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The Pulse — Winter 2009 — Volume 2, Issue 6 |
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Written by The Pulse
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Wednesday, 23 December 2009 |
 | Every new year brings with it potential for a "new beginning". As we reflect on new beginnings in this issue of The Pulse, we prayfully wish you the desire and energy to greet its challenges and opportunities, by growing in understanding of scripture and the Lord Almightly God's love. May we all "shine as a light unto the world" and share His love, sacrifice and glory with others! A Time for New Beginnings!!
by Pastor Don Curran  "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven" (Ecc 3:1). The year has drawn to a close, and a new one is upon us. It's a time for reflection: "What was accomplished in the past year? What should I plan for the next?" It's a time of recognition: Honest evaluation of strengths and weaknesses. What's a strength that I can make stronger? What's a weakness holding me back that I can minimize and strengthen? It's a time of resolution, a time to set some attainable goals, a time to kick old and bad habits and a time to begin new and better ones. It's a time for realization, a time to put plans in action, to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil 3:14).
"But grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 3:18). As the Apostle Paul prayed for the Colossians, we all should be increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10). Our Christian path should be a light that shines more and more unto the perfect day (Pro. 4:18). This means growth, and growth means increase. Read More... | 
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In The Beginning, God
by Irene Stocker When I was asked to write a few lines about new beginnings, the first thing that came into my mind was "In the beginning, God." I thought to myself, those four words say it all - "In the beginning, God." Also, in new beginnings, God. He has known us even before we were born. Psalm 139:13 tells us that "He covered me in my mother's womb." When you know God, and have accepted His gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, then a new beginning becomes a new adventure of walking with the Lord, and depending on Him to lead you in the right path. Proverbs 3:5,6 tells us "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Read More... Irene was born and reared on a farm in Iowa. Her parents were God-fearing Christians who attended a small Baptist church in the country. She was saved and baptized at the early age of six. She has fond memories of Sunday School, Bible schools in the summer and youth groups. After high school, Irene attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina where she received an Associates Degree. In 1951, she married Mike Mateyka. Five years later, they moved to Rochester. They joined FBBC in February, 1969. They had ten children, five of whom are still in this area. The Lord called Mike home in 1996. In 2001, Irene married Gerry Stocker and they made their home in Greece. The Lord called him home three and a half years later. Irene now has 27 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren plus 8 adopted grandchildren and 10 adopted great-grandchildren. When she first joined FBBC, Irene was in charge of the nurseries. For a long time, she was in choir, and active in Sunday School. She and Mike were in charge of the Hallelujah Group and also started a College and Career Group. Presently, she teaches a Bible Study in her home. | Calendar January 22-24, 2010
FBBC Ladies' Retreat March 2, 2010
Spring HeartStrings Bible Study Begins April 27, 2010
Final Spring HeartStrings Bible Study May 7, 2010
FriendShip Dinner 
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Our Thinking vs. God's Promises
author unknown "It's impossible." And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Luke 18:27 "I'm too tired." Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30 "Nobody really loves me." For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16; and, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 13:34 "I can't go on." And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. II Corinthians 12:9; and, He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. Psalm 91:15 "I can't figure things out." Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 "I can't do it." I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phillipians 4:13 "I'm not able." And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: II Corinthians 9:8 "It's not worth it." And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 "I can't forgive myself." If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. I John 1:9; and, There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 "I can't manage." But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:19 "I'm afraid." For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7 "I'm always worried and frustrated." Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. I Peter 5:7 "I don't have enough faith." For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:3 "I'm not smart enough." But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: I Corinthians 1:30 "I feel all alone." Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5 To learn more about how much God loves you, click here: Salvation. | | A Goal Accomplished - A Goal to Reach
by Olivia Jalowiec  It's hard to believe that the year 2009 is coming to an end. It is a year I have looked forward to ever since I knew what the word "graduation" meant! Soon this year will be only fond memories filled with dreams fulfilled and goals accomplished, and I am looking forward to 2010 with great expectations! Many people look forward to the new year to make New Year's resolutions. Some reflect on the blessings throughout the previous year, and others are glad the old year is closing so they can look forward to new things in the upcoming year. No matter where you are, what your background is, or how you were raised, the fact is that everyone starts a new beginning sometime throughout their life. Each new step in life has its own challenges, struggles, joys and accomplishments. Once you complete a new phase in your life you can look back and reflect on the advantages that you were given, and realize all you have gained through the experience. Read More... |
The Pulse
Womens Ministry Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 6
December January 2010 www.fbbc.info Subscription Information
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| | | | | A Time for New Beginnings!!! (cont.)
by Pastor Don Curran "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). Here are four areas of life to consider for intentional improvement and growth: - Intellectual (wisdom) - How about reading a book? A great little book by R. A. Torrey, How to Pray, will encourage, edify, and challenge your mind and prayer life. How about auditing an Institute class?
- Physical (stature) - Want to lose some weight? Weight Watchers is smart, balanced, and it works! Need some exercise? Go for daily walks. It's simple and costs nothing.
- Spiritual (favor with God) - The greatest thing you can do to strengthen your spiritual life is to read the Bible and pray. The Bible is the most important book ever written. It's God's revelation of Himself, and reading it renews our minds and strengthens our inner man.
- Social (favor with man) - Want better relationships? Get connected. A woman that hath friends must show herself friendly. Get involved with the Ladies Ministry.
Some will say, It's too hard, I can't do it. It has little to do with ability, but everything to do with will. Do it. Make it happen. Set some goals, write them down, and get an accountability partner. It's a time for new beginnings! | 
And I will give them ONE HEART, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: - Jeremiah 32:39 | In The Beginning, God (cont.)
by Irene Stocker We have all had a number of new beginnings! Your first day of kindergarten, when you had to leave your mother's nurturing arms for a scary classroom was very likely a traumatic new beginning! Jesus said, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God." From elementary to junior high, to high school, all were new beginnings...and God was there! Then came graduation, and suddenly you were thrust into the big, wide world! Although at that age we probably wouldn't admit it, it was scary to be going to college where we didn't know a soul, or to work where we didn't know what was expected of us. Nevertheless, God was there! When you met the man you were going to marry and stood before God to pledge your love and allegiance to him, it was a new beginning and God was there. We read in Ephesians 5 about submitting ourselves to one another in the fear of God. God has a plan for your life, and He gives us the rules in His Word. Perhaps you went through some of these experiences and you did not know God. God was there and He knows our trials and temptations. He was waiting for you to turn to Him. Perhaps you are not there yet. You are still waiting for the man of your dreams, or for the money to go to college, for the right job! God knows your heart. In Psalm 27:14 he says, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart; wait, I say, on the Lord." Perhaps our loving husband is now in heaven, and your new beginning is filled with grief and loneliness as you sort through paperwork and try to pick up the pieces. II Cor. 1:4-5 tells us "Who comforteth us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." You may have gone through many new beginnings only to find yourself back at square one! This may be because you don't know God. There is a old, southern gospel song which says: - Jesus, my Jesus
- Do you know Him today?
- Please don't turn Him away
- Oh, Jesus, my Jesus...
- Without Him, how lost I would be!
Make a new beginning by accepting Him as your Lord and Saviour! Ask Him to forgive your sins and start a new walk with Christ today. Col. 1:10 tells us "That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God." Ladies, make every effort to grow in the knowledge of God. Go to ladies Bible study, be discipled, go to Big Picture Bible study, etc. Take advantage of every avenue to stand firm on God's foundation - His Word. I have been so blessed to have become God's child at an early age. Although I have not always walked where God wanted me to go, He was always there to nudge me back in the right direction. Many years ago, He gave me the verse Psalm 27:1 "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" His strength has brought me through many new beginnings. Remember, "In the beginning, God"...in the new beginnings, God! | Comments? Please send us your comments, ideas for future issues, or let us know if you would like to write an article for possible publishing. 
Contact Us By Email
 By Phone
(585) 392-0777 x205 By Mail
FBBC
990 Manitou Road
Hilton, NY 14468 | | A Goal Accomplished - A Goal to Reach (cont.)
by Olivia Jalowiec For me, my life has been blessed abundantly with things to be thankful for. I grew up being home schooled and was surrounded by my loving parents who poured out the love of Christ into my life and showed me how I should live according to the Bible. Their godly life style made me want to emulate that in my life, and through that I have learned to love the Lord as they have taught me. This one single blessing in my life has been the foundation on which I have built my life, and is a perfect platform to begin my most recent "new step" in my life- my first year of college! I am currently attending Word of Life Bible Institute, and I am absolutely loving it there. However, this new beginning didn't come about with a clear sign, but with a lot of prayer, reservation and unknown. I know that every new thing always comes with its challenges and obstacles. Having been home schooled, the rigidity of 8 a.m. classes, no flexibility of due dates, and not having constant one-on-one time with the teacher were some things that I was definitely not used to; although, being away at college does have its advantages! It has offered independence, and freedom that I didn't necessarily have at home. Also, finding out who I really am, what I truly believe and what I stand for, are some things that I was able to discover, and thankfully so. We all know that life is full of choices, and with every choice there are going to be some aspects that you didn't anticipate. Still, we have to choose what is going to be best suited for our own life. Attending the BI this year I am going to obviously miss some things I would not have, had I been attending a school at home. One of the things that I will be missing is my family on deputation. I would love to be able to enjoy that with them, but a blessing that I get from being away from them during this time, is I am now "on the outside looking in". It is such a blessing to be able to watch my family go through circumstances and bring glory to God's name in the midst of difficult times. That is just another thing that my parents are constantly teaching me, joy in trials, because He is Worthy. Once I complete my year at the Bible Institute, I will again be looking forward to graduation. It will mark the end of something new, and also another beginning that I will take on. Although what my next step will be is still unclear, I know that this year will be a great asset for me in ministry, my personal discipline, and every day life. This new beginning marks a goal accomplished from last year, a new goal to reach for this year, and it is a new beginning for the Lord to accomplish something in my life. With every beginning there is an end, and with the end... it brings a new beginning. How will you use your beginning this new year? Back to the Top... | | | | | |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 December 2009 )
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The Pulse — Fall 2009 — Volume 2, Issue 5 |
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Written by FBBC
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Tuesday, 01 September 2009 |
| Traditions are an important part of life. As we explore traditions in this issue of The Pulse, we will see Jewish Marriage traditions that help our understanding of scripture, traditions from families, young people that we know and love, and from our missionaries around the globe. We hope you will enjoy and learn as you read about them. Behold... the Bridegroom Cometh!!!
by Jan Jalowiec  As women, we all have a passionate desire to be loved and accepted. At times we strive in our relationships with parents, husbands, siblings and children. We seek to be "good enough" in their eyes so they will return our affection. To love and to be loved is one of the most critical needs a human has. Everyone has the desire to live her life for a purpose and have a positive effect on the people in her life. The problem arises when we begin to look in the wrong places for that affirmation of who we are and what we are to become.
To truly know the purpose we were created for, we must become intimately acquainted with the One who created us. The Bible says in Colossians Chapter 1 that Jesus is the one who created us, and that He is the head of the body which is the church. In digging a little more into that verse, I pondered, "What does it really mean to be the church?" What I discovered both excited and amazed me! As the church, we are referred to as many things in the Bible. We are "the Beloved", "the friend", "the body", and "the bride", just to name a few. In studying these out, "the bride" began to jump out of the pages at me. What does it mean to be the bride of Christ? I remember hearing a long time ago of a study portraying a traditional Jewish betrothal and wedding as being a direct picture of Jesus Christ and His redemption of us, His bride. That sent me on a study that has renewed my relationship with my Groom, and deepened my understanding of His passionate love for me! Read More... | 
Table of Contents | 
Through wisdom is an house builded, and by understanding it is established. And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. Proverbs 24:3-4 Our Family Traditions
by Barb Stiles
Most families have traditions particular to their family. As a mom, I wanted to make special memories my family would always cherish and even incorporate into their families as adults. As I sat down to think about and list our family traditions, I came up with a list of fourteen. I will briefly list and speak to each one. They are in no special order of importance, except for the first one. 1. God and church activities always came first in our family. "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge." Prov. 14:26. As our children became teens and applied for jobs at Pizza Hut, Burger King, and McDonald's, they wrote on their applications, not available on Sunday or Wednesday night. They all got jobs, while putting God first. 2. Sunday night was always homemade pizza night. 3. Supper was our family together time. We worked our schedules so we all could eat together and discuss our day. It was a time of much fun and closeness as a family. Unfortunately today, this important time together is not a priority in many homes. 4. We developed a love of reading in our children as they saw my husband and I read. It took our son much longer than the girls to get with the tradition, but...it finally took hold. Today, when we get together, we pass books around that we have read. Books are also always on the Christmas lists. Read More... | Calendar Tuesdays
Fall HeartStrings Bible Study 10AM & 7PM November 17
Final Fall Bible Study before Winter Break January 22-24, 2010
FBBC Ladies' Retreat March 2, 2010
Spring HeartStrings Bible Study Begins April 27, 2010
Final Spring HeartStrings Bible Study May 7, 2010
FriendShip Dinner 
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Heart in My Hand!
by Andrea My daughter, Ava, started preschool a couple of weeks ago. Overall she has been doing well but has several moments throughout the day when she gets sad and misses me. I've been very concerned about this...talking to her teacher about it several times...concerned that it was going to hold her back from enjoying the experience of preschool. That afternoon, when picking Ava up from school, I noticed that she was playing with little girls on the swing set. This was a change because normally she was attached to her teacher and not playing with the other kids. When she saw me, she ran up to me like normal and gave me a hug. Not thinking much about it, as she got in the car, she turned, raised her hand, and showed me the smudged heart I'd drawn that morning. She told me, "See Momma, I carried your love with me all day." This, of course, almost made me start crying right there! Later that evening, I started thinking about nurturing and protecting my daughter's heart. I know that God loves us as his daughters and wants to nurture and protect us, too. I started thinking about the little things in my life, where God was there, putting a heart in my hand to carry me through the day. I'm going to be looking for those from now on! Used by permission of Group Publishing, copyright 2009, Group.com/women. To learn more about how much God loves you, click here: Salvation. | | Distant Sisters
As we enter the holiday season you may find yourself preparing to celebrate familiar traditions or starting new ones. Our church family is blessed with the knowledge of many cultures through our missionaries. 
