Monday, October 31, 2011

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31 Happy Birthday Artiss!
Artiss is fifteen today!
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Sunday, October 23, 2011

Number 17, October 22, 2011



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Living 4 Jesus 4 Life: #17 October 22, 2011
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Note: This issue features the first chapter of a brand-new book one of our readers, Mary Morrison, is just writing! The book is titled "Far above Rubies" and can be found at the bottom of the newsletter! Thanks Mary!

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In this issue.... 
            "Go to the ant..... consider her ways..." 
            Feedback from a reader
            Prayer Requests
        


12 Happy Birthday Amber!

Amber will be twelve on October 26th. She also like mint chocolate ice cream and enjoys hanging out with friends, soccer, sports, talking, and going to church!
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Elly turned thirteen on October 18th. She enjoys drawing, laughing and hanging with her friends! 
   When Elly grows up she wants to be an artist!  


13 Happy Birthday Mary Danielle!!

Mary will be thirteen tomorrow!! She likes mint-chocolate chip ice cream and has a good time at everything she does. She loves to write and she speaks fluent Chinese!!
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{Prayer Requests}
⦁ Please pray that my Chinese friend would come to know Father.  I have been praying for her for a while now and have shared the Good News with her but have not seen much of a response.  I have a burden for her since she has some family difficulties.  She has a younger sister that is somewhere around 10 years younger than her.  ~Loice Morrison 

⦁ 
Pray for all the people who don't know Christ that they will come to know Him and be saved - Rachel
⦁ Pray that God will show Himself to a girl in Elly's gym class and He will change her heart!
⦁ Please pray for Rebekah's new neighbors, that they will come to know God and that they will have a great friendship with her family!
⦁ Please pray for a lady in our church who has breast cancer. Erin has 3 kids: 4, 3, and 18 months. You can read about her at erinfray.blogspot.com. - Artiss
⦁ Please continue to pray for Rebekah's cousin Karen, who has breast cancer. She has five children, and her husband is in the military! Thank you!
⦁ Pray that my friends mom gets better because she isn't doing very good. ~Elly 

              

                         
Don't forget to send us your prayer requests so we can publish them, or keep them a secret  

 
                                                                                                                               
   
Reader Feedback                                     
hey, I just wanted to email ya'll and let you know I really like getting the newsletter and ya'll are doing a great job!

 ~Sarah P. 
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Go to the Ant
Proverbs 6:6-8 "Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest."
I really like these verses because God is telling us to look at the ant, a tiny little creature. He tells us about how the ant is wise because it gathers all of its food in the summer and stores it for the harsh winter. The ant doesn't have to have somebody telling it to do that. It just knows that the winter is going to be hard  and that it wont find food as easily then. We should be like the ant. We all have hard times coming our way. We need to prepare for the "winters" in our lives by storing God's Word in our hearts. If we hide God's truths in our hearts now and develop a strong relationship with God now, we will be prepared for the hard  times coming our way. 
Just remember, God's truths will never fade away. They will stay strong for all of  eternity! 

<3SarahElisabeth



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Hi Everyone! I hope ya'll are all enjoying the fall weather! I thought it was a really cool idea when Sarah suggested we use this topic this week as we all get ready for winter. For me, preparing for winter is a little different than an ant's preparing for winter. While he gathers food and gets ready to go into survival mode, I am getting excited about wearing cute winter clothes - all my scarves and coats and sweaters - and looking forward to Christmas when I get to spend time with friends and family, and going Christmas shopping trying to find the perfect thing for each of them! Well, in Proverbs 6:6-8, God tells us that we should be more like the ant. Although we shouldn't ever worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34 - Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.), we should be more prepared for the storms that might come. I know you have all heard a lot of this before, but it has been a good reminder for me to think about!
One way that we can prepare for trials that might come is by diligently studying God's Word every chance we get, and storing it up in our hearts. Too often we wait until the bad times come to go to the Lord. When everything is sunny we just forget how important God is and our relationship with Him is no longer top-priority. If we do look to Him at all times though, we will find His Word is so encouraging even in the good! One of my biggest struggles in this area is thinking I don't have time to study my Bible or pray as much when I am busy, or to memorize His Word. This is when I need it the most!! Surprisingly, the busier I am the more I can handle. I have found that when my schedule looks as though I cannot pack anything else in, if I read my Bible and pray and exercise (another part of my day I tend to leave out when busy!) then I will actually have time left over! I believe this is God's reward for diligence! Even knowing this, it is a constant struggle for me. As I get older and busier all the time, I must draw closer to God and store up His treasures so that I will also become stronger in Him, and realize that I will ALWAYS have time to love Him more!
Love ya'll!
keep smiling,
autumn clare

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Happy birthday Autumn! 
 This year doing the newsletter with you has been super fun. I think that it has strengthened us both in the Lord and I think its made our friendship stronger. Thanks for always being here for me when I've needed you. Your the best! You are an amazing young woman and I know that God is going to do a lot in your life. He has done so much for you already. Never forget about God and continue to walk with Him. Don't ever forget how much our Father loves you. I love you so much! 

