Fort Bend Christian Magazine | February / March 2015

FORT BEND

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Crowning Glory Team Shows Love of Christ to Clients

Spring Cleaning for Our Children Author Spotlight: Patti Londa Greene

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Letter from the President & Publisher-In-Chief FORT BEND

We here at Fort Bend Christian Magazine hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year! This issue, I decided to do something a little different in my letter from the publisher. One of our dear readers sent me a letter, and upon reading it I felt compelled to share it, along with my response, with you all.

Volume II, Issue 1

6

Bible Trivia

9

Real Estate Business, The Crowning Glory Team, Shows Love of Christ to Clients

14 Spring Cleaning for Our Children 18 Jewish Roots 20 It’s Not Too Late 25 Author Spotlight: Patti Londa Greene 28 Dear Doctor 30 Healing the World From the Inside Out

11/15/2014 Dear Mr. Menslage,

After reading your October/November 2014 magazine with the list of so-called Christians, I was surprised to see Judge Jeff McMeans, Judge of County Court at Law #2 listed with the others. Scripture tells us to judge a tree by the fruit it bears.

During my assisting my daughter to get her from under the umbrella of the guardianship program, I observed many things that appeared not to be coming from a Christian.

My daughter, Linda Rodgers, was in her third bout of cancer and was in the process of taking chemo therapy when this happened. Judge McMeans appointed an attorney, Alicia D. Klosowsky to our case. She came to our home twice and maybe spent five minutes each time.

Linda was beginning to have frequent falls, so I put our home up for sale. The house was sold but the closing had not yet been finalized.

The above mentioned attorney attached a lien to our home and the sale was canceled. I personally owed her nothing as the home was in my name, not my daughters!

But the kind of Judge we have in this County Court at Law #2, Jeff McMeans, approved everything this attorney put in front of him!

Sincerely, Freddie Mae Rodgers

38 As I See It: A Bill’s Perilous Journey

Dear Ms. Rodgers,

43 Local Christian School Highlights

I am very sorry to hear about your experience, and that your daughter has been suffering so much in her fight with cancer. However, while I personally do not know Judge McMeans, I have had the opportunity to meet many Harris County judges, and I do believe they try to make just decisions. Judges are simply humans, like you and I, and are continuously forced to make difficult choices that will gain favor with some, and lose it with others. While it’s true that sometimes judges don’t make the “right” decisions, I’m not familiar enough about your particular case to make a judgment here.

I also know that most judges have a tremendous amount of cases before their bench with a limited support staff.

They do not always have a lot of time to study each and every claim or fact in the case and adjudicate many cases in an ordinary week.

Our sister publication, Katy Christian Magazine, has been putting out Christian Voters guides for almost 10 years, and since this is our first year to publish Fort Bend Christian Magazine, our August/September insertion contained our first one for Fort Bend County. Our magazine always tries to make the right endorsements and for the most part, I believe we have. I rely on several people that are very familiar with Fort Bend politics and not everyone we endorse is a Christian. We try to pick the best candidates that reflect our views. Two issues that are very important to us are pro-life and pro-family values. Those issues greatly narrow the field of candidates we endorse.

I am sorry that I cannot address this issue any further as space permits. I hope this has helped and your family is in our prayers.

44 The Buzz About Fort Bend

Our Mission Statement:

“Our mission is to have a magazine devoted to His glory, provide cutting-edge stories important to today’s Christian, promote Christian-Judeo values we find important, and editorial content that your entire family can enjoy.”

Joseph Menslage , President / Publisher-in-Chief joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com Malisia Garcia, Publisher & Business Development Manager mali@fortbendchristianmagazine.com Kris Prewitt, Senior Account Executive kris@fortbendchristianmagazine.com Hannah Menslage Assistant to the Publisher hannah@fortbendchristianmagazine.com

Joseph R. Menslage President/Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com

Letter From The Publisher For advertising information, contact Joseph Menslage at (281) 497-6455 or email joseph@fortbendchristianmagazine.com

© 2015 Fort Bend Christian Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or website may be distributed or reproduced without prior written consent of the publisher. Advertisements and or editorial content published in Fort Bend Christian Magazine does not necessarily reflect the views of Fort Bend Christian Magazine.

To SUBSCRIBE: send a check or money order for 30.00 for a 12-month subscription to Fort Bend Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024. For EDITORIAL or calendar submissions, please mail them to Fort Bend Christian Magazine, 650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

For 24/7 service, please visit our website: www. FortBendChristianMagazine.com. You can also call

(281) 497-6455 or write to us at

650 West Bough, Suite 150-170, Houston, TX 77024.

Wow, what a blessed way to start the New Year! I am incredibly thankful for the ability to help spread God’s word, as well as the privilege to share with you all inspirational stories of faith and encouragement. It gives me great pleasure to be a part of an organization dedicated to helping Christian businesses grow. As readers, I’d like to thank you for supporting Fort Bend Christian Magazine, which brings you “family-friendly news with an eternal purpose.”

Like our sister publication, Katy Christian Magazine, our mission is made possible by the support of our Christian advertisers. Many of our readers would like to know how they can help our ministry and help us reach the community for Christ. The answer is very simple: support our advertisers. Also, please be sure to let them know how much you appreciate their advertisement with us, and mention that you saw their ad in Fort Bend Christian Magazine. Remember to support our Christian businesses and to please share your news at editor@fortbendchristianmagazine.com.

Malisia Garcia Publisher & Business Development Manager Fort Bend Christian Magazine mali@fortbendchristianmagazine.com Direct Line: 281-497-6499 Cell: 832-597-7397

4 • For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com

February / March 2015

“L

ogan, you’re a smart kid. C’mon.

