Grace Point! June 2015

Volume 1 ~Issue 6

June 2015 eMagazine of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM

~featuring~

Rebecca Matthews

Founder, Senior Editor, Writer & Publisher of Grace Point! eMagazine

Table of Contents 3~Notes from Rebecca 4-5~The Bright Side by Olivia Carpenter 6-7~Parton’s Petals 8~Young Christian Mom by Rachel Dills 9~Restoration & Renewal 10-13 Handmade in Israel 14-15~Women of Valor: Interview with Rebecca Matthews 16-17~Showcasing: Malik Kirat, Israeli Photographer 18-19~In the Potting Shed 20-21~Women in Scripture: Esther 22-23~Highways & Hedges 24-25~An Ordinary Aussie Mom by Melanie Baker-Nash 26-27~In the Garden 28~Monthly Reflections by George Calleja 29~PrayerWorks 30-31~It is Written 32-33~The Personal Column by Angela Carpenter 34-35~Cleaning Out the Closet 36~VerseWorks by Jaime Dills 37~Observations: Worth a Thousand Words 38-39~Come to the Water 40-41~Namesakes 42~Remarkables 43~About Us 44~Of Parchment & Passage 45~Prayer of Manasseh Back Cover~StillWorks Imagery 2

Notes from

Rebecca

3

by Olivia Carpenter

No matter how hard you try, you just can't make everybody happy. Even when you follow the "Golden Rule" (treat others the way you want to be treated), not everybody is going to be happy. But, if you're happy yourself, its easier for others around you to be happy.

When I was in 4th grade, all I wanted was to fit in with the "popular girls" at school. For three years, I put up a false front; a fake version of myself. I threw parties. I went to picnics.

I bought the style of clothes and shoes they wore. I played the sports they played, and I did everything they did. I was miserable.

I know what you're thinking: Didn't you get exactly what you wanted? From an outside perspective, I did. But, from myself, I was unsatisfied. I got what I thought I wanted, not what I wanted in my heart. In a way, I was "popular", but not in the right way. People knew of me, but they didn't actually know me.

This went on for three years. The whole time, I knew something was missing, but I didn't know what. Everyone else seemed happy, I seemed happy, but deep down, I wasn't. I was holding on to those friendships, thinking my happiness depended on them. After I realized we were heading down different paths, I let them go down their paths and I went down mine.

That day was when things finally started looking up. After three years, I was happy with myself. I decided it was time to be me, to let people know the real me. Shortly after that, I decided I was going to try out for cheering. I made it. For three years I kept it a secret that I took tumbling & cheerleading instead of basketball & softball. It took a while, but in the end, they were happy for me because I was happy. I didn't take a different path because of them, I took a different path because of me. And I'm very glad I did. I'm a lot more successful now than I would've been if I had stayed that unhappy version of me.

If Esther hadn't revealed her true identity; if she hadn't let the world know her instead of knowing of her, her whole purpose would've been irrelevant. Esther waited until the time was right, then let everyone know who she really was, instead of a fake front she could have shown them.

4

photo courtesy of Barta IV via Flickr | License

din

Fin

wn

yO

gM

Pa th

Revelations 21:4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

5

petals of wisdom, hope, inspiration, and truth by Keitha

Parton

How is it that we as a nation have gotten so far away from God? Why do we have to constantly defend our right to worship Him in public?

Has humanity slipped so far into itself that they cannot give recognition to their maker?

John 3:16, " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever should believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Why is America so ashamed of their Christian roots?

Why is it OK to show every sin imaginable on television, but a family praying together around the dinner table is wrong?

When did we start this spiritual decline here on this free soil that God gave us?

Galatians 6: 7 - 9,"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap."

Why does it seem that wickedness and vile things are the normal way to live anymore?

If you show someone kindness they automatically think you want something from them in return.

Our nation is a sad place to be and it is because we glorify and wallow in our sin.

Ezekiel 11:21, "But (as for them) whose heart walketh after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon their own heads, saith the Lord GOD." Where are the Christians? Why do we sit idly by and let our rights be taken away?

6

Our forefathers took great pride upon establishing this country on freedom of religion. Where has our pride gone?

Are our soldiers dying in vain for a country lost? Did our grandfathers, uncles, dads, and brothers fight for naught?

Hosea 4:6, " My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me: seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children."

I fear for my children in the future. I have already seen enough disdain for righteousness and the word of God to show me that our future generations are in deep trouble.

If we can't teach our children to love God and raise them to worship Him then all hope is lost.

We are living as in the days of Christ. We stand before Pilate, and he addresses our nation, saying he can find no fault with worshiping the Lord.

He sees no reason to do away with the love of Christ, but to satisfy the crowd of nonbelievers (most Americans today) he asks which do we choose?

Do we choose to let the rape, sexual immorality, backbiting, anger, incest, child abuse, pornography, vile tongues, destruction, and evilness go free?

Or will we be just like the ones who chose Barabbas over Christ?

Will we reject Him, crucify Him, and be destroyed for our unbelief?

America it is time to choose to put God back in control of our Nation and stand up for whom we believe.

God Bless Us All!!!

read more from Keitha at Tuckasegee Country Living and Keitha Parton-Official Mary Kay Consultant

7

Young Christian Mom

by Rachel Dills

So keep in mind that I had been very depressed and at the time I weighed literally 90 pounds, and I was arrested for battery. From the time after I left Corey until the time I got arrested, I was trying to find a way for me and my son to get back to North Carolina. While on the phone with someone to try and get a ride, CDV kept harassing me and threatening to take my son away from me. I finally got fed up and threw my makeup bag at him. And it just got really bad from there. He called the police and because I had somehow scratched his arm in an earlier scuffle, I was arrested. Even though I had a busted lip and my wrist was nearly broken, I was arrested for a scratch that you could barely see.

