Valley Christian Magazine June 2015 Edition

June 2015

#4

LEAST CHURCHED CITY

Please Interrupt Me

p.6

I’m Coming To

Your Church this Sunday p.10

Brokeness

p12

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June 2015

REGISTRATION

Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for GOD ’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG)

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What’s Inside?

June 2015 Vol. 5 / Issue 3 To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com

CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to:

Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501

956-314-O161

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On The Cover Never Say No

7 Tips for Parents p.22

Features 18.Barna

Least Churched Cities

20.Kids Talk About God

Valley Child Wins Dude Ranch Trip

23. FCA - RGV 24. Events!

26. Music Review 27. KVMV Top 9 Tunes 28. Books!

Columnists 6. Lysa TerKeurst

Please Interrupt Me

8. Greg Laurie

The 3 C’s of Life

Christian Torres Publisher

Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com

Stephanie Torres Accounting

stephanie@valleychristianmagazine.com

Black Oak Art Designer

James Alexander Distribution

Johnny Q Photography Photographer

Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by

Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications. Texas Christian Publications shall be held harmless indemnified against any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers. We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication. Valley Christian Magazine is printed in Mexico. Reproduction without the expressed written permission prohibited.

Copyright 2015.

/ Printed in Mexico.

10. Tom Weaver

I’m Coming to Your Church this Sunday

12. James MacDonald Brokenness

30. Dave Ramsey Dave Says

PLEASE INTERRUPT ME

By Lysa TerKeurst

I

wonder if the greatest witnessing tool available to us Christians is often pushed aside because of our busyness.

rearranged a bit. Would I help? My friend wasn’t asking, but in that moment I knew it would be a tremendous blessing for her.

Recently, I was focused on all the items on my seemingly never-ending to-do list.

This day I wouldn’t let my busyness take precedence over the blessing of divine interruptions. So, I helped.

As I was sitting at a stoplight, a friend called me and started lamenting that her son had forgotten his lunch and his belt required by the school’s uniform policy. She was stressed and trying to get in touch with her husband who’d just dropped her son off at school. She was at home with a new baby feeling groggy from a sleepless night and overwhelmed by her situation.

Her son could probably get his friends to share their lunches with him. But, the belt would be a problem. The school would call her when they noticed the missing belt and require her to bring one. She lives over 20 minutes from the school.

As I sat at the stoplight listening to my friend, I looked to the store off to my right. That store has belts. That store has lunch food.

I was faced with a decision: Could I help?

Well, I could but my schedule would have to be

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I don’t know this for sure, but I suspect my friend had been asking Jesus to help her. It’s hard being up half the night with a sleepless baby. It’s hard to find a new normal when life gets a little off-kilter by changes in the family dynamic. It’s hard when you need help but feel like everyone is so busy you hate to bother them.

Now, I’ll admit, I’m a task-oriented person so it doesn’t come naturally for me to look for ways to be interrupted in the midst of my busyness.

But sitting at that stoplight, I realized the power of pausing. Pausing just long enough for Jesus to tap on the edge of my heart and say, “Could you? Would you? Do this as if it’s the most important part of your day and not an unwelcome interruption.”

June 2015

The Bible teaches one of the most important precepts is love. When we love others, we are living the message of Jesus. And listen to what Psalm 19:8 says: “The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.”

Oh, how many times have I missed the joy of pausing to live and love and light the world for Jesus? I suspect it’s happened more often than I’d like to admit.

But instead of getting stuck in what I might have missed, I’m choosing to see this as a wake up call.

I’m choosing to underwhelm my schedule so God can overwhelm my soul with these opportunities to love.

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family.

Rene Morales Agent

Jacob Ruiz Agent

Inake Beneto Marketing Director

Call us Today at (956) 598-8077 1315 W. Main Avenue Ste 3-B Alton, TX 78573

THE THREE Cs OF LIFE

By Greg Laurie

Greg Laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000 plus, one of the largest churches in America.

For more, visit www.greglaurie.com.

Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, PO Box 4000 Riverside, CA 92514

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He chose to share the oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin.

— Hebrews 11:24-25

Copyright © 2014 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved.

W

hat you decide to eat for lunch and what you decide to wear don’t have long-lasting repercussions in life.

But there are other decisions that are very important, like whom you will marry and what career path you take. And the most important choice of all is whether you will follow Jesus Christ.

other times they will come in the form of a temptation that hopefully we’ll resist. Then we have the choices we will make. And then we have the consequences of those choices.

