Gary Loftin

Thank you for the ongoing prayers for Gary. He's doing much better. He's already walking without assistance. He's going to therapy three days a week. Please pray that he can work through the stiffnesss to fully extend his knee.

We hope to be at church Sunday and at the party Sunday evening.

Denise Loftin

Merry Christmas with Mary Kay

From: ann peace-white
Sent: Wednesday, November 29, 2006 1:35 AM

Merry Christmas with Mary kay

Any of my inventory is 30% off for Christmas if anyone needs a gift.

Thank you.
Ann White

prayer request and praise

I'm not sure I'm sending this to the correct place.  If not, I'm sorry.  Can you tell me where to send it?

 

11/15/06

Prayer Request

 

Praise--Gary's surgery seems to have been successful.  He's already been up walking.  He is supposed to go home on Thursday or Friday afternoon of this week. 

 

Thanks for the visits to the hospital.  It meant a lot to us!

 

Please pray that he continues to recover well at home and that his physical therapy is effective.  Pray that Gary will have the patience and determination that this process will take. 

 

In Christ,

Denise Loftin

 

Wisdom of Solomon

Mark Steyn, on Bill Bennett's "Morning in America" radio program, related a story about British General Charles Napier (1782-1853).  When in 1842 he was posted to India, the general was shocked to hear about an Indian custom called "Sati".  Whenever an Indian male died his body typically was cremated...right next to his live widow!  When he objected to the Indian authorities he was told he should not interfere with Indian customs.  Here is his response: "You say that it is your custom to burn widows. Very well. We also have a custom: when men burn a woman alive, we tie a rope around their necks and we hang them. Build your funeral pyre; beside it, my carpenters will build a gallows. You may follow your custom. And then we will follow ours."

Game Night this Sunday!

Chip and Lois demonstrated Pictionary last Sunday morning, and Chip insists that he was drawing a potato. Apparently he was because somebody somehow saw a spud in there somewhere. Lookout ladies...with Potato Chip on our side the men can't lose!!!
"Game Night" is this Sunday, October 22 (5:00 - 8:00) in the West Campus, Room 200. There will be NO charge for this party. The food will be a BAKED POTATO POT LUCK. We'll have a green salad, baked potatoes with all kinds of toppings, bread, sodas and of course our favorite DESSERTS! Judy Levett is handling the food sign-up. Guests are welcome -- just sign them up. We'll also play some group games -- dominos, board games and if y'all are up for it -- PICTIONARY!!!!!!!

Welcome to our newest Encouragers!

Searching the land of void and vision

Believing that there is a world of spirits, I shall walk in it as I do in the world of men, looking for the thing that I like and think good. Just as I should seek in a desert for clean water, or toil at the North Pole to make a comfortable fire, so I shall search the land of void and vision until I find something fresh like water, and comforting like fire; until I find some place in eternity, where I am literally at home. And there is only one such place to be found.  --G. K. Chesterton (from Orthodoxy, ch. 9)

 

Encouragement

As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.  Isaiah 55:10-11

Roundup party pics

Pictures from the Encouragers Roundup have been posted. Click the link on the right, or go to http://EncouragersRoundup.notlong.com .
--Cliff

On-Line Powerpoint -- Iraq

This is from my Uncle Carl.  Carl is a retired B-52 pilot with service in WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  He was formerly the chaplain of American Legion Post 388 in Koran, Louisiana.  Presently he's the post commander.  When he makes a suggestion I listen to him. He's right about this website--it's beautifully done.

--Cliff

---

 

From: Carl Barr 
Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 4:46 PM
Subject: On-Line Powerpoint -- Iraq
 

This is an excellent presentation.  Near the end is a slide featuring Sgt Paul R. Smith, the only recipient of the Medal of Honor to date in the War on Terror.  The inset photo is of his 10-year-old son receiving the Medal in a ceremony at the White House.   (Click to follow link below.) 

Carl  

GladiatorAmericanStyle

 

Punfight!

Remember:  The Encouagers Roundup starts at 5PM on August 6, in room 200 of the West Campus Building at Sugar Creek (same place we had the Christmas party).

