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Faith&Family AUSTIN
June
2011
STRENGTH FOR THE FAMILY, HOPE FOR THE CITY
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Ju ne 2011 12
Capital Area Food Bank
David Wilkerson Remembered
18
Get Your Children Thinking This Summer
Faith
contents
9 Body Life: Power Trip? or Manning Up? 10 Spiritual Coffee 11 Out There: Lamar Stockton--It's In Our DNA
29
"Soul Surfer" Bethany Hamilton's Non-profit
12 Along the Way:
A Majority of One
13 Moments of Obedience: Ouch! Obedience Hurts!
Fa mily
15 Practical Parenting:
A Different Kind of Summer
16 New Column!
Mommytime with Miranda: Mother, May I?
32
The Miracle Foundation
18 Helpful Hints:
Preventing the Summer Slide
19 Journey for Two: Staying Connected 20 Mom's Tips & Tricks
Life
37 Ladies Top 10: Staying Fit This Summer 38 39 Out & About: Photo Safari #2 40 Spend Life Well: Giving In Faith 41 Dave Says 42 New Column!
Erin's Cooking: The Melting Pot
37
Healthy Lifestyle Changes for the Summer www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
26
You
45 Head to Heart:
Letting Go of the Past
46 Diet & Nutrition:
Helping Yourself Naturally After an Automobile Accident
48 The Real Stuff:
Summer--That "Perfect" Season
49 The Real Me: Summer of Love
Special This Month
14 Facebook--Make it Fun...and Safe! 25 Helping Hands 2011:
A Yearly Guide for Your Time, Your Talents, and Your Treasures
26 Cover Story: Capital Area Food Bank 44 Keep Climbing
Monthly Favorites
8 The Source Directory 21 Young Einstein:
The Result of Aligning with God's Power
22 Austin Community Calendar 23 Studio Kitchen: No Labels, Please 36 Rave Reviews 50 City Scene
Life Changers: A Homeless Retreat
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Publisher 1633 Ministries 501 (c) (3) Info@1633ministries.com 512.584.6888
Editor Marcy Lytle Marcy@AustinFaithandFamily.com Art Director Abby Pound Abby@AustinFaithandFamily.com Advertising Sales Susan Stern| 512.773.3240 Susan@AustinFaithandFamily.com Miranda Bradley | 512.924.3911 Miranda@AustinFaithandFamily.com Contributing Writers Marcy Lytle, Al Jones, Trent Peng, Kie Bowman, Ginny Hurley, Mark Trice, Dave Ramsey, Richard Landry, Scottie Moore, John Pound, Erin Osborn, Georganne Schuch, David & Lynn Cherry, Vicki Lancaster, Amy Dillon, Gary Sinclair, Michele Zink Harris, Kate Mullaney, Laura Bezden, Rene Dorsey, Sarah Hill, Mike Giles, Kim Turk, Mallory Hamling, Donna Ledbetter, Tiffany Young, Kate Mullaney, Miranda Bradley, and Deborah Begley COVER PHOTO Rene Dorsey, Capital Area Food Bank CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mallory Hamling Austin Faith and Family is committed to encouraging individuals in their daily lives by presenting the faith stories of others and providing information that will point every person, at every stage of life, to a deeper, authentic, personal and life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Views expressed in Austin Faith & Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by the Austin Faith & Family staff to ensure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information, nor the absences of errors and omissions; hence, no responsibility can be, or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010 by 1633 Ministries 501 (c) (3). Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Austin Faith & Family PO Box 2496 Round Rock, TX 78680 512.584.6888 (P) 512.501.6760 (F) Austin Faith & Family is published monthly and is available at high traffic locations throughout the metropolitan area. Copies are also available by subscription, $35 for one year. Single issues available for $3 an issue.
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Editor's Note Summer Already?
Y
es, it really is June already. The kids are excited for homework to be over, happy for schedules to be less rigid, and looking for fun to be theirs! However, as parents, we know that summer can be stressful. Finding activities to keep kids occupied, planning for that “perfect” vacation spot where everyone is happy, and trying to keep the home and work all in proper balance is quite a job in itself! We at Austin Faith & Family hope you find this month’s issue to be full of great suggestions for you and yours this summer season. Looking for some weekend fun? Read “Out and About” and plan a day trip that’s sure to please everyone. Set aside one evening this month for the entire family to help with dinner, and try out the mac-n-cheese recipe found in “Erin’s Cooking.” Keep the magazine open to “Spiritual Coffee” and make it your nightly routine to close out the day with a scripture and thought for the day that will make for sweet dreams. And be sure to pick one special night to read the Einstein story to your kids. For inspiration on how your otherwise mundane summer can be different this year, check out the tips given in “Practical Parenting.” As mentioned in our intro to this Special Edition, one of the best activities your family can do in the summer is volunteer your time. The kids could set up a lemonade stand to raise funds for a local nonprofit. How about a garage sale, where the entire earnings for the day are given away? Finally, take one of the suggestions in the “Real Stuff” article and establish spiritual practices this summer to enrich your relationship with Him. The possibilities are endless when you choose to turn off the television, put away the cell phones and the video games, and head out into the city and beyond for the summer of 2011! Whatever you do…strengthen YOUR family and bring hope to YOUR city!
Editor, Austin Faith & Family Marcy@AustinFaithandFamily.com
Letters Marcy, I've been reading the latest edition of Austin Faith & Family and have enjoyed it so much! I know Kerri Brinkoeter personally since she used to be Athletic Director at Grace Academy a couple of years ago and our kids played sports there. She's a wonderful person and you did a great job on that article! Peggy Y.
Hi Marcy, I was just on the phone and talking about AFF with a friend. She said it was a quality magazine that always looked so good. She always picks it up from her church.
Hi Marcy Thank you so much for coming to the show on Saturday night. It was so nice to meet you! I'm looking forward to June's issue of the magazine. So kind of you to include me.
Anyway, you are doing a great job. I hope it helps to hear that others think highly of your work. Have a great day. Lucy H.
What you guys do is such a neat thing, and I'm so thankful to be able to be a part of next month's issue! Blessings, Lainey W.
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Men's Studies: First Baptist Church Round RockThursdays, 6am in the Fellowship Hall Call 512- 255-3454 Troy George
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Round Rock Area Serving Center 512.244.2431 www.ServingCenter.org
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Faith
Body Life:
T
Body Life Spiritual Coffee Out There Along the Way Moments of Obedience
9 10 11 12 13
Power Trip? or Manning Up?
Leading God's Way but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” ? That is radical. Jesus goes straight to the heart. (That’s one of the things I love about Him.)
here is a desperate need for leadership in our culture. Don’t get me wrong; there are plenty who want to be leaders, there is just a severe shortage of real leadership. Part of the problem is that what comes natural to us does not make us good leaders. As with many other things in life, God has a different way. He not only brings a whole new way of living to us, but a whole new way of leading. And everyone is a leader on some level. There are many arenas of leadership. There is our self-life, and there are our families, church, para-church ministries, businesses, civic and governmental entities, and even special situations where a person with particular expertise is called upon to take the lead. At the most basic level, God expects us to lead our own lives. We make decisions and can be governed by different aspects of our being. Some are driven by emotion, doing what they feel like. Others base their decisions on what is most logical. Still others are compelled by their bodies – physical impulses – even addictions which “lead” them. God didn’t design any of these parts of us to lead us. Romans 8:14 says, “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are the sons of God.” Sounds pretty noble doesn’t it? But it is exactly how God wants us to be led – spiritually – through His Spirit within us. We are also called to lead our families well. Again, God’s way is different. It is not about who is “large and in charge,” but more about responsibility. The essence of God’s kind of leadership is love – real love, tough love, responsible love. One of
the strongest manifestations of this kind of love is responsible leadership. Leadership assumes responsibility for the welfare, needs, and interests of others. In Matthew 20:20 we read a story which gives us 20/20 vision (get it?) on God’s view of leadership. The mother of the Zebedee boys, James and John, asks Jesus to set her sons at His right and left in His Kingdom. I was a little surprised by the first thing out of His mouth. “You do not know what you are asking,” He said. “Are you able to drink the cup I am about to drink?” Not one word about qualifications, schooling, work experience, etc. It was more about sacrifice, a price to be paid by those in leadership. The other 10 disciples became indignant. So Jesus told them, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles (NOT God’s covenant people) lord it over them and their great men exercise authority over them. It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you will be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served,
Now, I don’t believe the leader should always be the one washing dishes or sweeping the floor, but he does have to be willing to put others above himself. She has to realize that she is not the real owner of her family, or business, or church, or whatever she may be leading – GOD is! We are simply stewards, or managers of His resources, and God wants us to be responsible with whatever He has entrusted to us. In fact I have four themes of God-style leadership to help keep me on track (all begin with “S” to keep it simpler for me): Sacrifice – We are called to lay down our lives for others. That’s REAL love isn’t it? Servanthood – For those who want to be greatest in the Kingdom. Stewardship – I don’t really own anything. I’m just taking care of it for a while. (Luke 12:42ff ) Spiritual – The prophet Samuel said that God was looking for a man ”after His own heart” that would be one of His leaders. (I Samuel 13:14) If God has placed you in a place of leadership, don’t be afraid to lead. We all need leadership in one arena or another; and good leadership IS a service to any group of people. If God has called you to lead – LEAD. Just remember to do it His way!
John Pound
Pastor, New Hope Community Church
Meet AFF's SALES REP! Susan Stern
Susan is Austin Faith & Family's advertising guru. Her expertise runs deep, with a degree in advertising from UT and 13 years of experience working at ad agencies and radio and TV stations in Dallas and Austin. In her current role at AFF, Susan feels blessed to be able to use her
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advertising experience to help faith and family friendly businesses reach a quality audience while supporting the Christ-centered mission of the magazine. She lives in East Austin with her husband Todd, daughter Salem, their yellow lab Bentley, and big orange cat Monty.
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june
Need a morning boost? How about a drink from the Word that's full of powerful energy for your day? . Take a daily sip with these short devotionals that you can read and swallow, as quick as you drink your morning coffee.
1 Give - 1
it all to God...He can handle it Peter 5:7 "casting all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you."
patient...God is with us - Psalm 27:14 "Wait 21 Love the Lord 13 Be on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall 128:1 "Blessed strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
the
Lord,
and obey Him - Psalm is everyone who fears who walks in his ways!"
No fear with God near - Psalm 18:2 "Jehovah is Focus on today...let go of the past -Philippians Thank God no matter your lot - 1 Thessalonians 2 my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; My 14 3:13 "...one thing I do: forgetting what lies 22 5:18 "In everything give thanks; for this God, my rock, in whom I will take refuge..."
3 Never Psalm
give up and never lose hope 30:5 "Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead"
is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Life is too short not to show love - 2 John 1:6 "Love Pay with love - Romans 13:8 "Owe no man 15 means doing what God has commanded us, and 23 anything, save to love one another: for he he has commanded us to love one another..."
that loves his neighbor hath fulfilled the law."
Live for God - 1 Peter 4:2 "that ye no longer There is one God -John 8:12 "...I am the light It isn't always easy 4 should live the rest of your time in flesh 16 of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk 24 the big picture to the lusts of men, but to the will of God."
in darkness, but will have the light of life."
be
to
me
but let God handle Luke 1:38 "Let it according to your word."
is the key to life - 1 Peter 5:5 "... 5 Service all of you gird yourselves with humility, to
Lord is our keeper- Romans 14:8 "For 25 The whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether
for God - Matthew 5:16 "...let your light 6 Shine shine before men; that they may see your good
a 26 Have to you
in there, talk 7 Hang lose hope - Luke
thanks and have a wonderful day - Luke 27 Give 2:11 "for there is born to you this day in the
Lifecanbetough...helpothers-1Peter3:8 "Finally, 8 [be] ye all likeminded, compassionate, loving
timing is perfect - Romans 28 God's "For while we were still weak, at
serve one another: for God resists the proud...
we die, we die unto the Lord...we are the Lord's."
great day - 2 Peter 1:2 "Grace and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord"
works, & glorify your Father who is in heaven."
ought
to
pray
to God and never 18:1 "(We) always and not lose heart."
as brethren, tenderhearted, humble-minded"
hide God - 1 Peter 3:15 "...be ready 9 Don't always to give answer to every man that asks
you a reason concerning the hope that is you...”
and material rarely mix - 1 Peter 10 Spiritual 2:11 "Beloved, I beseech you...abstain from fleshly lust, which war against the soul"
are the only Bible some see - 1 Peter 2:12 11 We "Live such good lives among the pagans that...
they may see your good deeds and glorify God"
use your brain - 1 John 4:1 12 Always do not believe every spirit, but test
"... the spirits to see whether they are from God..."
10 Faith&Family AUSTIN
city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."
out fruit today...let people see God in you 17 Pass - Matthew 7:16 & 20 "You will know them by
their fruits...by their fruits you will know them."
God be your only source of power 18 Let Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might."
strong 19 Finish "Wherefore we
-
2 Corinthians 4:16 faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day."
has nothing to do with material wealth 20 Life Luke 12:15 "One's life does not consist in
the abundance of the things he possesses."
5:6 the right time Christ died for the ungodly."
God for friends and family...they make 29 Thank life better - Romans 1:8 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all . . ."
is our comforter - 2 Corinthians 1:5 "For 30 Christ as the sufferings of Christ abound unto us, even
so our comfort also abounds through Christ." Rich Landry www.twitter.com/CaptainEscape NOTES:_____________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________ ___________________________________
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LAMAR STOCKTON: It's In Our DNA Out There
L
amar Stockton is the Worship Arts Pastor at Austin New Church in South Austin and loves every minute of it. A friend of his knew ANC was in need of a worship leader, and after meeting Brandon Hatmaker, Lead Pastor, Lamar states, “The rest is history.” Lamar and his family “fell in love with the vision of the church and the vibrant fellowship and worship of a community on a mission.” Lamar states he is passionate about music and art, adds that he agrees with Immanuel Jal when he says “Music is the only thing that can enter a person’s heart without their permission.” One reason Lamar loves Austin is that there are so many creative people here. “But more than music and art, I’m passionate about the Kingdom of God. God’s Kingdom is not something that we have to wait for in ‘the sweet by and by.’ His Kingdom is now—already,” states Lamar. “We, the Church, need to be an inclusive community of restoration and hope rather than an exclusive community looking out for ourselves. The gospel is messy and beautiful, and we need to be ready to get our hands dirty and wear holes in the soles of our shoes.”
being outside the walls “is part of our DNA.” They have more people meeting in small groups around Austin than they ever have on any given Sunday morning. “And each of these groups practices a monthly rhythm of Love Your Neighbor & Serve Your City. Additionally, anytime there is a fifth Sunday in the month, we cancel our gathering altogether and serve our city instead.” They serve burgers, host block parties, have poker nights, offer mentorships, work in community gardens, etc. Lamar states that Christians are called to be “agents of restoration…to bring justice where injustice abounds.” Recently, Lamar lived on the streets of Austin with the homeless community for 72 hours, with other friends as well. He says he felt welcome, accepted, and safe while “out there” and he learned that ALL people have the same needs and desires. “Everything else that we cram into our lives is distraction. I learned that the human race is endlessly creative and resourceful. I learned that a little hope goes a long way, and that things don’t have to be the way they are,” states Lamar.
