Joyce Schneider - He Restores My Soul

" He Restores My Soul

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.

Psalm 23:1-3" continue reading by clicking on the following link

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/He-Restores-My-Soul.html?soid=1101436758261&aid=t621nYOCBUc

General Conference Church of God 7th Day

Conference-wide
Prayer and Fasting

Annual Prayer Initiative
January 15 - February 5, 2011 

"The General Conference’s 2011 Annual Prayer Initiative
will take the form of a Conference-wide Call to
Prayer and Fasting for 21 days, January 15 – February 5.
Fasting is not required of New Testament believers, but it
is a source of rich blessing — an effective weapon of spiritual
warfare available to the church. Jesus’ language, “When you
fast” (Matthew 6:16-18), suggests He expects His followers to
engage in this practice. It is to this end that this time of fasting
has been scheduled.
Fasting, the practice of abstaining from food for a time in
order to focus entirely on the Lord in heartfelt prayer, fi nds
much support in Scripture. Prominent Old Testament characters
such as Nehemiah, Esther, and Daniel fasted during times of
spiritual need and corporate crisis and when making important
decisions, breaking spiritual bondage and oppression, and
seeking God’s favor for His people. In the book of Acts,
fasting is notable in the spiritual formation of the early church.
In both Testaments, prayer combined with fasting resulted
in repentance, revival, restoration, and refreshing for God’s
people, personally and corporately.
Various types of fasts are observed in Scripture, including
absolute -abstaining from both food and water (“Do not eat or
drink for three days, night or day,” Esther 4:16, NIV); normal
- abstaining from food only (“[Jesus] ate nothing during those
days . . . ,” Luke 4:2, NIV); partial -restricting one’s diet to
certain foods (“I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched
my lips,” Daniel 10:3, NIV).
Regardless of the type of fast, careful consideration should
be given to one’s health and any physical and/or medical
concerns that could be compromised by extended periods of
abstinence from food and water. Those dealing with pregnancy,
diabetes, chronic illness, and other conditions are discouraged
from fasting. Should they choose to fast, they must seek
medical advice.
Unlike in previous years, specifi c prayer focus is not provided
for each day, except for Sabbaths when the Church is gathered
corporately. Additional prayer needs are listed, but participants
are encouraged to pray as they are led.

Sabbath, January 15
The Church gathered today provides a unique
opportunity to launch this corporate spiritual exercise
together. Pray that many will be drawn to prayer and
fasting over the next three weeks, resulting in corporate
repentance, renewal, the outpouring of the Spirit, and
God’s supernatural favor upon the Church of God
(Seventh Day) in 2011.
Read Isaiah 58:1-7.

Sabbath, January 22
Pray for corporate renewal through the rediscovery of
God’s Word in its power and centrality in the life of the
Church. For focus, pray through the “Year of the Bible
Declaration,” published in the January-February Bible
Advocate.
Read 2 Kings 22.

Sabbath, January 29
Health, uncommon wisdom, prosperity during drought,
and the restoration of family relationships are promised
in Isaiah 58, that well-known passage dealing with the
fast God delights in and the blessings that flow from our
delight in the Sabbath. Review these blessings and claim
them in prayer.
Read Isaiah 58:8-12.

Sabbath, February 5
Give thanks for the blessings received during this time,
and pray for ongoing spiritual renewal, that the blessings
of the Lord upon the Church will continue unceasingly
and in increasing measure: “Now to Him who is able to
do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory
in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever
and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20, 21, NKJV).

Suggested Prayer Needs
• Individual and corporate repentance, and spiritual
renewal.
• Emotional healing, forgiveness, and restoration of
broken relationships.
• Spiritual fortification of families and marriages.
• Breaking of bondages, repairing of breaches,
reversing of curses.
• Revitalization of fledgling congregations.
• Re-energizing of pastors and lay pastors through the
pursuit of personal holiness and walk in the Word,
preaching from the overflow of intimacy with God.
• Spiritual insights into addressing the Church
leadership crisis.
• A sense of calling on a fresh crop of young men and
women to the Church’s vocational ministry.
• Supernatural release of resources for developing the
professional ministry.
• Care and spiritual nurture of the Church’s children
and youth and the bridging of generational barriers.
• Breakthroughs in children’s curriculum development.
• Unity of the Church.
• Battling spiritual apathy and doctrinal confusion.
• Greater organizational accountability and
commitment, and cultivation of a culture of
excellence.
• Guidance and wisdom for board of directors,
executive leaders, and Denver office staff.
• God’s special favor upon the Conference Vision
and the tangible reflection of its values in the life of
the Church: Christ-centered; Bible-based; Sabbathobserving;
Spirit-formed; Distinct, Not Exclusive;
Passionate in Worship; Compassionate in Service;
Aggressive in Witness; Strong in Fellowship;
Committed to Discipleship.
• A new season of fruitfulness.
• Blessings upon this year’s Biennial Convention.
Pray that the Church will experience the blessings of
“prevailing prayer” all year long.
Thanks for praying
Denying our physical appetites in order to address our
spiritual needs, saying no to the flesh so we may say yes
to the Spirit, looking steadfastly upon the Lord by turning
away from our temporal concerns, are keys to unlocking
the resources of heaven. Doing so corporately poises the
Church for uncommon blessings. And doing it early in the
year sets the spiritual course for the remaining months.
The Church of God (Seventh Day) will never be the same
because you prayed. Thank you!

Praying,
Whaid G. Rose
Conference President"

(In)Courage

Left Overs: "

The teller at the bank. The cashier in the grocery store. The gentlemen who held my door open for me. The barista who made my latte. The neighbors down the street. The co-worker a few classrooms away from my own. The contacts in my cell phone. The strangers on a daily basis.

They do not know.

