7 Weeks of Blessing at Covenant Church

April 7, 2013: Kickoff Sunday - Give money to help sponsor kids to attend summer camps

April 14, 2013: Diaper Sunday - Bring diapers & wipes in all sizes

April 21, 2013: Grocery Card Sunday - Bring a gift card to a local grocer in any amount

April 28, 2013: Gas Card Sunday - Bring a gas gift card in any amount

May 5, 2013: School Supply Sunday - Bring any school supplies

May 12, 2013: Meet a Need Sunday - Give money to help fund needs within our community and church

May 19, 2013: Professional Services Sunday - Do you have a service to offer? Are you in need of a service?

To donate any of these items, please drop the items off at the Covenant Church in McKinney
        975 S. Central Expressway, McKinney, TX 75070
        Office hours: Monday - Thursday (9:00-5:00 pm) or Sundays

If you are in need of any of these items or services, please visit the church (the appropriate Sunday) or call at 972-548-2700.

Pastor Rick Warren's Son Passed Away

Pastor Rick Warren's son passed away Saturday after an unfortunate decision to commit suicide. I have never met Pastor Warren or his son but I respect him and his beliefs and have joyfully been subscribed to his daily email devotionals for several years. Please keep Pastor Warren, his family, and his church in your prayers.

http://news.yahoo.com/church-pastor-rick-warrens-son-commits-suicide-211206608.html

Father,

We lift up Pastor Warren, his family, and his church to you and pray in the name of Jesus for your healing power to cover them, guide them, and bring them through this as stronger and greater for your purposes. We ask that you fill them with supernatural strength, endurance, perseverance, courage, and encouragement. In their weakness, sadness, and misunderstanding, may they look to you. May they remain focused on you God, trust that you have their best interest at heart, and grow in unsurpassable ways. Father let them feel your holy presence. At a time when all eyes are on them Father, we pray that their faith will not fail and that their love and trust in you will shine even brighter. Father we pray against all spiritual attack, hindrances, and harm on the family in the name of Jesus and pray for your mighty protection over their minds, hearts, and bodies. We know you have a purpose in this that exceeds our knowledge and we trust in you God for you are good. Father thank you for your love and for answering our prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Palm Sunday

Today is Palm Sunday, the day Jesus fulfilled a prophecy written in Zechariah about the entrance into Jerusalem of the coming king - the Messiah. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. The people of Jerusalem, familiar with Scrpture and witnesses of Jesus' miracles, teachings, and authority, threw their coats and palm branches on Jesus' path shouting in praise, "Hosanna in the highest!" Hosanna means save us now and essentially became a cry of praise. These people believed Jesus was the coming king but thought he was going to save them right then from the Romans. Jesus, following the will of his Father, instead had a much greater plan; a plan that these people could not yet comprehend.

Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Good Friday is the day these same people dispised, betrayed, mocked, and rejected Jesus, ultimately leading to his blood being shed on the cross for our sins. Easter Sunday is the day Jesus rose from the dead, overcoming the world and purchasing our freedom with his blood.

Matthew 21:1- (NIV)

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

“Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’"

The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”
“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”



SaMmM123. "Hillsong - Hosanna (High Quality)." Youtube. March 2008.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQGJdTpMUcU to watch the video.

Hosanna in the highest!

Please Take My Survey

I am conducting a survey for my Human Behavior II class and would greatly appreciate your participation. It is completely anonymous!

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/F2LV2GL

Thanks!

Deadly Deception Critique

If you receved this blog posit in your email, please visit my blog or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCYdI2b_9Vs to watch the Deadly Deception documentary.