If we have made the right choices, there will be good consequences. If we have made the wrong choices, there will be bad consequences.

nation. Daniel’s choice not to compromise brought great hope and encouragement to so many, which set a course that affected their lives.

certain choices. Moses made a choice to help his fellow Hebrews.

He chose that over the riches and power of Egypt, and his choice saved a

The choices of life are binding in eternity. You will make choices today that will affect you forever. You make your decisions, and then your decisions make you.

“You make your We need to make the right decisions, and choices in life because it can then your decisions affect the entire course that our lives take. Think about make you.” people in the Bible who made

You could call it the three Cs of life: challenges, choices, and consequences.

We face challenges every day.

Sometimes those challenges will come in the form of an opportunity that we can take advantage of. At

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But then there were wrong choices that people made. Adam’s choice cost him paradise.

Esau’s choice cost him his birthright. King Saul’s choice cost him his kingdom. Judas’s choice cost him his apostleship and his very life. Pilate, Agrippa, and Felix—all Roman leaders—chose wrong and missed eternity with Christ.

ARTS Live!

Contemporary Christian Style Music by Greg Yacobian.

Be inspired!

Science Dr. Jackson Science Professor at Hillsdale College, popular debater on Creation vs.

Evolution. Will answer your questions on origins!

BICENNTENIAL PARK MCALLEN Saturday June 13, 2015 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Good News!

International Evangelist Carl Henderson will speak on the need of Christ for this collapsing world.

Awana Games

Live Music

KIDS

SPONSORED BY LIGHT OF LIFE CHURCH

INFO. 956-630-6639

June

2015

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I’m coming to your church this Sunday… to your church this Okay, I’ve finally made the decision to come ething comes up I Sunday. Don’t expect anything from me. If som I feel like I need to go, might not, but right now I’m planning on it. things about myself but I’m not sure why. I want to tell you a few before you meet me.

1. I don’t speak the language that you do so can you keep your religious phrases to a minimum when we talk?

I don’t understand slain in the spirit, God is moving in me, covered in the blood, I need to die to self, you just need to be in the Word, what you need is a new life, etc. If you talk that way you are going to confirm the thought I have that you are all crazy, and I’m going to leave.

2. When you ask me how I’m doing, know that I don’t know you.

I’m probably going to lie and tell you I’m fine. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you; it’s just that I come from some pain and I don’t trust you yet.

How about you tell me your story first? If I like you and get the vibe that you’re not trying to capture my soul or anything, I’ll tell you mine.

3. I’ve got pretty rough language and I can be bitter and angr y about some things.

If I sense in you a mindset of superiority, I’m not interested.

If you are just waiting to talk instead of listening to me when I speak, I’m out. Don’t expect me to be you.

4. Don’t make a big deal of introducing me to ever yone you know.

a I understand a couple of people, but please; don’t set up space. welcoming line. I’m just there to observe. I need a bit of

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5. I’m going to be looking for genuine interest in me.

ed one” I don’t want to be a notch on your “I sav then I’m belt. If this Jesus is who you say he is, That’s . looking forward to seeing him in you how it works, right?

6. I’m going to have questions.

Can you just tell me what the bible says? I need truth, not your preferences or your religion.

7. I need to feel welcomed.

Is there a time limit on my visit before I have to drink the kool-aid? I mean, I’ve been to other churches and there seemed to be a push for me to make up my mind or something.

How long until I’m unwelcomed?

Thanks for hearing me out.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to come this Sunday.

But I might not.

Tom Weaver

Lead Pastor, Logos Community Church www.logoscommunity.com twitter: @pastortomweaver FB: TomweaverIII Instagram: pastortomweaver

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BROKENESS

By James MacDonald

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise (Psalm 51:17, ESV)

efore a horse can be useful to its owner, it has to be broken. An unbroken stallion Bis proud and strong. It will paw and snort and let no one ride it. But then a bit goes in its mouth, a saddle goes on its back, and someone climbs up and hangs on. The stallion immediately starts to buck, because it doesn’t want to be broken—but eventually it stops fighting and surrenders to the will of its master.

B

Sometimes we have that same stubborn, rebellious, self-sufficient spirit within us, and God often breaks those attitudes because they keep us from experiencing true intimacy with Him. Have you ever been broken? Brokenness is empty-handedness before God. It makes no demands. It is falling into the embrace of your loving Father and finding Him to be enough. It says not only “God, I need You,” but “God, You are all I need.”

have been greatly used by God have come to grips with the need to dispense with all pride and to humble themselves.

