FEBRUARY 2019
Texas Star C hristian M agazine
REVISITING 2016 to 2018:
Star of Month – In Memory of Laura M. Bryant – Our Mother Valentine’s Day Tribute One Purpose Journey Explore Texas Pathway Life Point
Happy VALENTINE’S Day 2019!
Remembering the Past Texas Star TABLE OF CONTENT
Pg
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Contents
Country CORNER
1 Front Page Cover 3Team Members 51 Last Page
23-23 Fun Foods 24-24 Survival 25-27 Heartfelt Poetry 28-31 Hand n Hand Weddings
Moments CORNER 04-09 Star of the Month – Our Mom 10-13 Memory of Our Mom Jan 13, 19
Great USA CORNER 32-36 Texas Reporter-Explore
Spiritual CORNER
Creative Crafts CORNER FEB. 2019 14–17 Valentines’ Day Tribute 18-19 Weight Just A Minute! 20-21 Craft – Glass Creations
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37-40 41-46 47-48 49-50
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Team Members
Texas Star Christian Magazine & Hometown Christian Magazine Publisher: TSCM MARKETING, LLC EDITOR: Maggie Bryant
Feature Writers:
Tarina Lovegrove Maggie B. L. M. Wilson-Bryant
Art Editor & Images:
Maggie B. & Pixabay.com
Layout & Digital Design:
Maggie B. T. Lovegrove
Contact:
Katy, TX 77450
Email:
TexasStarChristianMagazine@Gmail.com
Website:
www.TexasStarChristianMagazine.com www.HometownChristianMagazine.com
All Rights Reserved – Disclaimer Reproduction, Images are courtesy of Pixabay.com in whole or in part is permissible and is not prohibited by TSCM and/or its affiliates. TSCM and/or Hometown Christian Magazine is under pending copyright protection, trademark, and imagery as per USA laws. Published online and/or printed in USA its contents is the opinions, viewpoints, observations, and theories of the writers. And shall bare no liability to the website(s) and /or affiliates, partners, sponsors, and/or advertisers. See: Policy/Procedures/Disclaimer on TSCM / Hometown’s Websites. 2018 – Non-Commercial Production.
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Star of the Month ***
Laura M. Bryant
Star of the Month
Courtesy of: Guarantee Real Estate Rose Lange, RE Agent, Reedley, CA
“Hometown Christian Magazine” Is happy to celebrate in EACH month’s Issue great stories! We have the honor to feature such amazing people that have such amazing stories to share! Please welcome our Star of the Month… Blessings!
Mama
Laura Margaret Wilson Bryant, age 88, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 13, 2019, at 12:17 p.m. she was a resident at a Woodville, Texas Nursing Home. Laura was born July 29, 1930 in Oklahoma. At the age of two she came back home with her family to McMinnville, Tennessee. She was the youngest child of Boone Benjamin Wilson and Hattie Elizabeth Ford-Wilson.
Laura was a strong Christian woman.
There were four brothers and five sisters.
Her faith and trust in the Lord got her
She was married to Paul Nathan Bryant, for 43
prayers supported us all.
years.
She had three children, Martha
Paulette, Monty Philip (deceased), and Pamela
through many valleys and her constant
She was the matriarch of the families
Lynn.
and would often mentor and pray over
She had two son-in-laws, Tracy Smith and
dear friends with her wisdom.
the many nieces, nephews, cousins and
Richard Reeder and she had two grandsons, Neil and Bronson Smith. She had seven wonderful great-grandchildren.
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She loved to go places, so we traveled and lived all around the United States, we finally settled in California.