 

Just to get everybody snarlin' mad, Bad Bad Bart has challenged the Encouragers to a punfight.  If these don't put a hitch in your gitalong nothin' will!

 

Punfight at OK Corral!!!

by Bad Bad bart

 

A three-legged dog walks into the saloon, sidles up to the bar and announces: "I'm looking for the man who shot my paw. "

 

A cowboy rushed over to the doctor’s table and shouted, "Doc! Hey Doc!  I think I'm shrinking!" The doctor laid down his cards and said, "Now, you settle down. You ‘re just gonna have to be a little patient."

 

That same cowboy had too much sasparilla(?) and ended up arguing’ all night long about where the sunshine comes from. 
Finally it dawned on him.

 

Then there were the three Indian squaws. One slept on a deer skin, one slept on an elk skin and the third slept on a hippopotamus skin. All three became pregnant and the first two each had a baby boy. The one who slept on the hippopotamus skin had twin boys. This goes to prove that the squaw of the hippopotamus is equal to the sons of the squaws of the other two hides.

 

Sheriff’s report:
Energizer Bunny arrested - charged with battery.

 

Lone Ranger: Hey Tonto...What's the difference between roast beef and pea soup?
Tonto: Anybody can roast beef, kemosabe.

 

Finally, another cowboy entered the saloon's pun contest.  He told ten different puns, figuring at least one would win.
No pun in ten did.

 

Trudy Meadows

On Tuesday evening Trudy went into West Houston Medical Center, room 421a for tests and a procedure, if all goes well she should be home on Thursday the 22nd. Keep her in your prayers. Frank Meadows

New Position For Marty

If you missed Bible Study on Sunday, you missed Marty's announcement that he will become Senior Adult Pastor at Sugar Creek effective August 4. He will continue to lead our Encourager Bible Study class. In addition, he will lead the next "Gathering" service on Sunday, July 9. Keep Marty and Nancy in your prayers as they take on their new responsibilites at Sugar Creek.

<===Marty gets a pat on the back from John Rushing.

Confident rejoicing

"And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish.”  -- John 10:28

A devotion by Charles Haddon Spurgeon: 

    The Christian should never think or speak lightly of unbelief. For a child of God to mistrust his love, his truth, his faithfulness, must be greatly displeasing to him. How can we ever grieve him by doubting his upholding grace? Christian! it is contrary to every promise of God’s precious Word that thou shouldst ever be forgotten or left to perish. If it could be so, how could he be true who has said, “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I never forget thee.” What were the value of that promise—“The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.” Where were the truth of Christ’s words—“I give unto my sheep eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.” Where were the doctrines of grace? They would be all disproved if one child of God should perish. Where were the veracity of God, his honour, his power, his grace, his covenant, his oath, if any of those for whom Christ has died, and who have put their trust in him, should nevertheless be cast away? Banish those unbelieving fears which so dishonour God. Arise, shake thyself from the dust, and put on thy beautiful garments. Remember it is sinful to doubt his Word wherein he has promised thee that thou shalt never perish. Let the eternal life within thee express itself in confident rejoicing. 

“The gospel bears my spirit up:
A faithful and unchanging God
Lays the foundation for my hope,
In oaths, and promises, and blood.”

 

from "Morning and Evening" by Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Fathers Day Sale

From: ann peace-white [mailto:nannyann46@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, June 15, 2006 2:39 AM
Subject: Something for the blog

I am having a 15% off sale on any Mary Kay item that I currently have in stock. Don't forget Father's Day merchandise. Thanks Ann Jean

 

Recipe

BACON WRAPPED BREADSTICKS

(from The Food Network and Paul Deen)

 

 

4        ½ ounce box sesame seed breadsticks

16 ounce package bacon

8 ounce container grated Parmesan

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap breadsticks in bacon.  Place on cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.  Dredge through Parmesan while hot.  Allow to coop and crisp, then serve.

