:1-28
Sep 6: Ps 148-150; 1Cor 15:29-58
Sep 7: Prov 1-2; 1Cor 16
Sep 8: Prov 3-5; 2Cor 1
Sep 9: Prov 6-7; 2Cor 2
Sep 10: Prov 8-9; 2Cor 3
Sep 11: Prov 10-12; 2Cor 4
Sep 12: Prov 13-15; 2Cor 5
Sep 13: Prov 16-18; 2Cor 6
Sep 14: Prov 19-21; 2Cor 7
Sep 15: Prov 22-24; 2Cor 8
Sep 16: Prov 25-26; 2Cor 9
Sep 17: Prov 27-29; 2Cor 10
Sep 18: Prov 30-31; 2Cor 11:1-15
Sep 19: Ecc 1-3; 2Cor 11:16-33
Sep 20: Ecc 4-6; 2Cor 12
Sep 21: Ecc 7-9; 2Cor 13
Sep 22: Ecc 10-12; Gal 1
Sep 23: Song 1-3; Gal 2
Sep 24: Song 4-5; Gal 3
Sep 25: Song 6-8; Gal 4
Sep 26: Is 1-2; Gal 5
Sep 27: Is 3-4; Gal 6
Sep 28: Is 5-6; Eph 1
Sep 29: Is 7-8; Eph 2
Sep 30: Is 9-10; Eph 3
October
Oct 1: Is 11-13; Eph 4
Oct 2: Is 14-16; Eph 5:1-16
Oct 3: Is 17-19; Eph 5:17-33
Oct 4: Is 20-22; Eph 6
Oct 5: Is 23-25; Phil 1
Oct 6: Is 26-27; Phil 2
Oct 7: Is 28-29; Phil 3
Oct 8: Is 30-31; Phil 4
Oct 9: Is 32-33; Col 1
Oct 10: Is 34-36; Col 2
Oct 11: Is 37-38; Col 3
Oct 12: Is 39-40; Col 4
Oct 13: Is 41-42; 1Thess 1
Oct 14: Is 43-44; 1Thess 2
Oct 15: Is 45-46; 1Thess 3
Oct 16: Is 47-49; 1Thess 4
Oct 17: Is 50-52; 1Thess 5
Oct 18: Is 53-55; 2Thess 1
Oct 19: Is 56-58; 2Thess 2
Oct 20: Is 59-61; 2Thess 3
Oct 21: Is 62-64; 1Tim 1
Oct 22: Is 65-66; 1Tim 2
Oct 23: Jer 1-2; 1Tim 3
Oct 24: Jer 3-5; 1Tim 4
Oct 25: Jer 6-8; 1Tim 5
Oct 26: Jer 9-11; 1Tim 6
Oct 27: Jer 12-14; 2Tim 1
Oct 28: Jer 15-17; 2Tim 2
Oct 29: Jer 18-19; 2Tim 3
Oct 30: Jer 20-21; 2Tim 4
Oct 31: Jer 22-23; Titus 1
November
Nov 1: Jer 24-26; Titus 2
Nov 2: Jer 27-29; Titus 3
Nov 3: Jer 30-31; Philemon
Nov 4: Jer 32-33; Heb 1
Nov 5: Jer 34-36; Heb 2
Nov 6: Jer 37-39; Heb 3
Nov 7: Jer 40-42; Heb 4
Nov 8: Jer 43-45; Heb 5
Nov 9: Jer 46-47; Heb 6
Nov 10: Jer 48-49; Heb 7
Nov 11: Jer 50; Heb 8
Nov 12: Jer 51-52; Heb 9
Nov 13: Lam 1-2; Heb 10:1-18
Nov 14: Lam 3-5; Heb 10:19-39
Nov 15: Ezek 1-2; Heb 11:1-19
Nov 16: Ezek 3-4; Heb 11:20-40
Nov 17: Ezek 5-7; Heb 12
Nov 18: Ezek 8-10; Heb 13
Nov 19: Ezek 11-13; James 1
Nov 20: Ezek 14-15; James 2
Nov 21: Ezek 16-17; James 3
Nov 22: Ezek 18-19; James 4
Nov 23: Ezek 20-21; James 5
Nov 24: Ezek 22-23; 1Pet 1
Nov 25: Ezek 24-26; 1Pet 2
Nov 26: Ezek 27-29; 1Pet 3
Nov 27: Ezek 30-32; 1Pet 4
Nov 28: Ezek 33-34; 1Pet 5
Nov 29: Ezek 35-36; 2Pet 1
Nov 30: Ezek 37-39; 2Pet 2
December
Dec 1: Ezek 40-41; 2Pet 3
Dec 2: Ezek 42-44; 1John 1
Dec 3: Ezek 45-46; 1John 2
Dec 4: Ezek 47-48; 1John 3
Dec 5: Dan 1-2; 1John 4
Dec 6: Dan 3-4; 1John 5
Dec 7: Dan 5-7; 2John
Dec 8: Dan 8-10; 3John
Dec 9: Dan 11-12; Jude
Dec 10: Hosea 1-4; Rev 1
Dec 11: Hosea 5-8; Rev 2
Dec 12: Hosea 9-11; Rev 3
Dec 13: Hosea 12-14; Rev 4
Dec 14: Joel; Rev 5
Dec 15: Amos 1-3; Rev 6
Dec 16: Amos 4-6; Rev 7
Dec 17: Amos 7-9; Rev 8
Dec 18: Obadiah; Rev 9
Dec 19: Jonah; Rev 10
Dec 20: Micah 1-3; Rev 11
Dec 21: Micah 4-5; Rev 12
Dec 22: Micah 6-7; Rev 13
Dec 23: Nahum; Rev 14
Dec 24: Habakkuk; Rev 15
Dec 25: Zephaniah; Rev 16
Dec 26: Haggai; Rev 17
Dec 27: Zech 1-4; Rev 18
Dec 28: Zech 5-8; Rev 19
Dec 29: Zech 9-12; Rev 20
Dec 30: Zech 13-14; Rev 21
Dec 31: Malachi; Rev 22

