A JOURNEY TO HEALING a mommy meltdown
ME? A MARTYR?! THE SOY VEY COUPLE A Game of Cat-and-Mouse
CONTENTS 4
From the Editor
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Finding Me
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Great Expectations
HOW TO CONTACT STUDIO G:
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Legacy: Building a Life that Lasts
STUDIO G 2121 E Southlake Blvd • Southlake, TX 76092 817.328.1000 • studiogmag.com
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Amazing Answer
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Home
1 4
A Divine Order of Kosher Peking Duck on Bagel
1 5
Embrace Life
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Slice of Life
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A Life-Changing Conversation with God
1 9
A Titus Two Woman
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My Life is Not My Own
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My Spiritual Gift
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It’s All About Me
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Fit 4 the Kingdom
EDITORIAL: Debbie Morris, Editor-in-Chief Stephanie Evans, Managing Editor Stacy Pack, Editorial Director S. George Thomas, Editor Joyce Freeman, Editorial Assistant Gateway Media Ministries, Creative Direction Katrina Sirmon, Graphic Designer
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EALING A JOURNEY TO H a mommy meltdown
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ME? A MARTYR
Y COUPLE THE SOY VE t-and-Mouse A Game of Ca
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2121 E Southlake Blvd • Southlake, TX 76092 Phone: 817.328.1000 • Fax: 817.416.5701
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by Debbie Morris
by Kathy Henigan Jimerson
by Joyce Simmons
by Tammy Kling
by Lori Rush
by Margie Grantham
by Elena Glassman
by Ryane Nichols-Moates
by Barb Stage
by Rebecca Wilson
by Jan Grubbs
by Tammy Adams
by Ethel Azariah
by Irini Fambro
by Emily Gilstrap
FROM THE EDITOR
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Hello Ladies!
Do you remember the cool, crisp days of your childhood when you played schoolyard games like Red Rover, Freeze Tag and Hide-and-Seek? If you’re anything like me, then recess was the best part of the school day. I recently noticed a king in the Bible who also played Hide-and-Seek, and no, it wasn’t David hiding from Saul. Rather, it was King Saul who tried to hide from God’s anointing, God’s people and God’s destiny for him. As young men often were in those days, Saul was sent out to find his father’s donkeys. After awhile, Saul was ready to return empty-handed, but his servant persuaded him to go ask the prophet Samuel about the location of the missing donkeys. It all seemed so normal and innocent at the time. But what Saul didn’t know was that God was ordering his steps and leading him into his destiny. When Samuel met Saul, he anointed Saul the king of Israel. Amazing, isn’t it? The young man who couldn’t find his father’s donkeys was now the king! Along with his new title and position, Saul received the Spirit of the Lord as well as a new heart. After several incredible encounters with God, Saul went back to his family and normal life. When Samuel called Israel together to anoint Saul as the king before all the people, Saul couldn’t be found. It seems like Saul would have swaggered into the crowd out of his eagerness for the people to know he was God’s chosen one. But that’s not how it happened. Saul was hiding in the baggage or the equipment, or as one translation simply puts it, Saul was hiding in “the stuff.” I’ve realized that I, just like Saul, still play Hide-and-Seek. I know God has called me, and I know He has gifted me with everything I need. My own insecurities, however, cause me to want to take refuge in “the stuff” and hide from the destiny which God has called me to. I’m sure I am not the only one who tends to play childish games, so let me encourage you with this thought: You have a destiny and everything you need to accomplish it. God has numerous opportunities for you to walk in your anointing. Don’t be found hanging out around the baggage. Blessings,
Debbie Morris Editor-in-Chief Debbie Morris has been married to Pastor Robert Morris for over twenty-five years. They are blessed with two children at home and one married son. Debbie is the Pastor of Gateway Women’s Ministries and is the Editor-in-Chief of Studio G.
by Kathy Henigan Jimerson
“God, You must have us confused with someone else!” My husband, Phil, wasn’t Abraham, and I certainly wasn’t Sarah; but here we were, packing up our things and moving. Disguised as “a really good job” and “a golden opportunity,” nothing about this felt really “good” or “golden.” I packed for weeks, but I couldn’t pack up all the memories. The day the U-Haul truck pulled out of our driveway, I could only look back and cry. Even though my body was in the truck, my heart was still clinging to the four walls of that house. I had to keep reminding myself it was only a house—it’s people who make a home. Phil settled into his new job, the kids made new friends, and I was left to turn a rundown rented house into a home. Every morning my family would leave, and I would be faced with a lonely house and stacks of boxes. I longed to go home and return to the life I had known. I couldn’t let go, and I couldn’t move forward. I felt like I was stuck in neutral. After weeks of grieving, I confided in my best friend and told her how miserable I was. Two days later, she called me back and said, “I’ve spent some time praying, and this is what the Lord keeps saying: ‘Tell her to pray, “Lord, what is Your perspective of me?” ’ ” I pondered her words, feeling almost angry. “That’s it?” I shot back. “I’m dying over here and that’s the best you can do? What does that have to do with anything?” Softly but firmly she replied, “I know what I heard; try it.” For days I stewed over her words: “Lord, what is Your perspective of me?” It didn’t make sense; nothing made sense! Life was turned so upside down, and I felt empty. Down on my knees, I sobbed, “Lord, what IS your perspective of me? I don’t know what to do. I’m lonely. Help me please!” For hours I lay on the hardwood floor drained of all emotion. Drifting in and out of sleep, I began to dream. I pictured our
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made … Psalm 139:14a (NASB)
Kathy Henigan Jimerson and her husband, Phil, have been attending Gateway Church since May 2005. She and Phil have been married 40 years and have three grown children (all married) Traci, Bret and Gay Lynn. They also have four grandchildren. Kathy was a counselor for ten years for pregnant/parenting teens in the Grand Prairie School District and still conducts support groups in her home. She shares her gift of encouragement through writing and speaking.