Andrea Pitcher tells us the Czech Republic is considered to be the most atheistic country on Earth. As such, it has some very odd traditions around Christmas and Easter. You can't celebrate Christmas and Easter if Jesus was never born or raised from the dead! Christmas is celebrated on December 24th and is the day which marks the week-long holiday, culminating at New Years Day. Since it is the first day of the New Years Holiday it is a day in which you clean your apartment top to bottom and set up your Christmas tree. Family comes over in the evening to help with the tree decorating. A traditional Christmas meal is fried carp and potato salad. Moms spend several days in early December baking highly decorated cut out cookies and these are eaten all month and served as dessert to Christmas dinner. Until recently presents weren't exchanged among family members, although this tradition has started with the arrival of stores from Western Europe which are now advertising and selling Christmas gift products. We have taken the Czech tradition of making elaborate Christmas cookies and used it as an outreach for our church. One Sunday night each December we have a Cookie Exchange in which women from our community bring their cookies to share and exchange. Women love to show off their handwork and admire cookies made by others. One of the most coveted cookies at this exchange is the brown eyed susans that I make each year. I import peanut butter, brown sugar and hershey's kisses to make them as a special treat. People come to the event just to try the American chocolate chip cookies and the peanut butter & kiss cookies I bake. This is one of Ken's favorite nights of church outreach! Easter is not celebrated in Czech since, under communism, they did not believe God or Jesus even exist. However, the day after we celebrate our Easter they have a holiday which is called "Easter Monday". It is the official kick off of Spring. People hike up to the mountain peak near our home and make an effigy of "old man winter" which they place in the mountain stream as a symbol of sending away Winter and bringing in Spring. There is a tradition on that day in which little boys decorate birch tree limbs with ribbons and chase little girls with them. If a boy hits a girl with his "Spring Stick" the girl has to give him candy. This was taken from an ancient fertility ritual in which women were switched with sticks to strengthen them for pregnancy. Not the best holiday to be a little girl! Read More... Learn more about our missionaries by visiting the site available by clicking online here. |
Comments? Please send us your comments, ideas for future issues, or let us know if you would like to write an article for possible publishing.
Contact Us By Email
By Phone
(585) 392-0777 x205 By Mail
FBBC
990 Manitou Road
Hilton, NY 14468 | The Pulse
Womens Ministry Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 5
October November 2009 www.fbbc.info Subscription Information
You are receiving this message because you are subscribed to the "Pulse" newsletter list. If you do not want to receive these notices anymore please follow the Unsubscribe / Manage link at the bottom of this newsletter. To Subscribe to The Pulse click here and enter your name and email address. If you have any questions or need help subscribing or unsubscribing please contact us.
| A Youthful Take on Old Favorites
by Alexandra DeFranco Before we know it the holiday season will be here. It provides an opportunity for families to come together to share some time and create new memories. It is a time for people to focus on their way of life and observe their traditions. Traditions are one of the few things that stay regular in our lives. They create memories that fill our minds with peace, love, happiness, and security. Most traditions are passed down from generation to generation and help and shape closeness. Because of the tradition associated with it, Christmas Eve is my favorite holiday. Most exciting is that this holiday tradition not only involves my immediate family, but includes my extended family. More than sixty-five years ago, when their families began moving to other cities and states, my great -grandfather and his siblings promised each other that Christmas Eve would be the one time of year their families would come together. This holiday would be a time for their children to grow closer and strengthen their family bond. It would be a time to not only celebrate Christmas, but a time to celebrate all that had happened in the year that passed. Not only was this tradition honored by them, but through the years it has been continued by their children, their children's children and will soon be continued by my generation. Our family is blessed to still have family members from my grandfather's generation to share this time with, I can always count on stories from my great uncles and aunts about past Christmas Eves. One of my favorites is about how my great-grandfather started the annual Riola Christmas Eve kazoo concert close to a half century ago. Each year I look forward to learning a new little fact about how my family celebrated Christmas Eve twenty, thirty, forty, and even fifty years ago. Even more interesting is learning about things that we continue to do today that began when my grandparents were my age. Like most families we sing the traditional holiday songs, tell traditional holiday stories and enjoy traditional Italian holiday foods. Those things, however, do not give Christmas Eve the special meaning that it has for me. What makes Christmas Eve so special for me is the tradition and the fact that we celebrate family; family who are here with us still and those members that are not. We honor traditions that were started by those no longer with us and add new traditions to hopefully be shared through the years. It is the one time of year when everyone is remembered and no one is forgotten. Life wouldn't be nearly the same without traditions. They give us something to look forward to and to share in the future. More Favorite Traditions:
Katelyn Tumia: "My favorite tradition is every Saturday after Thanksgiving, we have "family day". This is a day we spend together playing Christmas music, decorating our home and decorating the Christmas tree."
Rachel Vitelli: "My favorite tradition is knowing that I spend every Christmas with one of my favorite people: my cousin Emma."
Brianna Johnson: "My Mom cooks lamb with mint jelly for almost every holiday. This is one of my favorite traditions."
Sara Bauer: "My favorite tradition is that my parents hide ALL the Christmas presents. It is fun for my sisters and I to go through the house looking for our presents. Sometimes my parents have even given us lists with math puzzles on it. The answers are clues as to where the presents are."
Emma Green and Hannah Harris: "My favorite tradition is Friday night, Movie Nights!!!!" | | | |
| Behold... the Bridegroom Cometh!!! (cont.)
by Jan Jalowiec To begin to fully understand more of these parallels, I had to gain a better understanding of the Jewish betrothal and wedding traditions. Jesus was a Jewish man, and as such is a Jewish Savior! He betrothed himself to us in beauty, law and love! Most of the traditions that I will look at are from ancient times, but there are devout Jews who still practice many of these traditions today. In an ancient Jewish betrothal, the prospective groom would defer to his father for the choice of his bride. Some men were betrothed at a very young age and some even before their birth. The young man showed great love and trust in his father as he accepted the choice that was made for him. The next thing that happened in securing the bride was establishing a "bride price." This is different from a dowry as we know it today, as this price was set by the girl's father, and was usually very costly to establish her worth. The groom-to-be had to agree to pay this "bride price" before the betrothal was legally binding, and it might cost him everything he had. Silver, gold, livestock, and food goods were often the "currency" used to pay the "bride price." In very poor families, sometimes their most prized possession would be sold to secure the money that was required. This often was the family torah which was their copy of God's word. Now that the bride price was set and he was committed to pay it, the next event was the official proposal! The whole family was involved, and unlike our engagements which are often filled with surprise and suspense, this event had a specific date and was well known in advance! The groom would prepare a beautiful document called a "ketubah" which declared all of his promises to this young woman. He would promise to love her, provide for her, protect and keep her. This was done in writing for her to read over and over as a declaration of his commitment to her. He would go to her home and knock on the door. In Jewish culture, a woman was highly regarded and she would never be forced to marry a man she did not want to, so at this moment she could either accept or reject him by opening the door, or not! If she rejected him, he left...but if she opened the door great ceremony and celebration occurred! This was the date that they were officially considered married, and every legal event started now. She would have prepared an elaborate meal that they shared in. His father poured a "betrothal cup" for the bride, and she drank of it to symbolize her complete acceptance of the proposal. The groom often gave her gifts to show his love for her. Sometimes he would provide her actual wedding garment, and the most symbolic gift was a simple gold band that she wore on her right index finger. It was placed where she would see it every day doing any and all of her chores and routines. After the meal had ended and the gifts were given, the groom took his leave! This began the betrothal period in which they would neither see nor speak with each other! For a period of several months or up to two years, their only communication would be through an appointed liaison. They both had many things that needed to be accomplished before the day of the wedding ceremony. He stated to her his intention to build her a home in his father's house, and when it is done, he would surely come for her. Thinking of the many months that must pass, she took hope in knowing her time would be very busy while she waited for her groom's return. While she was not building a physical home, her tasks were numerous! She must learn all there was to know about becoming a wife. Her mother and extended family did all they could to teach her what she would need to know. She also had to make swaddling bands - ornate embroidered cloths that would be used during the ceremony to tie their hands together in great symbolism. Her wedding gown needed to be decorated and elaborately finished, as no bride wants to be boring or simple on her wedding day! The other thing she needed to do was a ceremonial cleansing called a "mikveh". This was done with her mother in an outdoor spring-fed pool, and great attention was paid to every detail of cleansing herself. Over and over again she submerged herself repeatedly into the water, each time curling up to a small ball under the water. As she emerged, she stretched out in a great picture of transformation that symbolized her change from a single girl to a married woman. Alas the months of waiting have passed! Over and over she has read and re-read her ketubah - reminding herself of his love and promises to her. All of this waiting may have caused her to become weary, but the gold ring she wore was a hard and tangible reminder of his promises. Her heart and mind were comforted with the thought that "He will come for me". She knew from her mother and older friends that he could not come until their home was ready. Her groom must be working long into each night building their home, furniture, acquiring their dishes for cooking and tools needed to make a living. She rested in knowing that his father would make sure he did a good job... but the waiting! Finally a day came when their trusted liaison made a subtle statement, something like "the house is looking very good!" And she knew... the time was coming close! She made sure everything was ready, every night setting out the dress and preparing herself... it may be tonight! True to tradition, he never told her the actual day he would come for her- he wanted to steal her from her home with great surprise! And finally the night came... she was awakened from her sleep with a blow of the horn and heard his friend shout through the night air "Behold the Bridegroom cometh!" He was here! She speedily donned her dress and ran to meet him! They went to the home he had prepared for her, and for up to seven days, they were only with each other. What a union and reunion! All of the months of waiting had been worth it as she prepared for him and he made the home ready. This is the beginning of their life together, and they have great joy and expectation for their futures. 
As you read this, I am sure there were many things that you recognized as exactly what Christ did for us and promised to do in the future! Jesus in full Jewish tradition betrothed himself to us. God the Father chose us from the foundation of the earth (Eph 1:13), and Jesus accepted that choice for himself (John 5:30). He then bought us with a price, his own life, and he paid it willingly. (Heb 12:2) When he "proposed" to us, he presented us with all of his promises in the Word of God, our ketubah! Jesus stood at the door and knocked (Rev 3:20), and we opened the door of our hearts when we accepted him as our saviour. Every time we take communion, we remember him and his promises to us, and drink the cup of betrothal as a picture of our commitment to wait for him and look for his appearing. Then he promised to go and prepare a place for us, and come again to receive us to himself! (John 14:1-3) While we remain here during our betrothal period, we need to read our ketubah over and over. We need to keep fresh in our minds and hearts all of the promises of our ketubah so we keep hope and remain faithful to our betrothed! Our mikveh is spiritual cleansing that occurs as we allow the Word of God to work in us and change our hearts and minds. We must submerge ourselves over and over, each time surfacing closer and closer to the image of Christ as a new person. (II Cor 5:17) Also as we wait for our Groom, we are to be looking for him! We have the hope of his blessed return (Titus 2:3); we are to be undistracted (II Peter 3:17) and we are to be ready (Mark 13:35-36). I hope this look into some of the traditions of an ancient Jewish wedding blessed you as much as it did me. There are many other parallels that I encourage you to look into for yourselves. We are charged to study to show ourselves approved (II Tim 2:15) and this is a great study to dig deeper into. The great love Jesus Christ has for us, his church and bride, is rich and deep. You can only draw closer to Him as you learn more about it, and fall in love with Him in a fresh and lasting way. No matter how great your relationship with the Savior is now, truly ... the best is yet to come! Behold... the Bridegroom Cometh!!! |
And I will give them ONE HEART, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: - Jeremiah 32:39 | Our Family Traditions (cont.)
Barb Stiles 5. At birthday time, each one got to choose their favorite meal for supper that night. Some choices were interesting when the children were little! 6. Hospitality was the norm in our home. We constantly had people in and out as our family was growing up. Thus, our children were exposed to people from all over the world (evangelists, missionaries, church people). Our children have grown up to also share their homes and meals with others. 7. Teasing and laughter were always found in our home. "...but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast." Prov. 15:15b. A good sense of humor and being able "to laugh" at oneself has been invaluable to our family. Our children look back at our home as a place they had fun. One of our sons-in-law made the comment, that he would rather be with our side of the family than his. "Our side has more fun!" (He has a wonderful, godly family.) 8. We are board game players. When the children were young, I played with them to teach them how to play a game, take turns and how to win or lose graciously. As they got older, we had some real competitions going. We still do today when we get together. Scrabble is a competition I have had with my oldest daughter since 1986. We keep score for the year. I taught her how to play, but she wins most years! Mom seems to be all my family's favorite person to beat! Oh, well! 9. The Christmas traditions we have had over the years are: - Opening gifts on Christmas Eve to avoid the need get up at the crack of dawn and also downplay the Santa Claus myth.
- I make a homemade Chocolate Fondue to dip fruit in and to put on ice cream for Christmas Eve. Yum!
- On Christmas morning, we wake up to see our stockings have been filled - usually to overflowing. This tradition brings excitement to waking up Christmas morning. My children now fill my stocking!
10. We have a tradition of working and playing hard. Our children worked at home when young, worked for businesses as teens and have grown up to be hard-working, productive people. All work and no play make Johnny a dull boy, so we have always had "playtime" as well. Work and play need to be balanced in any home. 11. We seem to have a tradition of teachers and preachers, although, not on purpose. However, we are delighted it worked that way. Mom and three daughters are teachers. Dad and son are preachers, with one daughter married to a preacher. 12. A tradition that began when the children were old enough to stay home for a couple hours by themselves was a Saturday morning breakfast date for Mom and Dad. It was time for us to "catch up" on each other and it was good for the kids to see. The tradition has continued in our grown children in varying forms 13. With our family being spread across four states and halfway around the world, we make it a priority to get together in the summer somewhere, sometime. It is a tradition we all look forward to each year. It is quality family time. 14. One last tradition I have started is to be available to go take care of my grandchildren, so their parents can get away for a “time alone.” My parents and in-laws did that and it was a great help to my marriage and family life. I thought it worthy to continue. Our family motto has been the following for the past 39 years. Each of the family members has a plaque in their home which reads: Live Simply---Prov. 15:16 "Better is little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures and trouble therewith." Love Much---Prov. 17:17 "A friend loveth at all times." Laugh Often---Prov. 17:22a "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." It is never too late to start some traditions in your family. Some traditions give your family an identity, some make memories, and some create a close family bond. Even though my family has spread far and wide, our family traditions are still alive and well and keep us close to one another. Barb and her husband, Tom, are missionaries who support the work of the New Yorker's Family Research Foundation, Inc. (NYFRF) educating the Body of Christ concerning the legislation and trends that would effect the family, religious freedom and morality. Learn more about the Stiles by visiting the site available by clicking online here. | | Distant Sisters (cont.) 
