MINISTRY FOCUS: Think On These Things Ministries

Think On These Things Ministries is an outreach of Southern View Chapel, an independent Bible Church whose goal is to  teach God's Word accurately and unapologetically. The ministry helps to equip believers through books, book reviews, Bible conferences, theology lessons, and articles dealing with contemporary theological issues.

A monthly publication, also called "Think On These Things," includes their latest article, book reviews and more. It is provided FREE of charge to anyone interested.

The articles and book reviews can be found on the church website, or the monthly newsletter can be sent to you via regular mail or e-mail. Please contact SVC to subscribe. Again, there is no charge, however, donations are gladly accepted.

MINISTRY FOCUS: Kentucky Mountain Mission

My brother, Daniel, and his family have recently been accepted as missionaries with Kentucky Mountain Mission, a conservative, independent, evangelical, faith Mission that ministers in southeast Kentucky. Through various outreaches, the mission helps spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in the Kentucky mountains and vicinity. Their outreaches include:



~ Rural church ministry - KMM missionaries pastor rural churches in various counties of southeast Kentucky. Church ministries include weekly worship services, Sunday school, Bible studies, Vacation Bible Schools, home and hospital visitation, youth outreaches and discipleship. 



~ Community Outreach - Fitness/recreational facilities, Dental clinics, School chapel programs, Prison ministry, Nursing home ministry, Biblical Counseling, Community VBS programs, etc.



Pond at the Camp



~ Gospel Team - The Crusaders use puppets, music, illusion, skits and ventriloquism, to share the love of Jesus each year in school programs, churches and community events.

~ Youth Haven Bible Camp - Summer camps and spring/fall weekend retreats for children and teens, and for campers with disabilities. Volunteer opportunities are also available for working at the camp during the Summer months. I have a nephew who is serving there this Summer, and is finding it to be a very rewarding experience. Contact the mision office for additional information. They would be happy to send you a brochure, camper registration forms, or a volunteer application. 

Daniel and his family are currently in the process of trying to raise much-needed support for their monthly expenses. If you would be interested in helping them, or would like more information on this ministry opportunity, please feel free to CONTACT ME.







MINISTRY FOCUS: Answers in Genesis

Two Summers ago, my family and I went to the Cincinnati, Ohio area for vacation. While there, we spent two days at the CREATION MUSEUM, located in Petersburg, Kentucky (near Cincinnati) . It is a part of a Christian ministry called ANSWERS IN GENESIS. We really enjoyed our time there, as it was informational, educational, interesting, and fun.

For those who may not be familiar with Answers in Genesis, it is a non-profit ministry dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ effectively, while focusing primarily on topics surrounding the book of Genesis - things like the creation of the world, dinosaurs, and a world-wide flood.

If you ever get a chance to visit the Creation Museum, I highly recommend it. But, if you are unable to go,  you can purchase a wide variety of products from the AIG STORE, including books for children and adults, CD's, DVD's, magazines, and curriculum.  

There are also various other options for SUPPORTING this not-profit ministry:  Monetary donations, Prayer support, and Volunteer work.  Youth (ages 11-17) and adults are both encouraged to volunteer at the Creation Museum. Check out the GUIDELINES in order to take part in this important ministry opportunity.

MINISTRY FOCUS: Gateway Biblical Counseling and Training Center

For those who are in the St. Louis area, Gateway Biblical Counseling and Training Center is located approximately 12 miles east of St Louis, MO, just off I-64 in Fairview Heights, Illinois.

I have friends and family who are personally involved with this Biblical counseling ministry. Marriage, individual, and family counseling is offered at NO CHARGE. There is only a small charge for a counseling packet as you first begin your sessions. If you need this type of counseling, feel free to schedule an appointment, or request more information, by calling the number listed on their website.

If you would like to be trained to become a Biblical Counselor, Gateway does that, too! (NOTE:  Any classes you take through Gateway can also be submitted to Masters International School of Divinity for credit consideration in their Biblical Counseling degree.)

This is a wonderful ministry with volunteers who take their time to counsel and train. If the Lord lays it on your heart, please consider supporting them through your monestary DONATIONS.

The Right Hand

I had often wondered why Isaiah 41:13, as well as many other verses in the Bible, mentions the RIGHT hand in the verse. So, I recently did some research and decided to share what I found. There is now a new tab towards the top of this blog, titled:  WHY THE RIGHT HAND? Just click on that to go take a look!

Broad Stripes and Bright Stars

The United States flag consists of thirteen horizontal stripes (seven red, alternating with 6 white) and 50 stars.

The stripes represent the original 13 colonies.

The stars represent the 50 states of the Union.

The colors of the flag are symbolic as well:

Red  symbolizes Hardiness and Valor

White symbolizes Purity and Innocence 

Blue  represents Vigilance, Perseverance and Justice

The Star Spangled Banner

By Francis Scott Key 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?

Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Happy 4th of July!

Happy INDEPENDENCE Day!

Happy BIRTHDAY America!

Information used from:  USA FLAG SITE

MINISTRY FOCUS: Medical Teams International

The mission of Medical Teams International is:  To demonstrate the love of Christ to people affected by disaster, conflict and poverty around the world.

Volunteer doctors, nurses, EMTs, and various other medical professionals are sent to areas where healthcare is not otherwise provided. If you are interested in learning more, you can go to the website to read about Disaster Response Volunteer Opportunities.

Not in a medical profession? That's okay, you can still help! There are other USA Based Volunteer Opportunities located in the states of Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota. They accept volunteers who are 16 years of age or older.

There are also various ways to make a DONATION to Medical Teams International. They are a 501(c)3 organization and will acknowledge every donation with a receipt for tax purposes.

