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.

My Nanny's Obituary

June LaFaye Williams Scholl, age 74, born in Mobile, AL and a long time resident of Bay Minette, AL died Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at her residence. She worked at Scott Paper Company for over 20 years. She was a standing member of Pine Grove Baptist Church in Bay Minette and Healing Waters Church. She was an amazing Christian woman who enjoyed attending church and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Edward D. Scholl of Bay Minette, AL; her children, Gerry and Nelda Winchester of McKinney, TX and David Wixey of Bay Minette, AL; three sisters, Lavelle Franklin and Gloria Duck both of Bay Minette, AL and Pam Albert of Orlando, FL; her daughter-in-law, Joyce Wixey of Inverness, FL; five grandchildren, Josh Glover, Jason Wixey, Tonya Winchester, Tacha Winchester and Chastity Wixey and four great grandchildren, Sadie Glover, Jackson Glover, Rex Wixey and Skyler Wixey.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Heggard Ray and Ann Estelle Williams; her daughter, Kathy Wixey; a sister, Mary Murphy and a grandson, Jody Glover.

"Obituaries: June LaFaye Williams Scholl." Norris Funeral Home. 16 May 2012. Web. May 20 2012. http://norrisfuneralservice.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1482108.

My Guestbook Entry:
"Nanny, you were such a great person and an absolute inspiration. I am so thankful for the extra time God gave us to know each other more intimately. I look forward to seeing you again and praising our God together. I love and miss you so much Nanny!"

Her funeral was Friday, May 19th but I was not able to attend due to accommodation issues in hotels. I was in my van listening to the radio at the start time of her funeral and at that exact moment, the song "I Can Only Imagine" by MercyMe came on. It put things in perspective for me and made me realize how she is in the presence of our Almighty God, filled with joy, and completely free of pain. I instantly gained a sense of peace. Please continue to keep my family in your prayers. Thank you.



"MercyMe - I Can Only Imagine." Youtube. 27 Sept 2010. Web. 20 May 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng.

If video does not work, it can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_lrrq_opng.

Nanny June Scholl ~ July 2, 1937 - May 15, 2012

Please keep my family in your prayers. My Nanny (Dad's Mom) was diagnosed with a rapid form of cancer in January. We got a call last week that she took a turn for the worse - was bedridden, not hardly eating or drinking, and sleeping all day. Also, she had been talking to her deceased daughter and grandson aloud who were "calling her home" telling them that she was not ready and still had something she needed to do. Immediately after one of these instances, she told a family member to call my Dad because it was time. So on Friday, my parents and other family members traveled to Alabama to go see her. I wasn't able to go because it is too hard for family to care for me in a hotel bed but Billy (my boyfriend) and I did call her Friday night and told her that we love her. Last night when speaking with my parents, they said my Nanny was in so much pain that she was moaning continuously and the morphine was not working. I immediately started crying and praying for her to be in peace and free of pain. At 1:00 am this morning, as my family held hands with my Nanny around her bed, they told her that they loved her and then sang "Jesus Loves Me" and she took her last breath. Her cancer finally won the fight.

My Nanny was my last living grandparent. She was a great woman, friend, Mother, Grandmother, and Aunt. She was strong in her faith and a friend to everyone. She was a single mother to my Dad, Uncle, and Aunt and worked hard to support them. She inspired me to be the best I could be, to learn from my mistakes, to know the Lord, and be a loving person. I love her and miss her terribly already. 

I would like to ask if you could please keep my family in your prayers during this time.

Father,

I thank you for Nanny and the wonderful life she led through you. I ask Holy Spirit that her loved ones find rest in your comfort, peace, and guidance. Father, please be with them and let them feel your presence. Carry and cradle them through this storm. Cover them Lord with your protection and speak to them through their affliction. May good come from this situation. May hearts be saved and lives be changed. May those affected learn to trust in you and rely on you and be there for each other. May the broken relationships in this family be healed. May hearts be opened to forgiveness and filled with love. May they all realize what the important things in life are and never lose sight of them. We don't always understand our circumstances but I pray God that all will lean on you for understanding and know that you have our best interest at heart. May you be the strength and courage that we all need. I pray for acceptance and comfort in knowing Nanny is with you - praising, dancing, smiling, and rejoicing. May we always remember her lively encouraging spirit. Thank you God for your constant presence, for blessing us with Nanny and for answering our prayers. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. May God bless you.

Luke 18:1-8 (NLT)

As I was spending time with God last night, I came across this scripture and it was exactly what I needed. Again, it is about persistence in praying. It can be difficult persistently asking anyone, especially God, for something. I know from personal experience. It makes your mind start wondering things that it shouldn't. This scripture proves that instead of feeling discouraged and defeated, we should fight the fight all the more. I hope this message blesses you and speaks to your heart.