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Laura pleaded with her 13-year-old son as he sulked over the books strewn across the kitchen table.

Every night Laura and her husband, Ted, worked with Logan for hours on reading and homework. Logan was a great kid with a great heart, but he seemed to have given up. Luckily, his parents weren’t willing to do the same.

The first thing that attracted Laura and Ted to brain training was how different it was from tutoring. Laura explains, “The last thing Logan needed was to go to Sylvan® and have them do another three hours of what had just been done in school that hadn’t worked!”

The second thing they loved was the testing. They’d had Logan tested before, but the LearningRx assessment was the first to explain what was actually happening in Logan’s brain and why he was struggling—and then offer a solution!

“When the LearningRx director here in West Des Moines told us Logan had weak skills in auditory processing, everything started making sense,” his mother remembers. “And because auditory processing is foundational for reading, no wonder Logan hated books!”

But the bigger surprise was that Logan actually looked forward to LearningRx brain training. After every session, he couldn’t wait to tell his parents everything he had learned and accomplished.

His grades improved, and when the opportunity arose to transfer to a more academically challenging private school, Logan was actually excited.

Then there were the books. Discovering a new love for words, Logan read Treasure Island with enthusiasm. He talked about insights gleaned from things he’d read. He even asked for books for Christmas. The day Laura walked through the family room and found her son lounging in a chair with his nose buried in a book—for fun!—she knew a transformation had truly taken place.

That was three years ago, and Logan is still benefiting from the changes brought about through LearningRx. “When it comes to thinking and learning for the rest of his life, Logan has tools and motivation now that he didn’t have before,” his mother says.

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Sylvan® is a registered trademark of Sylvan Learning, Inc. LearningRx, Inc. is not affiliated in any way with Sylvan Learning Centers or Sylvan Learning, Inc. The use of the servicemarks owned by Sylvan Learning, Inc. is not intended and should not be taken to imply any relationship between LearningRx and Sylvan. The opinion expressed in this quote is merely the opinion of the individual quoted.

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February / March 2015

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Bible Trivia Test your Bible knowledge and try to answer the Bible trivia questions below.

1. The Writing of the Bible (Q). The Bible was written over a _______ year period by approximately _______ men.

The time of the writing was from _______.

2. The Divisions of the Bible (Q). While the Bible is one book, it contains _______ smaller books. The books of the Old Testament were written before the birth of _______ and the New Testament covers the life of _______ and beyond.

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3. Chapters and Verses (Q). Each of the books of the Bible, except for five, are divided into chapters and verses. Which five aren’t divided by chapters and verses?

4. The Longest and Shortest of the Bible The longest chapter if the Bible is Psalm 119 with _______ verses. The shortest chapter is Psalm _______ with only two verses.

The longest book of the Bible is Psalms with _______ chapters. It contains _______ words. The shortest book is _______ with only one chapter and 299 words.

5. The Bible Claims to be God’s Word (Q). There are many books written about and by various religions, but the Bible is the only one which claims to be the actual word of God. Those who believe the Bible also believe that God inspired various people through the years to write down His actual words for mankind. The Bible says more than _______ times “thus saith the Lord.” It claims that the words, which follow, are quotes from God. 6. The Bible is Historically Accurate (Q). There were several secular historians who wrote about the events of the New Testament at the same time the Bible was being written. _______ is the most well known of them. He was a Jewish historian. A second man, _______ , was a Roman historian who would have no benefit from not telling the truth. Both these men, as well as others, can be used to back up the historical accuracy of the Bible.

7. The Writers of the Bible While there were at least 40 different people who wrote parts of the Bible, some were more prolific than others. The Apostle Paul wrote at least _______ books of the Bible. He may have also been the author of the book of Hebrews. Moses wrote the first _______ books. The Bible attributes more than _______ proverbs to King Solomon. These are not all written in the book of _______. However, most of that book is said to be the proverbs of Solomon.

(A)1. 1600/ 40 /1500 BC to AD 100, (A)2. 66 / Jesus Christ / Christ, (A)3.

Obadiah, Philemon, 2 John, 3 John, and Jude. These are short books which only have verse divisions / Cardinal Hugo de S. Caro /1551, (A)4. 176 / 117 / 150 / 43,743 / 3 John, (A)5. 3,000, (A)6. Josephus / Tacitus, (A)9. 13, 5, 3000, Proverbs.

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February / March 2015

Real Estate Business, The Crowning Glory Team, Shows Love of Christ to Clients

By Jessa McClure

For three decades, The Crowning Glory real estate team has not only helped buyers and sellers find their dream homes, but they have also encouraged their clients with the Word of God and the love of Christ.

Today, the team’s founder, Glory Crafts, is ranked among the best realtors in the state and has seen generations of clients find happiness and peace through God-led transactions.

“Over the last few years I’ve been ranked as one of the five-star realtors (in Texas Monthly) in client satisfaction and appreciation,” Crafts said. “You have to be nominated for this ranking. A big part of achieving this goal is through customer relations and long-term relationships.”

The Houston native has helped hundreds of clients in her 30 years of service, some who have become close friends and extended family.

“I’ve had some buyers that I’ve sold five of their homes,” she said. “And because I’ve been doing this so long I’ll have families where I’ve sold the parents’ house and now the kids are grown up and I’m selling them a house.”

Forming The Crowning Glory Team Thirty years ago, The Crowning Glory Team founder, Glory Crafts,

decided to leave her career as a special education teacher to work as a real estate agent.