          The Deadly Deception is an insightful documentary about the controversial Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male conducted for 40 years on poor African American men in Macon County, Alabama. During the 1920s, 300,000 individuals fell victim to syphilis every year and experienced symptoms of pain, fever, and rashes in the early stages and blindness, arthritis, heart disease, dementia, and even death in the late stages if untreated. Determined to stop the further spreading of this disease by treating and curing it, the U.S. Public Health Service authorized six treatment projects, performed by government doctors, in predominantly poor African American infected communities. After unexpectedly exhausting government funds, five of the projects in effect came to a halt while the sixth altered shape completely, changing the purpose to solely studying syphilis, the method to withholding treatment, and the participants’ status into “experimental subjects” without informed consent.
          The U.S. Public Health Service wanted to attain some benefit from the program so they strived to test the theory that there are essential genetic differences among the races as well as the belief that the syphilis disease in blacks was not deadly by determining whether the syphilis disease was the same disease in both whites and blacks. In Macon County, test results revealed an alarming 35 percent syphilis infection rate among the black population. Furthermore, the study uncovered that the disease creates the same symptoms for both races which confounded the medical world and motivated a long open-ended continuation of the study. From this moment on, the 400 men of Macon County under study were deceived and it was not until another long 39 years that the truth was unveiled. These men were deceived by their government, church, school (Tuskegee Institute), and employers who took advantage of their social locations in addition to their child-like trust in and respect for honorable authority and institutions. From the promise of care and free treatment in addition to the diligent strive of the U.S Public Health Service to help these men, they assumed that the government had their best interest in mind and truly wanted to treat them. The men in this study were racially, socially, physically, and medically at a disadvantage and were not ones to question motives or merits or speak up for themselves.
          Concealed truths behind the experiment include unconcern for the men of study; the true nature of the experiment, its open-endedness, its dangers, and their illness; that “bad blood” really meant infection with the syphilis disease; and that the criteria to which these men were chosen was based on prejudice, racism, and social and economic disadvantage. The men of Macon County were not told the true nature of the experiment because the U.S. Public Health Service wanted to break new scientific ground with this disease and felt that (1) telling would interfere with the study by subjects not agreeing to participate and (2) would only bring negative attention, perceptions, and consequences toward them. The U.S. Public Health Service, however, had many occurrences which should have shed light on the unethicalness of this study such as the external and internal symptoms of infection; the 1936 findings that a significant amount of the subjects suffered from late syphilis, cardiovascular problems, and neurological problems; the U.S. Public Health Service campaign launch to combat syphilis and issue of informed consent guidelines; the passing of the National Venereal Disease Control Act; the effectiveness of penicillin in treating syphilis; the evidence that some of the men were dying from late syphilis; the Nürnberg horrors and trial; the civil rights movement; and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention panel convention.
          The ultimate finding of the Tuskegee Study corroborated existing data about the natural and deadly course of syphilis and detected negative results for differing forms of the disease among the races. The main idea behind this movie is to display the importance of ethics in social research as well as keeping personal values, biases, and agendas out of social research. I find this experiment wrong on the same grounds as Attorney Fred Gray did wherein the U.S. Public Health Service violated the rights of the men in this study. They had the right to know that there was a study, what “bad blood” actually meant and its full symptoms, and that they were not receiving treatment and should have been given the ultimate decision as to whether or not they wanted to participate. This experiment not only had consequences for the men in the study but also for the greater society. It is a profound example of medical misconduct; demonstrates why so many people distrust doctors, the government, institutions, and white Americans; and proves how prejudice, discrimination, hatred, and oppression can negatively affect medicine, science, and research.

Winchester, Tonya. University of North Texas. February 2012.

Upcoming Speech

February 16, 2013 - McKinney YMCA MyChallenge at 12:00 pm located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 to at-risk teenagers.

Speech in January

January 5, 2013 - McKinney YMCA MyChallenge at 12:00 pm located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 to at-risk teenagers.

Upcoming Speeches

December 4, 2012 - MADD Allen Teen VIP at 7:00 pm located at 301 Century Parkway, Allen, TX 75013.

December 8, 2012 - McKinney YMCA MyChallenge at 12:00 pm (or possibly 11:00 am) located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 to at-risk teenagers.

The Gift of Christmas

Want to bless a child this Christmas? Through World Help, you can bless an orphan with a Christmas gift for only $5 a child (covers the shipping of the Christmas box). This is an amazing organization which really seeks to "help" the world. "Something so simple can bring a level of joy only a child can fully understand. Giving to ship Christmas for Orphan boxes is an easy way of showing love. The look on a child's face is priceless as they receive their first—and very own—gifts" (World Help, 2012). They provide many other great ways to help as well and let you specifically choose a service or need! Visit http://goh.worldhelp.net/cfao/ to gift a Christmas box to a orphan and http://goh.worldhelp.net/ for other gifting options. You will make a "world" of a difference!

