Don't Forget to Pack the Kids by Jill Richardson~

Don't Forget to Pack the Kids: Short-Term Missions for Your Whole Family by Jill Richardson. Short-term missions have traditionally been the province of singles, youth groups, and married-with-no-kids. Five years ago, few would have picked up a book about taking the family on a short-term mission. Now, more and more of us 30 and 40-somethings with kids are asking―

Why can’t we do something meaningful for others with our kids? 
Why do we have to wait until they’re teens and then and pack them off on a youth group trip?
Why can’t we let them experience using their gifts in ministry now? 
And why can’t we discover those gifts alongside one another in an experience they’ll never forget? Well, you can. With some planning specifically geared toward making a family mission trip successful, you can. And you should. Don’t Forget to Pack the Kids interweaves personal experience stories with extensive how-to information.

 Statistics tell us over three-fourths of our kids will leave the church when they leave home. Why? Part of the reason is their feeling that church is irrelevant to their lives and they can get entertainment and fulfillment elsewhere. If we taught our kids early that the church is relevant because they are the church, and it is fulfilling because they fill it with their gifts and ministry, we could reverse those statistics. Serving together can be a huge part of that. Author BIO: Jill has a BA in English and Education and an MDiv in theology. She is ordained in the Free Methodist Church and has served as a worship, preaching, and discipleship pastor. She is also a professional speaker available for speaking engagements. Jill is represented by Diana Flegel at Hartline Literary Agency. With three daughters, three cats, and (thankfully!) only one husband, she keeps busy otherwise with community theater, gardening, reading, scrapbooking, and bugging her last child to do 4H projects. Jill loves oceans, cats, chocolate, teenagers, her family, the Cubs, and God, not necessarily in that order. Follow Jill on her Website, Blog, Click here , her Facebook Click here , Twitter, Click here, Click here for Amazon.com

"Don't Forget to Pack the Kids"
(Short Term Missions for the Whole Family)
By Jill  M. Richardson~

This is such an informative book for anyone thinking about following the Call from God to go into all of the world and make disciples for Jesus, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This business of winning souls for Jesus can be for Gods children of all ages. This little book of only 134 pages is packed full of valuable information you will need to know when you decide to follow the Call to
be Messengers for the Kingdom of God. Mission Trips are not just for adults and teenagers. This is a
guide to anyone with a desire to go and make a difference in other lives. Do something now, you do not
have to wait until everyone is grown!
On page 37 you will find reasons to go and reasons not to go. You know God has not always used
 perfect people to spread the Gospel. In chapter 8 " Don't ever Cross the Chopsticks", I failed to find anything about chopsticks, but there is a lot of educational  information there and throughout this book to prepare you when you are going on short term missions with your family.
So if you are going I would suggest you pick up a copy of Jill's book for each one in your family, "Don't Forget to Pack the Kids."
She has shown in her book there is no age limit for us to minister to others on a Short Term Mission Trip
in your state, in another state in our country or across the world.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew

 

 

Holy Cow Cake

Chocolate Cake Mix (your preference), baked as directed 1-14 oz. can of sweetened condensed milk 8 oz. jar of caramel topping 4-5 Butterfingers candy bars, crushed 1-8 oz. cream cheese, softened 12 oz. Cool Whip Prepare and bake cake as directed on package. Meanwhile, blend caramel and sweetened condensed milk. After removing cake from oven, use a skewer or fork to poke holes into the top of the cake. Pour caramel mixture over cake. Crush candy bars and sprinkle half of them over the warm cake. Chill. Stir cream cheese and Cool Whip together until blended well. Spread over cooled cake. Sprinkle with remaining candy.

Take a moment to read this. You won't be sorry.

In the year 2013, the Lord came unto Noah, Who was now living in America and said: "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me." "Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans." He gave Noah the blueprints, saying: "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights." Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark."Noah!," He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?" "Forgive me, Lord," begged Noah, "but things have changed." "I needed a Building Permit." "I've been arguing with the Boat Inspector about the need for a sprinkler system." "My homeowners association claim that I've violated the Neighborhood by-laws by building the Ark in my back yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the local Planning Committee for a decision." "Then the City Council and the Electricity Company demanded a shed load of money for the future costs of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear none of it." "Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the Greater Spotted Barn Owl." "I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!" "When I started gathering the animals, PETA took me to court. They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued the accommodations were too restrictive and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space." "Then the Environmental Protection Agency ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on Your proposed flood." "I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew." "The Immigration Dept. Is checking the visa status of most of the people who want to work." "The labor unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only union workers with ark-building experience." "To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illegally with endangered species." "So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this ark." "Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine and a rainbow stretched across the sky." Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?" "No," said the Lord. " The Government beat me to it."

Don't break the Elastic...

Read to the end, you will laugh Just picturing it happening. I love the thoughts she lives by!!! I didn't break the elastic... 888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888888 Don't break the elastic! In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting...' Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day.....like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist first. The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words! Maya Angelou said this: 'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.' 'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.' 'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.' 'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as 'making a life..' 'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.' 'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...' 'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.' 'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.' 'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back...' 'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...' 'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' Please send this to five phenomenal women today... And back to me if you think I’m one also. If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's self-esteem If you don't....the elastic will break and your underpants will fall down around your ankles! Believe me, I didn't take any chances on MY elastic breaking.....I sent it to a lot of special women I care for...