They do not know that the life I currently live consists of a full time job, a fathers terminal sickness, the lack of conversation for over a week and the moans, groans, aches and agony he faces by the minute leading up to his last breath. They do not know of the selfishness I feel as I reminisce and grieve the memories I will never experience. They do not see the despondency in this daughters’ eyes as they hand me a drink, give me a greeting or watch from afar.

But likewise, their story is unknownst to me.

How often do we give our left overs to those whom we come in contact with on a daily basis? How many times than not do we help one another, love one another, serve one another, as long as it be of no inconvenience to our own personal lives, plans and schedules? Isn’t it hypocritical to know that we live in the knowledge of our omnipotent God who is the King of Kings yet treat one another as to less value than we would ourselves? We say we believe in a God and love Him greatly, yet do nothing to live out His following commands. We give less and think more. We write more and preach little. We speak of love, hope, new mercies, sovereignty and peace; yet do a microscopic amount to the furthering of Gods kingdom through our love for eachother.

“Your love for one another will prove that you are my disciples.” John 13:35



When will our leftovers be too little and a 5 course meal become barely enough?

By Aurora Mckeehan, Put on LOVE, Aurora

"

A Virtuous Women

The Revelation of Jesus Christ: "The Book of Revelation: Study #3
The book of Revelation begins with these words: “The Revelation of Jesus Christ…” The book of Revelation is a book about Jesus! Jesus is the main focus of the book – not to mention the entire Bible! Jesus is mentioned by His name or other title, or pronoun – 137 [...]"

5 Minutes for Books

Cute Books for Kids: "

A few weeks ago, a package arrived from Simon and Schuster with two books that appealed to me immediately. The first is I Must Have Bobo!. To give you a little background information, I have a daughter who loves her blankie. White Blankie is practically a member of our family (in fact, my daughter would choose White Blankie over her family sometimes). Since my daughter started kindergarten, White Blankie and my Best Girl have had to separate during the day, and this has not been easy. I had to smile as soon as I started reading I Must Have Bobo!.

Willy, the young boy in the story, has a monkey named Bobo. Bobo helps Willy with everything, and Willy “MUST HAVE BOBO!” Unfortunately, Earl (the cat) also loves Bobo. As you can imagine, this causes friction between Willy and Earl. Whether it is a white blanket or a stuffed monkey, some things are hard to share. Children understand this better than anyone, and this is a story that will make them laugh. The sparse text and simplistically modern illustrations are appealing and add to the humor while leading children to predict what will happen next. If you have a child who has a favorite item or toy, I Must Have Bobo! is sure to be a hit.

The second book, Say Hello to Zorro! is about Mister Bud, a dog whose life is perfect. He has his schedule just the way he likes it. Then, Zorro shows up. Zorro is a bossy little pug who destroys Mister Bud’s idyllic life. When Mister Bud and Zorro find something in common, however, they realize they can survive together and have a little fun at the same time.

Although it is about dogs, Say Hello to Zorro! would be a great book for children who are about to become big brothers and sisters. For a child, a new sibling can be threatening, and a new baby in the house can destroy the comfort of familiarity for a time. This story is funny and would enable a lighthearted discussion about how things change when we welcome new people into our lives. The illustrations and text in this book are also simple, yet appealing. The characters remind me of the dogs from UP, which makes sense considering the author, Carter Goodrich, is an award-winning animator for Pixar.

Both Say Hello to Zorro! and I Must Have Bobo! are fun new books for kids. Be sure to check them out!

Lauren is a wife, mother of two, and an avid reader. She thanks Simon and Schuster for the review copies of these books. Lauren blogs at Baseballs and Bows.

"

The Journey of My Heart

Give God your Whispering Thoughts: "I've needed to take a little blog break to review my book manuscript for final edits, but it's taking much longer than I expected. It's due Friday.

Like most of the southeast, we got LOTS of snow Monday, and the kids have been out of school all week due to ice on the roads still. So it's been a little distracting around here.

Today I went into hiding. For over 8 hours. Only came out to get some kisses and bedtime snuggles with baby girl and have dinner with my bear cubs. Just took a short break tonight since my eyes are crossing as I sit here in my little corner of the world, reading 60,000 words spread across 137 pages. This hibernation is hard for a sanguine girl like me who's been snowed in for days. So, I asked Jesus to meet me in this kinda hard place and speak the words my heart needed to hear. I knew He knew better than I did.

And He gently lead me to this from one of my favorite writers who always knows just what to say and just how to say it:

How do I live in God’s presence? How do I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and his inaudible voice in my ear? Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into his presence.

Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with him in silence.

Give God your whispering thoughts. Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God.

Give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God.

Just Like Jesus
~Max Lucado

Give Him your thoughts sweet friends. Each and every one of them.

I'll be back next week,

"

The gospel.com Blog

Today’s devotional: who is this God who is present in our lives?: "

Christians talk a lot about the nearness of God—we take comfort in the fact that “God is with us;” we talk about feeling God’s presence in our lives. But who exactly is this God who is “near” us? The understanding that God is present among us could be comforting or terrifying, depending on the nature of God and the purpose behind that closeness.

Today’s Slice of Infinity devotional talks about this mysterious “nearness,” and explains why God’s watchful presence is encouraging rather than frightening:

There are many who take comfort in the thought that God is among us, comforting our fears, quieting our cries of distress, standing near those who call, moving in lives and history that we might discover the God who is there. Knowing that Christ is with me in struggle and darkness is one of the only reasons I don’t completely surrender to my fears and stop moving forward….

But what good is it if there is a throne but it is empty, a kingdom without a king, a god who is close but like straw? Who is it who is near us? If god is an impersonal force, or a tyrant, or a distant, semi-interested being, the kingdom is no refuge.

The promise of God’s nearness is one that Christians rightfully utter as encouragement and cling to in joy, in fear, and in sorrow, knowing the face and character of the one who is near. When God promises his presence in Scripture it is more than just a promise of proximity and intimacy. There is a purpose for God’s nearness, the pledge of relationship, the promise of community. It is not an empty or superficial presence, having taken on the things humanity itself to draw intimately near.

