Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

So Jesus was not born on December 25.  The date was set by Julius 1 and some churches celebrate in January. 

The Holiday ... even the word comes to us from Old English and means Holy Day ... comes to mean so much because of tradition from the Norse and Roman traditions.

Yet, the first century Church did not celebrate the birth of Jesus.  In stead, the first Church would have celebrated His Birth, Death, and Resurrection all at once.

Christmas cards?  Singing carols?  Christmas trees?  Even some of the early colonists in America did not celebrate Christmas, as we know it today, and at one point, there was a ban in place.

So what does this mean?  How about having Christmas ALL year long?  If we acted Christ-like, wouldn't the world be a better place?  If we honored the Birth of our King, wouldn't the lines at Walmart be shorter?  

What can you do in a drought?

Last week, we talked about how to conserve water outdoors since many communities are experiencing droughts, especially on the West Coast. It is critical that everyone also be mindful of indoor water maintenance and conservation. Did you know the average household’s leaks can account for more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year? Droughts affect everyone from farmers to those of us just trying to take a shower. Even small efforts, like being mindful of whether or not your faucet is completely off (dripping faucets alone lose 2,700 gallons of water a year!) make a huge difference.  

There are many things you can do to improve your conservation, from purchasing water-saving technologies to how you do your laundry. Test your knowledge and check out these effective conservation strategies:

·        Choose energy and water-efficient appliances;

·        Check all plumbing for leaks;

·        Avoid letting the water run while you shave or brush your teeth;

·        Only use your dishwasher when it is full and on the “light wash” setting to use less water;

·        Avoid using running water to thaw frozen meats and foods; and

·        Wash your clothes only when you have a full load.

By practicing these tips every day and making them part of your routine, you will save money and preserve this essential resource during drought season.

Why Most Atheists Believe in Pink Unicorns | Pensées #teamJesus

Enjoy this article with the thought that, while one can, in the Biblical sense, know God is, the atheists will claim it is impossible to prove Him.

... and that's OK.

Is it MY job to prove God is?  

It is MY job to believe in God and to give an answer to those who ask why.  

In dealing with the subject, one can only address what one KNOWS about God.  In other words, MY testimony of God is not YOUR testimony of God.

I am very comfortable letting God prove He is.  Most atheists won't visit with me anyway without resorting to name-calling anyway.   :)

Why Most Atheists Believe in Pink Unicorns | Pensées: "Given an infinite amount of time, anything that is logically possible will eventually happen. "

"I'm just a normal guy" #teamJesus #PKTulsa @PromiseKeepers

In this Post by Promise Keepers, Brad Stine speaks forcefully about the church.

Do you agree with what he said?

Make Disciples and Help Change the World #teamJesus

In the past five years, millions of children around the world have learned what it means to faithfully follow Jesus Christ through The Greatest Journey. This exciting 12-lesson Bible study offered to boys and girls who receive shoebox gifts also teaches them how to share their faith with others. As a result, lives are being changed for eternity and new churches are springing up in communities across the globe.

We praise the Lord for making The Greatest Journey one of the largest discipleship programs in the world today, but there are many more boys and girls we still urgently need to reach with the truth of God’s Word. That’s why we're inviting you to join our special 12-day campaign, “Disciple A Dozen.” Our prayer is that through this effort, we can raise enough support to impact another 240,000 boys and girls for Christ.

You can be a part of discipling children like Veronica, a young girl who seemed destined for a life of despair on the streets of Guadalajaro, Mexico. After receiving an Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift, she accepted Christ as Savior and learned more about her new faith through The Greatest Journey.

Will you help us make disciples of all nations? Sign up for a monthly gift of $6, and each year you will give 12 children the opportunity to learn what it means to devote their lives to sharing the Good News of eternal grace through Jesus Christ.

DISCIPLE A DOZEN

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations..." (Matthew 28:19a, NKJV).

"I DARE you!" #teamJesus #Ragamuffin

Are you up for a dare?  

Recently, at First Christian Church, the Ragamuffin Movie appeared on the screen.  

Those that watched the movie saw the value of having a loving father and the impact an earthly father had on a child's life.  

To lay a little framework, Rich Mullins is now dead.  As part of his journey in search of God, he found a Ragamuffin named Brennan Manning, the author of the Ragamuffin Gospel, who had a message specifically for the beaten up, bedraggled, and burned out.

