Valley Christian Magazine - Issue 94 2019 School Edition by Valley Christian Magazine

On The Cover: Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

-Proverbs 22:6

Magazine Issue #94

Christian Torres

Publisher // Graphic Design // Sales Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com 956.314.0161

Stephanie Torres Accounting

stephanie@valleychristianmagazine.com 956.314.0161

Marcie Gallegos Distribution // Sales

info@valleychristianmagazine.com 956.533.0498

Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by Texas Christian Publications a 501c3 non-profit ministry located in the Rio Grande Valley.

For advertising information call 956-314-0161. Questions, story ideas, events, or comments call 956-314-0161 or email info@ValleyChristianMagazine.com.

Cover Photo by Irene Thompson Photography

It is the purpose of Valley Christian Magazine to be a magazine that points people to Jesus Christ. How to trust Him. How to do life with Him. Supported by local businesses, ministries & faithful believers. Valley Christian is a free resource for us all.

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Issue #94

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Valley Christian Magazine 3827 N 10th Street Suite 303 McAllen, TX 78501 956-314-0161 www.valleychristianmagazine.com

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Lysa Terkeurst

VCM School Edition

I Don’t Want This To Be Part Of My Story Our Annual Private School Spotlight

10 Covenant Christian Academy McAllen, TX

11 Harvest Christian Academy Edinburg, TX

12 Mid Valley Christian School Weslaco, TX

13 Shine Learning Center McAllen, TX

14 South Texas Christian Academy McAllen, TX

15 St. John’s Episcopal School McAllen, TX

16 St. Paul Lutheran School

McAllen, TX

17 Vanguard School Pharr, TX

18 Ambleside School of the Rio Grande McAllen, TX

20 Lisa Morrow

-When In Our Music God is Glorified

22 Dave Ramsey - Dave Says

-Explaining the Envelopes -Let HER take care of the payments

23 Time With Our Creator

A Special Contribution to Valley Christian Magazine

24 Casting Crowns Concert May 3 State Farm Arena - Hidalgo

21 “Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

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I Don’t “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.” Isaiah 40:29 (NIV) The only way I could fall asleep was to lie to myself. “If you Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “God, please don’t let this be part of my story”? That was me when I first got my cancer diagnosis. Honestly, it just felt like too much on top of an already devastating season in my life. When life is unfolding in hard ways, it can feel impossible to understand why God would allow hurt upon hurt. How could His mercy not fix all of this? How could He possibly use any of this for good? We see more and more unnecessary heartbreak. But God sees the exact pieces and parts that must be added right now to protect us, provide for us and prepare us with more and more of His strength working through us. I learned about these very necessary “pieces and parts” one day with a friend whose mother is a professional potter. I was sharing with her about how, when we place the dust of our shattered places into God’s hands and He mixes it with His living water, the clay that’s formed can then be made into anything. She smiled so big. She’d seen clay being formed into many beautiful things when placed into her mother’s hands. And she shared something with me that made my jaw drop. She told me that wise potters not only know how to form beautiful things from clay, but they also know how important it is to add some of the dust from previously broken pieces of pottery to the new clay. This type of dust is called “grog.” When shattered just right, the grog dust added to the new clay will enable the potter to form the clay into a larger and stronger vessel than ever before. And it can go through fires much hotter as well. Plus, when glazed, these pieces end up having a much more beautiful, artistic look to them than they would have otherwise. Isn’t that incredible?

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Want This to Be Part of My Story By Lysa Terkeurst And then I read Isaiah 45:9: “Woe to those who quarrel with their Maker, those who are nothing but potsherds among the potsherds on the ground. Does the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘The potter has no hands’?” I kept reading that verse from Isaiah and decided to do a little investigation into the term potsherd. A potsherd is a broken piece of pottery. Interestingly enough, a potsherd was also mentioned in the story of Job when he was inflicted with an awful disease: “So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, ‘Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!’ He replied, ‘You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?’ In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.” (Job 2:7–10) A broken potsherd can lie on the ground and be nothing more than a constant reminder of brokenness. It can also be used to continue to scrape us and hurt us even more when kept in our hands. Or, when placed in our Master’s hands, the Master Potter can be entrusted to take that potsherd, shatter it just right, and then use it in the re-molding of us to make us stronger and even more beautiful. When I understood this, I saw that in all my circumstances God

was keeping me moldable while adding even more strength and beauty in the process. Much like He promises in our key verse, “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29) I didn’t want to have cancer. There’s no part of my human brain that thinks cancer is fair for any precious person who receives this diagnosis. God didn’t cause this potsherd reality in my life. It’s the result of living in this sinsoaked world. But I had to decide that I didn’t want that broken reality to just be a potsherd wasted on the ground or something I kept in my hand that hurt me more. I had to take it and entrust it to the Lord. What do you need to entrust to Him today? God is making something beautiful out of our lives, sweet friends. I truly believe it. We can keep questioning what He sees as the necessary ingredients to strengthen us or we can choose to believe that He can do amazing things with the dust and the potsherds of our lives. I know it’s not easy. But let’s surrender every broken piece into the Father’s hands. Lord, I’m choosing to trust You. Take all of these broken places in my life and shatter them just right, so I can be made stronger, more beautiful, and able to withstand fires as never before. I believe that You see things I cannot see. And You have eventual good in mind. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her busy schedule, Lysa simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family. She resides near Charlotte, N.C., with her five priority blessings named Jackson, Mark, Hope, Ashley and Brooke. Used by Permission. www.proverbs31.org © 2018 by Proverbs 31 Ministries. All rights reserved. © 2018 by Lysa TerKeurst. All rights reserved.

