Valley Christain Magazine December 2012

er 2012 Decemb

22ND Annual Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights

Ways 7 to

De-Stress

Your Holidays

p 20

Heaven & Hope

p18

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How Can I Be Content? p46

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December 1 - 31, 2012

Lights are FREE!

Giant Ferris Wheel

Individual Trolley, Train & Horse Drawn Wagon Rides Sold On Site (City Hall) ONLY! $4.00 Narrated Trolley or Train and $6.00 for Horse Drawn Wagon Ice Palace Ice Rink at Memorial Park open Dec. 1-31.

1 Sat.

Illuminated Christmas Parade “A Victorian Christmas”

2 – 18

Dinner/Concert/Trolley Package $10.00 per person Entertainment Schedule for Dinner/Concert/Trolley Package

2 Sun.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints McAllen West Stake Youth Choir

3 Mon.

Hidalgo Jr. High School Band and Mariachis

4 Tues.

Hidalgo High School Band and Mariachis

5 Wed.

Valley View High School Mariachis

6 Thurs. Magic Valley Chorus 7-10

Estudiantina Guadalupana

11 Tues. Milam Elementary Alebrije 12-16

Estudiantina Guadalupana

Schedule on-line:

www.hidalgotexas.com www.hidalgofol.com 956-843-2286

17 Mon. Oratory Academy of St. Philip Neri Angel Choir 18 Tues. Valley View High School Jazz Band 19 Wed. Christmas Posada 20 Thurs. Un Regalo para Jesus Ministerio Maranatha Washboard Willie Dec. 1 to 30

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index

20 7 Ways to De-Stress Your Holidays

Features

12

12 14 20 22 24 34 36 38 40 42 44

Religious Renaissance

24

Forgiveness Motorcycle Ministry Steve & Me – Steven Furtick 7 Ways to De-Stress Your Holidays My Valley Story: Tom Weaver Religious Renaissance Christmas Music Releases 2012 Kids Talk About God Fellowship of Christian Athletes Music: Francesca Battistelli Christmas Books Events

On The Cover

Hidalgo’s Festival of Lights 22nd Annual Festival of Lights: A Victorian Christmas.

Come Enjoy a Free Display of The Valley’s most dazzling light displays.

Fun for the entire family. Go to www.hidalgofol.com for a list of Daily Events throughout December.

National Columnists 10 18 20 46

James MacDonald Greg Laurie Proverbs 31: Tracie Miles Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors 8 16 26 28 32 42

46

Christmas Music

Christian Torres Milton Gonzalez Jerrell Jobe Abram Gomez Theresa Valladares MD Miguel Paredes

Vol. 2 / Issue 9

To submit story ideas, events, or comments: valleychristianmagazine@gmail.com

Christian Torres

Valley Christian Magazine is a free monthly magazine published by

Publisher

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Christian@valleychristianmagazine.com

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Johnny Q Photography AD: Oz Cavazos

CONNECT WITH US: Twitter: @vcmagazine Tax Deductible donations can be mailed to: Texas Christian Publications c/o Valley Christian Magazine 3827 North 10th Street, 301 McAllen, TX 78501

956-314-O161

Eli Lara 956-451-0174 Eli@valleychristianmagazine.com

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Ronnie Guerra Vela 956-599-8036 Ronnie@valleychristianmagazine.com

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Valley Christian Magazine is a publication of Texas Christian Publications (a 501c3 organization). Texas Christian Publications reserves the right to edit, modify, revise, rewrite and reject editorial materials and assumes no responsibility for accuracy, errors, omissions or consequences arising from it. All correspondence to this publication becomes the property of Texas Christian Publications.

Texas Christian Publications shall be KHOG KDUPOHVV LQGHPQLÀHG DJDLQVW any third-party claims. Texas Christian Publications accepts no claims made by photographers, agents or contributors. Writers’ and columnists’ opinions are not necessarily those of Texas Christian Publications or its publishers. Advertisements appearing in Texas Christian Publications present only the viewpoint of the advertisers.

We assume no responsibility for advertising claims made in this publication.

Valley Christian Magazine is printed in the United States. Reproduction without the expressed written permissi on prohibited.

