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Welcome to the May edition of JEM's E-zine! This month, we are dedicating our work to Mom! Now, whether you are a mom, or a dad, a son, or a daughter, a wife, or a husband -- there's something in here for you -- so, just sit back and enjoy our tribute to every-mom!
In His Service, Matt TABLE OF CONTENTS ACROSTIC FOR MAY BIRTHDAY GREETING INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT POINTS TO PONDER QUOTE OF THE MONTH REMEMBERING MOM 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 MAY By: Denise Imbody Make a decision to Always serve the Lord and You'll never regret it --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- BIRTHDAY GREETING We wish a blessed birthday to those celebrating this month and we ask God to strengthen your faith and to fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT By: Natalie Rose York Give me this moment Don't let time steal you away Give me this moment Feeling your gentle movement inside my womb At night, I lay awake Feeling your persistent kick Give me this moment Seeing you for the first time They say I'm crazy, but I know You looked at me, directly in the eye I knew you were mine Give me this moment As I watch you sleep, tucked in tightly beside me I listen to you breathe And watch the dream-like look on your face Give me this moment Don't let time steal you away Give me this moment One day you are smiling, then you are standing Walking on chubby legs Reaching for me to pick you up when you fall Give me this moment As you learn to speak, read and obey As I teach you to be strong & independent I fear the day you will go away Give me this moment Never let me forget the butterfly kisses The nightmares that only momma could scare away The Boo-boo's that needed my touch Give me this moment Don't let time steal you away Dedicated to Jonathan and Annabelle York --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- POINTS TO PONDER By: Denise Imbody In this section we will look at the scriptures closely, and see if what we have come to know as the truth is found in God's Holy Word. Luke 22 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: I would like us to look closely at the word "you" in the above scripture. Recently I have learned that the "you" that Jesus says to Simon Peter, is, in Hebrew, and in Greek, the plural "you". He wasn't just saying to Simon, that satan asked to sift him as wheat--He was saying to all of them, and to all of us--that satan has asked to sift us as wheat. Satan has to ask the Lord's permission to do anything to us. But notice what Jesus says right after that, in verse 32... 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. Even though the Lord gives satan permission to sift us, He immediately tells us that He has prayed for us--that our faith will not fail. And when we turn back, we need to in turn strengthen our brothers and sisters in the Lord. So, when we are going through trials, hard times, or maybe just a plain old mood swing--remember that it is satan sifting us --but even more remember that Jesus has already prayed that we will persevere! --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- QUOTE OF THE MONTH "I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life." - Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- REMEMBERING MOM By: Matthew Imbody I remember a cold cloth on my head. Mom was always there when we were hurt or sick to comfort us and make us feel better. The cold cloth helped bring down a fever until the medicine had time to take effect. She sang songs, rocked us to sleep, made us chicken soup, got us another blanket or pillow; whatever we needed her to do to comfort us, Mom would do! I remember the switches she used to cut in the back yard. Sometimes we needed to be put in our place! The switch was the perfect tool to teach us obedience. Oh yah it stung, but now that I am a parent myself I know that disciplining hurt her more than it hurt us--but she endured the heartache so that we would be brought up to respect authority. I remember the many church services we attended. Our mom brought us to church every week! She trained us up in the way we should go! I have fallen back on the truths I learned in my younger years many times! Mom gave us a background in the Lord Jesus that many children just don't have the opportunity to have. I remember so many times that we were in a pinch, and mom was right there. Whether we needed a little cash to make ends meet, a baby-sitter so that we could get out for the night, or a referee when things just got too hot to handle...mom was always there to help in any way she could. I remember so many things my mom has done for me--but I hardly ever remember to let her know how much I appreciate them. I remember the many times she has told me she loves me in both word and deed...why is it that I seldom remember to tell her how much I love her? I love you, Mom! --Matthew None of us would be here without our mothers! Many of us have fond memories of Mom, and some of us are blessed to still be able to spend time and visit with our mothers. Many or