How do you discern, on a daily basis, God’s presence in your life? How would your life be different if God did not promise to walk beside us in such an intimate way?

"

The Daily Beast

This Week's Best Journalism: "From the Boston Review's history of the shifts in marriage to David Brooks' survey of what brain science is teaching us about human nature, check out The Daily Beast's favorite longform journalism pieces from around the Web this week.
This weekly..."

Take Root and Write

Remembering Who We Are: "

As I was driving to the grocery store one day, the Lord asked me a question: "Do you know who you are?" I was taken back for a minute. This wasn't a question I thought he'd ask. Yet, as I went through the answer in my mind, I realized this question was actually an answer to the petitions I had laid before his feet.

Lately, the enemy had been inflicting a spirit of oppression and depression on me due to a severe blow in my marriage relationship with my husband. But, this question about knowing who I was, was really God coming to my rescue! He was answering my prayers and quite literally saving my sanity.

In the natural, it may have appeared that God was insensitive to my petitions, only answering my questions with a question of his own. I really wanted to whine about him asking me a question. I needed answers and directions, not another question I couldn't answer. But, that attitude was like a poison in my mind.

Because I felt God's answers were not coming fast enough, I had already fallen prey to the enemy's tactic of depression. But, this wasn't God's plan! He had renewal and hope for me through his question, reminding me that my worth was complete through him.

Have you ever wallowed in the winds and waves of this earthly life? Perhaps the pressures of your problems have caused you to forget who you were? Like me, you may have even suffer from low self-esteem.

There is good news women of God! Even in the midst of our circumstances, God reminds us that we are a friend of His (Psalms 8 KJV). He says that we are a royal priesthood; a peculiar people; a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). And since we are a child of the king, we have access to peace, power and joy that will help us be victorious in striving for oneness in our marriage. Because we have been fearfully and wonderfully made, (Psalm 139:14) we have unlimited supernatural power on the inside of us giving us the ability to do all things through Christ (Philipians 4:13).

When we don't remember who we are in Christ, this allows the enemy trip us up. The goal of Satan is to make us forget who we are. But there is power in our words. If the King dwells inside of me, he dwells and speaks in you too!

With God's question to me, and me understanding that I am complete in Him, it caused me to declare to the enemy in a loud roar "It is over." I repeated this phrase continually until it was in my spirit. I'm certain people driving in their cars next to me were staring at me like I was crazy! But, I didn't care. My spirit was mended and lifted from the graves of hell.

As you begin to realize who you are, your outlook on life, health, home, and yourself will change too. Your confidence will skyrocket because you will be persuaded that nothing can seperate you from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:35) With Him, we are complete; there is nothing lacking. Our true identity is not based on what we have done or cannot do. And the trials and cares of this world do not dictate who we are. As the angel appeared to Gideon in (Judges 6:12) and called him a "mighty man of valor", so I call you mighty women of valor.

Like Gideon, you may have viewed yourself as weak. You may have also been ready to throw in the towel because God was not answering my prayers fast enough. Well He is here! He wants to lift our heavy burdens. Our petitions have been heard so look up mighty women of valor!

Everything I need to be successful in my marriage-- and everything in my life -- is on the inside of me. God will come to your rescue as he did for me. I have to remember to walk in what he has called me to do, right now, and for today. By remembering who we are, we won't forget who we are: complete and wonderfully made in Christ.

"

Proverbs 31 Ministries Daily Devotional

Many Or Few: "

Marybeth Whalen

“Jonathan said to his young armor bearer, ‘Come let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.’”

I Samuel 14:6 (NIV)

One woman has meager resources to fund her family’s needs. She operates in the few.

One woman has so many opportunities to serve she feels overwhelmed. She wants to do what God wants, but she can’t figure out how to handle it all. She operates in the many.

One woman wants to pursue a dream she’s been secretly harboring but there never seems to be enough time. She operates in the few.

One woman has lots of extended family members who need her attention and time. She operates in the many.

One woman’s husband has all but stopped talking to her. She misses the love they once shared, even took for granted. He has no time for her and hardly ever looks at her. She operates in the few.

One woman has fears that grip her. She worries about her future, her children’s health, the economy, her marriage. She operates in the many.

What about you? What’s your circumstance? What in your life needs to be saved? You might not be facing a deadly battle like Jonathan and his armor bearer, but one thing I can guarantee, we all need to be saved from something.

Here’s the great part: This verse tells us that nothing can hinder the Lord from saving us in all circumstances—whether we are operating in the category of many or few. We can count on Him to move on our behalf.

So many times I look at my lack and throw up my hands. I only see the limits. Jonathan and his armor bearer were just two men. They knew their limits but they didn’t let that keep them from trusting the Lord to move on their behalf.

Likewise, I can look at my abundance—of demands, of needs, of people, of financial responsibilities—that I need to attend to and let that overwhelm me. I only see the crushing load.

Jonathan chose not to look at the many men facing them, but to turn his eyes to God. He knew God is not hemmed in by earthly circumstance.

Many or few, it matters not. Our security can not come from our situation. Today as you face life’s challenges, look for the few and for the many. Then tell God exactly what Jonathan said: Perhaps You will act on my behalf. I trust what You choose to do. Nothing can hinder You from saving, whether by many or by few.

Dear Lord, I am so grateful that You are not hindered by my circumstances. Help me to look past my lack or my abundance, straight into Your eyes. Help me to realize that You are at work in my many and in my few. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Do You Know Him?

Visit Marybeth’s blog for more encouragement today!

Living Financially Free: Hard Earned Wisdom for Saving Your Money and Your Marriage by Marybeth and Curt Whalen

From Financially Frantic to Financially Free (CD) by Marybeth Whalen

The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen

---

When you purchase resources through Proverbs 31 Ministries, you touch eternity

because your purchase supports the many areas of hope-giving ministry we provide

at no cost. We wish we could, but we simply can’t compete with prices offered by

huge online warehouses. Therefore, we are extremely grateful for each and

every purchase you make with us. Thank you!