Faith
Without his wife Jill, Lamar states that he would be unable to accomplish much at all. He also has two “amazing kids,” Tyler (age 4) and Tori (age 1), works at three part-time jobs, and his wife works full-time. Finding that “balance in life” is hard. However, Lamar states that leading worship for a congregation of people who worship God with their daily lives makes his job pretty easy. He states, “Sunday mornings are a celebration—an overflow—of lives lived on mission. When I hit the first chord and the room begins to sing…it just doesn’t get any better than that because I know that means there a lot of great things happening outside the walls!” MFTC is currently partnering with the Boys & Girls Club of Austin, Austin Children’s Shelter and Mobile Loaves and Fishes. They are also putting together their second album, Music For The City Volume 2, to be released in October. Marcy Lytle
Music for the City is something Lamar is passionate about, as well. So what is it? It’s a community of artists who invest their time and talent to influence Austin in a positive, caring way. MFTC began almost two years ago with a plan to put out yearly albums of Austin artists, to benefit and serve Austin charities. Lamar states that the reception has been great, with many artists giving of their time on Saturday mornings or Tuesday evenings to serve the community. He states, “Generally speaking, artists don’t have much money; but they have a generous supply of talent and concern for others. When you give them an opportunity to use their gifts to help someone else, they usually jump at the chance. And the greatest part is that it not only impacts the community…it impacts the artists, which impacts their art, which impacts the community all over again!” Getting folks to move outside the four walls of the church has not been a difficult process at Austin New Church, according to Lamar. “I would say we’re more of a church without walls.” They meet in a “quirky” private school called Jackie’s, but the Church itself doesn’t have walls. Lamar states that www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
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Faith
Along the Way
T
he American author, Edward Everett Hale, once said, “I am only one, but I am one. I can’t do everything, but I can do something. And what I can do, by the grace of God, I will do.” There have always been those unique individuals who somehow manage to do more in a single lifetime than seems possible to the rest of us. While most of us get bogged down in the minutia of living, the extraordinary few achieve greatness by the sheer volume of things they attempt.
previous times, God seemed to say, “I want you to do it.” So Wilkerson started Times Square Church and over the next 20 years, it grew to over 8,000 people in attendance per Sunday. Perhaps the most unusual factor in the story of Times Square Church is that when Wilkerson started it, he was 55 years old! Most people are nearing retirement in their mid 50’s and not starting a church in one of the most unlikely places in the United States to see success.
In the late 1950’s, David Wilkerson did not look like the type of man who would be extraordinary. He was the pastor of a small Pentecostal church in rural Pennsylvania and he seemed mostly contented to stay there. He had not attended college and only had one year of ministerial training at a Bible college before settling into the life of a country preacher. But when David Wilkerson was tragically killed in an automobile accident in April 2011, he left a legacy of ministry, service and achievement not often seen in a single life.
The life of David Wilkerson seems to hold a simple lesson. If he felt impressed that God was leading him to do something – no matter how unusual or difficult – he seemed ready to say, “Yes.” He exemplifies the idea that one person can indeed make a difference if they are ready to try. I have to wonder how much more good could be done in the world if more of us were ready to follow the impulse to do good, regardless of the mountain of reasons suggesting that our goals are out of reach and not even worth attempting.
My first exposure to David Wilkerson was at a Saturday matinee, when I was in Junior High School and my brother and I went to the movies and saw, The Cross and the Switchblade. It was the story of Wilkerson’s early ministry in New York City among the gangs. The movie was based on the best seller by the same title which outlined Wilkerson’s first steps into a national ministry.
My college roommate, years ago, had an inexpensive plaque on his desk that read simply, “Lord, remind me today, that with you, I am a majority.” As colloquial as that sentiment may seem, David Wilkerson’s life, in the end, appears to prove that it is true. One person, with God’s help, can achieve success against seemingly impossible odds. One person, after all, with God, is a majority.
It all started while watching television in his days as a rural pastor in Pennsylvania. Night after night he sat blurry eyed in front of mindless programming until his conscience began to bother him about his use of his time. So, he stopped watching television and devoted the late night hours to prayer and seeking God. Soon his new call came and it was a weird one! While reading a story in Life Magazine, with a picture of several teenagers (gang members from “The Dragons”) who were on trial for the brutal murder of another teen, Wilkerson sensed the Lord telling him to leave Pennsylvania, go to New York, and help the boys! Once he arrived, the New York media picked up his unusual story – a 26 year old country preacher wanting to help inner-city gangs - and he became a kind of odd celebrity among the street gangs. His work with the drug-addicted violent gangs of New York led to the book, The Cross and the Switchblade which has sold 15 million copies, has been translated into 30 languages and has been heralded by Christianity Today Magazine as one of the most influential evangelical books of the 20th century. In 1970, Pat Boone made it into the movie which now has been viewed by 50 million people in 150 countries.
12 Faith&Family AUSTIN
After his success with the street gangs, Wilkerson turned his attention to a new venture he called “Teen Challenge,” a Christian substance abuse program for young people, which the National Institute of Drug Abuse identified as the most successful recovery program in history with an 86% or higher success rate. According to Christianity Today Magazine, Teen Challenge is now the oldest, largest and most successful recovery program of its kind with 250 centers worldwide and about 25,000 young people in the program at any given time. After turning the Teen Challenge Ministry over to his denomination, Wilkerson focused on evangelism and writing. Then, one night, God spoke to him with what seemed again like an almost impossible task. By the 1980’s, Times Square in New York had become, according to CBS News, “a cesspool” and a home to sex shops, drug addicts, and prostitution. Wilkerson had gone with a group of Christians on an inner-city mission to witness and preach in the streets in Times Square. He saw firsthand the lawlessness and corruption of the city and he began to pray that God would lead someone to plant a church in Times Square. As in
Dr. Kie Bowman
Pastor, Hyde Park Baptist Church
r's athe F t a Gre ift! Day G
Through My Eyes by Tim Tebow
with Nathan Whitaker Not many people would have guessed that Tim Tebow, the homeschooled son of Christian missionaries, would end up being one of the most celebrated young college football players of all time. Before he was a star player for the Denver Broncos, Tebow was the winner of the 2007 Heisman Trophy and a two-time National Champion at the University of Florida. His memoir, Through My Eyes, celebrates his humble roots and tells the story of how his faith inspired him to be a better football player, leader, and an inspiration to others around the country. HB 005445055 Reg. $26.99
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Ouch!
Moments of Obedience
Faith
Obedience Hurts! T
he older I get, the more I learn that obedience is something that we struggle with no matter our age. We all know the obvious verses in scripture that talk about children obeying their parents. We have heard them spoken over us countless times growing up, and now we repeat them to our children. But none of us ever outgrow Father God. This year has been the hardest year of my life. Yes, I grew up in the church, served in ministry, and “know” all of the right answers to give. I know that I have a heart that truly desires to serve the Lord…. or do I? At what cost? To the point of death, like it states in Philippians 2? My circumstances lead me to examine the deepest, inner corners of my heart. I found that even though I desired to walk out things that the Lord had called me to, I was desperately clinging to perseverance of myself. I wanted someone to share my struggles with; I wanted compassion; for someone to walk this journey with me; to not be alone; and for people to see my heart. I realized
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that I desperately needed to be understood and “seen” by those around me. Ouch! That’s all about me, and it should be all about HIM. It took indescribable pain for me to truly look at myself, to see the pride that remained in my heart, and to begin the deliberate action of taking the log out of my own eye - regardless if others ever get around to the splinter in theirs. You see, I knew all along what the Lord wanted me to walk out. I probably had everyone around me, including myself, fooled into thinking that I was walking out in obedience everything that my heart had every good intention to do. Don’t get me wrong, I was going through the motions of walking out things in obedience, 75% of the time. And I know that no one will ever be perfect…until we reach glory. That is the whole reason Christ went to the cross. Mercy. Grace. Love. But as a good friend said, “Obedience with an attitude is still disobedience.” Ouch again. Obedience doesn’t just happen. It requires an intentional change of heart. We may be able to
fool ourselves, but we cannot fool God. He already knows our hearts more intimately than we ever will. It may start with a simple “Lord, give me the want to…” He will never disappoint, if we actually pray it and not just say it. It is HIS job to protect His own reputation. REST in that. I had to give up being understood by this world to walk in the fullness of the Lord’s calling. My present experience with the Lord and where He asked me to walk in obedience lead me to this: Revelation from the Lord brings us to a place of submission. Submission requires sacrifice, which then leads to obedience. And obedience produces peace. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding - a supernatural peace that is NOT dependent upon my external circumstances. Tiffany Young
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Faith&Family 13 AUSTIN
Kate's Musings:
Make It Fun...and Safe!
O
h, Facebook! It seems like everyone is online these days. My 82 year old Grandmother is an avid Facebook-er. She comments on my status, sends me messages, and occasionally remembers how to change her profile picture. It’s a fantastic way for family members to stay in touch and feel like they are ‘in the loop,’ though they may live thousands of miles away. I know that there are people who think technology is evil, but I just can’t pitch my tent in that camp. I think that Facebook, like most things, can be good in moderation. I’d like to give you a simple acronym for some basic guidelines to help make your online experience fun, safe, and not a hindrance to your faith! Just remember to FACEBOOK.
f
ollow your mama’s advice: If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all. Seriously now…..this is pretty basic. Did you know the word ‘tongue’ appears in the Bible over 120 times? Obviously, your words can cause great harm. So remember Proverbs 12:18, “Rash (or reckless) language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise,” and keep your mouth shut (or your fingers still) when you are mad.
a
lways THINK before you post. I love Ecclesiastes 5:2, “Don't shoot off your mouth, or speak before you think.” We often say things that we don’t mean and that we later regret. The difference between speaking them and writing them on the internet is that those words are there for everyone to read forever. Even if you delete them, there’s a good chance that someone has already seen them.
c
hoose your friends wisely. Just because you are being smart on the internet, it doesn’t mean your friends are too. You can’t control what they write on your wall - which might not always be appropriate - and you may
see things pop up on your newsfeed that they reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious - the have written which aren’t exactly what you want best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly.” And those are just things you are THINKING your Southern Baptist mama seeing either! about; how much more so should be the things dit personal information. Be careful you are writing! about what personal info you put on the internet. There are ways of protecting your vercome your self-absorption. I don’t contact information - and I always recommend mean to be harsh…but try to use Facebook as a way to get over yourself. Facebook is a wonderful way for people to share their pain, their fears, their disappointments and their challenges. I get more prayer requests on Facebook than anywhere else, and I try to find ways to bless and encourage my friends when they are hurting. It puts my own life in perspective and helps me to see that these little things (dogs peeing on the couch, burned dinners, living on a budget) that I freak out about, really are very small in the grand scheme of things.
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o
o
bey the rules of the country. Drinking alcohol under the age of 21 is illegal. Teenagers, be very careful which pictures you choose to post or be tagged in. There’s a good setting your profile to private so that only the chance that the pictures and things that you post people that you add as friends can see it. I know will follow you into your career. I have the same there are new apps where you can put your advice for you girls who decide to post pictures current location on Facebook….and all I have of yourself scantily clad. Just don’t do it! to say is….be careful. And make sure that you aren’t still friends with any ex’s with questionable eep it short. I know that it’s easy to spend mental stability. hours noodling around on the web. But keep in mind that there are only 24 hours in a day - and e a Christian online. Okay, now, I’m not is it really worth it to spend three of those hours talking about saying that your favorite book on Farmville, answering quizzes and stalking is the Bible. And I also don’t mean listing your people that you could just pick up the phone and ‘religious views’ as ‘Christian.’ What I DO mean call? I guess I’m just saying…don’t miss your life. is…make sure that if you are going to list yourself as a ‘Christian,’ make sure that you are acting like one. Don’t gossip in your status about other Kate Mullaney people, don’t write ugly things on other people’s walls, and watch which quizzes you decide to take. If you are unsure, you can always check out Philippians 4:8 - you know it: “Fill your minds and meditate on things that are true, noble,
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k
Meet AFF's SALES REP! Miranda Bradley is the author of Blessed Are the Jesus Chicks (Smyth & Helwys), a practical guide for the working Christian mom. She also owns BCreative, a communications consulting
Miranda Bradley 14 Faith&Family AUSTIN
firm focused on marketing for nonprofits and small businesses. She lives in Georgetown with her husband and two (stinky but sweet) boys.
If you'd like to find out more about advertising your business in AFF, send Miranda an email and she'll be glad to help you!
miranda@austinfaithandfamily.com
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Fa mily
Practical Parenting:
Practical Parenting Mommytime with Miranda Helpful Hints Journey for Two Mom's Tips & Tricks
15 16 18 19 20
A Different Kind of Summer
A
hhh. Summer is here. Late nights, lazy mornings, and only activities that include air-conditioning or water. Yep. That's my idea of summer. Oh! And no school. We home school, so no school means a vacation for all of us. Before I know it, summer is over, though. Then, I'm scrambling to jump back into a routine and order my chaos.
took each of them on a birthday date. Each one remembers most of those activities, like playing putt-putt, but remember few of the gifts they got. Okay, well one child remembers the superhero cape I made him and how he thought he could really fly with it when he jumped out his bedroom window. Thankfully, he had enough sense to hold on to a rope tied to his bed, just in case.
This summer, I'm determined to be different. I want to keep a schedule, loose as it may be. I want to complete projects. I want to do something different. I want to live my summer purposefully, rather than reacting to every distraction that comes along, or worse – doing nothing. So, I'm sharing my thoughts and goals for my summer and hope that I inspire others to make better summer plans.
I have well-meaning intentions about volunteering. I want my children to realize there are people less fortunate than us and to develop a heart for serving others. But intentions, unfortunately, get pushed aside with the busyness of life. This summer, however, I plan to find an organization or project in which to participate as a family. In the past, we have visited the adult daycare center in Round Rock or a nursing home to lead music sessions. This blesses us as much as the clients and residents. My kids get to jump around and act as silly as they want; and the people are thrilled and highly entertained by spending time with the children. Another summer, my oldest daughter baked cookies and mini-banana bread loaves to sell. The money she raised went to an orphanage. I'm not sure what we'll decide on this summer, but I want to include all five of my children (ages one to 12). So, it will likely be something relaxed, like weekly visits to a nursing home.
