Valley Christian Magazine November 2011

September 2011 October 2011

November’11

A VCM Exclusive with:

Jeremy Camp Coming to McAllen p. 32

The Ever Elusive Rest.

Want it? p. 20

ReThink Church...

What if Church Left the Building p. 40

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Pastor

Francesca Battistelli

Christian Torres Publisher

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Henry Miller John B

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11- At Home With: John Brady of TFC 18- Operation Christmas Child 26- Colonial Holiday with Covenant Christian Academy 28- OK, Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Talk About...

34- VCM Interview: Francesca Battistelli 37- Hidalgoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festival of Lights 40- Valley Methodist Churches â&#x20AC;&#x153;Serving our Schoolsâ&#x20AC;?

44- What to Read: Latest Books Humilitas Review 46- Music: The City Harmonic 49- Events

32- Jeremy Camp brings â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Cry Out Tour to the RGV $ 9&0 H[FOXVLYH ,QWHUYLHZ

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On The Cover

Gabriela Romero

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Editor

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CONTRIBUTORS Jerrell Jobe Milton Gonzalez Mike Masso Miguel Paredes Jorge Vela

For Advertising contact:

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956.314.0161 phone 956.688.6336 fax To submit story ideas, events, or comments:

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National Columnists 20384350-

James MacDonald Luis Palau Greg Laurie Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 8162224262844-

Christian Torres Mike Masso Henry Miller Jerrell Jobe Milton Gonzalez Jorge Vela Miguel Paredes

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Texas Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501 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 LQGHPQLĂ&#x20AC;HG DJDLQVW DQ\ WKLUG SDUW\ FODLPV 7H[DV &KULVtian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and columnistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 the United States. Reproduction without the expressed written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Copyright 2011. Printed in the USA.

. l e a n B tio n e t n I Ideas are overrated. Plans are just that…SODQV

By

s ToPrurbe n lisher a i t Chris

It’s when we actually put our ideas and plans into action that they become reality.

Many of us want to help others but just don’t know what to do or where to start. You know what happens next? Nothing. A year goes by and we think “You know what…let’s do something this holiday season. Let’s help someone or some ministry.”

The idea is great. The plan is great. But where do you go from there? When nothing occurs, many times it’s because we are thinking we must do something big. In actuality, if you start small it can have a big and lasting impression.

What small start can you initiate today that will get you on the path to accomplishing your ideas and plans tomorrow?

VCM decided to be very intentional in the November DQG 'HFHPEHU LVVXHV WR KHOS \RX ZLWK WKLV <RX DUH JRLQJ WR ÀQG VSHFLÀF PLQLVWULHV DQG VWRULHV RI KRZ SHRSOH DUH LQWHQWLRQDOO\ KHOSing others in both big and little ways. Believe me…their results are big to those who are on the receiving end.

Operation Christmas Child (see p.18) gives you the opportunity to give a little boy or girl in a poor and ravaged country a simple gift that has immeasurable impact on their life. Sergio Sanchez directs us how to take part in this awesome global ministry.

SOS (Serve our Schools) Service Project (see p. 40) shows we can help people in our community by putting our faith into action. Susan Hellums, Border Area Mission Coordinator at First United Methodist Church of McAllen, helps show us how to be the “hands and feet” of Christ in our own community and offers various opportunities for each one of us to put our own faith into action.

1H[W PRQWK \RX ZLOO QRW RQO\ ÀQG PLQLVWULHV DQG RSSRUWXQLties to help orphanages, join local ministries helping others, how to bless a family during Christmas, but also how it is possible to serve others, unfortunately, without loving them.

“Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians[and others]. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they’ll respond by praying for you in a passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough!” (2 Corinthians 9: 12-15 MSG) Christian Torres and his wife, Stephanie, live in McAllen with their 3 daughters Madeleine (11), Natalie (8), and Courtney (6).

They are members of Palm Valley Church of Mission.

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Photos by The Studio - Mission, TX

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HOW DO PASTORS DEAL WITH THOSE PRESSURES?

YOU’VE SEEN A LOT OF CHANGES SINCE COMING HERE

It will be 17 years here as Pastor on March 1. When we came here it was Church of the Good Shepherd. The church had fallen on hard times and there were only about 50 people left.

But we felt God was calling us here.

We started with that group –when we brought our three children I think we doubled the children’s ministry.

Now we run 300-400 children on Sunday mornings along with building a new Sanctuary.

WHAT BROUGHT THE CHURCH TRANSITION?

The church started in 1948 out of a healing revival and was called Revival Church. In 1961 it was named Church of the Good Shepherd. When we started changing the way we do things and made it more casual, more acceptable for the average person to come in, we didn’t feel that Church of the Good Shepherd painted a picture of who we were.

Family is huge for us and The Family Church said who we were. You don’t even have to talk about the vision – it says it all for us. We made that deciVLRQ ÀYH \HDUV DJR ,W VWXFN DQG ZH are very excited about it.

EVER WONDER IF YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION?

I would normally say yes, but in this particular time it was the only time in my life that God spoke to me in an audible voice. I’d never been led like that before. There was never a question. Was it rough? Yes. Were there times I wish I wasn’t here? Yes. But we knew we were supposed to be here. $IWHU ÀYH \HDUV , ZDV UHDG\ WR OHDYH A friend in California spoke to me and asked why I wanted to leave.

They were all personal reasons, none because the ministry was struggling.

He questioned me on it and I knew God was speaking to me and knew we needed to stick it out. I’m glad we did. We’re having a blast now.

A lot don’t – I read a statistic that said 1,500 pastors leave the pastorate every month. Only 10 percent of pastors ever make it to retirement.

They quit at one point because it’s real hard. I think you need to know you’re in God’s will. If you know that you’ll stick it out. You also have to have some friends around, a support system that helps in those rough times.

the civic organization that helps the most with keeping their city beautiful.

We weren’t trying – we had no idea.

THE OUTREACH IS A DIFFERENT APPROACH ISN’T IT?

Yeah it is. The world is a little gun shy of the church because someWLPHV ZH ÀJKW RYHU GLIIHUHQW EHOLHI systems, we split up sometimes and we even act ugly toward the world.

I think people sometimes have this ‘we don’t want any part of you’ feeling. We just try to demonstrate God’s through action. That opens so HOW IS THE CHURCH CON- love many doors. We’ve seen so many STRUCTION GOING? miracles happen, heard so many :H·OO RSHQ -DQXDU\ RU WKH ÀUVW RI neat stories and watched people February at the latest. It’s going to get saved right on the spot. People double our capacity so that’s great. ask us all the time ‘Why are you doThe congregation is excited. You go ing this?’ Serving people and helping in for service and there’s no carpet, families is our DNA, our heartbeat. there’s construction all around, people are parking across the street…

Our vision is building families and HOBBIES? When my kids were growing up they serving people and our congregation is so cool because they really were my hobby. Now that they’re believe they are called to serve the grown up and the church has gotten lost in a dying world. They look at it as bigger I love to hunt and shoot guns. worth going through to reach more It’s a stress reliever and I get a kick out of it. I’m going to try to go bow people.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR OUTREACH?

10 years ago we didn’t do any of that. We were a suit and tie church – more of a teaching type church.

About six years ago I’m reading about this church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that we now hook up with named Healing Place Church with Dino Rizzo. They do “servolution.”

They go out and serve. As I’m reading that the Spirit of God just comes upon me and I’m weeping and I know we’re supposed to do that.