---

Application Steps:

Copy this verse into your journal and then write the statement: “My security can not come from my situation.” Spend time thinking about that today.

Reflections:

What is your few?

What is your many?

How are you letting either keep you from trusting fully in God?

Power Verses:

Zechariah 4:6, “So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.” (NIV)

I Samuel 17:47, “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” (NIV)

© 2011 by Marybeth Whalen. All rights reserved.

"

Komen News

Susan G. Komen for the Cure® Unties More Than 100 Breast Cancer Survivors, Activists in Paradise: "This weekend, breast cancer survivors and supporters will walk, run and advocate for breast cancer programs for the women of the Bahamas as more than 100 delegates join thousands of others for a weekend of breast cancer advocacy, awareness and support.

"

JournEzine

Israel, Land of Prophesy Come True…: "Another year has passed, and usually I am planning for the coming year and looking forward to all the things that need to be done around our home and farm. This year I am totally focused on Israel. Totally. Last year I concentrated on the Feast Days God commanded Israel to observe and gave the [...]"

JournEzine

Living On Today’s Deposit: "The Psalmist was praying: “Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). What do you do with your time? Have you ever stopped to think about how much time you waste doing “nothing”? Imagine there is a bank that puts in your account [...]"

Internet Cafe Devotions

Weekend Blend: "

We know the weeks can get away from you! It happens to us! That’s why we’re offering our “Weekend Blend!” A “recap” of our weekly Counter Articles and Daily Devotions!

So this weekend, we invite you to enjoy a sip of what you missed!

Does Your Heart Need To Be Plowed? – Ministry Counter

Nurturing Their Best to Make Them HIS Best – Family Counter

A Child’s Faith When Raised in a Spiritually Mismatched Home – Marriage Counter

Deep Spots – Daily Devo

I’ll be Happier When… – Daily Devo

He Spreads Snow – WFW

In With the Old – Daily Devo

With Bells On – Daily Devo

"

Here's My Cup Lord

Guess What?!!: "

My awesome bloggyfriend Mariel has written a new book and is hosting a giveaway on her blog!

That’s right. You can go to Growing in Godliness for details, and you can even click the book to order directly.

I am so excited for Mariel. Her fist book ladies!!

So, spread the word and join the fun.

"

HealthCorps Blogs

Is It OK to Lift Weights after being Treated for Breast Cancer?: "

A recent study suggests that breast cancer patients who lift weights are less likely to develop a painful condition called lymphedema. This condition can occur after a breast cancer patient has surgery, especially if lymph nodes are involved.

read more

"

HealthCorps Blogs

How about a Plant-Based Low-Carb Diet?: "

Though some meat-based high protein, low carbohydrate diets remain popular, the meat component of the diet is still a problem for some health experts.

read more
"

Heading Home

Hearing the Voice of God: "***As my daughter is visiting, I haven’t been able to finish a new post. So, I am sharing with you an article that I wrote a few years ago for our church paper. At the time, Celebration was the church’s Wednesday night service.***

Recently, as my husband and I were leaving the sanctuary after Celebration, we were stopped and asked if we would counsel with a deaf couple. As Decision Counselors (now called Decision Guides), we have never counseled with the deaf. Even though I had taken sign language classes, we both felt a little apprehensive and, yet, at the same time, we felt challenged. God will always give us His strength when we are weak. And we really needed His strength!

With hand gestures flowing rapidly from one person to another, our interpreter spoke to the young couple seated before us. We had the privilege of counseling with Grace and Sam. Being part of a conversation with the hearing impaired is a very humbling experience. In this situation, Norman and I were indeed the handicapped ones.

Grace and Sam wanted to talk to counselors about being baptized. They shared about their salvation and love for the Lord. They will be married soon and they wanted their lives to be in covenant with the Lord. So, at a recent Saturday night service, they came to church to be baptized.

All those to be baptized came into the baptismal as a group. As Grace and Sam waited their turn, Dave Stone [our pastor] baptized the others first, and as each one went under, Sam raised his hand in praise to the Lord. What a glorious sight!

As their friends and Grace’s father looked on, Dave baptized this precious couple. Teary eyed, I sat riveted to my seat as we, along with the congregation, witnessed the outward expression of their inward confession, as an interpreter conveyed the message of Dave’s words to Grace and Sam. Their hands then waved the sign for praise. What a privilege to have been a part of this.

After the service, we told Grace and Sam that we loved them and would be praying for them. We all hugged and said we would see each other later. In total silence, Norman and I walked up the aisle, hand in hand; our hearts too full of God’s goodness to break the spell with words.

Walking through the parking lot, I broke the silence by saying, “I’m totally amazed how awesome God is. He hears us even when we have no voice to speak to Him. He knows the voice of His children. He hears us no matter what our handicap.”

On the ride home, I tried to imagine a world of total stillness, but I could not imagine my life without ever having heard my grandmother sing The Old Rugged Cross. (My grandmother has been dead for almost forty years, yet, to this day, I still cannot sing it without crying and thinking of her.)

I could not imagine never experiencing the joy of hearing my children call me Mommy. I could not imagine never having my soul touched by the sounds of my husband telling me that he loves me. I could not imagine never being afforded the luxury of hearing the name of Jesus preached in a sermon.

Yet, at the same time, I could only imagine my auditory nerves never being blasted by the sounds of hard rock or rap music, or people arguing, or the dog whining, or the garbage language in movies. Oh, to imagine that none of these had the ability to invade my world! I could have an uninterrupted quiet time with the Lord, anytime, anywhere. He hears us no matter what our handicap – or situation.