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Finding Me
beautiful house in East Texas and the wisteria which wrapped itself around the porch columns. The deep purple blooms completely hid the columns. Suddenly, the vine took on a life of its own as it began to slowly and almost effortlessly unwrap. Without the trappings of the vine, the columns were strong and even lovely. “That is you.” It was like a whisper, yet undeniably clear. I didn’t move. A presence filled the room. “You are like those columns. Like the wisteria vine covering and hiding the columns, the trappings of life and the needs and opinions of others have formed who you think you are. These things do not define you; I do.” I had struggled with my self-worth for a lifetime. At a very early age, the words and views of others led me to believe I didn’t measure up. I never seemed to shine or be outstanding at anything. Over the years, I found value and identity through my husband’s success and our children’s accomplishments. People in our community either knew me as Phil’s wife or as the mother of Traci, Bret and Gay Lynn. Now I felt like I had no identity or worth; I felt lost. Mistakenly I thought God had abandoned me; but in reality, He was finding me. I had nothing to hold on to, but God helped me understand He was all I really needed. He knew me before others told me who I was. He knew me before I was even formed. “Lord, what is your perspective of me?” I posed that question over twenty years ago, and it has been life-changing. Over the years, I’ve shared these words with other hurting people experiencing their own identity crises. These crises can be brought about through the death of a spouse, the end of a relationship, a job change or, as it was in my case, moving. Circumstances may change, but they don’t change who we are. Our worth and identity are secure in Christ, because He defines us. When all else fails, ask the right question; He will answer.
Great Expectations by Joyce Simmons
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Most couples enter into marriage with totally unrealistic expectations. Upon seeing the man of her dreams, a woman may think, “He will be my Prince Charming—my romantic fulfillment—who will bring financial and emotional security into my life. He’ll spend all of his spare time with me. He will lift me up when I’m down and will cheer for me when I succeed. He’ll build up my self-image and defend me against the cold, cruel world. He will understand me like no one ever has before.” A man, upon setting his sights on his Princess, thinks to himself, “She will be my dream lover and will cook gourmet meals, raise our children and encourage me. She’ll always be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and will only have eyes for me. Whenever I arrive home after a long day’s work, there will be a meal ready and waiting for me.” When Prince Charming’s armor begins to rust and the little Princess throws a royal pout, idealistic expectations tend to take a nose dive down the castle staircase! There are no perfect people or perfect marriages on this side of heaven, and no one other than yourself can assume responsibility for your personal happiness. Unrealistic expectations are completely wrong, and they provide an unreliable foundation for marriage. Romantic love, the kind of love that sends quivers up your spine and causes you to write “Mrs. Prince Charming” all over the place, can never be the primary component within a strong relationship. While feelings are a part of love, they are only a part. Young people grow up thinking that happiness is only attached to romance. They believe when romance is gone so is the relationship. In reality, a person who hasn’t found happiness while being single won’t find happiness through marriage. True happiness comes from God’s Spirit within you and is not dependent upon your situation or circumstances. Novels, movies and television seek to tell us that “love is a many-splendored thing,” but love is actually “a many-splintered thing” with several areas that require nurturing. Only with the right tools—commitment, a healthy dose of selfless love, an understanding of God’s Word and a fervent prayer life—can these areas be properly managed. When these tools aren’t in their proper place, couples easily fall into traps that keep their relationships in bondage.
Two of the primary traps which sabotage relationships are unforgiveness and miscommunication.
UNFORGIVENESS Acid can destroy the vessel used to hold it. In the same way, unforgiveness brings destruction into both your personal life and your relationships. It is an unattractive garment easily recognizable by your sadness, sarcasm, criticisms, hateful looks and unkind actions. Matthew 6:14 (NASB) says, “If you forgive others … your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Forgiveness clothed in love brings peace.
MISCOMMUNICATION
One hot summer day, Tony, a sixyear-old entrepreneur, set up a lemonade
Dissolve your arguments so you can resolve them. A conflict that is left unaddressed can often grow into an unnecessary fortress.
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LEARN TO REALLY LISTEN
James 1:19 (KJV) tells us to, “Be swift to hear.” When someone is talking to you, be a steady listener. Don’t withdraw, shut down or start thinking about what you’re going to say next. Listening may reveal something which can be used to disarm anger or correct a misunderstanding. Everyone has a right to their feelings and concerns. Also watch body language. This can often reveal the root of the problem. Take
into consideration the fact that we learn our reactions from our family members.
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GET YOUR MESSAGE ACROSS IN A WAY THE OTHER PERSON WILL UNDERSTAND
People deal with conflict in different ways. Screaming or yelling can often turn some people away, while others may have a hard time understanding someone who pouts or withdraws. Before a conflict arises between you and your spouse, take the time to talk about how each may possibly react.
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stand. He placed a sign on his stand that read: Lemonade | 10¢ | All you can drink. A man driving past the stand stopped and gave Tony ten cents for a tall glass of lemonade. After drinking it heartily, the man asked for another glass, but to his surprise Tony said no! The man retorted, “But your sign says ten cents—all you can drink!” “That’s right,” replied the boy, “The sign says ten cents, and that’s all you can drink!” What is perfectly clear to one person may often mean something totally different to another person. Healthy communication involves talking about your differences and airing out your discrepancies in order to understand each other’s opinions. When communicating, remember the following three things:
Building a healthy marriage requires having the heart of a servant. You need to be willing to listen, to consider how others think and feel and to work hard to make things happen.
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TALK BEFORE YOU GET TICKED
What you communicate on the outside is usually a direct byproduct of how you feel on the inside. Have you ever had a conflict with your spouse in the morning but then completely forgot about it as the day continued? Later, your cheerful homecoming greeting may have been met with a deep-freeze look because your spouse was brewing over your argument all day long as well as every other fight you’ve ever had! Dissolve your arguments so you can resolve them. A conflict that is left unaddressed can often grow into an unnecessary fortress. Talk it out between yourselves. Be positive and focus on solutions as opposed to problems or imagined anxieties. To learn how to build bridges rather than barriers, read Ephesians 4:25–32. This passage deals with being truthful, loving, giving, forgiving and real with each other. Understand there are consequences to your actions.
As I conduct workshops and retreats, the saddest statement I hear time and time again is, “I wish I would have tried harder to make our marriage work. At the time, I thought getting out was the right decision. But now I’m facing the same problems, and they’re even more complicated than before because of my choices. Why didn’t someone encourage me to hang in there and make it work? Look at what it’s done to my kids.” Many marriages perish due to a lack of knowledge. Work together at identifying and understanding the tools God has given you to build a strong relationship. Use those tools regardless of your feelings. Feelings come and go, but commitment restores order and provides a healthy environment for your children. Learn how to do battle for your family by knowing God’s Word and standing firm on His promises. God is on your side, and He’s waiting to restore the desires of your heart. Through Him, your expectations can be greater than you ever imagined! Joyce Simmons has been involved in women’s ministry for over 27 years. She has authored several books including Shared Joy is Double Joy and Selfless Love. Joyce, the mother of three and grandmother of six, is married and lives in Keller, Texas. Her official website is www.dfmtoday.com.
READER’S POLL →→ What is the best marriage advice you ever received?
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Expectations are always expected but hardly communicated. And as you grow, your expectations change. Always talk about them. –Jessica G.