End Times

Now that the end times are coming closer, what matters now?
Receiving Jesus Christ 
in your life, and keeping your relationship with Him alive.
Reaching out to the lost and hurting.
Prayer

Witness to others with boldness and truth.

Mathew 24:5-28
For many will come in my name, saying 'I am the christ'  and they will lead many astray and you will hear of wars and rumors of wars.  See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of the birth pains. 'Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and You Will Be Hated By All Nations For My Names Sake.

Fruits of the Spirit

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Long suffering
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self-control

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22)
Read More Bible knowledge.com

Abide in the True Vine and you will produce the fruit of the Spirit. John 15:1-8

15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vine dresser. ² Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away;and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in Me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

 

Music Videos

Lead me to the Cross – Hillsongs

Hillsong – Mighty to Save

What can we do in the midst of Fiery Trials?

Trials:
Financial problems
Illness
Family problems
Death
Persecution
Stress at the job
It is a given as we live in this world we are going to have trials.  Sometimes we get a lot of them all at once.  I have been through them many times. As the end times approach us, it is not going to get any easier.
1 Peter 4:12
Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.

James 1:2-5

Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have it's perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing. If anyone lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to us liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

How can we get some relief?

1.Trust God and let go. We can't figure everything out. Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
2. Prayer is a time to release to our creator. If you are too low, have someone else pray for you. If you don't have the strength, just say  "God I need help."
3. Hold on to Gods promises. Hebrews 13:5,6 He will never leave us, nor forsake us.  God will never leave us alone, even when we walk away.
4. Praise the Lord in the midst of your storms. Jeremiah 17:14 Heal me, oh Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.
Thank Jesus, that He has provided ways to insulate us in our many trials. May His love surround you; and His arms hold you today.

Much love coming your way from Christian Community Center!  This is part of my husband's sermon, and a few of my added inspirations. :)

Compassion Sunday

Take a few minutes to listen to this amazing story.

