South Louisville SDA Church Newsletter

Volume 3 Issue 09

October 2010

identity: Fingerprints of God

“Car lights flashing, silence filled the place as I tried to recall what had just happened. Then I looked back at the passenger’s seat to make sure that my mom is okay. I called her name a couple times but she didn’t answer. Not paying attention to my other foot that was hanging, I struggled to get out of the driver’s seat and hopped all the way back and pulled my mom’s small body out of the car. A heavy breath then came out from her lungs as I gently laid her on the ground... With a help from the Rescue Team, we rushed my mom to the hospital. But minutes after the Medical Doctors studied her case, they told me she’s fifty-fifty.” Holding her tears back, Dr. Kay’s voice was unsteady as she relates the story on how her mom died. For several years, as the one driving the car on that incident, she blamed herself for her mom’s death. While everyone on the chapel was quiet and teary-eyed, Dr. Kay’s chuckles as she continued “Oh No! You have to save my foot… I’m a speaker and I can’t do my job with just a foot,” as a respond to the doctors that pointed the condition of her foot that was injured during the wreck. And then she went on and recounted on how in a matter of seconds, her world was changed forever. Her husband, Jan, suffered a devastating stroke. The weekend has been a blessing for everyone who joined the 2010 Fall Women’s Retreat last October 1-3 that was held at Indian Creek Camp, Tennessee. As I remember, the food and meals always top the ratings on retreat feedbacks. But this year, it’s different. Oh yes, the kitchen was flowing with good food and fresh fruits, but we were fed more by God’s Words through His messenger, Dr. Kay Kuzma. In a short period of time, this sanguine speaker had shared to us on how God walked with her on her journey in life.

The first session is titled “Kiss Me Once again… for I was created for intimacy”. She expressed such passion as she narrated how, on her childhood days, she would dream about meeting her Dream Guy, riding a white horse and would serenade her with love songs. Then she continued “Years later, I married reality… which is not really bad,” converting the smile on her lips to a laugh. Missing the second curse for Eve, Dr. Kay brought in to me a new knowledge: “To the woman He said… Your desire shall be for your husband… And he shall rule over you. (Gen. 3:16)” It is for the woman to yearn for her lover; and this is what God wants us to be. The longings of the world are not supposed to linger in our hearts since earthly things are just temporary and this will make our relationship with God outbalanced. Our desires should be of God and long for His love; and to think and believe that He’s all that we’ve needed in order to survive living this sin-marred life.

We continued in Sabbath morning with “Love Me Tender and True... for I was created for Love” as the title of the second session. “This can't be happening to me.” That’s what Dr. Kay thought when she lost her mother and years later, Jan was struck with stroke. She felt that her world was falling apart, but later on that road of loneliness, she realized that God’s love abided her throughout all times and He has never left her.

Then the third session followed after a break, and it is titled “Give Me a Gratitude Attitude… for I was created for Praise.” Dr. Kay shared the story of an Adventist Dentist that was offered to join the American Team to climb Mt. Everest. One more station to go and he’ll be able to complete the whole course of the climb. But as he kept striving forward, his body was going down and later on, he suffered from pulmonary edema. At that time, he never prayed that he’s going to complete the course, but rather prayed for his life. The next day, this climber trailed his way back down to the foot of the mountain. When being asked how it felt to go back when you were so close to success, he responded, “Success is not completing the course and reaching the peak, but being part of the climb.” Sometimes, we work so hard, rejoicing on every accomplishment that we get, but as failure comes along, we tend to forget the One who has helped us reach for our dreams. God

2010 Women’s Ministry Fall Retreat

should always be our partner through our ups and downs and we should always thank Him for the Gift of Life that we are enjoying right now.

We spent the Sabbath afternoon outdoors. Gail McKenzie, president of KY-TN Women’s Ministries

conference led the fourth session. Before the Fingerprint Paint activity, Gail shared the story of Hosea and Gomer. Hosea was called to prophesy during Israel’s last hours. His marriage to a harlot, Gomer, illustrates the relationship between Israel and God. It is a one-sided story of love and faithfulness of God

to His people. Gomer’s physical adultery points out Israel’s spiritual adultery. Gomer runs after other men, Israel runs after other gods. Hosea paid the price to redeem and claim his wife back, so as God paid the price for His people.