To pray with your husband before you go to bed. –Loresha W. Deal with your issues now. Don’t put them off, they only get bigger with time. –Karla L.
Marriage is a “full-time” job and you have to work at it all the time. Just like anything else, you get out of it what you put into it.
Mention it once, maybe twice, pray about it.
Always work at “out blessing” each other.
Argue naked … the argument ends quickly. –Hannah M.
Never stop laughing together…choose to have fun. –Kristen R. My favorite line from My Big, Fat Greek Wedding … “Remember, the husband … he is the head of the house. But the wife … the wife is the one that turns the head.”
When your husband comes home (after errands, after work, after a golf game) greet him like he has just returned home from a great conquest. It is amazing how a good greeting can impact the next few hours.
Remember to make time for each other throughout the years so when your children leave you are left not with an empty nest but with your best friend. –Kathy O.
Also, once or twice a year, ask what their dreams are (long-term and short-term) and verbally express your support to help make those dreams happen. –Aja S.
by Tammy Kling
YOUR PLACE IN THIS WORLD No matter who you are, God has a plan for your life, although at times it can be difficult to know what it is. Building a legacy involves deepening your relationship with God and understanding yourself and your capabilities. A friend of mine believed her legacy would be to have a baby and be a stay-at-home mom. When she and her husband were unable to conceive, she was surprised because she had been so certain of God’s purpose for her life. My friend and her husband prayed and sought God’s voice on the matter. They eventually adopted a beautiful baby boy, and today she’s fulfilling her life’s purpose as a homeschooling mother. I know another woman who never had any children. Now that she’s in her sixties, she understands that God’s purpose for her life
is to have many spiritual children. She works in nursing homes and helps friends and neighbors whenever they need it. She cooks for them, counsels them and loves them. Maxine Clark, the founder and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop®, runs a multi-million dollar company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, but that’s not why she works. She recently shared with me her own legacy to give back to the world through her business. On a trip with Oprah Winfrey to Africa, Maxine experienced the ultimate opportunity of giving back by distributing 40,000 Teddy Bears to children with AIDS.
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What’s your legacy? Are you living a purpose-driven life, or are you going through the motions with days filled with endless emails and errands? Building a legacy requires prayer, contemplation and planning. It means setting aside a day or a week to think about the steps you need to take to transform your life and ensure that you create a legacy that lasts for generations.
WHAT WILL YOUR LEGACY BE? You don’t have to be the CEO of a company to leave a mark on the world. You only need to follow three important steps to build a legacy that lasts.
be more joyful overall? Take a day off from all of your obligations and think about how you need to live the life you are destined for. Planning involves listening. Continue listening to God’s voice, and write a list of the steps you will take. Is it your legacy to be a parent? Make a note of all the things that need to happen for that to come about—including taking a vacation with your husband! Is it your legacy to become a singer and share your vocal talents with the world? Pray, plan and follow God’s leading, and then write down the top ten things you’ll need to do to follow your dream. Your list may include getting a vocal coach, setting aside two hours every day to practice or joining the praise and worship team.
STEP 3: Execute by taking baby steps towards your legacy each day, and stay focused on it! STEP 1: Pray for God’s wisdom about His plan for your life. Ask God to reveal His life-plan for your life. As you pray, use your own words and terms. Ephesians 6:18a (NIV) instructs us to, “Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” All too often, we end up following our childhood dreams without taking time to recalibrate ourselves along the way. It’s easy to become fixated on a dream, but sometimes our dreams don’t line up with what God has planned for our lives. What’s your life’s work? How will people remember you? What imprint will you leave behind? Seek God and ask Him to give you the answers to those questions.
STEP 2: Listen carefully to what God tells you. Make a plan to live out your dream. Creating a legacy involves taking the time to plan how you want to live the rest of your life and to figure out what it will take to accomplish that. Are there things you need to work on? Do you want to live a healthier life, be more connected to your children or
Once you’ve taken the first two steps, post your action plan in a visible place! Is it your legacy to build a stronger marriage? What obligations, commitments or activities detract from that? Your written plan of action might include a note to “just say no” as a reminder to stay centered on your husband. I have my Legacy Plan taped to the bathroom mirror as a reminder to stay congruent with God’s purposes for my life. It’s a fairly simple plan, however, when I wake up cranky, my mood instantly changes once I read, “Thank God for this beautiful family!” and “Be a better wife and mom.” I know I have to do both each day to fulfill my own legacy of building a solid, God-centered marriage. With a little planning and a lot of prayer and listening, you can live the life you’ve always dreamed of and leave a lasting impression! Tammy Kling is an international author, writing coach and a member of Gateway Church. Her books have been translated in various foreign languages and have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and on Dateline NBC. She writes with the hope of changing lives through the written word. Her official website is www.TKling.com.
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Do you have a friend that would love to receive Studio G?
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Contact Sarah Wronko at, 817.552.3612, or email their name and address to studiog@gatewaypeople.com. Studio G is published by the Women’s Ministries of Gateway Church, a nonprofit corporation, Southlake, Texas USA © 2006 Gateway Church. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Studio G has no subscription price and is supported through ministry contributions worldwide. All gifts to this ministry are tax deductible (in countries where this applies). For more information or to order, call 817.552.3612. Internet address: studiogmag.com
An Amazing Answer by Lori Rush
prayed, “God, where is James? Is he OK? Is he even alive? Please! Bring him to us!” God heard my prayers that night. In fact, He already had a plan in action. The very next day, as our family was getting ready for church, I heard my son say, “Mom, there’s someone at the door. I’ll get it.” Since my son’s only four years old, I went with him to the door. As I opened the door, I was surprised to see an elderly lady with white hair standing on my porch. She greeted me with a question, “Are you Lori?” When I replied that I was, she said, “I’m James’ mom!” I was so surprised, I don’t think I even greeted her. Hoping with all my heart that James was still was alive, I immediately asked, “WHERE IS HE?” I was so happy when she pointed to my driveway and I saw him sitting in a car waving to me! I was shaking as I ran out to the car to talk with him. It turns out that James had gone through a terribly rough year since I had last seen him. First, his dad passed away. Then, after finally receiving a new kidney, he lost it due to complications. In addition, part of his right leg had to be amputated. Later, James lost control of the muscles in his face and had to relearn how to speak and eat. Now he
was back on dialysis while waiting for another kidney. It had been a tough year for him, to say the least. But he was alive, and God had brought him to us! I was so thankful to be talking to him face to face. My husband and I used this God-given encounter as an opportunity to pray for James and his mom. Before they left, we got his new address so we could stay in touch better in the future.