Copyright 2011.

/ Printed in the USA.

Self “ Deception”

By Christian Torres

CHRISTIAN TORRES Is a graduate of Baylor University. He and his wife, Stephanie, live in McAllen with their 3 daughters: Madeleine (13), Natalie (9), and Courtney (7). They are members of Palm Valley Church of Mission.

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Christmas Crisis of Faith

By Dr. James MacDonald

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife; for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a Son; and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:18-21 Think about your nativity set. You probably thought of the main characters—Jesus, Mary, the angels, the wise men, and the shepherds.

But have you ever considered the one who may have demonstrated the most faith—Joseph?

We know he was a carpenter. Every carpenter knows before you build things you need a set of plans. “Measure twice, cut once.” You can be sure that Joseph had a carefully measured set of plans to build his life with Mary at his side. According to his plans, He would build a home where they would live till death do they part. He would build the faith of their children that he would father with Mary. And in order to support his little family, he would build his business by building things . . . according to the plan.

But God had a different plan. God was more interested in building Joseph into a man of faith. Joseph, the carpenter, was about to become Joseph, the tool. The one who was used to holding tools in his hand was about to become a tool in the hand of God to accomplish His will for sending a savior to the world.

Joseph’s plan didn’t require much faith. In fact, any plan that is not open to God’s plan doesn’t require faith. Those who are inclined to follow a plan best, struggle to live by faith the most. That’s because it doesn’t take much faith to follow well-outlined plans that make a lot of sense, humanly speaking.

When Joseph received the birth announcement, he was immediately caught between what makes sense and what God has said. This is the place where God grows faith—the space between what makes sense and what God is asking Him to do. It will grow Joseph into a man of faith.

Joseph’s choice to believe that Mary’s son was the Son of God changed all his plans.

Listen to Walk in the Word locally weekdays at 5:30a.m.

James MacDonald is founding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching more than 3 million people across North America.

Used by permission of Walk in the Word, Elgin, Ill., 61023. www.walkintheword.com by permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

The crisis of belief that Joseph had is the same for all who will receive Jesus.

God is still building people of faith. You can be a part of the story God is still writing if you will simply obey by faith. But it may require changing your plans in response to the Word of God. Like Joseph, you must believe that Jesus was the one promised Messiah. Like Joseph, you must believe He was born as a sinless Savior conceived by the Holy Spirit. And you must believe that this Jesus died and rose again to forgive your sins.

When you hear God speak, plans change and faith grows.

Are you planning to build something without God?

---------------------------Journal----------------------------------------------

Are you planning to build something without God? Are you willing to allow God to dismantle your plan so he can build you?

Are willing to live by faith?

Prayer: Father, I praise You, for You are God! Your will and ways are perfect and righteous. Help me to live in faith in Your plans, not my own. In Jesus’ name, Amen. / 10 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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Forgiven Motorcycle Ministry was founded and is headquartered in McAllen, Texas at TFC (The Family Church). As one of TFC’s ministries, FORGIVEN encourages fellow believers in their walk with Christ and is continually planting seeds of salvation through serving the community with various outreach’s like their annual Thanksgiving Turkey Run and annual Christmas Toy Run, all while sharing the passion for riding motorcycles.

Forgiven’s passion is for the biking community; including weekend, professional, and hard core bikers. Forgiven is also committed to glorifying God by promoting fellowship, spiritual growth, and services to their community. Forgiven’s goal is to lead their community to God and to share Christ with everyone they meet.

Forgiven’s annual Christmas Toy Run will be held on December, 15. Toys will be distributed at various locations in McAllen to the needy families that cannot provide them for their children. Forgiven is collecting new unwrapped toys for boys and girls between the ages of 0 and 16 years of age and is asking for the community of McAllen to help. There are 4 different drop off locations for the communities convenience.

Drop off locations are as follows:

Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a 15 week study on how God is advancing Christianity throughout the world. The study includes Biblical, Historical, Cultural and Strategic perspectives on what God has done, is doing and how \RX ÀW LQWR WKH VWRU\ (DFK ZHHN \RX ZLOO EH FKDOOHQJHG E\ different Instructors who bring diverse backgrounds as Biblical experts, historians, church planters, missionaries and mobilizers; each with their own wealth of experience and passion.