Wendy Stiles explains the family unit has been very important in Japan for over a thousand years. Some of the following traditions are still followed by most families; other traditions are changing or losing popularity in modern times. On New Year's Day, thousands of families go the the Shinto shrine to pray and to purchase a good luck charm to put in their cars. On January 1, families eat special food called osechiryori which the mothers prepare. Children receive money (sometimes a couple hundred dollars' worth) from aunts, uncles, friends, parents, and grandparents. Much of the money is saved for their future education. For Girls' Day in March, mothers and daughters set up elaborate doll displays on tiered shelves in their houses. The new school year starts in April. Parents and students dress up for the important school entrance ceremonies. Families display koi (carp) flags for their sons on Boys' Day in May. Going to the beach and to grandparents' houses are summer family activities. Obon is an August holiday in which families light bonfires outside their homes to guide the ancestral spirits back for a visit. After a couple of days, they send the spirits back again. In October, Japanese schools have an all-day sports event with games, dances, and contests. Mothers make special picnic lunches which the family eats together. In December, families buy Christmas cakes which are white sponge cakes with whipped cream and strawberries. 
Julie Tsoukalas shares South Africa's challege for them. Their culture is dominated by tradition and ritual. One that affects us as missionaries in our efforts to minister to the people is the tradition of lobola. This is when a family sets a price on a daughter who is to be wed, and the man desiring to marry her has to pay the set amount. This affects us because many Deaf men are poor and cannot afford to pay it. So, the couple ends up living together, having children, and doing all the things married people do- but without it being a legal union before the government or God. Also, many couples who can afford it see themselves as married after it is paid, and never go through with a wedding ceremony. So you can see why this is a challenge for us. It is evident that that traditions around the world are very different from our experience in America and in Christian homes. May the Lord bless all who serve Him in distant lands in a very special way. Back to the Top... | | | | | |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 23 December 2009 )
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The Pulse — Summer 2009 — Volume 2, Issue 4 |
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Written by The Pulse
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Tuesday, 25 August 2009 |
| ...I am come that they may have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. John 10:10 Peace and Potatoes - a Testimony of God's Abundance
by Abigail Erickson Miller  "Lord, if you really care about us, could you just give us some potatoes?"
We were a young couple with some little children, starting out on a new venture: our own business! How exciting it was to feel those wings of freedom and how proud we felt of our little book business. We had started with high hopes and great expectations, though not unaware of the sacrifices we might have to make while waiting for the business to grow. Now as the months had passed and we were feeling the crunch of a very tight budget, I was finding it hard to have a restful spirit, trusting that the Lord would provide and not worrying over any of our needs. After being used to a regular paycheck, it was a big adjustment not knowing from week to week how much we would have for groceries. This particular time, as I tried to plan ahead for a week of meals, I thought I could really make it work if we just had some potatoes. But the money to shop was not there, not even for just a bag of spuds, and more out of frustration than faith, I prayed those words. That night we went to church as usual for the midweek service, and on coming back to our car, to our great surprise there were two or three bags of groceries waiting for us, placed there by a loving family who had no knowledge of our need. Instantly, I knew... and as we and the children looked through the bags, I was waiting to see the one thing I knew would be there, and sure enough, there were the desired potatoes, surrounded by many other things. I felt a little rebuked for the way I had prayed, "Lord, if you really care about us..." Of course I knew He cared! But just then I think He knew, even better than I knew myself, that even more than potatoes we needed reassurance of His ever present care in our lives. "For your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him." (Matthew 6:8) Read More... | 
Table of Contents | 
Dear Ladies, As usual, we are looking forward to Women's Bible Study this fall! We have been taking time this summer to pray, read, study and contemplate the lessons that the Lord has put on our hearts. Since we determined the direction for this year's Bible study, we have been studying women in Scripture. It is exciting to see that all of their stories are full of practical lessons for us today. A very useful phrase is: "Hindsight, insight, foresight". As we look back on our lives, we have the opportunity to learn from everything we experience, whether it is good or bad, and apply those insights to our future. We can learn from Scriptural women and their amazing stories in the same way. It is an incredible blessing that women who lived so very long ago can teach us how to live successfully as women in the 21st century! See you in the fall! Colette Fabry and Nancy Curran Our annual Fall Bible Study Kick-off and Ice Cream Social will be Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the Cove. Mark your calendar - come prepared to meet new friends, and praise and worship together. Our teachers, Colette Fabry and Nancy Curran, will present an overview of this fall's study of Women of the Bible. Weekly studies will begin Tuesday, Sept. 29th at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. in the Singles wing. Please note there is a $2.00 cost for the ice cream. You may sign up and pay at the South Welcome Center starting Sunday, August 23rd. Colette Fabry has been a member of First Bible Baptist Church for 25 years. She and her husband Matt, have three married sons and 4 grandchildren. Colette holds a Master of Divinity in Christian Counseling and is nationally certified in Mediation and Anger Management. Colette joined the staff of FBBC in 2000. She assists the Pastoral Staff in counseling and teaches in the Institute and Women's Ministry. Colette also owns her own business, "Anger Management Solutions of Rochester". Nancy Curran has been a member of First Bible Baptist Church for the past 25 years. Her husband, Don Curran, has served as the Missions pastor for a span of about 20 years. Don and Nancy have three grown children, and two sweet grandchildren, with one on the way! Over the years, Nancy has served in various ministries, working with children, teens and singing in the music ministry. Teaching ladies Bible Study over the past several years has given her a particular twofold joy--learning wonderful truths from the Word of God, and sharing them with the ladies who come together to study. Her other interests include reading, handiwork like knitting and tatting, and sitting at the end of the dock by the still waters! But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:6 | Calendar September 11
Chonda Pierce sponsored by FBBC in conjunction with Family Life Ministries September 22
Fall HeartStrings Bible Study Kick-Off & Ice Cream Social September 29
Fall HeartStrings Bible Study begins 10AM & 7PM
Annual Fall Bible Study Kick-off & Ice Cream Social will be Tuesday, September 22nd at 7:00 p.m. This fall's study is Women of the Bible. Weekly studies begin Tuesday, Sept. 29th at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Sign up at the South Welcome Center starting Sunday, August 23rd for the Ice Cream Social. The cost is just $2! |
Abundant Living in Christ
by Penny Grace Ever since our salvation almost 37 years ago, my husband and I have experienced abundant living in the Lord, beginning with abundant grace when we were saved in the Fall of 1972 because, "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast" ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ). There has also been abundant grace in our daily lives because He said... "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may find help in time of need," (Hebrews 4:16). I quickly learned to lean upon that grace when my mother and three grandparents died within six months the first year I became a Christian. There has been abundant provision (food, clothing, shelter) because Jesus said "seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). When George left Kodak to go into the ministry with the promise of little salary in 1973, the Lord did not fail us in any of those categories; Philippians 4:19 also says " but my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 
There has been abundant ministry because God said "The harvest truly is plenteous,..." (Matthew 9:37). We have strived to help with that harvest in preparing the soil, sowing, watering, weeding and reaping when possible. Much of that ministry for me has come through abundant children that God gave us when we submitted to His will for our lives in that area. We had five children in eight years because "the fruit of the womb is his reward." Thankfully they are all grown now and walking with the Lord on their own journey, and by the end of this year, Lord willing, we'll have a total of six grandchildren to add to God's abundance in that area. There have been abundant answers to prayer because Jesus said that we have "the confidence...in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us" (I John 5:14). I sure called on Him a lot in raising those children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4) and in "doing the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12), but I also learned that sometimes He doesn't answer my prayers; His ways are not my ways and He knows what's best for me. There are also prayers that He doesn't answer because we too often "ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts" (James 4:3). Read More... To learn more about how much God loves you, click here: Salvation. | | Distant Sisters
by Sue Taglialatela Sue Taglialatela, with her husband, Jim, ministers in Aragon, Spain.  Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. Matthew 12:18-20
Spain is known as the coldest to the gospel of all countries in the world. Our region of Spain is known throughout its own country as the most hard headed and hardest to deal with of all other areas. The character of the Aragonese women is one of harshness...they rarely smile, their words are cutting, they are critical and thoughtless in their treatment of others. It is not uncommon to hear mothers in the stores speaking harshly to their children, "If you don't come here right now, I won't love you anymore...what is your problem...You are so stupid...I hate you." To strangers as well as to friends or family members, "Wow, you are really getting fat, that hair color looks bad on you, why are you Americans so stupid?", and they do not say these things once in a while, but daily. The excuse the people here use is, "Well, that is just the way we are" ...even among Christian women. So with these obstacles, how could I think that I could have any impact? How could I, a wimp of a person, stand up to all this coldness, when all I wanted to do was run and hide in our apartment and pack our bags and go back to America? How could I give love when all I received was rejection and criticism? How could I continue to stand and move forward when it seemed I was being knocked down on a daily basis? How could I show joy and gladness when I spent most of my mornings crying? Well, God is faithful and didn't leave me in a heap of despair and hurt. He lead me to study the life of Jesus: how He thought, how He ministered, and how He loved the people He met every day. My wounded ego did not hold a candle to the sufferings of Christ, so it was time to buck up and face these obstacles with more faith and courage. This passage from the gospel of Matthew stood out to me as theme verses to use as a guideline when ministering to those God would place in my path. I cannot impact all of the women of this region, but I can impart something to those that God puts before me. All through our Christian life, I believe we go through many times of being refreshed. Being refreshed is being renewed, restored, regenerated. As we go through our daily life we find that we get into a routine. We can get into a slump and our service for the Lord becomes a routine. The joy of doing work for the Lord fades and we may find ourselves slacking off on serving Him. God's timing is always so perfect. God had been trying to give me some refreshing for some time, and my focus was not where it should have been to see those times He was trying to reach me. Read More... Learn more about the Taglialatelas by visiting the site available by clicking online here. |
Comments? Please send us your comments, ideas for future issues, or let us know if you would like to write an article for possible publishing.
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Womens Ministry Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 4
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| "This Ain't Prettyville" sponsored by FBBC in conjunction with Family Life Ministries will be here September 11 at 7:00 P.M. in our Auditorium at 990 Manitou Road! Chonda Pierce is a frequent guest on the famed Grand Ole Opry and has served as host of the Inspirational Country Music Awards and Christ and Christian Music Hall of Fame. She recently began co-hosting "Aspiring Women," a talk show on the Total Living Network. Her comedy is regularly featured on XM and Sirius satellite radio. Tickets are available at the South Welcome Center at FBBC, the prices are $15 for general seating, the group rate price for all "FBBCers" and $25 for Artist Circle seating. Tickets may be purchased through September 6th. | | | | | | Peace and Potatoes...(cont.)
Abigail Erickson Miller It was only the beginning, as we continued on our adventure of a life of faith with many ups and downs financially. It had been one of our reasons for going forward with the venture in the first place. We wanted to place ourselves and our children in a position to trust God, to see Him visibly providing through faith. The Lord had much in store for us, many lessons and many blessings. That night at the church was not the only time we were blessed with groceries unexpectedly, but there were also times when I had to learn to make do with what we had, and many times I discovered that the contents of the back of the pantry could go a lot further than I thought. There was never a day when we could not eat because there was not any food. The Lord proved His faithfulness many times, and often "just in time," as we waited for a check to come in or looked anxiously at the due date of a bill. The Lord allowed our business to grow, but also blessed us with more children (many more!), which of course meant that the budget just had to keep stretching to accommodate everyone! But this is an article on abundance, not on just "getting by." Didn't Jesus say He came to give us life "more abundantly?" A story of a family just barely making it doesn't really illustrate the abundant life-or does it? Well, first of all let me say that despite any numbers designated as "poverty level income" I have always felt wealthy, especially in comparison to the many nations around the world who do not enjoy the abundance that even the poorest person in America has access to. We have never been hungry or without clothes, we have never had to forego medical care, or housing, or electricity, or heat, or a telephone because we could not afford it. Our basic needs, and many wants far beyond those, have always been met. So, if wealth is just a relative term, then we are very wealthy and very blessed. But by United States standards, I guess we don't have a lot. I guess. But you could never really convince me that we are not wealthy, because of the great blessings we enjoy. For one thing, we have a Father who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, and who has promised to supply all our needs (Philippians 4:19). We have eight healthy children, a wonderful extended family, and a great church family on top of that! Over the years as we have gone through times of varying income, we have seen the Lord provide for us in wonderful ways, not just food, but all of our needs. Just when I wonder how I will be able to buy new clothes for my growing children, someone gives us a bag of beautiful clothes, just the right size. Sometimes He provides through a garage sale with just what we are looking for at an incredible bargain, or a thrift store will have just the pair of shoes we need, in brand new condition. These things have happened to us so often that I must confess I have gotten almost used to it! Years of experiencing the Lord's provision have caused us to look for it expectantly, and at times when He may not bring along just what we have asked for, we have found that we could actually do without it a while longer. But even more than the security that has grown in us as we have learned to trust God's provision, and rest in it as much as any expected paycheck, is the peace that we have in knowing we have such a faithful and trustworthy Father. Jesus said, in Luke 12:15, "Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of things which he possesseth." It is easy to look around and find people who are not living by this principle. One doesn't have to travel far down the road before spotting a driveway with two or three cars, a boat, a motorcycle, and a garage full of other things. Every summer it is an American tradition to sell off a bunch of stuff, to get some money to buy more stuff, which will in turn be on the lawn in next year's sale, and on and on. Marketing schemes are driven by the natural tendency of people to get stuff, to accumulate stuff, and then to buy more containers and shelves to organize and make room for more stuff. But Jesus tells us to take another look. How many of these people are finding true happiness and fulfillment in the stuff they have gathered around them? As evidenced by the constant stream of people out shopping and buying and trading and selling, not many. If happiness could be found in a few piles of stuff, most people, in this country at least, should be happy in the extreme! But we know this is not the case. So if fulfillment in life is not to be found in material abundance, where is it to be found? The answer is found in Psalm 37. Read the whole Psalm to find many references to the true abundance that God will bestow on those that seek Him over material assets. For instance, verse three tells us to trust in the Lord, "and verily thou shalt be fed." Verse four tells us to delight in the Lord, that is to find our greatest joy and satisfaction in Him, and "he shall give thee the desires of thine heart." Verse sixteen tells us that "a little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked." Verse eighteen tells us that the inheritance of the righteous "shall be forever." Verse nineteen assures us that even "in the days of famine they shall be satisfied." That's some security! One of my favorites is Psalm 37:11, which says, "The meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." The abundance of peace - now that's real abundance. Ecclesiastes 5:10 reminds us that "the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep." The more you have, the more you have to manage, to worry about, to watch over, and to lock up at night. It's not a recipe for sweet sleep. But when we have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we have a security that far exceeds any financial comfort this world can offer. Not only do we have God's promise that He will always supply our physical needs, so much so that He told us not even to think about it (Matthew 6:31), we have far more than this. We have eternal treasures of love, joy, grace, and peace that the world cannot give. We have at our disposal the unsearchable riches of Christ! It has not always been a comfortable ride, this learning to trust God to provide. But it has been an experience I would not trade for anything. It has built things into our souls that we could never have gained from a life filled with an abundance of worldly things. It has taught us the reality of the valuable treasures that come from a relationship with God and our family, and the utter emptiness of worldly riches. I would recommend this course of learning to anyone, as it comes from the best Teacher that ever was or will be! There is no amount of wealth anyone could offer us that could begin to compare in value to the joy of trusting in God and seeing Him provide time after time. And as if that were not enough, we can say that we have found the source of all true treasure, and with the psalmist, can delight in the true abundance - of peace. |
And I will give them ONE HEART, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: - Jeremiah 32:39 | Abundant Living in Christ (cont.)