“I wanted to have kids and wanted something with a little more flexibility,” Craft said. “[My real estate career] evolved from a part-time venture to full-time very quickly.”

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February / March 2015

“I wanted to find Scripture that had my name in it,” she said. “Then I found John 11:40 that says, ‘If you believe, you will see the glory of God.’ It’s kind of saying that if you believe through the transaction that God’s going to guide us, then everything’s going to work out according to his plan.”

As she took on more clients and a business partner—her husband— she decided that her business needed a name. Because of her strong faith in Christ and her “Heavenly”-sounding name, Crafts decided on The Crowning Glory Team.

“My logo is a cross going through a crown,” she said. “This represents that God is the head of my team and me and my husband work under God. He is directing our path and showing us how we are supposed to lead our buyers and sellers.”

Even though Crafts was always passionate about displaying her faith, advertisers questioned her decision to let people know that she was a Christian.

“Part of my mission was to bring God and prayer into the workplace because when I started you didn’t really bring it into the workplace,” she said. “I even had advertisers ask if I was sure I wanted to put that into my ads. I told them that the people who see [my faith displayed] and want to do business with me are the ones I want to do business with.”

Crafts went a step further by including a Bible verse on her advertisements, real estate signs and business cards.

Setting themselves apart Many times clients seek the help of The Crowning Glory Team after seeing their faith-themed advertisements and signs. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to know why the team is different from other real estate businesses in the area.

“I’ve had people ask me, what sets you apart? Why should I choose you?” Crafts said. “I’m very open and say that my faith in God and letting God guide me makes me different.”

The certified luxury home specialist attributes her success in the real estate business to following God’s plan and putting him first.

“I can work just as hard as everyone else, but if God didn’t work through me, then I could be unsuccessful,” she said. “I know that God wants me to be successful because the more people I reach and show my faith, the more I can carry out His will.”

She said that she has even attracted clients of differing faiths to her business because of her strong convictions.

“Muslim people and people of other faiths have even told me that they respect me and they’ve chosen me because of that,” she said.

“So many people told me that people of other faiths would be against me.

It’s amazing to have them pick me because of it. That’s a powerful thing that has really touched me.”

Love, kindness and encouragement Over the years Crafts and her team have sold homes in every price range—from as low as $50,000 all the way up to $6 million. But, even

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though the clientele for each of these properties is different, the real estate team treats them all with the same love, kindness and encouragement.

“I make closing baskets for all of my clients. I always include a cross to bless their home and a candle to light their path. I let them know that God wants to guide them in their new home.”

Crafts also leaves surprises on the doorsteps of current and past clients during the holidays to let them know they are loved and thought of.

“At Easter I always deliver a little cross in a bag with some other stuff for Easter, and at Christmas I usually give some sort of cross ornament,” she said. “I get cute responses and emails saying, we never know what little surprises we’re going to get.”

The real estate agent and mother of two has such an effect on her clients that many of them have come back to God or become reacquainted with his teachings because of their interactions with Crafts and The Crowning Glory team.

“I’m very passionate about my business and what I do,” she said. “It’s not just my work, it’s my life.”

12 • For Advertising Information, Call (281) 497-6455 • www.FortBendChristianMagazine.com

February / March 2015

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Spring Cleaning for Our Children

By Betsy de Vega Founder, KnILE Center Many of us associate spring time with its vibrant colors, pleasant weather, and plentiful sunshine, but forget that it is also a very stressful time for our children.

With spring months comes testing season, which is crunch time for students as they prepare for the end of their year and /or graduation. While some students can handle this hectic time, even thriving from it, others may need assistance in getting through the incredibly high expectations placed on them. We, as parents, can provide this assistance by doing ‘spring cleaning’ to alleviate some of the stressors our children have. This is the time of year when our children need us the most. As written in John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” During this season, showing a united front with our children is so beneficial. With all of the deadlines and expectations this time of year, we can unknowingly help exacerbate these feelings in our children. Listed below are some of the ways we can help our children and ourselves cope with this stressful time of the year.

1. Breathe This is for you too, mom and dad. Your emotions affect how your children react. Although everyone strives to be their best, not everyone will be the top in their class or the star player and that’s okay. What

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February / March 2015

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matters most is that our children reach their highest potential, and it’s essential to understand that everyone’s potential is different. Although it is very easy to get caught up in the game, remind your children that how they play the game is more important the final result. As long as they studied and tried their best, that’s all we can ask for. We, as parents, tend to get lost in the hoopla of getting into the best college, being the top competitor in sports, etc. What we forget is that this unintentional pressure can really affect our children’s psyche. Our children have so many external pressures from school, friends, extracurriculars, and the like. Getting those additional pressures from home can sometimes be too much. Let your home be a safe haven for your children by assuring them that it’s okay to take a minute to themselves, and reminding them that their best effort is enough for you.

2. Patience 2 Peter 1:6 says, “And to knowledge self control; and to self control patience; and to patience godliness.” This is a hard one since we, too, are feeling these pressures. We want our children to do well. We want them to be their best. These are normal ‘wants’, but sometimes these ‘wants’ can get the better of us and cause us to push too hard. If we have a child who is struggling, being bullied, or has learning or other disabilities, this can really put a hamper on them and their learning, so patience is definitely a virtue. Remind your children that good things come to those who wait- as long as they try their best, their time will come.