God is so good!
He hears my prayers in the early hours of the morning, and He constantly shows me how real He is. God brought James to us because He specifically wants me to continue praying for him, and I consider it an honor to do so. From now on, when I’m awakened in the middle of the night with thoughts about my family or friends, I will “count it all joy” and remember God’s amazing answer to my prayer.
Lori Rush is a Women’s Life Group Leader at Gateway and a stay-at-home mother. She lives in Bedford, Texas, and has been a member of Gateway for three years. Lori, and her husband, Philip, have two sons.
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World peace, an end to poverty, healed marriages—those things take awhile to come about. That’s why I never expected a one-day turnaround on my prayers, but that’s all it took for God to rock my little world. I’m often awake at odd hours during the night, and I usually take that time to pray for whomever may be on my heart. One Friday night in particular, I was thinking about James. He has been friends with my husband, Philip, and me even before we were married. He was at our wedding and blessing shower, and he frequently went with Philip to the driving range. James is a diabetic, and over the last few years had started dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. His dialysis center was near our home, and I would often see his car there as we drove to church on Saturday nights. Whenever I saw James’ car, God would remind me to pray for him. After several months, I started noticing that his car wasn’t there anymore. As time passed, I grew more concerned. Was he all right? Had anything happened to him? We kept reminding ourselves to call James, but we never got around to it. So as I lay awake on this particular Friday night, I
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by Margie Grantham
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at grantham@myfam.com.
can contact Margie
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I stood at my kitchen sink looking at the small wooden house in our backyard—the house On January 28, 2005, I unde where I was born. As I gazed rwent extensive surgery out the window, memories flood at M.D. Anderson in Houst on and was scheduled to beg ed my mind. Back then, ou r little in brown house had a big fro chemotherapy the following nt porch and a red brick chi week. Three days later, Calvin mn ey. I remember my dad rocking and I celebrated our 46th me in a straight chair when wedding anniversary in the hospital. I was four years old. He would hid That was the night things changed. I had a massive he e with me under the bed du art rin g thunderstorms, and when attack, and all my organs shu I was afraid of the dark, he t do wn exc ept my kid ne would ys. The hold me until I fell asleep. “silver tree” supported 16 bag Because the path to the cot s of medicines that were bei ton ng field was a long way for my pumped into my veins. Wi res ran through both sides short legs, I always wanted of my my dad to carry me—and he neck to keep my heart bea always did. ting. The Disease Control Tea m was called in, and Calvin wa I asked myself why my husba s told to call the family bec nd, Calvin, had wanted to ause I bring this house from Ringg would not live through the old, Louisiana, all the way night. to ou r backyard in Marshall, Texas. My family immediately cam He said that he wanted to e and praised God for my restore it, but now I was wondering functioning kidneys. They read scriptures, proclaimed what was he thinking! Much God’s of the wood had been gnaw promises and sang praise son ed away, and the smell of gs thr ou gh ou t the nig ht. rats When lingered in the air. Every win the doctors gave up, the Gre dow was broken, and the rus at Physician stepped in. I sta ted rted tin roof was twisted upwa breathing on my own, stopp rds. The wood of the interi ed bleeding internally, my or walls heart had once been covered wit began to beat on its own, h newspapers, posters and my organs began to functi cal on , and en dar pictures that now hung in the infection that had overt tattered shreds. aken my body disappeared .I came out of my coma and I heard God whisper to me said, “I’m ready to go home , “This is what man has done .” to My church …” A few weeks later, I sat on the sofa and my thoughts turned to the triple bypass My heart ached as I thoug surgery I now faced only a ht about how the children month of God gnaw away at each oth after my cancer surgery. I stared at the old house in er with no regard to the dam ou r age being done. God’s Word ha backyard and said, “Lord, wh s been plastered over with at about me?” He answered, set s of rules, programs and doctr “The bride is sick unto death, ines. The stench of judgmen and only the Father can heal tal her.” attitudes and unforgiveness Nin e we eks aft er he art permeates the air. God’s pro surgery, I began chemothe rap mi ses y. I are distorted, His gifts are was extremely sick for severa denied, His truth is dismisse l mo nth s, an d it see me d endless. d as myth, and His love has I lost my hair, my eyebrows been spurned. His church sta and my eyelashes. During thi nd s s oblivious to its tattered dis time, Calvin cradled me an array. d rocked me like a baby. My family, church and friends were Jes “… and I want to put it back us to me. When I couldn’t together again.” pra y, they prayed for me. And all After the restoration proces the while I knew the Fathe s began, Calvin became r was critically ill. As he recovere healing me. d in ICU, I considered the unfinished house and asked Today, I am cancer free, an God, “What about Calvin?” d my heart is strong. I recognize that my sickness God answered, “Satan will was not just about me. It’s do anything to stop the buildi about ng of My house.” His church and all those wh o made the journey with me , knowing that God brought After a few months, Calvin me back from the brink of was able to continue his wo de ath rk on the house, but I was sta to bring Him glory. Therefor rting to feel the strain of tea e, we can have joy in tribula ching tion kindergarten. I was tired all and suffering because God is bringing healing to the Bo over, and my stomach hurt. dy Tes t of results were reported to me Christ and glory to His Name , but I actually heard only . a few of the words: “Cancer … ovari The house is still in our bac an … final stages … we can kyard, unfinished. It contin ma ke ues you comfortable … we don’t to remind me that the Gre at Physician is still working know how long ….” . My Father still shelters me in the We were in shock. I cried ou storm and comforts me wh t to God for direction, en healing and answers. I kno I am afraid. When the journe w God’s voice, and He was y is too long, He still carrie tel ling s me I was going to be OK, me—just as He always has. but what did that mean? My fam ily, church, friends and women from Gateway Church fasted and prayed for healing and life for my body. Two thousa Margie Grantham has been nd years ago, Jesus took my pen a pastor’s wife for 47 years and alty and paid the price for an elementary school teacher for 39 years. She my is the mother of Rebecca Hen salvation, which included he rick s, who aling. God spoke to our pas attends Gateway Church with her husband Tom. Margie is a tor and said, “This is not a sicknes freq uen t speaker at Bible studies, retreats, chu s unto death, but for the glo rches and schools. Margie and ry of God.” I held on to that pro her hus ban d, Calvin, are both retired and mise. reside in Marshall, Texas. You
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A Divine Order of Kosher Peking Duck on Bagel by Elena Glassman
People are often amazed by the blend of my husband, Paul, and me. You could describe us in a number of ways: the Soy Vey Couple (oy vey is a Yiddish expression); When Fried Rice Met Lox; or Matzah Ball Soup with Wontons. The Lord, with a sense of humor, put a Jewish boy from New York and a Chinese girl from Hong Kong together in union to glorify Him in spite of our cultural differences. We grew up 8,000 miles apart in two of the world’s largest cities, yet we are alike in so many ways. Both of our maternal grandmothers are incredible cooks. During our childhoods, both would go to the market every day and pick out
which chicken they wanted butchered, even though each knew how to do it themselves. While waiting to be picked up by his mother after school, Paul enjoyed eating kosher pickles and egg cream from Eli at the neighborhood candy store. As for myself, I liked getting fish meatballs and soy milk from the vendors on the street near my apartment building. Both of us lived in high-rise buildings. He was on the fourth floor; I was on the twelfth. We both remember the days when power for the elevators would go out and we would have to climb the stairs. Chinese people have often been called “the Jews of the Orient.” We both come from cultures that love to eat. Chinese people are known to eat just about everything under the sun, and food is always a must-have on all Jewish Holy Feasts, except for Yom Kippur.