 

Lois Raymond

281-980-1195 (Office)

832-615-3056 (FAX)

lraymond@texcetera.com

www.texcetera.com

 

 

BACON WRAPPED BREADSTICKS

(from The Food Network and Paul Deen)

 

 

4        ½ ounce box sesame seed breadsticks

16 ounce package bacon

8 ounce container grated Parmesan

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wrap breadsticks in bacon.  Place on cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes.  Dredge through Parmesan while hot.  Allow to coop and crisp, then serve.

 

Inconvenient Truth

Albert (Chicken Little) Gore has a new movie out called "An Inconvenient Truth", supposedly about the global warming "crisis". From what I've read about it (see here), Gore apparently ignores several inconvenient facts. The author of the linked article points out that "In a million years, the time it takes the earth to sneeze, the planet will likely be shorn of any conspicuous sign we were ever here, let alone careless with our CO2, dioxins, etc.".....which reminded me of a wonderful passage from (who else) G. K. Chesterton:

"As an explanation of the world, materialism has a sort of insane simplicity. It has just the quality of the madman's argument; we have at once the sense of it covering everything and the sense of it leaving everything out. Contemplate some able and sincere materialist...and you will have exactly this unique sensation. He understands everything, and everything does not seem worth understanding. His cosmos may be complete in every rivet and cog-wheel, but still his cosmos is smaller than our world. Somehow his scheme, like the lucid scheme of the madman, seems unconscious of the alien energies and the large indifference of the earth; it is not thinking of the real things of the earth, of fighting peoples or proud mothers, or first love or fear upon the sea. The earth is so very large, and the cosmos is so very small. The cosmos is about the smallest hole that a man can hide his head in." (Orthodoxy, 1908)
--Cliff

Recipes from Lois

SWISS CHICKEN QUICHE

1 9" deep dish pie shell
2 cups cooked chicken
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
2 T. flour
2 T. chicken bouillon granules
1 cup milk
3 beaten eggs
1/4 cup sautéed onions

Preheat oven to 426. Bake pie shell for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and reduce heat to 350. Toss cheese, flour and bouillon together. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Pour into pie shell. Bake 40-45 minutes until set.

---

APPLE CAKE

3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
4 cups thinly sliced and pared tart apples (about 5 Granny Smith apples work well)

Beat eggs with a mixer until thick and light. Combine sugar and oil; pour into eggs with mixer on medium speed. Stir together flour, cinnamon, soda and salt; add to egg mixture with vanilla; beat to mix. Stir in pecans (batter will be very thick). Spread apples in a buttered 12" x 9" x 2" glass baking pan. Pour batter over apples, spreading to cover. Bake in a 350 oven for one hour. Remove from oven and cool. Spread with Cream cheese icing and refrigerate.

---

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

2 (3 oz) pkgs. cream cheese
1/4 cup melted butter
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice

Soften cream cheese, beat until fluffy. Beat in melted butter; then beat in powered sugar and lemon juice. Spread over cooled cake. Refrigerate.

Mary Kay gifts for Mother's Day

From: ann peace-white [nannyann46@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, May 08, 2006 11:40 PM

It is soon to be Mother's Day and if anyone needs a Mary Kay gift ; I would love to help you .  

 Love aj

Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

This recipe was from Kraft magazine I receive (free subscription) from www.kraftfoods.com.  Great recipes and all you have to do is sign up for it.   Enjoy the recipe. 

Sandy Hawk 

---

 Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

 

1 pkg (2 layer size) chocolate cake mix

1 pkg (4 serving size) Jell-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling

4 eggs

1 cup sour cream

½ cup vegetable oil

½ cup water

1 pkg (8 squares) Baker’s Semi-sweet Baking Chocolate, divided

1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip Whipped Topping , thawed

2 Tbsp. Planters Sliced Almonds

 

Preheat over to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.  Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened, scraping side of bowl frequently.  Beat on medium speed 2 min, or until well blended.  Stir in 2 squares of the chocolate, chopped.  Spoon into prepared pans.

 

Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted near centers comes out clean.  Cool in pans 10 min. on wire rack.  Loosen cakes from side of pans with spatula or knife.  Invert cakes onto rack; gently remove pans.  Cool completely on wire rack.