2XU YHU\ ÀUVW VHUYLQJ ZH KDG DERXW 200 people in red shirts go to Nolana and 10th in McAllen and we passed out Cokes on a very hot summer day. We told people this was a way we could show the love of God. People were blown away. They wanted to pay us. We said no. Starbucks stopped and brought all of our folks something to drink. Coca Cola came by and said we want to help you do something like this in the future.

YOU EVEN WON AN AWARD RIGHT?

We were cleaning neighborhoods that needed help. The City of McAllen found out and they would buy us gloves, sometimes feed us, rent the dumpsters and they made us a part of Keep McAllen Beautiful. The city put us up for the state award –

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YOU AND TERRY DIDN’T GROW UP WITH SIMILAR SURROUNDINGS RIGHT?

Well, we met at Bible School in Tulsa. We’ve been married for 29 years.

I’m from Texas but grew up in San Jose, Calif. She grew up in West Virginia, about an hour from Charleston in Clay County. She’s a hillbilly and I’m from the city and we kinda came together.

SO TERRY IS FROM WEST VIRGINIA AND THE CITY BOY IS THE HUNTER?

Yeah hunting’s more of a West Virginia thing. I didn’t know what a gun was in San Jose.

My dream was to have a boy who loved sports and we’d do sports together. My boy didn’t like sports PXFK +H ZDQWHG WR KXQW DQG ÀVK and that’s how I got into it. It’s something we do together.

YOUR SON IS BACK FROM IRAQ?

Sure is. He was in Iraq for a year.

It was tough on the whole family, especially for mom. God gave us peace though. We’re really proud of him serving his country but it’s great to have him home. He’s a reservist.

He has one more tour, supposedly in Afghanistan. We believe it’ll be a good experience.

I HEARD YOU TALK ABOUT A ROTTWEILER ONCE, CAN YOU SHARE THAT?

We got her from the humane society terribly underweight, probably 30-40 pounds, and just 8 or 9 months old. She had probably been beaten and the vet told us she really needed to gain weight.

I had killed a wild pig not much earlier and didn’t like the meat so we just kept cooking it and feeding it to her and she loved it. She actually gained all the weight she needed and more and full grown ended up 110 pounds. The best dog we ever had.

Now we have another Rottweiler – but only on the outside. Inside she’s more of a golden retriever.

turned and charged us. One guy with a pistol unloaded his pistol and didn’t hit a pig. Another guy who claimed to be a great hunter didn’t hit a pig – and here they were all FKDUJLQJ XV , KDG D EROW DFWLRQ ULÁH that takes some time to load so I stepped behind somebody because , GLGQ·W JHW P\ ULÁH UHORDGHG LQ WLPH It wasn’t until later that I realized I had stepped behind a 10-year-old boy. So to this day they all still laugh at me. The pigs at the last minute swerved off so nobody was injured.

I WOULD GUESS THERE’S SOME GOOD COOKING WITH ALL THAT HUNTING

My wife is the cook and she makes the best deer meat. She makes it like chicken fried steak with cream gravy, homemade biscuits and fried potatoes and man it is killer, just incredible. I’ve tasted a lot of deer meat and she makes the best. It’s a West

Virginia thing. We go home and get their deer meat and hers is better.

Maybe it has something to do with the Texas deer.

WHAT’S THE CHURCH VISION FOR THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS

Once building is built, we get to take a little breather. But part of the vision is to reach out to the poor in a greater way. We’d like to see The Life Center expand, believing God for a place we can house people who are down and out - whether it be drug addictions, somebody coming out of sexual slavery, abusive situation – so they can be in a place to live, have constant spiritual input and get a job eventually. They need to get out of the environment they’re in so they can change. We really have a heartbeat for that. Where they see no hope– we want to give them hope and tangible ways to get out.

FAVORITE SPORTS STORY?

Photos by The Studio - Mission, TX

My family is from Texas – so my college is the Longhorns. I was sitting in the end zone where Vince Young scored the winning touchdown for the national championship against USC. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I was sitting with a friend who was a USC fan, so it was even more awesome.

FAVORITE HUNTING STORY? A bunch of us went hunting for some wild pigs – I mean there was a line of us – even a 10-yearold. There was a whole group of pigs and we all got ready and shot. Let’s just say not everybody hit a pig. The pigs

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The Great White Throne Judgment The Book By Danny J Johnson SR

There is an old cliché, “There is nothing as sure as death and taxes.” But there is one other thing as for sure as dying and even one thing more for sure than taxes, Gods Judgment.

Hebrews 9: 27; Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face Judgment.

8LMW 2SZIP XLVSYKL ½ZI QEMR GLEVEGXIVW traces their lives from birth until death and after death their eternal Judgments. Their lives intertwine with many others who become a part of the story of their life experience.

Throughout the course of each of their lives decisions with eternal consequences are revealed. As with the people within this story every man and woman throughout the course of their lives must face the ultimate question, the question that we cannot escape or ignore. The question of where we will spend our eternal destiny. How will we choose, life eternal with God or eternal Judgment in what the Bible calls the “Lake of Fire.” Our answer [MPP HIXIVQMRI XLI ½REP SYXGSQI SJ SYV IXIV-

nity. But either way we will face a Holy and Righteous God as Judge of our sin or Lord of our lives. How will the people in this story choose and even more importantly, how will you choose? There is no decision you will make in your life more important than what you choose to do with Jesus.

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence IEVXL ERH LIEZIR ¾IH E[E] ERH RS TPEGI was found for them.And I saw the dead, the great and the small before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death, the Lake of Fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire. ( Revelation 20:11–15)

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Do a Little - and make a huge difference many years past. Thank you to Jane Smith, manager of NEWS TALK 710 KURV and BMP Radio for donating the storage space at Another Closet Self Storage this year (over 3,000 SAS empty shoe boxes were stored there). Thank you to Randy Smith at Another Closet Self Storage for donating the use of his delivery truck and thanks to BT McAllen Pastors Trevor Carpenter and Mike Hall for donating the use of their vans and campus to help collect these box es.â&#x20AC;?

Picture an unloved child, forgotten and lonely during the holidays. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nobody to comfort his cries; nobody to share in her laughter.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tough to read â&#x20AC;&#x201C; tougher to see â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out there; millions of them.

Operation Shoebox is a worldwide childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project of Samaritanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Purse that XVHV VLPSOH JLIW Ă&#x20AC;OOHG VKRH ER[HV WR OHW hurting children know they are loved and not forgotten.

Generous families, businesses and organizations in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and RWKHU FRXQWULHV ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;OO PRUH WKDQ PLOlion shoe boxes with school supplies, toys, necessity items, and notes of encouragement for needy children.

The Rio Grande Valley is also participating under the direction of Sergio Sanchez.

The Operation Christmas Child truck will be parked at BT McAllen (2001 Trenton Road) from Nov. 14-21. Call or text Sergio Sanchez with questions at (956) 655-8876.

Last year approximately 2,000 boxes from the Rio Grande Valley were donated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are so many people we need to thank to get this going,â&#x20AC;? Sanchez said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A major thank you to SAS Shoes in Brownsville for their contribution of thousands of sturdy, quality shoe boxes this year and

Below are some frequently asked ques tions regarding Operation Shoebox: What items can I put in a shoebox?

Toys (no military or war related toys), undergarments, toiletries ( no liquids or glass), grooming items, store bought and wrapped candy (no chocolate or candy with peanuts), a letter from your family.

Where can I get a shoebox?

If you need shoeboxes call or text Sergio Sanchez at (956) 655-8876. If you wish, you can also purchase shoeboxsized reusable plastic containers (very popular with children who have little space to store their school or personal items) Can I use my own? If yes, any special wrapping instructions?