I pray God will lay His hand of blessing on Grace and Sam and that He will always be the center of their lives. Sam mentioned after the service that he wished to be used of the Lord. The interpreter told him that the Deaf Taskforce needed someone to teach a Bible study class. Go for it, Sam! God will always use those with willing hearts as His instruments.

~Oh, Lord, thank You for allowing us to be used as those instruments that sit in readiness at Your feet. Only You know what our capabilities are and what we can accomplish. You would not send us out unless You thought we were fit for the task.

Thank You that You bend low with Your hand cupped to Your ear, waiting patiently to hear the melodies of praise from our hearts. I praise You that You use the Holy Spirit as Your tuning fork to fine-tune us for Your service. Your harmony is the sweetest when played on those instruments that lay closest to Your feet. May we be so close to Your feet that we always hear Your Still Small Voice.~~

"

Happy, Healthier You

6 Natural Fertility Boosters: "Whether you’re ready to get pregnant right now or don’t plan on having kids for a decade or more, experts say that how you live your life today can optimize your future fertility and even the healt"

Happy, Healthier You

Burn 300 Calories in 15 Minutes: "Shorter, smarter workouts are always a winner in my book—who doesn’t want to <a title="melt more"

ED.gov blog

National Youth Summit: Leading the World in College Completion: "President Obama has set a goal that by 2020 the United States lead the world in college completion. Over the summer the U.S. Department of Education (ED) conducted a National Youth Listening Tour (NYLT) to engage youth in a conversation on what it will take to meet the President’s goal. ED met with over 40 [...]"

Christian Women Online

Who Do You Say I Am?: "

Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked, “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “The Christ of God.”

Luke 9:18-20

A.W. Tozer once said, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” What we think about God affects our every thought and our every action. It affects the way we love people, the way we react to situations and the way we feel about our lives. What comes to your mind when you think about God?

Each of us has a different life story. My own journey has been one of many challenges and valleys, but it is in the deepest of these valleys that I first encountered Christ. And it has been on this bumpy road of my life, that I’ve come to know who Christ is – My Savior, my Redeemer, my Prince of Peace, my Lord, my King, my Rock. My Shepherd who takes care of me, my Protector who watches over me. He is my all, both the Lion and the Lamb, Alpha and Omega, beginning and end. He is Counselor and Commander; The Bread of Life and the Word of God…

Emmanuel, God with us.

God with me.

Even now, facing changes and uncertainty, Christ is with me helping me to face each step that I need to take. When I think about the individual journeys that all women face, I think about these women and where they might be at in their walk with God. What story is each of them living? What pain? What fear? What disappointment? What gratitude? What joy? Each one of us comes to God with our own needs and desires; coming in anticipation of meeting with the Creator of the Universe, God Most High, Abba, Father. His Word tells us that if we seek Him, he will be found and I am overwhelmed that God will so lovingly meet each one of us, exactly where we are. He is willing to meet our every need if we let Him.

Our history shapes our image of who we believe God to be. Yes, the Bible tells us who He is, and by faith we believe, but it’s in the intimate moments, as we come thirsty, seeking His face, that we experience His love and power, and it is in these moments that we discover who God is to us.

“But what about you?” he asked, “Who do you say I am?” Luke 9:20

All Scripture NIV

"

Cake, Batter and Bowl

French Toast with Pomegranate Cranberry Compote and Clementine Syrup: "

My good friend Renee got me a gorgeous cookbook for Christmas called Sarabeth’s Bakery. Have you heard of it? It’s filled with recipes for sophisticated bakery treats and I spent an entire evening drooling over all the lovely step by step photos. It was actually this book that inspired my resolution this year to become a master at whipping up fancy breads and pastries.

I was originally planning on baking the croissants first, but spontaneously decided to make the challah bread this weekend instead, mainly because I was in the mood for some French toast! I don’t have much bread baking experience (although our class at King Arthur Flour was really helpful!), but the recipe in the book was really detailed and easy to follow and my challah turned out perfectly! I was so proud. This is my favorite shot because it looks just like the one in the book – yay!

The next day I turned most of the loaf into classic French toast, but of course I couldn’t resist coming up with a fun winter twist. I topped it with a compote of pomegranate arils, dried cranberries, clementine juice, and a touch of brown sugar. I also made a lovely clementine syrup. I really think one of my favorite parts of winter is that clementines are in season. They are one of my very favorite snacks and I probably average at least three a day! I think people usually boil the juice down with sugar to make a fruit syrup, but I was feeling lazy and only had a few clementines left, so instead I just stuck a bit of zest in some maple syrup and let is seep for awhile. Then I strained it out – success, the perfect clementine syrup!

French Toast with Pomegranate Cranberry Compote and Clementine Syrup
Printable Recipe

Ingredients:

Clementine Syrup:
1/3 cup pure maple syrup
Zest of 1 clementine (1 teaspoon)

Pomegranate Cranberry Compote:
1 1/2 cups fresh pomegranate arils (from 1 large pomegranate)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
Juice of 2 clementines (1/4 cup)
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

French Toast:
1/2 cup milk
2 eggs
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 slices challah bread (I used 14 ounces)
2 tablespoons butter

Directions:
To make the syrup, mix syrup and clementine zest in a small bowl. Allow to sit for 20 minutes, then strain the syrup to remove the zest.

To make the compote, mix pomegranate arils, cranberries, clementine juice, and brown sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is gone.

To make the French toast, whisk milk and eggs together in a shallow dish and dip the bread slices in the egg mixture, two to three pieces at a time. Allow to soak for a few minutes, then heat ½ tablespoon butter over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. Place soaked bread in the pan and fry until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining bread and butter. Spoon compote over French toast and drizzle with clementine maple syrup. Makes 5 servings.

Nutrition: 478 calories, 11.2g fat, 3.0g fiber, 13.6g protein per serving
Cost: $1.57 per serving

"

Breast Cancer News

Iniparib Shows Promise Against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: "Compared with chemotherapy alone, treatment with a combination of chemotherapy and the investigational drug iniparib improved overall survival by more than four months among women with metastatic, triple negative breast cancer. The results of this Phase II clinical trial were ..."