For the daily needs of impoverished children/families:
- Immunizations
- Bedding
- Shoes
- Coats
- Life saving supplies including food and clean drinking water
- Mosquito nets
- Wheelchair
- Operation Baby Rescue & Child Sponsorship

For school and education:
- School scholarships
- Books and supplies
- Uniforms (some kids cannot attend school without a uniform)
- Sports equipment
- Rooms to learn
- Sewing Machines
- Welding equipment
- Hair styling tools and products

Sustainability for a family:
- Livestock (Goats, Pigs, Cows, Sheep, Chickens, or Rabbits)
- Fruit trees
- Beehives
- Harvest-producing seeds
- Bicycles

Community & Spiritual Development:
- Bibles
- A church
- A home
- A clean-water project

Upcoming Speeches

November 14, 2012 - MADD Plano Teen VIP at 6:20 pm located at 900 E 15th Street, Plano 75074.

November 17, 2012 - McKinney YMCA MyChallenge at 1:00 pm located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 to at-risk teenagers.

November 28, 2012 - MADD McKinney Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney 75071. 

Nobel Prize for Adult Stem Cell Discovery

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Scientists from Britain and Japan shared a Nobel Prize on Monday for the discovery that adult cells can be transformed back into embryo-like stem cells that may one day regrow tissue in damaged brains, hearts or other organs.

 

John Gurdon, 79, of the Gurdon Institute in Cambridge, Britain and Shinya Yamanaka, 50, of Kyoto University in Japan, discovered ways to create tissue that would act like embryonic cells, without the need to collect the cells from embryos.

They share the $1.2 million Nobel Prize for Medicine, for work Gurdon began 50 years ago and Yamanaka capped with a 2006 experiment that transformed the field of "regenerative medicine" - the search for ways to cure disease by growing healthy tissue.

"These groundbreaking discoveries have completely changed our view of the development and specialization of cells," the Nobel Assembly at Stockholm's Karolinska Institute said.

All of the body starts as stem cells, before developing into tissue like skin, blood, nerves, muscle and bone. The big hope is that stem cells can grow to replace damaged tissue in cases from spinal cord injuries to Parkinson's disease.

Scientists once thought it was impossible to turn adult tissue back into stem cells. That meant new stem cells could only be created by taking them from embryos, which raised ethical objections that led to research bans in some countries.

As far back as 1962 Gurdon became the first scientist to clone an animal, making a healthy tadpole from the egg of a frog with DNA from another tadpole's intestinal cell. That showed that developed cells carry the information to make every cell in the body - decades before other scientists made world headlines by cloning the first mammal from adult DNA, Dolly the sheep.

More than 40 years later, Yamanaka produced mouse stem cells from adult mouse skin cells by inserting a small number of genes. His breakthrough effectively showed that the development that takes place in adult tissue could be reversed, turning adult tissue back into cells that behave like embryos.

Stem cells created from adult tissue are known as "induced pluripotency stem cells", or iPS cells. Because patients may one day be treated with stem cells from their own tissue, their bodies might be less likely to reject them.

"The eventual aim is to provide replacement cells of all kinds," Gurdon's institute explains on its website.

"We would like to be able to find a way of obtaining spare heart or brain cells from skin or blood cells. The important point is that the replacement cells need to be from the same individual, to avoid problems of rejection and hence of the need for immunosuppression."

In just six years, Yamanaka's paper has already been cited more than 4,000 times in other scientists' work.

In a news conference in Japan, he thanked his team of young researchers: "My joy is very great. But I feel a grave sense of responsibility as well."

Gurdon spoke of his own unlikely career as a young man who loved science but was steered away from it at school, only to take it up again at university.

He still keeps an old school report in a frame on his desk: "I believe he has ideas about becoming a scientist... This is quite ridiculous," his teacher wrote. "It would be a sheer waste of time, both on his part and of those who have to teach him."

EARLY STAGES

The science of iPS cells is still in early stages. Among concerns is the fear that implanted cells could grow out of control and develop into tumors.

Some scientists say stem cells from embryos may prove more useful against disease than iPS cells, and the ethics of working with embryos should be defended.

Nevertheless, since Yamanaka published his findings the discoveries have already produced advances. The techniques are being used to grow cells in laboratories to study disease, the chairman of the awards committee, Urban Lendahl, told Reuters.

"You can't take out a large part of the heart or the brain or so to study this, but now you can take a cell from, for example, the skin of the patient, reprogramme it, return it to a pluripotent state, and then grow it in a laboratory," he said.

"The second thing is for further ahead. If you can grow different cell types from a cell from a human, you might - in theory for now but in future hopefully - be able to return cells where cells have been lost."