Penny Grace There has been abundant wisdom, knowledge, and understanding about many things that pertain to this life, because God promised He would "shew me the path of life" (Psalm 16:11) through reading His Word because it is "truth"(John 17:17), and His Holy Spirit will "guide you into all truth" (John 16:13). When we got saved, we immersed ourselves in God's Word and were quickly instructed in many things that we had to learn and obey. One of those is that if you give "tithes and offerings" to the Lord, He will " open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing" (Malachi 3:8-10).that you won't be able to contain We became obedient in this area the first week we were saved, but I have to admit I wasn't as full of faith as my husband when he began to double-tithe and give offerings that depleted our bank account. Since then, we have seen many unexpected blessings come our way that can only be explained as coming through God's window. There have been many trials in our lives because Jesus said, "In this world ye shall have tribulation," but He added that we should, "be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). There has been abundant strength to go through them because the "joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10). Our abundant family has also helped share those sorrows and joys of life because when we came to Christ, we became "sons of God" (John 1:12) and inherited a whole bunch of brothers and sisters in Christ here at First Bible and around the world. These have provided the love and fellowship we have needed, especially since our immediate family distanced themselves from us because of our new life in Christ. There has been abundant peace because Jesus gave us His "Comforter" and said, "My peace I give unto you...let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 16:26-27). Even though there have been disappointments in life and circumstances that we couldn't control, He tells us to "Fret not... Trust in the Lord... Delight thyself in the Lord... Commit thy way unto the Lord... Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him" (Psalm 37:1-7). It's not always been easy to do in our humanness, but when we have done so, He has always come through at the right time with the right solutions. There has been abundant hope and expectancy because Jesus said, "I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go... I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also" (John 14:2-3). But because Satan is "as a roaring lion...seeking whom he may devour," we must be abundantly mindful to cast " all your care upon Him, for he careth for you" (I Peter 5:7-8). There have been a number of times that I have had to call out to the Lord because I have been "heavy laden" and each time He has given "rest to my soul" (Matthew 11:28-29). There has been abundant contentment because "Godliness with contentment is great gain" (I Timothy 6:6), and because God tells us to "Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). You can have abundant fun because "He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast" (Proverbs 15:15), but "by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken" (Proverbs 15:13). If you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life that are God-given (a sunset, a rainbow, a good meal, friends, family, the Bible, a baby's smile, a nap, a new soul won to Christ, a song sung at church, etc.), you are a rich person, but if you need the glittering lights of Hollywood, the vibrations of a rock concert, the thrill of a needle shooting up, the staggering walk of drunkenness, the partaking of sexual pleasures outside of a Godly marriage, or any number of other worldly pursuits that Satan would use to devour you, then you have not experienced true contentment nor true happiness in the Lord. I could add many more things to "abundant living" in Christ, but I think you get the picture that God will abundantly take care of you and provide a joyful life when you put Him first place in your life. Even in the midst of the storms that He allows in your life, He will abundantly calm your spirit, because "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). May you find that abundance in your life. | | Distant Sisters (cont.) Jesus' goal was to give something to each person He encountered, whether it was healing, deliverance, a teaching, a rebuke to the hypocritical religious, to feed them, to offer them hope, but acceptance, always acceptance...so I had to learn to be quiet, easy at first seeing as how I could hardly speak the language and everything would come out sounding like I was a two year old. But harder to do as time passed and my Spanish improved. I wanted to correct, insult back, hurt them the way they hurt me. I did it, of course, in my head, but learned to keep my mouth shut and wait for God to give me words of wisdom, kindness and love. There were many times that I thought, if one more person treats me badly (a neighbor, a shopkeeper, stranger on the street, even the brethren) I have had it; I am out of here. But those were always the times that God stepped in and encouraged me in some way. A letter or package from home, an unexpected phone call from a friend or other missionary, flowers from my husband... To God I was a bruised reed, a smoking flax, just waiting for that last person to stomp on me and break me, or snuff out my last bit of flame. He always knew when I couldn't take anymore. So, it became my focus on how to treat the ladies here. Once I was able to communicate well with them, I learned of the abuses they have suffered, their children who died, being left widows with nothing to live on, a lifetime of being hurt and hurting others, the moms who now realize how they drove their children away with their harshness and live with great guilt, the atrocities that they or their family members suffered at the hand of communism, family members shot or imprisoned for speaking a word against their dictator, so that little by little I could see them as bruised reeds as well. Even amongst the Christian women, there was much healing to be done. Salvation has given them a fresh start and a sure eternity, but there is much hurt that still needs to be dealt with. They are acting out of pain, like wounded animals that only know to attack the one trying to help them. Before I was able to minister to these ladies, I had to learn how to stand under the criticisms and insults, to take the unkindnesses and process them with the heart of Jesus Christ and respond with meekness, patience and gentleness. It wasn't easy at first, but over time God has given me the grace to respond as I should. 1 Peter 5:10 encouraged me with these words..."But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." I needed His strength and settling of my own place in God's heart, to know that I was completely loved and accepted in Him before I could give to others. My own doubts had to be replaced with the certainty that I am always welcome in the presence of God. His words are words of love and encouragement, of edification, and of acceptance in His family as a daughter and a friend. The most common thing I "do" for the ladies here is love them. To live my faith and not just talk it to them. Be gentle, loving, accepting, compliment them, praise them, give them small gifts, spend time with them, don't be in a hurry. I no longer "serve" in any formal church ministry so that I have more time to just listen to these ladies. I want to have time for people. Mainly, I focus on the village ladies, they are more tender, recently saved and respond better to my attempts to love them. But even the lost ones respond to someone just being nice to them, listening to them, respecting them. The ladies from the city, of whom I know many, are tougher to get close to. City life is conducive to being closed and self protective so it is a longer chore of getting near to their hearts. When God gives me opportunity, I sow little seeds of God's Word in their lives, lost or saved. Giving them all of the gospel at once, or all of any given principle overwhelms them. MANY of the ladies in the villages are illiterate or self taught to be able to at least read, but have little to no education as they worked on the farms to help keep their family alive. All of my "knowledge" leaves them feeling stupid and inferior. So I give it in little bits, small enough to chew on and think about but not so much that they choke. I had to learn to step back, live more where they live, simply, humbly. If we look carefully at who Jesus was, the Creator of the universe, the LIVING Word, God Almighty, how many times did He NOT show His power, His wisdom, His knowledge. He could have done so much more, but He held back, knowing that the people around Him could not take all that He had to offer. He had to give it to them little by little. But more than that, He didn't come to show how much He KNEW, but to SHOW us how to LIVE. He purposed to not break the bruised reeds, to not snuff out the smoking flaxes. Matthew 12 is how the Father described His own Son, the One that we are to be a channel for who He is, to show that to others. To be honest, it is hard, very hard, to love when they only reject and attack. But isn't that what God does for us? Do we always respond with gladness when God tries to impact our lives? Do we joyfully obey His every request? I certainly don't, I am a kicker and a screamer. But even Jesus had to set His face like flint to not lose track of the goal, it is what I have to remind myself of every day. To keep looking forward at the goal, the day when we see Jesus face to face. When we are in the States and someone asks me about the ministry here in Spain, I generally sound negative and unloving. That is because America is a safe place to dump all the heartache that we face here each day, trying to reach a people so hurt and broken. If we can leave all of the negative there in America, where our pain cannot hurt them more, then it is easier for us to return here and love the bruised reeds of Aragon. I am grateful to FBBC for letting us be real when we are home, allowing us to leave the hurt with all of you, to know how to pray for us, so that we can come back to Spain ready to love them again. The mission God has given us is that they would be reeds, tall and strong, flaxes who burn bright and shine for their Savior. I am grateful for all of you, for God's unconditional love,
Sue Taglialatela Back to the Top... | | | | | |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 26 August 2009 )
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The Pulse — Summer 2009 — Volume 2, Issue 3 |
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Written by FBBC
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Thursday, 02 July 2009 |
| | And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. Isaiah 58:11 "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary..."
by Gail Cresswell  So, how does your garden grow? "Contrary" to any talents I may have, gardening is definitely not one of them. However, flowers are some of my favorite things; not only do they refresh, but their beauty always reminds me of the incredible creation of God.
So, I decided to become a gardener. How hard could it be to pick out some plants, dig a hole, throw in a little water and da-dah …beautiful garden! My quest began last year. I started asking my friends who knew a lot about gardening; at least they appeared to because they used those big words when they talked about flowers and plants. Next was checking out nurseries; looking, reading, trying to become educated on the subject. Finally, a friend let me borrow about 25 gardening magazines. It was a little bit of overkill until I happened on just the right article. It had everything. A map with all the flowers strategically placed and a nice directory telling you what the names were (the really big names and the ones you can actually pronounce), where they need to be planted, when they bloom, need to be fertilized, sprayed for bugs/disease, ...the whole scoop; plus it was called the Hardy Northern Garden. Perfect! We live in the north. Let the fun begin! First of course the soil had to be prepared. We had a local nursery come to plant trees, so they prepared the gardens for me too - well, that was easy:). Next came choosing the plants. With my Hardy Northern Garden guide in hand, I made my way to the local garden store and talked with the experts. We picked out perennials (they're the ones that come up every year on their own) that would fit in my well defined garden space and paid (hmmm, plants are not cheap!). Off I went with my little garden in the back of my van and my mind just picturing how perfect it would be. Read More... | 
Table of Contents |
Refreshing Streams
By Gail Rodgers It had been dry too long. Even our trees were showing signs of distress. The welcome rain poured and streams ran bringing the much needed refreshment. Right where you are today God is with you. It may be in a dry place. There may be signs of distress around you. Yet God says that His Holy Spirit is in you. He can bring streams of living water flowing out from within you. You can bring refreshment into your environment. Listen to what Jesus said... "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit..." John 7:38-39
Do you see yourself as God's vessel bringing refreshment? Or do you feel as dry as some of your surroundings? It is the Holy Spirit who works in and through us to change us and enable us to be a refreshing presence in our little corner of the world. - Ask Him today to help you replace negative and critical attitudes with a tolerant and grace-filled attitude.
- Pray silently for those in your path today who are dry and distressed.
- Take time to smile and be pleasant and courteous.
- As you encounter difficult people and situations today, remember to quietly ask Your Heavenly Father to give you wisdom and strength.
- Plan your own quiet time with God to be refreshed yourself.
- Specifically ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh today right where you are. You will be surprised at how refreshed you become as you seek to be a refreshing presence in your world.
Father God, Fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit today. Help me to be aware of ways to bring a refreshing presence into the circumstances of my day. May I be a plus and not a minus in my interactions with others. Fill me, refresh me and flow through me today. In Jesus' strong name I pray, amen. Copyright. Christian Women Today 2009. Used with permission. http://www.christianwomentoday.com If you would like to reprint this devotion, please contact
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for permission. To learn more about how much God loves you, click here: Salvation. | Calendar September
Fall HeartStrings Bible Study Returns! September 11
Chonda Pierce sponsored by FBBC in conjunction with Family Life Ministries
| Modesty Exposed!!
by Cyndi Moreno Have you ever seen the TV show "What Not to Wear"? A person is chosen to be on the show because they have been nominated by their friends who think they are making bad fashion choices. Then two fashion designers bring in this poor, unsuspecting "victim", critique EVERYTHING they own as being too short, too frumpy, too drab, too hootchie, etc. Then, the "victim" gets a shopping spree and makeover! It can be pretty interesting to see what led them to their previous poor fashion choices and see the new choices they make. When I was asked to write this article I was very unsure as to how to go about it. Who am I to write anything on the subject of modesty? After MUCH prayer I believe that God has shown me that how we present ourselves (our appearance) really IS important. What exactly does it mean to be "modest"? It's WAY more than just how we dress, but that's often the first thing that comes to mind. If we're modest, we're not vain (because vanity calls attention to itself); modesty and vanity (self-pride) are polar opposites. It's possible to be prideful about our abilities, appearance, possessions or achievements - but God values modesty in us; after all, He is the One who makes us who we are! But have you ever thought that you may appear vain? Modesty is being moderate - it means we value decency in behavior, speech, dress, and character, instead of vanity. So how does this translate into our daily lives? While online recently, I came across a very thought provoking website about dress. Over 200 Christian girls submitted their questions to this site and over 1,600 Christian guys (12 and up) responded. There were the obvious questions about strapless dresses/tops, spaghetti straps, bikinis, shorts, etc. but also things I have never considered, such as exposing the lower back, low rise pants as well as attitude/behavior and much more. The answers showed me that guys care as much about how a woman dresses as we do, only not the way you might think. They are more righteous than we give them credit for. If you are interested, you can check out the survey for yourself, at www.therebelution.com/modestysurvey. Bob Lonsberry's column written June 10 is also a very interesting commentary on the topic of cleavage. (It is pretty strongly written, no offense intended), at www.lonsberry.com/writings.cfm?go=4. As long as you are reading online, there is a very well-written article from Today's Christian Woman titled "A Decent Proposal", at www.christianitytoday.com/tcw/2003/mayjun/3.46.html. It's definitely worth reading. Read More... 
Distant Sisters
by Sue Anderson Sue Anderson ministers alongside her husband Dennis, they are missionaries for IAM; African Missions. 
Romans 15:30 and 32 says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake and the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me; That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed." This is my prayer and praise, that we pray for one another and as we come together we have great joy and are refreshed in the Lord Jesus Christ. All through our Christian life, I believe we go through many times of being refreshed. Being refreshed is being renewed, restored, regenerated. As we go through our daily life we find that we get into a routine. We can get into a slump and our service for the Lord becomes a routine. The joy of doing work for the Lord fades and we may find ourselves slacking off on serving Him. God's timing is always so perfect. God had been trying to give me some refreshing for some time, and my focus was not where it should have been to see those times He was trying to reach me. Read More... Learn more about the Andersons by visiting the site available by clicking online here . |
And I will give them ONE HEART, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: - Jeremiah 32:39
Comments? Please send us your comments, ideas for future issues, or let us know if you would like to write an article for possible publishing.