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God brought us, Jew and Gentile, together to glorify Him.
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Chinese and Jews are found virtually everywhere in the world. Most of them are entrepreneurial, and they strive to prosper their own communities by buying and selling to one another. Both the Chinese and Jewish civilizations have over four thousand years of history. Much of it is glorious, but both have had shameful times as well. Our cultures are also patriarchal-
based societies, and yet, mothers and grandmothers are very much respected. It has often been said, “If man is the head of the household, then woman is the neck which turns it.” Surprisingly, there are many other Chinese Jews besides our own children. While many countries were turning the Jews away during World Wars I and II, China was one of the first countries to open her borders to the Jews. There are large communities of Chinese Jews today in Kaifeng, China, where they still read from the Torah and keep the Sabbath and other Jewish Holy Days. It’s humorous that my mom is so proud to have a Jewish son-in-law. She even went to her pastor once and said, “Pastor, you’ve read a lot about the Jews, God’s chosen people, in the Bible, but have you actually seen one? Well, let me introduce my son-in-law to you.” Of course, we also deal with the stereotypes of our cultures. Paul teasingly says that I am the only Chinese girl he knows that doesn’t know Kung Fu, and I tell him that he’s the only Jewish man I know who is a chef and not a doctor. If you only knew how many times I’ve been at a salon or doctor’s office and people have asked me if I’m related to Dr. Glassman in Dallas or wherever we happened to be living at the time. People have admired Paul for having a Chinese wife because they assume that I cook, clean and am always submissive, but then Paul has to tell them that he didn’t marry a “typical Chinese woman.” There have also been many “ah-ha!” moments throughout our marriage. There was the time when it dawned on me that my father-in-law’s name is Sol and he had named his Jewish son Paul. When my husband Paul became a believer, his life was changed forever, and God used him to lead his family to the Lord. It reminded me of the apostle whose name was changed from Saul to Paul and whose life was changed forever when he met the Lord on his way to Damascus. There was another amazing time when we went
Elena Glassman is married to Paul, and they have two children, Matthew and Mollie. They have been attending Gateway Church for two years.
embrace life by Ryane Nichols-Moates
My Failed Attempt to Look Classy
My maintenance man was coming over one morning, and I decided that I wanted to look a little more decent than I usually do. So rather than wearing the scroungy sweatsuit, slippers and baseball cap that I typically sport when he has come in the past, I fixed my hair and put on a casual, coordinating outfit with matching shoes. I thought to myself, “Today I’m going to look a little more put together than the frumpy housewife image I usually portray.” As we walked from room to room talking about maintenance issues, I carried my 10-month-old daughter, Willow, on my hip because she had a bad cold. Before he was about to leave, we took one last look at a maintenance issue in the bathroom, and I caught a glance of myself in the mirror. I saw that my daughter had wiped her face on my shirt leaving a big streak of snot across my chest! I laughed out loud and thought to myself, “So much for attempting to look like a classy mom. I guess I’ll have to stick with the frumpy housewife look for now!”
candy-coated priorities At the beginning of the year, the Gateway Church family made a commitment to spend forty days praying and fasting. One of the things I gave up was chocolate. During that time, my four-year-old daughter, Olivia, offered me an M&M which I declined. When she asked me why, I told her that I wasn’t going to eat chocolate for forty days in order to get closer to God. She promptly replied, “Well, I’m going to get closer to God, too, but I’m still going to eat chocolate!”
Have Mercy! As I was eating my breakfast one morning, I heard the garbage truck pull up outside. Because we were now well into December, the sound was an instant reminder that I needed to get a rotten pumpkin onto the truck as soon as possible. Since I had forgotten to take it out to the curb until now, I ran out to meet the truck doing its pickup across the street. I noticed that it had already finished picking up the trash from my side of the street, so this was quickly turning into an urgent situation. I must have been quite a sight standing in the street in my jammies, holding a rotten pumpkin in the drizzling cold rain. When I asked the guy if he could take my pumpkin, he said, “No.” I was kind of puzzled as to why he wouldn’t have mercy on me, so I asked, “Would it be OK if I just throw it on the truck myself?” Again the man replied, “No.” Not understanding what kind of policy he was following, I began to grow a little miffed until he said, “This is the recycle truck.”
Ryane Nichols-Moates had a fulfilling career as an Occupational Therapist for 12 years. She is now delighted to be a stay-at-home mom and finds great joy in her husband of 15 years, John, and two precious girls: Olivia who is 4 years old and Willow who is 2 years old. Her motto for life is: Embrace Life with Passion!
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to a Messianic Synagogue and the rabbi prayed with Paul’s parents, who were in their late 70s, for their salvation. Paul’s mother, Millie, interrupted the rabbi five or six times during the prayer saying, “I want to make sure we are praying to the God of Israel. He is the only God I believe in.” We kept reassuring her that we were praying to the same God—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. At the same time, her husband was saying, “It’s OK. I believe in this God you are praying to. Just go on.” I stood there crying joyful tears and laughing at the same time because the situation was both moving and humorous. I entered into my marriage knowing that Paul had not yet accepted the Lord. Our marriage was what one might call a “missionary marriage.” I just knew that I could bring my husband to the Lord. Little did I know how my faith would be tested before I saw my prayers answered. During the time when I was struggling with my faith, I was reminded that “the stronger the struggle, the bigger the triumph.” With a struggle as tremendous as mine, I knew a huge triumph would come after my many tears. God brought us, Jew and Gentile, together to glorify Him. When Paul received the Lord’s gift of salvation three years ago, we had a “hallelujah moment.” Another Jew had come to know the Lord, and the angels rejoiced. Paul couldn’t stop sharing Yeshua with everyone around him, even when others considered him to be a Jew who had turned into a “judgmental, close-minded Christian.” Paul and I are still growing spiritually in our walk with the Lord. Looking back on our journey gives us so much hope and encouragement for the future. Our life story has taught me that no matter how hopeless life may seem at the moment, God is still in control, and He has the perfect plan. Just stay faithful and trust in our King. Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and watch with anticipation as He unfolds each new chapter in your life.