When you see how much poverty she has lived in, it makes you feel so blessed!! 

Consider sponsoring a child.:) It sure made a difference in this young girls life!

This story is so beautiful!!

Compassion Sunday

www.youtube.com

Hear the story of Raf, a Compassion child, and how through the generosity of her sponsor her life was changed by Jesus.

Compassion International exists as a Christian ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults.

Without Compassion most of these children would not get to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.
This program prevents hunger.
It also provides, important life-skill training, clean water, medical care, and teaches the children to read and write.
Without it most of children would be illiterate.

Today Compassion works in 26 countries.

Compassion International is:
    Christ-Centered
    Child-Focused
    Church-Based
    Committed to Integrity since 1952

Today we can value children that no one else will.
We live in a blessed place, and those who can should be a blessing to others.
When we serve the “very least of these,” we are serving the Savior Himself as it says in Mathew 25:40 and accomplishing what He has called us to do. 
When we make a difference in someone’s life, we are affected also. It changes their lives and ours. It’s one of the great blessings of serving others.

Me and Jeff have been honored and humbled to be able to be sponsors for Compassion for many years. We are sponsoring Emmadi  from India.

If you would like to get involved and sponsor you can just go to their website or contact them and select a needy child today.
I have their # 1-800-336-7676

It will bless your life and change theirs forever.
Thanks so much,
Beth
Compassion International 

Faithfulness Poem

A faithful Godly couple
Ken and Faye
A beautiful couple still in love for over 60 years
Faye a women with a sweet smell of faithfulness to God and a example that honors Him.
Ken with a twinkle in his eyes , a man with the joy of the Lord in his smile.
Both are trusting and true.
So precious in Jesus sight,
An example for all to follow,
The precious Lord has always been your guide,
All His blessings are forever yours.
For there are many jewels in your crowns, for  all your service to Jesus and the saints.
May all your former days be filled with His glorious presence and love!

by me - Beth Evenson

Ken and Faye retirement party

2012 Resolutions

 

A new year for new ideas and adventure! A time for change and success!

My New Year Ideas

1. Better Health- eating better, taking care of body and skin

2. More of God- prayer, church, and self control

3. Better Wealth- success, networking, divine  ideas

4. More Compassion- thinking of others

5. Wisdom- more education, think smart

6. Goodness- doing what is right, stand up for righteousness

7. Helping the Needy- giving

 

My Pastors Sermon Notes

 A New Year’s Revolution and not just a “Resolution”? Be Specific

1.) Physically - Lose weight & Exercise. Do you have a plan?
 

2.) Finances- Get out of Debt. Tithe. FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY. John Wesley: “GAIN all you gain (honest employment), SAVE all you can (frugality), and GIVE all you can.”
 

3.) Habits - Eliminate some bad ones & take on some new ones. Instead of watching TV & eating bon bons, read a book, make a phone call, write a letter, exercise. How ‘bout trying something new?
 

4.) Speech - Eliminate swearing & negative. How long’s it been since you’ve witnessed to someone? Anyone can complain and criticize – are you known for being a positive person. Maybe we need to eliminate talking so much…or maybe we need to speak
up and initiate conversations instead of being passive.
 

5.) Prayer & Worship – Do you have a Daily Bible Reading & Prayer Journal?
 

6.) Relationships – Take off some old and put on some new. Are there certain relationships that bring you down? Are you in a small group?
 

7.) Emotions – Has your joy factor slipped? Are you angry, depressed, fearful, or frozen?
 

8.) Biblical Worldview – Think outside your box!
 

9.) Service & Mission – Where are you serving?
 

10.) What is God saying to me that I should do? Matt 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” v7 Just think — you don't need a thing, you've got it all! All God's gifts are right in front of you. We’ve got everything we need by the power of the Holy Spirit. v9 God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you. Never forget that. God won’t quit on you.