So I was sitting in the patrol car waiting to be taken to jail and then the officer started accusing me of being on meth. My temper almost got the best of me. I told her she could draw blood that second and test it. I despise drugs!

When I arrived at the jail, I was informed that I would have to stay in the drunk tank for 24 hours. It was awful. It was cold and we couldn’t have a blanket or even wear our shoes. I tried to sleep considering I had been up all night but with the couple of other people that were in there it was impossible. An officer offered me some food and I told him I wasn’t hungry, so then they tried to say I was trying to commit suicide by starving myself. That definitely was not the case.

I was so tired and just wanted to sleep. After leaving the drunk tank I was booked and spent three days in jail. The whole time all I could think about was my son and how I wanted to get him and just get away from everything and about Corey.

I had never felt so low in my entire life. I had finally met an awesome man and now he would never want to talk to me again.

On the fourth morning I was finally released. I checked my phone and I had calls from my family and from Corey. I immediately called him and he informed me that he was out of town but he wanted to see me. I explained to him what happened and he didn’t even care. He just wanted to see me and to make sure I was okay. I told him that I was going to get my son and go back to North Carolina for a little while but that we would stay in touch. So that night, I got my son and left.

I stayed in North Carolina for about three weeks, and Corey and I talked every day. I came back to Indiana with the intentions of getting my own place for myself and my son, so that Corey and I could pursue a relationship. We stayed with him while looking for a place, but the day I moved out never came.

So here we are, almost five years later. He has taken my son as his own. My son calls him dad and views him as such. Corey and I are engaged and hope to start wedding plans soon. I am finally happy. It took a lot to get here, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

Corey made it all worthwhile. Through him, God gave me and my son our life back.

8

A Journey to

When God put this whole thing together, He set it up with a ‘clause in our contract’-to put it in today’s legal terminology He told us to work during the six days, and rest on the seventh. (Ex. 20:9, Deut. 5:13)

It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

(Ex. 31:17) So, what happened to Israel when they did not give the Lord His sabbaths?

He took into exile in Babylon those [of Israel]...to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths. All the days that it lay desolate it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years. (2 Chron. 36:20-21)

God WANTS us to stop and smell the roses. He did!

He doesn’t want us to get so busy that we forget who He is, and lose our own identity in the process.

He wants us to rest in Him. The curse put onto Adam after the fall was to toil the land that had formerly fed him. Only through Yeshua can we get back in relationship with God, so that we can enjoy the peace and freedom that Adam would have had.

The collage of roses on the left is made up of pictures that I have taken 2013-2014. They come from ‘The Rose Walk’ in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.

Our journey over the last five years has taught us a lot about resting in the Lord. We have learned that it is better to be obedient while in the journey, than to be put into ‘captivity’ so God can get what He requires. a publication of Ruth Ministries-The Virtuous Woman,TM a woman's restoration ministry/a segment of Philippi Prospect Ministries

TM

9

See more from this artist at

Kelka Jewelry

Shalom and welcome to the Kelka Jewelry collection of Gold jewelry as well as Kabbalah Jewelry, Judaica and gifts that are inscribed with Hebrew blessings and Hebrew prayers.

My work space is beautiful, it makes me so happy walking in every morning. I start work really early, around 7:30, I get to have my coffee and watch the ships come in and out of the port. I recognize some of the ships that keep coming back to the Haifa port already, Lirica, Norwegian Jade, Golden Iris which actually sells my jewelry at her shop already.

photos used by permission

My studio is inside an office building actually, in downtown Haifa, at the city port, on the 6th floor. That's why I have such peace, quiet and a great view. I need that space to create, think and be by myself.

Sign up for the Kelka Jewelry newsletter, packed with EXCLUSIVE discounts, insider info, and updates.

Sign up HERE. 10

See more from this artist at Silvina Designs

I am happy when my glass designs are travelling all around the world!!!

A lot of unique designs are ready to be shipped today from Israel. Necklace, judaica, suncatchers, home blessings, sushi plates and more‌ I make glass designs by customer order so feel free to ask me any question if you have something in mind!!

Since 2004 I own my studio that nowadays it comes bigger, having designing stained glass windows for two Synagogues and lighting for houses.

Teaching adults how to design in glass in my studio.

Binyamina-Israel

To visit my website, click here photos used by permission

11

See more from this artist at

adia art

Jewelry, Judaica sterling silver filigree design, handmade and shipped from Israel.

12

photos used by permission

see more from this artist at Limor's Ceramics Shop

In my shop you'll find hand painted bowls, fantasy sculptured animal jars, soap dishes and other home decorations.

Looking for something that no one else has? Have a passion for ceramics, come and visit my corner.

My work is created entirely by me in my Tel Aviv studio with love and lots of fun. Each object which I make is a new adventure for me since the brushwork varies from one piece to another, every glaze holds a secret and each firing is a bit of surprise which guarantees you that your order will be similar to the listing photo and yet unique and one of a kind.

Of course, the glazes I use are food-safe and you may put the items in the microwave and dishwasher. The dishes which I have in stock will be sent within three days. Custom orders will be ready and posted within one to three weeks. I will safely pack your order in recycled materials so that the package will arrive happy and environmentally correct.

So if you are looking for a special and unusual gift for a friend, family member, employee or colleague, an artful addition to your salon, kitchen, living room or bedroom, something to hang in your window, on your wall or from your pergola, don't hesitate to contact me and I will be very happy to help you. follow me on - facebook - Twitter - Pinterest photos used by permission

13

My interviews with women of God. There is a ton of things that I could share, but this ‘interview’ will explain how Grace Point! eMagazine came to be, and how God is using several things that I love to do to create it.