<3SarahElisabeth
                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                         
Chapter One
Far Above Rubies
"Who can find a virtuous 
wife?
For her worth is far above 
rubies."
Proverbs 31:10
-Our Character Quality-
Virtue
The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God's Word*

What does this mean?  When we obey obey God's Word we will naturally reap the character that is taught within it.  Others will notice these outstanding qualities that we possess, and will recognize us as virtuous.  When we are virtuous we are worth much more than the most rare and expensive jewel!  A man would much rather have a virtuous wife than a huge treasure chest full of the rarest gems!


 treasure-chest-with-jewels.jpg (300×400)

-Craft Corner-
My Treasure Chest
                         You will need:                                                                        
                          -One small box or chest--if you don't have one you can make one (see pg.  ).       -Markers, crayons, chalk, or colored pencils                                                                                                                                                                                                        
                          -Scraps of colored paper                                                                                  -Scissors
                          -Jewel patterns (pg.  )                                                                                      -Pen/pencil
                          -Glitter glue (optional)

Instructions:
                                                                1. Cut out jewel patterns.
                2. Trace jewels onto the colored paper and cut them out.  Make as many as you want.
                                                                3. Color and shade each jewel (only on one side) to make it look real.
                                                                4. If you want, spread glitter glue on the colored side of each jewel.  Let it sparkle!
                                                                5. Fill your treasure chest!
If you want to make your treasure box even more attractive, put some real jewelry in it.  Or you can make some paper "necklaces" (pg.  ), and add them to your                                       box.

-From the Pages of History-
The Virtuous Woman
In the rest of this book we will read about many women who demonstrated each aspect of virtue explained in Proverbs 31, but the person who fits this chapter the best is ...the virtuous woman from Proverbs 31!

-Making It Real-
1. Because virtue comes as we obey God's Word, we must know what God's commands are, so we know what He wants us to do.
  • In your Bible reading, look for specific commands that are very key for you.  Write the command and Bible reference on the back of a jewel from your treasure box.  Find as many as you can and see if you can write on all the jewels!  You can always make more jewels if you need.  You might also want to ask others if they can think of more commands in the Bible, or if they have any suggestions for finding more.  For example...
           You would color this side, and shade it with lines. 
On the back, which is plain, you would write (for example):
                                                                                                                                                                                                               "Obey parents-                                                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                                                                                               Ephesians 6:1"   

  • What makes a virtuous woman?  As you study this book, write qualities you read about which the virtuous woman has on some of the jewels from your treasure box.  Think of some women you know who are virtuous.  When you complete each chapter of this book, write a thank you note for or call one of these people who especially demonstrates this aspect/quality of a virtuous woman.  Don't forget: this is to be a project that you will do over a period of time, not just as you read this chapter! J                                                                                                                                                                                
  • This week at your quiet time choose one command from your treasure box, and think of specific ways you can obey it, or things that will help you learn to obey it.  Write them down in your journal.  When you do something on your list put a smile beside it.  Write specifically how you obeyed it.  Try to have at least one thing to do for each day of the week.  Remember, you can always do them more than once!  Record any encouraging results/responses/benefits.        For example:  
          Honor your father and your mother    
  • Offer to help Mom fix a meal
  • Clean Dad's office while he's out
  • Thank Dad and Mom for at least five things today
  • Shine Dad's shoes
  • Get ready really quickly in the morning and offer to help get the little ones dressed
  • Say "Yes, sir" and "Yes, ma'am" and do it immediately when Dad or Mom tells me to do something
  • Write an encouraging note with a verse, for Mom
  • Leave a note on Dad's desk
  • Be cheerful when Dad and Mom ask me to do something
This is and example of what a completed task might look like:          J  Offer to help Mom fix a meal 
On Saturday I helped Mom fix chicken potpie for Sunday supper.  I cut the carrots, potatoes, onion and celery, and I made the crust.  Mom was very happy and it allowed her to have time to help me with my homework.  I felt happy because I knew I was obeying God!  

-Time to Journal-

                
I am writing a book for girls on Proverbs 31:10-31.  You can give me any suggestions you have.  Thanks a lot!
Thanks!
In Christ,
Mary Danielle Morrison


If you have any suggestions or comments feel free to email us at living4jesus4life@gmail.com and we will pass those comments on to Mary. :) 

Here are a few questions:

1. Does "From the Pages of History", "A Peek into the Past", or "Looking Back" sounds better?
2. What about "Making It Personal" or "In My Days"?