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Womens Ministry Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 3
June July 2009 www.fbbc.info Subscription Information
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| | A Time of Refreshing
by Janet Erickson It never ceases to amaze me how, when we set a theme for an issue of this newsletter, God begins to bring things together on exactly that theme! Certainly on June 5th and 6th, as I participated in the Women of Faith Conference "A Grand New Day" with about fifty FBBC women, it was a time of refreshing for me! The Conference is essentially "divided" in to three sections: Friday during the day is a teaching time, and we heard valuable lessons from Dr. Henry Cloud, Marilyn Meberg and Sandy Patty. Sandy, of course, also sang - and I have never heard her sing more beautifully; she testified about the wonderful work God has been doing in her life, bringing healing to her heart, and refreshing her song. It showed! Dr. Henry Cloud spoke about why we need a "Grand New Day" - it"s a time to bring fruitfulness back to our lives when we may have been "stuck" (in other words, we get refreshed... Marilyn Meberg talked about the times when we may want to ask "Where were You, God?" God lets us fuss at Him, He understands our pain and brings comfort, and He prays for us. As we learn to thank Him for these difficult things, "thank you" becomes a password into His presence. Friday evening is always a wonderful worship experience, as well as a time of encouragement and praise. In addition to hearing from the always effervescent Patsy Clairmont, we were treated to a concert and testimony by Steven Curtis Chapman. Patsy talked about the death of a best friend, whom she had known from childhood, and how God held her as she saw the kindness and Christ-likeness in her friend, Carol, even as she drew near to death. Steven, whose little girl Maria was suddenly taken from the family last year in an accident, shared how God renewed his faith; as he sang "Cinderella", which he wrote for Maria and her sisters; we both wept and rejoiced in his praise. Saturday is the third "part" of Women of Faith, and it includes teaching, testimony, worship and praise. Lisa Harper spoke twice, using the women in the genealogy of Christ to show that you don't have to be perfect to be part of God's plan (that was refreshing!); Sheila Walsh shared a personal testimony of true hardship in her marriage, and spoke of learning how to forgive financial betrayal and find new love and respect for her husband. There was music and testimony from Mandisa, and a clear presentation of the gospel with an opportunity to receive Christ - and we know that many did exactly that! There was also the wonderful opportunity at all three sessions to stand with thousands of other women in the Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial, lifting our hearts and songs to God in praise and worship. My cup was filled, I was refreshed. In 2010, the Women of Faith Conference will come to Rochester on the weekend of October 8 and 9. Perhaps you'd like to think now about planning to come, perhaps there is a neighbor or co-worker who would come with you, even one who needs to know Jesus as her Savior! Once again, we will plan to take a group from First Bible. If you would like to part of the group, please contact me via email
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and we'll start our sign-up list early! Come and BE REFRESHED! If you would like to know more about the Women of Faith Ministry visit: http://www.womenoffaith.com | Regina Brett's 45 Life Lessons and Five to Grow On
 Posted by Regina Brett September 20, 2007 14:03 PM Originally published in The Plain Dealer on Sunday, May 28, 2006
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here's an update: | 1. | | Life isn't fair, but it's still good. | | 2. | | When in doubt, just take the next small step. | | 3. | | Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. | | 4. | | Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does. | | 5. | | Pay off your credit cards every month. | | 6. | | You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree. | | 7. | | Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone. | | 8. | | It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it. | | 9. | | Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck. | | 10. | | When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. | | 11. | | Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present. | | 12. | | It's OK to let your children see you cry. | | 13. | | Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about. | | 14. | | If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it. | | 15. | | Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks. | | 16. | | Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying. | | 17. | | You can get through anything if you stay put in today. | | 18. | | A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write. | | 19. | | It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. | | 20. | | When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. | | 21. | | Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. | | 22. | | Overprepare, then go with the flow. | | 23. | | Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple. | | 24. | | The most important sex organ is the brain. | | 25. | | No one is in charge of your happiness except you. | | 26. | | Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter? | | 27. | | Always choose life. | | 28. | | Forgive everyone everything. | | 29. | | What other people think of you is none of your business. | | 30. | | Time heals almost everything. Give time time. | | 31. | | However good or bad a situation is, it will change. | | 32. | | Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch. | | 33. | | Believe in miracles. | | 34. | | God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do. | | 35. | | Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. | | 36. | | Growing old beats the alternative - dying young. | | 37. | | Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable. | | 38. | | Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion. | | 39. | | Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere. | | 40. | | If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back. | | 41. | | Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now. | | 42. | | Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. | | 43. | | All that truly matters in the end is that you loved. | | 44. | | Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. | | 45. | | The best is yet to come. | | 46. | | No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up. | | 47. | | Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. | | 48. | | If you don't ask, you don't get. | | 49. | | Yield. | | 50. | | Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. | Copyright The Plain Dealer. Used with permission. | | 
A Celebration of Freedom! In 2002, Grace & Truth SportsPark, in conjunction with local businesses, began The Spirit Of America Independence Day Celebration. The desire is to see this become the place to spend the Fourth of July - a fun and safe celebration with family and friends. The crowds, as well as the success of the event, continue to grow. In 2003, Greece Police Chief Merritt Rahn estimated the crowd at over 15,000. The events begin at 3:00 p.m. in a family-friendly environment featuring entertainment, children's activities, and food at old-fashioned prices, as we celebrate the birthday of our nation. The culmination of the day's events is a spectacular fireworks display from 10:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. All events will take place at the Grace & Truth SportsPark. You can make a difference and help make this great community event possible and enjoyable for our families, guests, and neighbors! CLICK HERE to fill out the online form and send electronically; CLICK HERE to print a hard copy of the PDF file and send by mail. | | "Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary..." (cont.)
Gail Cresswell Once home the plants were placed according to plan. Turns out there were a few too many. No big deal, we'll just put them somewhere else. After rearranging several times I began to dig. Hmmm, you know what those nursery guys do when they put in trees, shrubs and mulch for you? They lay some mesh cloth, a special covering, on the ground to keep the weeds from breaking through and choking out the plants. So, scissors were added to the collection of tools and the mesh was cut away so I could get to the dirt. Of course, then the question was raised as to whether or not to put the mesh back on the plants or just leave it off; I decided to do both, giving myself a 50/50 chance of dealing with weeds. Finally, the garden was in. It didn't look bad, except by following the instructions all the plants were pretty far apart from each other. I know they'll grow, but I was hoping the finished product was going to look...you know, finished. Filled in, perfect, beautiful. I guess I'll just have to wait. The parallels between my little garden and God's word are bountiful (that's a gardening word). Although I'm a better gardener than what I've let on, I'm nothing like the Master Gardener. Gardens must have been really important to our Lord. He placed Adam and Eve in the garden. Kings were buried in gardens. Gardens and all the things associated with them like water, soil, vines, branches, are mentioned throughout the scripture. Our Jesus prayed to His Father in the garden, "And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt."Mark 14:36. He was buried in a garden and resurrected from a garden. I'm thinking there are going to be beautiful, bountiful, incredible gardens in heaven! Amen! Mary, Mary, quite contrary, how does your spiritual garden grow? Sometimes we may all be "contrary"; to the spiritual garden that God intends for us. That can be called pride, pure and simple. Praise God, He is faithful. He gives us the choice to plant a spiritual garden. Let's call it the garden of our hearts. How do we plan and plant that garden? First, the soil needs to be prepared, and a plan for the plants and where they'll be located will have to be in place. Our great God is sovereign. That means He is over all things. Right from the beginning He knew there would be a you and a me! He planted us here, in this country and in this time for His purpose and His pleasure. He put in the soil of our hearts a seed: the desire to know Him. "And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father." John 6:65. That means He gets all the credit! (Even for our desire to know Him.) In the story of the sower and the seed (Luke 8), the Lord gives us a perfect explanation of the kinds of soils He has created for that seed. What kind of soil is in your garden? Next in line is buying the plants. Did you know you were bought with a price as well? A price far more expensive then any plants we will buy and yet, here's the wonderful thing...Jesus paid the price. A terrible, wonderful, miraculous price...His life, His blood, His suffering. All for us. And the price to us? Just to accept what He has already done. That means our spiritual garden is a FREE GIFT. Halleluiah, amen! My plants need water, sunshine and a good root system. They need to be protected from bugs, disease and weeds, just like the garden of our hearts. God waters our gardens with living water. One of the greatest accounts of Jesus' love for us is His journey through Samaria where He encounters the woman at the well. Jesus asks her for water and the woman questions why He, being a Jew, would even speak to her - a Samaritan (this is a picture of a sinner...you and me) Jesus answered and said unto her, "If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again::But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." John 4:10-14 My plants need plant food to help them grow. So, too with our spiritual garden. That food is the Word of God; the bread of life, Jesus Christ. "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever..." John 6:51 Remember the mesh? It is the covering to keep out weeds. We have a spiritual covering and it is the righteousness of Christ. Inside our mortal bodies, sin still lives; but the weeds of sin are covered with the righteous blood of the Lamb of God. Do you have any idea how many different plants there are out there? Just like us; each different, each special and unique; all part of His perfect plan, placed in His spiritual garden; spaced out perfectly, giving us room to grow. Sometimes we feel too alone, and sometimes we feel too crowded. God’s "spacing" in our life is always right. My plants are perennials; they come up every year. In order for that to happen they actually die or go dormant in the winter. We too must die: die to self so that we can trust, wait and be given newness of life in His timing. So we go through seasons of life and spiritual growth. That certainly fits in with planting and gardening. Last year we had some hydrangeas planted. They were a beautiful blue. Through the season they turned colors; from blue to purple to a rosy pink to white. Can you believe that one plant can actually do that? In the winter the snow was piled on them. In the spring they looked deader then a doornail. Guess what? They have now become beautifully green with large buds on them just waiting to open. Our lives are like that. There are times when we are in full bloom, living for the Lord, involved and content. But there are times when the wind blows, and our roots have to hang on for dear life. We lose our foliage and blooms and are burdened by the heaviness of life. There are times when we feel unproductive and "dead". Praise God, like the hydrangeas, it can be only for a season. There will come a time when we are renewed. There will come a time when the snows of winter have melted away. There will come a time when the sun shines warm again and the living waters feed our thirsty souls. Another season, another blooming. A process...life, death, and life again. Of course, last but not least, the waiting. Just like my garden of plants, I wanted them to be perfect, complete, finished. Our spiritual gardens will never be finished until the Lord calls us home or returns as He has promised. That is a great thing…it means we can continue to grow...and growth is a process. Once again, part of the Master Gardener's plan: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11 No matter what garden or season we're in, God is our Master Gardener. He prepares, plants, waters, feeds; He sends the snow and wind to strengthen our roots. He provides the Son to warm us and keep us in His care. His righteousness covers our sins; His love shelters us. We blossom in His garden. Sisters in Christ, may you always bloom where God plants you. Isaiah 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. | | Modesty Exposed!! (cont.) Cyndi Moreno As women, we ALL enjoy feeling beautiful. I dont know any woman who wants to be thought of as ugly. We all want to look attractive. Being fashionable and attractive is NOT wrong in and of itself, but there are ways to do it. You can be beautiful, fashionable AND modest... it IS possible. I know the world doesn't make it easy on us, it can be very hard to find modest, attractive clothes. It takes a little thought/prayer and maybe a little additional time shopping more carefully. Modesty isn't a list of dos and don'ts but a matter of the heart. 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price." We need to examine ourselves carefully. Why are we wearing what we are? What are our motives? What are we drawing attention to and why are we trying to draw attention to whatever that is? There are ways to look beautiful and feel attractive without being a stumbling block to others. We need to develop convictions in this area based on what God shows us in His Word. Jesus said, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." (Mt 5:28). We know the men around us are easily moved by what they see, but we have a responsibility to do whatever we can by not tempting them with our bodies. Romans 14:13 instructs us on this saying, "No man put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way." This also applies to us as sisters in Christ. Titus 2:4 tells us that the "older" are to teach the "younger". Teaching is done not only by words, but also by actions. We need to remember that we are all an example to someone else, our friends (saved and unsaved), younger women in the church, and let's not forget the lost we are trying to reach. You really show love for others, both Christian brothers and sisters when you dress modestly. We need to pray about what we wear and let the Holy Spirit guide us. Many struggle with this issue. I had a wedding to go too recently, bought a "great" dress and asked a friend what she thought - I just wasn't sure if it was appropriate. Her opinion was that it wasn't and she was right, it wasn't so great. If you are married, ask your husband's opinion. If you aren't married, ask your father or another woman in the church - someone who will tell you the truth, not just what she thinks you want to hear. Dannah Gresh, the author of "A Decent Proposal" had a great idea. 'If you feel even a twinge of conviction as you read this, I'd encourage you to have a "fashion trashin' party." Invite a girlfriend over and trash anything from your closet that's questionable. Your friend's there for the things you're not sure about. Whatever she says is questionable goes.' Let's give our men the gift of safety and a rest for their eyes. I know from reading over 100 comments on the "Modesty Survey" website that they would appreciate it more than we could possibly know. Our brothers deal with enough attacks from the world and the devil in the area of lust; let's not add to their burden. Instead let's help them; let's lead the way for our friends, our children, our church. Above all, let's glorify God in modesty that begins in our hearts and carries over to all we do. | | Distant Sisters (cont.)
by Sue Anderson We moved to Florida a couple of years ago. We were looking forward to what God was going to have us do here in the church. Dennis had the IAM ministry to tend to, but I was not sure how God was going to use me. It was not long before I was involved in planning some events and helping out with another ministry. It was a wonderful time of refreshing for me as I felt I had a purpose again. As time went on, I got involved in choir, and God also allowed me an opportunity to speak to a lady who was having a hard time being away from her family. Our years on the mission field and how I dealt with leaving friends and family proved to be very useful. Again, it was a time of refreshing. Pastor Green had started preaching on different aspects of faith. He touched on Abraham and his obedience. I looked at my life and asked the question, "Am I really being obedient to God?" I thought I was, in most areas, but I knew in my heart I had at least one area I was not following God's direction. I looked at Abraham and saw the opposition he faced, and I knew what I face today is nothing new. He took opportunities and forgot the circumstances. God got a hold of my heart and I asked Him to not only give me opportunities to witness for Him, but that I would take them when they came. Since then, I cannot count the number of times I have been able to sit and talk openly and freely about my God. It is even more than I could have hoped for. It has not been one-on-one, but God has had several people sitting around and they may have acted like they were not listening but they could not help but hear. It was a magnificent time of refreshing for me. One day as I was downtown walking my dog, I walked on the pier along the lake. A couple was sitting under one of the little rest areas there and I said, "Hi." Of course, they made a comment about my Madison and I told them that her name meant "gift from God'. That led into a wonderful time of fellowship as they told me where they went to church and how God was dealing with the husband (David) about missions. God allowed me to spend time talking about our mission experience and to stand there and pray with them. It was such a blessing and as I walked away, I found myself singing about the wonderful name of Jesus. I continued walking and singing and I am sure people must have thought I was a bit crazy, well I am, crazy about the Lord and how He keeps refreshing me! I felt as if I was wading in the cool waters of a mountain spring on a hot summer day! God has now allowed me the opportunity to get a Ladies' Bible Study going. It is something I have wanted to do since we got here but it was not God's timing until now. This truly is a time of refreshing as I again can see why God has put us here. One of the great things about this is they came to me asking me to start it. What I mean by that, is they saw a need for it in their own lives and I feel privileged that God would use me in this area of ministry. It is a small group and my prayer is that as we leave each week, we will go away with a feeling of truly being refreshed in our relationship with our Lord and Savior! As we go through life, we must look for those times of refreshing and cherish each one of them. They are a blessing from the Lord! He knows what we need and when we need it. If we are doing as He commands us out of love for Him, our hearts and minds and spirits will be refreshed. May you be refreshed in His love daily. Back to the Top... | | | | | |
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The Pulse — Spring 2009 — Volume 2, Issue 2 |
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Written by The Pulse
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Wednesday, 15 April 2009 |
| Let's BE Friends!