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In her later years she returned to McMinnville, where she was an advocate in community service work. Every year she would place American flags on the graves of the veterans that served our country. She did many fund raising events, class reunions and helped others campaign for political positions in McMinnville. She had a very successful and long career as a Cosmetology Instructor and was a brilliant singer. For years she entered and won awards in singing contests at the County Fair. She was an amazing songwriter, storyteller, and author. From 1970’s through 2019, she wrote and published many books and stories. She is presently published on Amazon and Issuu.com, and an international Christian magazine. Her favorite book is on the history of the Ford-Wilson Family under her personal Bio, “As I Remember”. As a song-writer, in 1980 she wrote: "Oh,
They
Say
That
Jesus
Is
Coming.”
"Oh they say that Jesus is coming, descending down through the clouds, togather all the saints together and then to be Heaven bound. Oh, to touch the hem of His garment and to see His nail-scarred hands, Just to look up on the face of Jesus, when we reach the Promised Land.” (copyright pending @1970)
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We want to say... "Mama you have reached the “promised land” and now you're “looking upon the face of Jesus” and He is holding you in His arms. You’re with little Tulip, daddy, your mama and daddy, all your brothers and sisters, and with all our doggies, Cleo, Tabatha, Penny and Sammy, and so many our or family and friends that were waiting for you at the Heavenly Gates. Mama, we will see you soon." The Memorial service was at Highs Funeral Home, McMinnville, TN January 25th, Friday from 4 pm until 7 pm. She was placed at Mountain View Cemetery next to infant son, Monty Philip and her husband, Paul Nathan Bryant.
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This TSCM Issue is dedicated to OUR mom that passed away on Jan. 13, 2019 at 12:17 pm Texas time. Her heart and kidneys failed her… “Oh, how we miss you, Mom! Thank you, God & Jesus for recieving her into Your Kingdom of Heaven!“
In Memory of Laura M. Bryant Our Mom
Moments to Remember
***
Dad
Mom
Moments to Remember Brought to You By: (Pixabay.com/Images)
The FREE Image Site that shares the many talents of photographers from around the world. Thousands of pictures of people, places, events, holidays and odd things for your use and creative enjoyment. TSCM and HCM are deeply grateful for the many years of working with Pixabay and their talented teams. Thank You!
A Country New Year’s Day Meal 1940 in McMinnville, TN by: L.M. Wison-Bryant
Last Story Mom Wrote before she when to Heaven on Jan 13, 2019: I remember it was very cold with long ice cycles hanging from the roof. The north wind would howl sadly around our house. Daddy kept plenty of wood, cut and stacked under the shed for our two fire places and cook stove that sat in our kitchen. Our reservoir was filled with hot water, and the oil lamps were placed around on tables that gave off a warm atmosphere in the rooms. My daddy and the boys would go outside and break ice in the troughs so there would be water for the animals. They would feed them and then milk the cow. While the men were outside Mama and the older girls would make biscuits, slice up the bacon, and place a big jar of homemade blackberry jam on the table. One of them would get out some fresh churn butter and put it on our long table that was covered a bright pink/green oilcloth. We would have hot biscuits, bacon and a large skillet of white gravy with plenty of black pepper and milk, and a long platter of fried eggs. The aroma from the kitchen let us quickly wake up us younger kids and we would know there would be we a nice yummy breakfast waiting for us. It was my job to place a homemade napkin, at each place setting on the table before going to bed. Mama had made them on her peddle-foot singer sewing machine. It was New Years, the beginning of another decade, the old battery radio was informing us that the world was in trouble in Europe. The War was raging and our President Roosevelt was talking on the radio everyday. He would encourage us to stay strong and pray. The newsman, H.V. Kaltiborn, was our faithful broadcaster and each evening he would tell us more about a man named Hilter that was taking over Germany and other parts of Europe.