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #94

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #94

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #94

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

valleychristianmagazine.com

Issue #94

ENROLLMENT:

Accepting applications for students

2 years old through Grade 6 St. John’s Episcopal School honors the trust that parents place in us and we embrace that responsibility as we prepare our students for the future.

St. John’s Episcopal School “A GOoD Place to Grow” What we offer our students: Chapel each morning

We dedicate ourselves to challenging children in the classroom (2 years old - Grade 6) and celebrating their accomplishments every step of the way.

Safe and nurturing environment

In addition to strong academic preparation, members of the St. John’s faculty bring a life-long love of learning, extensive knowledge, and solid commitment to each and every child.

& Physical Education

Experiencing St. John’s first-hand is the best way to fully appreciate our wonderful school. Please contact us to schedule your visit today.

Long tenured faculty and staff

St. John’s Episcopal School provides each student with a wellrounded academic program that develops their full competence, creativity, character, and compassion in a Christian environment. Through attainment of this mission, we produce responsible young individuals equipped to live a life worthy of a child of God.

Mac Computer Lab and iPads for classroom use Enrichment classes in Computer, Art, Spanish, Music Full range of after school activities including: Karate, Robotics, Chess, Kinderdance & Folkloric Dance Low student to teacher ratio Teaching assistants in lower grades Nutritious, chef prepared, hot lunches 2500 N. 10th St. | McAllen, TX 78501 956.686.0231 | www.stjohns-mcallen.org Head of School: Linda McGurk Follow us! stjohnsepiscopalschoolmcallen

st.johnsepiscopalschool “Start childrenchildren off on the way 1958 they should go...” Proverbs 22:6 valleychristianmagazine.com Educating since

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Issue #94

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

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Redefining Education

SCHOOL OF THE RIO GRANDE

A Life Rich in Relationship is a life where a student learns to relate well to God, self, ideas, and others. It begins with a small class size, a rich and varied curriculum, a nurturing and well trained faculty, and continues with an emphasis on writing, high expectations of students and opportunities to serve and lead. Engaging in the best ideas. Intentionally forming learning habits. Cultivating character to live a full life. This is Ambleside. “The question is not-how much does the youth know when he has finished

Consider an Ambleside Education Reserve a seat at one of our Informational Meetings. 9:30 am – March 5 & April 2 11:30 am – March 21& April 18

his education-but how much does he care? and about how many orders of things does he care? In fact, how large is the room in which he finds his feet set? and, therefore, how full is the life he has before him?” charlotte mason

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K-8 School

956-320-8811

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

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A hallmark of our faith is the music crafted by people groups worldwide for the express pur-pose of worshiping God. Hymns and praise songs can educate, express sorrow for sins, or exude joy for redemption from our sins through the death, burial, and resurrection of God’s only son, Jesus Christ. So that we may have that personal relationship with our loving Heavenly Fa-ther, Jesus reminded followers in the gospel of John that He was “the only way, the truth and the life.” He taught, “No one comes to the Father except through me.” Making perfectly clear that accepting His sacrificial gift was our only way to merit communion with God, He did not, however, declare that we all had to commune in song the same way or like the same kinds of music. Texas’ outstanding men’s choir, The Singing Men of Texas, my husband included, recently shared the stage in concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Christian vocalist Steve Green. Later in the trip we visited the famed Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir ministry. Both of these choirs are composed of singers from varied backgrounds. And while energetic may aptly de-scribe the vocal style of both choirs who share similarities, they do espouse unique differences in repertoire.

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The most common similarity is percussive instrumentation. While that section of most orchestras reveal a supporting rather than a dominating role, the average church drummer these days is hardly the modest little drummer boy we sing about at Christmastime. Let me assure you as a veteran concert and marching band member and drum major, I am well aware of the import of drums to produce mood. A cadence to rouse militant marching emotions or set the hips to swaying and just about every emotion in between can be stimulated by drums. Drums can have a distinct primal and physiological impact upon our corpus singularly or collectively. Exposed to different choral styles in churches in my early childhood, I often heard stories re-flecting different styles of hymn singing as told by my aunt, the lead choral director for the Ha-waii Baptist Academy and her group’s occasional ukulele accompaniment. Then, I remember when my parents returned from a trip to the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. On this trip, they returned with a report of a large youth choir they heard one Sunday. Photos of the hot pink choir loft filled with adorable youth of African heritage were supported by the stories my folks regaled of the choir’s unique Caribbean style of hymn singing and unison swaying.