Jayme Kaye turned fifteen on October 20th. Her favorite kind of ice cream is vanilla! 
   Her hobbies are sports and music.  
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15 Happy Birthday Artiss!
Artiss will be fifteen on October 31st, and she enjoys running, drawing, reading, sewing, and playing her harp.
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15 Happy Birthday Jayme Kaye! 

13 Happy Birthday Elly!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Number 16, September 24, 2011


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Living 4 Jesus 4 Life: #16 September 24, 2011
...on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me...___________________________
 
In this issue.... undying love
                        "I am that vineyard!"

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14 Happy Birthday Rachel!
Rachel is turning fourteen on October 2nd. Her favorite kind of ice cream is cookies and cream!
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{Prayer Requests}

Be in prayer for all the areas of Texas that have experienced wild fires. Praise the Lord for keeping all the firefighters, residents, and travelers, safe, and pray that He will continue to protect and provide for those who have lost their homes so that they will come to know Him and see His power! If ya'll know anyone you would like us to keep in our prayers just shoot us an email at living4jesus4life@gmail.com, and don't forget to keep praying for rain!
⦁ Pray for Harper Grigsby and her family as she prepares for another heart surgery at four months.

Please pray that my Chinese friend would come to know Father.  I have been praying for her for a while now and have shared the Good News with her but have not seen much of a response.  I have a burden for her since she has some family difficulties.  She has a younger sister that is somewhere around 10 years younger than her.  ~Loice Morrison

Pray for all the people who don't know Christ that they will come to know Him and be saved - Rachel
Please pray for Rebekah's new neighbors, that they will come to know God and that they will have a great friendship with her family!
Please pray for a lady in our church who has breast cancer. Erin has 3 kids: 4, 3, and 18 months. You can read about her at erinfray.blogspot.com. - Artiss
Please continue to pray for Rebekah's cousin Karen, who has breast cancer. She has five children, and her husband is in the military! Thank you!
Please continue to be in prayer for some friends of mine. They have ten kids and they lost their home in a fire earlier this summer. Everything they own, except for their vehicles and the clothes on their backs were lost in the fire. Please pray for them as they face this huge struggle. thanks! ~Sarah Elisabeth

Pray that God will show Himself to a girl in Elly's gym class and He will change her heart!
Don't forget to send us your prayer requests and we can publish them or just keep a secret!
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Isaiah 27:2-4
"2In that day sing ye unto her, a vineyard of red wine.3 I the Lord do keep it; I will water it every moment: lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.4 Fury is not in me: who would set the briers and thorns against me in battle? I would go through them, I would burn them together." 
  Verse 3 really stood out to me. It's talking about how much God cares about us. It says the Lord keeps us. He doesn't let us get out of His grip. Even if we wanted to get away from His wondrous love, we couldn't. It's just not possible. He will never stop loving us. It talks about how He figuratively waters us. He feeds us with His Word, the Bible, and He guides us with His wisdom. He will never lead us astray. There are many people and things in this world that will try to lead us down the wrong path. But God will never do that. He wants us to stay on the path He has planned for us because He knows that it is the best. The good Lord will never lead you astray. 
  This verse goes on to say that He won't let anything hurt us and He will keep watch over us day and night so that nothing will touch us. Don't ever forget the truths that God has set before us in these verses. He is always going to take care of you. There is no doubt about that! Don't ever forget His undying love for you! 

<3SarahElisabeth 
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"Sing about a fruitful
vineyard:
I, the Lord watch over
it; I water it continually.
I guard it day and night
so that no one may
harm it..."
This is me! I am that vineyard! I know I've read those verses before but somehow I didn't remember them. As soon as I read this passage the other night though I knew that I am God's vineyard. He watches over me and waters me continually. My purpose here is to bring forth fruit to His glory. I could not wait to share this with all of ya'll!! This is exciting! I may not have remembered it before, but I will never forget it now! Hopefully this newsletter has taught ya'll some things you didn't know before, and brought ya'll closer to God over the last few months. Hopefully I have brought forth fruit or at least planted seeds to bring glory to His name. But if I haven't, if none of you have learned anything from me, I have learned a LOT!
 
God is watching over me. He is teaching me new things every day!! And even when it seems like something bad has happened, if I respond to it in a way that pleases God, I will grow, and He will BE glorified!!

by autumn clare 
--
Autumn Posey & Sarah Stephens living 4 jesus 4 life
Philippians 1:20,21 - "According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.
For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
 
 
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and... Don't forget to check out a life for Christ by Sarah Elisabeth Stephens!!!
 
Always wanted to be published? Send us your recipes, craft ideas, jokes, or anything else at living4jesus4life@gmail.com! We're looking forward to hearing from you!