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A Country New Year’s Day Meal 1940 in McMinnville, TN page 2
My parents knew what war was all about, how the homes would be torn apart, taking the father, son, or brothers away from home. For us kids, we really didn’t understand what they were saying, but we watched and listened to everything going on around us. On this cold morning of the NEW YEAR, our prayer was that we would be together for more meals and not be separated like so many others. Of course as it happened it would be last New Year’s meal we would share as a complete family. In January 1940 my brother Horace would be sent to Phoenix, AZ for training. My brother, Burris moved out of the house and then went to war. My sisters Tina and Sally got jobs in town and were rarely home. So that just left us younger ones at home. I still have my memories of that last NEW YEAR’s day, in 1940 and the amazing smell of that breakfast cooking, the laughter drifting through the rooms, the conversations about the war, and the taste of mama’s biscuit crammed full of jam. What wonderful memories! Thank you for letting me share them with you. We miss you MOM! Have fun in glory with daddy and all the family and friends!
images from Jamie Gastley at: https://www.pinterest.com/tngal/McMinnville/TN
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Valentine’s Day Memories 2017 ***
Moments to Remember Revisiting 2016, 2017 and 2018 By: Maggie B. Feature Writer
The NEW Year is a time of reflection and a time to look forward to exciting things to come. We now will look BACK through the beginning years of 2016-2018 and we shall share some of their most memorable and favorite stories.
Come with us now down memory lane ‌ FEBRUARY 2017 ISSUE!
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Creative Crafts ***
Coming the NEW YEAR By: Maggie B, Writer
CAN YOU BELIEVE IT… another YEAR has come and gone… Just like that it is 2019. I’m not sure I am finished with 2018. I, like many others, had so many hopes, dreams, and plans that didn’t get done. Also I, like many others, thought “We have time”… and we didn’t. There is a new year coming for this world. What will we do with THAT time? How will we spend our days? The same as we did in the past … or will we be more encouraging, productive, loving, kind-hearted, giving and prayerful? Nearly everyone sets better goals, resolutions, promises to themselves that they will improve their lives. By the time February comes into view, most of these promises are long forgotten. I’m certainly guilty of that one. However, I suggest that instead of setting goals and making silly resolutions, lets just be what God wants us to be. Let’s follow His rule book (the Bible) and enjoy the rewards that He will continue to give to us. In this new year, let us NEVER forget the ones that have lost loved ones, their homes, possessions, their stability and feeling of safety. I, too am a survivor, NOT a victim, of theft and betrayal this past year. I, too, have felt the sting of hurt, pain, loss, and indignation. Did I handle it with a loving heart… NO… I didn’t. I’m a human-being and I hurt just like the next person. BUT, I did learn a valuable lesson or two that has completely changed my life and outlook on how much time we all have left on this earth and how am I going to use it! It is really not a secret… First and foremost, you must trust yourself to trust the Lord. Know that He will NEVER forget you or leave you without a way out of any nasty situation. “TRUST… there is no other way.” Is it hard? Oh, Yes! It is hard… but, now that I know in my heart that I can survive these messes… I do truly trust myself to trust my Lord God. This is the best goal-resolution you can gift to yourself.
Blessings in the New Year. God love you so very much. 01/31/19
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Weight Just A Minute! JAN-FEB-MAR 2019 by: Tarina Lovegrove, Writer
Hello Everyone: Well, 2018 was an incredible year for me. I can’t wait to share the story in my new book that is almost complete. In January of 2018, I was miserable. My world was falling apart (or so I thought) and I realized that it had been that way for many years. What I considered falling apart was really falling together amazingly for the first time ever! I was in a colossal spiritual battle that is currently still going strong, even as I write these words. Well so far, I’ve ‘healed’ my life backwards to the age of three years old and all those relationships in between. That’s a pretty big gesture for someone standing at the 50 Yard Line (ie. 50 years old), don’t you think? Further, through the power of prayer alone, I have lost 35 pounds and 5 dress sizes. That’s right! I still eat pizza, potato chips, carbs and the like and I’m down 35 pounds. I believe I have totally stumbled upon the God’s fountain of youth. I originally wanted to have the book complete by the end of December but things come in God’s timing of course, not my own. So, if you’d like to join our email list, we’ll send out an announcement letting you know where and when you can find the book once it is published. We may have a special offer for you too, if everything goes well. So, if life has you down in the dumps, you’ve been carrying lifelong baggage with you for years, you have food additions, relationship issues or are in a spiritual battle all your own, this book is for you. Don’t “weight” another minute, email us today at tarina.opj@gmail.com and we’ll be talking to you in the New Year! God bless you, always and forever… 01/31/19
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“Beautiful Glass Creations” Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas 2019 By: Maggie B. Writer
I found Mr. Paul Katherman on my Facebook and thought “What beautiful creations.” So I wanted to include these amazing objects on HCM and TSCM sites. There is a LINK below where you can order one or more of these items. Have a Happy New Year…
Courtesy of: www.beautifulglass.org
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Good Food For All Occasions ***
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Just in Case…
Tasty Foods & Supplies
Lori & Jim Bakker The Jim Bakker Show Christian Preppers
https://store.jimbakkershow.com
It is an honor to feature the survival kits and amazing great foods from Jim Bakker Show. There are so many much needed items on their site. We encourage you to visit their store and get your survival items … today!