Thomas Perlmann, Nobel Committee member and professor of Molecular Development Biology at the Karolinska Institute said: "Thanks to these two scientists, we know now that development is not strictly a one-way street."

"There is lot of promise and excitement, and difficult disorders such as neurodegenerative disorders, like perhaps Alzheimer's and, more likely, Parkinson's disease, are very interesting targets."

For now, both men said their scientific work continues.

Asked why he still keeps his schoolteacher's discouraging report, Gurdon said: "When you're having problems, like when an experiment doesn't work - which often happens - it's nice to remind yourself that perhaps after all you're not so good at this job and the schoolmaster may have been right."

(Reporting by Patrick Lannin, Alistair Scrutton, Ben Hirschler, Kate Kelland, Kiyoshi Takenaka, Chris Wickham and Peter Graff; writing by Peter Graff; editing by Philippa Fletcher)

Ringstrom, Anna. "UK, Japan Scientists Win Nobel for Adult Stem Cell Discovery." Yahoo! News. 8 October 2012. Web. 8 October 2012. .

Pink in the Rink Fundraiser Benefiting Mary Kay Foundation

Please join us on Friday, November 2nd to cheer on the Allen Americans vs Tulsa Oilers! A portion of the tickets will benefit the Mary Kay Foundation!

Purchase tickets: https://www.formstack.com/forms/?1270334-9Dv2VEl8Ey

Please visit the website to find out more information about The Mary Kay Foundation: www.marykayfoundation.org

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this information in making the decision to help support the Mary Kay Foundation.

Upcoming Speeches

October 17, 2012 - MADD McKinney Adult VIP from 6:00-8:00 pm located at 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney 75071.

October 20, 2012 - I am teaming up with Teen Court and speaking at the McKinney YMCA to at-risk teenagers located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 at 1:00 pm.

Urgent Prayer Request

Two nights ago, a good friend of Billy's (my boyfriend) was in a bad car crash and is now paralyzed with a complete C6-7 spinal cord injury (exactly what I have). He is currently at Parkland Hospital in the ICU.

Father, we lift up Toby to you and praise You God for his life. We pray God that You will guide the hands and tests of the doctors and bless Toby with a miraculous recovery in the name of Jesus. God, reveal Yourself to him and his family in a fresh new way. May they learn of Your grace, love, and goodness and may they learn who their God is through this tragic situation. Speak to them God and protect his children as they search for answers. God, we know You have a special plan for Toby and I pray that Your will be done in his life. Father, prepare and strengthen Toby and his family for the road ahead. Give them endurance and help them to persevere. We refuse the report of the world and release the report of the Lord. Cover him and his room with Your healing and guiding spirit. Father, we pray for strength, sensations, movements, and all abilities to return in the name of Jesus. Holy Spirit, awaken his body. Awaken his spinal cord we pray in the name of Jesus. I pray that his girlfriend be encouraged and feel Your spirit. Help her through this as well. Thank you God again, for saving Toby. May he grab hold of this second chance and arise as the man You created him to be. I pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

Select "Will Pray" if you prayed this prayer. If this blog was sent directly to your email, please visit the blog page and select the box "Will Pray." Thanks. Please share.

Upcoming Speech

September 19, 2012 - MADD McKinney Adult VIP at 6:00 pm located at 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney 75071.

Best Superfoods for Weight Loss

1. Black beans
"A cup of black beans packs a whopping 15 grams of satisfying protein and doesn't contain any of the saturated fat found in other protein sources, like red meat."

2. Oats
"Oats are rich in fiber, so a serving can help you feel full throughout the day. Just a half cup packs 4.6 grams of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat."

3. Avocados
"Oleic acid, a compound in avocados' healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), may trigger your body to actually quiet hunger. The creamy fruit is also packed with fiber and protein."

4. Salmon
"Lean sources of protein help you feel full without adding fat."

5. Blueberries
"Best known for their anti-aging effects, blueberries, while tiny, are a powerful figure-friendly eat" and are packed with fiber.

6. Broccoli
"Cooked or raw, this cruciferous veggie is well-known for its cancer-preventing powers, but with a punch of filling fiber in less than 30 calories a serving, it's bound to prevent weight problems too."

7.  Brown rice
"Brown rice is a heartier, fiber-packed alternative to less-than-super white rice [and is a Resistant Starch]. . . Plus, brown rice is a low-energy-density food, meaning it's heavy and filling but low in calories."

