For February, the month of love, we are focusing on you – friends and family of God! As you read through this issue of JEM Precious Stones, I hope you will remember that we love you all – and, even more importantly, that God loves you with an everlasting love! May He bless you richly as you strive to love Him as well!
In His Service,
Matt
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ACROSTIC FOR FEBRUARY
BIRTHDAY GREETING
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT
POINTS TO PONDER
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
SHELTERING TREES
A MOMENT OF 'HA HA'
CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
CRAFT OF THE MONTH
SKIPPING STONES
BIBLE QUIZ
CHECK IT OUT!
JEM'S PUZZLER OF THE MONTH
ACROSTIC FOR FEBRUARY
By: Denise Imbody
By: Denise Imbody
Friends are a gift from
Emanuel's throne, to
Bring joy and
Reassurance, and to
Unite His children
And now we can
Rejoice in, and worship
Yashua together.
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BIRTHDAY GREETING
Happy Birthday to all who celebrate during the month of February! May the Lord bless you and keep you... may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.... may He turn his face toward you and give you peace.
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INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT
By: Barbara Lea Campbell
By: Barbara Lea Campbell
The Greatest Valentine
Valentine's Day is a day when the world focuses on love -- mainly romantic love. But you know there is a greater love -- "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) That is what Jesus did -- He laid down His life for all of us -- for all that have been, are, and will be.
Last year I received the Acrostic below. It contains two verses that, to me, are the Greatest Valentine message of all -- John 3:16 & 17. What's so cool is when it is laid out as below, the word VALENTINE stands out in the middle.
This Valentine's Day love your family and friends, but don't forget the one who gave and continues to give the greatest love of all every day for eternity.
*Author unknown
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POINTS TO PONDER
By: Denise Imbody
By: Denise Imbody
Ever hear the expression "Garbage in, garbage out"? It may be a very simple statement, but it is really profound if you think about it.
If you fill your life with all kinds of junk, then that is what is going to come out of your mouth. Jesus speaks of good and bad trees in the Gospels. He tells of how good trees can not bring forth bad fruit, and how bad trees can not bring forth good fruit. He also says this...
Matthew 15
17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.
There are a few lines from an Heirloom song, that just says it all...
Kids learn a little from what we say
Much more from what they see
IF they see us filling our lives with everything but Jesus
How will they know, He's who they need?
Just thought we should all take a few minutes, and go over the events of a normal day, and see what we are filling it with...just a little point to ponder.
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QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"A friend is one who strengthens you with prayers, blesses you with love, and encourages you with hope."
--Barbara Johnson
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SHELTERING TREES
By: Barbara Lea Campbell
By: Barbara Lea Campbell
"We all need, Sheltering Trees
Friends in our lives who get down on their knees
And lift us up before the King of Kings
We all need, Sheltering Trees" ~~ "Sheltering Trees" - Newsong
This chorus is so true! We need other believers praying for us and we need to be praying for other believers!
Ephesians 6:18 exhorts us to be "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints." "All the saints" -- those are all the members of the body of Christ -- they are our spiritual family. You would never neglect praying for your earthly family, so why should you neglect the family of Believers?
Paul is a great example of one who prays for other believers. Look in the first chapter of his epistles and you often see him tell the recipients that he has been praying for them and quite often at the close of the letter he asks them to pray for him.
It is easy for us to pray for believers we know -- especially if there is a need we are aware of. Right now I am praying for a friend's lost child, a friend with who has been battling cancer for several years, a sister in the Lord who is mourning the death of her oldest child, and much more. These burdens are entered in my prayer journal and prayed for regularly. I hear about them often enough to keep them fresh in my mind. They are real to me.
But what about my other Christian friends -- the ones that have no spoken needs right now? Certainly they need prayer also. Prayer for unspoken needs and prayer for their walk. ALL our Christian friends need those kinds of prayers. Not sure what to pray? Well, pray for them what you hope someone is praying for you! Pray that they grow more in love with the Lord that day, that they hear Him and obey Him, that they catch a glimpse of His glory and see Him working in their life. Pray that He provides all their needs that day -- on all levels -- physical, emotional, financial, spiritual... whatever they need. Still need ideas, read the epistles and see what Paul prayed. Colossians 1 is an awesome place to start!