Please gift wrap the lid and the box separately so it can be easily inspected for safety and security reasons and try to include a $7 donation check per box to help pay for international shipping. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to NQRZ WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDO GHVWLQDWLRQ RI \RXU ER[ visit the Operation Christmas Child website, make your per box donation online and print a label to help track your box.

Do you follow the same National Drop off Dates?

Yes, the delivery week for these box es is November 14-21. You can visit BT McAllen that week from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or call or text Sergio at (956) 655-8876 for special arrangements.

How can someone become a drop site?

We need more drop sites in the Harlingen and Brownsville areas. If your business, school or church can help this campaign call or text Sergio at (956) 655-8876.

Operation Christmas Child organizers: Mike Hall, Sergio Sanchez, Dwght Robertson & Pastor Trevor Carpenter.

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The ever elusive rest.

Want it?

By Dr. James MacDonald

“Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness . . . Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him.”Psalm 37:3-7,

“I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken… his descendants will become a blessing.”

Psalm 37:25-26,

Listen to Walk in the Word locally weekdays at 5:30 a.m.

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teacing canbe 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. To subscribe to the Weekly Walk, a weekly e-devotional, visit www.walkintheword.com.

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

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Photo by Gabriela Romero / Baby model Diego Macedo De Santiago

Be Stillâ&#x20AC;Ś.

And Know

By Henry Miller

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4:18 in the morning. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just woken up, for no apparent reason. $W Ă&#x20AC;UVW WKH RQO\ VRXQG , FDQ KHDU LV WKH thrumming of the fans I keep on at night.

But when I listen closer, I can pick out the soft breathing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and even the softer purr-like snores every so often - of my little girl Camilla lying next to me asleep after a rough day of soccer, birthday party 1, birthday party 2 and playing in the neighborhood.

I look over as her chest moves up and down in rhythm with those breaths. I FDQ IHHO WKH EORRG Ă RZLQJ WKURXJK KHU veins as her little arm loops through PLQH +HU WLQ\ Ă&#x20AC;QJHUV KROG RQWR P\ DUP ever so slightly; her assurance that Papi is with her.

A few minutes later the grip tightens.

The breathing becomes a little heavier and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a frightened little voice crying out â&#x20AC;&#x153;Papi.. Papi.. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m having bad dreams.â&#x20AC;? Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still partially asleep

as she says this but her spirit knows Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m listening. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok, mi hija,â&#x20AC;? I say, sliding her a little closer to me. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nothingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to happen. Papiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s here with you.â&#x20AC;?

As quickly as she woke up, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back asleep. Once again she knows that her Papi is with her. That everythingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be ok.

I remain awake. I did not do much just then â&#x20AC;&#x201C; held her a little tighter, told her just a few small words. For her now everything is ok. What power we have as parents in our every move, our every word.

Then I think how much more powerful God is. That His slightest motion creates galaxies, how His infallible word has been passed down for thousands of years. I remind myself that I am tinier than the smallest molecule in His grand scheme. Yet, He loves me so much, so perfectly.

I remain awake, now in awe of a mag-

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QLĂ&#x20AC;FHQW *RG ,W¡V GXULQJ WKLV PRPHQW , realize what is meant in Psalm 46:10 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be still and know that I am God.â&#x20AC;?

I need to make more time like this â&#x20AC;&#x201C; I QHHG WR EH VWLOO PRUH $QG , GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ need to know that He â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is God. As the clock gets closer to that time for my day to begin I can smile. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve already started my day â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have done it any better.

Be still. Know He is God.

Henry Miller has been in the publishing business for 25 years. His work has been in more than 150 newspapers and he has been a syndicated radio personality on more than 60 stations nationwide.

He and his daughterCamilla (7). attend Palm Valley Church, where Henry volunteers in the Kids Church. E-mail him at: henry@valleychristianmagazine.com

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The

PO WE R of

By Jobe Jerrell

Being Jerrell Jobe is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has three children: Michah (8), Naylah (6), and Avi (4).

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made an interesting observation in the past several months. My children may be watching television or doing some other mindless activity. On such occasions, the motivation emerges within me to help engage them in some mind-stimulating activity or at least something that will cause them to exert some physical energy.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see you guys later... Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going for a bike ride around the block...â&#x20AC;? (pause)... and I have three kids begging to go with me. Did I mention the heat index is 108? Suddenly, being hot is no longer a factor.

I can say to one of my children, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hey, you wanna do a puzzle?â&#x20AC;? The almost immediate response will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;no.â&#x20AC;? I can follow that up with something like, â&#x20AC;&#x153;How about we build something?â&#x20AC;? The response? â&#x20AC;&#x153;No.â&#x20AC;? I can go through a litany of options, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A bike ride?â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Too hot.â&#x20AC;?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like they wanted to do something more active and engaging, they just didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know it!

They needed to be led. They needed to be shown.

You get the picture.

Of course there are some wild cards. &KXFN ( Cheeseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always gets a thumbs up.

However, often the end result is potential discouragement or frustration.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where the interesting observation comes in.

On a given day day, my children could be en-

grossed in a movie of some sort. I can nonchalantly walk through the room, grab the youngest child, put them on my lap, spread D ER[ RI SX]]OH SLHFHV RQ WKH Ă RRU DQG ZLWKin seconds the couch is empty, the movie is mere background noise and I have kids all DURXQG PH Ă&#x20AC;JKWLQJ RYHU ZKR JHWV WKH FRUQHU pieces.

I can waltz through the room and say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh...

Regardless the activity, if I merely begin doing it my children join me. Interesting!

They needed to be engaged.

I wonder if much of our parenting frustration is caused simply because we tell them ZKDW WR GR but fail to VKRZ WKHP KRZ WR GR LW" We ask them if they want to do something, when all they need is to be invited to join us.

Now, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s turn the tables a bit.

Led

Often we spend too much time following our heart,and not enough time leading it...

If you have children:

What are some everyday activities you could invite your children to join you in â&#x20AC;&#x201C; simply for the sake of being WRJHWKHUâ&#x20AC;Ś?

Are there spiritual practices that you could model for your children to engage as well?

What would it look like to invite them to pray ZLWK you, or even for you?

What would it look like to read Scripture together, or even create your own â&#x20AC;&#x153;sock-puppetâ&#x20AC;? reenactment of a particular passage?

Is there a project or person you could have your children join you in serving?

How does this principle apply to our For everyone: own spirituality?

Is there an area where you need to stop â&#x20AC;&#x153;folHow often do we not want to do that which is most needed to do? Perhaps engaging some spiritual practice (Scripture, Prayer, Serving, Fasting, Giving, etc)... Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve discovered, quite often weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just like our children.

lowingâ&#x20AC;? and begin â&#x20AC;&#x153;leadingâ&#x20AC;? your heart?

One of the keys to spiritual maturity is being able to discern what we need and how to do something about it. Often, if I simply begin engaging a practice or discipline, before long OLNH P\ FKLOGUHQ , DFWXDOO\ HQMR\ DQG Ă&#x20AC;QG

Looking for a good book

SOHDVXUH DQG EHQHĂ&#x20AC;W LQ GRLQJ LW , MXVW QHHG WR be led.

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Is there a particular spiritual practice (like meditating on Scripture, prayer, serving, etc) that you sense God is calling you to engage in a deeper, more meaningful manner? related to teaching and helping your children connect with God through spiritual practices? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great book written by a friend of mine, Valerie Hess entitled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Habits of a Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Heart: Raising Your Kids with the Spiritual Disciplines.â&#x20AC;?