Parable of the Persistent Widow


One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up. “There was a judge in a certain city,” he said, “who neither feared God nor cared about people. A widow of that city came to him repeatedly, saying, ‘Give me justice in this dispute with my enemy.’ The judge ignored her for a while, but finally he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care about people, but this woman is driving me crazy. I’m going to see that she gets justice, because she is wearing me out with her constant requests!’”

Then the Lord said, “Learn a lesson from this unjust judge. Even he rendered a just decision in the end. So don’t you think God will surely give justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will grant justice to them quickly! But when the Son of Man returns, how many will he find on the earth who have [persistent] faith?”

"Luke 18 (New Living Translation)." Bible Gateway. Web. 5 May 2012. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018&version=NLT.

*Another great version of this scripture can be found in The Message: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke%2018&version=MSG.

The Holy Spirit Is at Work!

"Wow" is all I can say about today! So many things to share about how God is at work.

I have been praying and praying for an even closer relationship with God, for Him to speak to me and open all of my senses up to Him and His Spirit, and of course, for healing of my body. I also have prayed that God would prepare the hearts of those I invite to church, that they would accept the invitation. Well, today I received some answers to my prayers.

As I was getting ready for church, I received a text from a friend who I invited a few weeks ago saying that she was definitely coming to service today! I was so excited! Finally an acceptance from someone! It felt so great. When we arrived at church, she was already inside conversing with some family friends of ours who had no idea she was coming. I thought that was neat. We then entered the sanctuary and found our seats just in time for worship.

The music was great, as always. That is one thing I LOVE about this church (the Covenant Church) - the music! It is life-breathing! You can literally feel the Holy Spirit filling the sanctuary - every row, every seat - as our voices lift, united in praising our God! Oh, how awesome it feels... How awesome it sounds! I closed my eyes during one song, absolutely captivated in how lovely all of our voices sounded together and imagined Heaven. It sounded like Heaven.

As I was getting into one of the songs, an older man came behind me, put his hand on my right shoulder, and began praying aloud in tongues. As he prayed, he moved his hand to my right arm, my right hand, and my right leg and then to my left arm, my left hand, and my left leg. (He was praying for healing in my body.) When he finished he told me that God wants me to know how much He loves me and also wants me to write a petition for seven days as well as a letter to Jesus and at the end of the seven days, God would heal me. Before the man left to find his seat, he told me that God instructed him to come to this church and pray over a person in a wheelchair.

We continued singing but shortly later, our pastor began his message. He preached about Mary and Martha and their personalities/lifestyles (Luke 10:38-41; John 11:1-43). He said that we should not just be like Mary, always sitting at the feet of Jesus, but also be like Martha who was always busy serving, working, and preparing. He instructed that by being too much of either "Mary" or "Martha," we will miss out on what God has in store for us. Of course, my two cents on it does not give it justice but, it was a great message. As he closed, he said, "If there is anything you need prayer for, come to the front. Ask and you shall receive." It made me think of my blog yesterday and I immediately felt conviction for something I needed to confess.

I wheeled up to the front and asked one of the elders to pray over me for healing, my confession, and for my boyfriend's life struggles. One of the first things she said was, "Ask the Lord and you will receive." I thought again of my recent blog "Keep Asking and You Shall Receive; Keep Seeking and You Shall Find." She prayed and we talked for about 15 minutes. Then, as I was leaving the sanctuary, a young man (in his twenties) approached me saying that God told him to talk with and pray over me. I was thinking, "Wow! Two people in one day have not only been instructed by God to pray over me but they have also faithfully stepped out in obedience to God's instruction!" I felt very encouraged and so special in God's eyes.

The young man began trembling as tears filled his eyes. He grabbed my hand as began to pray that I would know how much God loves me and that God would grant me the desires of my heart. Throughout the prayer, he was crying and very emotional. He had been sitting in the row behind me the entire time the elder was praying over me so I was not sure if he was so emotional because he heard me tell her my story and saw me crying or if God had revealed something to him about me or if God displayed the desires of my heart to him. I later felt and came to the conclusion that it was all three.

I am writing all of this to be obedient in God's commandment "Write these things down for the future so that people who are not yet born will praise the Lord" (Psalm 102:18, NCV). God is good and I know He will heal me. I realized that it is a matter of me letting go of all fear, worry, and doubt and faithfully believing with ALL I have that God will take care of me. Today marks this complete transition.

I also wanted to share a passage with you that explains me asking the elder (has the gift of prayer) for prayer:

Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective (James 5:13-16, NIV 1984).

God's love is real. God's love is near.
May you be blessed. Much love.