NON-CASH DONATIONS are also accepted, such as medical supplies and over-the-counter medications. A great project idea for your church, youth group, organization, or for individual families, is to assemble HOPE KITS and mail them to the headquarters in Oregon. Hope Kits are small packages of either pesonal care items, or school supplies (see the requirements on the list) that are sent to children in orphanages, refugee camps, disaster zones, or communities. Each family/child could package up one two kits, then collect them all and mail all at once. Great service project!

-----------------------------------------------

6-26-14 UPDATE:  Hope Kits are no longer listed on the website. But, other types of donations are still being accepted.

We've Been a Family for 20 Years!

Starting with our most recent family picture and counting the years backwards...

September 2011 Family Picture

November 2009

November 2007

November 2005

February 2003

November 2000

November 1998

1995

June 27, 1992 - Our Wedding Day

20 Years ago today!

I am thankful and blessed to have married  a man who loves me, loves our children, and loves the Lord.

"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, in riches or in poverty, to love, to cherish, and to honor, until death we do part, according to God's Holy ordinance."

Our Song

MINISTRY FOCUS: Children of Destiny

JACK AND REBECCA SYTSEMA are the founders of  a ministry called CHILDREN OF DESTINY.  They are both ordained Christian ministers who have been involved in international prayer ministry since 1993. Their mission statement listed on their website is this:

"Children of Destiny is a Christian ministry dedicated to bringing God’s hope, life, and restoration to families and individuals struggling with autism and related disorders through the development and promotion of effective prayer, inspirational messages, and spiritual support." 

They offer FREE resources such as:

DAILY PRAYER - One for Parents with autistic children; One for Family and Friends. You can sign up to have these prayers sent directly to your inbox.

DAILY PRAYER JOURNAL PAGES - easy to print out.

DAILY DEVOTIONALS

BULLETIN INSERTS and other handouts.

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLES

And MUCH MORE

Be sure to check them out and, if you have a child with autism (or are a friend/family member of someone dealing with autism), sign up to AT LEAST receive the daily prayers in your inbox.

MONETARY DONATIONS to Children of Destiny are tax-deductible, and are greatly appreciated.

Great Tools for Every Christian (from Ephesians Four Ministries)

I want to share with you a website I learned about from my dad, called EPHESIANS FOUR MINISTRIES.  They provide tools for churches AND individuals who are interested in leadership, evangelism and/or spiritual growth.





Recently, I got onto the website and took a FREE SPIRITUAL GIFTS ANALYSIS by answering a simple online questionnaire. Spiritual gifts are the tools God gives Christians in order to serve HIM by ministering to others. Each Christian receives at least one gift at the moment of salvation, but other gifts can also be developed. (Personally, my two main gifts were noted to be the gifts of mercy and of service. This is consistent with other questionnaires I have taken in the past.)

 

As you answer the questions, there are no right or wrong answers. Just be sure to answer the questions thinking about what you are doing NOW - not thinking about what you would LIKE to be doing. Once you submit the questionnaire, results are given immediately for you to review. If you are interested, you can also purchase additional resources that will explain more about the gifts.

Speaking of spiritual gifts, even children can find out what their strongest gifts are. I purchased GOD'S SPECIAL GIFTS FOR ME (one booklet for each of our children) by Dr. Larry Gilbert. These booklets help introduce the 9 ministry-oriented gifts to children, and helps them see where ministering to others fits them best. The booklets are only $2.95 each (plus shipping), and are geared for ages 8-12. My plan is to begin using these in the coming school year, maybe sooner!

 Another FREE resource is PRIME TIME WITH GOD, a daily prayer and devotional you can receive in your inbox. Each devotional focuses on faith, work, and ministry. They are short to read, but always have a good message to share. The prayers do not always coincide specifically with the devotional, but have been wonderful reminders for me on where to keep my focus. Here are two recent examples of the prayers:

TODAY'S PRAYER 6-8-2012

This is the day that you have made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. May I see all the good around me today. I do not want to focus on anything negative, but on what is good and pure. Please help me focus on all your blessings today, Lord. I pray that all I think, and do, and say will be positive, will encourage others, will glorify you, and will be in your will. Thank you for the power you give through your Holy Spirit, so that I might live as you want. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

TODAY'S PRAYER 6-20-2012

Lord, Please make me a blessing. I present myself to you, a living sacrifice, for ministry to the world. I pray that I would see others through your eyes of love and concern and that I would ask myself "What would Jesus do?" Please forgive me of the times I have been selfish or apathetic, for the times I have missed out on the opportunity to minister and be a blessing. I pray for all the people in my family and community who need a blessing right now. I pray for Christians around the world who need your hand of blessing right now. Lord, you know the need. You are good, all the time. I pray that in your mercy, you will will reach out in the way you know best and meet those needs, uplift those spirits, bless those souls, for your glory. In Jesus name, amen.

You can also visit "Prime Time with God" on Facebook by clicking: HERE

I truly hope you will take advantage of these great tools, as I am seeing more and more of a need in our churches, and among our Christian circles, to remain focused on our goal for being in this world. We are not here to attend church one day a week and then forget about the Lord the rest of the week. We are not here to spend most of our time thinking about ourselves. We ARE here to serve the Lord with GLADNESS, and glorify Him in all things. These tools - the spiritual gifts resources, the prayers, the devotionals - these are all helpful in teaching us and reminding us that our days on earth are numbered and we need to be seriously thinking about where our priorities lie. I am speaking to myself here, too! No matter how stressful life becomes, we need to remember our real reason for being here. That is why I plan on utilizing these tools from Ephesians Four Ministries, and to do my best at using the gifts God has given me in ways that are pleasing to Him. I hope you will join me.