 

Place remaining 6 squares chocolate and whipped topping in medium microwaveable bowl.  Microwave on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min.  Stir until well blended and shiny.  Cool 5 min.  Place 1 cake layer on serving plate;  spread ¼ of the chocolate mixture over cake.  Place second cake layer on top; spread remaining chocolate mixture over top and sides of cake.  Garnish with almonds.

Will Rogers Wit

Will Rogers

Will Rogers, who died in a plane crash with Wylie Post in 1935, was probably the greatest political humorist this country has ever known. Enjoy the following quotes ---------

· Never slap a man who's chewing tobacco.

· Never kick a cow chip on a hot day.

· There are 2 theories to arguing with a woman - neither works.

· Never miss a good chance to shut up.

· Always drink upstream from the herd.

· If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.

· The quickest way to double your money is to fold it and put it back in your pocket.

· There are 3 kinds of men. The ones that learn by reading. The few who learn by observation. The rest of them have to pee on the electric fence.

· Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.

· If you're riding ahead of the herd, take a look back every now and then to make sure it's still there.

· Letting the cat outta the bag is whole lot easier'n puttin' it back.

· And finally: After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him ----The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.

AND, ABOUT GROWING OLDER --------------

1^ST Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age & start bragging about it.

2^nd The older we get, the fewer things seem worth waiting in line for.

3^rd Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know "why" I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.

4^th When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to youth, think of Algebra.

5^th You know you are getting old when every thing either dries up or leaks.

6^th I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.

7^th One of the many things no one tells you about aging is that it is such a nice change from being young.

8^th One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been.

9^th Being young is beautiful, but being old is comfortable.

10^th Long ago when men cursed and beat the ground with sticks, it was called witchcraft. Now it's called golf.

And finally, If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.

Moments

 "Happy moments: Praise God .
  Difficult moments: Seek God. 
  Quiet moments: Worship God.  
  Painful moments: Trust God.  
  Every moment : Thank God"

United 93

Lois and I went to see United 93 tonight. It definitely brings back the emotions of the day--possibly even more so because at the time there was so much confusion that no one could be sure what was happening. Now that I know what happened, and even though there's no real suspense, my stomach was tied in knots for almost two hours.
The confusion of the day, for almost everyone involved, comes through clearly. There is an implied--and often explicit--criticism of the government response to the day's events, particularly the FAA, the military and the President--as if they should have been immune to the confusion surrounding such an unprecedented attack. Don't get me wrong--this is no Michael Moore type slander. But I can't help but remember watching John Ford's "Battle of Midway", filmed in June 1942 during the darkest days of World War II. I was probably 11 years old in about 1960 when I saw it, and I still remember the pride I felt in our Marines as they defended that tiny island, even though they ultimately were overwhelmed.
A movie about United 93 might have been just as inspiring--if John Ford had made it. As it is, the movie is a grim, but useful, reminder of an awful day. I just wish it had been more than that.
--Cliff

United 93

There's an excellent article about United Flight 93 in the Wall Street Journal by David Beamer, father of Todd Beamer.  It's at http://www.opinionjournal.com/editorial/feature.html?id=110008294 .

Cliff

Finally, brothers,
whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure,
whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--
if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--
think about such things.
                                   (Philippians 4:8)

 

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Ezra Charles concert

Nathan asked me to pass along to the class that Ezra Charles and his swing band will have a free concert at 5:00PM this Sunday April 23 in Oyster Creek Park. According to Nathan the band is so good it could make a Baptist want to dance, so bring a lawn chair (for when you get tired of dancing) and join the fun!

Makin' Pancakes

From: Sharon Bonnette
Sent: Monday, April 10, 2006 10:25 PM
Subject: Makin' Pancakes

 Six-year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor, which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten.

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated.  He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove and he didn't know how the stove worked!  Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor.  Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then, he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes.  All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess.  He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking.  But, his father just watched him.

Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process!

That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we can't stand our job, or our health goes sour.

Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him.

But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried...

I was thinking. and I wondered if I had any wounds needing to be healed, friendships that need rekindling or three words needing to be said, sometimes, "I love you" can heal & bless! I am reminding every one of my friends that I love them. Even if you don't love me back, its OK!  I still think you are great.