“With men this is impossible, but not with women…” quoting part of the verse of Matthew 19:26, Dr. Kay said jokingly as she started the last session which is titled “Let Me Reach for the Stars… for I was created for infinite possibilities”. “My English teacher was shocked when I published my first book. And neither was I born to be a natural speaker. On my lectures and presentations, I just stood in front of the crowd and read, never taking my eyes off the copy because I’m afraid I’ll get lost in the middle of the lines,” she said as she recoils her experiences. She believes that her success in her career as a speaker and a writer is a gift and a calling from God and that He has used her to share His message to the world. Ask God to use you in His works, and you’ll achieve infinite possibilities through Him.

We all received a blessing and had a great time during the retreat. There were 19 of us (ladies from Magazine St. and Southside church, and Iris from E-town church) that set for Tennessee on Friday, and 6 more ladies join the group at the camp. Shirley Smith won’t ever forget the birthday she celebrated with the ladies at the Mexican Restaurant that we stopped over for lunch on our way to the camp. Virginia Biggs (Anna Stodghill’s sister) from Alabama came over, Suzanne Allen brought 2 friends with her and Gloria Stokes, also from Alabama brought a friend with her. We occupied 4 cabins this time.

The weather was beautiful, a little bit chilly in early morning, but it didn’t rain. We enjoyed all the mosaics: Bread and Granola making, Paper-Crafting, Candle Making, Spa Experience and Massages, and of course, BOAT RIDES! And the beautiful music and songs of praises harmonized Dr. Kay’s message. The chapel is new and wider than the old one. The prayer walk with the ladies was such a wonderful way to start the day. We made cards with our fingerprints on it during session break. Dr. Kay also conducted a “Parenting Boot Camp”. On Saturday night, Gail McKenzie and Dr. Kay did book reviews; and more than 70 giveaways that were sponsored by the KY-TN Southern Women’s Expo, including books, vacation trips, spa kits, and more were given.

“The retreat this weekend was very wonderful. I had friends come here in tears… I had dear ones stressing over the day… electricity was being shut-off, or their life was just crumbling. And this weekend has brought laughter, healing, and so much encouragement. We again bond every year with a closeness that will never go away. And this is just a sample of what soon is to come… when we meet Jesus and we will never ever part.” –Illisa Stauffer

“I look forward to coming to this retreat every year. Because I know that I’m always going to receive a big blessing. The first year I came, I had just got divorced and I was hurting really bad… And when I came here, I received so much love, directions, hope, and guidance… not only from the speaker but from every individual woman that was here. And it stuck with me so much that it made me come back every year. And also, I see women giving each other the support that they need to carry on another year. …

And when I come, I don’t only look forward to receive it but also to give it. And it makes the retreat so special. It makes you always look forward to come to the retreat every year.” –Gloria Stokes

Though we didn’t want the weekend to end, we still bade goodbyes. It was a great fellowship and a spiritual experience with our Sisters-in-Christ. This is also a great opportunity to strengthen the relationship between church members; we get to know more about each other and their family, and most of all, we can pray for each other. We had a great number came to the retreat this year, and I hope that it will continue to grow more each time. Gail Blake did a great job organizing and planning the trip. For those who haven’t attended the retreat this Fall, please plan to join next year. This won’t only fortify our bonds with each other, but it also builds up our relationship with the Father.

Pictures are posted on the Church bulletin board. The collage was made by Mary Medley… I’ll add more pictures hopefully next week.

Inside Southside

VESPERS WITH THE YOUTH

You are all invited to come and have

fellowship with us on our Vespers with The

Youth on Saturday, October 23rd, at 6:00 pm.

Austin Ruggles, our church’s AYS leader will be

leading the program. It is always good to end the

Sabbath Day with songs of praises to our God, our

Creator. Please come and support the Youth of our

Church and at the same time get a blessing!

In order that the work may go forward in all its branches, God calls for

youthful vigor, zeal, and courage. He has chosen the youth to aid in the

advancement of His cause. Young men and women are invited to give God

the strength of their youth, that through the exercise of their powers,

through keen thought and vigorous action, they may bring glory to Him

and salvation to their fellow-men. (Gospel Workers, 67.) {MYP 20.1}

FRUIT PROGRAM by Gail Blake

It’s that time of the year again. Oh Yes!