A Ragamuffin would consider "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle" to be true.

Now, your dare, quoting from the movie, God would say "I dare you to trust that I love you".  That is your dare.  In the face of nominal Christianity ... what I call American Churchianity ... , God stands there daring YOU to believe that He loves you.  Forget Religiousity; embrace the Relationship He offers.

Are you up for a dare?

Here's a cute Dog Story! #teamJesus

An old, tired-looking dog wandered into the yard.  I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home.

He followed me into the house, down the hall, and fell asleep in a corner.

Old Tired Dog

An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out.

The next day he was back, resumed his position  in the hall, and slept for an hour.  This continued for several weeks.

Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: “Every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.”

The next day he arrived with a different note pinned to his collar: “He lives in a home with ten children — he’s trying to catch up on his sleep. Can I come with him tomorrow?”

–Author of this story is unknown

Is anyone sick? #teamJesus

Over in James, the Apostle asks the question.

The directive is to call the elders of the church.  The elders then have a duty to act by coming to see the sick person, anoint with oil, and pray with the result that the sick person's sins are forgiven.

So, tell us why you do or do not do this?

Breakfast at McDonalds

 I am a mother of three (ages 14, 12, 3) and have recently completed my college degree. The last class I had to take was Sociology. The teacher was absolutely inspiring with the qualities that I wish every human being had been graced with. Her last project of the term was called “Smile”.

　　 The class was asked to go out and smile at three people and document their reactions. I am a very friendly person and always smile at everyone and say hello anyway, so, I thought this would be a piece of cake, literally.

　　 Soon after we were assigned the project, my husband, youngest son, and I went out to McDonald’s one crisp March morning. It was just our way of sharing special playtime with our son.

　　 We were standing in line, waiting to be served, when all of a sudden everyone around us began to back away, and then even my husband did. I did not move an inch, an overwhelming feeling of panic welled up inside of me as I turned to see why they had moved.

　　 As I turned around I smelled a horrible “dirty body” smell, and there standing behind me were two poor homeless men. As I looked down at the short gentleman, close to me, he was “smiling”. His beautiful sky blue eyes were full of God‘s Light as he searched for acceptance.

　　 He said, “Good day” as he counted the few coins he had been clutching. The second man fumbled with his hands as he stood behind his friend. I realized the second man was mentally challenged and the blue-eyed gentleman was his salvation. I held my tears as I stood there with them.

　　 The young lady at the counter asked him what they wanted. He said, “Coffee is all, Miss.” because that was all they could afford. (If they wanted to sit in the restaurant and warm up, they had to buy something. He just wanted to be warm). Then I really felt it - the compulsion was so great I almost reached out and embraced the little man with the blue eyes. That is when I noticed all eyes in the restaurant were set on me, judging my every action.

　　 I smiled and asked the young lady behind the counter to give me two more breakfast meals on a separate tray. I then walked around the corner to the table that the men had chosen as a resting spot. I put the tray on the table and laid my hand on the blue-eyed gentleman’s cold hand.

　　 He looked up at me, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Thank you.” I leaned over, began to pat his hand and said, “I did not do this for you. God is here working through me to give you hope.” I started to cry as I walked away to join my husband and son. When I sat down my husband smiled at me and said, “That is why God gave you to me, Honey, to give me hope.” We held hands for a moment and at that time, we knew that only because of the Grace that we had been given were we able to give. We are not church goers, but we are believers. That day showed me the pure Light of God’s sweet love.

　　 I returned to college, on the last evening of class, with this story in hand. I turned in “my project” and the instructor read it. Then she looked up at me and said, “Can I share this?” I slowly nodded as she got the attention of the class. She began to read and that is when I knew that we as human beings and being part of God share this need to heal people and to be healed.

　　 In my own way I had touched the people at McDonald’s, my husband, son, instructor, and every soul that shared the classroom on the last night I spent as a college student. I graduated with one of the biggest lessons I would ever learn: UNCONDITIONAL ACCEPTANCE.

　　 Much love and compassion is sent to each and every person who may read this and learn how to LOVE PEOPLE AND USE THINGS - NOT LOVE THINGS AND USE PEOPLE.

　　 If you think this story has touched you in any way, please send this to everyone you know. There is an Angel sent to watch over you. In order for her to work, you must pass this on to the people you want watched over. An Angel wrote: Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.

　　To handle yourself, use your head. To handle others, use your heart.