Just in case I haven't told you lately... I LOVE YA !!! 

Please pass some of this love on to others.... suppose one morning you were called to God; do all your friends know you love them?

Send this to everyone you love!  Maybe even send it back to the person who sent it to you.. And never stop "making pancakes.

 

Need to Hire

Here are some jobs available in the Hempstead area and in the Greenway plaza/West University area. Could this email be posted/attached to the Encourager’s website. If anyone knows a person looking for this type of job, share the email and if a finder’s fee comes out of it, we’ll donate to the Enocuragers’ kitty.

 

Michelle White, RN
Case Manager
Medical Helpline, Inc.
1-800-436-8787
Fax: 281-368-7827
www.medhelpline.com

 

---

From: Everyone@entrustinc.com [mailto:Everyone@entrustinc.com] On Behalf Of Derek Thomas
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 9:57 AM
To: everyone@entrustinc.com
Subject: [Everyone] Need to Hire!!! {01}

 

Good morning everyone,

My mother is now the HR Director for Lawrence Marshall Auto Group and they are in desperate need of personnel.  No experience is necessary for the sales positions; actually they prefer to train the sales force themselves. 

Positions needed for 2 of the locations are listed below and she will give a $200 finders fee for anyone you recommend and is hired.  Her contact information is below; just give that to whomever is interested and they can call her to set up an interview.

Derek Thomas 
Entrust, Inc,
Underwriting Manager
Phone - 281-368-7878 xt 107
Cell - 832-721-4934
Fax - 281-368-7828
Toll Free - 800-436-8787 xt 107

-----Original Message-----
From: Elizabeth Thomas [mailto:ethomas@lawrencemarshall.com]
Sent: Thursday, March 30, 2006 9:20 AM
To: dthomas@entrustinc.com
Subject: Need to Hire!!!

Good Morning Derek,

Here is the list of hires that I need to make at Hempstead:

3 FORD SALES PEOPLE
5 CHEVY SALES PEOPLE
4 PRE-OWNED SALES PEOPLE..
6 DODGE SALES PEOPLE

BEDLINER/SPRAYER - SERVICE
2 PDI / ACCESSORY TECHS - SERVICE

At our GMC Dealerships - 610 @ Kirby I need to make the following hires:

4 PRE-OWNED SALES PEOPLE.
1 MEDIUM DUTY TECH
SERVICE CONSULTANT (ADVISOR)
SERVICE CASHIER

I will pay a $200 Finder Fees for the lead that results in a new hire.

Elizabeth Thomas
Director of Human Resources
Lawrence Marshall Dealerships
Ray Childress Auto Group
PO Box 983
900 Business 290 North
Hempstead, TX  77445
ethomas@lawrencemarshall.com or
elizabeth.thomas@lawrencemarshall.com

281-732-7465 - Cell
979-826-7940 - Direct
979-826-7351 - Fax

Hello Everyone

 

From: Bowman, Shawn
Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 1:53 PM
To: 'Lois'
Subject: Hello Everyone

 

Our children (you’ve met Makenna) go to Faith Lutheran School and our annual Auction (Night on Broadway) is coming up Friday, April 28^th at Sweetwater Country Club.  We have some really neat items for the Live and Silent Auction and great entertainment and food.  Ken and I are in charge of underwriting/advertising this year and we would love for you to come, or you can put your ADVERTISEMENT or BUSINESS CARD in the guide (from real estate to jewelry to any other business).  See attachments.  Just let me know and I will send you a packet and an invitation.

 

Praying for you all,

 

Love, Shawn

713.448.5214

 

 

 

Medal of Honor

I just recently was complaining about how much Hollywood and the news media have changed since World War II.  In those days they actually supported the war effort, unapologetically making propaganda films, reporting good as well as bad news, and telling our soldiers' stories of sacrifice and heroism.  In WWII you heard all about Audie Murphy, Jimmy Dolittle, Pappy Boyington, Ira Hayes, George Patton, Chester Nimitz and many other heroes of that war.  

In contrast, probably the only name you'll recognize from the current conflict is Jessica Lynch.