It’s the scent and taste of fresh citrus

fruits from Florida. We will have:

Navel Oranges

½ Box- $17.00 | Full Box- $28.00 Grapefruits

½ Box- 16.00 | Full Box- 26.00

Tangerines ½ Box- $22.00

Variety Pack (Grapefruit, Navels, & Tangerines)

½ Box- $22.00 We also have a large variety of dried fruits, nuts, and candies. It will be available for purchase at Fruit pickup time. To place your order, call Gail Blake at (502) 738-5498 or call Debbie at 650-4747. Pickup time will be Sunday, November 14th, 2010 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Fruit Program is a fundraiser for our students who are receiving assistance for Christian Education. We have to remember that Christian Education is a great way, not only to strengthen our children’s foundation, but also a great way to spread God’s love to the non-believers as well as to the community. Each month, we need to reach a sale of 100 boxes for the fruits to be delivered. So be sure to tell your family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. To get the best pick of fruits, plan to come early. First come, first served basis only. Thanks!

Prayers…

Ask, then; ask, and ye shall receive. Ask for

humility, wisdom, courage, increase of faith. To every sincere prayer an answer will come. It may not come just as you desire, or at the time you look for it; but it will come in the way and at the time that will best meet your need. The prayers you offer in loneliness, in weariness, in trial, God answers, not always according to your expectations, but always for your good. (Gospel Workers, 258.) {Pr 7.3}

Please pray for Pastor Ruiz & family, prayer scroll

requests, our sick missing members, our Youth,

Richard Falls, Pat Schooley, Jim & Ruth Woods, Judy

Rice, Dustin Mudd, Berry Beck, Carolyn Hooper,

Beverly Bissmeyer, Minnie & John Carrier, Shirley

Dever, Milton Scroggin, Bobby Smith, Beverly Lewis,

Woody Deerr, Steve Myers, Joyce Dyer, Lavern Tingle

& son, Viola Blanton, Teresa Trusty, Carolyn Milest,

Marjorie Wallace, Pastor Ruiz’s father & sister, David

Pitt, Ed Woods, Doris Eames, Tom Higginbotham,

Joan Cook, those travelling all our church family & the

Holy Spirit within us.

When we feel like crying out, “God, where are You?” It is good to know that He is just a

prayer away. {Pr 1.4}

God is good… All the time!

BOOK ALERT: Blessings at Midnight: A True

Story of Hope When Things Seemed Hopeless

One moment she and her husband, Jan was sharing a

pleasant dinner and the next he was crumbling in a

heap on a kitchen chair. Dr. Kay Kuzma tells the

moving story of Jan’s fight to recover his vital

functions and cherished memories stolen by a

devastating stroke.

(Available online and at ABC Bookstore)

Happy Birthday!!!

October 1 Shirley Smith

October 2 Gina Riedley

October 6 Chris Beaven

October 6 Toeupe Lui

October 7 Lucas Avery

October 8 Freda Johnson

October 9 Isaiah Dever

October 12 K.K. Arnold

October 12 Paul Stodghill

October 14 Bob Markcum

October 17 Ismael Feliciano

October 19 Chuck O’Kelly

October 19 Sol Schlenker

October 19 Illisa Stauffer

October 21 Dewey Putt

October 24 Jennifer Reneisen

October 27 Pam Roby Yeager

October 27 Stephen Trusty

October 30 Todd Armstrong

October 30 Levi Dever

October 30 Samantha Holcomb

October 31 Elisha Black

May God richly bless you on your special day!

I thank everyone for your support and prayers for our

church paper to be completed. Here’s the list of the

contributors for this month.

Anna Deer: Stop Static Awareness, The

Haircut

Tom Kendall: Saying Grace, Kids in Church

Illisa Stauffer and Gloria Stokes: Fall Retreat

testimonies

Have your articles submitted for the next month by

November 9th, 2010. You can hand your articles to me

or to Amy, or send it through e-mail. My e-mail

address is maiah_janapril@yahoo.com &

beverly.bissmeyer@insightbb.com for Amy. NOTICE:

Please take note of Amy Bissmeyer’s change of email

address. Thanks!