I have rather counter-cultural ideas about entertainment, in general. We're not really a theme park kind of family. I'm not anti-fun, just not into mindless fun. Our fun veers more into cultural activities, like historical sites, parks, and museums. Because we're a large family, the zoo is more budget friendly than, say, Six Flags. So, why spend one day at a theme park when the same amount of money could give us a less glitzy vacation for a week? Less glitzy earns priceless family memories. Trust me. For example, when my friends' now-grown children were young, I
My last goal for this summer is to mentor my children. Mentoring is the buzz word of personal development gurus, but it was first advocated in the Bible. Deuteronomy has three references to teaching our children when we walk, sit, go to bed, and when we get up. That's some serious mentoring. Generally, mentoring involves an experienced individual (mentor) training an inexperienced person (mentee?) One of my mentoring activities this summer will be to take a cooking class with my three older children. This activity breathes fresh life into my menu plan and teaches my children basic cooking techniques. It is also neutral ground for all of us - not that I'm a tyrant in the kitchen. I want to sow good character into my children. Often, the mentee (my children in this case) are not particularly interested in making changes, at least not in the way I suggest. I'm reminded of Mr. Miyagi, of The Karate Kid (original 1980's era) having his karate apprentice, Daniel, “wax on” and “wax off” for days on end before he showed him how it mimicked a foundational karate move. I'm sure some deep, spiritual meaning can be found for polishing the cabinets and dusting the fans. Regardless, the quantity and quality time we spend together playing, serving, and learning builds strong relationships now and will eventually reap a harvest of godly character and maturity. What can you do different this summer that will positively influence your children's character?
Georganne Schuch
www.blog.coffeedogz.net
www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
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Faith&Family 15 AUSTIN
Fa mily
Mommytime with Miranda
Mother, May I?
I
’ll never forget the look on my grandmother’s face last summer when my then 6-year-old asked if he could be excused from the table. Was it shock? Was it admiration? I’m sure this was an astonishing moment for my grandmother who witnessed many of my manner indiscretions as a child. And I must admit, I relished the moment, basking in the warm feeling spreading through my body. I, surprisingly enough, had done something right (well, at least for that five minutes anyway). However, I’ll also admit that “warm feeling” is not the norm. I’m surrounded by testosterone times three in my house, day in and day out. I can’t tell you the number of burps, farts, throw up noises (fake, thank goodness), booger jokes and potty words thrown around my dinner table on any given evening. So, when I occasionally accomplish the rare “May I please be excused?” question pouring out of the same lips that just told the latest “Pull my finger” joke, then I certainly take it in. Now that the boys are 3 and 7, I’ve made it my mission to tackle the manners monster and subdue it. I. Will. Win. By golly! But where to begin? I turned to a few of my closest confidants (Google included) to find a few tips and tricks to start with: Lay the Ground Rules
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Practice What You Preach It’s no secret that kids will mirror what they see in us. That’s why as parents it’s important for us to model exceptional manners in hopes that our children will follow suit. Now, of course this means I have to speak to my husband about not laughing at the booger jokes, but still, it’s a place to start.
dishes and main course on the table. This takes a little more time, and with such a rushed schedule, it may be difficult for most families to do this every night. At our house, we pick Sunday dinner to practice this. Serving dinner family style teaches kids respect and consideration. They are more outwardly focused on serving others around them. This instills a greater sense of community as well, and encourages the use of manners more readily. Most of this article centers around table manners. But, we have been instilling conversational manners in our children as well. We regularly encourage the use of “Please” and “Thank you.” Now, my son says, “Pull my finger … please.”
Make It A Game This especially works well in female households. Locate articles or books on etiquette and pull out bits and pieces to use as a trivia game at the table. You might even add an incentive to the pot, such as extra dessert or a particular privilege children can earn if they get the answers right or exhibit exceptional manners.
It’s not much, but it’s progress. If I could only get them to say “Excuse me” after the “Pull my finger” punch line, then we’d be in business. Family Fact: Studies show that children who spend time eating with their families are more likely to succeed in school, and have more confidence throughout their lives.
Pass the Peas
Sounds simple enough, right? But how quickly we (meaning my children) forget rules. The experts
16 Faith&Family
suggest holding a family meeting where these rules are agreed upon and written down. Then post them in a place where everyone can see. It might bode well for everyone if these rules were revisited before mealtime each day for a week while the family is getting used to them.
Miranda Bradley www.bcreativetx.com
Pull out a page from your grandmother’s recipe book and serve dinner family style with side
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Faith&Family 17 AUSTIN
Fa mily
Helpful Hints
Preventing the Summer Slide
how to have a "smart" summer break For example, let’s plan a summer vacation and see how many different “school” topics are easily incorporated in to the vacation. 1) Begin with talking about what the family would like to do or where the parents have selected as a vacation destination (problem solving, research and analysis). 2) Write or email cities and states for information on activities (writing and reading). 3) Go to the library or conduct internet searches of the area you plan to visit (reading and research)
T
he old school rhyme, “No school, no books, no teacher's dirty looks” announces the end of the school year and the start of the summer break. Learning does not have to stop for the summer. On an average, children loose one to four months of what they learned during the summer break. Parents can encourage continual learning through a variety of fun activities. Try some of these activities and watch your children not only maintain their current level of education but also grow! Writing/Language Arts. Encourage your children to keep an activity journal and write about their activities a few times each week. If you take a family vacation, let your children write about places they visit. At the end of each day, talk about the activities. This not only helps them improve their writing skills, but also creates family memories. For older children, help them set up a blog. Do some behind the scene work and get friends and family to read the blog and respond with questions and comments.
Math. Maintaining or increasing math skills does not require school worksheets. Cooking activities involve weights and measures. Try doubling recipes and determine portion sizes. Grocery shop for recipe ingredients and take the time to add up prices and weigh fruits and vegetables. Science. Gardening opens up opportunities to talk about the life cycle of plants, the environment and God’s amazing creation. Problem Solving/Logic. Family board games and puzzles connect the family in fun activities and help children problem solve and use analysis and logical thinking. Age appropriate games allow for friendly competition, open communication, and fun. One of the most important aspects of maintaining or increasing learning is to select activities that combine several subjects or topics. This makes learning fun without making it feel like “school.”
4) Use a map to plan the route. Study the area, its history, culture and geography (math, history, science). 5) During the vacation, take photographs and journal about the sites and activities (writing/language arts). 6) Following the vacation, create a scrapbook to memorialize the trip (arts and crafts, writing, reading, history, science, math, and communication skills). As parents, you want to encourage learning with fun activities. Look for teachable moments. You want to avoid rigid activities and school type worksheets. Think creatively and stop the “summer slide.”
Al Jones, Ph.D.
Head to Heart Ministries www.headtoheart.org
Reading. Reading is critical to success. Local libraries have great summer reading programs. Encourage reading every day for 10 minutes. This not only helps maintain skills but also sets healthy patterns of daily reading. When planning family outings or vacations, write for free literature about places you may visit. Have your children read the brochures and share their ideas with others. This helps with reading skills while giving them an active role in the vacation plans.
18 Faith&Family AUSTIN
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Journey for Two
Fa mily
Staying Connected D
rifting. It’s a natural phenomenon. It happens at the beach. You go out to play in the water, then come back up to shore and notice you’ve drifted down the coast line. It’s then a long walk across the hot sand to find your beach towels.
Listen We can be great listeners for our friends, but tune out over the years to our spouses. Maybe we feel like we’ve heard all their stories. Maybe we focus on their character and less on caring. Give your spouse a compassionate ear. Actively listen with your body language and your responses.
This happens in marriage. It can be a real shock to wake up one day and realize how far apart you’ve drifted. The waves of life pull at us. It takes strength, resolve and a concerted effort to kick against the tide, to stay connected, to live united. So we thought we’d offer,
Share Your Dreams & Goals It takes vulnerability and trust to share your crazy dreams. Sometimes I think I need to be the voice of reason when David shares a dream. That can be a real downer. Believe in each other’s dreams. Support each other’s pursuits. There is incredible validation in knowing that your spouse is in your corner.
Ten Ways to Stay Connected Be Together Sit beside each other during your favorite TV show. Avoid the “kids in the middle” strategy when the family goes out. If there is something that needs to be done….do it together! We love to hang out on the patio in the evening, simply enjoying each other’s presence. Pray Together Take a few minutes every day to pray together. We do this in the morning before we get out of bed. Find the spot in your day that works for you even if it is just before going to sleep. Pray for the needs of others and then pray for each other. There is power in agreement.
hearts together by giving of your treasure. We love to do this. Every month we plant our tithe and our hearts in our local church. Whenever we have extra funds we have a blast coming together on where to give. Serve Together On the third Saturday of every month, we join a group of volunteers who provide a worship service and a hearty meal for folks who may not otherwise have one. We always leave feeling so thankful for our many blessings. This gratitude ties us together and lends perspective to our lives.
Touch Each Other Hold hands. Hug. Try a 10 second kiss even if it embarrasses your kids! Snuggle up. Rub your husband’s shoulders. Massage your wife’s feet. We need these touches. Sometimes they speak louder than our words.
Forgive Sometimes nearness causes friction. Sparks may fly as you attempt to draw closer. Don’t give up! Have the humility to admit when you are wrong. Get great at forgiving and forgiving again! Check out our May column online for more on forgiveness.
Date Night We are horrible about date night. It sounds like such a great idea and we know we need to get better at it, but life has a way of stealing away our evenings. What does work for us is a weekly breakfast date, where we often sit and talk about what to share in this column!
Glue Spiritually God has designed a powerful way for a husband and wife to connect. One thing we learned in counseling is that physical intimacy is like spiritual glue. Whenever we feel disconnected, we know it’s time to focus on this area of our relationship.
Give Together Matthew 6:21 says “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Knit your
Drifting is especially dangerous because it is so subtle. We are often unaware it is happening at all. One of its strongest forces is the feeling of familiar. We get used to living with each other. We take each other for granted. We grow accustomed to our roles and routines. A little spontaneity goes a long way in the fight with the familiar. So, have some fun this summer. Take time to relax, enjoy life together, and stay connected!
David & Lynn Cherry
Staff, Shoreline Church
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Faith&Family 19 AUSTIN
Fa mily
Mom's Tips & Tricks
Mom's
Tips & Tricks
Eating Out, or Takeout
Have you been to Juan in a Million on E. Cesar Chavez Road? You can order a taco for $3.80 and it’s piled high with potatoes, eggs, bacon and cheese, on top of three tortillas! What a bargain! And with the nice weather, why not take the whole family and dine on the patio? The owner has received an award for his famous handshakes he offers, as you enter his restaurant! http://www.juaninamillion.com
Weekend Fun
Why not suggest to your church that they hold service in a local neighborhood park, or at least lunch after Sunday morning church? Plan games, grill burgers, and have people sign up for sides, and take your fun outside the four walls of a building, into your community. Let your family all take part in planning this event.
At the Store
One way to brighten your bathroom for the summer months is to make just a few changes. Pick up a bright nightlight in an accent color, a new candle dish (and some tea lights), and maybe a new hand towel or two - and you’ve got yourself an inexpensive re-do! When guests visit, they will feel warm and welcome.
in Rhyme
Eating In, Under $10
Look for a pork roast (3lb) and make a slow cooker meal that’s sure to please all. Rub it down with smoked paprika, garlic salt, dried thyme, and lemon pepper. Place in the cooker with 1 cup of water and ½ cup BBQ sauce. Cook on low all day until the meat just falls apart, tender and tasty. Serve with wheat rolls and pickles, and a little more sauce on the side!
On the Run
It’s heating up outside and your kids are sweating, getting dirty, and smelling up your car! Just take a handful of coffee beans, place them in a breathable pouch, and leave under the seat of your car! This is just one of many ways to naturally deodorize your ride. Check out more ideas at http:// w w w.girlsustainable. com/lifestyle/5-naturalways-to-deodorize-yourcar/.
...and Even More!
It’s time to plan summer vacation! If you don’t have the money or the time to travel far, why not let the kids pack their suitcases and “travel” to your bedroom for a night? Make your bedroom like a hotel, with bucket of ice and glasses, a stack of movies, pastries for the next morning, and cool new pajamas for the kids. Have everyone “arrive” with suitcase in tow, and sleeping bags ready, about 7pm, and begin your one night vacation that you can take again and again!
Marcy Lytle
20 Faith&Family AUSTIN
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For the Heart and Mind of Your
JUNE
Young Einstein
Teacher of the Month
Whitney Crowley Whitney Crowley, Head Band Director and teacher for 10 years, has been named Teacher of the Year at Murchison Middle School. She transforms 6th grade non-musicians into 8th grade trained musicians playing high school work. When asked about God’s part in this honor, Whitney says, “He’s the reason I’m here.” She remembers exactly when the call of God came. During a soft December snowfall in 1998, Whitney heard a voice say, “I want you to teach.” Her first act of faith was to immediately reserve directorofmusic@ hotmail.com as her email address. After graduation from Vanderbilt in 1999, Whitney walked the UT campus and heard, “I want you here.” She refused a full-ride scholarship at North Carolina, to attend graduate school at a place she didn’t want to be… because God wanted her here. In April 2001, Whitney learned that Murchison was looking to hire for the next year. Prayer-walking the school three times, she heard, “This is your job.” Applying at Murchison, she declined another offer outside Dallas. May and June came and went. Home from a July trip, a message was waiting: Interview Friday. She started work Monday. 9/11 was tough on a first year teacher in the first month of classes. Whitney prayed, “Lord, what am I going to do for these kids?” He said, “What do you always do?” She went to the students, played music, and prayed for them. Her flute was melancholy and sad. More praying. The music went from a minor key to a major key. The atmosphere in the band hall changed... became peaceful. The students understood the power of music because they had just experienced it. Whitney lives her faith at Murchison as she trains her students to become skilled musicians. God has honored her as she has honored Him. Donna Ledbetter www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
I
The Result of Aligning with God’s Power
t was the bottom of the ninth inning, and the score was all tied up. The bases were loaded and two outs showed as Power-SwingSamuel arrived at bat. Little Albert and his dad sat at the edge of their seats. “This is it Little Albert,” began his dad, “Samuel has to take this pitch and put it into the stands.” Little Albert’s eyes were wide and fixed on his baseball hero. “Come on Samuel deliver it,” he whispered.
with your body, so it is with your mind and spirit. If you stay aligned with my will, stable within my truth, and practice balance in your words and actions, you will have my power behind your amazing reach. Do not forget to slow down and rest in my wisdom and love. Just think of the good you can do for the world if we work together in this way. Your life will be blessed with infinite possibilities indeed, Little Albert.”