Internet search “calypso hymns” and discover a Trinidad and Tobago choir dressed in a riot of rainbowcolored robes! Choreographed, dancing “angels” share that platform wearing white attire styled in a blend of African head wraps and Mexican-style folkloric dresses praising God to a full and happy choral rendition of Handel’s “Hallelujah” chorus. Yes, God brings joy to hearts differently. The thrill of today’s church music choices is that it never needs to be repeti-tive. Varied choices abound. As well, any day of the week one can observe third world musi-cians thrilled with the privilege of studying the highest calibers of vocal and instrumental music. Georgia is home to the Mountain Park First Baptist Church Jubelheirs Choir. Their fantastic cho-ral and orchestral rendition of the modern hymn “When In Our Music God is Glorified” is a thrill-ing message that they and a host of other choirs, including that of Harvard, have recorded that not only elevates the spirit but educates and informs the heart and mind of the purpose of mu-sic dedicated to God. Those lyrics remind us that adoration leaves no room for pride. Our music is not for the purpose of self-aggrandizement, elevating libido, or working us into a frenzy. Our music is neither to impress others with our electronically amplified vocal or instru-mental finesse, nor to entertain congregations for the purpose of meriting their applause. Our purpose is praising a mighty God who deserves ALL adoration. Instead of the secular re-sponse of applause for a musical offering next Sunday, why not agree with the message in song with the heart-felt praise of “Hallelujah” or the reverent expression of “A-MEN!”

ABOUT LISA... Lisa and her musical husband, Jim, have served in music ministry across the state of Texas for nearly 40 years. They reside in McAllen, Texas and continue to share their love of hymns with a large number of his music students and with congregations when invited. They can be reached at morrowmessages@aol.com.

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

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Explaining the envelopes Dear Dave, I’ve listened to you for a little while, but I was wondering about the envelope system you recommend. How does it work? Danielle Dear Danielle, Don’t let the word “system” intimidate you. It’s just grandma’s old-fashioned, common sense way of budgeting money. Back in the day, many people were paid in cash at their jobs. Then, they would take the money home and divide it up into different envelopes. The envelopes held cash for different categories in their budgets—food, clothes, rent, and other bills and such. When a particular envelope was empty they stopped buying that item, because the money budgeted for that category was gone. If you wanted a dress, but the clothing envelope was empty, you didn’t buy a dress that month. It’s just a simple cash system that, combined with doing a written monthly budget, will help keep you from overspending! —Dave

Dave Says

Let her take care of the payments Dear Dave, My daughter is in college, and I’ve always warned her to stay away from credit cards. Recently, I learned she got a department store credit card despite my advice. She has stayed within her credit limit, but she has never made any of the payments. At this point, she owes about $3,500. She’s a good student, and I want to look at this as a young person’s mistake. Should I pay it off for her this one time? Joseph Dear Joseph,

You’re right, this is a typical young person’s mistake. Like a lot of mistakes our kids make, it’s one that’s bad and wonderful at the same time. It’s bad because, if she had just listened to dear old dad, she would’ve avoided a mess. It’s wonderful, though, because it gives you the opportunity to provide her with a real world, teachable moment. I understand you wanting to help her out “this one time.” It means you have a good heart, and that you care about your daughter and love her. There’s a reality here, though, I hope you won’t overlook. It’s her debt, not yours. She knew what she was doing when she signed up for that credit card. She knew what it meant, what was expected, and she is the one who should have to make good on the repayment. The entire deal is legal and fair.

* Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times best-selling books. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8.5 million listeners each week on more than 550 radio stations. Dave’s latest project, EveryDollar, provides a free online budget tool. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

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At this point, my advice is to put your arm around her, talk to her, and lovingly explain where she went wrong and why it was a bad idea. You can even help her find a part-time job if she doesn’t have one right now, so she can pay off her debt and get out of this mess. But leave the payments to her. My guess is by the time she finishes working her tail off to pay this debt she will have learned a lesson she’ll remember for the rest of her life! —Dave

God Listens to Those Who Call Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

Heavenly Father, I come in the Name of Jesus to thank You for Your presence in my life. I appreciate the fact that You always listen when I call out Your Name. In times of trouble, I can rely on You to be there no matter how insignificant I may feel at the time o r how insignificant my problems may seem compared to the problems of others. You not only hear me, but act upon my prayers in Your sovereign timing. Psalm 34:17 “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.” You know the desires and the inner workings of my heart, and I am trusting that You know what is best. Even when things are not going as I had planned, You are still there and listening. Sometimes You are silent, but I know that it is not from a lack of caring. Rather, it may be a way of getting my attention. Teach me to be patient in times of silence and wait to hear from You. Micah 7:7 “Therefore I will look to the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation; My God will hear me.” I recognize that it is only through the work of Jesus dying on the cross and His resurrection and saving grace that I can be seen as righteous in Your eyes. 1 Peter 3:12a “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.” It is such a blessing to have the privilege of learning from Your Word (The Bible) and communicating with You in prayer. Thank You for allowing me to bring these thoughts to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Time with our Creator is a Grandfather and Grandchildren team working together to help you with your prayer journey.

“Start children off on the way they should go...” Proverbs 22:6

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