April Eusebio

REMINDERS: Netiquette (Internet Etiquette)

Internet is a great tool for communicating and spreading news, but the question is, “Are we using it the right way?” I’ve received forwarded messages and e-mails that will really get into you after your first read it, then later you realized, something’s not right with the message. There are spam e-mails that you can detect right away that it’s a junk, but others are not. Just like how Satan tempted Eve, these viral messages give partial truth and the rest is not. This became a concern to me since I received these messages too from our church members. The usual topics of these e-mails are health practices and safety issues. So please, to avoid spreading false information, research first before sending those e-mails to your contacts. Google it or visit Snopes.com to see if the issue was investigated or not. Here are some reminders to those who spend time on the web space. Think Before Posting- What you posted online today might haunt you back tomorrow. Silly pictures and inappropriate words you shared online might grab you down the next couple weeks. And others might believe those words you posted that you really didn’t mean to say. And be careful that you won’t be able to hurt somebody with what you posted online. Keep Personal Information & Personal Issues Private- Post personal information on the right place. Identity theft might be an issue due to posting personal information in the wrong place. Parents should know what their youngsters are posting online. Personal issues don’t have to be posted on public. If you have a disagreement with somebody, don’t post your feelings of grudges publicly, especially in your Facebook Wall. Type the Words Appropriately- sTickYcAPs and ALLCAPS are not recommended in sending e-mails. It’s hard to read sticky caps, and typing in ALL capital letters would mean to somebody that you are mad or you are yelling at them… Golden Rule- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

Across the Globe IN ANGOLA, NEW CHURCH STRUCTURE

TO ADDRESS POST-WAR CHALLENGES Recognizing sweeping infrastructure needs in Angola as the country emerges from a decades-long civil war, Annual Council delegates voted today to split the current Angolan Union Mission into two administrative structures.

Effective this year, the Northern Angola Union Mission will oversee the Northern and East Association Missions. The Southern Angola Union Mission will comprise the Central and South Association Missions. The remaining Sao Tome and Principe Mission will fall directly under the umbrella of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region.

The reorganization will help administration in the church's Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region address "severe limitations" to travel and communication infrastructure in Angola, said world church general Vice President Lowell Cooper.

As the country rebuilds, it is "impossible" for one administrative structure to "provide appropriate supervision and leadership" in the region, said Rosa Banks, a world church associate secretary.

The split also recognizes the "marked" financial improvement of the church in Angola since the end of civil conflict in 2002. "Angola is on its way to becoming the leading union with respect to tithe [returns] in the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region," Banks said. Deliberate infrastructure development there is expected to further strengthen the church.

The Adventist Church was established in Angola in 1925. In 2003, a realignment of regional church territory in Africa transferred the Angolan Union Mission from the church's Euro-African region to its Southern Africa-Indian Ocean region.

More than 380,000 Adventists worship in nearly 1,000 congregations in Angola as of June this year.

Reference:

Adventist News Network: http://news.adventist.org/

STABLE TITHE, OFFERINGS NOTABLE AS ADVENTIST CHURCH WITHSTANDS

ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

As it weathers lingering economic challenges, The Seventh-day Adventist Church remains in a strong position to maintain operations and uninterrupted mission funding worldwide, church financial officers said yesterday.

Delegates at world church headquarters for Annual Council on October 11 voted to approve a $104.5 million appropriations budget for 2011. Some $5.5 million will continue the printing and distribution of Adventist World magazine. Delegates approved a special investment of $1 million to ramp up circulation of the church's Sabbath School quarterlies. Additionally, appropriations to each of the church's 13 world regions will increase by 4 percent. Delegates also endorsed a $200,000 yearly allocation to the 2015 General Conference Session fund for a five-year total of $7 million, $1 million more than this past summer's Session budget.

Tithe returned by members in North America is up 1 percent as of August 2010 compared to the same time last year, said world church Treasurer Robert Lemon. However, that increase is negligible when the exchange rate between Canadian and United States dollars is considered, Lemon said. Currency fluctuations similarly affect mission offerings from North America.