Willfulness. “You can’t make me! You can’t tell me! I’ll do what I want, when I want.” That’s willfulness, and it is also on its way out. God will use whatever He has to use to remove it from your heart and life.

Independence. “I can make it without You.” Nothing will inhibit your intimacy with the Father like an attitude of self-sufficiency.

Recognize your weakness and rely on His strength.

God will use broken health, careers, dreams, relationships, promises, and hearts to rid our lives of the things that hinder intimacy with Him. Some say a loving God wouldn’t allow pain, but God’s love is not a pampering love; it’s a perfecting love. God is producing something in us—the likeness of His Son—and He is going to do whatever it takes to make that happen. You might want to get off the program, but any other path will lead you to a place you don’t want to be.

“GOD’S LOVE IS NOT A PAMPERING LOVE; IT’S A PERFECTING LOVE.”

What are some of the things God breaks? Here are some of the big ones: Stubbornness. “I am going to do this my way.” If you are one of God’s children, that attitude is on its way out. You can fight with Him for a long time if you want, but your stubbornness will eventually be broken.

Pride. “I know better; I am better.” God hates pride in the hearts of His children. He hates it in my heart; He hates it in yours. People who

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You will never experience true intimacy with God until you are able to come before Him in genuine humility, utterly desperate for Him. You need to be broken.

Journal

Describe a time in your life when you’ve experienced true brokenness before the Lord. What brought it about, and what resulted from it?

What are some areas of your life you need to loosen your grip on and surrender to God now?

Pray

Lord, I confess that I am naturally proud, stubborn, willful, and prone to believe I’m self-sufficient. I confess that I resist the thought of being broken, but I believe that, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” Please help me to let go and allow You to have Your way in my life.

Thank You that the more I surrender to You, the more intimacy I can have with You. God, you are all I need. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Our Journey devotionals are brought to you by Change Partners of Walk in the Word.

Listen to Walk in the Word locally

weekdays at 5:30a.m.

June 2015

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago.

James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America.

Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

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2015

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May 2015

A Barna Group Study The U.S. has a reputation for being exceptionally religious— and it is true that, historically speaking, churchgoing has played an outsized role in American identity. Still, millions of Americans have little to no connection to local congregations.

Currently, about four in 10 U.S. adults qualify as “unchurched” under Barna’s definition (38%). Unchurched adults have not attended a church service, except for a holiday or special occasion, at any time within the past six months.

Churched and unchurched adults are not evenly distributed across the country. Church attendance varies widely from city to city and region to region. Many cities outpace the overall U.S. population when it comes to church avoidance.

For example, the San Francisco metro area tops the list of America’s most churchless cities: Six in 10 Bay Area residents meet the Barna definition of unchurched (61%). A full list of the nation’s largest metro media markets is shown below, ranked by unchurched population.

Barna tracks not only overall churchlessness, but also what proportion of unchurched adults are “dechurched”—that is, who used to attend regularly but have not attended at all in the past six months—and what proportion are “never churched”—meaning they have never in their lives regularly attended a church. Among the general U.S. population, 29% are considered dechurched and 9% are never churched, for a combined total of 38% unchurched. (For a deeper dive into the substantial differences between these two groups, read Churchless by George Barna and David Kinnaman.)

While San Francisco is number one overall when it comes to churchless residents, it ranks sixth on the never- churched list (14%), outpaced by: 1. West Palm Beach-Ft. Pierce, FL (17%) 2. Santa Barbara-Santa Maria-San Luis Obispo, CA (16%) 3. New York, NY (15%) 4. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, TX (15%) 5. Chico-Redding,CA(15%) However, the California Bay Area takes the top spot when it comes to dechurched adults (48%), ahead of: 2. Seattle-Tacoma,WA(44%) 3. Portland-Auburn, ME (43%) 4. Boston-Manchester,MA(42%) 5. Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY (41% About the Research

About Barna Group

The data reported in this table are based upon telephone and online interviews with nationwide random samples of 62,896 adults conducted over a ten year period, ending in August 2014. The maximum margin of sampling error associated with the aggregate sample is ±0.4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Respondents who say they have not attended church within the past six months are classified as “Churchless.”

Barna Group (which includes its research division, Barna Research Group) is a private, non-partisan, for-profit organization under the umbrella of the Issachar Companies. Located in Ventura, California, Barna Group has been conducting and analyzing primary research to understand cultural trends related to values, beliefs, attitudes and behaviors since 1984.