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Slice Life of
by Barb Stage
Everyday Sweet Potatoes
Festive Sweet Potatoes
These potatoes are easy and can change the complexion of any meal. They offer a different flavor that even kids love.
Spruce up everyday sweet potatoes for a holiday treat.
4 to 6 sweet potatoes
In addition to the sweet potato, butter, vanilla and sugar mix, add 2 eggs. Put in oven-safe dish and bake for 15 minutes at 350º. Top with crumbles (recipe below) and bake until browned.
1/2 cup butter 1 tsp vanilla 3/4 cup sugar Peal, cut and boil potatoes until tender. Place in bowl and whip just as you would to make regular mashed potatoes. Add butter, vanilla and sugar and mix. Serve.
Crumbles (mix together with fork) 1/3 cup butter 1 cup finely chopped pecans 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup flour
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Barb Stage is a wife and full-time working mom of two boys. She has been a member of Gateway Church for 1½ years and is a Women’s Life Group Apprentice.
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I sometimes put this in two dishes and freeze one for later, reserving half the crumbles as well.
Why Studio G? The title, Studio G, was inspired by Psalm 144:12 which is a prayer asking God, “… that our daughters may be as pillars, sculptured in palace style.” The name reminds us that we, as Christian women, are in God’s studio as unfinished works of art. Studio G is committed to reminding us of the ways of the Master Sculptor as He continues to fashion us into “women of palace style.” In His studio we discover who we were created to be and we come to realize our true worth.
A Life-Changing Conversation With God by Rebecca Wilson
I walk away. I hate this. I hate me! Spittin’ mad. Bitterly disappointed. Grievously sad. Lord, when are you gonna change him? Cruel words I don’t mean. Defensive. Critical. Cold shoulder. Pout, pout, pout. I hear my God loud and clear: “Do you want to be known to your husband and children as Rebecca ‘irritable, prickly, grouchy, hormonal’ Wilson? Is that who I created you to be?”
borne’ (Matthew 11:28-30, AMP). Come to Me with your true emotions, but stop the complaints. Tell Me about your anger, sadness, hatred, disappointment. Be brutally honest about your emotions; grieve loss that stems from unrealistic dreams and unfulfilled needs.” No way! Good Christian girls don’t hate and get angry. “Oh, OK, they just act awful. Is that it Rebecca?” Yep, I should’ve known. It’s me that needs to change, isn’t it? OK, no complaining. Just honesty.
I gasp! WHAT???? Absolutely NOT!!!!!
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“ ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good—not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be
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Lord, I’m afraid to admit my emotions—to You … to me. They are dark. Sharing them with You would be like throwing up all over You! A vision instantly appears in my mind: I throw up all over my Jesus’ feet and nailscarred ankles. He bends down and, like a mother cleaning up after her child, scoops up my disgusting bile into His strong arms. He stands up and amazingly the disgusting bile turns into many, many precious jewels. “Sweet one, when you come to Me with the darkest part of your soul, then I count it as precious jewels—treasure in heaven! It’s when you ‘let all bitterness and indignation and wrath (passion, rage, bad temper) and resentment (anger, animosity) and quarreling (brawling, clamor, contention) and slander (evil-speaking, abusive or blasphemous language) be banished from you, with all malice (spite, ill will, or baseness of any kind)’ by coming to Me with it that I can implement transformation in your soul so that you can ‘become useful and helpful and kind to one
another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you’ ” (Ephesians 4:31–32, AMP). What a trade! What an exchange! My “yuck” for Your healing.
Beauty for ashes. What a deal! Go figure. Ability to be the person that God created. A cleansed heart. Bitterness gone. Forgiveness. Intimacy with You.
I want to be Rebecca “kind, gentle, tenderhearted, joyful” Wilson. Lord, I want Your character and Your fruit in me.
“ ‘I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh’ ” (Galatians 5:16, NKJV).
“ ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me … to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified’ ” (Isaiah 61:1–3, NKJV).
Thank You Lord! You are truly amazing. Thank You for loving me. Because of You, I have love and can also give it. I love YOU!
I don’t understand Your ways, Lord. I’m sorry for all that is coming out, but I’m really glad I can be real and honest with You and with myself. Who would’ve thought I’d have so much treasure in heaven? I certainly never thought treasure would look like this!
Rebecca Wilson is the Associate Pastor of Pastoral Care at Gateway Church. She is also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Rebecca and her husband, Dick, have been married for more than 30 years and have two adult sons, a wonderful daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.
Intimacy with God + A Submitted Will & Emotions = Godly Character gateway church
By an act of my will, I choose to submit my emotions and the offense to the Lord. Luke 22:39–46 I will acknowledge to God my true thoughts and feelings. In doing so, He gives validation and empathy but also exposes lies and reveals truth. Matthew 11:28–30; Psalm 51:6; Psalm 142 I will repent and take personal responsibility for my actions. Acts 3:19; Psalm 51:1–9 I will forgive—myself, God and others. Matthew 6:9–16; Luke 17:3–4 I will rule out demonic attack by doing spiritual warfare. James 4:7; Jude 9
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I will actively receive a heart cleansing from the Lord and then an infilling of His Holy Spirit. Psalm 51:10–17 I will walk in the Spirit by exhibiting His fruit to others. Galatians 5:14–26; 2 Timothy 2:22–26
A Titus Two Woman
precious, godly woman would take time out of her busy schedule to mentor me. Then I heard these words: “If you want me to, it would be a pleasure to mentor you.” With tears in my eyes and joy in my heart, I answered with a hearty “yes!” Beginning that day, Lois Marie took me under her wing and began the mentoring process in my life. Little did I know that we would soon move away and my time with her would come to an end. The discouragement I felt was overwhelming, but the Father had a bigger picture for my life. Soon after we settled in to our new home, we found a wonderful church to attend and quickly made new friends. One of the ladies I befriended was only a few years older than me, but she was so wise in the Lord. It wasn’t long before she offered to mentor me.