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By

Mr. G

Colonial Holiday Festival & Marketplace

Colonial Holiday was birthed in a small classroom located on the corner of Ware and Primrose in McAllen 15 years ago.

Envisioned by Brenda Greagrey, Colonial Holiday was a classroom project that would teach students about the founding of our nation and the impact the Word of God had in its establishment. The following couple of years would see Colonial grow from one classroom to several more involving teachers, students and parents.

Today Covenant Christian Academy’s Colonial Holiday has become a household name, an event that is expected year after year. It has become a two-day festival beginning with a community outreach. More than 500 public school students are bussed in from local and neighboring cities. They are given a hands-on tour as guides share the history of our great nation.

CCA undergoes a metamorphic transformation as it prepares for Colonial, truly becoming a colonial township.

7KH HYHQLQJ RI &RORQLDO LV ÀOOHG ZLWK HQFKDQWment. George and Martha Washington walk up and down Main Street while a silversmith by the name of Paul Revere horseback rides around the town. The ballroom adorned with chandeliers DQG EHDXWLIXO DQWLTXH IXUQLWXUH LV ÀOOHG ZLWK PXVLF while nobles dance the minuet with elegance and grace.

As you promenade down Main Street while you savor a turkey leg you will experience the sounds of yesterday...the hammering emerging from the carpenter’s shoppe and the excited laughter of children visiting the toy shoppe. Cotton candy, IXQQHO FDNHV DQG SRSFRUQ ÀOO WKH DLU ZLWK DQ DURma that sparks images from our youth.

Most importantly, Colonial Holiday is an opportunity for us, Covenant Christian Academy, to share Jesus with the community. He is ultimately the reason for the season.

Hope to see you there............Shalom, Mr. G Saturday, Nov. 12 / 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Covenant Christian Academy 4201 N. ware Road, McAllen General Admission: Canned Food donation EHQHÀWWLQJ WKH 5*9 )RRG %DQN YROXQWDU\ GRQDWLRQ EHQHÀWWLQJ &RYHQDQW &KULVWLDQ For more information call (956) 686-7886 Or visit www.ccamcallen.com (Milton is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy and is a member of The Family Church in McAllen.)

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PHOTO BY GABRIELA ROMERO

k l a t s ’ t e L , OK . . . t u abo g n t i h Be g i e w r Ove ELA

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BY JO

Being overweight is something many of us joke about when we’re talking about ourselves. However, when it comes to talking about others, it becomes merely a whisper around family, friends and even less around our congregations.

Gary Thomas, author of the book Every Body Matters writes “Sin can lead us to become overweight, but being overweight is not, in and of itself, a sin.”

And while it may not be a sin by itself it can still lead to a lessthan-full relationship with God.

Why? For one we feel the topic is quite cruel to bring up. We may be viewed as being judgmental or mean spirited to make someone feel they are living in sin if they are overweight. But does the Bible talk to us about being overweight?

“Or didn’t you realize that your body is a sacred place, the place of the Holy Spirit? Don’t you see that you can’t live however you please, squandering what God paid such a high price for? The physical part of you is not some piece of property belonging to the spiritual part of you. God owns the whole works.

So let people see God in and through your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 MSG) So, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Then honoring God by taking care of our bodies is what God would want to see us do. That doesn’t only mean to exercise. Taking care of our bodies also includes eating well to nourish the body.

In my 20 years as a Fitness Professional I have seen more struggles with people controlling their food intake versus attending their personal training sessions. “...Don’t eat too much food and get fat. Drunks and gluttons will end up on skid row, in a stupor and dressed in rags.” (Proverbs 23:20-21 MSG)

Typically, someone who is overweight has some negative feelings attached to those extra pounds – kinda like extra baggage psychologically with the extra baggage physically. If so, more than likely it will affect how they interact with people and who they interact with.

Being a Christian is a lot about connecting with people. God blesses us to be a blessing to all the peoples of the world. If we’re not comfortable with ourselves, then we may not be as effective as God would like you to be in advancing His kingdom.

1H[W PRQWK ZH·OO GLVFXVV WKH GLIÀFXOWLHV ZH IDFH ZKHQ ZH GRQ·W feel comfortable with ourselves and how that can effect our testimony and witnessing to others.

Jorge Vela is a personal trainer in McAllen, Texas.

He has over 20 years of experience in the health & ÀWQHVV LQGXVWU\ DQG RZQV ([SORVLYH )LWQHVV +XPDQ 3HUIRUPDQFH &HQWHU 9LVLW ZZZ H[SORVLYHÀWQHVV QHW WR OHDUQ PRUH DERXW KLV ÀWQHVV SURJUDPV DQG KRZ you can get a boot camp started for your church.

Contact Jorge at 956-451-8962 or Jorge@explosivHÀWQHVV QHW RU FRQQHFW ZLWK KLP RQ IDFHERRN DW

The Bible makes clear references to taking care of our bodies and abstaining from gluttony but is it a sin to be overweight?

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ZZZ IDFHERRN FRP H[SORVLYHÀWQHVV

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/ 29 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Mary Lou Henry Broker/ Owner, ABR GRI

Cell: (956) 451-2623 henry_marylou@yahoo.com

office: 1520W. Dove, Ste. G - Blog 2 McAllen, TX 78504

Hablamos Espa単ol !

/ 30 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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VCM Interview with

Jeremy Camp

Artist going â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;full boreâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with his calling

By Henry Miller

Jeremy Camp was ready to quit.

and â&#x20AC;&#x153;King Jesusâ&#x20AC;? are intentional reminders of who God is â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as Lord and Savior - and why He deserves our praise.

How had things spiraled to this point?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted to give God all the glory and honor when I started. I wanted to minister from that point,â&#x20AC;? Camp said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m back there â&#x20AC;&#x201C; He delivered me, He delivered us so I want to do whatever He wants me to do and go wherever He wants me to go.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the midst of all that goes on with touring and being successful in the music industry, I noticed all things were Jeremy Camp,â&#x20AC;? the singer/ songwriter told 9DOOH\ &KULVWLDQ 0DJD]LQH from his Tennessee home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Camp, Camp, Camp â&#x20AC;&#x201C; when did this become Jeremy Camp day? It was so overwhelming.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve wanted to quit before â&#x20AC;&#x201C; like four years ago I was ready to be done. I asked God to teach me something to take me to the next level and I felt He was asking me â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;are you relying on me or on your own circumstances?â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And that helped me continue to draw closer. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be burned out if I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t doing this for the Lord.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an absolute sweet night of worship during the set; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m more excited now than whatever Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been before and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not mine at all,â&#x20AC;? Camp said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had gotten to the point where things had piled up and I was thinking â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Why am I doing this again?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I asked God, whatever you want me to do, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do. If you want me to be done, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do it.â&#x20AC;?

Camp has earned 14 No. 1 hits on the Christian music charts dating back to his 2002 release of Stay, under BEC recordings, which he still is partnered with. Never before, however, has Camp and his band gone into the studio together to create an album like they did with We Cry Out.

As he looked around, all he could see or hear was Jeremy Camp this or Jeremy Camp that.

Instead of quitting, however, his cries to the Lord inspired his latest album and tour. The We Cry Out Tour comes to the McAllen Convention Center on Nov. 17. Also on the card are the 2010 Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year Francesca Battistelli, and Adam Cappa.

Campâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website (jeremycamp. com/about) says the Indiana native reached a point where he was tired of himself and came to some crossroads â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where decisions on which path we continue on must be made.