The data were analyzed by DMA. The label “DMA” stands for Designated Market Area and represents a unique geographic area that also serves as a commonly accepted media market as defined by The Neilsen Company. DMAs have been configured so that the entire U.S. is assigned to one – and only one – of 210 DMAs in the country and are based on the television viewing habits of the residents in each county. While there are 210 DMAs, this table contains data for just 117 of them. Those are the areas in which we had a sufficient number of completed surveys with people from a given market (a minimum of 150 or more).

If you would like to receive free e-mail notification of the release of each update on the latest research findings from Barna Group, you may subscribe to this free service at the Barna website (www.barna. org). © Barna Group, 2015.

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Valley Child Wins Colorado Dude Ranch Family Vacation in RGV Children’s Art Festival

M

cAllen--Twenty Valley children and their families gathered Saturday night at the Art Village on Main in McAllen, each hoping to win a week-long vacation for their family at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado. As RGV Children’s Arts Festival chairman Carey Kinsolving handed Melba Huber the envelope to announce the winner, the 20 finalists waited in anticipation to hear if their name would be called.

“The winner of the 2015 RGV Children’s Arts Festival is Lauren Powell!” said Huber.

Powell, 10, said that she was so surprised to hear her name announced as the winner, she said to herself, “That’s my name, right?”

Her friend standing next to her had to tell her to go up to the stage.

lowering Powell by her tiny hand to the place on Earth where God wanted her. The drawing is in response to the festival question, “How do I know I’m in the place where God wants me?” In addition to a week at the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch, Powell won two scholarships from Cantu for a week-long summer workshop in either mosaic glass or fused glass.

If Powell’s art left any doubt, her writing clarified everything: “You can believe that you are where God wants you because it says in Jeremiah 29:11, ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.’

It comes straight from the Bible. So believe it!

God never lies.”

In addition to winning a Bar Lazy J dude ranch vacation for herself, Twenty Valley children were selected as finalists in the RGV her parents (Joe and Powell participated Children’s Arts Festival. Lauren Powell, 10, won the 2015 RGV Tiffany of Harlingen) in the online festival Children’s Arts Festival. Her writing and drawing were published and her sister, Powell in the “RGV Kids Talk About the 23rd Psalm” online book. through her school, Her prizes include a week-long vacation for her, her parents received a check for St. Paul Academy of and sister in the Colorado Rocky Mountains at the Bar Lazy J $1,000 to help pay for Guest Ranch, $1,000 to help pay for travel expenses and two Harlingen. Five of her scholarships from McAllen Stained Glass to learn how to create travel to Colorado. “This written answers and mosaic or fused glass. To view Powell’s work, 143 Valley writers is the third consecutive three pieces of her art and artists and to obtain next year’s festival questions, go to year that the owners www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv. related to the 23rd of the Bar Lazy J Psalm were published Guest Ranch have awarded a week-long dude in an online book at www.KidsTalkAboutGod. ranch vacation,” said Kinsolving. “We’re very org/rgv. grateful.”

“The quality of entries was very high this year,” All 20 finalists received passes for four people said Carey Kinsolving, chairman of the RGV to enjoy a Dolphin Watch or Eco Tour cruise Children’s Arts Festival. “We also had about courtesy of Breakaway Cruises at South Padre a 300 percent increase in number of entries.

Island and a coupon for a free ice cream cake at Lauren’s work is outstanding!

Dairy Queen.

One of Powell’s art pieces is now captured in Gold spur sponsors include orthodontist Dr. glass. Artist Yoli Cantu of McAllen Stained Joel Martinez, Dairy Queen, pediatrician Dr. Glass unveiled a fused, stained-glass rendering Martin Garza, El Pato, The Children’s Hospital of Powell’s art that depicts God’s huge hand

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Lauren Powell, 10, winner of the 2015 RGV Children’s Arts Festival stands with Carey and Lisa Kinsolving in front of the fused-glass rendering of Powell’s art created by stained-glass artist Yoli Cantu. Powell received two scholarships from Cantu for mosaic- and fused- glass classes. To view Powell’s winning art and writing and to obtain festival questions and guidelines for next school year, please visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/ rgv.

at Renaissance, Lone Star National Bank, Gerry and Ann Guerra and Melba’s Dance School. Children ages 4-12 who live or attend school in the Valley can find five new questions to answer and illustrate for next school year at KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv. Those interested in receiving a sponsorship package may send an email to carey@KidsTalkAboutGod.org or call 956-772-1920.

Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is available as a free, weekly family devotional by email at KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Also, view a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s Arts Festival. One Valley child will win a vacation for up to five family members to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado plus a check for $1000 to help pay for travel expenses. For details go to KidsTalkAboutGod.org/rgv.

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NEVER

NO

7 Ideas for Parents (Leaders of Kids)

By Mark and Jan Foreman,

parents of Jon and Tim Foreman of the Grammy-winning, multi-Platinum selling band Switchfoot

A

t a local cafe with a half dozen young leaders, Mark Foreman was recently asked, “Give us one nugget of parenting advice before you go.” “Okay,” he responded, “Try out this one: Never say no.” The room erupted with laughter, as the dad looking for help reacted, “You are kidding right?

That’s all I ever say--and my son needs one thousand more no’s.”

“No I’m not kidding,” Mark quietly responded. “Never say no to all the dreams and creative ideas your children have.

Never say no to the realization you can become different than your mom or dad.

Especially never say no to their requests to join them, like playing dress up with your little girl or going surfing with your teenager when the weather’s cold and windy. If you say no too often they’ll stop asking.”

A week later that concerned dad tracked Mark down to say he had taken that advice and his home life had dramatically turned around. He said, “My son is suddenly easy

22 valleychristianmagazine.com

to get along with just because I started saying yes to some things he wanted to do together. I’m not kidding,” he said with a big grin, “the change is dramatic.” As he walked away, he turned and pointed to Mark saying, “It’s hard, but never say no!”

No is a commanding word. It can be a denial, rejection, an expression of fear or an unintended statement of worth. But a thousand no’s can be dwarfed by the power of one yes. No is a brake while yes is an accelerator pedal. We say yes to the stuff and people we value. Here are 7 ways parents can say yes to their kids.

1) Yes to a Greater Story: Help kids see past themselves, connecting them to God’s big picture of redemption. Beyond the obvious but small goals of safety, health, happiness, even success, we are raising children with this surpassing privilege: to reflect God’s loving face to others.

2) Yes to being an Example: Children are hard-wired to copy us; this is both good news and bad. The power of our lives is June 2015

the most immediate way to shape our kids. Raising children includes raising ourselves to become who we want to be.

3) Say Yes to Time: Children spell love T-IM-E. It’s the currency of all relationships.

Large deposits left early in lives will reap generous rewards later. It reverses Harry Chapin’s song, Cat’s In the Cradle.

4) Say Yes to Delight: Children see themselves through their parent’s eyes, discovering their worth by reading our faces. Beyond loving our kids, it’s equally vital to really like them, enjoying who they uniquely are. Children who bask in these smiles of appreciation will pay it forward to genuinely enjoying others and being comfortable in their own skin.

5) Say Yes to Mess: All children are Michelangelo’s looking for a canvas.

They come equipped with curiosity and innovation as part of the image of God package. This creativity grows best when we stretch their imaginations in a batteries-not-included environment, allowing them to explore and experiment.

6) Say Yes to Being Naturally Supernatural: Help kids find God in ordinary moments.

The Shema in Deut. 6:4-8 tells parents to look for God-clues throughout the day. We can communicate more theology in a family dance party or telling stories around a campfire than sitting stiffly for an hour.

7) Say Yes to Letting Go: Maturity happens in baby steps: from crawling to walking, training wheels to two wheels, dating to marriage.

Three ingredients that work together are essential for this process: increased freedom, risk, and responsibility. As we lean into this gradual increase

of our kids’ freedom and (gasp) risk, we will hopefully see a corresponding growth in their response-ability. It’s helpful to remember our destination: raising kids who say yes to God’s extraordinary plans for their lives.

Every parent, child and family is a fascinating original, experiencing God’s fingerprints in unique ways.

So one final yes is to grace. As we imperfectly guide young humans to find their place in God’s epic, we all need buckets of God’s unearned love. Raising children is the most humbling and exhilarating privilege on earth. Here’s to saying yes!

About Mark and Jan Foreman Jan and Mark Foreman live in the San Diego area, where Mark is lead pastor of the 4,000 member North Coast Calvary Chapel in Carlsbad, CA. Mark is the author of Wholly Jesus, and holds advanced degrees in Theology, Education and a Ph.D. in Counseling and Pastoral Care. Jan is a gifted teacher and artist, and also facilitates partnerships with underprivileged women and children both locally and in developing countries. Together they love surfing, sailing, travel and especially being with their family.