The pitch was off. With the grace of a gazelle and the power of a locomotive, Samuel swung the bat. “CRACK!” the ball went sailing higher, farther, and then was gone! Out of the park! The ball field erupted in applause. “He did it! He did it!” Little Albert squealed.
Jesus tells us in John 14:12, “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these…”
During the long drive home Little Albert asked his dad, “How does Samuel get his body to do that? The pitch had to be going close to 100 mph.” “Oh, Little Albert, the human body is amazing,” said dad. “First, you have the perfect alignment of the bones. Our bones are held together by strong and stable ligaments, and then the balance of Samuel’s muscles pull with just the right force and timing to create perfect symmetry in his movements.”
God says in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God.”
Michele Zink Harris Author, God’s Spirit in the Heart of Every Child
www.nextgenerationhearts.org
“Wow, that is a cool design,” replied Little Albert. “But that’s not all,” continued dad. “Samuel also has spent years and years practicing his special skills and perfecting the gift God gave him. He exercises and works his body, and then he rests and allows it to recover. If we push our bodies without taking the time to be quiet and still, we will never reach our full potential.” That night Little Albert thanked God for providing the fascinating movement machine of our bodies. In the quiet, Little Albert heard God say, “As it is
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Faith&Family 21 AUSTIN
Submit calendar entries to Marcy@AustinFaithandFamily.com by the 15th of the preceding month.
June 2 Day Out With Thomas 10:30p Long Center for the Performing Arts, Austin TX Love and Logic - Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun - 6:30p to 8:30p at The Goddard School Parenting Workshop
June 4
Family Link Foster Care & Adoption - Training sessions for volunteers, mentors and prospective foster/adoptive parents. Register with kelly@ familylinkkids.com or 512-233-6464
June 5
Cash on the Green! -a FREE Johnny Cash Tribute concert on the lawn - 1:00pm - 3:30pm - Red River Church - featuring The Band in Black. Between sets, we'll be playing Jeopardy; so brush up on your Johnny Cash trivia. There will be prizes! Bake Sale proceeds will benefit our youth trip to Comachuen, Mexico! Hand to Hold – Piano & Tenor music celebration – celebrate the lives of the little ones who have touched our lives - 4:00-6:00pm – www.handtohold.org
June 6
Austin Girls' Choir’s Day Camp for girls age 8-15 will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 2200 Justin Lane. Visit austin. girlschoir.com or call 453-0884 for more information. (Camp runs June 6-10). Vacation Bible School at the Lakeway Church – PANDAMANIA – God is Wild About You! – For K-5th grade. Preschool Story Time at Manchaca United Methodist Church – 1011 FM 1626 – 10-11a.m. – Contact Kim@ManchacaUMC.org FMI. (siblings are welcome)
June 7
Vacation Bible School at the Lakeway Church – PANDAMANIA – God is Wild About You! – For K-5th grade.
June 8
Vacation Bible School at the Lakeway Church – PANDAMANIA – God is Wild About You! – For K-5th grade.
June 9
Vacation Bible School at the Lakeway Church – PANDAMANIA – God is Wild About You! – For K-5th grade. Love and Logic - Early Childhood Parenting Made Fun - 6:30p to 8:30p at The Goddard School Parenting workshop .
June 10
Vacation Bible School at the Lakeway Church – PANDAMANIA – God is Wild About You! – For K-5th grade. Austin Civic Orchestra - free Zilker Pops concerts in Zilker Park
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June 2011
ADRN’s Disaster Relief Training Conference at First Evangelic Free Church (south Austin) -9AM9PM. Become equipped and trained by experts in the areas of personal/family preparedness, emotional readiness, spiritual readiness, medical preparedness, community emergency response and more.
June 11
Austin Civic Orchestra - free Zilker Pops concerts in Zilker Park Elevate Austin - 10am to Noon @ Shoreline Christian Center - Featuring Author of Generation iY Tim Elmore - There is a pastor’s lunch with Tim @ 12:30pm www.elevateaustin.com Caswell House Etiquette Classes - 9:00a to 10:00a at Daniel H. Caswell House, for children ages 7-10 & youth ages 11-13. Topics include communication and public speaking, tech etiquette, dealing with bullies, & table manners. ADRN’s Disaster Relief Training Conference at First Evangelic Free Church (south Austin) -9AM9PM. Become equipped and trained by experts in the areas of personal/family preparedness, emotional readiness, spiritual readiness, medical preparedness, community emergency response and more.
June 13
Children’s Summer Musical Camp at The Lakeway Church – Heroes of Faith – Rehearsal 9am-2pm. Cost is $60 per child. FMI contact Mark SavageRains, mark@lakewaychurch.net. Preschool Story Time at Manchaca United Methodist Church – 1011 FM 1626 – 10-11a.m. – Contact Kim@ManchacaUMC.org FMI. (siblings are welcome) Dallas Cowboys Youth Football CAMP COWBOYS - 8:00 am - Steiner Ranch Westridge Park & Cedar Park Brushy Creek Park, SW Austin Gorzycki Middle School Cedar Park, TX 78613
June 14
Children’s Summer Musical Camp at The Lakeway Church – Heroes of Faith – Rehearsal 9am-2pm. Cost is $60 per child. FMI contact Mark SavageRains, mark@lakewaychurch.net.
June 15
Children’s Summer Musical Camp at The Lakeway Church – Heroes of Faith – Rehearsal 9am-2pm. Cost is $60 per child. FMI contact Mark SavageRains, mark@lakewaychurch.net.
June 17
Children’s Summer Musical Camp at The Lakeway Church – Heroes of Faith – Rehearsal 9am-2pm. Cost is $60 per child. FMI contact Mark SavageRains, mark@lakewaychurch.net.
June 18
Dad's Day Youth Fishing Derby - 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - McKinney Falls State Park Hillsong United Aftermath Worship Night - Austin, TX - 9:30pm - Sunday Jun 19, 2011 12:00am - The Cedar Park Center! It’s going to be an amazing night of worship! Tickets will go fast! Family Link Foster Care & Adoption - training sessions for volunteers, mentors and prospective foster/adoptive parents. Register with kelly@ familylinkkids.com or 512-233-6464
June 19
Heroes of Faith Children’s Summer Musical at The Lakeway Church – 9:30am and 11:00am. Central Texas Juneteenth Celebration – various locations around town - Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of slaves in Texas following the end of the Civil War. Festivities include pageants, parades, a carnival and a battle of the bands.
June 20
Preschool Story Time at Manchaca United Methodist Church – 1011 FM 1626 – 10-11a.m. – Contact Kim@ManchacaUMC.org FMI. (siblings are welcome)
June 25
Over the Edge for the Make a Wish Foundation of Central Texas - One American Center, 600 Congress Avenue Suite 260.
June 27
Preschool Story Time at Manchaca United Methodist Church – 1011 FM 1626 – 10-11a.m. – Contact Kim@ManchacaUMC.org FMI. (siblings are welcome)
Children’s Summer Musical Camp at The Lakeway Church – Heroes of Faith – Rehearsal 9am-2pm. Cost is $60 per child. FMI contact Mark SavageRains, mark@lakewaychurch.net.
Looking Forward:
Dr. Marta Katalenas is offering free newborn and prenatal class for new and expectant parents. Classes are on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 7:00pm at the Pediatric Center in Round Rock, Texas, 7700 Cat Hollow Dr., #104, phone number is 512-733-5437.
November 18, 2011
June 16
Jeremy Camp We Cry out Tour Shoreline Christian Center
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I
No Labels Please
was out of town when my husband got a call to go see the school principal and my son’s 3rd grade teacher. “We’ve just tested Zachary’s reading and he is reading at a 4th grade level,” was the delightful news! My husband said both the principal and teacher were beaming with joy. Why was this significant? Well, at some point during 2nd grade, we were told “He may never learn how to read.” So here is the back story… Zachary was a delightful baby. He slept through the night from a very early age. He had the smoothest skin, making him such a joy to cuddle. He had a belly laugh that emanated with pure joy. He was late in walking and late in talking. In short, he was very laid back and was clearly going to do things on his own time. We were living in South Africa at the time when he and his older brother first went to school. Schools there were excellent. By the time kids graduated from high school they were extremely literate. But, the gradient in the lower grades was very low – meaning they did not expect that much from kids in the lower grades – but rather took a slow and steady approach that ended up with very high level skills by the end of school. What I found out when we moved back to the USA was that the expectation from kids in the lower grades was set extremely high. It was almost expected that a child should be able to read by the time they start school!? This was new to me and when we were first called in as parents for a conference, things were quite somber. “Your child is nowhere near the point he should be for second grade,” we were told, in no uncertain terms, by his second grade teacher and counselor. “We would like to test him, to find out what’s wrong with him,” came the request. “There’s nothing wrong with him. He is a late learner; he is a delightful child,” we countered, while refusing to have him tested.
We went through this drill multiple times. It was not fun. From what we had learned, the testing would result in a label that would follow him for the rest of his life. We also learned that kids who are so labeled seldom achieve the normally expected results later during their school careers. We were not about to hang our child with a label for the rest of his life.
give him extra help. We don’t mind if you take him off to another room during reading. We understand that he needs extra help. But we are not having him labeled. Why can’t you just give him what he needs without having to label him?” my husband wanted to know. “Funding,” was the answer. “Unless he has a certain ‘diagnosis’ we can’t get funding for the extra help,” it was explained.
We then moved to Round Rock and by early 3rd grade, we got the same call. The same drill. “Your child is behind. Can we test him to find out what’s wrong with him?” By this time we knew the drill and made it clear in no uncertain terms that testing was not going to happen, and that we expected standard education to be applied to our child – and that was that. They got it! He was given as much help as the system allowed. We did our part as parents to provide help at home. At our church, Zachary participated in a program that consisted of creating all the letters in the alphabet in clay – and then destroying them. He had tremendous wins from it. Today Zach is almost 15 and he can read anything. In fact, he’s been reading entire novels for many years now. He is a normal, happy and productive child. He has a girlfriend. And he still has a belly laugh that emanates pure joy!
Laura Bezden The Studio Kitchen
During one of these conferences my husband spelled it out again. “Look, we don’t mind if you www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
Faith&Family 23 AUSTIN
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his June edition of Austin Faith & Family is our 2nd annual Helping Hands issue, where we highlight organizations in our city that are serving others in need. We also include our regular monthly articles, but have added “extra” this month. We hope this edition finds its way to your coffee table, or bedside stand, so that it is in full view all year long, as a resource of places where you can volunteer, or give of your own blessings. Keep a copy for yourself and give one to others that you meet, so they too can find a place in our city to serve.
we won’t see much fruit in our lives. However, the Good Book says if we sow abundantly, there is great return!
In Micah 6:8 (The Message) it reads, “But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, and don't take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”
It’s for your neighbor.
It’s plain and simple.
Our father has blessed us all with many good things, and all of the treasures we have received are His. We are just stewards of them for a while on earth. So when He said later that when we give to the “least of these” we are actually giving to Him, He meant it.
And just who is that? It’s the man, woman, boy or girl in need. It’s the one that others shun, or pass by, without seeing. It’s about taking their “unfair” situation and blessing them with the love of a “just” God, just because they’re your neighbor.
It’s serious. It takes a spirit of humility to truly give to others. The most humble Man of all time came and took his mission seriously – to lay down his life for those His Father loved. He requires the same of us. What can one man do? What can one woman do? We can volunteer instead of spending a night at the movies. We can give back, out of our abundance, or even out of our lack – in faith. We can share what we have with those who have not, realizing we just might be in need ourselves, one day. And we can do all of this – if we all pull together – “How happy we’ll be!” Marcy Lytle
It’s compassion personified.
There’s nothing mysterious about the principle of sowing and reaping. It’s not complicated to see that there’s a greater reward in giving, much more so, than in receiving. If we sow sparingly,
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It’s what God is looking for.
we say we have love, if we don’t get up (even at an inopportune time) and give? It just makes sense.
Remember that saying, “Actions speak louder than words?” If we see a brother in need, and we have the means to meet that need, then how can
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Faith&Family 25 AUSTIN
Capital Area Food Bank: Are You Hungry to Help?
Hunger in our city is hidden, in full view. What does that mean?
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any times, we think of the face of hunger and visualize a poor child in a foreign country, with sad eyes, and sunken cheeks. However, The Capital Area Food Bank hopes that after reading this story, people will realize that their own neighbors – those who’ve been laid off, those who have been affected by budget cuts, or those who have just suffered hard times, are the hungry ones, hidden perhaps before – but now in full view. John Turner, Senior Director of Marketing at the CAFB, says there is a huge lack of awareness of how “pervasive” hunger is in Central Texas. He says that often we think of the hungry as being the homeless, or just some “lazy bum.” However, if we really knew and saw the face of hunger, we just might be surprised. Four out of five people they feed and nourish are not homeless. For the past 30 years, the Capital Area Food Bank has been providing emergency food assistance, family programs, and nutrition education to those in need. Turner states, “What began 30 years ago as a modest food assistance initiative has matured into a full-blown hunger relief organization.” Turner began as a volunteer at the Food Bank and soon applied for a job, which he has now enjoyed for about a year. He states that the Capital Area Food Bank has a staff of about 70, and hosts thousands of volunteers a year. Entire congregations show up, businesses send their staff for team building, families sign up to give of their time, schools send students to give back to their community, and individuals come to help as well. What do these volunteers do? They inspect the food (for safety dates and issues), they sort the food (into types) and then they pack it up for shipping (to partner agencies,) for distribution. Turner states that last year the Food Bank distributed the most food in the history of the organization—25 million pounds. “That sounds like a lot of food, and it is. That’s the equivalent of the weight of a Boeing 737 airplane being distributed every single day, 365 days of the year.” Just where does all of the food come from that the CAFB receives? Turner states that the United States Department of Agriculture is the largest single supplier of the food, as well as Feeding America, manufacturers such as Kelloggs, Con
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Agra, etc., and food also comes into the CAFB from food drives put on by organizations, businesses, groups, or individuals. In the past few years, the Food Bank’s Central Texas Food Rescue Program has worked with food retailers for produce and other food items that have “sell by” dates stamped on them which are about to expire. This food usually gets thrown away by the retailers, but is still in very good condition and safe to eat, if distributed and eaten quickly. The Food Bank has a fleet of trucks that pick up the food, travel to 21 counties (their service territory covers 19,000 square miles), and along with regular food
also end up at the Food Bank’s door.” Just since 2008, the Food Bank has seen a 40% increase in the number of people who receive food assistance.
deliveries, log more than 300,000 square miles every year. Through this food rescue program, 4.3 million pounds of food was saved last year alone, and given away to those in need.
Valle) to teach children about where food comes from, why it’s important to make healthy choices, the necessity for fresh food, and how to cook this food so that it’s tasty and good for them.