　　 God gives every bird its food, but He does not throw it into its nest.

Someone wants to talk

Apr 2-Apr 3, 1700Z-2030Z, N4P, Atlanta, GA, Oklahoma City-County Health Department, Southwest Utah Public Health Department, Kennehoochee Amateur Radio Club, Cobb County ARES, and National Association of County and City Health Officials, 28.365, 21.365, 14.265, 7.265. PSK and D-Star contacts planned. QSL. 

Send SASE to Andrew Roszak, NACCHO, 1100 17^th St NW, Seventh Floor, Washington, DC 20036. 

The five listed organizations have come together to enhance communications capabilities within public health agencies and healthcare coalitions through a series of webinars, a licensure class, an exam session, conference presentations and this special event, operating from the exhibit hall at the Preparedness Summit. http://nacchopreparedness.org/?p=378

For more information please contact >   Dave Cox, NB5N 

Are you ready with your cellphone?

The internet and social media are the third most popular way for Americans to gather and share emergency information with loved ones. With effective planning, it is possible to take advantage of technology before, during and after a crisis to communicate with family and friends. Here are some ways to incorporate technology into your emergency plans:

• Learn how to send text updates from your mobile phone to your contacts in case voice communications are not available;
• Program “In Case of Emergency” contacts into your cell phone so emergency personnel can contact those people for you if you are unable to use your phone;
• Purchase a solar powered or hand crank charger to keep your electronics running if you lose power at home; and
• If you do not have a cell phone, keep a prepaid phone card to use during or after a disaster.

FEMA offers several ways to be tech savvy for disaster preparedness. The FEMA smartphone app contains an interactive emergency kit list, emergency meeting location info and more to help you get started. It’s available for Apple, Blackberry and Android devices.  Increase your technological know-how by joining the text message program to receive regular safety tips for specific hazards and to search for open shelters and disaster recovery centers.

Thanks to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for this information.

This is beautiful! Try not to cry.

She jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: 'How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?'

The surgeon said, 'I'm sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn't make it.'

Sally said, 'Why do little children get cancer? Doesn't God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?'

The surgeon asked, 'Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he's transported to the university.'

Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair. 'Would you like a lock of his hair?' the nurse asked. Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy's hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally.

The mother said, 'It was Jimmy's idea to donate his body to the University for Study. He said it might help somebody else. 'I said no at first, but Jimmy said, 'Mom, I won't be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.' She went on, 'My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.'

Sally walked out of Children's Mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy's belongings on the seat beside her in the car.

The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy's belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son's room.

She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them She lay down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.

It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Lying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:

'Dear Mom,

I know you're going to miss me; but don't think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just 'cause I'm not around to say 'I Love You'. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won't be so lonely, that's okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn't like the same things us boys do. You'll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know.

Don't be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn't look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God's knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That's when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good bye and everything But I already knew that wasn't allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter I think Gabriel is

the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to on e of the questions you asked Him 'where was He when I needed him?' 'God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.

Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I've written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn't that cool? I have to give God His pen back now He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore the cancer is all gone.. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?

Signed with Love from God, Jesus & Me.

Ken Ham to Debate Evolution with Bill Nye #teamJesus

"Creation Museum president Ken Ham will engage in a public debate with "Science Guy" Bill Nye on February 4, 2014. According to Ham's blog, the idea for the debate was inspired by the museum's current ministry theme for the year."

Will you be watching?

Tell us what you think.

Webinars on the Health Care Law #ACA

January and February 2014

The HHS Partnership Center has updated webinars on the health care law for faith and community leaders. All webinars are open to the public and include a question and answer session.

To participate in one of the webinars, please select your preferred topic from the list below and submit the necessary information. Please click on the title of the webinar and fill out the registration form. After registering you will receive an e-mail confirmation containing information about joining the webinar. Please contact us at ACA101@hhs.gov if you have problems registering or if you have any questions about the health care law.

You may also join the webinar by telephone only. The phone number, access code and pin (the pin is # for those connecting by phone only) are listed below. All webinars are one hour.

Please note that the first 1,000 people who join each webinar at the start time are able to attend. If there is significant interest in a webinar, we will do our best to schedule another session. If possible, please use your computer speakers to listen to the audio portion of the webinar. .

Latinos and the Health Insurance Marketplace (in English)

January 8 at 7:00pm ET

(6 pm CT, 5 pm MT, 4 pm PT)

Special Wednesday Night Session!