The centerpiece of the Study is the “Perspectives Reader� which contains writings from more than 150 mission scholars and practitioners. This reader is widely used in many seminaries and Bible colleges as the text for their missiology courses.

John Piper says, “Perspectives has been essential in mobilizing hundreds of laypeople in our church to be World Christians.�

TFC

2322 N. McColl Rd. (@ La Vista) McAllen

Dr. Tony Evans says, “We value our partnership with Perspectives. Their leadership and discipleship tools have helped our members discover how they can effectively become a part of the global Christian movement.�

Desperado Harley Davidson

Listen to what people right here in the valley who have taken the course have to say:

1201 S. Bentson Rd. (@ Expressway 83) McAllen

&KLFN ÀO $

7340 N. 10th St. (@ Trenton) McAllen

7KH %ULGJHV $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ +RPH 5208 S. Sugar Rd. (@ Alberta) Edinburg

/HDGHUV DUH

â€œâ€Śthis course is taking the Bible to a whole new level for me.â€?

Javier “So far, I have learned so much. It changes the way I pray, the way I read my Bible, and my relationship with God all the better.â€? Anonymous “There is no more complaining on my part when it comes to ZRUVKLS DW FKXUFK $IWHU WKH Ă€UVW WZR OHVVRQV RI 3HUVSHFWLYHV P\ attitude about worship changed. It is much more meaningful and I enjoy every minute.â€? Ingrid “Perspectives taught me concepts that encouraged me to grow as a believer.â€? Shiloh

President: Eli Gonzalez

“Many ideas in Perspectives have changed my viewpoint. I understand the spiritual state of reality in which we live, and also my purpose in this world. God’s never-changing nature will EH IRUHYHU JORULĂ€HG DPRQJ DOO SHRSOH DQG , KDYH D FKDQFH WR participate in bringing that about.â€? Natalie

Vice – President: Karl Johnson Treasurer: Inez Martinez

“The reason God gives us our mission is to bring about obedient, ORYH Ă€OOHG DQG OLIH JLYLQJ ZRUVKLS DPRQJ SHRSOHV DQG LQ SODFHV where there is none.â€? Charlene

Secretary: Ester Gonzalez Chaplains: Ronnie & Lydia Longoria, Andy & Dora Tamez, Norberto & Mary Mena

â€œâ€ŚI have gained is a clear understanding that God is a missionary God and a key theme of the Bible is to bring glory back to God. This has really opened my eyes to see the Word of God with greater understanding.â€? James

Ambassador: Martha Johnson Co - coordinators: David & Angie Wing Road Captains: Griff Finley and Noe Rodriguez

Perspectives will open the eyes of your heart with fresh knowledge and understanding. What is your testimony? Enroll now at www.perspectives.org. More information contact: 1-956-279-7744 or chuck.newell@kingswaycwm.org

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“For unto us a child is born‌â€?

photo credit: The Nativity Story. all rights reserved.

Isaiah 9:6

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Cynthia Salas Rodriguez, GRI 1 :DUH 5RDG 0F$OOHQ 7;

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I suddenly felt the urge to tweet my own thoughts about his passing. But it felt melodramatic for me to share some deep thought about a person I’d never met. Still, he was the greatest business OHDGHU RI P\ OLIHWLPH 6R , Ă€UHG RII D three-word tweet: Steven Furtick @stevenfurtick 5 Oct “What a life.â€?

My next thoughts made my stomach hurt. Or was it the kung pao? Either way, I got downright introspective. I was wrestling with a tension:

Steve & Me My mom says she’ll always remember that she was sitting in a social studies class when the loudspeaker beeped and crackled and someone announced that President John F. Kennedy had been shot. All the kids would be going home for the day.

I wonder if I’ll always remember that my two sons and I had just shared kung pao shrimp at P.F. Chang’s when I stopped in my tracks on the way out the door. I had to make sure I had correctly read the words that were scrolling across every television within sight: Apple founder Steve Jobs—dead at 56.