We all need to know about Sgt. First Class Paul Ray Smith, though.  He's the first Medal of Honor winner in Iraq.  We owe it to his memory. 

The Wall Street Journal tells his story at http://www.opinionjournal.com/federation/feature/?id=110008153 .

--Cliff

Having personal relationship with Jesus

I just read an interesting article about having a "personal relationship with Jesus," and whether that kind of language is biblical.  Here's an excerpt:

We need to do some fundamental reflection on the whole notion of having or pursuing a "personal relationship" with Jesus Christ. While, on the one hand, I respect the longing for intimacy with God that these words reflect, they also concern me because they betray a creeping sort of secularization of our language about God.

(John Suk teaches homiletics and theology at Asian Theological Seminary in Manila, The Philippines.)

The entire article is at http://www.perspectivesjournal.org/2005/11/essay-relationship.php.

--Cliff

FW: Expression of love to my love ones.

Hello my dear ones, it's just to give my expression of to you and let you know that I think of you all the time, I am doing fine, I pray for you, I thank you for all your prayers, and I would like you to read the poem below with your hearts:

            Of all the friends I've ever met,
            You're the one I won't forget.
            And if I die
            Before you do
            I'll go to heaven
            And wait for you
            I'll give the angels
            Back their wings
            And risk the loss
            Of everything
            Just to prove
            My friendship is true.

I love you!
Fermin A. Ondo

St. Patrick's Day blessing

A St. Patrick's Day blessing for The Encouragers:

 

http://www.andiesisle.com/Blessings.html .

 

Cliff

New website feature

If you would like to be notified whenever an Encourager posts something new on the website, there's a small box on the right side (you'll need to scroll down) that permits you to monitor the page by entering your email address.  Once each day this tool will check the page and if anything has changed will automatically notify you in an email message.  That way you don't have to check the page every day to see if anything has been posted!

--Cliff

Steve Greene's Jewish Chicken soup recipe

large pot of water...3/4 full
1 cut up chicken, skinned
1 lb. Short Ribs
4 stalks celery
1 medium whole onion
1 medium turnip or rudibager
1 bunch carrots, cut
when water boils, then simmer for 1hr, 15 mins, to 1 hr and a half, covered.
IMPORTANT! after everything is in pot, lay 2 bunches of fresh dill
sprigs across the top.Discar after soup is finished.
When serving, you can serve the meats & carrots in with the soup.
You can also boil angel hair pasta or thin egg noodles in the broth in a
separate pot & serve in the soup.
Also, you can buy matzah ball mix (available in most
supermarkets)...instructions on the box...I like this the best.
Enjoy!

We are grandparents!!

We received some exciting news this morning!

We became grandparents!!

Terry's son & his wife -
Kevin & Nicole Gremillion have a new baby girl,
Kaylee Nicole Gremillion! She was born this morning at 5:05AM and weighs 6 lbs. 8 oz. She is healthy and doing great and of course Kevin & Nicole are are thilled! So are we!!!

We will be traveling to Baton Rouge today and back tomorrow.

We thank the good Lord for His blessings.

Love to you all!

Carol & Terry Gremillion, Uncle Logan, Uncle Josh and Uncle Matt!!

Does Prayer Change God?

There's a very interesting--and very long--article by Philip Yancey on the Christianity Today website at http://ctlibrary.com/33285 called "Does Prayer Change God?". 

It describes in depth many of the issues we've wrestled with in Bible study.

--Cliff

I owe the Lord a morning song

I owe the Lord a morning song
of gratitude and praise,
for the kind mercy he has shown
in lengthening out my days.
He kept me safe another night;
I see another day.
Now may his Spirit, as the light,
direct me in his way.
---Amos Herr

Internet tip

Have you ever needed to send someone a website link that was so long it wrapped over two or three lines? For example, the Yahoo map address to my house is
http://maps.yahoo.com/maps_result?addr=2419+Hodges+Bend+Circle&csz=Sugar+Land%2C+TX&country=us&new=1&name=&qty=

Try to remember that the next time you want to come see me! Here's a better idea: Go to www.notlong.com and paste that long address into the "Long URL" field. Now just type a short name into the smaller box below it (I used raymondmap) and click the "Save as" button. Since raymondmap hadn't already been used, I got a success message and can now tell everyone that a map to my house is at raymondmap.notlong.com. It never expires, so I can use it as long as I want.