And while it may be easy to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;God this is for youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, sometimes it just can be hollow words, with no conviction.

Camp said heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undoubtedly past that point.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We just said lets go in the studio and see what happens and songs where we would normally stop at, we just kept going. Why stop it, the Lord was doing something special there,â&#x20AC;?

Camp said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The song â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Overcomeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is 8 minutes long â&#x20AC;&#x201C; whenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the last time you heard an 8-minute song? We just said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok, just let God.â&#x20AC;?

The end result was an 11-song We Cry Out album that leaves no doubt about where people should place themselves in a growing relationship with God. Songs like â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Cry Out,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jesus Saves,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You Are the Lordâ&#x20AC;?

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It even has Camp saying the tour is â&#x20AC;&#x153;rad.â&#x20AC;?

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The good thing is that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown throughout the years and I can look back 10 years at what I was thinking then and it helps me realize Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve grown and matured to the point that I know what God is calling me to do and now Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going full bore â&#x20AC;&#x201C; nothing is going to get in my way.â&#x20AC;?

Camp also recently released a book entitled I Still Believe, a biography and deep look at the pain he batWOHG WKURXJK ZKHQ KLV Ă&#x20AC;UVW ZLIH 0HOLVsa Lynn Henning died of ovarian cancer Feb. 5, 2001, just a couple weeks short of being married four months.

She was 23 years old. Camp married Adrienne Liesching in December, 2003. They have two daughters â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Isabella Rose and Arianne Mae â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a son, Egan, who will turn 3 months old the night of the McAllen concert. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ten years ago I lost my wife to cancer and it changed my life forever,â&#x20AC;? Camp said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The book shares

the faithfulness of God and looks at the hardest trials we go through and how they are real, so real and so painful. The pain is absolutely real. But you have to say ‘here’s my life’ and put it in God’s hands. God’s hands stretch from beginning to end, there’s no denying it.

“For me, it’s been something I’ve been wanting to write. God had a lot to teach me still though so I can share here’s what God’s done.”

So now Camp, also an ordained minister, is a singer/songwriter and author. Could acting be in his foreseeable future?

“Trust me, I’ve been hit up a ton and there’s always a chance if it’s something I believe in,” said Camp, who saw most recently the blockbuster movie Courageous.

“Yeah, I was watching that and thinking,” Camp said with a chuckle, “I could do that.”

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VCM Exclusive with:

Francesca Battisteli

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the

stuff that

drives you

crazy? / 34 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

To Buy or Sell call: Christina & Allysa 956.648.6065 Aida 956.821.0572 Irma 956.789.6722 McAllen Area Aida & Irma for Spanish service

/ 35 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Fellowship

Small Groups

Youth

Children

Worship ship Wor

Welcome

Serve Together ~ Grow Together

Discover Life Together First Baptist Church of McAllen 1200

Beech Avenue, McAllen, www.fbcmcallen.com

Texas

Sunday Services: 8:00 am, 10:50 am, and 6:30 pm Sunday Spanish Service: 9:25 am Wednesday Service: 6:30 pm For more Information call our office at (956)686-7418. / / 36 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com

! ! !

Trolleys, Trains & 3 million lights (BTW, did I mention 3 million lights!!)

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be surprised if someday soon you hear a professional superstar respond to the question â&#x20AC;&#x153;What are you going to do now?â&#x20AC;? with this answer: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to the Hidalgo Festival of Lights.â&#x20AC;?

place Dec. 1-31 in Hidalgo. Highlights of the ever-growing event include:

Move over Mickey, Santa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; along with more than 3 million Christmas lights (thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right 3,000,000), an Ice rink, trains, trolleys and trolls (oh, wait, no trolls) along with choirs, dinners, more food, more entertainment (did we mention 3 MILLION /,*+76" DUH Ă&#x20AC;OOLQJ XS +LGDOJR $GG D New Giant Ferris Wheel to get the best view of maybe the most lit up city in all of Texas. â&#x20AC;Ś. And 3 gazillion lightsâ&#x20AC;Ś.and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got one fantastic family event.

Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I had someone get off one of the trolleys once and said to me that this event was better than Disney,â&#x20AC;? said Kay Wolf, Assistant City Manager â&#x20AC;&#x153;That really made my day.â&#x20AC;?

The 21st annual Hidalgo Festival of Lights, themed â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Tropical Christmas,â&#x20AC;? will take

Â&#x2021; Â&#x2021;

Â&#x2021;

Illuminated Parade, 6 p.m., Dec. 1 Dinner/Concert/Trolley Tour package, Dec. 2-18 (except Dec. 14) 5DPRQ $\DOD 3RVDGD 'HF Santa Claus, Dec. 1-23 (heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busy the 24th and 25th) And of course the narrated trolley, train and horse drawn wagon tours

â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is going to be the biggest one yet,â&#x20AC;?

Wolf said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This event has truly become a family tradition. We have so many people tell us that they come every year, that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part of their family tradition. People come to visit their friends down here just to go to the Festival. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing.â&#x20AC;?

The Giant Ferris Wheel, which will let riders get a literal birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-eye view of the lights, is one of a handful of family rides that are also new to the month-long community extravaganza.

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Once again the Enchanted Christmas Village will be up and running at the Hidalgo Pumphouse and the Ice Skating Rink at Memorial Park will be open for the entire month. And while you can walk, ride a trolley, train or horse and carriage through the array of lights, you can also GULYH +LGDOJR 5DGLR VWDWLRQ ZLOO Ă&#x20AC;OO your car with beautiful Christmas music.

Look for the Maxwell House Coffee and Oreo Cookies display at participating HE-B stores; Buy Maxwell House Coffee or Oreo Cookies and get a free Trolley or Train Ride at the Hidalgo Festival of Lights.

The city is looking for volunteers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and even some more talent â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to participate in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event.

Call (956) 843-2286 for more information call (956) 843-2286 or visit

www.hidalgotexas.com or www.hidalgofol.com.

Bible Terms:

Underst Calendars, posters, and great works of art all feature the marvels of human life and nature.

But what if we were to look at God’s creation allegorically—representing meaning deeper than just function or beauty? The Bible uses many facets of nature symbolically. Trees, branches, fruit, bodies, lips, feet, and other things become more than we usually expect.

The art of the allegory is pervasive throughout the Bible and therefore is important to understand. Here are fourteen terms that will broaden your understanding of some crucial symbols.

Luis Palau and his ministry have shared the Gospel with more than 1 billion people through evangelistic events and media. He has spoken in person to 25 million people in 72 countries with more than 1 million registered decisions for Jesus Christ. He has authored close to 50 books and countless articles on issues of faith, and has counseled with business and political leaders and heads of state around the world. Used by permission from the Luis Palau Association and http://change.palau.org. All rights reserved

BODY Our bodies are temporarily housing our personalities and souls. They are mortal containers of the immortal. God uses our bodies as examples of how all Christians are connected and how they should interact. He calls us the “body of Christ.” God created each of us with a unique personality, background, and set of skills to perform a unique role for him. Yet God wants us WR ZRUN WRJHWKHU IRU WKH EHQHÀW RI WKH HQWLUH “body,” of which Jesus Christ is the head (see Ephesians 4:15–16).

LIPS Lips symbolize communication. We must use discretion in using our lips for the good of others and for our own well-being. “He who guards his lips guards his life, but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin” (Proverbs 13:3). Despite all the harm we can cause with our words through gossip, lies and slander, if God is involved in our lives, our lips can honor the Lord and relay words of wisdom. More importantly, the best thing we can do with our lips is to praise God and express our thankfulness to him. In turn, our praise to God can lead to telling others about his goodness. However, since “actions speak louder than words,” we must consistently do what we say; otherwise, we will be seen as hypocrites, not witnesses.