I can’t explain why, but my hands were shaky and sweaty as I pulled my iPhone out of my pocket to verify.

2QH RI WKH Ă€UVW WKLQJV , VDZ ZDV D VWDWHPHQW from President Obama. He said that Steve Jobs “was among the greatest of American innovators.â€? That “he transformed RXU OLYHV UHGHĂ€QHG HQWLUH LQGXVWULHV DQG achieved one of the rarest feats in human history: he changed the way each of us sees the world.â€?

Then I looked at my Twitter time line to see what the rest of the world was saying about Jobs. Everybody seemed to be weighing in. The outpouring was overwhelming. “R.I.P. Steve Jobs. You led the world into the 21st century.� “R.I.P. Steve Jobs. You improved life as we know it.� “Steve Jobs—On behalf of every dreamer sitting in his or her garage who is crazy enough to try to change the world, you will be missed.�

If you’re looking to be greater than Jesus, put down your crack pipe, my friend. That’s not happening.

By leaving and then sending His Spirit to dwell inside His followers—ordinary people like you and me—Jesus released a greater power for us to do extraordinary things on an extraordinary scale. The kinds of things the early church saw and did.

Steve Jobs was a great man. He changed the world through technology.

The kinds of things He still wants to do today through us. Jesus isn’t calling us to be greater than He is.

I’m a pastor. I have a mission to change the world through the gospel.

He’s calling us to be greater with Him through His Spirit within us.

But am I really achieving that mission?

I’m doing well by some standards, I guess.

Meant for More

I love Jesus. I have integrity. I love my family.

But still‌ ,¡P QRW UHGHÀQLQJ DQ LQGXVWU\ ,¡P QRW accomplishing one of the greatest feats in human history. So what am I really doing? That matters? That will matter?

That will set my life apart?

I used to want to do great things for God. That was before I found something greater.

opened the eyes of the blind, or given salvation to the world.

In short, I was processing the nauseating feeling that, when I stack it all up, I don’t feel like I’m anything close to being the great man of God I want to be. Some days, actually, I feel like I sort of suck as a Christian. I didn’t tweet any of that.

But I couldn’t stop thinking it.

I’m guessing you’ve had thoughts like that too. I’m not saying you want to be the next Steve Jobs or build your own technology empire. But I think we all have these honest moments when we’re gripped by a desire to feel that what we’re doing matters more. That who we are matters more. A few hours later, after I tucked my boys into bed and prayed for them, I sat on my bed and opened my MacBook.

For some reason I felt compelled to pull up a certain Bible verse. It’s one of the most staggering statements Jesus ever made.

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.

He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12) I’d read that verse so many times. But I had a new context for it.

And it sliced me with the edge of fresh challenge. Greater things than Jesus, the greatest man who ever lived? What does that even mean? How can we do greater things than Jesus?

Does it mean that we’re able to do more powerful miracles than Jesus? Have a bigger impact than Jesus? I don’t think so. After all, I don’t know many people who have walked on water, multiplied ÀVK DQG ORDYHV WR IHHG WKRXVDQGV / 14 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

As I tried to process the brain-bending implications of that claim, I thought through some conversations I’d had recently with people who were feeling disappointed and stuck in their relationship with God and their place in life.

I’m meeting more and more believHUV ZKR DUH XQVDWLVÀHG ZLWK WKH NLQG RI Christians they’re becoming and the version of the Christian life they’re experiencing. These aren’t bad people.

They aren’t gangbangers and ungodly pagans. If they were, their discontent would make more sense.

The thing is, most believers aren’t in imminent danger of ruining their lives. They’re facing a danger that’s far greater: wasting them.

These are some of the very people Jesus talked about in John 14:12. People who are supposed to be doing greater works than—forget about Steve Jobs—Jesus Christ Himself.

Yet it’s not happening. For most of us, the experience of our daily lives is a far cry from the greater works Jesus talked about in John 14:12. Or even the achievements of a luminary like Steve Jobs.

We’ve had some big dreams about what God might want for our lives. But so many of us are stuck in the starting blocks. Or are dragging along at the back of the pack.