There are several sites that provide a similar service, but this is one of the easiest to use. Enjoy!
Cliff

cer@cerVantage.com
281-980-6876 (h)
832-423-6422 (cell)

Favorite book

 "....it might be true that the sun rises regularly because he never gets tired of rising. His routine might be due, not to a lifelessness, but to a rush of life. The thing I mean can be seen, for instance, in children, when they find some game or joke that they specially enjoy. A child kicks his legs rhythmically through excess, not absence, of life. Because children have abounding vitality, because they are in spirit fierce and free, therefore they want things repeated and unchanged. They always say, "Do it again"; and the grown-up person does it again until he is nearly dead. For grown-up people are not strong enough to exult in monotony. But perhaps God is strong enough to exult in monotony. It is possible that God says every morning, "Do it again" to the sun; and every evening, "Do it again" to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we."   --G. K. Chesterton, from Orthodoxy (1908) 

 

This is a book I never get tired of telling people about.  It's just full of quotes like this. If you're not familiar with Chesterton, he was a major influence on both J.R.R.Tolkien and C. S. Lewis. (And me, too!) George Bernard Shaw once said, "The world is not thankful enough for Chesterton." 

My copy is available to anyone who wants to borrow it.....as long as I get it back!

--Cliff

This is a great idea and so appreciated

Way to take us to the top, Lois and Cliff. Greatest idea in a long time thank you. love aj

---

Looking for stars

Dear Encouragers, I am looking for back up singers for two numbers to be choreorgraphed and panomimed. This is your chance to shine. I have one Tina Turner number for men and one number for women. Men can purchase their attire from second mile for our gown or a women's shelter. You do not have to stay in that attire the entire evening only 3 little mins. for your number and dress in the back class room before your performance. What more could you give your wife than this special gift of love? Any women who are interested there are no high kicks or anything in your number. Clothing will be discussed . Let me hear from you. It will be booking fast. love aj

(Contact Ann at nannyann46@yahoo.com)

---

More info on website use

I forgot to mention a couple of things when I announced the site.

 

First of all, to avoid spam the email address for posting to the site should not be shared with anyone outside our class.  It's bound to get out eventually and the address probably will need to be changed occasionally, but I'd like to keep changes to a minimum.  If a few things get posted that don't belong I can delete them until we start getting too many. 

 

Also if you make a mistake in a posting, let me know and I can make any corrections.

 

Finally, when you post something please put your name somewhere in the message so we'll know who your are.

 

Thanks,

Cliff

 

recipes

Hi Cliff... Thanks so much for the new website!! Would you please put these recipes on for me? I had some requests for both of these...Thanks. Sandy Cheddar Torta 1 ½ lbs. good quality cheddar cheese, grated or shredded 8 oz. Hellman's real mayonnaise 1 cup chopped pecans ½ cup finely minced onion 2 tsp. cayenne pepper Several dashes hot sauce (Tabasco) Raspberry preserves Let cheese sit in bowl at room temperature until slightly oily Line pan/dish with saran wrap (one with edges to create torta effect) Combine all ingredients except preserves with the cheese and knead together Press cheese into pan and cover with saran wrap Let refrigerate a few hours and invert onto serving dish Spread preserves over top, as much as desired Serve with unflavored crackers. Almond-Poppy Seed Angel Food Cake 1 package (16 ounces) angel food cake mix 2 tablespoons poppy seed 1 ½ teaspoons almond extract, divided 1 ½ cups sifted confectioners sugar 2 tablespoons water ¼ cup sliced almonds Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare cake mix according to package directions, stirring in poppy seed and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Pour into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until top is golden brown. Invert pan; cool completely. Transfer cake to a serving plate. Combine confectioners sugar, water, and remaining ½ teaspoon almond extract in a small bowl. Drizzle glaze over cake; sprinkle with almonds. 1 serving: 202 calories, 1/3 grams fat. --Sandy Hawk