We need to pray for the Christian we know in our personal lives and those we know through other means -- like those that are on Christian email lists with us. We also need to pray for those we hear about. We often hear of other Christians facing various trials and difficulties. We may not know them personally, but we still need to pray for those situations and those brothers and sisters.
And there is one final group of Christians we need to pray for -- those we do not know. In Ephesians 6:18 we were not told to pray just for the saints in our little corner of the world or just those we had heard of ... we are to pray for ALL the saints. We need to pray for a revival in each Christians heart.... for Christians world wide to heed the words of 2 Chronicles 7:14 ... for Christians to be bold in word and deed and to be willing to give it all for Jesus... for workers for the harvest.... the list is endless.
The bottom line is we need to be sheltering trees for each other. We need to be on our knees lifting up the saints -- bowing before the throne of God in intercession for them. After all, our goal here on earth is to be Christlike and that is exactly what Christ did in John 17 -- he prayed for believers -- those there during his time and those to come. And He continues to intercede for us today! Romans 8:34 "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
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A MOMENT OF 'HA HA'
" 'Stay' is a charming word in a friend's vocabulary."
- Louisa May Alcott
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CHALLENGE OF THE MONTH
We really should be getting into God’s word, as much as we possibly can. We would like to encourage you with a challenge each month, to memorize a portion of Scripture. So, we will provide a passage, and hope that you will take the time to study it daily. If you are already doing this on your own, that is great--we just thought with prayer, and making it a bit easier for some folks, that we could help those who may not be doing this yet. All passages will be from the King James Version of the Bible. We do not mind other versions, and you can study it in whichever version you like. We have chosen KJV, because it is public domain. We pray that you will hide His word in your heart.
John 15
12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.
13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Submitted by: Barbara Lea Campbell
Submitted by: Barbara Lea Campbell
Heart Sandwich Cookies
You need:
a batch of sugar cookie dough (You can make this from scratch, use a mix from the store or even bake the slice and bake stuff) 2 Heart shaped cookie cutters -- a regular cookie size and then a small one Frosting -- ok, you can use any frosting you like, we buy white and tint it pink
Roll out your cookie dough and cut as many large shaped cookies as you can. Place them on a cookie sheet. Cut smaller hearts out of half the cookies. You will end up with half the cookies being solid hearts and the other half being hearts with a small heart cut out of its middle. Then bake and let cool.
Once cool, place a thin layer of frosting on the solid hearts and then top with the hearts that have the small heart opening. The frosting will show through.
These are sooo yummy!
Oh yes, and as for those small hearts you cut out .... you can bake them too. We like to sprinkle them with colored sugar first. They are yummy too!
We have used this sandwich method with other cookie shapes as well -- basic shapes work best ... hearts, circles, stars etc.
Do you have an original recipe that you would like to share? Click here to submit it!
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QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH
Submitted by: Barbara Lea Campbell
Submitted by: Barbara Lea Campbell
Slow Bathtub Drains?
I got this tip from a hairstylist! She was always calling a plumber to deal with slow or clogged drains. Finally one told her to put a cup of bleach down the drains one night a week. She did and it worked. So she started doing this at home in her showers, but only once a month. Well, my daughter and I have long hair and it causes our drains to be slow, so we tried this and it works! Now once a month I put 1 cup of bleach in our tub drains. I usually put it in after everyone has had their morning shower and there is sits until the next day when the water is turned on. We have had no problem with slow or clogged drains since!
Do you have an original Quick Tip that you would like to share? Click here to submit it!
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CRAFT OF THE MONTH
Submitted by: Denise Imbody
Submitted by: Denise Imbody
Jar of Smiles
One of the gifts we received this past Christmas, from some very dear friends, was one of the most unique, and wonderful gifts we had ever seen. It is sitting on my computer desk, so we can have it at our fingertips at any time.