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2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 23

BT Mcallen VBS

Golf Tournament SPONSOR REGISTRATION FORM

SPONSOR DEADLINE FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015

July 27th-31st Mcallen

Little Light Children’s Center June 20 Los Lagos Golf Course 3 Man Florida Scramble—Only one player can be a 9 handicap or lower

1st ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Player maximum handicap will be 25

(All players’ handicap over 25 will be adjusted to 25) Team minimum handicap must be 34 (Limited to the first 120 players)

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Company/Team Name:__________________________________________________

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Registration 7:00 AM Los Lagos Golf Course 1720 S Raul Longoria

Edinburg, Texas Goody Bag Door Prizes

Phone

Lunch

Hole-In-One Giveaways

ARTS

Light of Life Live!

Contemporary Christian Style Music by Greg Yacobian.

Be inspired!

Bicenntenial Park Mcallen Science Saturday June 13, 2015 5:00 - 8:00p Dr. Jackson a Science Professor at Hillsdale College, is a popular debater on Creation vs. Evolution. Will answer your questions on origins!

BICENNTENIAL PARK MCALLEN Saturday June 13, 2015 5:00 – 8:00 P.M.

Social

Evangelist Carl Henderson to speak with you on his experience working with people of many nations, diverse cultural backgrounds and what binds us together.

Eddie Prado

Awana Games

KIDS Live Music

June 20th Cine el Rey Mcallen

SPONSORED BY LIGHT OF LIFE CHURCH

To register, call one of the following committee members: Ray Perez

569-6270

Esmer Munoz Perez

907-2961

Susan Valdez

279-9369

Ray Perez 569-6270 www.fgfrministry.org

fgfrministry

501 (C) 3 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Tournament Brought To You By Freely Given Freely Received Ministry

Susan Valdez 279-9369

Esmer Munoz Perez 907-2961

Classical Conversations June 18 Our Savior Lutheran Mcallen

Date & Time: June 18-­‐20 Location: Our Savior Lutheran, 1105 W. Fern Ave., McAllen, TX 78501 Contact: Mio Cabeza, miocabeza@hotmail.com, 956-­‐219-­‐6035

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To Register go to: www.parentpracticum.com >> Locations & Dates >> June, TX, 3-­‐Day Practicum >> McAllen A pop up box may appear. Register an account (it’s free) and follow the instructions from there. After registering, you should receive a confirmation email.

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June 2015

1st ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT 1st ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

T

he number of cases of child abuse and neglect in South Texas are staggering!

And every year the numbers increase. In FY2014, 398 children from birth to 17 years of age were placed in foster care with 161 children sent out of the county. In response to the growing need in the Rio Grande Valley to provide a safe and loving environment to the children removed from life threatening abuse, Freely Given Freely Received’s vision was born.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Registration 7:00 AM

Los Lagos Golf Course

Registration 7:00 AM

1720 S Raul Longoria

Edinburg, Texas

Los Lagos Golf Course Goody Bag Door Prizes Lunch 1720 S Raul Longoria

Hole-In-One Giveaways

Little Light Children’s Center will be a 100 bed emergency shelter that provides round the clock trauma informed care for children ages birth to 18 years old. When children come into the care of Little Light Children’s Center, they are evaluated and receive the love of Christ.

Children can stay at the emergency shelter as little as 72 hours upwards to 90 days.

Little Light Children’s Center will provide a safe, loving home to care for children removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. The Children’s Shelter provides temporary services for children who have experienced complex trauma due to abuse, neglect or abandonment.

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The monies to build the center are being raised through fund raising events including a golf tournament scheduled June 20, 2015 at the Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg, Texas.

Ray Perez 569-6270

Sponsorships are available and the monies raised will be towards building the foundation of the structure to be built. If you are interested in being a Sponsor or registering for the tournament, or want additional information please contact Ray Perez at 956-569-6270, Esmer Perez at 956

Susan Valdez 279-9369

Goody Bag Door Prizes Esmer Munoz Perez 907-2961 www.fgfrministry.org

fgfrministry

Hole-In-One Giveaways 501 (C) 3 NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

Lunch 907-2961.

