Team from Fresno to Thailand
4: Thank you
5: From Our Editor-in-Chief
6: Leadership Prayer
by Dr. Richard Kriegbaum
8: Christian Educators Association
International (CEAI)
by Forest and Cheri Risch
10: DVD Discussion The Blind Side
11: Book Review
by Samuel J Alibrando
16: Love and Power
By Duane Ruth Heffelbower
19: Local Artist
Cynthia Chapman Manuszak
21: Divine Desires
Roy Inzunza
22: The Problem of Evil
by Dr. Rodney J. Nidever
by Ralaine Fagone
30: Lessons from Middle Earth
From Gardener to Guardian
by Sherry White
32: The Ideal Man Steel and Velvet, Part 3
Pastor Pete Bertolero
34: A Secure Heart Reaches Out
By Elizabeth Heitt
36: These Times
By Dave Wainscott
by Dr. Ron Claassen
42: Unexpected Outcome!
by Vicki Allen-Westburg
44: The Salt Shaker Recap
45: And Now A Message From The President
by Brian Henderer, D.Min.
47: Prescription Abusers In Need (PAIN)
48: Quarters
by Kim Bagato and Ernie Hergenroeder
Baptist Church
was wrapped in a tiny box and when the kids
opened it, their eyes lit with excitement
followed by squeals of delight, "It's a quarter!"
while the adults marveled at their childlike
pleasure of this gift of silver.
everything, continually thanking God for
redeeming my soul. Yes, my spiritual rebirth is
more valuable than a 25-cent piece, but it's the
attitude of gratitude that's important.
better understand God's love for us. Even now
that my children are grown, I am often com-
pelled to give to them beyond what they might
deserve or even really need. It's not to make
myself feel better; I just want to bless them
without any strings attached.
for his children. Before we even took a breath,
He loved us so much by giving Jesus Christ as a
sacrifice for our sins, the ones we weren't even
old enough to commit!
before becoming a parent which has given
opportunities for me to step back, assess my
motives in how I love and give to my kids, while
reflecting on God's love for me.
given one more day on the planet. And, then,
the morning brings a bright day of
opportunities because the Lord sustained my
heartbeat and my breath as I slept. I was not
aware or even capable of doing either of those
things for myself. Neither am I able to work for
my salvation. No, it is a free gift, like that shiny
quarter on Christmas morning; God's giving is
not based on what I've done (or even hoped to
accomplish) but because of His great love for
me.
desires for me to be and how to spend my time,
my energy and my quarters. After all, only
because He gave me physical life and awakened
my spiritual life when I was born again that I
have any hope of making an impact for good.
And, when that happens, all the glory is His.