They thoroughly washed out, what seems to be a small peanut butter jar. Then, they took the time to write out several different things on individual pieces of paper. Anything from a Bible verse, to a special event that happened in our lives, to just silly little sayings. Some of the papers were rolled up, and some folded--all different shapes and sizes. They filled the jar with these papers, and wrote on the jar...JAR FULL OF SMILES.
Then they had attached a note to it, that basically said, whenever you feel like you need a smile, just pull out one of these slips of paper.
I just thought it was so sweet and thoughtful, and it just had to be shared. It is a good craft idea for any holiday, or event.
Have a great time, writing out smiles to give away! Ü
***If you have an original recipe, quick tip, or craft, that you would like to share with us, please send it in with your first and last name, and your email address to Precious_Stones@JEMMinistries.org. If we use it, you will get full credit, but please know that due to the number of contributions, and other concerns, we will not be able to use all submissions.***
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"I'm so glad I'm a part of the family of God
I've been washed in His Spirit, cleansed by His blood,
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm one of the family, the family of God."
We use to sing that song each Sunday morning after greeting each other in church. I loved that song, but at first I never really thought about the words and their implication.
Do you realize that every person on earth is a creation of God's? But only those of us who choose to believe in Christ are blessed enough to be called children of God.
WOW! God's child. That means that we are Jesus' brothers and sisters! In fact, Romans 8 tells us that we are joint heirs with Jesus.
The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:16 & 17)
God counts us as His children. He loves us as He loved Christ! That is one of the most amazing concepts to grasp. Christ is perfect and oh so worthy, but we are flawed unworthy creatures. And yet, God has made a way for us to become part of His family through an adoption by grace.
And as a result we have an inheritance waiting for us... the promise of eternity with our Father.
But that is one more thing we need to realize. We are part of a family right now ... the family of God. That includes evey other believer on this planet and all those who have gone before. Just think, we have brothers like Peter, Paul, and John the Baptist... and our sisters include Mary Magdelene, Lydia and the woman at the well. We also have sisters and brothers that we see each week in church or talk to online or know in our own community, others who share our faith. And we have brothers and sisters, we will probably never meet this side of glory. Those saints in other cities and countries. Can you imagine! What a very large family and praise the Lord it continues to grow!
Aren't you glad to be a part of the family of God? I know I am!
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BIBLE QUIZ
In this section, you will find five questions each month, along with the Scripture reference (unless of course, the question is asking where you can find something in the Bible). We pray this will help you to get to know God’s Word more.
1. Having a friendship with what, will make you an enemy of God? (James 4)
2. Who was angry with their father, because their father was trying to kill David (their very dear friend) even after he said he wouldn't? (1 Samuel 20)
3. What seperates close friends? (Proverbs 16)
4. A friend does what at all times? )Proverbs 17)
5. What is the Bible reference for this passage?
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
Click here for the answers
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ANSWERS FOR JANUARY'S QUIZ This month we are talking of how Jesus' blood washes us whiter than snow. So it seemed that questions that focused on the Savior would be best for our Bible Quiz. Hope these draw you a bit closer to Him today! 1. Complete this sentence: "For God send not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be ____________." ANSWER: Saved John 3:17 2. On what occasion did Peter offer these remarks? "And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out of My Spirit and they will prophesy ..... and it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." ANSWER: Pentecost Acts 2: 18 , 21 3. What was the "one thing" Jesus told the rich young man that he lacked to inherit eternal life? ANSWER: Jesus told him that he must go and sell everything he had and give it to the poor. Mark 10:21 4. What will our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, do to our bodies once we join Him in Heaven? ANSWER: They will be changes "that they may be fashioned like unto His glorious body" Philippians 3:21 5. Reading from the Book of Isaiah in the synagogue in Nazareth, Jesus said He had been sent to proclaim freedom for whom? (use NIV for this one) ANSWER: The Prisoners Luke 4:18 |
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CHECK IT OUT!
In this section we will share, and recommend our favorite website, book, movie, or any other favorite things we can think of to share with you. These are all highly recommended.