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Poetry Corner ***
Heartfelt - Poetry
Brought to You By: 123Greetings.com
Need a CARD… birthday, anniversary, holiday, or celebration… look no further than 123Greetings. The cards are created by everyday… talented people, like yourself, and donated to this site. IN OTHER WORDS… FREE! Have fun and send out 1 card or dozens… they’re all FREE! Thanks 123Greetings.com
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Hand n Hand ***
Weddings
JAN 2018 Issue
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The Texas Reporter ***
Explore Texas
The Texas Star Reporter Explore Texas
MARCH 2017 Issue
Southwest USA Brought to You By: Texasoutside.com
TSCM discovered Texas Outside a couple of years ago and really got excited about the products and services this company offered to its clients. It has news, articles, travel, events, and ideas galore! It may be a Texas based business… but it serves the entire USA… Good ole… Texas-Style! Many of the articles in Hometown Christian Magazine comes from our good friends at Texas Outside.
Texas Report - 2
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Texas Report - 3
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Texas Report - 4
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One Purpose Journey ***
One Purpose Journey ***
TSCM & HCM Every Monthly Issue 2016-2018 By: Tarina Lovegrove & Maggie B., Feature Writers
Many of us are in search of our life’s purpose. Yet, did you know that all humans share a one-purpose journey? That is to experience life on earth, find Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, invite him into our hearts and share the gospel while awaiting his return. The event, often referred to as The Rapture, will be the miraculous time when trumpets will sound for Jesus’ tried and true believers and he will remove them from the earth to take them to Heaven. When this happens, can you imagine the evilness and chaos left behind? At the time of The Rapture, it is anticipated that the world will be in mass turmoil, airplanes will fall from the sky, cars will crash in the streets, Christians and children will be so-called “unexplainable gone”. The mayhem that follows is disastrous beyond human comprehension. Occurrences including a one-world currency, a confederation of 10 nations united to bring so-called “peace” under the helm of an AntiChrist (which is Satan’s puppet for his own personal demands) will all take place.
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One Purpose Journey ~2 It is a fact that no one knows the date or time of Jesus’ return, yet it is near. The Bible speaks of many happenings that will take place in what is called the end times. These ends times include, but are not limited to, world violence and lawlessness, exponential increase in technology as well as false prophets and teachers. In these last days, churches and ministers will turn away from prophecy and align with a one world religious group, many illnesses, plagues and pestilence will manifest throughout the world and nonbelievers will scoff at the return of Christ. Be aware… these prophetic events have already begun! We are seeing the story unfold right before our very eyes! Please, do not make haste. Do not wait any longer to invite Jesus into your heart. As Jonathan Cahn so eloquently states, “You’re only one heartbeat away from eternity.” *** For more information please visit: www.texasstarchristianmagazine.com/ebooks www.emergencyprayerteam.com (chrome search engine)
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One Purpose Journey ~3 The Emergency Prayer Team prays for all types of situations and our main focus is leading people to Christ. The Bible speaks of the end times and it is our belief that we are living in them NOW. In order for you and your family to go to Heaven, you must ask Jesus into your HEART and accept His Salvation for you soul through Forgiveness of sins. Then it is important to live a life according to His Word. If you do not or will not accept this forgiveness and Salvation, you are facing dreadful circumstances and will be LEFT BEHIND. Please accept Jesus today‌ Our prayers are with you! See you in Heaven!