In times like these, states Turner, the CAFB’s efforts are needed more than ever. “Even though the worst recession in this country (since the Great Depression of the 1930’s) is now officially over, the number of hungry men, women and children continues to increase. In 2009, the number of Americans who lived in households considered to be at risk of hunger spiked to 50 million (1 in 6). Currently, 44 million Americans are receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps), including 1 in 7 Texans. Only Arkansas has a higher rate of food insecurity than Texas. Many of these families
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) is also in place, where qualifying families can receive a debit card for food (what was previously called “food stamps.”) The paperwork to fill out for this program is long and complicated, so the Food Bank has an outreach team to help those applying to get their forms in correctly, and receive the assistance they need.
The Food Bank not only delivers mass quantities of food, but the food they deliver is nutritious and healthy. For the hungry, food is hard to come by, and often the least expensive choices in food are made, which are those high in fat and sodium, and this can lead to diabetes and other health problems. CHOICES is a CAFB program where nutrition instructors work in area schools (currently AISD, Pflugerville, Round Rock, and Del
Locally, there are soup kitchens, mobile food pantries, 355 partner agencies, and the St. John Community Food Center, which is housed at the
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For the City Center in Central Austin (sponsored and built by Austin Stone Church), and these all distribute food. 48,000 people a week (20,000 of those are children) show up for food assistance. If you show up at a food distribution point – you are given food. No questions asked. No shame involved. Turner adds, “We do not judge anyone. No one should be hungry in this country.” There are endless stories of thanks from those who have been helped by the Food Bank. Misty is a lady who had a job but was let go because work ran out, and shared that she was out of money and needed help. She visited CAFB’s St. John Community Food Center and other food pantries. “There are times when ramen noodles is all you have. You eat ramen for a couple of days. It’s cheap and it will fill you up, but you get pretty tired of it,” confesses Misty. “You just have to hope for the best, but without places like this, I don’t know what I would do.” Cassandra waits in line at the CAFB “Wheels of Sharing” Mobile Food Pantry distribution in Marlin, a town about 30 miles from Waco, where distribution happens once a month in the parking lot in the center of town. “The need is real great here, we really need this. Marlin is a small town that was flourishing at one point, but now so much has shut down that we don’t hardly have anything,” she says. “I get food stamps, but it doesn’t stretch out enough. I’m diabetic, and I can’t eat the way the doctors want me to. To eat the vegetables and fruit I need all month long, it’s hard. When the gas prices go up the vegetable and fruit prices go up, too. You can see it in the grocery store. So, this is a big help to put this distribution in a place where there’s not a lot of food,” she says. “Bless you all. You don’t even know how big of a blessing this is.” We asked Turner why he personally would encourage an individual or group to give to the Food Bank, and his answer was simple, “Because you could be hungry one day, too.” Even people who were once donors, says Turner, are now in need of assistance. Another fact that should compel us all to give is that hunger is an allyear occurrence, not just at Thanksgiving and Christmas, when many people volunteer. “Hunger doesn’t take a vacation,” states Turner. The Food Bank needs volunteers, they need donations of food and money, food drives are essential; and planned giving is encouraged. The summer is the Food Bank’s busiest time of the year. With more than 83,000 children in Travis County receiving free or reduced-priced school lunch, the Food Bank runs a summer feeding program to make sure that all children can still receive this nutritious meal. Volunteers have incredible things to say about their time at the Food Bank. One lady says it’s a www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
“privilege” to help give to those in need. She has worked at the St. John Community Food Center as an organizer, a problem solver, inputting data, communicating, etc. “I like the activity and the challenge of keeping the flow, looking for improvements and trying to keep a calmness when these people have to wait so long to be processed,” she says. “Each week there is at least one person who tells me they are embarrassed to be there. I get chills as I tell them we are not feeding the poor, we are here to help those who are in need for as long as there is a need. That is our purpose. Shame, embarrassment and guilt are not a part of the process for any of us. Many times these are the people who say they would like to
volunteer when they are able.” A 74-year old man volunteers at the South Austin Neighborhood Center and comments, “At 74, what can I do? I can pass out food, but I can’t do much else. I don’t have a good back; my legs ain’t too good; but I can pass out something; I can be of some use to somebody, and that’s why I volunteer.” Jerry and his wife volunteer every month during the CAFB Fresh Food for Families distribution, where low-income families are provided quality fruits, vegetables and other fresh foods, free of charge, on a regular basis. “There’s no reason to go hungry. With all the work the Food Bank does, all people have to do is get up and go!” says Jerry.
HUNGER IS UNACCEPTABLE is the Food Bank’s awareness campaign born from an employee’s experiences, but the phrase stuck. At http://www. hungerisunacceptable.com/ one can read facts, review maps about hunger, become informed from the statistics there, etc. Hunger is something we can ALL do something about. It’s something we MUST realize; and it’s no longer a faraway concept – it’s right here at home. The hungry are not asking for a handout, according to Turner, “just a lifeline and a helping hand to get back on their feet.” In an interview with Hank Perret, President and CEO of the Capital Area Food Bank, Mr. Perret told Austin Faith & Family, “As the price of gas and food itself is increasing, pocketbooks are increasingly stretched to sometimes breaking. Often, it’s food that families will skimp on and that is their sad reality.” We asked John Turner about his job at the Food Bank and what brings him joy there. “Knowing I’m making a difference,” he answered. “People are so grateful. It brings a tear to my eye.” He states that all faiths can get involved in the Capital Area Food Bank's mission to nourish hungry Central Texans and lead the community in ending hunger. “More than 50% of our partner agencies are affiliated with a faith-based organization and regardless of your faith, no-one should be hungry in our country today. We can end hunger, but the Food Bank cannot do it alone. We need your help.” Now that hunger is in full view, and the ones in need might be your next-door neighbor, let’s ask God for a hunger to help. Hunger in the stomach can be satisfied with food. However, spiritual hunger is often satisfied in emptying ourselves from the rich resources we’ve been given. If you are hungry to help and agree that hunger is unacceptable in your neighborhood, the Food
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Faith&Family 27 AUSTIN
Bank invites you to join them and end this crisis today. Visit www.austinfoodbank.org/ to get involved. Here are some ideas: • Host a food or fund drive • Become a Partner Agency. • Train to become a Food Bank Volunteer Ambassador • Participate in the annual Crop Walk in the spring that benefits the Food Bank and other hunger relief organizations http:// austincrophungerwalk.org/ • Request a Food Bank speaker to speak at your place of worship • Volunteer as an individual, family, workplace or congregation
A 2010 Snapshot: The Capital Area Food Bank of Texas · Number of years CAFB has been in operation: 30 years · Pounds of food and grocery products provided in 2010: 25.3 million · Total amount paid by the food recipients: $0 · Number of meals provided in 2010: 20.2 million · Number of CAFB Partner Agencies that received food: 355 · Territory served: 21 counties; 19,000 square miles; 2.5 million total population · Size of Distribution Center: 60,000 square feet · Size of freezers and coolers: 160,000 cubic feet · Number of regional delivery sites: 21 · Number of food donors: 871 · Largest food donor: U.S. Department of Agriculture · Number of paid CAFB staff: 70 · Average number of volunteer hours donated each month: 7,400 · Age range of Food Bank volunteers: 8 to 94 years old · Largest local retail donor: H-E-B Grocery Company · Fastest growing product area: Fresh produce · Food items most requested by agencies' clients: Canned meats, cereal, dried pasta and pasta sauce · Most requested non-food item: Diapers Marcy Lytle
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Friends of Bethany: Restoring Hope
Bethany Hamilton was like any vivacious young girl, full of life and adventure. She found herself most comfortable while surfing the beautiful breaks at her home in Kauai, Hawaii. At 13, she was already surfing better then most girls her age and was on her way to becoming a pro surfer. One morning while she was out surfing her favorite break, she lost her arm to a 15’ tiger shark. Her entire life came to an abrupt pause. While in the hospital, Hamilton relied on her family, faith and friends to help get through the difficult times at hand. Within days she knew she wanted to try surfing again; she also wanted to use what happened to her to help others. Her strength was uncanny and touched everyone she came in contact with. Three weeks after the attack, Hamilton was out surfing again. Bethany and her family, along with fellow shark attack survivor Mike Coots, founded Friends of Bethany. Friends of Bethany (FOB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the hope and love of Jesus Christ worldwide by supporting and inspiring people through the life stories of Bethany Hamilton and others. Through this organization, Bethany and family have touched many lives worldwide. Zac Golebiowski, a shark attack survivor from Australia, vowed to return to the water after an inspirational meeting with Bethany. Two other Aussie surfers, Paul deGelder and Glen Orgias, received support from FOB after being bitten by a shark. Desiring to surf again, they received tips on surfing with one hand, and a Surfboard Handle Kit which is based on the handle Bethany’s father designed for her to make possible duck-diving (pushing the board through the waves) with one hand. FOB sent an Encouragement Package to Oahu shark attack survivor, Todd Murashige. Todd, like Bethany Hamilton and Mike Coots, was attacked by a shark while surfing. Todd called to thank the foundation. He was very encouraged and blessed that we cared enough to send him our Aloha. He said when he watched Bethany’s documentary he felt like he could really relate to her; not just because of the experience they shared, but because he felt that God was sending him a wakeup call. In December that year, Bethany and Tom Hamilton attended a benefit fundraiser for Todd to help raise funds to pay for his medical bills. They both really enjoyed meeting him and his family and supporting him in his recovery. The organization has also reached out to war survivors, trauma victims, and a California woman whose ex-husband planted a pipe bomb in her car. After the bomb was detonated, she was left with two shattered legs. We have found such joy in being a means of support to these and many others. Friends of Bethany desires to help where there is a need and to restore hope to those who are facing life-changing situations. Through FOB we have been able to do just that. We are looking forward to seeing the organization grow and how God will use FOB in new ways, in the years to come. Sarah Hill www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
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Faith&Family 29 AUSTIN
Faith in Action:
Neighbor Helping Senior Neighbor It’s hard to think about life without driving in the big sprawling hill country we live in, but many seniors in our area are very capable of doing everything else but drive. Is that really the time for them to move into a nursing home or assisted living and give up their independent lifestyle? Faith in Action Caregivers can step in and provide this needed service so our senior neighbors can continue to live independently and maintain their quality of life. Our volunteers provide rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, personal and business errands, etc. for the senior adults over the age of 60 we serve who live independently and are mobile. Faith in Action Caregivers is a non-profit organization funded by local church congregations, community groups and individual donations. There are ten branches of FIAC in the greater Austin area, each branch serving a geographic area of clients and volunteers, so that the
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distance between the two for services can be kept at a minimum. As the senior adult population grows at an astounding rate in Central Texas, the need for volunteers for our programs is even greater. Volunteers with Caregivers can serve as drivers (the biggest need), office helpers/schedulers, friendly visitors, etc. Limited transportation options for our senior neighbors are why the biggest request for service (about 95% of the calls) is for transportation. With the ability to choose your geographical area to drive and to drive when it fits your schedule – once a month or more often – driving for Caregivers Northwest is one of the easiest ways to serve your community and your neighbors. Faith in Action volunteers provided over 36,500 point to point rides in 2010 and this number
continues to grow each year. Over 2500 seniors were served last year, and we continue to add new clients daily. With only one or two paid staff members at each office, almost everything we do for our clients is possible because of our awesome volunteers! Volunteer drivers range from young college students to retired executives and everyone in between. FIAC provides so many rides to so many clients in different areas, that we will have a ride to fit your schedule. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Faith in Action Caregivers, please call one of our offices or visit our website to find the location closest to you. The ten caregivers groups share a website at www.faithinactioncaregivers. org. Should you have a little time to give, or know someone who might need our services, we would love to hear from you!
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Ca mp Agape: Offering Hope and Healing Camp Agape Bereavement Camp for Children is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to helping children who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Our faith-based service offers all the fun of a “typical” summer camp, along with unique and creative group-therapy activities to assist the children with their grief process. These activities incorporate the use of art, music, games and play therapies. The Camp Agape program is offered at no cost to children ages 7-12. Founded in 2000, Camp Agape has operated 100% with volunteers and trained professionals who are willing to donate their time and compassion to lend a hand to mend the hurting hearts of children. Our program is supported and funded by local businesses, churches, service organizations and private individuals who realize the value and need of a therapeutic service that offers Hope and Healing to grieving children. The losses from which the children have suffered are great and range from suicide to car wrecks, cancer and illness, accidents… and even murder. Our service includes military children from Fort Hood who have lost a parent in the war in Iraq and
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Afghanistan. This year, we will again be offering our program to these children, as well as from other military bases throughout Texas and other branches of the military. During Camp Agape’s first year of operation we served just six children. Since then, we have served hundreds of children and offered a safe and nurturing environment for them to begin their healing process. Although most children attending Camp Agape are from the Central Texas area, some have traveled from as far away as Brownsville, Amarillo and Houston, as well as other states including, North Carolina, Arizona and Florida. Our volunteers have even traveled from as far away as Virginia and Canada to assist in aiding our grieving children.
Camp Agape can also provide continuing education units to licensed social workers, counselors, and therapists. We encourage you to share the word about our free summer camp program to families who may benefit from our service. As the Camp Agape program continues to grow and impact more children, we also encourage you to consider supporting our service by volunteering your time, or through donations to sponsor children to attend our program. Please visit our website for more information on how you can help at www. campagapetexas.org. Kim Turk Camp Agape Founder
As a community service organization, we realize the value and importance of working with other organizations to further the aid given to children. We strive to coordinate our efforts with local hospices, funeral homes, churches, and schools. Currently, we are working with local seminary schools to provide internships for their students.
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Miracle Foundation: A Pocket of Rice in the Hand
there is something worse than poverty – the lack of love in a child’s heart. Caroline says Founders Day for Miracle Foundation is Mother’s Day 2000, when she felt the “call” and answered. She began her organization as an international adoption agency, but after visiting 26 orphanages and realizing many were corrupt, with no best practices shared, etc., she had no idea what to do – but she had to do something. She states, “I saw things that still keep me up, to this day.” Caroline had been a volunteer with a local organization in Austin called Mobile Loaves & Fishes, and met with Alan Graham, the founder, and told him of her desire to do something to help these orphans. His first statement surprised her, as he asked her to tell him of her conversion. Then he asked her what she thought MLF was all about, and she answered, “You feed the homeless.” Alan then replied, “No. We enable 9000 volunteers a year to be the hands and feet of Jesus to feed the Godshaped hole in people.” He let Caroline know that it was not her job to save orphans, but rather she could effectively move spiritually nurtured individuals into position, to feed the starving.