CD of the Month: Aussie Praise
Recommended by: Denise Imbody
Recommended by: Denise Imbody
Aussie Praise by Colin Buchanan
Colin Buchanan has 3 CD's out that are all under the title Aussie Praise, because he is from Australia. One is geared towards the 10 commandments, one is called Follow the Savior, and one is called Remember the Lord. All have different and unique songs that will have you clapping and singing along. He puts a lot of Scripture to music, and it is very helpful for remembering some of those verses that otherwise might be hard to memorize.
He does focus on a younger audience, but it really is good for all ages. And those of us, who are "a kid at heart", really enjoy his music, too! So, gather the family together, and play his CD's, maybe during a "family Night", or anytime you like!
Movie of the Month: The Inn of Sixth Happiness
Recommended by: Barbara Lea Campbell
Recommended by: Barbara Lea Campbell
The Inn of Sixth Happiness (1956)
This is an oldie but goodie. It stars Ingrid Bergman as Gladys Alyward. In the early 20th century, Alyward felt God call her to mission work in China. She applied with a mission society, but failed to pass the required coursework. They told her she was not qualified to be a missionary. How wonderful that the Lord does not call the qualified, but qualifies the called! Alyward worked and saved enough money to get herself to China by train. And there she stayed teaching God's love and showing it through her life of service to others. The movie takes a few liberties including creating a love interest for Alyward, but it still shines the message of God's ability to use us all no matter what others say. This is a great family movie!
Idea of the Month: Family Night
Recommended by: Denise Imbody
Recommended by: Denise Imbody
This is something that we need to work on in our home, too...
How about a Family Night once a week. Just take one night, and set it aside for just your family. Play games, watch movies, read books, be silly, or any number of the combination of the list, and just have a great time!
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JEM'S PUZZLER OF THE MONTH
In this section you might find a word search, An unscramble the words, OR any kind of word puzzle. We hope you will have fun with it! Ü
It's February .... Valentine's Day .... a time to focus on love. So below you will find scrambled words that are all about love! Once unscrambled and written in the blanks, the letters in the PINK blanks will form a special February word. Have Fun! Ü
evol ___ ___ ___ ___
rdoae ___ ___ ____ ____ ___
legtdih ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
olhd reda ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
snnefdos ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
nfeiafcto ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
siopsna ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
etvidnoo ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
hrcseih ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
Click here for the answers
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ANSWERS FOR JANUARY'S PUZZLER Unscramble these winter words. AEFKLNOSW--SNOWFLAKE CEI AGIKNST--ICE SKATING AMNNOSW--SNOWMAN DDEGILNS--SLEDDING EGINNPU--PENGUIN CCEIIL--ICICLE EGHILS DEIR--SLEIGH RIDE ABLLNOSW THGIF--SNOWBALL FIGHT NOSW AEGLNS--SNOW ANGELS TOH ACCOO--HOT COCOA GIIKNS--SKIING ABDILRZZ--BLIZZARD EGHILNOSV--SHOVELING GOILO--IGLOO EINTRW ADDELNNORW--WINTER WONDERLAND |
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Please e-mail us with any comments, suggestions, or feedback, at: Precious_Stones@JEMMinistries.org. We would love to hear from you! We would also love it if you would visit our JEM website, at: http://www.JEMMinistries.org As we continue with this monthly E-zine, you will also find a link to past issues there.
May God bless and keep you throughout this month! May He smile upon you, and show You mercy all of your days--and may You find peace in Him, and through Him! In Jesus' name, Amen
Answers for this month's BIBLE QUIZ:
1. Having a friendship with what, will make you an enemy of God? (James 4)
ANSWER: The World
2. Who was angry with their father, because their father was trying to kill David (their very dear friend) even after he said he wouldn't? (1 Samuel 20)
ANSWER: Jonathan
3. What seperates close friends? (Proverbs 16)
ANSWER: A gossip
4. A friend does what at all times? )Proverbs 17)
ANSWER: Love
5. What is the Bible reference for this passage?
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
ANSWER: 1 John 4:7-8
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Answers for JEM'S PUZZLER OF THE MONTH:
evol = love
rdoae = adore
legtdih = delight
olhd reda = hold dear
snnefdos = fondness
nfeiafcto = affection
siopsna = passion
etvidnoo = devotion
hrcseih = cherish
And the special February word is: VALENTINE
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