Breast Cancer News

Study Evaluates Predictors of DCIS Outcomes: "Choice of treatment, choice of surgeon, and surgical margin (a measure of whether the cancer was completely removed) all appear to affect the risk of disease recurrence among women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast. These findings ..."

Bloggin' bout Books

The Danger Box Immensely Enjoyable: "

(Image from Indiebound)

No one understands 12-year-old Zoomy Chamberlain like his grandparents do. Gam keeps him supplied with fresh notebooks and purple pens so he can turn his obsessive worrying into nice, orderly lists, while Gumps' gentle humor keeps everything on an even keel. The kindly couple, who've cared for Zoomy since his birth mother left him on their front porch wrapped in nothing but an old sweatshirt, make him feel safe and loved. So what if he's a little odd, can't see very well even with his Coke bottle glasses, and has no friends his own age? Zoomy's perfectly happy to craft his lists, help Gump at his antique store, and tend the garden with Gam.

When his father shows up out of the blue, Zoomy's peaceful existence erupts. Buckeye Chamberlain's a drunk who's caused Gam and Gumps nothing but trouble. He barely acknowledges Zoomy's existence, staying at the house only long enough to dump a box in the toolshed. It's only after the police come around, informing the Chamberlains that Buckeye's driving a stolen pickup, that Zoomy gets curious about the box. Inside, he finds a crumbling journal full of lists, notes, and scientific observations. The almost inscrutable entries look so similar to Zoomy's lists that he feels an instant connection with the author of the diary. He wishes he knew who wrote it. The only clue is a date: 1835. There are plenty of old books in Gumps' antique store, so Zoomy knows it's probably not valuable. Except, what if it is?

The more Zoomy examines the diary, the more he learns - about friendship, family, and a world-reknowned scientist whose obsessive compulsions seem awfully familiar. Zoomy's fascinated by the journal and, even though he knows he should turn it over to the police, can't make himself give it up. With Buckeye on the loose and a strange man watching Zoomy's every move, things are getting downright dangerous for the boy who craves calm. Can he solve the journal's mystery before someone takes it from him? Or should he turn it over to the police before Buckeye makes good on his threat to harm the two people Zoomy loves most?

The Danger Box by Blue Balliet is the kind of adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages. With a cozy, small-town setting, warm, interesting characters, and an intriguing, unique mystery, it's a fun, heartwarming story that manages to be both exciting and educational. I enjoyed it immensely.

(Readalikes: Um, I can't think of any. Can you?)

Grade: B-

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG for some mature themes (alcoholism, child abandonment, etc.)

To the FTC, with love: I received a finished copy of The Danger Box from the generous folks at Scholastic. Thank you!

"

Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day

John 8:31-32: "“[Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are] To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.””"

Bible Gateway's Old/New Testament Reading Plan

Old/New Testament Reading for Saturday January 15, 2011 (NIV): "

This text is provided by Biblica Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2010. The Reading plan is brought to you by BibleYear.com and powered by Bible Gateway.

Genesis 36

Esau’s Descendants

¹ This is the account of the family line of Esau (that is, Edom). ² Esau took his wives from the women of Canaan: Adah daughter of Elon the Hittite, and Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon the Hivite— ³ also Basemath daughter of Ishmael and sister of Nebaioth. ⁴ Adah bore Eliphaz to Esau, Basemath bore Reuel, ⁵ and Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the sons of Esau, who were born to him in Canaan. ⁶ Esau took his wives and sons and daughters and all the members of his household, as well as his livestock and all his other animals and all the goods he had acquired in Canaan, and moved to a land some distance from his brother Jacob. ⁷ Their possessions were too great for them to remain together; the land where they were staying could not support them both because of their livestock. ⁸ So Esau (that is, Edom) settled in the hill country of Seir. ⁹ This is the account of the family line of Esau the father of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir. ¹⁰ These are the names of Esau’s sons:
Eliphaz, the son of Esau’s wife Adah, and Reuel, the son of Esau’s wife Basemath. ¹¹ The sons of Eliphaz:
Teman, Omar, Zepho, Gatam and Kenaz.
¹² Esau’s son Eliphaz also had a concubine named Timna, who bore him Amalek. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Adah. ¹³ The sons of Reuel:
Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath. ¹⁴ The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah and granddaughter of Zibeon, whom she bore to Esau:
Jeush, Jalam and Korah. ¹⁵ These were the chiefs among Esau’s descendants: The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau:
Chiefs Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz, ¹⁶ Korah, Gatam and Amalek. These were the chiefs descended from Eliphaz in Edom; they were grandsons of Adah. ¹⁷ The sons of Esau’s son Reuel:
Chiefs Nahath, Zerah, Shammah and Mizzah. These were the chiefs descended from Reuel in Edom; they were grandsons of Esau’s wife Basemath. ¹⁸ The sons of Esau’s wife Oholibamah:
Chiefs Jeush, Jalam and Korah. These were the chiefs descended from Esau’s wife Oholibamah daughter of Anah. ¹⁹ These were the sons of Esau (that is, Edom), and these were their chiefs. ²⁰ These were the sons of Seir the Horite, who were living in the region: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, ²¹ Dishon, Ezer and Dishan. These sons of Seir in Edom were Horite chiefs. ²² The sons of Lotan:
Hori and Homam. Timna was Lotan’s sister. ²³ The sons of Shobal:
Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho and Onam. ²⁴ The sons of Zibeon:
Aiah and Anah. This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the desert while he was grazing the donkeys of his father Zibeon. ²⁵ The children of Anah:
Dishon and Oholibamah daughter of Anah. ²⁶ The sons of Dishon:
Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran and Keran. ²⁷ The sons of Ezer:
Bilhan, Zaavan and Akan. ²⁸ The sons of Dishan:
Uz and Aran. ²⁹ These were the Horite chiefs:
Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah, ³⁰ Dishon, Ezer and Dishan. These were the Horite chiefs, according to their divisions, in the land of Seir.