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ave you ever wondered if the child you support with your monthly contribution really exists? Caroline Boudreaux and a friend traveled all the way to India to find a child whose face they only knew from the Christian Children’s Fund, being very skeptical that he would actually materialize when they arrived. Not only did they meet this one little boy, but what they encountered while on their trip changed Caroline’s life forever. Having worked in Corporate America with Fox Television for years, Caroline grew restless and decided to take a year off to travel around. She
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remembers even saying a prayer to God like this, “I would do anything if given a job with a purpose!” After landing in India and meeting the little boy mentioned above, Caroline and her friend were invited to dinner at the house of the Director for Christian Children’s Fund. They were greeted by 110 bald orphans who were starving and looking at them with empty eyes. One particular little girl clung to Caroline’s knee, fell asleep, and when Caroline went to put her in bed, she discovered she would be laying that bony little body on a piece of hard wood. Caroline thought to herself, “This is unacceptable!” She also then realized that
Miracle Foundation is a nonprofit organization that strives to empower orphans to reach their full potential, one child at a time. They renovate existing orphanages, build new ones, raise money for construction, and find sponsors for the children. The Miracle Foundation presently operates four Children's Homes and one home for unwed mothers. They also have a successful Lunch & Learn Program where children from the community, who are not orphans but are in extreme poverty, can come to the orphanages to get fed and educated during the day, but then go home at night. This program was started because parents from the communities observed the incredible,
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positive changes in the orphans, once Miracle Foundation volunteers came and served. But why India? On the Miracle Foundation website, you will find this fact: There are currently 25 million orphaned children in India -- equal to the inhabitants of the state of Texas. Most orphans in India live in overcrowded, under-funded, government orphanages. The rest live on the streets. Regarding her faith, Caroline states, “I’m absolutely dependent on it. “Faith” is believing in something you cannot see.” And her faith is boosted beyond measure when she sees progress – children getting the help they need. She recalls that on one of her visits to India, she saw a new little boy, picked him up and carried him around on her hip (She calls the kids “Velcro babies” because they just stick to you once you take them.) As she went about her work, she carried him and just loved him. When she put him down, he grabbed her hand and wouldn’t let go. He took his other hand, dug deep in his pocket, and pulled out a bit of cooked rice he had hoarded for later. As he placed it in her hand, she knew he was saying thanks for the love. There are many ways for people to become involved with Miracle Foundation. They need volunteers, sponsors, donations, and gifts. Visit www.miraclefoundation.org or call 512-3298635 for more information. They are located in downtown Austin at 1506 W. 6th Street. Their doors are open to anyone who wants to stop by and visit. What a wonderful story where one woman saw the needs of many children and responded in love. What an awesome encouragement to all of us who wonder if our “sponsored children” really exist. What an incredible example of being the hands and feet reaching out and blessing the poor. And what unimaginable rewards await those who give…and those who receive. Marcy Lytle www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
Faith&Family 33 AUSTIN
TheCelebrating Settlement Home: Foster Families Every Day of the Year
The month of May was a special one at The Settlement Home for Children, as families, children and staff celebrated National Foster Care Month. The Settlement Home, a residential treatment center, foster care and adoption program for abused and neglected children, showed appreciation for the foster parents, many of whom end up adoptive parents. Foster families are diverse. However, the one thing they have in common is a calling to open their hearts and homes to children in need of a stable, safe haven. We have seen a single foster mom take in siblings who were very ill and had medical challenges. In the two months they were placed with her, they received timely and excellent medical care which resulted in the healing of long-term infections that were interfering with language development. Another family fostered and adopted three children with special needs and is now opening their home again to adopt another sibling group with special needs. When asked how everything is going, they reply, “We are praying a lot.” A couple who was previously employed by The Settlement Home had a spiritual calling and a passion to become a foster family serving teenage girls with therapeutic level of need. Their home is spirit-led, as they face the myriad challenges of providing individualized care for teenage girls. To find out more about the foster and adoption program at The Settlement Home for Children, contact us a 512-836-2150 or visit www.settlementhome. org.
Hillside KDO/Preschool: A Wonderful Place for Kids
Hillside KDO/Preschool was born out of the desire to see a quality Preschool program combining the love of God with the love of learning, and is established with quality teachers who give their all to enrich the learning experience of each child. They provide classes for children 18 months to five years old. The curriculum was created for Hillside by professional teachers. They encourage children to explore and grow through play and enriching, structured activities. Hillside’s teachers provide fun, developmentally appropriate activities through learning centers, books, crafts, manipulatives, and outdoor play. The curriculum for the Toddlers and Two year olds includes sign language. The Three and Four year old classes learn elementary Spanish. The curriculum was created to foster future academic success. The Bible curriculum is currently being developed in cooperation with a local children’s author. The curriculum ensures that each child learns about God’s extravagant love, what it means to have Jesus as a friend, and hiding God’s Word in his/her heart. Scriptures are geared to the child’s understanding and shortened to allow memorization. The Bible concepts are taught in contemporary stories. Here is what one parent has to say about the program, “Hillside is a wonderful place to grow and learn. They have an exceptional curriculum taught by experienced and loving teachers. My son is currently a student in the Three year old program, and we couldn't be happier.” Hillside KDO/Preschool is currently enrolling for the 2011-2012 school year. Please visit www.hillsidekdo.org or call Lucy Howard, Director, at 512-5699014 FMI.
34 Faith&Family AUSTIN
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Round Rock Area Serving Cente r: Helping Our Neighbors
The Round Rock Area Serving Center is a nonprofit corporation that “carries out a community-wide mission of churches, other organizations, and individuals, serving human needs in the City of Round Rock and surrounding areas.” They offer a food pantry, collect coats for kids, provide clothing and furniture vouchers, give computer skills training, and much, much more. The Serving Center also houses Treasures, a thrift store full of clothing and furniture, and is open to the public. The Round Rock Area Serving Center always welcome donations, and offers furniture pick up by calling 244-2431. They also appreciate volunteers, who perform a variety of tasks from working in the pantry, sorting and pricing, picking up donations, tending the community gardens, restocking shelves, performing data entry, etc. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to email the volunteer coordinator at volunteer9coord@yahoo.com. Below is an excerpt from The Round Rock Area Serving Center’s website. The numbers speak volumes: “In 2008, a total of 44,605 people were assisted at the Serving Center, experiencing a 45% increase in the number of households with under-privileged, low-income people, and families-in-crisis. The food pantry filled a total of 11,214 food vouchers, and 3,839 households were served from Fresh Food for Families. A total of $463,453 was spent on client services, and $211,745 was given in clothing and furniture vouchers.”
So how can YOU help? Donate food for pantry. Donate funds. Bring in your paper or plastic grocery bags, or household items and toys. Drop off a new or gently used coat anytime throughout the year, or “fund a coat” by donating $22 to Round Rock Coats for Kids, P.O. Box 5006, Round Rock, Texas 78683. And finally, volunteer.
The Philippians Project: Meet the Apostle Paul
Would you like to have a personal encounter with the Apostle Paul? Don’t miss the dramatic presentation The Philippians performed by Philip Smith. In April of 2010, Philip began to visualize the book of Philippians as a live performance piece, and he made a commitment to the Lord to memorize Paul’s letter. Philip had left the world of theater over 22 years before; so the memorization was not easy, but the effort was very fruitful: The Philippians emerged as a complete production with all the elements of theater including scenery with lighting, props, music, costume, and makeup. Since September, Philip has brought Paul’s divinely inspired words to life before Central Texas audiences of all ages and denominations. During this compelling 25 minute presentation, audience members become the early church at Philippi receiving the letter directly from their dear friend Paul. Philip says he is blessed almost daily with insight and revelation about Paul’s joy and love for this church. The Apostle’s encouragement to “rejoice in the Lord” was not just an instruction to the Philippians, but is also an important life lesson for all of us today. “I am eager to present The Philippians to any group, church, or school that wants to invite me,” said Philip. When you see The Philippians, perhaps you will understand why one audience member wrote, “I met the Apostle Paul tonight.” Your group can schedule The Philippians by calling Philip at 512-986-5458 or visiting www.philproject.org. Expenses for this ministry are defrayed by donations and free-will offerings.
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Faith&Family 35 AUSTIN
MUSIC REVIEWS Culture of Honor
D
by Danny Silk
anny Silk somehow captures a picture of how Jesus taught and presented leadership to his disciples in his book, Culture of Honor. Leadership through love and servant hood brings about a change in the atmosphere and causes people to begin to believe again. The natural overflow of honor is seeing people through our Father's eyes. No one is insignificant because everyone is created in His image. When we believe in someone who does not know his value, he begins to change and actually become the person God created him to be. This author has a way of bringing life through his writing, making us dig deeper into what we really believe and why we believe it. All men dream of true freedom, but most of us have not experienced the fullness of what freedom means. Danny's book causes the reader to reach for God's highest destiny without fear or intimidation. Receiving honor from our leaders, causes us to rise up, act honorably, and give honor away to those around us; actually, setting us free. Life overflows from honor because it calls out our best, instead of exposing our worst. This book has a Kingdom mindset and will change the way we think. It shows us how to bring out the gold in others and how to truly love, like royalty is intended to love. The core value of honor has led Bethel Church to a sustaining revival which is now being felt over the nations. Culture of Honor is one of those books to read over and over and still find new treasure. Thank you, Danny Silk, for your contribution to Kingdom life and God's heart to His people. Ginny Hurley
The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin
C
harles Martin has made a name for himself writing about his Native American south and the colorful people that live there. He has been described as “double Nicholas Sparks with a little Michael Crighton thrown in.” The Dead Don’t Dance is a meaningful story of love and despair that ends with great hope. By the time the story closed I felt like I was saying goodbye to best friends and moving away from the most pleasant of places, only to find that the story continues in his next book, Maggie. I can’t wait!
Hello Christian music lovers, I’m new to Austin Faith & Family, so I wanted to introduce myself and let you know I will be coming to you each month with reviews of the latest and greatest CDs out there for Christian music fans. This month, I wanted to recap the best that’s come out so far in 2011. In January, Brandon Heath released his third studio album, Leaving Eden. This one is another hit from the artist who has brought us songs like “I’m Not Who I Was” and “Give Me Your Eyes.” This one features radio smash “Your Eyes,” as well as “The Light in Me,” a brilliant track which finds Heath singing about the hope that God’s love in us should reflect out.
Other highlights include Francesca Battistelli’s Hundred More Years, featuring “This is the Stuff,” a song that everyone can relate to about life’s daily struggles that God uses to teach and mold us.
Josh Wilson’s See You contains the radio hit “I Refuse” and Shawn McDonald has another great one on his hands with Closer.
Finally, newlywed Rebecca St. James recently released her latest, I Will Praise You, to rave reviews.
Deborah Begley LifeWay Christian Store
36 Faith&Family AUSTIN
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Until next month, Mike Giles
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Life
Ladies Top 10 Erin's Cooking Out & About Spend Life Well Dave Says Life Changers
37 38 39 40 41 42
Ladies Top 10:
Staying Fit This Summer
I
BY MARCY LYTLE
think every magazine I receive has something on staying fit, eating healthier or losing weight. We’re a nation obsessed with looking good, feeling good, and hopefully doing good things, as well! I’m not a health expert, nor a fitness guru, but I’ve found some things that work which are not quick fixes, but lifestyle changes. I’ll share them below:
1.
Give up sodas. We all know we need to drink more water, and that sodas are full of sugar, and diet sodas are full of sodium, neither of which are good in excess, in our bodies. It takes a while to get used to drinking only water with your meals, or when you’re thirsty, but after the hard part – you might actually prefer it over soft drinks! (I won’t mention giving up coffee – but personally I think it tastes like dirty water…)
2.
Exercise. This isn’t a new idea, obviously. But for me – joining a gym costs money, and driving there and back takes too much time. Walking is great, but this activity is dependent on the weather. So for me – exercise videos work great. I have to get up, make myself exercise, and the rest of the day I feel good. If I wait, or put it off – it usually doesn’t get done.
3.
Try a delivery service of fresh, local produce. Farmhouse delivery. com is a great company that brings a bushel of fresh produce (whatever is in season) to your door. When it comes, I know that I HAVE to wash it, put it away, and eat it – or the money I spent is wasted. This is a huge incentive! And… we are eating more greens! The cool thing is that Farmhouse sends you an email describing the produce and quick, easy ways to prepare. www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
4.
Skip dessert at night. I’m not positive this does anything, but it makes me feel good. Try to make your dessert just a small taste of something sweet, and have it before 5pm. If you have a sweet tooth at night – chew gum. If you go out with friends and they’re ordering dessert, opt for something with fruit and share with at least four people, so you only have a taste.
5.
Fruit is your friend. Vary up your normal routine of a banana with cereal, or grabbing a clementine on the way out the door. Try strawberries with blackberries – delish! Grill pineapple with a bit of brown sugar. Strawberries, cantaloupe, and kiwi make a great color combination. Buy yourself one of those apple cutters that slides through and gives you perfect slices. They’re more fun to eat than biting into a whole apple!
6. 7.
Heart healthy nuts are a great snack. These come in a can, and you can grab about 10 or so, add an apple, and honestly – it is a very filling, tasty, crunchy mid-morning delight.
Make yourself a list of at least five healthy lunches, and rotate them. Try pears with cheddar cubes, and some of those nuts mentioned above. You’ll be surprised how filling that small lunch can be. If you’re buying greens, cut them up, and keep a muffin tin full of toppings in your fridge for an easy salad fix. There are great homemade hummus dips that are wonderful with pita chips, and carrots. Peruse the internet for more options.
8.
Share a dinner. Going out to eat? Most restaurants serve plates with more than enough food for one. Try sharing a meal, and maybe a salad. It can be challenging to find something you and your partner agree upon to order, but let him pick the entrée, and you pick the sides, or vice versa.
9.
Try on those jeans. Instead of weighing every morning, and fretting over numbers – pick a pair of pants you wear comfortably. If they feel tight, you know you need to cut back. Refuse to buy new clothes until you can wear them comfortably again.
10.
Be comfortable in your own skin. I’m not a thin person – I’m curvy. I spent years pining over not being thin, flat chested, and long-legged. Models on TV are not the standard, and neither is your best friend. Pray about everything, give thanks for the cool body you have, and take care of it well. That’s all you have to do. And one more thing: If staying healthy is just impossible no matter what you’ve tried to do – get help. Prayer works wonders, so admit to a friend that you have a problem, and ask them to pray with you. It’s a wonderful way to start…
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Faith&Family 37 AUSTIN
Life
Erin's Cooking
The Melting Pot
I
was recently introduced to Indian food, one of those cultural foods I know the least about. I was surprised at the numerous variations of ingredients, including curry. Most people probably assume that yellow curry is the only spice used in Indian cuisine. Though it is the base for a lot of dishes it doesn’t stand alone. The dish I tried that day was made with coconut curry. The coconut added sweetness to the sauce and kept the curry from overpowering the dish. It’s my new favorite! Now that my perception of Indian food has been dispelled, I’ve been rethinking other cultural foods as well. Mexican food is another one of those grey areas, especially here in Texas. According to my Hispanic friends, Tex-Mex isn’t Mexican food at all. Who would have “thunk” because it’s all I have ever known. Let’s take enchiladas, for example. The real deal is usually just made with cheese - none of this dressed up, sauced over “chicken or beef” nonsense. Sure, there may be a little shredded chicken on the side, but traditionally the two are not assembled together. Personally, I like to play around with my food and create tasty combinations. Guess that’s why I’m a Tex-Mex fan!