Rise up women! …What we have been given must be built upon and passed down to the next generation. Time passed, and my husband and I were eventually asked to plant a church. My friend and I both knew my time of mentoring had come to an end. It was now my turn to give back what I had learned. The responsibility of being a mentor seemed impossible to me, but isn’t it just like the Lord to provide an opportunity to depend on Him? And what a blessing it was to begin the process with a younger woman. Yes, it took time, but the blessings far outweighed the time issue. Now it’s an encouragement to be introduced as a spiritual mom. For me, mentoring will never stop. I am honored to mentor other women while still being mentored in areas of my life. I never want it to be said of me that I had so much imparted into my life, but because of time, I selfishly kept a seeking young woman from experiencing freedom in areas of her life where she has had struggles. Rise up women! Live out the life and instructions of Titus 2. To whom much has been given, much is required. Allow the generations to come and be equipped. What we have been given must be built upon and passed down to the next generation. I want to be a part of an older generation that is proud of the generation taking my place. Are you up to the challenge? Jan Grubbs serves as the Associate Pastor of Women’s Groups at Gateway Church. She has been involved with teaching, equipping and mentoring women for over twenty years. Jan and her husband, George, are founding members of Gateway. They have been married over 36 years and have two married children, Heidi Evans and George Grubbs, III.
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I used to think all there was to being a Christian was just reading the Bible, praying and going to church. I soon found out that being a Christian wasn’t at all what I thought it would be. By the age of 24, I came to a place of desperation in my life, and I made a covenant relationship with Jesus by accepting Him as my Lord and Savior. Yet, even as I began attending Bible studies and listening to my friends talk, there was something missing. How did they know so much about life and walking daily with Him? I would read the Bible and see the words, but they didn’t tell me how to daily minister to my husband or how to raise godly children. All I found were instructions on being submissive and using a rod to discipline, and that wasn’t very appealing to me. After praying for direction one day, I received a call from our pastor’s wife, Lois Marie Freeman. Because we lived across the street from the church and had a key, we often received calls from the pastor and his wife when people were locked out of the church. Yet this day was different; Lois Marie wanted to meet with me. Chills of fear shot through my body. My first thought was, “What did I do?” But knowing this precious lady, I knew there was no reason for my fear. I quickly dressed and waited for her arrival. As I opened the door, she greeted me with a reassuring smile. When we sat down to drink our tea, she asked me if I had ever heard about mentoring. I thought to myself, “Oh no, here’s another Christian term I’m not familiar with.” I knew what mentoring meant in the area of business, but I didn’t have any idea what it meant within the Christian realm. Could it be the same thing? I always thought you just learned about the Christian life as you went along. At least that’s how I had always tried to do it. Lois Marie explained that she had been watching me at the Bible studies. She noticed I had been taking in all I could while also asking many questions about life. My questions weren’t interrupting the teaching, but she saw my frustrations and knew that I needed answers to questions that were basic to everyone else. My hopes began to rise. Maybe this
by Jan Grubbs
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My Life is Not My Own
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by Tammy Adams
One day, not too long ago, it hit me—my life is not my own. What’s more, my stuff isn’t even my own. In fact, who am I kidding? With three small boys, NOTHING in this house is my own! If I ever leave my warm muffin to answer the phone, I’m bound to come back and find that someone has either eaten the top off completely or else they have licked it, decided they didn’t like the flavor and returned it to my plate with a new, shiny and slimy muffin topping. When I sit down to read my favorite magazine, I usually find that someone has ripped out all the pages with animals on them in order to play “scotch-tape safari.” My three little men routinely spill my Diet Coke® or drink it all while I’m putting laundry away. They fill my bathroom sink with water and Hot Wheels for a “car wash.” They pick all the chocolate chips out of the one cookie I’ve set aside for myself, and they lick the salt off my french fries. One morning, I opened up my Bible to have my quiet time, and I saw that someone had lovingly made a bookmark for me (with lots of glue and glitter) and placed it inside my Bible (while the glue was still wet) somewhere around the book of Ephesians. The glittery, gluey bookmark was securely stuck to the tissue-thin pages of the Bible my parents had given me as a high school graduation gift 15 years before. It was ruined. Just like my favorite topiary tree that had been used as a bowling pin and my cell phone that had been accidentally flung on the tile floor at the McDonalds® Playland, my Bible was completely ruined. And yes, I admit it—I cried. I cried like a three-year-old and then proceeded to yell at my sons. “Leave my stuff alone!!!” I demanded. “You guys either break, destroy or eat everything I have!” By this time, my arms were waving about wildly. “I can’t have anything nice in this house!!!” As I gradually calmed down from my frustration, my sweet sons just sat and stared at me, a little astonished at my outburst. “Mommy guilt” quickly settled around me like a heavy, scratchy blanket. I dropped to my knees, hugging my boys close and asking them to forgive me. “I love you, boys,” I told them. “I’m so sorry.” As I said this, the Lord spoke to me ever so sweetly: “Of course your life is not your own, child. And your stuff isn’t your own either. Don’t hold so tightly to the things of this world. Instead, hold tightly to Me. I alone give you the things that have eternal value—your life, the lives of your children, My Son, salvation for you and for your children.” “Oh, and one more thing …” Yes, Lord? “… I love you, daughter.”
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19–21 (NIV)
Tammy Adams is a member of Gateway Church and has been married to Chris for 12 years. They have three busy, bouncing boys: Davis, Gabe and Trent.