8. Pears
"Just one pear packs 15% of your daily recommended amount of fiber. . . Ditch the peeler though; the skin is where all that filling fiber is hiding"

9.  Wine
"Resveratrol, the famed antioxidant found in grape skin, stops fat storage."

10. Grapefruit
"A compound in the tangy fruit can lower insulin, a fat-storage hormone, and that can lead to weight loss. It's also a good source of protein, and because it's at least 90% water, it can fill you up so you eat less."

11. Kidney beans
"One of several varieties of beans to make the list, red beans offer protein and fiber (more than 5 grams per serving!). Kidney beans are also rich in Resistant Starch."

12. Almonds
Almonds "are another superfood rich in healthy fats that help you slim down."

13. Green tea
"This steamy sip hydrates like water, which can help fill you up and shed pounds. Plus, the antioxidants in green tea will up your fat burn and calorie burn. One study found that five cups a day could help you lose twice as much weight, most of it around your middle."

14.  Lentils
"Lentils are a great source of satiating protein and fiber . . . [and are also] a Resistant Starch."

15. Bananas
Bananas are a great Resistant Starch.

16. Eggs
"Eggs get a bad rap when it comes to weight loss. But the breakfast staple is loaded with protein that will curb your appetite."

17. Dark chocolate
"A nibble of dark chocolate here and there can slow down digestion so you feel full longer and eat less at your next meal. Dark chocolate is full of MUFAs; studies show eating a diet high in these healthy fats can rev your metabolism to burn fat and calories.

18. Oranges
"At only 59 calories, you may not expect much from an orange, but thanks to a hefty dose of fiber, it ranks highest among fruits on a list of 38 filling foods put together by Australian researchers. Feeling full can help you eat less throughout the day."

19. Potatoes
"True, potatoes are high in carbs, but they are three times as filling as a slice of white bread, and top all the foods on the same satiety index as oranges. Plus, potatoes are also rich in Resistant Starch."

20. Pine nuts
"These tiny bites pack the same heart-healthy fatty acids that quell hunger hormones and burn belly fat."

21. White beans
"One-half cup of these fiber-packed beans contains almost 4 grams of fat-blasting Resistant Starch."

22. Cheese
"Fresh goat cheese and feta contain a fatty acid that helps you feel full and burn more fat. Look for cheeses labeled "grass-fed," as those will have the highest content of this healthy fat."


23. Low-fat milk
"The same fatty acid [in cheese] is found in milk, and milk's proteins can keep you feeling satisfied" Plus, milk is a great source of calcium.

24. Garbanzo beans (Chickpeas)
"These slimming beans pack more than 2 grams of Resistant Starch per half-cup serving. They're also a great source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats."

25. Pearl barley
"This starchy side makes a slimming complement to a low-cal meal by adding some satisfying fiber and nearly 2 grams of Resistant Starch in just a half-cup serving."

26. Quinoa
"Another diet-friendly whole grain, quinoa is rich in hunger-fighting protein. You'll stay full longer on fewer calories and avoid overeating at other meals."

27. Plantains
"A half cup of cooked plantains packs almost 3 grams of Resistant Starch."

"Best Superfoods for Weight Loss." Health Magazine. Web.  7 September 2012. http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20475957,00.html.

Hurricane Isaac Aftermath

As we sit in the comfort of our own homes, let us keep in mind those who are experiencing devastation from Hurricane Isaac whether it be themselves, their homes, or their towns. 

Father, I pray for Your protection over Your people. May they feel Your loving presence and be encouraged, comforted, and guided through this difficult time. Give them endurance Lord, strength, and perseverance. Father, open doors for them and provide them with shelter, food, clean water, clothes, and stability. We pray for them to be blessed with even more than what has been damaged or lost. Lift their spirits Lord and introduce people in their lives who know You God and are filled with Your love and firm in their faith. I pray that their love and willingness to help will shine and lead to many salvations. We pray these things in Jesus' name, Amen.

AP Photo/Eric Day. "Isaac's Aftermath." Yahoo! News. 31 August 2012. Web. 4 September 2012. http://news.yahoo.com/photos/tropical-storm-isaac-slideshow/residents-evacuate-flooded-neighborhood-thursday-aug-30-2012-photo-103830646.html.

Visit here for more information and pictures.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (NIV)

Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

"1 Corinthians 1 (New International Version)." Biblegateway.com. 11 August 2012. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%201&version=NIV. 