Christ Like Virtues

7 Virtues of Christ Like Behavior

 2 Peter 1: 3-10

v.3   His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.


v.4   Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.


v.5   For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness and to goodness, knowledge;


v.6  and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;


v.7  and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.


v.8  For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.


v.9  But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten
that he has been cleansed from his past sins.


v.10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.
For if you do these things, you will never fall,and


v.11 You will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Self-Control What's That?

Why is our flesh so bad, once we start feeding it distinctive things, stopping is the problem;  Probably because it is an escape and it feels good temporally. It is okay to feel good .  How high do we want to fly?  Why do we crave things that will ultimately kill us?  Are we stupid or something?  We can get satisfaction from doing good.  It feels so good to do good!!  A higher life, way higher and above human reason.  Christ came to give us life and life more abundantly!

Substance abuse (excess): Lord help me!
1. Alcohol

2. Drugs-No way it is e- legal!!

3. Food- Always a problem!

4. Cigarettes

 Other addictions:

 Pornography

 Sex

Gambling addictions

Addictions are hard and can be overcome! Only by Gods help!

Spending too much money-If you tithe to your church you will have no problem!


What will help me with Self-Control?

To have self-control gives such power!  Not being controlled by a substance or an addiction. 
Not letting your natural desires go too far. 
A good friend is great to have to keep on track! 

Being involved in church helps a lot!

Great Ideas to Help:

1. Put Christ first
2. Conviction
3. Encounter with God
4. Learning from suffering
5. Learning from pain of wrong decisions
6. Crying out to God
7. Encouragement from a friend
8. Prayer
9. Leaning on Gods strength and power
10. Deliverance
11. Being too busy doing what needs to be done
12. Helping others
13. No idle time
14. Focus on task ahead
15. Satisfaction from simple things
16. Being fruitful
17. Rest without worry
18. Ignore temptations
19. No need for stupidity
20. Doing what I am suppose to be doing
13. Prioritize my life
14. Have fun but put away childish ways
15. Make a difference
16. Grown up
17. Wisdom of consequences
18. To be stable
19. Realize we can't be perfect 
20. Find good company
21. Hang around strong moral people
22. Bad company destroys 
23. Be controlled by the spirit and not  the flesh. Romans 7:15
24. Don't be a slave to sin

Being out of balance. All of us struggle with it at times.
We abuse our bodies.  Thank goodness for Christs mercy, grace, and forgiveness!!
Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. 
 I sure struggle with balance! I want to live a higher life, a life above this one!!

Shroud of Turin

I saw the most amazing documentary on The Shroud of Turin on the History Channel. For many years they have studied the shroud and Christs image.  A group of scientist studied, and analyzed the image and shape to form the closest true face of Jesus. The pictures show from beginning to end the amazing transformation.

 

This is so amazing to see! The face of Jesus.  When He raised from the dead, the light of His resurrection exposed His image on the shroud.  I was so excited to see this on the History channel.

This is the image of his face raised so the features would be exposed. The scientist that where on this project has studied the shroud for 20 years. I am sure that is was a lot of hard work to study the shroud and a privilege.

The dark strips on the shroud was caused by a fire. There has been a lot of controversy about the shroud but it mostly points to the Risen Lord. 

We can see what computer graphics can do, it helped the image of Christ be revealed.

The bible says: If the plan and work of Jesus is of men, it will come to nothing: "but if it is from God, you can not overthrow it lest you even be found to fight against God."  Acts 5:38&39
 
This is possibly the closest real picture of what Jesus looked like. The technology we have today is amazing!

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be on His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 

This world is getting so confused and messed up right now; we really do need help!  I know I do!!  More of Jesus and less of me!  We need direction and self control.

The bible says that Jesus is God in the flesh.

Thank you God for your mercy and love to send Jesus to be the savior of this fallen world! I need Him, for I am a sinner and I need a savior! Jesus is the one and only, King of all kings! The redeemer of my soul.

God shows and clearly proves His love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

Less stress Christmas

Seasons Change!  Fall is here and Winter  is arriving. I am learning how to relax and not overdue for the Holidays. Trying to make it more simple and meaningful and less stressful. Hope I can achieve that.