The Rulers of Edom

³¹ These were the kings who reigned in Edom before any Israelite king reigned: ³² Bela son of Beor became king of Edom. His city was named Dinhabah. ³³ When Bela died, Jobab son of Zerah from Bozrah succeeded him as king. ³⁴ When Jobab died, Husham from the land of the Temanites succeeded him as king. ³⁵ When Husham died, Hadad son of Bedad, who defeated Midian in the country of Moab, succeeded him as king. His city was named Avith. ³⁶ When Hadad died, Samlah from Masrekah succeeded him as king. ³⁷ When Samlah died, Shaul from Rehoboth on the river succeeded him as king. ³⁸ When Shaul died, Baal-Hanan son of Akbor succeeded him as king. ³⁹ When Baal-Hanan son of Akbor died, Hadad succeeded him as king. His city was named Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel daughter of Matred, the daughter of Me-Zahab. ⁴⁰ These were the chiefs descended from Esau, by name, according to their clans and regions: Timna, Alvah, Jetheth, ⁴¹ Oholibamah, Elah, Pinon, ⁴² Kenaz, Teman, Mibzar, ⁴³ Magdiel and Iram. These were the chiefs of Edom, according to their settlements in the land they occupied. This is the family line of Esau, the father of the Edomites.

Genesis 37

Joseph’s Dreams

¹ Jacob lived in the land where his father had stayed, the land of Canaan. ² This is the account of Jacob’s family line. Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them. ³ Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him. ⁴ When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. ⁵ Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more. ⁶ He said to them, “Listen to this dream I had: ⁷ We were binding sheaves of grain out in the field when suddenly my sheaf rose and stood upright, while your sheaves gathered around mine and bowed down to it.” ⁸ His brothers said to him, “Do you intend to reign over us? Will you actually rule us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dream and what he had said. ⁹ Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” ¹⁰ When he told his father as well as his brothers, his father rebuked him and said, “What is this dream you had? Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow down to the ground before you?” ¹¹ His brothers were jealous of him, but his father kept the matter in mind.

Joseph Sold by His Brothers

¹² Now his brothers had gone to graze their father’s flocks near Shechem, ¹³ and Israel said to Joseph, “As you know, your brothers are grazing the flocks near Shechem. Come, I am going to send you to them.” “Very well,” he replied. ¹⁴ So he said to him, “Go and see if all is well with your brothers and with the flocks, and bring word back to me.” Then he sent him off from the Valley of Hebron. When Joseph arrived at Shechem, ¹⁵ a man found him wandering around in the fields and asked him, “What are you looking for?” ¹⁶ He replied, “I’m looking for my brothers. Can you tell me where they are grazing their flocks?” ¹⁷ “They have moved on from here,” the man answered. “I heard them say, ‘Let’s go to Dothan.’” So Joseph went after his brothers and found them near Dothan. ¹⁸ But they saw him in the distance, and before he reached them, they plotted to kill him. ¹⁹ “Here comes that dreamer!” they said to each other. ²⁰ “Come now, let’s kill him and throw him into one of these cisterns and say that a ferocious animal devoured him. Then we’ll see what comes of his dreams.” ²¹ When Reuben heard this, he tried to rescue him from their hands. “Let’s not take his life,” he said. ²² “Don’t shed any blood. Throw him into this cistern here in the wilderness, but don’t lay a hand on him.” Reuben said this to rescue him from them and take him back to his father. ²³ So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe—the ornate robe he was wearing— ²⁴ and they took him and threw him into the cistern. The cistern was empty; there was no water in it. ²⁵ As they sat down to eat their meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were loaded with spices, balm and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt. ²⁶ Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? ²⁷ Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. ²⁸ So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt. ²⁹ When Reuben returned to the cistern and saw that Joseph was not there, he tore his clothes. ³⁰ He went back to his brothers and said, “The boy isn’t there! Where can I turn now?” ³¹ Then they got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. ³² They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.” ³³ He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.” ³⁴ Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. ³⁵ All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. “No,” he said, “I will continue to mourn until I join my son in the grave.” So his father wept for him. ³⁶ Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officials, the captain of the guard.