So, even though I am writing about myself, in keeping with the spirit of the article, I will play both parts of interviewer and interviewee.

PPM: How did you get inspired to publish an e-magazine?

Rebecca: I have always loved books and magazines, and loved to read. When I first saw the concept of a flipbook about two years ago, I loved it, but wasn’t sure what to do with it. Ideas would come and go, but nothing stuck. Then, almost a year ago, in the summer of 2014, I was given a copy of this *bookazine, by a friend and our host at the time.

Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the content, but I immediately told my husband, “I want to do something like this!” The bookazine published by the American Bible Society brought out my creative side, but I still did not have any course of action directed by the Holy Spirit. So, I waited for God to move me in the way He wanted me to go with this new-found desire of my heart.

Several days went by, and the look and feel of the bookazine kept coming to my mind. I read every superbly written article, being drawn into the content by the picture that represented it and, from a design standpoint, realized how the pictures were impacting my perception of the article; how they made the article seem complete. I began to look at e-publishing platforms, magazines specifically, and the desire to create an online magazine kept coming to me stronger and stronger. But, I had to be sure it what was developing in me was a ‘God-thing’ and not a ‘me-thing.’ So, I continued to wait for Him to tell me something, one way or the other.

Then, about three weeks after being given the bookazine, I had a dream....

14

*a publication that combines elements of both a book and magazine

photo credit/ABS website

In the dream, I saw a wooden sign, painted in what I would describe as ‘beach-y’ colors, with the words Grace Point! written in cursive across the multicolored stripes. When I woke up, I immediately created what I saw in the dream. So, the symbol on the left was given to me by God, specifically to use as the name of the magazine. And, not only the name, but the font, the colors, their arrangement, the angle of the exclamation point, and its size in relation to the other letters. It was all God-given.

PPM: So, what happened next?

Rebecca: Next?! Next, you say! What happened next was absolutely nothing!!... Actually, there was a lot going on in the ministry, but nothing toward developing a magazine! Summer was ending, autumn was coming, and God was not releasing me to do anything! By the time November came along, I was sure that God meant it all for a later date; some time a long way down the road. During the week of Thanksgiving, I said to God, “I would love to begin the magazine in the January. If I do that, then I have to have time to put it together.” He had answered a prayer for me when I was twelve years old having to do with starting something in January, so I knew He would understand when I asked in this way about the magazine. I went to bed that night thinking that it would be the last time I would mention it to God if I didn’t get the ‘go-ahead’.

Now, mind you, in the last three years, God has led me to create six blogs, fifteen studies, prayers posted online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, built websites for us and others in the double-digits, and became familiar with self-publishing through Amazon’s Createspace; so it was not a question of how to do it. It was when. So, by the next morning, God had given me a resounding “YES!” and here we are six issues later.

The magazine keeps growing; He keeps sending me to various people, offering an opportunity to contribute. Some of those I am led to ask are artisans in Israel, whose work is featured every month. I send emails out to perfect strangers, to tell them I want to feature them in our magazine, completely free of charge. So far, no one has said ‘No’, and some of the responses I get back brings a tear to my eyes.

From Elena: I'm glad to get your letter and I'm glad to hear, that somebody supports our country.

From Robin: Thank YOU very much! It looks beautiful, as does the whole magazine. I'm home recuperating from surgery right now and this put a big smile on my face.

From Miguel: Hi Rebecca, first of all, thank You so much for your proposal. We really need all that you can make to help us.

From Limor: I want to share my feelings with you, and tell you that your support of Israel is very moving, it actually brings tears to my eyes. (It's not a common thing for us to get support). So thank you for that.

We are charged with the responsibility of our fellowman; we are our brother’s keeper. God has called me, through this magazine, to give a voice to those who otherwise might have none. And, this not only to the artisans in Israel, but to each one who the Holy Spirit leads me to ask to contribute. It is so that their voice can be heard, whether it is a one-time contribution, or monthly. That I enjoy immensely putting the magazine together, searching for pictures, and building every page, is beside the point. I will continue in this venue for as long as I am called.

15

Malik Kirat

Photographer from Israel Sea of Galilee Stormy Winter Sunset It was shot in one of our first years living at the North of Israel. I went out of the Michal's workshop one late afternoon in the high autumn. The rain clouds were coming from the Mediterranean Sea on the West, covering Galilee and the lake. The sun was still bright, almost like in the summer, and the clouds very wintery purple .

View on the Sussita Nature Resort It is shows ancient olive groves and the Horn of the Ein Gev Mt. and the southeastern shores of the Sea of Galilee. The light grey rectangles are banana groves, covered in the protective nets. Sussita Nature Resort is on the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is named after the ancient city of Hippos (Sussita) which sat on the hill in the shape of a horse’s head (Thus the Greek name Hippos and Hebrew name Sussita, both meaning the horse or horse like ) It is thought that Sussita is the city on the hill that Jesus referred to while traveling around the Sea of Galilee.

Summer Sunset This was taken while cooling ourselves in the waters of the Sea of Galilee after an very long and scalding hot, cloudless day. The camera faces west, toward the Galilee and the Mediterranean. The color of the sky was as about as hot as the day we were leaving behind!

16

Snowy Landscape North Of Israel Oak Tree Natural Forest This was taken this winter (2014) which was

surprisingly rich with snow, for Israel. It is a reminder that Israel is a country with very strong nature contrasts. The snow falls at the farthest and highest North of Israel almost every year, and stays on the Hermon Mt. at the Golan Heights for a few months. This picture was taken in the Odem Forest, the only large natural forest in the Golan Heights. The camera faces the oak trees and the southern slopes of the Hermon Mt. The lower branches of the oak trees are seem to be trimmed.