our wives are mothers, and some of our children are mothers as well. Each one of them deserves the highest degree of respect, compassion, and consideration, because, to be honest, being a mom is far from an easy job. There are so many women in your life that someone calls "Mom"--and many others who will one day be mothers. Remember them this month. Remember to kiss your wife and thank her for all she does as your children's mom. Remember to tell your daughters how much you love them--and to support them with kind words of encouragement. Lift them up to The Lord in prayer, and make a special effort to reach out to them! If we get into the habit of doing this, maybe Mother's Day will spill over into the next day, and the next, and the next! Maybe this Mother's day will be the start of a new tradition in which Mom is honored and remembered all year round--That's how it should have always been, anyway! --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- A MOMENT OF 'HA HA' If evolution really works how come mothers only have two hands? --Ed Dussault --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- 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. Titus 2 3 The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; 4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- RECIPE OF THE MONTH Submitted by: Barbara Lea Campbell This is a yummy recipe that a friend gave me year's ago. I truthfully have no idea where the name came from -- it is NOT named for me! Barbara's Salad 1 can fruit cocktail, drain, save juice 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained save juice 1 can mandarin oranges, drained 1 cup coconut 1 cup mini-marshmallows 1 8-ounce container Cool Whip (Regular or Light) Mix all the ingredients (except the reserved juice) and refrigerate. Before serving, add some of the juice save to make the salad creamy. It is better if made a day ahead and chilled overnight. Very easy and very good! --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- QUICK TIP OF THE MONTH Submitted by: Barbara Lea Campbell Easy Way To Clean Microwave Place 1 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl -- add 1 cup white vinegar and 1 lemon (quarter the lemon first). Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Carefully remove bowl and then using a cloth or paper towel, wipe out your microwave. This mixture will have softened anything "dried" in the microwave. And it leaves a clean smell! --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- CRAFT OF THE MONTH Submitted by: Denise Imbody I remember making these flowers as a young girl. I have since made them in my adulthood, but it has been a while. I am hoping to teach my kiddos this year how to make them. Materials 2 ply Tissues--if you can get different colored ones that is great, but if not the white ones will work, too) Pipe Cleaners Scissors Directions Take a tissue and open it completely up. Fold it in half the long way. Next, fold it into a fan--an acordian fashion. Take a pipe cleaner, and cut it in half. Using 1 of the halves of pipe cleaner, wrap one end around the middle of the fan. Take the scissors, and cut a little bit of each side of the tissue fan off. Open the fan of one side of the tissue. If you used the 2 ply tissue, you should have 4 layers of tissue. Begin gently pulling up 1 layer at a time. Do the same on the other side. Shape flower to your liking, and cut the stem to the size you would like it to be. There you go--you have a carnation. You can add leaves to the stem if you like, or spray the flower with a fragrance--it all depends on your imagination, and how you would like your flower to be. Make a bunch of them, and give them to mom! Have fun! --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- SKIPPING STONES (A word of encouragement) By: Barbara Lea Campbell Motherhood is in many ways a thankless calling. So much of what we do is "behind the scenes" and appears to go unnoticed. And if we would admit it, we really want it that way. There is no need for our family to know every detail of what we do. After all, we are doing it out of love not for attention. Right? But every now and then, our flesh rises up and we read Proverbs 31:21 "Her children arise and called her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her" and we think "WHEN?" It is easy for this mother to feel a bit unappreciated at times and, if I let myself, I can get really worked up about it. But then God reminds me that this is His calling for me in this life and that I am not here for recognition or honor, but to glorify Him... to worship Him in all that I do. So Mom's whether you are changing diapers and wiping runny noses, watching your child spread their wings and fly from the nest, or somewhere in between, enjoy your calling. Every act of service you perform in your family is an act of worship IF you do it with a heart of love. You are Jesus' hands and feet to your family. Pour out His love to them with no expectation of earthly honor and glory for yourself. My guess is your family appreciates what you do more than you think -- it can be seen in their smiles and felt in their hugs. Those are God's blessings for a job well done! --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- BIBLE QUIZ In this section, you will find 5 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. The answers will be provided in the next issue. 