We know we were meant for more. Yet we end up settling for less.

We’re frustrated about where we are.

But we’re confused about how to move forward.

I wonder if you can relate.

What a life‌

Steven Furtick Author of Sun Stand Still and Greater, is founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church, which in only six years grew to more than ten thousand in regular attendance at six locations. He holds a master of divinity degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

He and his wife, Holly, have three children: Elijah, Graham, and Abbey. They make their home near Charlotte, North Carolina.

Excerpted from Greater by Steven Furtick

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1-800-580-0322 www.lonestarnationalbank.com Offer of credit is subject to credit approval.

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Have you been to Ziklag *PART 2 IN A SERIES ON DEALING WITH YOUR PAST AND OVERCOMING IMPOSSIBLE CIRCUMSTANCES

?

By Milton Gonzalez

David was a small, weak little boy when the Prophet Samuel came looking for the next King.

He wasn’t even considered by his family when Samuel came looking.

whomever we come into contact with.

He is a coward and is easily taken down if confronted with the Word of God. God’s Word reminds us the “no weapon formed against us shall prosper� (Is 54:17)

Most men and women that God uses in mighty ways were born in a similar place as David. But they were molded and VKDSHG E\ DIĂ LFWLRQ DQG DGYHUVLW\ IRU LW LV UHMHFWLRQ DQG DIĂ LFWLRQ WKDW FUHDWHV an inordinate thirst and hunger after Almighty God.

Have you ever been to Ziklag?

So time has progressed and David not TXLWH .LQJ \HW KDV à HG IURP 6DXO DQG DVVHPEOHG KLV RZQ DUP\ WR ÀJKW DORQJside the king. His army is not made up of reputable warriors, however, they are all under David’s leadership; they serve the same God and they pursue the same goal. David, his men and their families have built a camp at Ziklag and after four months all the men including David go out to battle.

David and his men battle the Philistines and defeat them. They begin to celebrate and can’t wait to see their families and tell them the stories of their victory. As they ride back home they dream about the reception, the women and children cheering for them and a special feast in their honor.

But as they approach Ziklag they don’t encounter a celebratory ensemble, they are bewildered by a grim atmosphere of desolation and demise. Every tent is empty, the woman and children have been taken by the Amalekites. They specialized at preying on the vulnerabilities of others. They weren’t brave enough to ÀJKW WKH PHQ WKH\ ZHQW DIWHU WKH ZHDNness of Israel to conquer and destroy.

And this is oftentimes how the enemy of our soul works in our lives. He preys on our weaknesses with the idea of conquering our minds and if he succeeds then he manages to destroy our lives and

Ziklag is the place in your life in which your circumstances seem to compound and no matter how successful you may be in one are of your life its seems as though all hell has broken loose in another. Ziklag is a desolate place, a dark valley, a place of uncertainty.

Don’t expect a crown until you have been to Ziklag. Don’t expect a breakthrough for nothing. Breakthrough doesn’t come easy, nothing comes without struggle, QRWKLQJ FRPHV ZLWK RXW FRQà LFW ,I \RX have gone through hell at Ziklag and endured...God’s going to get the glory.

8QWLO \RX KDYH EHHQ LQ D ÀJKW \RX QHHG WR XQGHUVWDQG WKDW ÀJKWLQJ LV H[KDXVWing; even if you win it’s exhausting. Even when you obtain the victory you will incur some damage. Sometimes you can be a winner and still be wounded. You can win and be tired; survive and still be weary.

to be dominated by fear BUT the Bible says “that we have not been given the spirit of fear or timidity but of power, love and a sound mindâ€? (2 Tim 1:7) David is on the brink of giving up, he’s soon to collapse - he’s weary and over burdened...not only is he physically afĂ LFWHG EXW QRZ KH LV PHQWDOO\ DQJXLVKHG and distraught to the point of death. But WKH %LEOH VD\V WKDWÂŤ “BUT David encouraged himself in the Lord his Godâ€? (1 Sam 30:6) Have you ever encouraged yourself?