In fact the are - by the cattle grazing freely in the forest.

Crown Anemone North of Israel We live in the kibbutz . It usually means a lot of greenery around. There is large area covered with pine trees. The pine grove floor is usually almost barren and covered with carpet of the dry needles.

Last year the pine grove was treated by foresters and dozens of damaged or sick trees were removed, creating larger spaces between the remaining trees. This winter, we got a major surprise. The grove's floor, now getting more air and light, was steadily producing carpets of wild flowers. It is easy to see why the flower has “crown� in its name.

Persian Cyclamen Growing on the Basalt Rock This was taken in the autumn after the first rains.

It doesn't usually rain in Israel during April through October, save for a very few surprises, so the first green color shows in the autumn and everyone is very excited about it. Persian Cyclamen is a sign that the winter is coming soon.

It loves growing in the rock cracks and behind the stones. I was taking my usual autumn trek down to the valley and just had a hunch to look back into the rocks. There was a beautiful bouquet set in the black rock ...

See more photos and handmade jewelry @ michalkirat.com

21

In the Potting Shed by

Rebecca Matthews

Do you have a built-in resiliency?

18

resilience

1:the power or ability to return to the original form, position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or stretched 2: the ability to recover readily from illness, depression, adversity, or the like

Pansies are resilient little flowers. They bloom better in cooler weather; heat causes the bloom to get smaller, or disappear altogether. And the variety of color combinations! They are a gardener’s dream flower.

But, did you know that pansies have a built-in “anti-freeze”? They can be cold, laying flat on the ground, looking past dead. Then the sun warms them up, and they stand up all perky again.

Well, that is how we need to be when the Enemy causes a spiritual freeze to come upon us. We might look like we have died out to the elements, but when the Son comes up, and we warm up to Him, we will find that we are as resilient as the pansy.

After reading the pertinent information about the pansy located to the right, in yellow, we understand how the pansy operates during cold weather. You see, we need to learn to “let the moisture escape” when we feel Satan blowing a cold draft our way. The Enemy will try to catch us unaware, so that the spiritual coldness that comes will cause us the rupture on the inside.

The cold can come by way of a hateful remark, acting out of haste or anger, or any number of other circumstances. Just remember, let the moisture out, then lift your face to the Son. Just like to pansies do.

Pansies protect themselves by allowing moisture to escape their leaves as temperatures fall. Other plants cannot do this, so when the temperature goes below freezing the water in their cells freezes and ruptures the cell walls. That’s what happens when you leave a houseplant on the patio during a freeze. Dry cells, though, can’t rupture. They just go limp. It is normal to see pansy leaves completely wilted at dawn but green and perky by noon. That’s why it is important to keep the soil in pansy beds moist after a freeze…. so their roots can rehydrate the leaves. quote from WalterReeves.com

How resilient are you?

Click here to take the quiz!

photo courtesy of BRF Klätterträdet via Flickr/License

19

Women in Scripture and What We Can Learn From Them

by Rebecca Matthews

Esther: The Courageous

The Book of Esther

We all have rules and regulations we have to follow in this world. We must obey the law, the boss and the principal; these are just a few of the people who enforce the official procedures we abide by in our daily lives. But not everyone adheres to the rules in the same way: some obey all while others obey none.

What if you are a woman, whose husband is the king, and he makes all the rules that the whole country has to follow?

What if you failed to come when called, knowing the rule is that all beckoned by the king must present themselves?

Would a virtuous wife not comply with her husband, seeing that he was the prominent public figure? After all, if you are a person in the public eye, your actions come under a certain amount of scrutiny. Queen Vashti knew all these things, yet still refused to come when the king beckoned. Not only did she disrespect him as her husband, but also as king. For that action, she was dethroned, and another woman sought and made queen. (1:11-22) How many times have we seen people around us that show no respect for authority get ‘taken down a notch’, and taught some humility? Or are we one of those people that disrespects the standing authority? And then we have those people that are power-hungry, and will stop at nothing-even committing murder-to achieve that power. These people do not have the wisdom to rule, they only want to attain the highest authority and the submission of the people. (3:1-4) Do we work with, or know, anyone like this? Is this a husband who has to have such control that every move of his family has to be documented in some way? Is this an overprotective mother who won’t let her children do the simplest of things for fear of them getting hurt?

Then there are the ones that recognize this hunger for power for what it is: a purely materialistic desire. But a Godly man knows not to bow to, or worship, an earthly man, no matter what position he holds. Even if that person makes life difficult, or threatens to kill those that won’t bow. (3:5-15) Are we able to see these people for what they truly are, and support them in their beliefs and actions? Are we able to emulate these people and see the faith they have? The scripture promises that God will always provide a way of escape for His people. God may have someone ‘on the inside’ who has earned honor and respect from the king. In this case, it is Esther, now the queen. (2:17) Do we fast and pray to find what it is that God wants us to do in difficult situations? Are we willing to carry it out once the answer comes?

Even though she was not called, she was faithful in believing that God would soften the heart of the king. To come when not called could result in death. (4:11) In her decision to do the right thing, favor was shown to her, and her people. To stand in the face of death takes perhaps the greatest amount of bravery and courage a person could muster. Esther accepts whatever will God has in store. (4:16) Her courage prevented a great disaster, and the evildoers received themselves what they had intended for others. (7:9-10) Do we have the courage to face those trying to kill us? Do we have faith that God will see us through and bring us out victorious on the other side? If we are in a place spiritually where God’s favor is upon us, we also can prevent evil from coming about. We, as virtuous women, can stand in the face of danger, death, and hostility, and not be afraid. There should be a little Esther in all of us.