Honey's Mac & Cheese
Now when it came to Asian food, the word sushi was enough to make my skin crawl. I had tasted raw fish before and decided I liked my fish well done. There’s also the fact that sushi is wrapped in seaweed that, in my opinion, is the worst textured food I have ever eaten. No joke. So, you can imagine that when my friend wanted to go to a sushi restaurant, I was highly skeptical. I let the waitress in on my hesitations, and she suggested I substitute seaweed for soy paper when ordering my roll. I’m glad she was so flexible with me! For a “foodie” I didn’t realize how I was so stuck in my comfort zone. All of these new discoveries have been just in the last few months. As fun as it is to try something wild when eating out, I love to get down to the roots and once in a while remember what I have always loved. “Honey’s Mac & Cheese” is one of my family’s favorites. It’s always in the buffet line at family get-togethers. The idea for “Arroz con Leche” came from a friend and fellow intern, Yvonne, who hails from California and remembers what it’s like back home while she’s away. I’m so blessed to have grown up in the melting pot of so many different cultures with so many opportunities to experience something new once in a while. At this rate I’ll never be bored!
Erin Osborn
Cooking Enthusiast
Directions: Cook and drain macaroni. Place in a large casserole dish, preferably 9 in. x13 in. Cut up cheese and mix into the macaroni. Stir egg into milk and pour over macaroni. Dot with butter. Cook for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Arroz con Leche
Directions: Bring water to a boil with cinnamon sticks. Pour in rice and cook uncovered until tender, about 40-45 minutes. Remove from heat and add Condensed milk. Add a splash of hot water to thin out if so desired. Serve with cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. Note: You may use white rice. Be aware of cooking time indicated on the back of rice package. Also, if you prefer it to be more “soupy” or creamy add a can of Evaporated Milk before adding Condensed Milk. 38 Faith&Family AUSTIN
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Photo Safari 2
Life
Out & About
Hamilton Pool Area
L
et me entice you to experience the peace and beauty of nature right out our back door! My intrigue began many years ago when we took my daughter and a group of pre-teen girls on a birthday celebration to Hamilton Pool. My daughter’s actual birthday is in December but she had always wanted a party in the summer so she could swim and be outdoors. Hamilton Pool was her choice! It was so beautiful and absolutely fascinating in so many ways.
providing an ideal set-up to photograph nature and animals in their natural habitat. There are four areas with blinds to allow photography of many animals and nature as you hike through this private ranch. There is a small house for rent ($120 a night). You can check it out at www.losmadrones.com for contact information. Hamilton pool is only five miles from the ranch and the Pedernales River is a 50 minute hike from the ranch.
From the park entrance we hiked quite a long trek to get to the pool area, over rocks and slippery trails, through dense trees and over small streams of water. Needless to say, it is not a good place for babies, toddlers or anyone who has difficulty walking. In the middle of just concentrating to stay afoot we caught a glimpse of a waterfall, heard the constant water flowing over the rocks and then out popped the most beautiful, secluded pool of water in the middle of the forest that I have ever seen. For a moment we felt like we were on a faraway island, not in central Texas! There was a small beach area to place towels and coolers and just sit and take in the beauty of the whole surrounding area. As a parent, I had a great deal of respect for this breathtaking pool of water because it is very deep in the middle and there are no lifeguards. Nevertheless, we had a wonderful time swimming and exploring the rocks and caves around the pool. What a unique place to cool off in the Texas summer heat!
Milton Reimers Ranch Park ($5 adults, $2 children) is ½ a mile east, and Westcave Preserve is two more miles from the ranch. Westcave has guided tours on Saturday and Sunday at 10, 2, and 4 P.M. There is a maximum of 30 people and no reservations, just first come, first served. In my opinion the guided tour would be the best, as explanation of wildlife and vegetation would be enlightening. I am planning a getaway weekend to visit the Los Madrones Ranch and the surrounding area very soon. There are numerous places for picnics in all of these places, but the emphasis is to leave everything the way you find it - so whatever you take in, must come out with you.
As I was researching activities in this area, I found Los Madrones Ranch, a wonderful place to stay, very near Hamilton Pool, and this launched the idea of a photo safari in and around this beautiful, intriguing area of Travis County. Los Madrones Ranch is a privately owned ranch dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the area and
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If picnics are not your idea of fun there are plenty of good restaurants around the area on Hamilton Pool Road and many choices at the Hill Country Galleria on Hwy 71 at 620. Make sure to take your tennis shoes, camera, sunscreen, and water, and grab every opportunity to photograph the beauty of God’s creation at every corner.
Vicki Lancaster
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Faith&Family 39 AUSTIN
Life
Spend Life Well
Giving in Faith
How will you be blessed?
M
y own journey about giving has certainly not been a smooth, straight path. Early in our marriage, my wife and I irregularly gave to our church. I say irregularly because the amount and frequency was based upon whether or not anything was left over at the end of the month. We only started truly tithing perhaps 15 years ago where we gave of the first fruits of our income.
We have been disciplined and obedient givers to our church and other important causes since then. Quite frankly, the experience has been quite, well, boring. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly believe that giving is an act of worship. But is giving an act of worship based on what you can see, touch and feel really that impressive? The bottom line is that we usually give based on what we can see. We are giving based upon a percentage of what we earn. It’s tangible. I can calculate that if I give this much I will have so much left over for my bills this month. It's the risk free investment in God. Our giving has been based on logic - not on faith. Are we limiting what God can do through our gifts by not giving based on faith? Are we missing the true blessing of giving by giving what we know to be tangible or logical? We know our God is all-knowing and all-powerful; what He can do is limitless. Yet, I am reminded of the parable Jesus told of the widow giving two coins as an offering at the temple. I am guessing she had no tangible idea where her next meal was to come from; yet she gave most, if not all that she had. She gave in faith. She had faith that God would provide her every need. In your own giving, are you giving out of obedience or out of faith? Have you ever considered the impact Christians could have on the world if we made it a habit to give a faith-derived gift of our time, talent, and treasure? The impact for the Kingdom would be almost immeasurable. Consider this: If only half of the readers of this magazine would commit to giving $5/month to either a church or charity, more than
40 Faith&Family AUSTIN
$3,000,000 would be donated annually. That could go a long way to meeting the needs of others or sharing Christ in Austin. Yet why won't we do it? In a recent book, Passing the Plate, the authors assert that 71% of Christians give less than 2% of their income to church or charitable organizations. 25% of Christians give nothing at all. If Christians in the United States were to begin to give generously not excessively - but just a little more than current giving levels - the impact could be in the hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Starting this month I encourage you to take a radical step in your own family's finances. Give First and Give Generously. Make a faith-based habit of giving. You see, the popular culture encourages us to focus on "Me" first. We need that new car; we need a bigger house; we need to make sure the kids are in baseball, soccer, ballet and taking piano lessons. Yet, we live in the wealthiest country in the world, in the most materialistic time in history. And, we are inundated with more than 5,000 marketing messages a day encouraging us to spend and worry about the cost tomorrow. But what is the real cost? What opportunities and blessings from God are we passing up because of our focus on accumulating stuff? Adopting a faith-based approach toward giving starts with an acknowledgement that God created everything; we were created in His image; God owns everything and we are Trustees, not owners. The very first verse in the Bible (Genesis 1:1) tells us that God created everything. Scripture also says that He owns everything in Psalm 24:1. What we have is given to us in order to manage it on His behalf. Some might call it stewardship. Stewardship allows the gifts we have been given, not to flow to us but through us for the benefit of others. Once we understand where everything comes from and the concept of stewardship, the first step in God’s
design for our finances is fairly easy to grasp. But if you are still not convinced that giving should come first, ask yourself these questions: “Did God give His best first or last?”; “Did He give to us ‘sparingly’ or ‘generously’?” If you attended Sunday School as a child, it is quite likely the very first verse you learned to recite was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only son…” Giving back first helps us keep the right attitude toward our finances and serves as a reminder from where the blessing came. Ask God what He wants you to give. Give generously in a way that only God can provide. Giving based on faith will not only provide for the needs of others but will grow your faith as well.
Mark Trice
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Dear Dave, My broker has recommended a managed futures fund. I’ve never heard of these, and I got the feeling she doesn’t know much about them, either. She’s always been very conservative and reliable before, so we’re concerned. Can you explain something about them? Krista Dear Krista, It sounds a little like she jumped off the cliff and became a roulette dealer. The term “managed futures” is virtually an oxymoron. I think she needs to explain her behavior and the investment after this stunt! With managed futures you’re basically betting on the future price of a commodity. What’s the price of gold, or oil, or wheat going to be somewhere down the road? You’re guessing as to what the future will bring, and managing a group of those guesses. What a joke! People in the brokerage business represent dumb things every day. The sad thing is this is someone you thought you could trust. —Dave
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Dear Dave, I’m 19 and about to start college. Thanks to my part-time job and generous parents, I’ll be able to pay for college without student loans. Since I won’t be borrowing money, what’s my next financial step? Patrick Dear Patrick, Stay away from the free t-shirt tables. Those things always have credit cards hiding behind them. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. But since the money is already there for school, the only thing you really need to do is save all the cash you can for after graduation. The first couple of years after college may be the most life-changing and volatile period of your life. If you keep working and saving like you have already, you’ll have cash on hand for an emergency fund and to start your new life. Plus, you’ll be able to plan for the future by investing in good, growth stock mutual funds, and maybe a Roth IRA after that! —Dave
Dear Dave, I know you usually recommend having eight to 10 times your income in life insurance. I’m 25, single, and I have no kids. Do I still need that much life insurance? Anonymous Dear Anonymous, The need for life insurance is very low in situations like yours. All you really want is enough to cover burial expenses, and clean up any mess you may leave behind. If you own a home you may not have to worry about any remaining debt, because the sale of the house might cover it. Many times an employer will furnish you with life insurance equal to your yearly salary, or maybe twice that amount. In lots of cases, that alone will take care of things for young singles. Check into it! —Dave
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Faith&Family 41 AUSTIN
Life A Homeless Retreat Life Changers
A
s I sit at a red light, a scruffy looking gentleman approaches my vehicle and I find myself changing the dial on the radio; then looking through my purse to find my phone to answer a call that’s not really coming in. Anything to avoid making eye contact, hoping he will just walk right past me. It’s another homeless person with yet a more creative sign than the next. Besides, what can one person do? By giving him a dollar, am I telling him that’s all he’s worth? I was soon given an opportunity to spend time with these beautiful people. I was invited to go on a Street Retreat, to be intertwined for 72 hours with the homeless men and women on the streets. No phones, no money and no agenda. Just what we could fit in our backpacks and carry around for three days, and no shower or feather pillows. I know you might think living on the streets for three days with the homeless doesn’t sound like much of a retreat, but what I was about to discover was God’s true beauty and how he really loves. Within the first 15 minutes, I was given food, friendship and unconditional love. They were taking care of me. The very people I treated with such disrespect and an unkind heart opened up their arms and welcomed me into their world. There was a small group that evening
42 Faith&Family AUSTIN
that made vegan food and a fresh salad and fed all of us and all of them, and I enjoyed some of the bread given to us by our new homeless friend. It was my “manna for the day,” as one of my journey women said. I wanted so much to be alone with God that evening. I had so much to ask him - so much to be thankful for. I had listened that day, to story after story of these men and women. The common thread there was a profound loss of family, a divorce, a death, or a loss of some sort. It was in all of them and even me. That pain we can’t push past, the loss that we can’t get over. We all just handle things a bit different. We were taken to a parking lot to sleep that evening. A man by the name of David used his former military training to prepare our cardboard beds for us and he took such impeccable care, as if he were hired to protect us for the evening. He was up most of the night walking the parking lot to make sure no unwelcome guests came around us. The next day, a homeless couple, Joe and Carmen, invited us to breakfast. We waited in line for our meal and found out one man served these men and women every Monday, before he headed to work. He fed us that morning and gave us coffee, bug spray, and toiletries, and laid out an assortment of shoes and
backpacks. The miles we put on our feet to get our provision were incredible. We decided to go to Town Lake and separate, and spend some much needed alone time. I prayed and felt so overwhelmed with compassion I had never felt before. I understood what the word retreat really meant, that quiet moment in awe of who God really is. The quiet time where you’re not even able to speak because your experience has led you to silence, as you see how his love flows through what some think is the lowest of life. I realized the same God who was wrapped around me like a blanket that day by the lake and loved me so unconditionally, loved them the same. Sitting back and doing nothing was no longer an option. Max Lucado says one person can’t do everything, but everyone can do something. I may only be one person but I know this experience has led me to love in a new way. It was truly a retreat.
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Rene Dorsey
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Faith&Family 43 AUSTIN
KeeP Climbing
Hope for tackling life's challenges
T
he climbing bug first bit Gary Sinclair when he was in elementary school. His parents took him and his sister to Colorado several times. On their last trip, Gary, his mom, and dad, attempted the challenging Long’s Peak climb. It is not only a 14,000 foot peak, but an eight mile route each way that includes a steep trail, fields of huge boulders, narrow ledges, and a precipitous Home Stretch. Unfortunately, Gary and his dad encountered mountain sickness, something common to people from lower elevations who attempt higher elevation climbs with only a few days to acclimatize. They turned around, dejected and disappointed, while his mom continued on with the rest of the party. Gary vowed to come back some day and get to the summit. Almost 30 years to the day, he and his 13-year old son, Tim, finished off Long’s Peak, the first of four 14er’s they would climb. That day Gary knew he had both completed a special goal and had done something special with his son. He also knew some lifelong impressions had been stamped on his heart forever.