FEET

Luis Palau by

Feet make us mobile; we’d have trouble walking without them. Feet also need a brain to guide them; they only go where they’re told. If people have a good head on their shoulders, their feet likely won’t lead them into trouble (Proverbs 4:26). God walks beside and directs the feet of those who want their lives to impact the world. Christians should not be stationary since God enables them to do all things he calls them to do and to go anywhere he leads them to go. Feet also denote victory—all God’s enemies are under his feet (1 Corinthians 15:25).

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anding

Allegory TREE The Bible mentions two important types of trees: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God warned Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

God warned Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil; if they did, they would die. Deceived by Satan, they ate from it anyway, and were sent away from the Garden of Eden and the tree of life (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:22-23). Their one act of disobedience plunged humankind into an existence of separation from God. In Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s eternal kingdom, all the trees will give life to the nations (Revelation 22:2).

BRANCH In the Old Testament, a â&#x20AC;&#x153;branchâ&#x20AC;? was a prophetic symbol of hope. The Israelites knew that one branch of the family tree, representing the Messiah, would save them (Isaiah 11:1-5). Jesus was that branch. His death and resurrection ensured that people could become a â&#x20AC;&#x153;branchâ&#x20AC;? on Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family tree.

the relationship between himself and his people. That is one reason why the Bible repeatedly asserts the importance of keeping the marriage relationship pure and exclusive. Over and over in the Old Testament, the Lord portrays himself as a lover, wooing his beloved people. In the New Testament, the church is called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;brideâ&#x20AC;? of Christ. Believers are like an expectant bride eagerly anticipates the appearance of her bridegroom. In the briedegroomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absence, the bride must wait patiently and faithfully, looking forward to the great celebration that will occur when he comes for her (see Matthew 25:1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;13).

BRIDEGROOM God loves his people like a bridegroom loves his brideâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;protectively, tenderly, passionately, devotedlyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;as one headover-heels in love. He desires that his people love and commit their hearts to him alone, as a wife commits herself only to her husband. The church, as a bride, will one day be presented to Jesus Christ, the bridegroom. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people are instructed to honor and submit to Christ, their husband (Ephesians 5:23-24).

BREAD

CLOUDS

God told his people that â&#x20AC;&#x153;man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORDâ&#x20AC;? (Deuteronomy 8:3). Jesus Christ used bread as a symbol of his body being broken in death. Christians remember Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death by â&#x20AC;&#x153;breaking breadâ&#x20AC;? (eating bread) together during church services, just as Jesus commanded his disciples WR GR WKH QLJKW EHIRUH KH ZDV FUXFLĂ&#x20AC;HG (Luke 22:19). This part of a church service is usually called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Communionâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Supper.â&#x20AC;? Taking part in CommuQLRQ KHOSV XV UHPHPEHU WKH VLJQLĂ&#x20AC;FDQFH of Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death until he comes again.

Belief in Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offering of his body is like eating the Bread of Life, because we take him into our very lives (John 6:47-51).

Clouds are closely associated with God. God used a â&#x20AC;&#x153;pillar of cloudâ&#x20AC;? as a visible symbol of this presence to lead the Israelites in the wilderness. Like the prophet Daniel, the apostle John saw visions of one â&#x20AC;&#x153;like a son of manâ&#x20AC;? (see Daniel 7:13; Revelation 14:14 ) seated on a cloud.

Acts 1:9 tells us that Jesus disappeared into a cloud as he ascended into heaven. One day he will return in the clouds (Revelation 1:7)â&#x20AC;&#x201D;and we will be caught up together there with him (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

BRIDE Did you know that the followers of Jesus Christ are considered his bride? Because the marital relationship is so intimate and exclusive, God uses it to represent

FIRE 7KH EUHDWKWDNLQJ SRZHU RI Ă&#x20AC;UH LV DQ DSpropriate parallel for the awe-inspiring strength of God. He appeared to Moses in a burning bush (see Exodus 3:2) and to WKH ,VUDHOLWHV LQ D SLOODU RI Ă&#x20AC;UH LQ WKH GHVHUW (see Exodus 13:21). The destructive qualities of Ă&#x20AC;UH PDNH LW DQ HIIHFWLYH WRRO IRU SXULĂ&#x20AC;FDWLRQ )LUH FDQ UHĂ&#x20AC;QH D VXEVWDQFH OLNH JROG which doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t burn, by consuming foreign elements in it, so that only the pure

/ 39 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

gold remains. Scripture compares this purifying action to the work of God in the lives of Christians. God is working to eliminate impure thoughts and actions, leaving only the good that comes from him.

FRUIT The Bible uses the word â&#x20AC;&#x153;fruitâ&#x20AC;? to describe the outward evidence of what is happening internally or the natural consequences of our actions. Apples only grow on trees that have the internal biological programming necessary to produce apples. In the same way, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;fruit of the Spiritâ&#x20AC;? will be produced only by a person who has the Holy Spirit within him or her. When we let Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spirit control us, our lives produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). In the Old Testament, fruit often represents prosperity and goodness. God promised a fruitful land to the Israelites.

Those who trust in the Lord are said to be like a thriving tree that never fails to bear fruit, even in times of drought.

HARVEST Ancient Israel was an agricultural society. /LIH GHSHQGHG RQ VXIĂ&#x20AC;FLHQW UDLQIDOO DQG bountiful crops. Therefore, the idea of the harvest was useful in illustrating important concepts in the Bible. For example, actions have consequencesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7). A good harvest starts with planting good seed. The Bible says the way of life that we followed before we knew Jesus Christ resulted in death, but a life of obedience to God produces a â&#x20AC;&#x153;harvest of righteousnessâ&#x20AC;? (Hebrews 12:11).

WATER God did a lot of amazing things with ZDWHU +H Ă RRGHG WKH HDUWK WXUQHG ZDter into blood, made water pour out of a rock, and stacked water up on either side of a dry path through the sea. The Bible describes people who crave spiritual truth as those who â&#x20AC;&#x153;thirst for righteousnessâ&#x20AC;? (Matthew 5:6). Jesus offered living water to all those who were spiritually thirsty. The coming of the Holy Spirit fulĂ&#x20AC;OOHG WKH 2OG

ReThink Churchâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś What if Church Left the Building ?

Susan Hellums, Border Area Mission Coordinator for First United Methodist Church of McAllen shared, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are excited to come out and serve and work together with the School District, Junior League of McAllen, and with so many Volunteers.â&#x20AC;?

ReThinking Church & Leaving the Building.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exactly what happened during the SOS (Serve our Schools) service project when the United Methodist Churches of the Valley decided to get together to put their faith in action.

Lindsy Richards, Junior League of McAllen Provisional Class of 2011 project Co-Chair said, Junior League is excited to work with FUMC with this being the beginning of something for our comPXQLW\ Âľ ´7KLV LV GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ out-of-the-ordinary and different.â&#x20AC;?

Volunteers showed up at McAllen Memorial High School ready to serve.

Some stayed at Memorial, others went to Navarro Elementary, McAuliffe Elementary and Travis Middle School. While there they did landscaping, yard work, campus clean up, painting, library assistance, and other service projects.

e rve? e tim se h n t p a d action? at w u o p e Is nady to st r faith inojects thn:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;You know, I walk by this courtyard many a day and it never occurred to us that I couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve done something for them.â&#x20AC;? said a parent to Susan Hellums.