3. Communication Communication is key! Children, especially older children, do not always communicate freely, so it is our duty as parents to keep these lines open and continue to do our best to let them know that we are here for them, and are always ready to listen when they want to talk. We also need to continue to remind them of what is most important: it is okay to talk

to us about anything. We are not nagging too much or smothering them by providing them with a safe place to talk. On the contrary, they may not respond right away, but children crave limits; they crave our love and concern. They hear us. They may not act on it today, but they are listening.

In conclusion, instead of falling prey to the stressors the spring semester can bring, embrace this season with your child as an opportunity for personal growth. Help clean out some of the anxiety making this spring a stressful one. Hold them tight and let them know they are not alone.

They’ve got this, and you will be by their side as they prepare for these transitions in their lives. Until we meet again…. Live, pray and love!

Betsy de Vega is a learning specialist, head of school and founder of KnILE Center.

She has worked in education for 25 + years. Her passion is helping children find their love of learning and advocating for families of children with learning concerns. She has two teenage children of her own and has been married to her best friend for 20 years. Learn more about KnILE Center at www.knilecenter.com or call 281.761-6610 or email her at bdevega.knile@gmail.com.

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February / March 2015

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Jewish Roots

By Iris Salmins

Jewish heritage? Gospel writings? How can this combination possibly go together? Despite common misconception, there is a very simple explanation for that pairing. The Gospel itself has Jewish roots. Take out these fundamental roots and you have no Gospel. Remove Jewish people from the Gospel and you have no Mary, Joseph, Jesus, disciples, Paul, nor New Testament scripture.

For some of you, this mindset may be shocking, as we’re often raised thinking that Judaism and Christianity are conflicting beliefs. Nonetheless, it is the truth; without Jews, there would be no Gospel.

The first chapter of Matthew tells us the genealogy of Jesus- he descended from Abraham, to Isaac, to Jacob, to Judah. The very word “Jew” originates from Judah’s name, and was first used to describe Judah’s descendants. By the fifth century, the term “Jew” was applied to all Israelites. The actual Hebrew translation for Jew was “Yehudi.”

Remarkably, there is no letter in the Hebrew language pronounced as a “J.” We read in our English bibles that an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph, who was faithful to the Law of Moses, and instructed him to name his son “Yeshua” because he “will save his people from their sins.”

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Why did the angel say this? Moreover, why was the name “Yeshua” chosen? In Hebrew, the name “Yeshua” is a derivative of the word “salvation.”

Yeshua was predestined to be a savior to his people, delivering them from their sins.

Surprisingly, the name “Jesus” (the English translation for Yeshua)

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hadn’t been coined until over a thousand years after His birth. Yeshua’s mother and father had never even heard the name Jesus.

When I lived in Latvia for six years, half of the population was composed of native Latvian speakers. The other half were native Russian

speakers. Some Russians called me “ee-r-ee-s.” Some Latvians call me “Airisa.” I was thankful that Russians and Latvians who were close to me called me “Iris.” I want to be close to Yeshua, so I call him by the name his Jewish mama and close friends called him, “Yeshua.”

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It’s Not Too Late

By Pastor Loreto DiCesare Church on the Rock - Sugar Land

As we all have begun our spiritual journey through this brand new year, I would like to share these resolutions that God put in my heart this year. I hope you will join me as we continue our walk in this wonderful New Year.

Resolution #1: “Drink more water” ” It is important to our health to drink lots of water every day. As a result, I am trying to do a better job this yet, but I’d like to suggest that it’s even more important to drink the living waters. An invitation from Jesus Christ in John 7:37-39 says, “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me

and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.”

Resolution #2: “Save Money” Being a better steward of our finances creates an atmosphere of security and tranquility. The best example of how to save and be prosperous came from God himself, as he showed us in Malachi

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February / March 2015

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I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

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3:8-12. “Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Resolution #3: “More Education”

” It’s never too late to learn. The New Year is a great time to consider taking courses from schools or universities, but you should also consider making studying GOD’s Word your top priority. In Matthew 6:33, Matthew says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

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February / March 2015

Resolution #4: “Practice The Beatitudes” The Beatitudes are one of the most loved portions of the Gospel. They form the beginning of what has come to be known as the “Sermon on the Mount” which is recorded in Matthew 5:1-12. “Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.

His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. I like to think of the following Beatitudes as the “Be-Attitudes”.

Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be

shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

I hope you have a happy and prosperous 2015. Lord bless you all!

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Author Spotlight: Patti Londa Greene Devotion By Kris Prewitt

Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

The Bible teaches that devoting ourselves to seeking higher awareness in Christ is something that we must do daily in order to walk closely with God. We must remind ourselves consistently of His Words so that we will continue to make good decisions as Christians. Author Patti Londa Greene’s new devotional books for adults and adolescents equip us to successfully do just that.

In her book, Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal (ISBN 978-1-4627-2578-6) readers will find 365 pages, each with a Bible verse, a suggested chapter reading, a “God wants me to…” section, and journaling space to reflect their thoughts, meditations, and goals.

A main component of this particular devotional journal the reminder we need as believers to praise, confess and repent, forgive, pray and thank God daily. We are all different and because

February / March 2015

each of us has our own unique relationship with God, Greene decided not to include sequential dates on the pages. Greene says, “The dateline is intentionally left blank, so you can style the date as you choose and not feel guilty if you miss a day of study. And you won’t waste paper because of unused pages”.

This book reiterates the importance of prayer during your quiet time. Greene suggests, “compiling a list of prayer requests. Your prayer requests can include ones for your family, country, finances, jobs—whatever you’re feeling in your heart. Be specific in your prayers. Look back over this section of your prayer journal from time to time to see how your prayers are answered, noting God’s wisdom and how He chose to answer your requests”. These sentiments go back to what Joshua 1:8 teaches us, in order to be prosperous in our relationship with the Lord, we must meditate on His Word day and night.