Freely Given Freely Received is a 501 (C) 3 Nonprofit Organization

June

2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 25

Music Review:

Firefly - Pursuit

L

ondon-based singer/songwriter Firefly releases her new EP ‘Pursuit’. It’s an account of Firefly’s journey in seeking God’s presence. It is an honest account of the surrender, sacrifice and struggles faced in this adventure, as well as the beauty that lies in passionately seeking God and giving Him glory.

With years of experience leading worship behind her, Firefly’s 2014 debut EP ‘Worship In The Wilderness’ showed a great depth of musical ability and a real maturity in her song writing, full of perfectly crafted and anointed songs.

The new EP opens with the title track, ‘Pursuit’. This is an atmospheric opening track and everything you would want from a song: Stunning vocals, a great mid tempo beat, and some lovely clever modern synth sounds. This song really brings Firefly worship back with a gentle bang.

I could sit and listen to the song ‘Breakthrough’ all day. This track is one of the many gentle moments on the EP. ‘Focus on The Horizon’ is another one of those songs. These songs might be on the gentler side of rock worship but they pack a punch in quality. And I think that is where the quality of an EP like this lies. The fact that these songs, without big bands, guitars and drums, make such a lasting impression that they become songs you want to listen to over and over again.

26 valleychristianmagazine.com

Beautiful Grace opens with a piano and the vocals of Deborah, and it really doesn’t need much else as these two elements make the song soar beautifully.

Firefly is an honest songwriter. From her first EP to this new, the songs are all about telling a story and this comes over in the track Wait A While and closing track ‘Outro (Worship You)’. The closing track has a raw feel to it, but it’s the repeated lyrics that create the intimate worshipful sound. I’m sure, like me, you will find yourself eyesclosed in worship with this song.

This fresh and clean sounding EP is another top quality offering from Firefly.

There is such an honesty in the lyrics that you can not help but be drawn in. The standout aspect of the EP are Firefly’s vocals, they sound effortless and take the listener on a wonderful journey.

June 2015

Standout Tracks Breakthrough Pursuit

Review by Jono Davies

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2015

valleychristianmagazine.com 27

FIGHT

Winning The Battles That Matter Most

By Craig Groeschel Published by Zondervan Author and pastor Craig Groeschel helps you uncover who you really are—a man created in the image of God with a warrior’s heart—and how to fight the good fight for what’s right.

You will find the strength to fight the battles you know you need to fight—the ones that determine the state of your heart, the quality of your marriage, and the spiritual health of your family.

Craig will also look at examples from the Bible, including our good buddy Samson. Yep, the dude with the rippling biceps and hippie hair and a thing for Delilah. You may be surprised

how much we have in common with this guy.

By looking at his life, you’ll learn how to defeat the demons that make strong men weak. You’ll become who God made you to be: A man who knows how to fight for what’s right.

And don’t you dare show up for this fight unarmed. Learn how to fight with faith, with prayer, and with the Word of God It’s time to fight like a man.For God’s Sake, FIGHT.

Toungue Pierced

By Nelson Searcy Published by David C. Cook It’s up to each of us to decide whether the words we speak every day will lead to life, success, and positive relationships or death, destruction, and painful memories.

Readers will learn how to choose their words wisely to create the life they want with the practical guidance and inescapable truths

found in Tongue Pierced. Based on one of bestselling author Nelson Searcy’s mostrequested audio resources, this helpful book contains fresh teaching and useful tools such as the “30-Day No Cursing Challenge.”

It will appeal to readers of all ages who want to create a better life.

Jesus Was an Airborne Ranger Find Your Purpose Following the Warrior Christ

By John McDougall, Stu Weber Published by WaterBrook Multnomah You are trapped behind enemy lines. You feel it every day. Powerful forces want to destroy you and those you love. Completely surrounded, you see no means to escape. Sadly, the Jesus we often picture is too timid to help--more like a daytime talk show host than a dangerous Rescuer.

In Jesus Was an Airborne Ranger, Army Chaplain John McDougall offers an alternative

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June 2015

to the soft, gentle caricature of Jesus. Get ready to see Jesus like you’ve never seen him before-a battle-scarred Combatant who stared death in the face and won. This is no Sunday-school Jesus, meek and mild. This is the Warrior Christ who has descended from the heavens, defeated the Enemy, and rescued humanity.

Only the Warrior Christ can impact our broken world. And only in following him can you find the life of purpose you’ve always wanted.

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Bankruptcy Aftershocks Dear Dave, What are the long-term effects of declaring bankruptcy?