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Pathway ***
Pathway
“God – Given” By: Maggie B, Writer
APRIL 2018 Issue
Have you ever wondered why something happened that you weren’t even thinking about? Or you find the plans that you had made never came true? I have many times and I am learning that what may seem like a horrible situation and all you want to do is complain and cry, actually turns into HIS plan… HIS --- GOD – GIVEN JOURNEY! MY STORY: I went to 3 high schools in 1963-1967 in 3 different towns. It was really hard on me and my studies suffered from being the New Kid at school. My dad was in construction and we had to move with the jobs. The two things I had going for me was my talents as a singer and actress. NO one could beat me! I had been given a gift from the Lord and I truly was grateful to Him for it. I would audition for a part in a play and I would get it, every time I would sing for a music teacher, they would be so
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Pathway
“God – Given 2” surprised that they would just shake their heads in disbelief at the my range of HIGH and LOW Operatic talent. To me it was just natural to belt out a tune with little effort. Singing GOD – GIVEN… I wanted to be a STAR on the stage and in the movies. And, that was all I wanted to do. But, life got in the way and my dreams of that career never happened. After high school I had no where to go but to a dead end job after another. I had no real world training for anything and it showed. I discovered that being hungry and nearly homeless was getting old in a hurry. I had to find a place and a job even if it meant “LYING” to get it. Fortunately, I didn’t have to lie, but I did have to beg! I begged! I lived temporary at the YWCA downtown … one day a neighbor, I’ll call her Kathy… she told me that she and another girl was moving to Yosemite National Park. They both got jobs in the reservations office. I was so happy for them, really I was… I did ask was there any jobs left? She said “no” they had gotten the last two. “sorry”. I didn’t cry, and I didn’t give up. I had to find work! The next day I walked to the unemployment office and spoke to the lady about work in Yosemite. She told me all she had left was a maid’s job!
“I’ll Take It!” She gave me a card and told me to be at the bus station at 9 am the next day. My two friends had left earlier that morning for Yosemite, so I was left alone in the dorms.
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Pathway
“God – Given 3” I packed all my few things, set the alarm for 7 am and went to sleep. The next morning I walked the 20 blocks to the bus station and found the Yosemite Bus and boarded. The driver was very nice and helpful. I was on my way to a job and roof over my hungry head. We arrived about 2 hours later and he pulled the bus up in front of the building. I was tired from the excitement but I was so happy to be back in Yosemite. I picked up my suit case and walked inside. The personnel director was named Mrs. Comer. She was such a nice person, with a quick smile and warm compassionate eyes. I gave her the card and waited for her to tell me what to do next. I didn’t expect the words that came out of her mouth to hurt me so deeply. ‘I’m sorry but I’m going to have to send you back to town. You can’t do this job. You’re too small. You wouldn’t last an hour!” I broke down in tears! I couldn’t help it this had been my last hope. There was NO one to help me and no family nearby. She tried to comfort me, but I was too far gone. I cried and became ill. I had not eaten a meal in almost 4 days. She ask me when was the last time I ate and I told her. She handed me a $5. dollar bill, told me to go next door and eat and “eat don’t keep the money back”. And, then she said, to come back in an hour. I saw the money and felt the pain in my stomach… I took it and went to the restaurant. I ate a hamburger, fries, and a soda. I bought 2 candy bars and put them in my coat pocket. I had $3.00 left over and I carefully hid it. Then I went back to her office. I was ready to get back on the return bus and… I just didn’t know what else to do. I knew that with the $3.00 I could stay 2 nights at the YWCA. I prayed - real hard! 6/1/2018
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Pathway