In addition, it is imperative for us, as parents, to teach the same guidelines and practices we seek daily, by example to our children.

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One of our goals should be to teach our children to pray and to love the Word of God. For our teenagers and young adults Greene has written a special devotional journal / workbook entitled, God, It’s Me: 181 Days for Young Adults to Become Passionate about Prayer and Bible Study(ISBN 978-1-4627-3821-2). This workbook will enable them to begin the fundamental steps of meditation with God if they have not done so already. To use the journal most effectively, she suggests for them to find a quiet, comfortable place to pray and reflect on His Word. Greene hopes her book will help encourage others to grow in their relationship with God. Greene’s advice to youth using her book is to remember that, “Your devotional prayer journal is your journal. There is no right or wrong way to use this journal. Do not worry about spelling or punctuation. Just allow your thoughts and prayers to flow freely onto the pages. Hopefully, this journal will be used daily, but if you miss a day or two, just pick it up where you left off and start again. You will become wiser, stronger, enlightened, and amazingly transformed.” Greene designed this book, “to be used

by Young Adults as a daily devotional / workbook / prayer journal / Bible study. However, it can also be used by teachers, youth workers, and anyone who wants to learn more about the issues young people face in today’s world or anyone who would like to learn how to relate and talk to young people about what is on their minds”. And as a special bonus, the book includes a leader’s guide and Campus Crusade’s “Have You Heard of The Four Spiritual Laws” pamphlet - a salvation guide. This journal reviews many topics interesting to young adults, i.e. depression, friendship, competitiveness, stress, and more!

Life Changing Moment

Naturally everyone wants to know about Greene accepting Christ! Many seeds had been planted along the way from her birth

in New York City. Greene begins to reflect on most memorable moment being, “one night, during October of my first year in college, a friend and I heard that there was going to be a band and a Christian speaker on campus. We decided to go”. It was there that a local

Houston pastor, Reverend Bill Lawson, spoke. Lawson explained that we, “are all sinners, and we must ask the Lord to forgive our sins, and that we must accept Christ into our lives.” So, right there on the second floor of the student union building, Greene accepted Christ her my personal Savior.

Greene goes on to explain that shortly afterwards her love for journaling began. It was during her time in college that she started tracking her prayers. She has continued each year since. She now has

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February / March 2015

42 different prayer journals one for each year since she started.

Greene noticed that there were very few appropriate journals available with all the components the Bible had taught her to include in her daily meditations. She eventually was able to solve this dilemma, and we sure are grateful to her for it!

These devotional journals the absolute perfect gift for you or others on your gift list. What better way to start off the New Year than committing ones self to prayer and Bible Study!

GIVE THE GIFT OF DEVOTION! Switching Gears When God Calls

Before retiring, Greene was a Certified School Library Media Specialist (Librarian) in Katy, Texas for 15 years. When Greene was asked why she retired from something she enjoyed so much she answered, “ I think that every librarian has a book inside of them just waiting to come out. So, when I prayed about what the Lord wanted me to do – I said, “Lord, how can you use me? I don’t play the piano and I don’t like hanging out at the gym.” The Lord said, “But, Patti, I have been preparing you all these years. I allowed you to grow up in a family that loved books.

I surrounded you with books all the time. You have created your own library of prayer journals – 40 years worth. Now is the time to write a

book and share with others what I have let you experience.” So, with the Lord’s guidance, Awaken Me: A Devotional Prayer Journal was born.

Greene has a B.A degree from Baylor University in Sociology an Education. She attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the University of Missouri for her graduate studies. Greene currently resides in both Houston, Texas and Lagos, Nigeria with her loving and supportive husband of 35 years, John. They have three grown children and 4 grandchildren.

Follow Patti Londa Greene on: www.facebook.com/author.greene www.plgreene.blogspot.com www.twitter.com/PattiGreene13 www.PattiGreene.com Books can be obtained at Katy Budget Books, Lifeway or online at www.amazon.com and www.bn.com.

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Dear Doctor: My Joints Hurt. Do I Have Arthritis?

By Dr. Kiran Farheen What is Arthritis?

Arthritis means inflammation (swelling, redness, pain, damage) around a joint. Arthralgias, on the other hand, means pain around a joint.

What causes Arthritis?

Joint pain does not always mean you have arthritis. Certain diseases like for instance, thyroid imbalance, Hepatitis C, fibromyalgia can cause “arthralgias” while certain diseases like Gout, Rheumatoid arthritis, Psoriatic arthritis, Spondylitis can cause “arthritis”. These diseases that cause arthritis need to be diagnosed and treated soon so permanent deformities and disability can be avoided. What we think of as “old age arthritis” is usually secondary to osteoarthritis.

What are the symptoms of Arthritis?

Arthritis usually is manifested by swelling, redness, stiffness and pain in the joints involved. It can be accompanied by stiffness in the morning that lasts for greater than 30 minutes. The pain may wake you up at night and usually tends to improve with activity. If you have had skin rashes like psoriasis, eye inflammation like uveitis and now have joint pain then you should speak with your primary care to refer you to a rheumatologist.

What is the treatment for my arthritis?

The treatment depends on the underlying type of arthritis. This can be determined by taking a detailed history, x-rays and some blood work.

Appropriate medications can then be started to improve or halt the pain and damage in the joint so you can continue enjoying life and your daily activities.