21

Highways & Hedges

by Rebecca

Matthews

Whose footsteps are you following?

22

Here in the “Bible belt” it seems that preaching and pastoring gets passed down through families as if it were a deed to a piece of land inherited from the previous generation. But, what if you are one of those people that God is calling to do something different? What if He has chosen you to head up a ministry in somewhere in tribal Africa? What if He wants you to risk your life sharing Yeshua in countries where that name could get you killed?

All throughout Scripture, God chose trailblazers to carry His message from one generation to the next, so that He always had a remnant of followers. In almost every case, these chosen ones were asked to something that was totally different than what the families expected them to do. We know how the disciples - the talmidim* - left their families and followed Yeshua, without question, and without consulting anyone on their life-altering decision.

So, whose footsteps are you following? Are you expected to fill the religious shoes of the generation before you? Are you expected to do it the way it has always been done? We know what Yeshua said about following the traditions of men: read Mark 7.

Don’t let the world hold you captive. Instead of the world having a hold on you, you take hold of the world through the calling that God has given you. To be called of God should be an honor, and held in high regard, more so than any accolade that people could offer.

Be a trailblazer for God. Don’t let tradition, or unrelenting family members, keep you from the purpose wherein you have been called. ‫תלמידם‬ *talmidim- A plural Hebrew noun meaning "disciples" in its truest sense: those who leave family to study and follow the ways of their teacher [rabbi]. They study not only to learn what their teacher knows but to become the type of man their teacher is. From the Hebrew root word "limmud" meaning "instructed". Strong''s #8527. Pronounced tal mee DEEM. Singular talmid.

(Credit Source )

see more of my blogs at My Story...My Walk

23

I am Super-Woman: Sometimes we know something is not right inside us, but we don’t have the understanding of why. I hope this post is a source of God’s wisdom as to the WHY it’s not right to think, ‘I am Super-Woman’ or buy into this notion of womanhood, (as not only mothers are susceptible to this lie). I don’t want to offer just another list of good tips. I want to provide you with a biblical reason to help you live this out. We don’t need more rules – we need the WHY!

by Melanie Baker-Nash

Romans 12:2 ‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.’

Being in the world but not of the world: The world will continually bombard you with media to make you feel unworthy as you are.

The enemy hates women, yes hates us enough to want us anxious, depressed, resentful, greedy, self-obsessed, sex-obsessed, travel obsessed, fashion obsessed, competitive, jealous, envious, abusive, ready to speak evil and gossip – you name it…until we’re consumed with things like; mental illness, eating disorders, cosmetic surgery, suspicion, broken marriages and families, isolation, revenge, perverted sexual acts or making ourselves a sexual object, having ‘perfect’ children, exhaustion, financial stress…

Yet Jesus says, come to me all you who are weary and take my yoke which is easy and light. He says I love you my daughter, you are special and unique; listen to my voice and rest in me. Find your worth in me. Embrace your diversity within the body; my beautiful bride. Stop comparing yourself to other women or your family to what the world says is good; this will only lead to brokenness.

Being transformed by the renewing of your mind: When the world feeds our insecurities with thoughts of not being good enough, we must press into scripture prayerfully to have our minds renewed daily with the TRUTH. I can say from experience, as I am NO DIFFERENT to you as a woman! It is only by prayer and reading the Bible devotionally with Jesus, my mind is able to be transformed to one of peace and I hear His voice counteracting my own negative thoughts. When I hear Him, I become less anxious and often see a better way. I begin to see my strengths as an individual and come to a place where I ask others for help in areas where I am not gifted, rather than bearing the burden on my own, or in truth actually THINKING, I must do it all on my own to be good enough.

24

Col 3: 5-8 ‘Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. But now you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from your mouth.’

When we believe ‘I am Super-Woman’ we actually fall into the enemy’s trap of idolatry, as we put ourselves first becoming ‘I Am’. Again this is what the world tells us; ‘You deserve it’, ‘You need to be sexy and hot to have worth’, ‘You must provide your family with the latest devices to stay ahead educationally’, ‘You must work outside the home to provide’, ‘You must be popular with other women’, ‘Marriage problems? You can fix it by yourself; spice up the bedroom like in 50 Shades of Grey’, ‘Got badly behaved kids? You run them to doctors and stay away from church!’ This is actually a trap of exhaustion that can ruin us, our marriage and family.

Proverbs 22:6 ‘Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.’

Deuteronomy 11:19 ‘Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.’

To counter falling into the trap of believing we have to be ‘Super-Woman’ moms or women, we need to model a different lifestyle than what the world says to our children or nieces and nephews. We need to model a relationship with Christ is what brings wholeness and wellness. That godly character is much more valuable than the temptations the world offers. When we run around trying to be number one at everything we actually model a person seeking approval from the world and people, rather than living out a life of someone in love with Jesus working for His Kingdom, awaiting His return.

If we say to our kids, It’s okay to be different, yet compromise our faith for friendships; are never available for cuddles and listening due to our kids being in so many enrichment programs; skip church for sport; never read our bible due to constant TV watching; don’t model worship as our music is predominately secular; argue with our loved ones as we’re so tired…How is this teaching our children to be different? Actions are louder than words, is a very real saying!