Ever since that climb, Gary has ended his emails and letters with the two-word phrase Keep Climbing. Gary realized that there were scores of life lessons that could be learned from the mountains, and one of them was perseverance. He remembers the times when he didn’t want to take one more step but had to learn to just keep going, keep climbing . . . the view from the top is worth it. In the meantime, he and his wife of now 35 years, Jackie, thought that someday it would be fun, and
impacting to others, to actually trademark the phrase and use it for good. As a pastor and counselor, he also knew there were people out there climbing all sorts of personal mountains who needed hope and encouragement. But what would he and his wife do with their idea? How could they help others beyond Gary’s role at his church? Fortunately, in today’s world getting the word out has become easier. So Gary and his wife started their own Keep Climbing™ website. This website includes information about Gary and his wife, and a blog that brings climbing and life’s mountains together. There’s also a resource page where people struggling with everything from cancer, to depression, to job loss, can link to other sites with helpful information. There’s a store where people can purchase a bracelet, pendant, and even a smart phone case, that has Keep Climbing on it. Gary and Jackie think that even actual mountain climbers would like to show off their passion for climbing in some way and hope they’ll spread the word, too. He states, “We’ve had some amazing affirmations from God that tell us we might be on to something…we definitely know we received some funds out of nowhere that came just when we needed it.” Gary contacted a young guy who climbed Everest after having cancer and asked him if he would swap links on their websites and then do an interview with Gary to use on the website. He not only said “Yes!” to both, he is interested in building a relationship so they can work together in some way.
Where is Keep Climbing headed? Gary and Jackie think that there are a number of groups who might benefit from the concept, encouragement, and hope that the idea could initiate. Through Twitter Gary is following a variety of cancer groups, parents, and even children, climbing a huge mountain simply to stay alive and hopefully regain a normal, productive life. He and Jackie faced this mountain themselves when some eight years ago Jackie was diagnosed with cancer. They trekked through her radiation, chemo, and surgeries together and thankfully made it to the summit. Others are climbing mountains of fractured relationships, grief, job losses, and depression. They all need regular reminders that first there is hope and that they must keep going. There are numerous mountain analogies that climbers with hope must embrace. For example, you climb a literal mountain one step at a time. You don’t look at the summit. The same is true in life. You also need to climb with others, and be “roped” together with fellow strugglers. The lessons and examples go on and on. Those lessons will be explored in Gary’s blog each week. And hopefully, many who don’t know the God we serve will find Christ in the middle of their journey. So, what’s needed now? They need Christians to pray for them – for wisdom, for direction, for connections. Second, they need people to simply check out their site and pass it on to others. Go to their Facebook and Twitter pages as well and “like” them or re-tweet the entries to their friends. Third, they would love to have ideas about where the keep climbing idea could spread or be helpful. If you have suggestions, email hope@keepclimbing. net. Finally, encourage one of your friends with a Keep Climbing keepsake. They’ll thank you for it and you just might give them a nudge of hope that they need to see every day. And if you’re facing your own personal mountain, keep climbing! The view from the top really is worth it!
Gary Sinclair
http://www.keepclimbing.net
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Head to Heart:
Letting Go of the Past: Forgiving Yourself I
saiah 43:18 and 19 reads, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” This scripture is the cornerstone of Head to Heart Restoration Ministries. It provides hope for our lives.
Three of the most common questions counselees ask are, “How do I let go of regrets or mistakes? How do I forgive myself? How do I forget the past?”
God does not have a “B Plan”
God has an amazing way of weaving our past regrets and mistakes to form our destiny in him. There is a false belief that because of our past we have moved off of God’s “A Plan.” The enemy lies and says, “Because you messed things up so bad, you will never be able to do what God has called you to do.” In other words, you are no longer on the A Plan or God’s best. You are now on the B Plan. God does not have a B Plan! God has an unlimited number of A Plans for you. Jeremiah 29:17 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If God’s plan is a hope and a future, our regrets and mistakes are forgiven. We can’t change the past but we can stop it from impacting our future. We can learn from our past and use what we have learned to bring hope and healing to others. Allow God to take past mistakes to weave another A Plan for your life.
Let Go and Let God
This cliché holds a great deal of truth. When we let go of the past, we embrace God’s grace, forgiveness, and plan. To let go of past mistakes, we need to identify them specifically and the impact they had on ourselves and others. “My hot temper was hurtful and wounding to my wife and children. My fear of failure paralyzed me from changing jobs and I missed a great opportunity.” The enemy speaks lies that condemn our sense of self and our character. Embracing the lies prevents us from becoming the person God wants us to be. Letting go is not the same as giving yourself a free pass or making excuses for your actions. Part of letting go may involve asking for and receiving forgiveness or making amends or restitution. Letting go involves prayer and casting your cares and burdens upon Jesus.
Forgive Yourself
Forgiving yourself is not specifically addressed in the Bible, but there are principles of forgiveness that God wants us to apply to ourselves. Not forgiving yourself of past sins is a form of pride. It is pride because we are establishing a higher set of rules for ourselves than we have for others. The message we send to ourselves is that we are more insightful than others or God about our lives. We are choosing to reject his gift of forgiveness by setting ourselves above others. In order to remain in a place of forgiveness towards ourselves, we have to transform how we think. Philippians 4:8 tells us “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Some of the “whatevers” God wants us to think about include: He remembers our sins no more (Jer. 31:34), I am a new creation because I am in Christ (2 Cor. 2:17), I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child (Eph. 1:3-8), I am free from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2, 31-19).
Forget the Past
Putting the past behind you can remove the guilt, anger and shame but how do you “forget” past mistakes, sins or actions? If we can’t forget the past or “former things” then why would scripture direct us to do so? In John Wesley’s commentary on the Bible regarding verse 18 he states “… yet in comparison of that inestimable mercy of sending the Messiah, all your former deliverances are scarce worthy of your remembrance and consideration.” In other words, we choose to not let our past define our identity because of the transforming love, grace and forgiveness that comes from the sacrifice of Jesus. Forgiving yourself is not just about forgetting. When you forgive yourself you stop bringing the sin up to yourself in negative or destructive ways. You stop beating yourself up. Forgiving yourself allows you to move forward in God’s plan for your life. It is allowing the forgiveness of Jesus to free you from the past. Take the steps necessary to release the past and walk in God’s grace and forgiveness for you. He truly will “…make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Al Jones, Ph.D.
Head to Heart Ministries www.headtoheart.org
You can find many lists of scriptures that speak positive affirmations about who you are in Christ on line, or in many Christian books and publications. Take time to meditate and memorize some of the scriptures that speak to you and your situation. Transforming your mind enables you to transform how you view yourself and how you can forgive yourself for the past. www.AustinFaithandFamily.com
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Diet & Nutrition
Helping Yourself Naturally After an
Automobile Accident N
obody likes to hear the term “auto accident,” never mind being in one, but in the modern, urban setting, an average person is in an average of three to five automobile accidents in his or her lifetime. Of course, some are fortunate enough to have zero, while others have several in A YEAR. This frequency prompted me to write an article about this issue, because people often neglect their health after an accident to take care of other related issues (car repair, finding means of transportation, insurance matters) and this can have long-term repercussions. Therefore, we will concentrate on how to care for oneself after an accident.
The most common collision involves rear-ended accidents. Right after it happens, people are shocked, surprised, confused, anxious, or even angry, and often only think about damages to the vehicle and neglect physical damage to their bodies. And sometimes, people do not experience symptoms immediately after the accident. However, do not underestimate the effects. Many of my patients report that they do not feel any symptoms after the accident, but experience pain, burning, muscle tightness, and joint stiffness the following day. Also, do not ignore the impact of a light-speed collision: research has shown that in a rear-end collision the speed of the vehicle can be as low as 8 mph to cause injuries to the body, especially the neck. Due to the impact to the car, the seat naturally propels forward, and the head and neck react to this forward force by moving in the exact opposite direction, rocking backward. The rest of the body is restricted by the seat and seatbelt, causing the head and neck to once again jerk forward, and the motion is commonly termed “whiplash.” Depending on the specific scenario of
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the crash, people can also notice pain in the low back, shoulder, knees, head and even the jaw. So what do we do after an accident to help ourselves? Here are some suggestions: 1) Even if the symptoms are mild, remember that they may be masked by adrenaline, and may get worse later. It is always a good idea to seek medical consult after an accident, so your doctor can prescribe the necessary medication to reduce pain and inflammation. A visit to the Chiropractor might also help reduce nerve irritation and improve mobility. If the injures are more severe, an ER visit might be warranted. 2) Due to the whiplash mechanism, muscles and ligaments can get outstretched or torn, causing inflammation and swelling. Therefore, a good idea is to ice the affected area on the same day, 15-20 minutes at a time; repeat several times, and stop when you go to sleep. This can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Heat is not recommended in the first three days after your injury, as it increases inflammation. 3) Likewise, for nutritional support, the key is to reduce inflammation associated with the injury. Although inflammation is essential to tissue repair and should happen, it needs to occur in a controlled fashion as to not irritate the nerves and tissues. Bromelain, a digestive enzyme made from pineapple, is clinically shown to block metabolites related to inflammation. Both eating pineapples and taking Bromelain in supplement form can help control inflammation. Ginger and tumeric (from curry) are also natural anti-inflammatory agents. You can place them in your diet, or make tea from green tea, ginger powder and tumeric powder (with honey and/or lemon for taste) and
consume the tea throughout the day. Flaxseed, black currant seed, and fish oil all contain Omega fats that help reduce the production of proinflammatory chemical messengers and should be taken regularly. 4) In order to supply necessary nutrients for tissue and ligament repair, nutrients such as manganese, magnesium, calcium and Vitamin C should be taken, in supplement form or from food. 5) Finally, as you start to recover from your injuries, some light, gentle rehab exercises can be helpful. Bending the head down and up, bending left and right, and turning within the limit of pain can help align the new muscle fibers in the right orientation, thus preventing scar tissue formation. Gentle neck stretches or massage can also help decrease swelling and facilitate healing.
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Dr. Trent Peng
Chiropractor & Nutritionist
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The Real Stuff
Summer
That "Perfect" Season
D
oes your summer prompt more of God in your life, or less of God? Where does God get “stuffed” during this unique season? Do you take him on vacation? Do you abandon his house? Do you use this time to establish better bible study and/or prayer practices? If God becomes a greater force in your life during the summer months, hooray for you! I would love to hear how you accomplish this and what you purpose to implement during summertime. Email me at www.amy@souledoutministries.com so that I can share these tips on my radio program this summer!
Establish a scripture reading time: Don’t head to the pool until it is complete
Here are my tips:
Grab hands and pray. Since we are less rushed during the summer, this is a great time to circle up and pray at any time of the day. No one will want to stop when school begins, trust me. (I interviewed an ex con who had come to the Lord and he shared the testimony of his grandmother
With Kids
Do not miss Vacation Bible School! Don’t forget, you can always attend another neighborhood church if you miss your own.
Ensure you have established play dates with kids from church reminding your child how imperative it is to fellowship with other believers (Teach them early!) Try Wednesday night church since the kids don’t have to be roused at dawn. Typically Wednesday night services are family-friendly and offer teaching that differs from the type delivered on Sunday morning.
who “made” him pray when he was young whether he felt like it or not. He was so grateful to her.) Replace slug bug with Christian travel games. Download them online, make them up yourself or head to the library for suggestions.*
Kids or No Kids
Take your bible on vacation! Ditch the romance/ suspense novels. Stay connected. Dare to pray on the beach. What an amazing opportunity to seek God, look at his majestic creation, and listen to the waves roll in. You just may hear his voice! Don’t book-up on Sunday. Plan your special outings on Friday, Saturday or Sunday after lunch. Summer is not a hall pass to disregard heading to His house. Get a life! A prayer life, that is. Summer is a perfect time as the pace slows to establish your lifeline to Jesus. Set a goal! June – August is the perfect 90-day timeframe to implement your God centered healthy living approach. Read What the Bible Says about Healthy Living by Rex Russell and be inspired for the next 365 days. Remember God doesn’t go on vacation, ever! He is never unavailable to us. Stay connected and you may see God work miracles “even” during your summer! Remember, once you set your goal: You must profess it: Accountability You must write it: Success Factor You must see for yourself: http://www.dominican. edu/dominicannews/study-backs-up-strategiesfor-achieving-goals.html You must revisit it: Out of sight - out of mind You are on your way to a God-filled summer!
Listen to Amy Dillon L!ve on The Word 99.3/98.5
*http://www.aaronhur.org/travel_game/bible_travel_games_001.pdf
http://www.faithfulcross.com/travelgames.html
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The Real Me
Summer of Love I
t's that time of year again: summer. The season where the days are long and hot, Barton Springs is on everyone's to-do list, and (arguably) most importantly, the time for summer love. While I'm sure you are anxious to hear all about my experiences with summer romances and a ranking of Top Ten Date Nights, I am instead going to approach this love from a different angle. As people of God, we are called to love. To love our family, those we consider friends, and, as frustrating as it can be sometimes, those we consider foes. This kind of love is what I want infused into my summer. So what does this look like? How do we make this a summer of love? While I don't have
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beauty in the moments you share and the people you share them with, and embrace each summer day. We were each created with unique nuances that make us completely us. Hone in on those nuances and say a small word of thanks to God for sharing them with you through fellowship.
Be open to trying new things and meeting new people. Our city is full of life and there is always an opportunity to get a group together. Strike up conversations under the stars that go further than asking, “So what do you do for a living?” The days any perfect answer to either of these questions I are longer, so take advantage of the extra sunlight have come to find that it's somewhat simple if you and invest a bit in the people around you. just live in love.
Be real. Be open. Have fun. Even as the sun beats down the glorious Vitamin D that lifts moods and darkens cheeks, we must remember who we are - who we were created to be. I find that summer is a great season to fellowship. There seems to be an endless supply of barbecues, celebrations, and excuses to sit around and share life. Take a moment, lean forward, and listen intently to the stories of those around you. Be loving and real with the people you surround yourself with, be open to finding
Lastly, have fun. I believe summer is God's way of saying, “Lighten up, look around and see the beauty.” We glorify God when, through following Him, we find joy in our surroundings. So kick off the flip-flops and enjoy this world around you. Grab a friend and jump in with abandon to the frigid (and yet refreshing) waters of Barton Springs. Get out and make this your season of love.
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Mallory Hamling
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S.A.V.I.O.R.
Salvation Available Visible
cityscene AFF attended the CD Release Concert of Lainey Wright at Hill Country Bible UT. The lyrics were inspired, the band was incredible, and Lainey's guitar strumming and honest voice were enjoyed by all. FMI on Lainey Wright and her new CD The Traveler, visit www.laineywright.com.
In Our Reach We are so blessed. No matter how badly I might want to, I cannot save you. No matter how strongly you might want to, you cannot save me. We do not contain enough love or pureness of heart to accomplish this task. Salvation can only come through the perfectly orchestrated design of our Father in heaven. God send His Son to be the Savior of the world. He desires… He beckons… He waits for all of His children to come to him. How do I know He is waiting? His word says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” I know this because He sent us a SAVIOR showing...
AFF joined the events commemorating the National Day of Prayer around the area, including the Governor's Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, May 3, and the NDP Georgetown event on Thursday, May 5.
Salvation is Available and Visible, withIn Our Reach. Scottie Moore
Pictured (left to right): Earl Serrano, Amanda Eddins, Miranda Bradley, Susan Stern, Marcy & Jon Lytle
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