Your kids didn’t do it, your spouse didn’t do it and neither did your friends. Have your encouraged yourself in the Lord your God? Certain circumstances in life may paralyze you. The vicissitudes of life may throw you off balance. You may be walking through a dark and deep valley at this point in time in your life. You may have cried until you have no strength to do so any longer. Ziklag may be your current residence and everything seems so uncertain to you... “BUT David encouraged himself in the Lord his God�!

David comes back from battle looking IRU FRPIRUW DQG KH UXQV LQWR FRQĂ LFWÂŤ The Bible says that David and his men cried until they could cry no longer. “David was greatly distressed because the men were talking about stoning himâ€? (1 Sam 30:6)

I challenge you to roll up your sleeves, sink your heels in and do not give up. )LJKW WKH JRRG ÀJKW DQG WR VWDQG XS WR the enemy of your soul and do not allow him to steal your joy.

David is confronted with a painful reality - the men who once praised his leadership and vowed to give their lives for him have switched so fast he doesn’t even NQRZ ZKDW¡V JRLQJ RQ WKH\ DUH QRZ wanting to kill him. It is a painful thing to KDYH WR ÀJKW ZKR \RX ORYH

Shalom,

Fear tried to creep into David’s mind. In life we are presented with opportunities / 16 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

And when you feel as though you cannot go on any further - Rise up, encourage yourself in the Lord your God and press RQÂŤ WKH YLFWRU\ LV DOUHDG\ \RXUV

Milton MILTON GONZALEZ is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen. He is married to Elena and has a son, David.

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Heaven & Hope

By Greg Laurie

“Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.�

A

Romans 5:5

fter our son Christopher went to be with the Lord, I found myself having a greater LQWHUHVW LQ WZR WRSLFV 7KH ÀUVW LV WKH WRSLF RI KHDYen. I have always been interested in heaven, of course. I have preached on it a lot. But I have never studied heaven like I do now. I want to know everything I can about it.

The other subject I have spent a lot of time studying is hope, and how we can have hope in the midst of crisis.

You could say that I am a student of heaven and of hope. I wouldn’t say that I am an expert on these subjects, but I think I know more about them than I knew before. And I still think I have a lot to learn.

I am not the only one fascinated with the subject of the afterlife, however. A lot of books have been written on the subject. In fact, if you were to go to Amazon’s website and type in the word “heavHQ Âľ \RX ZRXOG Ă€QG PRUH WKDQ UHVXOWV IRU things you can purchase related to the subject of heaven or with the word “heavenâ€? in the title.

In time, I believe we all will become more interested in the topics of heaven and hope, because as we get older, more people that we know will die. It is a depressing thought, but it is true. Life is hard. But although life is hard, it is also true that God is good.

The Bible tells us, “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us�

(Romans 5:5).

God will give us the strength and the hope that we need in life.

BIBLE READING: Job 30, Psalm 120, Galatians 3-4

greg laurie is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif.

He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000-plus, one of the largest churches in America. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by permission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, P.O. Box 4000, Riverside, Calif., 92514.

All rights reserved.

Copyright Š 2012 by Harvest Ministries. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright Š 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Bible text from the New King James Version is not to be reproduced in copies or otherwise by any means except as permitted in writing by Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attn: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214-1000

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The Mortgage Lender You can Trust!

Joe Cuellar Branch Manager

Should I Build?

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s s e r t S e D s y a 7W to

Your

Holidays s ie Mile

c

by Tra

‘Tis the season to be merry. . . and stressed.

Sometimes holiday emotions make us feel more tangled up than lights on the Christmas tree, no matter how we feel them.

For those who aren’t fans of the Christmas season, the hustle, bustle and emotional rustle that this time of year brings on can elicit overwhelming feelings, including irritability, loneliness, and even depression.

For those who love the holiday season, those same feelings can still secretly weave themselves into our spirits, as busyness and expectations take their toll on our hearts.

Unfortunately regardless of opinion, Christmas can be a season of stress and anxiety, leaving us feeling as messy as ripped up wrapping paper strewn around the living room on Christmas morning. The holidays often bring on a ÁRRG RI KHLJKWHQHG HPRWLRQV ZKLFK YDU\ in intensity from person to person, and often result in dangerous stress levels.