That tithe and offerings in the U.S. have largely held steady despite a sharp rise in unemployment in the country is a testament to members' faithfulness, Lemon said. Because nearly 40 percent of tithe and offerings in the world church headquarters' budget are returned in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, the church is vulnerable to fluctuations, Lemon said. Whether current exchange rates favor church headquarters or the world field drives church financial planning every year.

The world church headquarters will continue to operate under a cap of 2 percent of world tithe, or $38 million, Prestol said. That means every $1,000 spent at headquarters represents $21,000 in tithe returns worldwide, he said. "The thought in my mind every time we spend money is, 'Somebody was impressed by the Lord to return tithe,'" Prestol said. "People are not giving tithe because they have money leftover; they're doing it because they're committed. To me, that's a miracle. It elevates [returning tithe] well beyond the category of donations," he said.

The Mount of Blessing Excerpts from Thoughts From The Mount of Blessing

Written by Ellen White

The Spirituality of the Law

"Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:39, R.V.

Every day deepened in the hearts of the Jews the

longing to cast off the Roman yoke. The people looked eagerly of Christ, hoping that He was the One who was to humble the pride of Rome. But with sadness Jesus looks into the upturned faces before Him. Mournfully He bids them, "Resist not him that is evil: but whosoever smiteth thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also."

These words were but a reiteration of the teaching of the Old Testament. It is true that the rule, "Eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Leviticus 24:20), was a provision in the laws given through Moses; but it was a civil statute. None were justified in avenging themselves, for they had the words of the Lord: "Say not thou, I will recompense evil." "Say not, I will do so to him as he hath done to me." "Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth." "If he that hateth thee be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink." Proverbs 20:22; 24:29, 17; 25:21, 22, R.V.

The whole earthly life of Jesus was a manifestation of this principle. It was to bring the bread of life to His enemies that our Saviour left His home in heaven. And from the cross of Calvary there come down through the ages His prayer for His murderers and the message of hope to the dying thief. Jesus bade His disciples, instead of resisting the demands of those in authority, to do even more than was required of them. Jesus added, "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." Christ does not teach us to give indiscriminately to all who ask for charity; but He says, "Thou shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need;" and this is to be a gift, rather than a loan; for we are to "lend, hoping for nothing again." Luke 6:35.

"Love your enemies." Matthew 5:44.

"Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven."

While we were yet unloving and unlovely in character, "hateful, and hating one another," our heavenly Father had mercy on us. "After that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us." Titus 3:3-5. His love received, will make us, in like manner, kind and tender, not merely toward those who please us, but to the most faulty and erring and sinful.

The children of God are those who are partakers of His nature. It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity. Even sinners whose hearts are not utterly closed to God's Spirit, will respond to kindness; while they may give hate for hate, they will also give love for love. But it is only the Spirit of God that gives love for hatred. To be kind to the unthankful and to the evil, to do good hoping for nothing again, is the insignia of the royalty of heaven, the sure token by which the children of the Highest reveal their high estate.

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." Matthew 5:48.

He tells us to be perfect as He is, in the same manner. We are to be centers of light and blessing to our little circle, even as He is to the universe. We have nothing of ourselves, but the light of His love shines upon us, and we are to reflect its brightness. "In His borrowed goodness good," we may be perfect in our sphere, even as God is perfect in His.

Jesus said, Be perfect as your Father is perfect. If you are the children of God you are partakers of His nature, and you cannot but be like Him. Every child lives by the life of his father. If you are God's children, begotten by His Spirit, you live by the life of God. In Christ dwells "all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9); and the life of Jesus is made manifest "in our mortal flesh" (2 Corinthians 4:11). That life in you will produce the same character and manifest the same works as it did in Him. Thus you will be in harmony with every precept of His law; for "the law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul." Psalm 19:7. Through love "the righteousness of the law" will be "fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:4

Reference:

Spirit of Prophecy: Thoughts From The Mount of Blessings, Chapter 3: The Spirituality of the Law, pp. 63-69

Hugs for the Heart SAYING GRACE Author Unknown

Submitted by Tom Kendall

Last week, I took my children to a restaurant.

My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace.

As we bowed our heads he said, 'God is good, God is

great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank

you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And

Liberty and justice for all! Amen!'