Katelyn Tumia, FBBC Teen Katelyn Tumia, age 17, is a part of FBBC's SUMMIT teen department. She is a homeschooled junior, who loves to sing and write. Her future plans include trying out for Encounter Revival Ministries to travel for a year, and then going to college, possibly Pensacola Christian College, to major in photography.  This past summer I spent 8 weeks working at Mt. Lou San Bible Camp in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was the greatest experience of my life! But when I came home I felt as though I was on the outside looking in. There was a terrible disconnect between me and my friends. I felt lonely and missed the amazing people I had met at Mt. Lou San. I longed for things to be the way they were before I had left but didn't know how I could possibly break through. As I was looking through the Scriptures for what Jesus had to say on the topic of friendship and how to find a good friend, I was reminded of the well-known verse in Proverbs 18:24, "A man that hath friends MUST show himself friendly..." Jesus gives us the simple answer! We MUST show ourselves friendly. The key to having friends is to become what we want in a friend, and in return a true friend will be that back to us.
Imagine if we all sat around wishing for that special friend who loves you for who you are, but isn't afraid to push you to higher levels - the type of friend who is always there to listen or lend a hand, putting your needs above their own. Imagine if we expected that person to be that incredible friend to us while we just sat back and enjoyed the fruits of their love and attention. We would all remain lonely. Friendship is a two way street. Both sides must give of themselves in order for a friendship to work. We can't expect everyone to "do unto us", if we aren't willing to do the same unto them. My story doesn't end with me feeling alone and disconnected. I had to push aside all my feelings of not fitting in and anxieties of not belonging, and simply "show myself friendly". Once I applied those words, things slowly began to return to the way they had been. Even better perhaps! I'm so thankful for God's truths that are still applicable to life today! All of us have experienced casual friends, back stabbers, fake friends, true friends, "cliques", and outcasts. Why is that so among God's children? What if the Body of Christ all stepped out of the comfort of their circle of friends to befriend that one sitting alone? What if we were to stop a rumor about a friend whom we care about, instead of passing it along; or just be friends with someone without selfish reasons or backward motives? If we simply, "showed ourselves friendly", as God taught both in word and in deed the body of Christ would be free to experience the genuine friendships that God had planned and that all of us desire. I hope everyone brought to this article has a person in their life that fits the description just given. This kind of friend seems to be rare, but they are definitely not impossible to find. I know I have been blessed greatly with people in my life that are true friends to me. But if you find yourself lonely, searching for that true friend, or even just hiding in the comfort of your close circle of friends...to this God says, "Show yourself friendly." John 13:35 "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." | 
Table of Contents For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God. - Saint Teresa of Avila
"You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get others people interested in you." - Dale Carnegie |
Friends in Prayer
Anne Warnick If I have learned nothing else but this one true thing, God has made His point clear to me. He has a plan for me! I often miss it in the present, but looking back, it is very evident. His ways are somewhat mysterious but always full of purpose. I wasn't looking for a Prayer Partner; in fact I refused almost everything that would add to my busy schedule. About nine years ago, He placed someone in my path, someone who was and is my polar opposite, Barbara (Caruso) Matrachisia. We were serving in a ministry together and there were frustrations every step of the way. Nothing was going according to plan - my plan of course! At the end of one especially difficult evening after practice, as four of us were brainstorming a possible solution, she said, "We need to pray about this! I'll call you Monday morning!" We did pray together on the phone that Monday and every morning for an entire week. We weren't the only ones praying, but through the power of prayer, He brought a solution and a better plan for our Christmas Pre-Show Program. As far as I was concerned, He had answered our prayer; but He had something more in mind, as Barbara and I continued to pray Monday through Friday each week for about six years. Many changes have taken place since then, so we now pray together three days each week, and we pray on our own for each other on the alternate days. Thanks to Verizon-to-Verizon, we can even keep our pray dates when one of us travels! I called her this week in Florida where she is vacationing to see what she might want to add to our story. As different as we are, we see our Prayer Partner relationship exactly the same way! It is a God thing! As we drew closer by sharing prayers for each other's families and health, we began to truly know each other's hearts. In the beginning years, we seemed to limit our prayer focus to our families and ourselves, often sharing scripture that spoke to what was on our minds at the time. As our prayer life matured, we opened the prayer to include our friends and church family, our country, and our personal ministries. Read More... To learn more about how much God loves you, click here: Salvation. | Calendar April 14
HeartStrings Bible Study: Our "Leading Lady", Robin Ireland May 8
HeartBeats Friendship Dinner May 19
HeartStrings Bible Study: Our "Leading Lady", Jhan Sauer June 9
HeartStrings Bible Study: Our "Leading Lady", Louise Metzger
| Friendship
Lisa Wegman A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. (Proverbs 17:17) You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself, he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job. (Laurence J. Peter) No man is an island... (John Donne) Friendship plays an important part in our lives. What constitutes friendship? Why is it valuable? And what justifies certain friendships? Friendships develop in many different ways, but usually have three common denominators: Mutual caring, intimacy, and shared interests or activities. Many people go through life with only a few friends. Others seem to have a multitude of friends and, wherever they go, people know them, are attracted to them and like to be around them. They lead full lives because it is full of friends. But it is not so much the number of friends that is important as the possession of friends, period. Friendship is a blessing, and a friend is the channel through which great emotional, spiritual, and sometimes even physical blessings flow. There are many types of friendships and they can be hard to classify, but I have noticed at least three different types in my own life: - Situational friends: You see each other regularly, have fun together, and may even share occasional disappointments. This may be someone you see every week at the gym, at work, or at the PTA. When you move or something changes, you usually don't stay in touch because your friendship is at a fairly superficial level. - Casual friends: You meet each other occasionally, maybe go out for lunch and dinner to catch up on each other's news. You like each other, appreciate the company, but are not best friends. - Close friends: They understand the REAL you, help when you're in trouble and are people you can rely on. You're not ashamed or afraid to open your heart to them completely to cry, rant or whine. Yes, that's what we do! They are loyal, will never betray you, and they let you in their lives and care about you deeply. Such people don't come along often and such relationships are to be cherished. Read More 
Distant Sisters
Friendship, Far and Near
Denise Hutchison Denise Hutchison ministers as a missionary in the country of Ukraine. 
When I was first asked to write an article about friends and friendship I thought, "You are asking the wrong person". I can probably count the number of close friends I have on less than one hand and have never been one to hang out with my sister-chicks. But then I thought about the last 5 or 6 years of my life and realized that God has done something really special in me and for me. He engulfed me with dozens of ladies and families who have become dear friends and supporters of my missionary service in Ukraine. It is that friendship that means as much to me as any other friendships I have formed throughout the years. In addition to the many individual friends with whom God has blessed me, one of the greatest groups I know who have truly become dear to me is my prayer group. Sure, I knew these ladies before, but knowing that we share a common ground has really knit our hearts together, and I feel blessed to know that they are praying faithfully for me and are willing to help provide for my physical needs and uplift and encourage me emotionally. That is true friendship. I thank God for them regularly and try to keep them and their needs in prayer as well. I just wish I could remember their birthdays. It is sometimes easy for me to lose focus or get bogged down with the affairs of every day life, and then I walk down the street and see someone that resembles someone I know in America. A smile forms on my face and I think how that person has been a blessing to me and I pray for him/her. All of a sudden my world becomes a little bigger and my step becomes a little lighter. I also love to check up on my friends via Facebook. Just a simple "hello" or "I'm praying for you" is a great encouragement. I try to send regular updates about my ministry, but the Lord has convicted me recently about being more "sociable" with my friends. It has been great to make new friends and strengthen old friendships over the last several years. When I am back in the states it amazes me how God encourages me and confirms His love and care through the friendships of others - friends I didn't even know I had. With true friendship there is a connection that miles and time can't sever. And when the love of God melds our hearts as kindred spirits we can be blessed to know that whatever continent we are on or whatever town we are in, we will always have friends. Dear friends. Learn more about Denise by visiting the site available by clicking online here. |
And I will give them ONE HEART, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: - Jeremiah 32:39
Comments? Please send us your comments, ideas for future issues, or let us know if you would like to write an article for possible publishing.
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Womens Ministry Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 2
April May 2009 www.fbbc.info Subscription Information
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| One Heart Women's Ministry Leadership Team Mrs. Loreen (Lolly) Daphne Beikirch: A Princess on the Team
Janet Erikson  Gary and Lolly Beikirch first came to FBBC in July 1979; Lolly was still a young Christian. She says, "I came to the Lord when I was tired of my old life and seeking true joy. I went to a New Year's Eve church service rather than a party and accepted Jesus Christ Dec. 31, 1974 - and all things became new!!"
What would surprise you about Lolly? She likes to target shoot...and she's a pretty good shot! Her older grandkids sometimes call her "a walking devotional"; her prayer is that they will always remember the stories she shares of how God has always walked with her. Married to her best friend and "my gift from God", she and her husband Gary have been married for 34 years. "He is a wonderful father to our three children..., and also a wonderful Papa of our twelve  grandchildren." Gary is also a recipient of the Medal of Honor, our nation's highest award for valor. His position as Chaplain for the Medal of Honor Society sometimes causes Lolly to find herself with very prominent people. They have personally met more than one President. Both Gary and Lolly have a sweet and humble spirit that demonstrates Christ at every level of society. Asked what she loves about ministering to women and what the Lord has been showing her, she said, I love the different personalities I see in ministering to women, as well as the gifts of the Spirit that each one brings into the ministry of helping and encouraging one another. Since I found out that I have cancer... that BIG "C" (Christ) is much bigger than the little "c" (cancer). When I am weak then am I strong, grace is my shield and Christ my song. 2 Corinthians 12:9: "For my strength is made perfect in weakness." Each friend I have has brought the gifts that God has given them to help me get through this. I am so blessed to have my women friends; it reminds me of the friends in Matthew 9 who brought their sick friend to Jesus. Thank you all, my women sister friends... we are Princess Prayer warriors for our Big "C" Christ!! We are thankful that Princess Lolly is part of our One Heart Ministry leadership team! | |  Nearly 80 women gathered for the Heart-2-Heart event on Feb. 21, enjoying a delicious breakfast, excellent classes, fellowship and fun. From planning children's parties, to cooking, to receiving spiritual instruction, every class was highly rated, with comments lsuch as: "It was great!", "Very enjoyable!", "Interesting and fun!", and, "Awesome day". We are thankful for those who prepared and for those who partook, and we are already planning for a similar event next year. Plan to come next spring! Team 1: Pray for the Ladies Bible Study ministry. Receive weekly requests via email. Team 2: Pray for the upcoming Frindship Dinner. Receive specific prayer requests unique to the Friendship planning team. Team 3: Commit to pray for the One Heart Women's Ministry for one year. Receive prayer requests for the overall ministry. If interested, send email to Connie Koster
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Did you know that a group of ladies also meet on the "off weeks" of the morning Bible study to pray? Please consider joining them at 10:00 AM every Tuesday EXCEPT the day of the Bible study from now through June 16 - Remaining dates: April 21, 28; May 5, 12, 26; and June 2, 16. | | Amish Friendship Bread
This Amish Friendship Bread recipe passes from friend to friend. It includes the recipe for the Amish Friendship Bread starter, and gives complete directions for how to make it once your starter is prepared. When you pass the starter on to a friend, make sure it is understood preparation begins by following the instructions at day one, continuing through to day nine, and then on Day 10, the Amish Friendship Bread Recipe (with the oil, eggs, vanilla, etc.) is used. Amish Friendship Bread is not just a delicious and sweet bread, it's also a way to bond friends by sharing countless loaves of bread baked in different kitchens that all began from the same bowl of simple ingredients. Choose a few friends and start this wonderful tradition, they'll thank you for it! Amish Friendship Bread Recipe Day 1 - receive the starter (the recipe for the starter is below)
Day 2 - stir
Day 3 - stir
Day 4 - stir
Day 5 - Add 1 cup each flour, sugar and milk.