1. Who's name means, "the mother of the living"? (Genesis 3) 2. Who was God speaking of in this Verse..."And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her."? (Genesis 17) 3. What was the name of the woman, who wanted a baby so badly, that when she was praying to the Lord for one--her lips were moving, but nothing was coming out, because she was praying in her heart--and Eli thought she was drunk, because of it? (1 Samuel 1) 4. Which disciple took Jesus' mother as his own, and brought her into his home? (John 19) 5. What is the first commandment with a promise, and what is that promise? (Ephesian 6)
--Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- 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. Book of the Month: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World Recommended by: Barbara Lea Campbell Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver The subtitle of this book is Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life and that is exactly what you will learn to do! This is truly one of my favorite books -- one that has impacted my life. Weaver looks at 2 women who are very familiar to us -- Mary and Martha of Bethany. Mary, who sits quietly at Jesus' feet, soaking in everything she can and Martha, who is busy running here and there trying to get it all done! Most of us relate with Martha and her frustrations and even her anger towards Mary who is just sitting there! But there is so much more to these 2 women -- just as there is more to us. Weaver looks at each mention of them in the Bible and examines where they are in their spiritual growth. She teaches the reader about balancing Mary's "Living Room Intimacy" with Martha's "Kitchen Service." It isn't about being all Mary or all Martha, but about finding the balance between the two. As wonderful as the text portion of the book is, the resources provided in the Appendices are superb! Weaver provides lists of books to help us grow in these areas of our life -- intimacy and service. She also provides a sample journal page for those who want to add journaling to their adventure and she has a wonderful yet simple plan for a half-day of prayer. This book will help you to deepen your devotion while strengthening your service, and you will be able to do both with less stress and greater joy! Web Site of the Month: http://www.dayspring.com Recommended by: Barbara Lea Campbell Looking for a wonderful Mother's Day Card to send to your mom, wife, sister or friend? Well, look no further! Dayspring.com has a great selection of cards for all occasions, including Mother's Day. Dayspring is a Christian greeting card company and they provide a wonderful selection of e-cards for free! My favorites are the cards with FLASH presentations included. These are "mini movies" with awesome graphics and music. You can also click on a link at the Dayspring site to view inspirational movies. There are amazing short online movies there on the Names of Jesus, the Lord's Prayer, Psalm 23 and more -- they are wonderful! So run your mouse over to http://www.dayspring.com and check them out! CD of the Month: Bedtime Prayers Lullabies and Peaceful Worship Recommended by: Denise Imbody Bedtime Prayers Lullabies and Peaceful Worship by Twila Paris If you have not heard this CD, you need to. I know by the title you would think it is for little ones, but I am telling you, that even adults will be blessed by it. Twila Paris and her husband had been trying to have a family for several years, and even though they were not having any success--she felt as though the Lord wanted her to make a CD of songs that would help soothe little ones, as well as adults. The miraculous thing is that the Lord blessed her, and she found out that she was pregnant, while she was making this CD--I think that is truly an amazing story. She has always been quick to write worship songs, and songs that will touch your heart. The songs on this CD range from talking about how we are blessed each and everyday of our lives, to how Jesus is our best friend. So, whether your a parent, or not, I encourage you to give this CD a chance, and you will be blessed! --Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- 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 Answers will be in next month's issue. UNSCRAMBLE THESE 5 GIFTS FOR MOM KBAEARFST RCANAONTIS WJELREY OLOCHCTEA CTURPSEI
--Back to TABLE OF CONTENTS-- Please feel free to pass this along! If you would like to be added to the JEM-Precious Stones mailing list, send an e-mail to Precious_Stones@JEMMinistries.org requesting to be added in the message field. If you are not a member of the JEM community, and you would like your name removed from this mailing list, please send a message to the above address, and request removal in the message section. 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 |