Shane Mullin, Youth Pastor at FUMC said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was great seeing everybody willing to pitch in and making some new great connections.â&#x20AC;?

Susan shared, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are hoping to do it again next year on a bigger basis.â&#x20AC;?

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/ 41 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

/ 42 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Mutual Submission

And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21)

Sometimes people get offended because the Bible says that wives are to submit to their husbands (see Ephesians 5:22). They say they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like this because it is chauvinistic, and they will not submit to anyone. But here is the problem. That very attitude says to me that such a person will have problems in marriage.

First, let me give you the big picture: before a word is said in the Bible about wives submitting to their husbands or husbands loving their wives as Christ loves the church (which is no small feat, by the way), it says that we should submit ourselves to one another in the fear of God. (see Ephesians 5:21).

So letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not get upset about the fact that the Bible tells wives to submit to their husbands. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remember the Bible also says that we are to submit to one another.

And letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s understand the meaning of the actual word as it is being used. It is a military term that means â&#x20AC;&#x153;to rank beneath.â&#x20AC;?

That doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean a husband is abdicating his responsibility of leadership in the home; it simply means that a husband is helping his wife to bear her burdens. It also means that a wife is doing the same for her husband.

How different marriages would be today if a husband and wife both entered into their marriage by asking themselves, How can I meet my spouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs? How FDQ , IXOĂ&#x20AC;OO P\ VSRXVH" , EHOLHYH LW ZRXOG make all the difference in the world.

Instead, so many couples start out their marriage with an attitude that says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this, and you need to. . . .â&#x20AC;? But that is not the way marriage works. We are to submit to one another in the fear of God. ____________________ *UHJ /DXULH LV 6HQLRU 3DVWRU RI +DUYHVW &KULV WLDQ )HOORZVKLS LQ 5LYHUVLGH &DOLI +H EHJDQ KLV SDVWRUDO PLQLVWU\ DW E\ OHDGLQJ D %LEOH VWXG\ RI SHRSOH 6LQFH WKHQ *RG KDV WUDQVIRUPHG WKH VPDOO JURXS LQWR D FKXUFK RI SOXV RQH RI WKH ODUJHVW FKXUFKHV LQ $PHULFD )RU PRUH YLVLW ZZZ JUHJODXULH FRP 8VHG E\ SHUPLVVLRQ IURP +DUYHVW 0LQLVWULHV ZLWK *UHJ /DXULH 3 2 %R[ 5LYHUVLGH &DOLI

/ 43 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

HUMILITAS it is the ability to out-perform others with their God-given ability or the abilities they have worked on over time. It could be the title or position that person has that gets people to follow. Persuasion with words FDQ GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ LQVSLUH DQG PRWLYDWH SHRple to action. Leading by example can be the right thing to inspire.

Dickson argues that persuasion and example are both relational aspects of leadership that may be the most important. To be effective in these two things a dose of humility goes a long way.

I have to admit my pride w a s wounded when a pastor recommended a book entitled +XPLOLWDV $ /RVW .H\ WR /LIH /RYH DQG /HDGHUVKLS â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to read this,â&#x20AC;? he said.

As I started reading the book, I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but wonder why he wanted me to read it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; was it because I lacked humility?

Upon reading it I realized he suggested it because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a book worthy of reading.

Author John Dickson asks and explores ZKDW PDNHV D OHDGHU LQĂ XHQWLDO 3HUKDSV

Undercover Boss is a television show on CBS. A senior executive, usually the CEO, will take on some of the jobs in the company as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;apprentice.â&#x20AC;? In the process he or she experiences the challenges and GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOWLHV LQ WKH WUHQFKHV EXW WKH WUXH OHVsons come from relating with the employees.

On one episode an executive for Waste Management learned to clean port-apotties. By stepping down from the lofty RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DQG UHODWLQJ ZLWK RWKHUV WKH H[HFXWLYH LV DEOH WR LQĂ XHQFH WKH FRPSDQ\ more profoundly. In some instances, the other executives seem to think their fellow executive is crazy for doing such a thing.

Humility can be a strange approach for a leader.

John Dicksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s approach is both genius and practical. He presents a historical ba-

Review of Humilitas by

Miguel Paredes

sis for the concept of humility that shows how out of place it was in honor driven ancient societies. Humility as a desired and honored virtue was introduced by Jesus of Nazareth, who took a symbol RI VKDPH DQG UHGHĂ&#x20AC;QHG LW WR D SODFH RI glory and honor. His followers understood and learned from his example. After Dickson convinces you that humility is vital for leadership he gives six thoughts for cultivating humility.

If you follow basketball, you may remember when the Miami Heat presented their three superstars, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh. These three were supposed to bring the Heat an NBA championship. In fact, all of Miami seemed to think theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d already won it.

As expected, even after a slow start, the +HDW URDUHG LQWR WKH Ă&#x20AC;QDOV WR SOD\ WKH Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks crushed the Heat, dominating them and winning the championship four games to two.

Pride (the Miami Heat) can be ugly, but Humility (Dallas Mavericks) is beautiful. Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki, not to mention the rest of the team, displayed some humility as they received their trophy.

Let John Dicksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book encourage you to put on some humility as you lead at home, at work, or wherever the Lord has placed you.

Books and Music featured available at:

Is a teacher at Edinburg North and earned his Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Brenda and has four children, Diego (9), Karla and Andrea (6) and Charis (2).

6601 N. 10th St., McAllen / (956) 631-5452 www.vivalifeonline.com

Every Body Matter

By Gary Thomas Few pastors or Christian writers have dared to approach the subject of how proper eating and an active lifestyle can affect how we serve God. Author Gary Thomas does just that. And he reaches all the way back to the apostle Paul, who wrote that we need to prime our bodies to become, â&#x20AC;&#x153;an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.â&#x20AC;?

To illustrate the body/soul correlation, Thomas presents engaging and diverse stories that inFOXGH D \RXQJ PRP ZKR JRW Ă&#x20AC;W WKURXJK YROleyball and reaped spiritual rewards in her marriage, a 300-pound pastor who realized his

obesity was eroding his ministry impact, and awoman who gained the spiritual strength to survive a contentious divorce by training for a marathon. In every instance, Thomas makes a direct connection between the physical challenge and its spiritual consequence.

Hundreds of lives depend on Jillâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.

/ 44 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Love Powered Parenting

By Tom Holladay

Love-Powered Parenting is written out of a love for parenting and a deep desire to encourage parents.

Yes, there are experiences in parenting that can cause deep hurt. Yes, there are realities in parenting that certainly will cause you to feel inept. Yet at the core of it all there is a deep gratefulness for the gift that God gives in the opportunity to love a child.

This book is a biblical guide to parenting. And by “biblical guide” we mean these pages are intended to take you on a journey through what the truth of God’s Word has to say about parenting. The main goal is not to uncover psychological truths about your child—there are many good resources on psychological theory; nor does it include practical tips for everyday circumstances such as how to get your kids to eat their green beans.

Here, we will explore the simple and profound principles of God’s Word to distinguish psychological truth from error, educational reality from untested theory, and we’ll be looking at these tips within the broader context of God’s principles for parenting.

Longing A Bailey Flanigan Series Book

Lost Melody

By Lori Copeland& Virginia Smith The beautiful piano sitting in the corner of Jill King’s apartment begs to be played.