Upcoming Speech

August 18, 2012 - I am teaming up with Teen Court and speaking at the McKinney YMCA to at-risk teenagers located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 at 12:00 pm.

Please keep the teenagers in your prayers. Thanks.

June 16, 2012 (Wreck Anniversary Cont'd)

On June 16, 2005 I was in a near-fatal car wreck which left me paralyzed, broken in spirit, and confused about my purpose and life all together. It has been a difficult journey and I've had a lot of growing up to do but I would not be who I am had it not happened. I have been reconnected with my Savior and learned many invaluable lessons and revelations that prepare the way for my future and for who I was created to be.

In early May, I received an email requesting that I come share my story with a group of at-risk teens at the YMCA in McKinney, my hometown, on my 7th year wreck anniversary. I knew instantly that it was meant to be and without hesitation, accepted the request.

Part of what I shared with these teens is that we are the way we are because we were made for a specific purpose. We each have our own unique set of interests, talents, abilities, and life experiences which shape who we are. Which ones are unique to you and how can you use them to reach others? To rescue others? What have you overcame that others, who may have no direction, are still struggling with?

 

For me personally, I had a very difficult time fitting in when I was in school, I have had several experiences where I have been taken advantage of by friends and even guys, I have experienced losing almost all of my friends, I have had experience with drugs, and although I did not like to drink, I had a bad experience with alcohol which landed me in this chair. As for my interests, I enjoy speaking, being a leader, and helping others. And it is in these moments that I am living in accordance to the experiences, interests, and abilities that I have been given that I truly feel joy and feel that I am fulfilling my purpose. There is no greater feeling  and that is why I encourage you to take hold of what you have been given because everything that life is about is to constantly prepare you for your future.

May today mark a new beginning for all of us. Life is meant to be lived and we are meant to help others. Let's open our hearts and minds to our true purpose and actually living a life of purpose. Every day is an opportunity to learn, grow, produce, and bring about change. There are so many people that are lost, lonely, depressed, and in lack and there are just as many social problems in our world that need tackled. What have we been waiting for? A push? A shove? Count this as one. Let God use you. Help others. Love others. Forgive.

Father, We give you our hearts, our minds, our lives, and our relationships for Your purposes. Mold us God. Work in us. Speak to us. Lead us. Convict us. Open our eyes Lord so that we will see with Your vision. Reveal to us the hurting, the lonely, the broken-hearted, and those in need and how we can help. Provide us with opportunities to serve. May we stop living for the world and for ourselves and start living for you Lord. Forgive us God for our selfishness. Give us a kingdom mindset. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

July 4th Events in McKinney, TX

Events Scheduled for Wednesday, July 4
Historic Downtown McKinney                                    

• Hometown Parade  – 10 a.m.
• Sidewalk Sales  – 10 a.m.
• Car Show - 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
  (See map below)

McKinney Soccer Complex at Craig Ranch

• Family activities and food  – 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
• Live entertainment – Jon Christopher Davis & Lone Star Attitude  – 8:00 - 9:30 p.m.
• Fireworks  – 9:45 p.m.

Visit http://www.mckinneyoem.org/RWB/ for more information and parade map.

Visit The Hunger Site this holiday at www.thehungersite.com. Purchased items provide food to the hungry. They will appreciate it and it will also make you feel good. The store has really neat gifts. My favs are the crafts they make with recycled products :) 

Father's Day, My Sister In Town, & My 7 Year Wreck Anniversary

My sister, who lives in Chicago, came into town for Father's Day this year and she stayed for 6 days. When discussing how to celebrate our Dads (my Dad and my boyfriend Billy's Dad), we decided to have a giant fish fry at our house since both our freezer and Billy's Dad's freezer had bags of fish stored in them. I was told that there were many types of fish caught - catfish, bass, crappie... but I just called them Yum, Yum, and Yum! I've included a picture of some keepers. On the Saturday before Father's Day, my sister, Dad, and boyfriend went fishing one more time while my Mom and I went to the YMCA because I had a speaking engagement there.