Along with the laughter from the other customers

nearby, I heard a woman remark, 'That's what's wrong

with this country. Kids today don't even know how to

pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!'

Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me,

'Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?'

As I held him and assured him that he had done a

terrific job, and God was certainly not mad at him, an

elderly gentleman approached the table.

He winked at my son and said, 'I happen to know that

God thought that was a great prayer.'

'Really?' my son asked.

'Cross my heart,' the man replied.

Then, in a theatrical whisper, he added (indicating the

woman whose remark had started this whole thing),

'Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice

cream is good for the soul sometimes.'

Naturally, I bought my kids ice cream at the end of the

meal. My son stared at his for a moment, and then did

something I will remember the rest of my life.

He picked up his sundae and, without a word, walked

over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big

smile he told her, 'Here, this is for you. Ice cream is

good for the soul sometimes; and my soul is good

already.'

CHRISTIAN HUMOR THE HAIRCUT -Shared by Anna Deerr A young boy had just gotten his driving permit. He asked his father, who was a minister, if they could discuss the use of the car. His father took him to his study and said to him, "I'll make a deal with you. You bring your grades up, study your bible a little and get your haircut and we'll talk about it." After about a month the boy came back and asked again his father if they could discuss use of the car. They again went to the father's study where his father said, "Son, I've been real proud of you. You have brought your grades up, you've studied your bible diligently, but, you didn't get your haircut!" The young man waited a moment and replied, "You know Dad, I've been thinking about that. You know, Samson had long hair, Moses had long hair, Noah had long hair, and even Jesus had long hair…" To which his father replied… "Yes, and they walked everywhere" KIDS IN CHURCH -Shared by Tom Kendall

Three-year old, Reese: “Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen” A Little boy was overheard praying: “Lord, if you can’t make me a better boy, don’t worry about it, I’m having a real good time like I am.” A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments. They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was. Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted. “Thou shall not take the covers off the neighbor’s wife.” After christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, “That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.” I had been teaching my three-year old daughter, Caitlin, the Lord’s Prayer for several evenings at bedtime, she would repeat after me the lines from the prayer. Finally, she decided to go solo. I listened with pride as she carefully enunciated each word right up to the end of the prayer. “Lead us not into temptation,” she prayed, “but deliver us some E-mail. Amen.”

And one particular four-year old prayed, “And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.” A Sunday school teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to church service, “And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?” One bright little girl replied, “Because people are sleeping.” Six-year old Angie and her four-year old brother Joel were sitting together in church; Joel giggled, sang, and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough, “You’re not supposed to talk out loud in church.” “Why? Who’s going to stop me?” Joel asked. “See those people standing by the door? They’re hushers.” A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, Ryan, 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'

Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Okay Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore, where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked.

"He died and went to Heaven," the dad replied.

The boy thought a moment and then said, "Did God

throw him back down?"

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"

"I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied.

"Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

“Kids say the Funniest Things in Church and classes”

The Petroleum Equipment Institute began investigating mysterious refueling fires in the mid-1990s. We learned that static electricity—the same thing that shocks you after you drag your feet on the carpet—can ignite gasoline vapors at the pump. Almost 200 incidents have been reported to PEI that appears to be related to static electrical discharge. We've made our full report of Refueling Fire Incidents available.

Three Rules for Safe Refueling

1. Turn off engine. 2. Don't smoke. 3. Never re-enter your vehicle while refueling.

Are Cell Phones Responsible? No. We have not documented a single incident that was caused by a cellular telephone.

Cell phones continue to be cited as causing fires at the pump in e-mails circulating on the Internet. So far, we have been unable to document any incidents that were sparked by a cellular telephone. In fact, many researchers have tried to ignite fuel vapors with a cell phone and failed.

PEI still advises against using any electronic device that might distract the motorist during the refueling process.