“God – Given 4” Mrs. Comer was smiling that amazing smile, “Come with me.” I followed her down a long narrow hallway and turned to corner into an office. There sat Kathy and Sue – on the reservations phones. Mrs. Comer introduced me to the girls and we smiled and told her that we were already friends. She took me to the manager of the department, and he told her “I don’t need anyone. Send her home.” Mrs. Comer ask me to go talk to the girls in the other room. I did… she talked to the manager. In about 10 minutes she called me over and told me I would start work the next morning at 8:00 am. I could walk over from the dorms with my friends. I hugged her and thanked her with all my heart. She was GOD-GIVEN! She sent me with Kathy and Sue to the dorms and the Dorm Mom was waiting for me, she gave me a room on the first floor, and told me she would move me upstairs near Kathy and Sue the next day. Then she gave me a meal voucher and told me to go eat dinner at any of the restaurants and cafeterias in the valley. Kathy and Sue took care of me the rest of my night. She was GOD-GIVEN! I loved my job, my friends, my HOME, and my life… I had been given a chance to do good for others and I paid the GIFT forward on many occasions. I had great people to work with, a wonderful church, plenty of food, and summer activities were always available. After 2 weeks on the phones, I was offered a desk position running 3 major hotels-reservations and in the winter months working the Brace Bridge Shakespeare Dinner Theater. My Manager - GOD-GIVEN I ended up dating Mrs. Comer’s super nice son, until he went into the service. He ended up ,after the war, coming home to become a park ranger in Yosemite. 6/1/2018
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Pathway
“God – Given 5” Being a part of the Comer family even for a short time… GOD-GIVEN! I lived and worked there for over 2 years. I met someone, did get married, moved out of state for a few years. Then many years later I returned to Yosemite to work again… but It was NOT the SAME. Mr. and Mrs. Comer had passed away, my close friends were gone, and the valley had suffered damage with fires and floods. The old saying, ‘you can’t go home again’ is true. Too many changes in one’s self and in the place that you had once lived. So when you are down-in-the-dumps and feeling sorry for yourself, just think back at all those times when you were given gifts that were disguised as ugly situations… and really see the hand of God guiding you, protecting you, feeding you, and loving you through your journey…
KEEP YOUR MEMORIES SAFE, THEY ARE ‘GOD-GIVEN’
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Life Point ***
** LIFE POINT ** MAY 2018 Issue
James 1:9 “Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.” Is your glass half empty or half full? Are life struggles a gift or a thorn for you? If character is built through perseverance, then shouldn’t those who suffer consider themselves more richly blessed? Tell me, who won the battle, David or Goliath?
Mighty is he who walks with the power of the Lord, moving beyond circumstance to defeat the evil powers of darkness. Blessed is he who perseveres. 01/31/19
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Special Thank You… Affiliates & Partners
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Special Thank You…
Affiliates & Partners… Google, Barnes & Noble, & Amazon
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Dear Readers: Looking back on the past 2.5 years has been such a pleasure for all of us at TSCM & HCM. As we move forward into 2019 let us never forget who our Heavenly Father is and His love for all of His children. We must be ever mindful of these days that are clearly showing His return for us. Prophesy from the Scriptures tell us of what is to BE… and what is COMING still! Be aware of your decisions in daily living, stay close to Him through His word, and tell others about Jesus! Salvation is key for everyone that wants to back to their home in Heaven. Bless all of you for being so loyal to our magazines. We will continue to bring you exciting stories, tidbits of news, the Word of the Lord through Scripture, Humor, and great images from our affiliate: Pixabay.com Thank you once again…
BLESSINGS! Happy VALENTINE’S DAY
Winter-Wonderland Days 2019… May God’s light shine upon you and your soul blossom from His love.