My Spiritual Gift Me? A potential martyr?! I had no idea how, but according to the gift placement survey I filled out during a Discovery class at Gateway, martyrdom is one of my primary spiritual gifts. I have never come across any mention of the spiritual gift of martyrdom in the Bible nor in any of the numerous spiritual gifts questionnaires I’ve filled out over the years. However, I did know that, after Jesus’ ascension to Heaven, God gave the Holy Spirit as a gift to empower believers in living the Christian life. With that understanding, simply living a genuine Christian life makes any believer a potential martyr. While I was contemplating the meaning of martyrdom, I discovered a number of books by Ted Dekker from the Martyr’s Song Series, and I began to understand that martyrdom can often be synonymous with suffering for the kingdom of God. His turn now. From that moment on, there weren’t any more These books helped me realize that not every martyr dies and tantrums. Glory to God! many martyrs often don’t know what’s happening to them or Single moms, students and missionaries are commonly even realize that they are being martyrs. However, there is one known to experience financial struggles, and I was certainly not common thread: Each person’s martyrdom results in allowing the exception to that. There were times of suffering, but God others to see God. told me to live by faith and never ask others for money because This whole concept of being a living martyr caused me to He was my source. On one occasion, I returned to India with reflect on my life and determine whether I’ve actually used this only $50 in my pocket and no certainty of when I’d have more. spiritual gift. I considered the Even though I had to walk “And he who does not take up his cross and follow most difficult aspects of my everywhere for a while and life and realized that I had Me [cleave steadfastly to Me, conforming wholly not eat much, God used thoroughly submitted those Indian sources to provide to My example in living and, if need be, areas to God long ago. all of my essentials until When my children were in dying also] is not worthy of Me.” Matthew 10:38, AMP my next check from the US six and three, I became a arrived several months later. widow. Although I wanted to remarry, I chose to obey God’s What is amazing is that I had never received financial gifts from leading and earn a college degree. I followed His leading again within India before that time, and I have never received any when I went to India with my children and taught there for since! seven years. I am still single, and my daughters are now grown I guess I do have the gift of martyrdom and I’ve used it on and married. Raising children without a husband was definitely many occasions. Reflecting back on my life so far has helped me difficult, yet whenever I reached my wit’s end, God would come see that the key to using the gift of martyrdom lies in being through in meaningful ways as the Husband to the widow and submissive to God—whether living or dying. the Father to the fatherless. For example, there was one point in time when my nineyear-old daughter would have frequent temper tantrums for Ethel Azariah is a former missionary and a retired ESL instructor. She no reason whatsoever. I didn’t know what to do except tell my participates in global prayer meetings, is a member of a Women’s Life Group and is involved in Freedom Ministries at Gateway Church. Husband and her Father that I had done all I could and it was
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by Ethel Azariah
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IT’S ALL ABOUT
ME!
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by Irini Fambro
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You’ve got to love the old Tom and Jerry cartoons. I know that’s not a very profound thought to start off with, but think about this scenario for a moment. You have a typical cat, Tom, chasing a typical mouse, Jerry, in order to eat him. That was the plot, storyline and basis for every show! Yet somehow Tom never catches Jerry, because we all know if he had, Tom and Jerry would be over. Every episode, Tom almost catches his prey, but Jerry always gets out in time. All this happens in a half-hour segment without a single word. I love being pursued. I know that statement makes it seem like I enjoy playing games, but that’s not what I mean. When you’re being pursued, you are the sole object of someone’s attention. (Oh, did I forget to mention I also like attention?) A real pursuit takes time. It takes effort and calculation. It proves that you’re worth it. Why do you think the Road Runner let Wile E. Coyote get so close to catching him? The Road Runner and Jerry always had a smirk on their faces as their shows would end with them free from the clutches of their pursuers. They enjoyed the pursuit, or more accurately, they liked being pursued. Few people truly like the pursuit itself. Sure some love the challenge of the game, but only if there’s a definite possibility that they will obtain the object of their pursuit. Who wants to pursue the impossible or chase after something which has the potential to really fail? God does.
Irini Fambro, an ordained pastor through the Wesleyan Church, is passionate about preaching, teaching and writing. She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Kenneth, for seven wonderful years and is the mother of threeyear-old Kalila. Irini and her family feel like God providentially led them to find, join and love Gateway Church.
FIT 4 THE KINGDOM By Emily Gilstrap
NUTS You’ve probably heard people say, “You shouldn’t eat nuts because they’re high in fat.” That idea comes from the outdated view that “all fats are bad.” We now know that while animal fats can contribute to heart disease, healthy fats, as found in nuts, actually reduce the risk of heart attack and promote health in a variety of ways. Nuts are a rich source of essential fatty acids (EFAs). A primary function of EFAs is the production of prostaglandins which regulate body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting and fertility conception and which also play a role in immune function by regulating inflammation and encouraging the body to fight infection. Fetuses and breast-fed infants also require an adequate supply of EFAs through their mother’s dietary intake. Although nuts are high in fat, it’s mostly unsaturated fat which has a beneficial effect on health. • Studies have shown that almonds and walnuts can have a beneficial effect on blood cholesterol levels. • The protein in nuts is high in arginine, a precursor to nitric oxide, which is important because it helps to keep blood vessels relaxed and open and helps to prevent clotting. • Walnuts, in particular, are high in alpha-linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that protects the heart and circulation. Various studies have shown that this fat reduces the risk of heart disease and fatal arrhythmias. • Because they are good sources of dietary fiber, magnesium, copper, folic acid, vegetable protein, potassium and vitamin E, nuts can also be important for the health of your heart. Nuts provide a satiety which is especially important for those wishing to reduce overall body fat. As hunger is satisfied, the tendency to binge on high carbohydrate sweets is minimized. Because they are calorie dense, it’s important to put the brakes on and not eat an entire jar full of nuts. For optimal health, enjoy a daily variety of nuts and seeds: walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts, filberts, almonds, cashews, peanuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, flax seed and unhydrogenated nut butters such as peanut butter, almond butter and tahini. Add nuts to salads, stir fry and desserts. A healthy goal to shoot for is one ounce of nuts each day. Emily Gilstrap, a former All-American gymnast, has a Masters degree in Adult Fitness Management and over 23 years experience in the Health & Fitness industry. She is an adjunct professor at Dallas Baptist University and is married to Matthew, Gateway’s Director of Security. Excerpt taken from “Fit 4 the Kingdom” Wellness Newsletter.
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At least I know He has with me. It’s odd to actually discover that God is pursuing you. All along, I have felt like I was on a pursuit to figure Him out. I thought I was on a journey to explain all the mysteries and to make God into exactly what I wanted Him to be. Honestly, that pursuit ended up becoming more about what I wanted than about Him—the One I was originally pursuing. Looking back, I now realize that all my actions were merely responses to His pursuit. I was only answering His beckoning. He created me. He chose me even before I decided to choose Him. He sent His Son to bring me back to Him. Are you noticing Who’s doing all the pursuing? God is. Jesus tells us in Revelation 3:20 (NIV), “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with Me.” God wants me. He’s running after me. He’s pursuing me. The world has ingrained in us the desire to pursue, obtain and achieve, and yet, we see here that God follows a different economy. What a relief! God is pursuing me, because He wants to spend time with me. He is pursuing me, because He wants to know me so that I can know Him. He’s not making all of these gestures so He can put me up on a trophy shelf or forget about me once He has conquered me. He’s doing it because He wants to dine with me. He is pursuing me for me! It feels so good to be pursued by God. Knowing that I’m wanted, desired and sought after allows me to relax and breathe a sigh of relief. Just the thought of it changes how I wake up every morning. No longer do I drag myself into the day; I now pursue each day in the same way that God pursues me—tenderly, patiently and persistently.
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