Genesis 38

Judah and Tamar

¹ At that time, Judah left his brothers and went down to stay with a man of Adullam named Hirah. ² There Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua. He married her and made love to her; ³ she became pregnant and gave birth to a son, who was named Er. ⁴ She conceived again and gave birth to a son and named him Onan. ⁵ She gave birth to still another son and named him Shelah. It was at Kezib that she gave birth to him. ⁶ Judah got a wife for Er, his firstborn, and her name was Tamar. ⁷ But Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death. ⁸ Then Judah said to Onan, “Sleep with your brother’s wife and fulfill your duty to her as a brother-in-law to raise up offspring for your brother.” ⁹ But Onan knew that the child would not be his; so whenever he slept with his brother’s wife, he spilled his semen on the ground to keep from providing offspring for his brother. ¹⁰ What he did was wicked in the LORD’s sight; so the LORD put him to death also. ¹¹ Judah then said to his daughter-in-law Tamar, “Live as a widow in your father’s household until my son Shelah grows up.” For he thought, “He may die too, just like his brothers.” So Tamar went to live in her father’s household. ¹² After a long time Judah’s wife, the daughter of Shua, died. When Judah had recovered from his grief, he went up to Timnah, to the men who were shearing his sheep, and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went with him. ¹³ When Tamar was told, “Your father-in-law is on his way to Timnah to shear his sheep,” ¹⁴ she took off her widow’s clothes, covered herself with a veil to disguise herself, and then sat down at the entrance to Enaim, which is on the road to Timnah. For she saw that, though Shelah had now grown up, she had not been given to him as his wife. ¹⁵ When Judah saw her, he thought she was a prostitute, for she had covered her face. ¹⁶ Not realizing that she was his daughter-in-law, he went over to her by the roadside and said, “Come now, let me sleep with you.” “And what will you give me to sleep with you?” she asked. ¹⁷ “I’ll send you a young goat from my flock,” he said. “Will you give me something as a pledge until you send it?” she asked. ¹⁸ He said, “What pledge should I give you?” “Your seal and its cord, and the staff in your hand,” she answered. So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she became pregnant by him. ¹⁹ After she left, she took off her veil and put on her widow’s clothes again. ²⁰ Meanwhile Judah sent the young goat by his friend the Adullamite in order to get his pledge back from the woman, but he did not find her. ²¹ He asked the men who lived there, “Where is the shrine prostitute who was beside the road at Enaim?” “There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute here,” they said. ²² So he went back to Judah and said, “I didn’t find her. Besides, the men who lived there said, ‘There hasn’t been any shrine prostitute here.’” ²³ Then Judah said, “Let her keep what she has, or we will become a laughingstock. After all, I did send her this young goat, but you didn’t find her.” ²⁴ About three months later Judah was told, “Your daughter-in-law Tamar is guilty of prostitution, and as a result she is now pregnant.” Judah said, “Bring her out and have her burned to death!” ²⁵ As she was being brought out, she sent a message to her father-in-law. “I am pregnant by the man who owns these,” she said. And she added, “See if you recognize whose seal and cord and staff these are.” ²⁶ Judah recognized them and said, “She is more righteous than I, since I wouldn’t give her to my son Shelah.” And he did not sleep with her again. ²⁷ When the time came for her to give birth, there were twin boys in her womb. ²⁸ As she was giving birth, one of them put out his hand; so the midwife took a scarlet thread and tied it on his wrist and said, “This one came out first.” ²⁹ But when he drew back his hand, his brother came out, and she said, “So this is how you have broken out!” And he was named Perez. ³⁰ Then his brother, who had the scarlet thread on his wrist, came out. And he was named Zerah.

---

Matthew 10

²¹ “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. ²² You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. ²³ When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. ²⁴ “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. ²⁵ It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! ²⁶ “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. ²⁷ What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. ²⁸ Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. ²⁹ Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. ³⁰ And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. ³¹ So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ³² “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. ³³ But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven. ³⁴ “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. ³⁵ For I have come to turn “‘a man against his father,
a daughter against her mother,
a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—
³⁶ a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’ ³⁷ “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. ³⁸ Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. ³⁹ Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. ⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

"

Bible Gateway Blog

Year in Review: 2010 at Bible Gateway: "

The New Year is well underway now, and all of us at Bible Gateway hope it’s off to a great start for you and yours! Looking back, we are happy to say that 2010 was a good year for us at Bible Gateway. We are blessed to be part of an extraordinary community of people—people who visit Bible Gateway to undergo the life-changing experience of reading God’s Word.

You might be interested to know that, in 2010:

• More than 70 million people visited Bible Gateway.


• We spent more than 23 million hours (over 1.4 billion minutes!) reading Scripture on Bible Gateway.


• More than 18 million people visited Bible Gateway from outside the United States.


• We had visitors from more than 236 countries or territories.


• Three of our top ten most popular Bible translations were Spanish language versions.


• People visiting Bible Gateway on mobile devices increased by 83% over last year, and by 51% for mobile device visits from outside the United States.

It is clear that Bible Gateway continues to be a favorite online destination for people who want to read God’s Word, and more people than ever are finding Bible Gateway on their mobile devices or from countries around the globe, some of which offer only restricted access to the Bible, if any at all. Praise the Lord!

We are immensely blessed by this opportunity to share the Bible with people in as many languages and translations as we are allowed. With this opportunity comes great responsibility, and we take it very seriously. In 2011, we are in a position to continue growing and become an even more powerful force for God in the world, and we aim to be worthy stewards of such a responsibility.

Here are some of the things we are working on to continue making Bible Gateway a home for all those who wish to engage with the Holy Scriptures:

• The new BibleGateway.com design. You can see our work in progress at http://beta.biblegateway.com. This new design focuses on keeping Bible search and reading as easy to use as ever, while offering some enhanced features like improved parallel viewing, integrated Bible audio. Eventually, we’ll add features that allow you to personalize your Bible Gateway experience.


• New translations. We are constantly working on adding new translations and enhancing existing ones. We recently added the Common English Bible and the Chinese Contemporary Bible. The Nuevo Traduccion Viviente is nearly ready to go live, as are the SBL Greek New Testament and the Phillips New Testament. We are so very grateful to our many publishing partners who allow us to license these translations and share them with you online.


• More newsletters. In 2010, we introduced email newsletters to Bible Gateway for the first time. In 2011, we plan to bring you more newsletter options to choose from, including devotionals, verses-of-the-day in other languages and translations, and even an exclusive apologetics newsletter we will talk more about in the coming months.


• A mobile app. That’s right! We’re working on it. Stay tuned in the coming months for news on this.

I want to take a moment to thank you, our dear visitors and readers. We are here for you by God’s blessing because you have supported us over the years—by praying for us, by visiting the site, and by holding us accountable when we’ve gone astray. We humbly ask you to continue upholding us in these ways in the coming days, months, and years.

As we endeavor to make Bible Gateway an ever better place to read and study Scripture, we remain committed to the core of what makes us tick: the transforming Word of God. Scripture tells us to

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need.” (Romans 12:11-12, NIV)

By God’s grace, may we be blessed to continue zealously sharing with the Lord’s people around the world—both online and off—the living, breathing Word of God, every day, for as long as we are able.

Richest blessings for a Word-filled 2011!

Rachel Barach is the general manager of BibleGateway.com.

"

Becentsable

Target-Coupons & Deals: "

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Target-Coupons & Deals is a post from: Becentsable

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