When holiday stress is piled on top of regular stressors, some people even resort to harmful methods of coping – such as over indulging in food, alcohol, caffeine or even drugs. In fact, the American Psychological Association found that nearly all women in the U.S, experience such heightened stress during the holidays that their health is put at risk. Studies also showed that 41% of women use food, and 28% of women use alcohol to curb their pain during the holidays.

In addition to potential harm to our health, these coping methods can result in additional stress long after the Christmas decorations have been put away.

So regardless of what it is about the holidays that makes us feel anxious, holiday stress is not to be ignored.

Fortunately, we can counteract the negative impact of holiday stress by following a few simple suggestions. Here are 7 strategies to keep in mind to avoid letting holiday stress steal your joy, squelch your Christmas spirit, and damage your health.

1. Plan for your stress.

You are probably well aware of the holiday stressors that push you to the limit, so why wait until the holidays come around again to face them?

For example, if you know the task of decorating your home makes you stressed, invite some friends or family members to help out. If you know that trying to bake / 20 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

goods for the PTA bake sale makes you feel burdened, give yourself permission to sit this year out. If a certain family function causes annual chaos, pray for God’s divine intervention in dealing with famLO\ FRQÁLFW WKLV \HDU ,I VHDUFKLQJ IRU WKH hottest toys makes your head spin each year, set expectations with your children in advance. If wrapping gifts that look like they belong under a Christmas tree at Belk’s makes you stressed, start a new tradition of having kids or grandkids wrap the presents, then treasure the experience, not the appearance, of the wrapping.

When we are proactive in making plans for how to deal with common holiday stressors, we are less likely to react in the same stressed-out way that we always have. Ponder the things you know make you stressed, and plan a better way to approach them this year, so the same holiday stress doesn’t repeat its annual cycle.

2. Pursue a positive attitude.

Whether the holidays are our favorite time of year or not, we still need to pursue a loving, Godly attitude in the midst RI WKH FKDRV ,I ZH OHW FURZGV DQG WUDIÀF put us in a bad mood, we’ll take it out on our family later. If we allow obligations to stretch us thin, we’ll be too busy to enjoy the season. If we focus on all the negative aspects the holidays may bring, we will lose sight of the fact that we are really celebrating the birth of Jesus.

Our attitudes and our thoughts will carry us to a destination of a joy, or a destination of bitterness and grumpiness. If you struggle with a Grinch attitude every year, ask God to help you pursue a new DWWLWXGH IRU WKLV VHDVRQ DQG Ă&#x20AC;QG UHDO MR\ in Christ.

3. Purposely get enough sleep.

If you want to be able to stay in a good mood during the holidays, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to rest! Sleep deprivation has a serious negative impact on peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s moods and their ability to manage even small stressors. Commit to getting to bed at a decent hour and getting a good nightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest as often as possible.

4. Party sensibly.

Even though being at every holiday party we are invited to makes us feel and look OLNH VRFLDO EXWWHUĂ LHV DOO WKDW SDUW\ JRLQJ may leave us bound up in a cocoon of stress. Choose your social events selectively, and only attend those which are most important to you. Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse a gentle and polite response to share when someone invites you to a function that you know will QRW Ă&#x20AC;W LQWR \RXU VFKHGXOH

5. Prepare a routine for the month of December.

Write down your typical holiday obligations, and set a daily schedule for each GD\ LQ 'HFHPEHU IRU IXOĂ&#x20AC;OOLQJ WKHP 7KLV

might sound compulsively organized or even impossible, but it will be time and effort well spent, because good planning sets the stage for peace.

So, set aside an hour in November to map out your holiday month to-doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

Think about all the things you usually do around the holidays, and jot them down on a list. Write out your gift list, gift suggestions, budget, social outings, travel, packing, shopping, babysitting needs, special events that you cook for, grocery lists, etc.. Then write down a target deadline for getting those things done.

6. Practice fun.

The holidays are supposed to fun. Why do we let busyness and chaos steal that fun from our hearts? Think about some ways you can have fun with your family or friends.

Sometimes the best entertainment is cost effective, no hassle and stress free!