To Join By Phone Only, Dial: 877-309-2074 or 415-655-0069, Access Code: 198-993-183,

The Pin Number is # with no numbers when connecting by phone only

According to the Census Bureau, nearly 16 million Hispanics are uninsured. When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, there will be a new way for individuals and families to get health insurance. This webinar is co-sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families and the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Please send your questions toACA101@hhs.gov by noon on January 8.

Latinos and the Health Insurance Marketplace (in Spanish)

January 11 at 3:00 pm ET

(2 pm CT, 1 pm MT, Noon PT)

Special Saturday Afternoon Session!

To Join By Phone Only, Dial: 866-901-6455 or 646-307-1001, Access Code: 533-109-083

The Pin Number is # with no numbers when connecting by phone only

According to the Census Bureau, nearly 16 million Hispanics are uninsured. When key parts of the health care law take effect in 2014, there will be a new way for individuals and families to get health insurance. This webinar is co-sponsored by the Administration for Children and Families and the HHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Please send your questions by 3 pm on January 10 to ACA101@hhs.gov.

Latinos y la Ley De Cuidado de la  Salud a Bajo Precio

*en español*

Organizado por el Centro para las Asociaciones Religiosas y Comunitarias del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos

Sabado, 11 de enero 3:00 – 4:00 pm ET

(2 pm CT, 1 pm MT, Noon PT)

Para participar en la llamada, marque 866-901-6455 o 646-307-1001. Código de acceso: 533-109-083. El número de clave es solamente el signo de numeral # sin números.

Para inscribirse para participar en la presentaciόn, haga clic aquí

Después de inscribirse usted recibirá un correo electrόnico de con más informaciόn sobre la presentaciόn.

Por favor envίe sus preguntas, comentarios y sugerencias a ACA101@hhs.gov

How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace

January 15 at 1:00 pm ET

(Noon pm CT, 11 am MT, 10 am PT)

To Join By Phone Only, Dial 702-489-0008, Access Code: 892-455-196

The Pin Number is # with no numbers when connecting by phone only

We are in the open enrollment period for health insurance in the Health Insurance Marketplace. We will explain the health care law, show you how to shop for plans using our new window shopping tool, explain how to enroll, and answer your questions. Open enrollment ends on March 31, 2014. Please send any questions to ACA101@hhs.gov prior to January 15 at 10 am ET.

Questions and Answers on the ACA

January 30 at 3:00 pm ET

(2:00 pm CT, 1:00 pm MT, Noon PT)

To Join By Phone Only, Dial 314-627-1518, Access Code: 685-210-347

The Pin Number is # with no numbers when connecting by phone only

If you have questions about the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, this is the webinar for you! We will answer questions that have been submitted in advance as well as new questions asked during the webinar. Please send your questions by January 30 at 10 am to ACA101@hhs.gov.

How to Enroll in the Health Insurance Marketplace

February 4 at 3:00 pm ET

(2pm CT, 1 pm MT, Noon PT)

To Join By Phone Only, Dial 702-489-0008, Access Code: 217-541-652

The Pin Number is # with no numbers when connecting by phone only

We are in the open enrollment period for health insurance in the Health Insurance Marketplace. We will explain the health care law, show you how to shop for plans using our new window shopping tool, explain how to enroll, and answer your questions. Open enrollment ends on March 31, 2014. Please send any questions to ACA101@hhs.gov prior to February 4 at 10 am ET.

Questions and Answers on the ACA

February 20 at 1:00 pm ET

(Noon CT, 11 am MT, 10 am PT)

To Join By Phone Only, Dial 702-489-0007, Access Code: 457-547-210

The Pin Number is # with no numbers when connecting by phone only

If you have questions about the health care law, the Affordable Care Act, this is the webinar for you! We will answer questions that have been submitted in advance as well as new questions asked during the webinar. Please send your questions by February 20 at 10 am ET to ACA101@hhs.gov.

Did you know that January is National Hobby Month?

Amateur radio is quite a hobby to have.  From electronic kit building, to operating Moon Bounce, to nets to DX to paper chasing, amateur radio has something for everyone.

If you have not encountered the amateur radio hobby, why not start with a visit to the American Radio Relay League web site.  Look for a local club to help you get your first license.

What are you using your ham radio hobby?

"National Hobby Month happens every January" http://bit.ly/1cHBQ47