We started the big day off with an amazing church service at The Covenant Church in McKinney. I feel the Holy Spirit ACTIVE in that place! The music and sermon were wonderful. Our Pastor began his sermon by prooving the power and significance of a father in a child's life and included upsetting statistics. A father-less child's wellness and success is at an alarming disadvantage. He went further to include examples of children that beat the statistics and encouraged us all to beat the statistics! What I loved most was how our Pastor commended fathers that are FATHERS and have active roles in the lives of their children as well as mothers who unfortunately must play the role of both parents. He ended with charging fathers to be the men that God created them to be - fathers, husbands, sons, employees, neghbors, friends - with integrity and love. Amen!

Later that day, we had Billy's Dad and siblings over as well as the Leachs, our neighbors who just moved, and began the fish frying adventure. We had Louisiana style fish, grilled and fried squash, almond broccili cole slaw, big lima beans, Mom's potato salad, fruit salad, watermelon, and cookies!! Everything tasted ah-mazing! It was a nice and needed time with friends and family! We also went to the movies and watched The Avengers!

The remainder of my sister's visit was great. We also had a burger cookout with the DeWets, other neighbor friends and ate way too much AGAIN! Now, all I have to do is devise a plan to bring my sister home! Any suggestions are welcome!

I would like to end by thanking and commending all of the fathers as well as mothers who truly are that - fathers and mothers. It is a big responsibility but it is a great treasure as well. A special thank you to my parents. June 16, 2012 was the 7th anniversary of my car wreck and all that comes to mind is your love, mercy, grace, patience, support, and devotion. You are what comes to mind. You both are truly amazing and one of a kind. The two revelations received from my wreck that I treasure most are realizing how much God and you love me. I love you both and am so grateful to have such ALL-STAR parents.

What the Bible Can Teach You About Investing Today

Ron Blue has an investment philosophy you don't hear very often these days. Specifically, the Founder and Managing Director of Kingdom Advisors says the old proverbs found in the Bible hold the keys to today's investment success.

Blue began reading and studying the bible only after becoming well-versed in the tenets of financial reporting as a Certified Public Accountant. What surprised him was the degree to which doing either effectively came down to the same basic rules. Blue recently came on Breakout to share some of these proverbs and how their meanings apply to investors of any faith.

1) Establish Written Financial Goals

"The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty." -Proverbs 21:5

Write down your end target then determine your steps towards getting there. A little bit at a time, all of the time, is a wiser plan than taken frantic all-or-nothing shots.

2) Save and Invest Before You Spend

"Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house." -Proverbs 24:27

As Blue puts it, "don't spend in the short-term because you won't have it in the long-term."

3) Keep a Long Term Perspective

"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it?" -Luke 14:28

In other words, know what you need to set aside to reach your savings goals. Your time frame is going to vary depending what your personal goals. Saving for college may be a 15-year strategy while retirement planning could involve more than 40 years. The runs are different depending on the size of your intended tower.

4) Diversify Your Portfolio

"Divide your portion to seven, or even eight, for you do not know what misfortune may occur on the earth." -Ecclesiastes 11:2

Even when Ecclesiastes was written 2,500 years ago people needed to have diversification. Blue suggests not just a range of stocks but assets: some venture capital, stocks, bonds and real estate for example, though readers needs may vary. The goal isn't eliminating failures but anticipating them by having an assortment of investments.

5) Do Not Take on More Risk Than You Can Afford

"I have seen a grievous evil under the sun; wealth hoarded to the harm of its owners." -Ecclesiastes 5:13

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Nobody knows where the stock market is going to go, says Blue. There is no free lunch. As Blue puts it, "You can't be guaranteed of returns, and if you're trying to get that you're probably taking more risk than you should."

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Macke, Jeff. "What the Bible Can Teach You About Investing Today." Yahoo! Finance. 7 June 2012. Web. 7 June 2012. http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/breakout/bible-teach-investing-today-132404878.html.

Speeches

June Speeches:

June 5, 2012 - MADD's Allen Teen Victim Impact Panel located at the Allen Municipal Court (301 Century Parkway, Allen, TX 75013) at 7:00 pm.

June 16, 2012 - I am teaming up with Teen Court and speaking at the McKinney YMCA to teenagers located at 300 Ridge Road, McKinney, TX 75070 at 12:00 pm.

May Speeches:

May 8, 2012 - McKinney High School Seniors/Student Council & 5th grade Pen-pals located at 1400 Wilson Creek Parkway, McKinney, TX at 12:00-2:00 pm

May 16, 2012 - MADD's McKinney Adult Victim Impact Panel located at 1800 N Graves St, McKinney 75069 at 6:00 pm.