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"That Summer" by Jo Huddleston~

THAT SUMMER An Inspirational Southern historical novel The Great Depression brings devastation to The Southern Appalachians but love’s triangle survives. To escape his poppa’s physical abuse and their dirt-poor farm life, Jim flees to an imagined prosperous city life where he can make his own choices, ignoring God patiently knocking on his heart’s door. Settled in town, Jim strays from God and the way of faith his momma taught him. He meets a girl and loses his heart … and meets another girl and loses his willpower. Jim wrestles with social and moral dilemmas as he makes a choice beside Caney Creek that will alter the lives of five people. That Summer is Book #1 in the Caney Creek Series. Book #2 and book #3 are scheduled to release in April 2013 and September 2013, respectively. Follow the Callaway family through all three books. Live their triumphs, sorrows, achievements, and losses. Walk along with them as they meet faith challenges and fight to regain a rightful place in God's plan. ````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` Author BIO: Jo Huddleston is a multi-published author of books, articles, and short stories. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the Literary Hall of Fame at Lincoln Memorial University (TN). She holds a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University.
 Follow Jo on her Website * Blog * facebook * Goodreads * Amazon ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Here is my review for the first book in the Caney Creek Series: It all begins in the Appalachians of Southern Tennessee in 1928. On page 122 the preacher read from the Bible,,, Revelation 2:5 (NIV) Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. This is only one of the Holy Scriptures the writer of this awesome novel has referred to in her book which is called "That Summer" I truly enjoyed reading this book! I am a Hillbilly,,,,but not as much as the people depicted in this story about family and friends in Sanford County, Tennessee. This story shows how the actions in our lives can effect not only our generation, but our children and extended family and friends. The Great Depression does bring a lot of hardships to many families, but love's triangle does survive the many problems. Another scripture was mentioned and it was my very favorite, well maybe one of my favorite ones. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. I am so anxious to read the second and third book in the Caney Creek Series trilogy. Book two, "Living Beyond the Past" coming in April of 2013. "Claiming Peace" is book three coming out in September.

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 Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations. I am part of The CWA Review Crew

Calhoun Baptist Church News Easter Sunday March 31, 2013~

Calhoun Baptist Church News Easter Sunday March 31, 2013~ Rev. David Van Bebber, Pastor: Breakfast was prepared by Jim and Shirley Bilbrook for all to enjoy! After Sunday School was over and before the Worship Service began there was an Easter Egg Hunt in the Church’s yard. Our little church was full of Worshiper this wonderful Easter Day! Brother David greeted everyone with a welcome to worship the Lord this wonderful Sabbath Day in Spirit and in the Truth that comes only from God! There was a dedication of two little ones this morning. There were special prayers for each one and their families. This is the day we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He offers forgiveness for our failures and offers redemption to sinners who ask Him for forgiveness. No matter how great the sin. We are reminded once again that this is the month to share our blessings the Lord has so graciously given to us with an offering to the “Anne “Armstrong Easter Offering” these offerings are used for “North American Missions”. We watched a film about how our offerings are used to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ here in America! Our Praise and Prayer Request time is a time for Praising God for answered prayers and a time for Prayer Request. Then Pastor David prays for each person listed for prayer. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ changed everything, split time and turned the world on its head as it all played out on this date over 2000 years ago. The key scriptures for today’s sermon were John 20:1-10 & 19-23 NIV. The Empty Tomb 20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. 2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” 3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. 5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head. The cloth was still lying in its place, separate from the linen. 8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. 9 (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) 10 Then the disciples went back to where they were staying. Also John 21: 15-17, John 21:15-17 (NIV) Jesus Reinstates Peter 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Here we learn that our Jesus is the Lord of second chances. We can never fail too badly, we can never sin too much. Jesus uses Peter in these verses as an example of how He loves us so much even if we think we are not good enough for his forgiveness. The Lord is so good! The Holy Spirit has brought another Soul into the fold. She wants Jesus to always be her Saviour. She was Baptized after the Easter Services this morning! Prayers Concerns: The Family of Deloris Wyatt~ Laverne Roberts~ Ronnie Faulkenberry~ Carolyn Dew~ Gus Self~ Harold Wright~ Jim Vickers~ Kelly Marriott~ Janet High ~ Danny Henry ~Cathy Lamb ~ Elaine Motzinger~ Becky Schildknecht ~ Renee Brooks~ Men and women in the Services~ Pray for our Schools ~ Vacation Bible School. We have A Sunday School Class for each age group @ 10:00~ Worship Services @ 11 – “Prayer Services” and Bible Study @ 6:00 PM – Youth Group with Brother Dave & helper on Wednesdays at 7 P.M. R.A.’s & G.A.’s on Wednesdays at 7 P.M. Church Office is open Thursdays from 2-5 PM and Saturdays 10-11 AM We are located 3 blocks off 52 on V Highway Check out our Website: Calhounbaptist.org