The Stop Static Campaign is started by Bob Renkes, Executive Vice-President of Petroleum Equipment Institute, (PEI) and the guide stated above is from PEI’s website. Emails and Forwarded messages with false information circulated the web widely. To know more about the truth and myth regarding Static Electricity, you can find more information on following websites:

Refueling Fire Incidents Full Report is available at: http://www.pei.org/PublicationsResources/SafetyResources/StopStaticCampaign.aspx Snopes: http://www.snopes.com/autos/hazards/static.asp University of Oklahoma: Report on wireless phones at gas

stations http://www.ou.edu/engineering/emc/Side/Achievments/Research%

20Projects/Gas%20Station%20Research.dwt

A Thought shared by Anna Deerr

You and Your Health

CHOCOLATE: IS IT A HEALTH FOOD? The

weakness that some of us may have for chocolate

could be a good thing. Research shows that there

may be some health benefits to eating chocolate - but

it all depends on the type.

A love of chocolate may offer you more than just a

taste sensation – it may provide you with a range of

health benefits as well. Read on to find out just what

these benefits are and how you can best enjoy them.

THE BENEFITS

Rich in antioxidants - Cocoa beans, the main

ingredient in chocolate, contain over 600 plant

chemicals, including antioxidants, which help “mop

up” free radicals that can damage cells in our body. In

particular, the flavonoids found in chocolate can assist

in heart-disease prevention by increasing our good

cholesterol and reducing blood pressure.

Extra endorphins - Eating chocolate also triggers

the release of feel-good endorphins in our body, which

is why it boosts our mood.

ARE ALL CHOCOLATES CREATED EQUAL?

In a word, no! Because it is the cocoa bean that

provide the health benefits, the greater percentage of

cocoa in chocolate, the better. That basically translates

to: the darker, the better. Unfortunately, milk

chocolate doesn’t contain enough cocoa to have a

significant impact, and white chocolate has none, so it

offers no health benefits.

OUR ADVICE

Considering that the cocoa comes with sugar,

saturated fat and caffeine, chocolate is not exactly the

ideal health food. But we do think that there is room

in a healthy diet for chocolate lovers to enjoy a small

amount of the dark variety:

Enjoy a small amount. Eating 40-45g of dark

chocolate a day is advised to obtain the health

benefits. But if you’re watching your fat and energy

intake then 25g may be more suitable. (1 square =

approximately 5g)

Eat it slowly and savor the taste in your mouth –

and savor the taste in your mouth –it is more

satisfying and you’re less likely to have too much.

Finally, keep in mind that fruits, vegetables, grains

and nuts will also provide us with more health

promoting flavonoids and antioxidants. Also, exercise

can release endorphins that help to make us feel good.

Reference: Sanitarium: The Health Food Company [http://www.sanitarium.com.au]

DANISH BRAID Ingredients

¼ cup Hot tap Water

1 tsp. Yeast

4 tsp. Sugar

3 tbsp. Butter

¼ cup Milk

1 Egg

1 tbsp. Oil

¼ tsp. Vanilla

¼ tsp. Kemon Extract

¼ tsp. Salt

3 ½ cup Flour

½ cup Chopped Nuts

½ cup Brown Sugar

¼ tsp. Cinnamon

1/8 tsp. Mace

Pinch Salt

1. Mix very well 1 tsp. yeast and 2 tsp. sugar with ¼ cup of very warm tap water in small bowl, then set aside. If it does not bubble up your yeast is not good.

2. Cut and set aside 3 tbsp. butter to soften. 3. In a very large bowl place ¼ cup warm milk, 1 egg,

1 tbsp. oil, ¼ tsp. vanilla, ¼ tsp lemon extract, 2 tbsp. sugar, 1/8 tsp. mace and ¼ tsp. salt. Add 1 cup flour. Whip well.

4. Add the yeast mixture and add more flour just until you have a very soft dough. Not sticky but very soft. This will be easy to roll out.

5. Roll out dough into a rectangle. Spread 3 tbsp. of butter in the middle 1/3 of the dough. Mix together 1/3 cup brown sugar, ½ cup nuts, pinch of salt and ¼ tsp. cinnamon together in small bowl and add to the center 1/3 of the dough. Cut 1/3 of the outer edge into 1 inch strips. Make sure the other side matches.

6. Lace as if braiding, let rise for 1 hour. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until nice and brown.

7. Drizzle icing while warm.

Recipe shared from 2010 Fall Women’s Retreat

Image credit: closetcooking.blogspot.com and acatinthekitchen.com

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