Day 6 - stir
Day 7 - stir
Day 8 - stir
Day 9 - stir Day 10 - Add 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup milk. Divide into 4 containers, with 1 cup each for three of your friends and 1 cup for your own loaves. Give friends the instructions for Day 1 through Day 10 and the following recipe for baking the bread. After removing the 3 cups of batter, combine the remaining cup of Amish Friendship Bread starter with the following ingredients in a large bowl: 2/3 cup oil
3 eggs
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 to 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
2 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda Using a fork beat by hand until well blended. Add 1 cup raisins and 1 cup nuts (optional). Grease two loaf pans with butter, sprinkle with sugar instead of flour. Bake at 325 degrees F for 45 minutes to 1 hour (individual oven temperatures vary). Cool 10 minutes, remove from pans. Makes two loaves of Amish Friendship Bread. Amish Friendship Bread Starter This is the Amish Friendship Bread Starter Recipe that you’ll need to make the Amish Friendship Bread (above). It is very important to use plastic or wooden utensils and plastic or glass containers when making this. Do not use any metal when preparing this bread! Ingredients:
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water (110°F)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar
1 cup warm milk (110°F) Directions:
1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water for about 10 minutes. Stir well. 2. In a 2 quart glass or plastic container, combine 1 cup sifted flour and 1 cup sugar. Mix thoroughly or the flour will get lumpy when you add the milk. 3. Slowly stir in warm milk and dissolved yeast mixture. Loosely cover the mixture with a lid or plastic wrap. The mixture will get bubbly. Consider this Day 1 of the cycle, or the day you receive the starter. For the next 10 days handle starter according to the instructions above for Amish Friendship Bread. | Treat your friends as you do your pictures and place them in their best light." - Jennie Jerome Churchill 'Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one."' - C.S. Lewis "Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave, and impossible to forget." - Anonymous | FBBC Women Respond
What makes a woman your friend?
- Shared interests
- Shared principles and character traits
- Ability to look on the positive
- Ability to see God in everything
- Trust, trustworthy
- Fun to be with
- Loving friendship without conditions or expectations even when I am unlovely
- Holds me spiritually accountable
- Is available
- A multi-faceted person who enjoys many things
- Good fellowship
How did you meet your best woman friend?
My closest friends are ones I have met at church and have known and grown with over many years. We have the most in common, with the Lord and ministry being our bond. The only close friend I have outside of church is one of my sisters-in-law, and we have family and many interests like reading and gardening in common. - Lisa Wegman Forty years ago, we were neighbors and became very close. Her name is Gail. We are still friends today although she lives in Florida now. We e-mail each other and I get to see her when she comes to New York to visit her children. - Phyllis Dutton
I believe God, through our children and grandchildren, brought my best friend and I together. Lolly and I, loving our grandchildren together, have a beautiful bond that makes one of the sweetest of friendships to last forever. - Cathy Hinds
I met my "best friend" at church. She was a nurse who enjoyed and excelled in many areas of life. We kept each other's children, canned together, studied the Bible and prayed together. She died young from heart complications, but she remains my friend in my memories. She is one of the few who "walked in my soul." - Nancy Motley I met my BFF, Jennifer Hale-McGinn at First Bible Baptist Church. On July 8, 2002, I gave my testimony as I got baptized. She sat in the audience and heard my testimony about being a "bus kid" when I was a little girl and some 20+ years later, came to know the Lord and got baptized at the very church that "bused me in" as a little girl. After several times passing in the hallway, she stopped me one day and said, "I'd like to hear more about you and get to know you because of the testimony you gave." In January 2003, I asked her to be my roommate at the Ladies’ Retreat to give her that opportunity, and she agreed (how crazy was that!). During break time on Saturday, we locked our room in Bethany House, shared a box of Kleenex and some Starbucks and almost everything about ourselves in entirety. After that, there was no turning back; we became BFFs and remain even closer today (although the journey hasn't always been easy)! God bless that woman for giving her the compassion, strength, grace & truth to love me no matter what! I know that there is no better friend than Jesus, but if you know my friend Jen--she's pretty close! - Christina Lievense
We met in elementary school and have been friends ever since. - Lynn Black
| This quote is for my friends, as well as my best friend, Cathy Hinds, Thanking God for you all... - Lolly
"A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." (Unknown) | Friends in Prayer (cont.)
Anne Warnick We may not pray together as often now but the prayer time is as deep and meaningful as ever. In a way, it is like a marriage. You cannot spend the quality of time in prayer with someone without falling in love with them. We are still as different as ever and sometimes it surprises me that we haven't become more alike. When we are not praying, we are discussing healthy eating and exercise, second marriages, hopes we have for our children, and laughing, laughing, and laughing. We counsel each other in love, never judging words or actions. Our partnership is a safe place where we can open up and encourage and strengthen each other. We are sisters in every sense of the word. I have never had what most would call a "best friend" and never really wanted one, and neither has Barbara. I am a very private person, not usually quick to share intimate details of my life with someone. The Lord knew that I needed Barbara to pull that out of me, to help me not to take myself so seriously. I am not sure what she would say about why the Lord chose me for her Prayer Partner, but I do know that our prayer time together is precious to both of us. All of our family members understand the significance of our prayer partnership and often ask us to add them to our prayer list. Then there are the answers to prayer we have experienced! We have seen Him heal relationships, broken hearts, and broken bodies. We have seen spiritual growth, and solutions to financial issues and job loss. Through our prayers we have learned that what we desired was not always the outcome the Lord had in mind, and of course we have praised Him for His mercy, never-ending love, and wisdom. We have vowed before God that we will continue our prayer mission as long as He desires! | | Friendship (cont.)
Lisa Wegman Friendships are valuable because friends can cheer us when we're sad or depressed, challenge us when we get beyond our reasonable boundaries and motivate us when we're ready to give up. They are there when we need a shoulder to cry on, and they are there when all is well and we want someone to rejoice with. We often want them around to have fun with, to laugh with, or to just act silly or to share our deepest thoughts and feelings. Friends enrich our lives and make us feel loved, accepted, respected and cared for. As with all human relationships, friendships take work. Friends can take time and energy that can sometimes tax our own emotional resources. Friendships require give and take, and sometimes it's more give and sometimes it's more take. That's what makes a great friendship - when both sides are committed to giving to each other's needs. I love it when the Lord brings someone into my life with a need that I can meet because I know that, when I am in need, He will provide for me in the same way through someone else. The thing is, God made us with needs that can be met through friendship. A number of years ago, I went through a major illness that required chemotherapy. My friend, Betsy, came and sat with me through several 2-hour treatments that would have been so boring and lonely without her. She also set up meals for my family for 3 weeks after my treatments. All of those meals were brought by good friends. It was a blessing to be able to come home and not have to worry about anything but getting myself over the treatments. One of my favorite ministries to be involved in today is making meals for anyone recovering from illness, whether it's surgery or childbirth, because I know how truly valuable and meaningful it is. I also think about how often in scripture Jesus ministered using food. He has told us to be followers of Him, and I truly believe this is a ministry that honors His example to us and His command to love one another. I know you are probably thinking of someone right now who God has used in your life as a true friend. Why not take a moment or two and thank someone today for being a friend to you? How about Jesus, the best friend we have ever had; a friend who was willing to give His life for ours? Song of Solomon says, "His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." May God bless you with all the friends you need, and may He turn you into a blessing by using you as a friend to others. Back to the Top... | | | | | |
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The Pulse — Winter 2009 — Volume 2, Issue 1 |
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Written by FBBC
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Thursday, 19 February 2009 |
| "Good Times"...Restore 'em!
Pastor Mike Metzger, Associate Pastor Understanding why couples lose the "good times" will enable you to restore true intimacy. Read the following article and then contact Mike Metzger, FBBC Associate Pastor, at 392-0777, for Couples Counseling. His truth-based,loving counsel will get you on your way to the relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and with your spouse that Our Heavenly Father designed for YOU!  In counseling many couples over 29 years of ministry, I have found there are problems that are common to all marital relationships. These are not the only problems that most couples face, but these show up on a consistent basis. They are not given in a particular order; these are just the most common.
1. Spiritual Abandonment (Ps. 127:1) Spiritual abandonment is manifested by the absence of God and His Word in the day-to-day life of the husband or wife, or both. A lack of devotion to God and the Bible is a cancer that spreads rapidly and destroys the very core of the marriage. The reason that a daily spiritual life is so vital to a healthy marriage is for the filling of the Holy Spirit to occur. In Ephesians 5:17-18, we are commanded, be filled with the Spirit for it is the will of God. When we are saved, we have a new nature or become a new man. Colossians 3:16 says "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly." God's word is the fuel that feeds the new man. We become different as the Spirit controls us. When we don't feed the new nature, it becomes anorexic and our old nature, the fleshly man, takes control; we do what comes naturally. When the old man is in control, there is selfishness, self-centeredness, conditional love, and an unwillingness to sacrifice for our spouse. Compare Ephesians 5:19-6:5 with Col.3:16-25. You will see that when the new man is alive, there is joy, thankfulness, submission to each other, the wife reverences her husband, the husband loves his wife and demonstrates it, children obey... God is honored. Love comes from God, 1 John 4:7-8. If we cut off our love relationship with Him, then we cut off the supply of love needed to love our neighbor (spouse). Result: the marriage shrivels and dies. The solution to restoring passion in your marriage is to restore your passion for God and His Word. Feed the new nature so you don't live in the old fleshly nature, which is never satisfied. Read More... | | Women of Faith will return to Rochester June 5-6, 2009 with "A Grand New Day". We are interested in purchasing group seats, and must have at least 25 women to do so. Prices for the entire weekend, with a group discount and including a box lunch Friday and Saturday, are $79 for standard seating and $99 for premium seating - this is $20 less than two years ago! Special guest artist is Steven Curtis Chapman; others on the tour include Patsy Clairmont, Sheila Walsh, Marilyn Meberg, Mandisa, and Nicole C. Mullen. If you are interested, you must put down a $20 deposit which will be returned if we do not get 25 people. SIGN UP DEADLINE IS MARCH 15, full payment will be due at that time. For more information about the event, go to http://www.womenoffaith.com/Rochester/ . Sign up forms will be at the South Welcome Center. Let's see if we can get a group to go this June! | | 
Table of Contents |
The Holy Alphabet - Although things are not perfect
- Because of trial or pain
- Continue in thanksgiving
- Do not begin to blame
- Even when the times are hard
- Fierce winds are bound to blow
- God is forever able
- Hold on to what you know
- Imagine life without His love
- Joy would cease to be
- Keep thanking Him for all the things
- Love imparts to thee
- Move out of "Camp Complaining"
- No weapon that is known
- On earth can yield the power
- Praise can do alone
- Quit looking at the future
- Redeem the time at hand
- Start every day with worship
- To "thank" is a command
- Until we see Him coming
- Victorious in the sky
- We'll run the race with gratitude
- Xalting God most high
- Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...
- Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!
To learn more about how much God loves you, click here: Salvation. | Calendar February 21
Heart-2-Heart Day March 10
HeartStrings Bible Study: Our "Leading Lady", Penny Grace April 14
HeartStrings Bible Study: Our "Leading Lady", Robin Ireland May 8
HeartBeats Friendship Dinner May 19
HeartStrings Bible Study: Our "Leading Lady", Jhan Sauer June 9
HeartStrings Bible Study: Our "Leading Lady", Louise Metzger
| 'Til Death Do Us Part
Deb Landry, Cyndi Moreno & Gail Cresswell During February, Valentine's Day reminds us to celebrate love. Love for family, friends and some for a special person with whom they share a promise or a vow. At FBBC, we are surrounded and blessed by the sharing of love between couples: young love filled with excitement, newly married couples in stages of discovery, couples building their families, middle aged couples trying to keep up with grandchildren and aging parents, and finally, the deep true love and devotion of those who remain committed to each other in the twilight of their years. We asked the Pestkes, Fabrys, and Withers, married 68, 50, and 38 years, respectively, to share with you whatever is on their heart when they think about marriage. It is our desire that their words will be a blessing and encouragement to you in a world that too easily breaks commitments at the expense of developing true, unselfish love - the love the Lord intends for married couples, those who while living to conform to His image, struggle and laugh together - til death do us part. God is Good All the Time Lee & Dick Pestke
Married: August 4, 1940
Rochester, New York
Although Pastor Mullen led them to the Lord in 1974, Dick didn't really understand the magnitude of that decision until 1986 when Lee was in the hospital for 47 days and the doctor told him, Lee was not going to make it. After praying all night, he met the doctor in the elevator and the doctor said, "I don't know what happened, but your wife has started to improve!" That's when Dick knew first hand we have a faithful, miraculous God! For Lee, studying God's word as disciples of Irene and Mike Mateyka brought everything together. Here it is in their own words: Life is full of good times and bad. There are wonderful trips, great friends, and incredible heartache, remaining committed to your marriage and each other. Divorce was never an option for us and for today's couples it still shouldn't be. Like us, you'll do a lot of foolish things, both of you, and you'll have to spend a lot of time forgiving each other. That's critical. Women need to be patient and respectful of their husbands; allowing them to be the leader of the home. Communicate; you won't always understand what the other is trying to say but work through it. It's a daily task, even after 68 years! Share your money too, and always have a budget. "The future belongs to those who prepare for it," was said by Dick's mom many times. Buying our first home took 5 jobs between the two of us! Stay focused on the Lord first, and then family. Love your children and say it and show it every day; you only get one chance with them and they truly are a blessing from God. Yes, and even when life seems backwards, like when the Lord took our son, Dick Jr., home, know that God is in control and has a plan and purpose for everything. Stay in the Word and pray, pray, pray. Read the Pestke's entire interview by clicking here Read More from the Fabrys and Withers If these stories have been a blessing to you, we ask you to help us build our collection of wisdom. As a tribute to those who remain committed in marriage and as a testimony to Gods plan, we will be assembling a booklet and will gift our engaged couples with wisdom and truth from your hearts and minds. Please send your submissions to
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by April 30th. 
Distant Sisters
Cathy Hinds Cathy Hinds ministers as a missionary alongside her husband Don in the country of Guatamala.  Marriage on the mission field, or should I say staying married on the mission field, is a challenge destined to victory if we follow the Savior's instructions. That sounds easy, but obviously according to statistics of failing marriages in the body of Christ in general, it must be harder to do than it sounds.
There are extra challenges that a missionary couple face, especially if their mission is located in an isolated area without friends with whom they can share things in common like language, interests, problems, prayer, or worship. When a family leaves for the foreign field, there certainly is a void that really and truthfully only God can fill. Sometimes we don't see it right away because we are all excited to finally get to the field after all the weariness of deputation, selling it all, and so forth. The glory of being on the field and learning a new language, all the excitement and glamour of a new culture — this wears off. The emptiness catches up with us, and we must deal with it. Culture shock is real and puts stress on a marriage. We can try to fill the void with other things, but only fellowship with our Father God, abiding in Christ our Best Friend, our Great Savior and the Holy Spirit who lives in us and guides us will do the job. So we might as well get that straight from the get go. We must examine what true fellowship with Christ is, the submission to abiding in Christ that we learn so wonderfully in John 15. We must learn that only in God, by His wisdom and strength, will we be able to endure the hardships that come upon any marriage but especially on the foreign field. It's best if couples desiring to go the foreign field have this understanding before they head out for deputation. Read More... Learn more about the Hinds by visiting the site available by clicking online here . |
And I will give them ONE HEART, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them: - Jeremiah 32:39
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Womens Ministry Newsletter Volume 2 Issue 1
February March 2009 www.fbbc.info Subscription Information
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| HeartStrings Bible Studies Our "Leading Lady": Penny Grace
Penny Grace Penny Grace, wife of Pastor George Grace, will be teaching the March 10 women's Bible studies at 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. as the first of our Leading Ladies series -- Please join us and invite others to "come and hear Penny in person". Babysitting will be provided.  I graduated from college in 1966 and moved to Rochester to work at Kodak, where I soon met George Grace; we married January 27, 1968. We were separated when George was sent to Vietnam in 1969-1970; reunited, we began again, but by 1972, both age 26, we were moving in opposite directions. The Lord came into our lives when my husband was saved through a co-worker's witness; I was saved a few days later after attending a Friday night Bible study at FBBC on September 1, 1972. That was when we heard the Gospel for the first time, though we both grew up with strong religious teachings. We have been coming to FBBC ever since, and it has been a wonderful journey in the Lord!