For over a year, it has sat untouched, ever since a terrible accident shattered Jill’s ambition of becoming a concert pianist. The ragged scar on her left hand is a cruel and constant reminder of the death of her dream. But another dream is about to come to life—an unexpected, horrifying dream that will present Jill with a responsibility she never wanted. And choices she never wanted to make.

Hundreds of lives depend on Jill’s willingness to warn her small, oceanside town in Nova Scotia of a nameless, looming disaster. But doing so could cost Jill her reputation, jeopardize the political career of the man she loves, and ruin their plans for a future together. The fate of an entire community hangs in the balance as Jill wrestles with the cost of heeding one still, small voice.

/ 45 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

By Karen Kingsbury

Longing, book three in the Bailey Flanigan Series, picks up where Learning ended.

After a long and lonely silence from Cody Coleman, Bailey Flanigan becomes closer to her one-time Hollywood co-star, Brandon Paul.

Nights on the town in New York City and long talks on the balcony of Brandon’s Malibu Beach home make Bailey dizzy with new feelings and cause her to wonder if her days with Cody are over forever.

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‘If you had a taste of heaven, it could change your world.’

2011 Breakout Artist of the Year The City Harmonic barreled its way from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada onto the music scene with Introducing The City Harmonic, an EP featuring “Manifesto,” which soared to No. 5 on iTunes and captivated over a million viewers on YouTube.

Top that with becoming the bestselling new artist on Billboard’s Top Current Digital Sales Chart (over 90K downloads), and it’s enough, among life’s crazy distractions, to get your attention.

But this band—vocalist/songwriter and pianist Elias Dummer, bassist

Eric Fusilier, guitarist Aaron Powell and drummer Josh Vanderlaan— isn’t content to feed the machine or build a fan base so much as to build upon a dream. And not a dream as in a fairy tale. But THE Dream.

These four guys grapple with the tension of this world, crafting it into anthems of longing, hope, and love—songs of light for ‘seeing through a glass darkly.’ The City Harmonic makes music that makes you reconsider what you really believe... about yourself, your world and your God. The City Harmonic’s October release of I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) is a journey of imagination, cinematic in composition, and, as is signature for the band, a GHÀQLWLYH UHÁHFWLRQ RI 7KH &LW\ +DUmonic’s organic, communal aesthetic. Intelligent, deeply spiritual and intrinsically ‘real life,’ it reveals the poetic art of The City Harmonic, a band bent on living today for the world to come. “… if we can somehow spark in people that dream, something they just can’t shake, then I hope that will inspire them to sing like every word matters, to live like every day matters, and having tasted heaven, they’ll get on with helping this world feel more like home.”

/ 46 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

“This project for us was like a journey through a lot of intertwining things,” said Elias Dummer. “At its heart is the overarching theme of brokenness and redemption, of light and dark, the unveiling of something bigger and better than ourselves

Like a roadmap with only one route, to sum up the journey of faith and mystery that is I Have A Dream (It Feels Like Home) would seemingly deprive the listener of the essence of the experience. But from the opening notes, a deliberate quest unfolds. Setting the stage for the project as a whole, with ties to John 17, the piano-pounding ´<RXUVµ ÁLHV LQ WKH IDFH RI RXU FRQsumer-driven society, an anthem of surrender that points toward the tension of living in this world as a Christian, while “Spark” introduces the theme of light, hinting at its transforming power: Could a spark

1. Matthew West Strong Enough CD: The Story Of Your Life

2. MIKESCHAIR Someone Worth Dying For CD: A Beautiful Life

3. Jamie Grace with Tobymac Hold Me CD: Hold Me

4 Royal Tailor: Hold Me Together CD: Black And White of Your love light the whole &KXUFK RQ ÀUH" :KHQ ZH FDUH for our neighbor more than we care for style?

“Being a Christian now is more GLIÀFXOW WKDQ LW ZDV \HDUV ago,” Elias said. “We face tragedy at every turn because of the way our media and culture operates. The stories of this world have let us down.

Politics have let us down. We try to cope with it by becoming apathetic or by hiding in the Christian bubble—some altered version of the American dream where living for Christ leads to personal comfort— even misguided Christian stories can let us down and this is the tension of the world we live in.

“Christianity isn’t a tool to escape suffering, it’s a lens by which we understand it and the means by which we live through it. Our culture is built on the notion that our spirituality can be compartmentalized but, simply put, the Christian story isn’t. We can go from mountaintop to valley in the span of a day, and in the midst of that valley Christ calls us to love our neighbors, our enemies, just as if we were with them on the mountaintop.

Apathy may be a natural result of today’s broken world, but the Christian story is that Christ is redeeming his creation and we have a role to play as the body of Christ.”

Inspired by the story of TransÀJXUDWLRQ LQ 0DWWKHZ DQG

by Martin Luther King’s iconic speech, “Mountaintop” asserts the notion that as ambassadors here, citizens of a Kingdom to come, we are meant to live and love among the ruins.

“Jesus talks about countercultural ways of living among the least of these,” Elias said. “It’s not glamorous. It’s hard work.

If we boil it all down to what exists in church, ultimately, we make being a churchgoer a poor substitute for being Jesus in our communities or even engaging our communities at all.

“Some of the most powerful moments where I recognize God’s presence in a real way have been completely outside the church worship context.

We’ve had to grow up out of the default cultural Christian mindset of worship, instead responding to wherever you sense God, which truthfully is everywhere.”

/ 47 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

5. Third Day Trust In Jesus CD: Move

6 Casting Crowns Courageous CD: Come To The Well

7. Brandon Heath Light In Me CD: Leaving Eden

8. MercyMe: Move CD: The Generous Mr. Lovewell

9. Newsboys Save Your Life CD: Born Again

/ 48 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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Big Down Payment?

Dear Dave,Is it always a good idea to put the maximum amount of money you can afford into ZKHQ EX\LQJ \RXU Ă&#x20AC;UVW KRPH" 'DYLG Dear David, Absolutely! Even though most people canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay cash up front for a home, you always want to make as big a down payment as possible on any home you buy.

Making a down payment of at least 20 percent helps you avoid private mortgage insurance, plus the whole idea is to pay that sucker off and become debt-free as fast as possible. Also, avoid 30-year mortgage plans. Stick with a \HDU Ă&#x20AC;[HG UDWH ORDQ Now, when it comes to putting money toward your down payment, make sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch your emergency fund of three to six months of expenses or your retirement savings.

Those things are off limits. But scrape together any other extra cash you can, pile it up, and apply it to your down payment. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did! 'DYH

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For more financial help please visit: www.daveramsey.com Dave Ramsey is a personal money-management expert and extremely popular national UDGLR SHUVRQDOLW\ +LV WKUHH 1HZ <RUN 7LPHV EHVW VHOOLQJ ERRNVy)LQDQFLDO 3HDFH 0RUH 7KDQ (QRXJK DQG 7KH 7RWDO 0RQH\ 0DNHRYHUyKDYH VROG PRUH WKDQ PLOOLRQ FRSLHV FRPELQHG +LV ODWHVW ERRN (QWUH/HDGHUVKLS <HDUV RI 3UDFWLFDO %XVLQHVV :LVGRP IURP WKH 7UHQFKHV UHOHDVHV LQ 6HSWHPEHU

/ 50 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

&KLFN ÂżO $ LV SURXG WR VXSSRUW WKH 5LR *UDQGH 9DOOH\ 1300 East Jackson Avenue, McAllen, TX 78503 (Located in front of Samâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club)

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Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

www.raulrudyrodriguezlaw.com Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 511 W. University / Edinburg, TX 78539 / e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com / 52 / www.valleychristianmagazine.com /