Dr. Kiran Farheen is a Board Certified Rheumatologist for the UT Health Science Center at Houston and provides patient care at UT Physicians at Cinco Ranch located at 23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy, TX 77494. To schedule an appointment, please call 713-486-5300

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Healing the World From the Inside Out:

Dr. Steve Harris Uses His Chiropractic Practice, Humanitarian Efforts to Give Hope to the Lost, Hurting

By Jessa McClure

When local chiropractor, Dr. Steve Harris, was five-years-old, living in the heart of Houston, he began to see a change in his father. The seemingly invincible, Houston police officer was riddled with pain, living with the excruciating symptoms of a stomach ulcer.

After visiting with all of the best doctors in the area, Harris’ father still couldn’t get relief. A friend suggested the policeman see a chiropractor. Although he was skeptical at first, he didn’t have much to lose. To his surprise, the treatments administered by the chiropractor gave Dr. Harris’ father his life back.

“After that [my father] took us all in to see the chiropractor for everything—whiplash, asthma and sports injuries,” Dr. Harris said.

“I grew up seeing all of our neighbors, friends, family and people at church find relief through this chiropractor. I saw what [chiropractors] could do. I loved the idea that I could heal people with my hands.”

So, in the ninth grade, Harris decided to one day become a

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chiropractor and dedicate his life to helping others.

“I was as young as you can be and go through all of the requirements,” he said. “I was a 23-year-old doctor when I first started. I’ve been practicing for 38 years, and I love having that much experience and still having some youth left.”

But there’s more to his practice than helping people find better health. He gets to know his patients on a personal level and they become part of his extended family. He has seen generations of patients grow up before his eyes.

“I had a patient on Tuesday that I’ve treated since he was four-years-old, and he’s 40,” Dr. Harris said. “I’ve treated parents, grandparents and grandchildren.”

The chiropractor has treated over 11,000 different patients in his career. Not only has he helped many of them get back on the road to a longer, healthier life, but he has also helped them grow closer to Jesus.

“I pray for my patients every morning when I’m on my way to work,” he said. “I pray that God will send me patients that I can help; especially those who are frustrated and haven’t found relief through other avenues.”

The doctor said he frequently hears patients say they were guided to him by prayer. And because Dr. Harris feels as though God has led these people to him specifically, he tries find out what’s really going on in their lives.

“It’s something that goes beyond the physical treatment that I pick up

on and address,” he said. “I try to take my time and show a little kindness to them.”

Dr. Harris’ empathy for people and love for God began as a child. He grew up in a godly home where he attended church regularly.

“When I was ten-years-old, my [Sunday school] teacher, Mr. Pringle,

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talked about accepting Jesus as Lord and being baptized for forgiveness of sins. So, I decided to accept Jesus,” he said. “Then, when I was 11-yearsold another teacher was talking about Solomon and his special gift.

She said he asked for wisdom and that’s the best thing to pursue. I have prayed for wisdom ever since. It has been my most prolific request.”

His pursuit of wisdom, coupled with his heart for people, has led him to be used by God in some extraordinary ways.

A dream, a Chinese leader and a Bible “I had a dream when I was 20-years-old that I was supposed to do something with China,” Dr. Harris said. “At the time, the only time I’d heard the word China was when my mom would say, ‘finish the food on your plate. There are starving children in China who’d love to have this food.’”

His opportunity came a few years later when the then leader of China, Deng Xiaoping, announced he was making a trip to the US to tour a factory.

“When I heard that on the radio I was in my car and I was in front of [the factory]. When I passed the [factory] I had just finished listening to a tape of a preacher who said, ‘do something big for God.’ I got the idea that it would be a great idea to give Deng Xiaoping a Bible.”

But because the Chinese leader was a communist, the mayor of Houston was refusing his visit. But, then president of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, Louie Welch, decided he would show Xiaoping around.

“My dad was a policeman for 26 years for Houston, but his last 10 years were spent as the head of security for Louis Welch, who was the former mayor. I called and shared my idea with him. He said he’d have to check with the state department.”

In the meantime Harris found a Bible written in Chinese and brought it to the former mayor’s home. Welch then gave the young doc-

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tor the bad news that the State Department said the he couldn’t give the Chinese leader a Bible.

Harris thought for a moment and then said, “On our money it says in God we trust. Why can’t we give him something that represents what is on our money? [Welch] looked at me and said. ‘I’m glad you came over because I’m not ashamed to give anybody a Bible and I’m going to smuggle it to him.’”

Welch was able to successfully get the Bible to Xiaoping and within nine months the communist country was opened once again to Christianity.

“I’m not saying that it’s because of what I did or what Louie Welch did, but it was exhilarating to be a part of what God was doing,” Harris said.

Nicaragua and other humanitarian efforts Dr. Harris is a long-time member of the Rotary Club. He first joined the club in 1977, and has been an active member ever since. In fact, in 1997-98, Harris was a “governor” inside the club, leading chapters in nine counties. It was during this time that he became an early supporter and eventual humanitarian to a project that was helping to break the cycle of poverty in Nicaraguan villages.

“We literally moved a village of 2,000 people living on a dump to a location five miles away that was situated on a peanut farm. We enabled them to build their own homes and we helped them get water and sanitation,” he said. “Within 18 months they were in surplus production and self-sufficient. They went from sub-human conditions to breaking the cycle of poverty.”

Harris later returned with other humanitarians to help build schools and provide a better future for the “Children of the Dump.”

The project was such a revolutionary idea that Harris and others who had worked to make it happen were asked to speak to the United Nations about their work. Unfortunately, the day they were supposed to make their speech happened to be one of the most horrific days in American history—9-11.