Brittany

Dear Brittany, One of the biggest aftershocks of filing bankruptcy is that it stays on your credit report for years afterward. A Chapter 7 filing, which wipes out everything and gives you a clean slate, stays on your report for 10 years. Chapter 13, which is a repayments plan, and Chapter 11, another type of large bankruptcy or business bankruptcy, both stay on your credit bureau report for seven years.

Another big problem is that it can follow you around when it comes to applications or when you apply for different types of licenses. Many of these ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. It doesn’t ask if it’s still on your credit report; it will ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. If you have, you’ll have instances for the rest of your life when you have to admit it and explain it all over again. So, it’s an emotional scar that follows you around for a long, long time.

Too many bankruptcy filers never really recover from their financial distress because they never learn new and better ways to manage their money. That’s why I recommend people do everything they can to avoid bankruptcy. It’s not an easy do-over; it’s a last-resort kind of thing. And in the vast majority of situations it’s just not necessary.

Dave Says

—Dave

Budget Together!

Dear Dave, I have a question about budgeting. I give myself and my husband $150 a month each for blow money to be used on whatever we want. I’m upset because he spends all his eating out, then he buys other things he wants that he has no money for. Am I being too stingy?

Cheryl

Dear Cheryl, I think you guys are handling your money poorly. You’re acting like his mother instead of his wife, and he’s acting like a little boy instead of a man. You don’t want to give your husband an allowance and then not be happy when he spends money “he didn’t have” because he went over what you dictated to him. That’s a bad budget process.

Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover, EntreLeadership and Smart Money Smart Kids. His newest best-seller, Smart Money Smart Kids, was written with his daughter Rachel Cruze, and recently debuted at #1. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

30 valleychristianmagazine.com

The budget process, if you’re the nerd in the family, should start with you writing it all out. Then he sits down with you, has an equal say in the decisions and you two okay it together. He needs to understand that this is you asking him to man-up and be part of the decision-making process, so that you can both be in agreement as to what’s best for the family. In one sense, you may not like it at first, because right now you’ve got control of things. But in another sense, I’ll bet you’re pretty tired of carrying the weight of all the financial decision making and being the only adult in the household.

He doesn’t even have to work on all that much. I want you to lay it out, but I expect him to sit down and go over it all with you. You’re not asking him to be an accountant with a pocket protector, but you have every right to expect him to be in on the decisions that are made about your family and your finances!

—Dave

June 2015

“A Purpose in Life, A Reason for Learning”

Now

Accep Stude ting nt Appl icatio ns!

VANGUARD ACADEMY

From all of us at Vanguard Academy, have a great summer and we will see you next school year!

1200 E. Kelly Ave., Pharr, TX 78577 (956) 781-1701 www.vanguardacademy.org

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

attorney at law

Some historians may argue that among the greatest restoration stories of mankind are the European Renaissance or perhaps the post-World War II era.

The cultural movement known as the European Renaissance roughly took place during the 14th through 17th centuries. This moment in history saw the face of Europe evolve with respect to its arts, architecture and long held science tenets. It also saw a rediscovery of the Greco-Roman classical knowledge and a rebirth of the study of Latin and vernacular languages. It served as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era.

Closer to home, America saw its restoration take place in the years that followed World War II. During this era, couples who could not afford families during the Great Depression made up for lost time.

The mood in America suddenly became optimistic. At that time, the unemployment rate of the Great Depression dropped dramatically and the economy improved substantially. The G.I. Bill empowered many honorable service members to finish high school and attend college. As their skills were improved, so was the financial well-being of their families.

But, without a doubt the greatest restoration that can take place is when a person does as Romans 10:9 instructs us to do. Romans 10:9 says: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The message is simple: invite Christ into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior. At that time, your restoration will be complete.

Next He will do as Philippians 1:6 says, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” As you seek and strive to honor God with your life, He will reward you by allowing you to take on His characteristics. Hosea 14:4 says, “I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; No longer am I angry with them.” I pray that you will invite Christ into your heart and allow Him to restore you!

At my office, I also want to be part of your restoration plan, albeit in a different way. I pray that God will use me for His honor and glory in helping me address your needs. If you have been involved in an auto accident and/or other serious injury or if you have lost a loved one as a result of someone’s negligence, I will do my best to restore some sense of normality to your life. I will also help you in matters involving family law, criminal law and real estate and will issues. As always, I bear in mind that in honoring God with the way I handle my business relationships I will be honoring you my esteemed client.

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX877.480.1421 78539 e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 / e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com 32 valleychristianmagazine.com June 2015