Ways to make Christmas a better experience:


1. Pray and give the holiday season to God.
2. Focus on the true meaning.
3. Buy gifts you can afford.
4. Buy gifts people want or need not meaningless fluff.
5. Don't feel guilty if you can't buy for everyone.
6. Focus on the people that mean the most to you and those who are suffering the most.
7. Be careful and safe.

Daily Devotions

Daily Devotions:
Read scripture to start out your day!  Picking a devotion book can be fun.  There is a lot of devotional books to choose from at your local Christian book store,  I use one from my church.  On line you can hear daily scriptures if you want.  Scripture on CD can be real inspiring!   


Journal:
Writing down your thoughts and prayers can help you focus as you read Gods word.

Lords Prayer:  Mathew 6:9-13  Jesus said in this manner we should pray:  Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors, and do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.  For Yours is the kingdom and the power forever. Amen.


Armor of God:  Ephesians 6:12-17   Put on the whole armor of God so you may withstand  in the evil day, and having done all, to stand!

1. Gird waist with truth- Truth sets free.  Satan is a liar.
2. Breastplate of righteousness-  We are the righteousness of God through Christ.
3. Shod feet with the gospel of peace- Jesus is the Prince of peace.
4. Shield of faith- Fear not!  Trust in the Lord and the power of His might!  read Psalm 27
5. Helmet of salvation-  Through Christ I am saved!
6. Sword of the Spirit- The word of God.


Faith: Without faith it is impossible to please God. Heb.11:6 
Faith comes by hearing and hearing the word. 


Gods Word: Be a doer of the word and not a hearer only.  Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight my rock and my redeemer. 
 
Praise Him: He is worthy of our praise!


Thankfulness: For what we have and what He has done for us!


Repent: Of our shortcomings and sins. Jesus died for our sins.  Mathew 26:28


Morning Prayer:  Ephesians 6:18   Pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.  Philippians 4:6  Humbly let your requests be known to God.
What do you want to talk to Him about today?
Concerns and Needs for- Husband, Wife, Children, Family, Friends, Home, Work, & Church


Listen to God: What is He saying to you today?


Evening Prayer: City, State, Country, World, & Leaders. Thankfulness again.


Bible Study: It is great to be refreshed and grow in the word. My pastor once said " most people know the bible but don't act on it."

Ministry:  Mathew 9:37 The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few.  2 Corinthians 9:8 God gives you abundance for every good work!


Communion:  The Lords Supper 1 Corinthians 11:24-34 So we can reflect on Jesus Christ and what He did for us. What an honor to be able to partake of holy communion. 

Forgive- and you will be forgiven, Give-2 Cor. 9:6&7 God loves a cheerful giver!
Laugh-it does good as a medicine, Love- covers a multitude of sins.
Rest-  Jesus said to come to Him and He will give you rest. Mathew 11:28
Enjoy the things you love!!  God gives us life and gives it more abundantly!   Live life to the fullest each day!


Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added unto you. Luke 12:31


Define Dreams:  What are your goals today? This week, month, & year.

Tips: Christian TV can lift spirit, listening to scripture on CD and worship music.


What are ways that keep you focused?

Causes of Stress

Everyone has times of stress. I have had many physical illnesses. We need to always remember that it will not last forever. Stressful times come and go. Some sure seem to last forever!!  There is a time when moving forward can be hard but it is important for change and renewal.  God will bring people in our lives to motivate us.  Philippians 3:13-14 One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those thing which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Some things we can control and some we can't.

Death
Divorce
Unfaithfulness
New marriage
Job change
Move
Retirement
Leaving home
Wedding
Conflict with child or teen
Illness
Large purchase
Bankruptcy
Demanding job


In Christ you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, Christ has overcome the world. John 16:33   His favor is for life; weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

Ways of dealing with stress:
1.  Prayer
2.  Physician
3.  Laughter
4.  Vacation
5.  Down size
6.  Counsel
7.  Focus off the problem


What are ways you deal with stress?
My Church:  http://www.asburytulsa.org