To conclude I’d like to encourage you to find your individual identity and worth as a woman in a personal relationship with Christ. The world will tear you down; giving you inner turmoil until it destroys you completely…But Christ has overcome the world and offers peace. No husband or children will ever complete you as a woman; this is only available through Christ. No woman or family is perfect so STOP striving to be ‘Super-Woman’ to obtain a perfect family in your own strength and become a Godly one; a light for others to see Jesus. Find your strength in Jesus who is always enough and will guide you and your family perfectly.

see more from Melanie Baker-Nash at Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman

25

In the Garden

by Rebecca Matthews

Fruits in Scripture

The Date

26

The date - the fruit itself - is

A cup of dates has 93 grams of

mentioned approximately 50 times in

sugar, which is 80%, yet are very

Scripture,

always

healthy to eat, and can be eaten by

associated with the tree that bears

diabetics without fear of raising

it. Some believe that the honey

their blood sugar. The remainder

mentioned when referring to Canaan

of their nutritional value is protein

as the land of milk and honey, is

and

actually referring to to the sweetness

elements. In the Sahara, dates are

of the dates, and not the product of

ground and added to to the feed of

honey bees. And, along with raisins

camels, horses, and dogs. And, in a

and figs, dates were pressed into

non-food use, a syrup is made

‘cakes’ in ancient times, and were

from them to coat leather bags

used as food on-the-go.

and water pipes to keep them from

and

is

almost

fiber,

plus

several

trace

leaking!

27

Peace and Unity in our lives/Website George Calleja - Christian Author Peace Through Unity/Blogspot Peace Through Unity/WordPress Peace Unity Lives/Twitter George Calleja/Facebook George Calleja - Christian Author/Facebook George Calleja/Google+

28

29

It Is Written by

Rebecca Matthews

t a Wh ns e p hap you n e h w get s ’ r e t i r w ? k c blo

30

What happens when you get writer’s block? Do you just sit and stare at the empty page, or a blank computer screen, hoping an epiphany will suddenly fall into your lap?

If so, don’t waste your time trying to make something happen. Instead, use the time to catch up on another project, or something else that is important for you to get done. Before you know it, an idea will come to mind, and the words will just flow out!

Something that helps me when I get stuck is to look at photos, whether online, tucked away in a shoebox, or hidden in the back of a drawer. The old adage is that a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, find a picture and see how many words you can write!

But, what if pictures don’t seem to help, or it’s just not your thing? Then, a look through an old magazine or newspaper article could stir up an idea. A quick scan over the titles in your personal library or your local public library could be the answer, as well as any of several online book-reading platforms.

The idea is to get your focus onto something constructive, so that there is no more blockage. When you create a flow of thoughts through other activities, soon you will find that your mind returns to the blockage, and you will have just what you need to clear it out of the way, and keep on a positive track.

31

The Personal Column by

Angela Carpenter

God created us in His image.

We are the only thing He created with a soul to love Him back. Unlike animals who live on instinct, God created us like Him with the ability to choose.

We all have free will.

A situation will happen: a part of God’s plan, but we have a choice to go through it with Him or without Him. Without God you will hit road blocks, traffic jams, detours, and react out of fear and short term pleasure, like an animal on the earth.

With Him you will see the road blocks, detours, and traffic jams clearly and see a reason why.

God’s Will 32

Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you, the plans to prosper you and give you hope.

God is complete freedom--free of fear. God is free to love and help others with no fear of consequences. Can you imagine living that free? What would you do differently if you could be free? And what would you not do?

Would you be able to face your giants? Would you be able to part the sea for others to have freedom as well? Would you be able to give your life for another? He created us with the same freedom as Himself.

I hear people use the words free will in a negative way. “Free will sucks.” But, it only sucks when we do not use it, when we choose to live in the world like an animal, living on instincts, only for ourselves to profit and survive. A free will is freedom to thrive in this world, and a heart to help others do the same.

God is good and fair, and free will is the greatest gift He gave us. He gave us the freedom to choose, so we could know the freedom of Jesus Christ. If we did not have the freedom to accept and choose a life in Jesus, we would be no different than animals. When we activate our free will by making a choice to see our life in Scripture, we see that free will is one will.

After 13 years of being a stay-at-home mom, I decided to re-enter the workforce, to help make ends meet at home. I started working for a wellknown retail company sweeping floors a few hours a week for $8 an hour. I knew I could help the company, and my family, profit, if I gave 100% of me to them. When you help others you help yourself. The better I was at my job, the more hours my boss gave me. The more obedient I was, the more responsibility she gave me.

In four short months, I found myself interviewing for a manager’s job. With no resume` or business degree, I got the job. My boss later told me that I got the job because I had something that does not come with a business degree: I understood the bottom line: PROFIT. When we help others, everyone profits.

When Jesus met Peter, he said Follow me. I will make you a fisher of men. He didn’t want Peter to spend his life trying to catch fish to survive. He wanted Peter to teach others to fish to thrive.

Jesus chose God’s will, and chose to live His life for the profit of others. He knew where He was going and said follow me. He wanted Peter to choose the same. God said I know the plans I have for you. The plans for prosper and hope.

If we want to enjoy life, we must follow Him. The more obedient we are to God, the more responsibility He gives us.

Accepting free will is the understanding of ONE will: God’s will. When the disciples asked Jesus how do we pray, He said, Our father who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. Dear God, I praise you, I serve you, now and forever. Amen.

One heart, one will, one purpose. What would you give to have that kind of freedom on earth?

Jesus already gave His life for you. Accept HIM and you will see.

read more from Angela at notbusinesitspersonal.blogspot.com

33

Cleaning Out the Closet by

What part of your view on life just don’t fit anymore?

34

Rebecca Matthews

Are you tired of wearing religious hand -medowns?

What views, thought processes, attitudes, characterizations, philosophies, or ways of life, just don’t fit anymore? It’s time to get rid of the outgrown, over-sized, thread-bare thinking that someone else has given you, and be dressed in the spiritual clothing that God has given us!

So, what clothing should we find hanging in our spiritual closet? We find the answer to that in Ephesians 6; it is a uniform to be worn at all times.