“We set the Rotary on fire about the project, but it all evaporated after 9-11. It’s coming back slowly. We’ve helped three more villages since then.”

While the chiropractor continues to help the people of Nicaragua, he has also recently taken an interest in a different humanitarian effort that is helping to change the hearts and minds of inmates in Texas state prisons.

It all started when a man named Gary Hill became a patient of Harris’. The two became friends and through their discussions, Hill asked the doctor if he’d ever heard of the work being done at Angola State Prison in Angola, Louisiana. When Harris said no, Hill offered to pay his way so he could see it for himself.

“Nineteen years ago it was the most violent prison in the US; run by gangs; blood on the floor every morning,” Harris said. “Today, it’s the least violent. There are no more gangs. They’ve reduced violence by 85 percent and they’ve reduced their guards by 400.”

It all started with a Christian warden who decided to give the inmates, many of whom were serving life sentences without parole, something to believe in.

“They opened up a seminary in the prison for the inmates,” he said.

“Two hundred and forty have gone through the full, four-year program

and have become certified chaplains.”

The warden has placed the chaplains in key positions in each cell block to influence other prisoners in a positive, Christ-centered way.

After seeing this successful program in action, Harris joined other Rotary Club members and the Heart of Texas Foundation to begin implementing the seminary program in Texas prisons. They have started their work at the TDCJ Darrington Unit in Rosharon, TX, a maximum-security prison with about 1800 inmates.

“We just started our fourth-year students,” Harris said. “We’ve had about 150 go through the courses.”

It is the goal of the people and organizations involved to eventually send a certified chaplain to all of the 110 prisons in Texas and begin to “change our society from the bottom up,” the doctor said.

Although it seems as though Harris has had great fortune in finding great projects and works of God to be a part of, he said it is no accident.

“The reason I’ve gotten all of these incredible projects is because God gave them to me because I was looking for them,” he said. “We plant, we water and it’s God that gives increase. I couldn’t do any of this stuff by myself.

My [life and work] are a testament to what God can do through a very average man.”

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As I See It: A Bill’s Perilous Journey

By Gary Gillen

With the Legislature in session it is a good time to reflect on the perilous journey a legislative bill must travel and the many ways it might die. Our government is made up of the Courts, the Executive and the Legislature. Courts can’t make law (or shouldn’t), the Executive can’t make law but must enforce it so only the Legislature, under the Constitution of Texas, can make laws. They do this by introducing a Bill. We, in Texas, have a bicameral legislature. It is composed of the Senate and the House. Bills may be introduced by members of either chamber but must pass both to reach the Governor’s desk. Each chamber has its own rules for filing a bill but they are relatively similar.

In the House a Representative may file any bill during the first 60 calendar days of the Legislative session. Bills may only be filed after the first 60 days with a 4/5th vote of the members present and voting unless it is an emergency appropriation, a local bill or an emergency matter sent over by the Governor. Once a Bill has been filed with the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate it is read to the body, by caption only then, referred by the Speaker (in the House) or the Lieutenant Governor (in the Senate) to a Committee.

The Committee is the first place a bill can die. Once the Bill is referred to a Committee it must be posted for consideration so that the public knows it is being considered. Public hearings are scheduled so the Committee can receive testimony from experts and the public about the Bill. With hundreds of Bills to hear it is not unusual to see Committees meeting well into the night. Competing interests become very evident here. Depending on the issue public hearings may adjourn and restart

Aut

many times. Testimony can take hours. I remember once testifying for 45 minutes, answering the Senators’ questions in a Finance Committee hearing while 50 other people waited to testify. And it was 11pm. Once the Committee has heard testimony and studied the Bill sufficiently it will consider the Bill. The Committee might take no action. This effectively kills the Bill. Or it might vote to report to the Body (Senate or House) with a positive report.

A Bill reported to the House or Senate with a positive report from the Committee must be sent to the appropriate Calendar Committee.

Another perilous stop on the road to becoming law! There are various Committees and Calendars. In the House there is a Committee on Calendars and a Committee on Local and Consent Calendars. The Clerk of the House refers the bill to the Appropriate Committee. The Committee then schedules a time for debate on the floor. But not every Bill makes it

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on the calendar and the later in the session the less likely the Bill will get on a calendar.

On debate day the caption or title of the Bill is read to the House or Senate. The Bill is then debated on the floor. It can be amended, passed or defeated. If it passes it goes to the other body and follows the same path.

If both bodies vote for the Bill it goes to the Governor, who can sign it, veto it or let it become law without his signature.

The life of a Bill is tough and sometimes very short!

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Local Christian School Highlights Azalia Chanlatte

Moises Zavala

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Azalia Chanlatte is a blessing to Mission Bend Christian Academy. She is an honor roll student, and takes her education seriously. Last year, she placed in both the Bible Bowl and a campus poster contest. Azalia loves nature and to be outside. She is happiest when she is exploring her environment, especially with her friends.

Azalia has previously participated in ballet, and now she has shown interest in learning to play the piano. Her favorite story in the Bible is the birth of Christ. When she grows up, Azalia wants to be a doctor, so that she can help people in need.

Teacher Profile: Dr. Tom Barnette Faith West Academy Known as ‘Mr. Bear,’ ‘Special B,’ ‘Buttery Biscuit,’ and ‘Dr. B, not the rapper,’ by his students, Dr. Tom Barnette believes “you can’t fool kids.” He believes an outstanding teacher must be “a creative, effective, and innovative communicator with students and all of those with whom you interact-” to which he adds, “even if you have to be a monkey in a suit, to jump up and down for the kids to get it, then that is what you need to do.”