We did not yet have children when we started at FBBC and soon became involved with the Bus and Youth Ministries at FBBC. Six months later, my husband felt led of the Lord to leave his job at Kodak to volunteer fulltime as the Bus Pastor under the founding Pastor Wayne Mullen, who "hired" my husband in spite of his new walk with the Lord. Shortly afterward, Pastor Mullen left and George became the Youth Pastor for eight years under the leadership of Pastor Jim Modlish, my husband's mentor in the ministry. During these years, George and I had our five children. In 1983, when our youngest was only a year old, George was called as Senior Pastor at FBBC when Pastor Modlish resigned. That made me The Pastor's Wife, a role the Lord had to convince me was where He wanted me to be, which I have grown to enjoy after all these years! Our children graduated from Northstar Christian Academy under the guidance of wonderful teachers and leaders. All but one went on to college; they graduated as: Engineer, Christopher, who works as FBBC's IT "Minister"; Accountant, Kelly, who works part-time for Paychex; Theologian, Scott, a recent graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary who lives in Dallas awaiting the Lord's direction in the ministry; and Critical Care Nurse, Stephanie who has worked at Rochester General Hospital for four years. Our son Jeffrey hoped to be a fireman but a bad fall from a ladder that put an end to that goal; he has a very responsible job driving a school bus for Greece Central School District and is much involved in G&T Athletics. Chris and Kelly both married wonderful spouses, Wendy (Pike) and J.J. Garwood, and have given us our four terrific grandchildren: Ryan, Alayna, Iyla and Christopher Tyler, with a fifth expected in August 2009. I was quite a "tomboy", growing up on a farm with eight siblings in Monroe, New York. I loved many sports, belonged to a Swim and Dive Club as a teen, and even won a couple diving trophies, but never made it to the Olympics! Though there have been struggles along the way, I have enjoyed each stage of life, but parenting was definitely the most challenging. However, the rewards are worth it all as you see your children take steps into adulthood and make good decisions for the most part, then produce the grandchildren that are such joys and help keep you youthful in your fading years. I enjoy the Women's Ministry because I know that we all struggle from time to time in the roles we have as women, but I know now that by putting the Lord's truths and principles into practice, we can be assured of success in getting through those struggles. I want to encourage other Christian women in their walk with the Lord as the opportunities arise because the Lord has taught me so much over the years, especially in personal Bible Study and as the secretary for North Star Bible Institute since 1990. Only by continuing in His Word and seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance will your faith grow and the fruits of the Spirit be manifested so you can become the Christian wife, mother, employee, friend and witness that the Lord wants you to be. The Lord has been gracious to us through the ministry of FBBC, and it is our hope as we enter the last season of life, that we will continue to serve Him to the best of our ability wherever that takes us until the Lord calls us home or blows the trumpet. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Romans 10:17 | | | On Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the One Heart Women's Ministry is inviting you to share in a great day of practical teaching. You may attend either the full day or half-day; both options include lunch. For those who attend in the morning, a continental breakfast will be served. This Heart-2-Heart Day is for ALL women. There will be a wide & practical range of topics offered: whether a women is single, married, a daughter or a mother, employed in the home or outside - or both! - the Lord will have something for every woman who has a desire to learn. Join us this Saturday at First Bible Baptist Church, 990 Manitou Road, in Hilton, NY. |
| "Good Times"...Restore 'em (cont.)
Pastor Mike Metzger 2. Failure to Understand the Differences Between Men and Women (Genesis 1:27) God made us male and female (Gen. 1:27, "male and female created he them".) This means you are different. You are incompatible! However, problems come when we want our spouse to talk, act, think, and feel like we do. They can't, because they are different by divine design. You are different so you can complete each other and become one. Just as truly as God's design of the human body is made so male and female can become one flesh, so is God's design in every aspect of your natures, to help you to become one. This is demonstrated by how a man and woman differ in thinking and feeling. A man thinks and reasons and rationalizes and analyzes with his logic. He does not even consider his feelings in his conclusion or hypothesis. Just the facts. A woman uses emotions in her decisions. She does not look at the facts or logic alone, because they may be overruled by how she feels. Her strong emotions will overcome even the most logical facts. God designed both sexes so a man will begin to understand how feelings are a part of decisions, and so a woman will make right decisions understanding and using logic and reasoning. Hence, you complete each other. Failure to consider these differences always leads to problems. 3. Priorities Out of Order (Matt. 6:33) When we fail to place things in their proper order, we create chaos in our marriages. God is a God of order. Everything He designed has order. The universe is a good example. If Mars decided that it wanted to get out of its orbit and go to a different orbit and join Saturn's, the result would be catastrophic. Chaos would result as Mars could collide with other planets, get sucked into their gravitational pull and be destroyed, all because of not following God's order. So it is in marriage. God's order in 1 Corinthians 11 is God, Jesus, Man, Woman, Child. When a wife wants to take charge over her husband, it is out of order and results in chaos. When a husband passively relinquishes to his wife his responsibility to lead the home, it will result in disorder and chaos. Other things such as placing work over children, or materialism over spirituality, or status over character are also out of God's order. There are many different areas that we may allow to have priority over what we know is a godly order for the home. This also will result in destruction. 4. Failure to Forgive (Ephesians 4:32) This verse is not a suggestion but a command. We must understand that forgiveness cannot come from us, but from God. Saying sorry is not forgiveness. When you have wronged the one you love, you must go to your spouse and admit what you have done to hurt them. Then sincerely you must ask them to forgive you, promising that you will do your best not to offend them in this area again. Then your spouse has a choice to make: forgive, or not. It is when the spouse verbalizes their forgiveness for the offense that the relationship is restored. It does not mean that the spouse will forget, but the pain is gone. Forgiveness does not mean you will be instantly trusted. That will have to be earned back by accountability. 5. Lack of Communication (Ephesians 4:29) This does not just mean a lack of talking between couples. It is a failure to reveal the true deep feelings that result in true intimacy in the marriage. To get to this level may feel dangerous and leaves us very vulnerable. It is safer to stay on a level of communication that does not deal with hard things. This level is the basics: Hi, how are you? What happened today? etc. See how safe it is, nothing harmful. When we share deep feelings, it may be dangerous. For example: "I was really hurt when you discussed that problem with the couple we were with last night. It really bothered me." This is speaking truth with love. This can be very dangerous because your spouse could respond very differently then you expect. So, we must speak with truth but also with love. Most couples think that their problems come from lack of intimacy. They fail to realize that all five of the things above will result in barriers to true intimacy. Every one of these problems are things you can work on daily, with God's help. If there is anything that I can do to help you as a couple to restore the good times, please just call the church office at 392-0777 and make an appointment so we can help you. | | 'Til Death Do Us Part (cont.)
Deb Landry, Cyndi Moreno & Gail Cresswell A Key Found on the Mountain Top Nancy and Nick Fabry
Married: June 21, 1958
Received the Lord Jesus Christ April, 1969
Rochester, New York Nancy and Nick Fabry cannot find words that declare how much they treasure their marriage, their home and each member of their family. Except for their personal relationships with Jesus Christ, nothing brings more satisfaction than time spent with each other - over the last 50 years. They have lived and shared the "Rejection Principle" with others in their personal and professional lives and continue to do so. Here, in their own words, is what has been most important in marriage and all relationships: When looking for that "one pearl of wisdom" among the innumerable Bible truths, Nick and I both feel that the Rejection Principle has played an important role in our marriage. Many years ago, it was brought to our attention that human nature is such that when we feel rejected by word or deed, the natural man immediately passes the "rejection on" or gives it back. We could see how this could destroy our marriage. The Bible teaches the opposite. We should not do what comes naturally. First, we should not receive rejection. Secondly, we should give acceptance back. Jesus Christ is the best example of this but there are many examples throughout the Bible. Another example is Joseph. It's kind of like the law of echoes. What happens when a person up on a mountain shouts, "I love you"? It comes back many times. The same is true if a person shouts, "I hate you". This has been a real key to our relationship, our interaction with our extended family, and with friends and acquaintances. Read more from the Fabrys by clicking here Best Friends Determined to Follow Tips Evie and Terry Withers
Married: June 25, 1971
Rochester, New York Evie and Terry Withers have known each other since they were kids and were high school sweethearts. After 45 years and about to celebrate 38 years of marriage, Evie admits, "My husband, my friend: I don't always understand him or always like him, but he's my friend. He's my best friend. He laughs at me, and I laugh at him, and sometimes we just laugh together. We go to church, and he has taught me what Christian love and sacrifice is all about." Here are the tips that were passed down to both of them, on how to keep a best friend: 1. Tolerate: You don't have to approve of little actions that annoy you, but you can tolerate most of them. Marriage creates a team. Work together. Present a united front. 2. Adjust your expectations: It's unrealistic to expect every marriage to duplicate the TV image of ongoing family bliss. 3. Accept responsibility for your own actions. Examine yourself to see if your own actions are causing problems, and be willing to admit it, and apologize. Discuss your differences in private. 4. Politeness: Treat your spouse with the same courtesy you would a stranger. Never do anything to embarrass your spouse especially in front of other people. 5. Laugh: Keep a sense of humor. Try to see the humor in life, and relax and laugh about it. 6. Communicate: Communication is so important. Plan your communication. Find the appropriate time. Avoid statements such as, "You always..." or, "You never..." Handle things in an understanding and loving way. Don't attack. 7. Christian faith: This is the stuff that can hold your marriage together when those rough patches come. Pray daily, together, and for each other. 8. Love, hug, and kiss each other. Don't expect actions or gifts alone to show your love. Verbalize it. Read more from the Withers by clicking here If these stories have been a blessing to you, we ask you to help us build our collection of wisdom. As a tribute to those who remain committed in marriage and as a testimony to Gods plan, we will be assembling a booklet and will gift our engaged couples with wisdom and truth from your hearts and minds. Please send your submissions to
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by April 30th. | | Distant Sisters (cont.)
Cathy Hinds Let me write this as someone who has been on the brink of marital destruction but has been delivered by the amazing mercy, love, grace, and excellent loving kindness of our Great Savior. Also I give thanks to my really good and patient husband; I so admire his kindness. We just celebrated our 38th anniversary that only could have happened by God's grace. Over the past years our missionary friends have followed God on to other missions, leaving us here in Guatemala with no English-speaking friends close by with whom we can share our burdens, or fellowship with, or to celebrate holidays ... So what should I do? Make my husband fill in the gap, dump all my burdens on him, expect him to understand how I feel (which how could a guy possibly know how I feel anyway), have pity parties, justify eating too much chocolate, be depressed when he doesn't understand, accuse him of not being what he should be for me? And there's more: being moody, spiritually weak, justifying not doing what I ought to do when I ought to do it, taking it all out on him like it's all his fault boo-hoo, poor me. It ended up that I was having expectations of him that God did not call him to do for me. I was having a real walking-in-the-flesh party. Well, I can tell you for sure they are not fun; you don't want to go there. To say the least that attitude did not get a positive loving response from my husband. I'm not accepting any more invitations to those parties. God by His grace has shown me a better way. I needed to change my ways, trade my pride in for a humble heart and let God teach me and help me as I abide in Him. What is love? Ya gotta have it to give it! I learned that physical attraction or sweetie pie emotion, however pleasant is not enough; it is certainly temporal. We really must continue in the love of Jesus (John 15:9), which is eternal, to make a marriage work. We receive love from Him and we in turn learn how to give it out. If we don't receive it from Him, we don't have it to give. We are commanded to love God and one another. God's word teaches us how. We must love God's word if we really love God, John 14:21-23. I don't know how many times I have been on the verge of sin and a still small voice said to my heart, "Do you really love Me, daughter? Then, apply My word in Psalm 119:165 to this offense." Another place that the Holy Spirit continues to help me when I'm on the brink of sin is 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, as that still small voice quotes those scriptures to my heart. He helps me to realize and confess my pride and selfishness, which are the root of all of my contentions in my marriage. If I applied the grace and truth of these scriptures to the situations in my marriage, I would not be contentious but more like Christ. It's all about Him anyway and it's all His glory. I decided that I wanted to love my husband with the love of Christ, His way, His glory not for my own selfish gain. Developing good habits at the start of each day literally saves the day in our marriage. 1. Praising and thanking God, asking God for a positive thankful attitude for my husband at the start of each day, dedicating my life to His pleasure and my husband's. This can only be done with a submitted heart abiding in Christ. 2. Praying the prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 so God will examine my thoughts and heart and reveal to me that which displeases Him, and then asking Him to lead through the steps of this day making my heart tender so I avoid sin before I fall into temptation. 3. Praying for my husband as a godly wife, making the decision to walk in submission to his authority with patience, without pride, but ready to help. I needed to realize the importance of being a good example to those who are watching, Titus 2:3-5. 4. To be there for my husband but without expectations. Psalm 62:5 "My soul, wait thou only upon God for my expectation is from him." To not expect him to do what God has promised to do. Let my husband be my husband and let God be God. 5. To learn to laugh and enjoy life with my husband with a grateful, happy attitude, which doesn't come easily to my melancholy personality. I'm learning to let my pleasure be in making life a pleasure for him. 6. I must train my mind to cast out wrong thoughts and lies immediately with the power of the truth of 2 Corinthians 10:5, and then fill my thoughts with the loveliness of Philippians 4:8, renewing my mind in Ephesians 4:23. 7. I must train my mouth to speak with charity, the bond of perfectness, and to keep my word. 8. I must realize that unconditional love does not allow a critical spirit, which comes only from pride. The hope and success of our marriage lies in the abiding Christ within me and my abiding in Him. To God only wise be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Back to the Top... | | | | | |
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