Paul likens it to a Roman soldier’s armor, because theirs was the best defensive clothing in the physical world at that time. We are going to look at the modern wardrobe. v. 14 - having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist Not just any old belt, but a belt that holds tools. Think of a carpenter’s belt, an electrician's belt, or any other occupation where tools need to be within reach at all times. v. 14 - put on their internal However, being organs, like or

the breastplate of righteousness The Roman breastplate was a piece of metal that kept organs from being injured. We don’t have to wear one of those to keep from being hurt. quick to forgive, slow to anger, and refusing to let others offend us will keep necessary heart, from being broken.

v. 15 - and fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace You know, we women love shoes.

Most of us would have a closet just for them , in every style, color and heel height we could imagine.

So, whether you’re wearing 6-inch stilettos, running shoes, or your theme song is “These boots are made for walking,” remember that they represent the spreading of the Gospel, and that you will always be willing to go where God calls you. v. 16 - above all, taking up the shield of faith Today’s shield is made from Kevlar, or similar material, and is called a bullet-proof vest. For police and military, it is to keep the bullets from penetrating.

Our enemy uses fiery darts. v. 17 - take the helmet of salvation I personally have never been a “hat person” but I know I have the spiritual covering and protection of Yeshua Himself, whose very name means “salvation” and that He guides me in all my thoughts and actions. v. 17 - and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God We’ve all seen the Robin Hood movies, where all the battles are fought, and won, by a sword. The difference between the Hollywood version and God’s, is that God’s is a two-edged sword. This means that if we start using it in a way that was not intended, we will end up hurting ourselves more than we do the enemy. (see Hebrews 4:12) v. 18 - praying at all times in the Spirit, being watchful to this end in all perseverance This is not given to us as an article of clothing in our English translations, but we know that the Jewish tallit is a shawl-like garment worn by men during morning services, and during the reading of the Scriptures, with tzitzit (long fringes) attached to the corners as a reminder of the commandments. It is also called a prayer shawl. The women do not wear a tallit, but do wear scarves during these services. So, every time we put on a scarf to complete an outfit, or to ward off the cold, we should remember that prayer does the same thing: it completes our spiritual wardrobe and it keeps out the spiritual coldness of the enemy.

35

TM

God I trust you with my every need I will follow you where you may lead.

Through valleys low and mountains high It is you I will remain beside.

I may stumble but you will not let me fall Because you are God and You are above all.

I will call upon your name when evil is near It is with your name they run in fear.

I do not worry about what lies ahead You are alive oh God, and not dead.

___ 36

VerseWorks TM a trademark of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM

by Jaime Dills

Observations: Worth a Thousand Words

by Rebecca Matthews

What does this picture say to you?

You are not a little girl anymore?

Where has the time gone?

Is this the place where girl meets woman?

Are you leaving your childhood innocence behind?

Is this where your dreams started, or where they have come true?

Do you want to make sure you don’t lose the little girl inside of you?

Are you ready to start the next phase of your life?

Does this bring back memories of a more peaceful, happier time in your life?

All of these scenarios help us understand the stage of life we are in, how we have matured, what we have left behind, and who we are going forward.

37

Come to the Water

by Rebecca Matthews

The Well : In the city of Haran, in the region of Aram-Naharaim (The land of the two rivers.)

38

Genesis 24:10-20 Then the servant took ten camels from the camels of his master, and set out with a variety of good things of his master’s in his hand; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.

He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham. “Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water; now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.” Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder. The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. Then the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.” She said, “Drink, my lord”; and she quickly lowered her jar to her hand, and gave him a drink. Now when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw also for your camels until they have finished drinking.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.

Genesis 24:56-58 He said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” And they said, “We will call the girl and consult her wishes.” Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”

Decisions. Decisions. We all must make them. Rebekah had a few choices to make when she showed up at the well, and saw a stranger there who had obviously come a long distance. When asked for water, she immediately decided to be hospitable to this man, in no way knowing that her actions were an answer to the prayer that he had just spoken in his heart.

Then, after his reason for coming had been established, she had no choice in the matter of whether she would be Isaac’s bride. But, when morning came, she did have to make another decision: whether to go with Abraham’s servant, or stay and prepare herself for the position she was chosen to fill. She chose to go then, and not delay.

So, how many times have you been brought to a well of decision? A place where you have been rewarded for acting instinctively with warm reception and hospitality? A place where you were free to make some of the decisions, but others were made for you? Have you been given a sense adventure? Or, a blessing and honor bestowed upon you by family and friends because of your choice? Have you moved to a new location, either literally or spiritually, just by drawing from the well of decision?

The well that Rebecca drew water from, in “the land of the two rivers,” is a reminder that we have choices to make that can alter our future. We can choose to go or stay, to be blessed or be cursed. But, it is also a reminder that some decisions are made for us. It shows us that sometimes we are impacted by the decisions of others, and their decision can change the course of our whole lives.

39

Abram/Abraham Responsibility

Our names are more than just what we are called.

God gave names, or changed names, in Scripture, in the lives of those whose names were changed. Do up to the character of that name? Or, do you feel

Abram Ab means chief, principal, and comes from a primitive root word meaning father, chief (The same word that Yeshua used when he cried Abba, Father.)

Ruwm means exalted, haughty, and comes from a primitive root word that means to be high above, to rise or raise, to bring up, to exalt or be exalted.

Abraham Ab is the same; nothing changed.

Raham means a multitude.

So, Abraham went from being a father exalted (alone), to being the father of a multitude.

As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations.