Dr. Barnette has a Masters in Counseling Psychology, a Doctoral of Biblical Studies, and a PhD in Communication. “I would love to go back to school and add another one” he says. But God’s will has driven him to the classroom at Faith West, in order to make a difference in every student’s life.

In response to his fast-growing reputation among the students and his colleagues, Dr. Barnette humbly accepts the compliments. But he does not see his fame as an achievement. He yearns for the ‘WOW’ factor from his

If you are looking for an exemplary student at Mission Bend Christian Academy, look no further than Moises Zavala. Moises is a 4th grade honor roll student, and has been at the school since 2009, when he was in pre-school. He loves playing games with his dad and drawing. In fact, he is often the featured artist in his art class. Moises also enjoys attending church with his family on Sundays.

At MBCA’s annual Bible Bowl, Moises blows the competition out of the water. His favorite Bible verse is from Proverbs, Chapter 12, Verse 10-11: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel. Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” When he grows up, Moises would like to either be a businessman, or a soccer player.

English students. “The first semester, I had students who came to my class and said they hated writing, hated English (class),” he stated. “The most satisfying feeling is to see those lightbulbs go off and hear those students . . . say they nailed the SAT.” Dr. Barnette doesn’t see his teacher desk as a refuge. He believes teachers can’t teach their students from behind the desk. He advises young teachers to not be afraid to make mistakes. In his class, Dr. Barnette can be spotted leaning over students’ desks and being a mentor, a life coach, a comedian, a motivational speaker, or a pastor. Sometimes, he finds himself in a paper airplane contest with his students. “You have to be with them and to laugh with them, you have to love them, to encourage them, and fuss at them,” he laughs heartily, “You have to do it! You can tell when the kids really care about you.

You can’t fake that!”

Though truly a dedicated teacher, Dr. Barnette also finds time to invest in his personal life and profession. In addition to dedicating time to his new granddaughter, Dr. Barnette also has a new book, Christ Centered Reality Therapy, to be released later this year.

“Takes no talent to be average” - Dr. B, not the rapper.

Fort Bend Christian Magazine will be highlighting local Christian students each issue and we need your help! We’re currently accepting nominations for outstanding elementary, middle school, and high school students to be featured in Fort Bend Christian Magazine. To nominate yourself or someone else, please send an email to joseph@fortbendchristianmagazine.com with a short bio and photo. The students bio should include their name, school, grade, church, and life goals. If applicable, please include information about sports, hobbies, and activities as well.

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The Buzz About Fort Bend

Calvary Episcopal Preparatory students returned recently from the Texas Association of Student Council District 13 Winter Retreat at Camp Allen in Navasota. The two day workshop gave students an opportunity to build friendships with students from diverse schools as they work on team projects, and to develop leadership skills they will need for college and beyond.

Professional silhouette artist, Cindi Rose, loves to cut profiles in Katy and Ft. Bend.

Rose creates silhouettes for school fund raisers, weddings, birthday parties, and stores such as Katy Educational Toys. To see her amazing work, just look at her website at SilhouettesbyCindi.com

Over 80 guests celebrated with Dr. Shel and her staff during Dr. Shel’s 8th Annual Holiday Soiree, benefiting Dress for Success Houston. This year the event raised more than $2,000 to promote economic independence of disadvantaged women.

Invitees enjoyed light bites from Churrasco’s and complimentary beverages on behalf of Dr. Shel while they participated in hourly raffle games and a silent auction.

Houston’s own d’marcos Pizzeria Owner/Chef Demarco Jenkins will travel to Columbus, OH for a pizza competition on February 15, 2015 hosted by NAPICS followed by a competition March 23 - 26, 2015 in Las Vegas for the International Competition at the Pizza Expo.

This year’s KISD PTA Reflections program entries for the entire district were exhibited at the KCAM - Katy Contemporary Arts Museum. A special open house was planned on Wednesday, January 7. Over 300 Katy area families attended including the Reese Family; Nathan and Susan with 6 of their 7 children shown here (Meredith, Ryan, Olivia, Bridget, Connor and Grady).

Tomas Tellez poses with his piece at the KISD PTA Reflections program’s open house. Tellez’s entry was selected for a spot at the state competition.

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February / March 2015

Enjoy the Buzz About Fort Bend! Our Social Column is brought to you by SuburbanBuzz, a full-service website development and online marketing company. Contact them at info@suburbanbuzz.com, 281-615-9032, or visit www.suburbanbuzzmarketing.com.

Former Mayors for the City of Katy post for a photo at the groundbreaking ceremony for the New City Hall in downtown Katy on January 15. Left to right are: Don Elder, Doyle Callendar, Skip Conner, Ward Stanberry and Johnny Nelson.

Channel 13’s Sonia Azad led Meadow Montissori teachers and supporters through a beautiful yoga class! (Sonia Azad, Lori Freese, Meadow Montessori School owners Kay Challa and Shara Challa Arora)

David Lin and his family pose with his piece at the KISD PTA Reflections program’s open house. Lin’s entry was selected for a spot at the state competition.

Katy Tigers cheerleaders painted the town red! Photo by Debi Beauregard

February / March 2015

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February / March 2015

There are some new savings in town.

Get a FREE quote on more than just car insurance.

Tom Maler

281-203-6900 4405 HWY 6 | Sugar Land

Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Boat and PWC coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2013. © 2013 GEICO

February / March 2015

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February / March 2015