Closer To Heaven
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Volunteers from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency also distributed backpacks and school supplies to children in need.
Read more at the source: In the Dominican Republic, Adventists continue sharing hope during national outreach campaign
Article posted on en.intercer.net from Adventist.org News Feed.
The expo provided visitors with health assessments, massages, and stress management strategies.
Read more at the source: Adventist churches in St. Croix organize mental health expo with local university
Article posted on en.intercer.net from Adventist.org News Feed.
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| Photo: Lotus Head |
It was Saturday night. I was sitting alone in our family’s car, watching the people walking by. I was six years old, and broke. My parents were migrant workers, and didn’t have money to give away. Our car was parked in front of an old-fashioned ice cream soda shop. As I watched the people coming out with their frozen delights, it was more than I could take. I needed some money. When Dad and Mom said “No,” there had to be some other way.
I saw a man coming up the sidewalk, holding his little girl’s hand. When I asked him for some money, he gave me enough to buy two ice cream cones. That was easy enough. All I did was ask.
The Bible says we can come to God and ask. Ask in the faith of a child. “Ask, and you will receive” (Matthew 7:7, NLT). You don’t have to go on a long trip to get answers. Or pay someone. God knows your heart’s desires before you ask. And God’s just waiting for you to ask for His blessings. But you have to ask. In fact, the Bible says, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2, NKJV).
God says, “If you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask Him” (Matthew 7:11, NLT).
God Doesn’t Play Favorites
I’m not saying that God is like some heavenly Santa Claus. God loves you too much to give you everything you ask for, or something that wouldn’t be best for you, or cause you problems later on. Your happiness is very important to God.
Some people think that God has favorites and that He doesn’t love everyone the same. No way. The Bible says, “Everyone who asks will receive” (Matthew 7:8, NLT). All you need to do is ask in faith .God says, “You parents—if your children ask for a loaf of bread, do you give them a stone instead?” (Matthew 7:9, NLT). Asking in faith means we trust God to do the right thing.
Of course, there are conditions. We have to ask according to God’s will. “Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10, NKJV).
Also, “we will receive whatever we request because we obey him and do the things that please him. (1 John 3:22, NLT).
Is there a longing in your heart for God’s blessings today? Just ask.
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By Bob DuBose. Copyright © 2006 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines. Scripture taken from the New Living Translation © copyright 1996 and NEW KING JAMES VERSION © 1982.
Read more at the source: Just Ask
Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Bible Says.
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| Photo: Hemera |
I know what you are thinking. How could laundry ever be enjoyable?
Yes, I have been there too. In fact, I used to dread doing the laundry. It was like a giant monster that grew larger every day. How could we possibly use that many clothes in one day?
So, I made it a point to learn how to make the job more efficient and less of a chore. Here are some pointers you may not have thought of:
Rule #1: If it does not smell and doesn’t look dirty, it is clean. Reinforce this motto into your children’s (and hubby’s) heads until they too chant the rule as they undress before bedtime. My children have been known to put their still folded clean clothes into the dirty clothes hamper. I was not a happy momma.
Rule #2: Hang towels to dry after showering. Reuse and wash once a week.
Rule #3: Fold socks up together when taking them off at night. Thus avoiding the phrase, “I know the washing machine eats them!”
Rule #4: Treat stains as soon as possible with a good stain remover such as Shout ®. or Spray’n Wash ®. You will be thankful later.
Rule #5: Never wash crayons with your clothes. This will keep them out of the dryer. I almost had a heart attack the first time I did this! Melted wax all over a whole load of clothes is not good. Quick Fix: Add 1 cup baking soda and your detergent to the washer and use hottest water possible.
Rule #6: Always check pockets before placing clothes in the washer. This almost goes without saying. If I had always done this I wouldn’t have known how to remove the crayons from the clothing.
Rule #7: Hang up dress shirts, slacks, and other garments as soon as the dryer stops and you won’t need to iron. Also, you could try and hang your clothes in the closest when you take them off!
Rule #8: Have your children put their own clothing away. This only works if you follow up to make sure it was done right.
Rule #9: Do one to two loads a day and you will stay on top of the game. This is a task that should be begun first thing in the morning. In between your other chores, place wet clothes in dryer and then fold.
Rule #10: Fold clothes as soon as the dryer stops. Then, put them away – immediately! So maybe doing the laundry will never be on your Top Ten List of Fun Activities… but at least it will get done easier!
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By Melissa Ringstaff, Director of www.virtuouswoman.org. Copyright © 2006 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.
Read more at the source: Laundry Days
Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from Family First.
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| Photo: Melissa Lien |
St. Louis is an urban renewal case study in progress. Known as the “Gateway to the West,” St Louis anchors the eastern side of the state of Missouri. Symbolized by the 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch, the city was a center of manufacturing thanks to its location on the Mississippi River.
However, during the latter half of the 20th Century, the city went into a decline, losing more than half of its residents. When the new millennium dawned, the St. Louis population had just a little more than 348,000 as compared with more than 856,800 citizens in 1950. Factories closed, and deteriorating buildings soon dotted the once thriving downtown.
In the past five years, the population has inched up to 352,600. Changes are taking place. While on a visit last summer, I talked with the owner of a small restaurant as I enjoyed freshly prepared food. She talked with pride about her family’s new business venture and shared her enthusiasm for their new (and affordable!) condo just a few blocks away. They were among the first wave of urban pioneers, those who were committed to renewing the vitality of St. Louis.
Her sunny outlook about the future was based on a number of factors such as a new downtown stadium, refurbishment of historic buildings such as the old Post Office building, and restoration strategies that have worked in other cities, including extensive use of federal and state tax credits for rehabilitation of older buildings.
Downtown Renewal
An article in the May 11 issue of USA Today profiled the remarkable restoration taking place in St. Louis. After 50 years of migration to the suburbs and a population exodus due to racial tensions, more young professionals have started moving downtown. According to the article, W. Thomas Reeves, executive director of Downtown Now, “More than $3.5 billion has been poured into the area.” By 2008, nearly 8,000 apartments and condos will be built, along with an increase in new hotels, office towers, restaurants, and services. Several neighborhoods are starting renewal projects, with one being renamed as part of the effort to reverse its reputation as a gritty, violent part of town. Even the international airport has started a $1 billion expansion.
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Center for Metropolitan Ministries. Copyright © 2006 by GraceNotes. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.
Read more at the source: St. Louis Blooms
Article excerpt posted on en.intercer.net from City Lights.
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