No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you, and kings will come forth from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God. (Gen. 17:4-6) Are you the father of a multitude, either literally or figuratively? Are you an established leader, having the responsibility of those around you? As an Abram, are you a productive member of society, having the respect of your spouse, colleagues, and neighbors? As an Abraham, are you responsible for your children, raising them as a Godly father, setting an example before them?

Whether you are an Abram, or an Abraham, the key word is responsibility.

40

They can reveal a lot about our character. When it signified that a change was about to take place you have a Scripture-based name? Are you living a name-change is in order?

Sarai/Sarah Security

Sarai Sar means chief, captain, general, lord, keeper. It comes from the word sarar which means to be or act as a prince, to rule, a head person (of any rank or class) a captain, chief, general, governor, keeper, lord, ruler, steward. It comes from primitive root word that means to have or exercise dominion, to rule.

Ai is a feminine suffix, which makes any word that it is attached to become the feminine version of that word. It is also associated to barrenness. (Gen. 11:30) Sar is the same~nothing changed.

Ah is also a feminine suffix, and changes the meaning to lady, princess, queen, and takes away the barrenness.

So, Sarah went from a barren leader to a leader of royalty. (Gen. 17:16) Then God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her. (Gen. 17:15-16) In this name change, God did not change the basis of who they were; he built upon it. Both before the name change and after, Sarah's status in relation to Abraham did not change. Sarah did not lose her 'royalty' status, rather she was promoted in it; she would have an heir to carry it on.

Do friends and colleagues confide in you because they trust you? Do others look up to you as a role model? As a Sarai, do you make those around you feel safe and secure? As a Sarah, are you a guardian and protector of your children, keeping them out of harm’s way, giving them the love and support they need? Whether you are a Sarai, or a Sarah, the key word is security.

41

Remark a b l e s “Who ever is trying to bring you down, is already below you.” ___

42

by Amanda Marler

We were taken in for the day by a member of the church. Sherry took us home, fed us, then let us sleep for a few hours. She arranged for us to stay at a relative’s house, and we went there later that evening.

The highlight of our stay consisted of a African-American man who had been laid off from his job in Charleston, and was hitchhiking back to his mother’s home some three hundred miles away in Georgia.

He told us he was a prodigal son, and that he had called his mother and asked her forgiveness for past words spoken in anger. He could have gotten a bus, but he was traveling with his loyal canine companion, who he refused to leave behind. We made him a bed on the sofa, and the next morning, our host drove him to his mother’s house, five hours away in Georgia.

We left three days later, on a Thursday, and walked the eight miles back to the park where we had spent the night two months previous. It was almost the end of February, and a little warmer than the last time we were there. We went as far as we could opposite of where we had been before. Finding some bushes with a lot of leaves on the ground, we settled down for the night.

The next morning, we walked the few blocks to a church that we had visited in December during a revival. We had made the pastor’s acquaintance then, and we hoped he remembered us. The receptionist for the church was a spirit-filled woman named Wanda. She was also in charge of the church’s food pantry. The pastor took us into his office, and we told him our circumstances. We emphasized that we were not there for a hand-out. We wanted to serve in ministry in some capacity, and inquired if he had anything that we could do. This was a Friday morning, and what he did next amazed us. The first thing was arrange a motel room for the weekend, and let us choose some items from the huge inventory in the church pantry. Then he asked us if we had eaten, and we told him we had not since the day before. He had a prior lunch date with an older couple on his staff. He took us along, and we ate some ‘real food’ for the first time since Christmas. Afterward, he dropped us off at the motel, made sure we had all we needed, and left us for the night. To slide between clean sheets was a welcome treat; we had slept on the floor at the previous house.

On Sunday, Pastor Martin picked us up for church. We sat in the back, which held about 450 people, and that day it was standing-room only. At the end of the service, just before he was about to dismiss the service, Wanda stood up and announced that the morning offering allocated to the food pantry was a few dollars short of a nice, round number, and made request for $20 to be added to make the sum. The pastor repeated her request. Several people rose and began taking money to the pastor standing in the aisle near the front of church. James whispered to me that the Lord had put it on his heart to give our last three dollars to the cause. He went up and, as he passed over the folded bills, said that it was our ‘widow’s mite.’ He then turned and came back to our seat, his eyes full of tears.

I had been watching Pastor Martin through this whole process, and he began to cry, then told the church our story. He reiterated that we had not asked for anything except some missionary work. He finished the story and dismissed in prayer. As the people left, many walked by and pressed bills into our hands and our shirt pockets. Others gave us their blessings and said they would pray for us. One woman, Gail, could not seem to leave us. She had pressed a $100 bill into my hand, and then went to speak to the pastor. I saw them talking privately, then come toward us. We were dumbstruck by the outpouring of generosity from the congregation, but the next offer was even more amazing to us. The pastor had a church approximately twenty-five miles away that needed an interim pastor. The wife of the former (very elderly) pastor had taken ill suddenly, and had resign unexpectedly the week before. The congregation was in disarray, and Pastor Martin was in the process of finding someone to take the church. Since we were not of that denomination, he brought us in as missionaries to serve in the church until a replacement was found. Gail Scott, and her husband, Stanley, donated a well-equipped 30ft. camper for us to stay in. Within two days, we were living out back of the church, to help out in the community.

For our widow’s mite -our three dollars- the Lord returned to us that Sunday $496, a place to live, a work to do, and a community to serve in. It just proves that if we give our all to God that He will repay in kind.

43

Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak; And let the earth hear the words of my mouth.

Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As the droplets on the fresh grass And as the showers on the herb.

For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God! The Rock! His work is perfect, For all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He. Deut. 32:1-4

44

Philippi Prospect Ministries | Of Parchment & Passage TM

45

Peach Sorbet

Orange Glow

Intimate Orange l

On Fire StillWorks Imagery Fine Art for purchase