In my family, we love snuggling on the couch and watching every holiday movie ever made, while laughing at the same scenes over and over, year after year. We enjoy watching the new Hallmark channel holiday movies, and a few of my old-time favorites are Elf, How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Jim Carey version), and Christmas With the Kranks. We also love riding around at night looking at Christmas lights in surrounding neighborhoods, having friends over, and sipping hot chocolate while decorating our / 21 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

tree and listening to Christmas music.

7.

Promote love.

Our inward thoughts will always drive our outward actions, so if we want to show love during the holidays to family, friends DQG WRWDO VWUDQJHUV ZH Ă&#x20AC;UVW KDYH WR IRFXV on feeling Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love.

Although every person faces different adversities in life, we can all enjoy the Christmas season if we remember that Christmas is really about celebrating Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for us. If we bicker and complain our way through the season, our holiday spirit will exit quicker than Santa up the chimney. But if we focus on the fact that we are supposed to be celebrating peace, joy, and love, our Christmas spirit, our faith, and our love for others will soar. When our hearts are full of love, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to be a Grinch.

A little holiday stress preparation can be the determining factor in whether your holiday is joy-full, or stress-full - and a stressed-less holiday will usually lead to a happy holiday!

Tracie Miles Shen is a national conference speaker with Proverbs 31 Ministries. Tracie speaks Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s truths to empower and motivate others to depend on Christ in their everyday lives, and lead them to a place of peace and purpose through learning to live intentionally for Christ. Tracie is a contributing writer for Encouragement for Today online devotions that currently touch over 500,000 lives each day around the world. She is the author of Stressed-Less Living: Finding Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peace In Your Chaotic World , and lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children. Learn more about her book at www.stressedlessliving.com, and visit her at www.traciemiles.com

the story of people who have come from wrecked lives.

People who have hurt others, and been hurt. People who are cheaters, liers, perverts, violent, bitter, and angry.

People with all of these characteristics who were radically rescued by TRUTH. Va l l e y C h r i s t i a n M a g a z i n e & L o g o s C o m m u n i t y has partnered up for the next 12 months--we will post a story and a video of these people.

You will hear them tell rough, painful, stories of ugliness. Of pain. They will vividly describe to you, their scars.

So why would anyone do this?

I assure you, none of them are choosing to do it for shock value, or to recount a war story. None of them seek credit for the change in their lives.

Why we share our stories is so that those of you who are like us can receive HOPE. Hope that who you are is not who you have to be. Hope that real forgiveness and new life is possible. All of the people whose stories you will hear and see have been saved by HOPE. Truth and Hope have a name, and that name is Jesus.

Tomâ&#x20AC;Ś

Pastor

Story began My Valley as an idea to share

Welcome to My Valley Storyâ&#x20AC;Ś

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was born in Columbia, South Carolina.

Deep in the heart of the South, church was a part of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life, or so it seemed. Even more so in mine, since my dad was a pastor of a local church.

I remember going to the church building Sunday morning for Sunday school, then service at 11am, back that afternoon at 5pm, and Wednesdays at 6pm for services. Anything the church did we were there. I knew when to stand up, sit down, sing, be quiet, laugh, and pretend like I understood.

I had been introduced to pornography by a neighborhood boy when I was 5 years old, and it had made an impression on me. This became even a bigger problem and sin issue when , VDZ P\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW ; UDWHG video in 5th grade. It was at the home of one of the deacons from our church. His son showed me his Dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stash. Pornography for me was an ever-present desire. Never could I say no to its draw.

My church life was a part of my outward culture and I was good at it, but

Is a multi-site church in the Rio Grande Valley which was planted 4 years ago. www.logoscommunity.com

Go to www.myvalleystory.com

to watch Weaverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing story.

/ 22 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

pornography was a part of my heart, and I pursued it whenever it was available. This was an issue for me for 28 years. Now that I look back at this part of my life, I realize I was living a lie. Scripture is clear that you cannot serve two masters, and I was under the illusion that I could do it. ,Q WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW \HDU RI P\ PDUULDJH SRUQ ZDV VWLOO an issue. Only through the Lord bringing it out in all of its ugliness did I see it for what it was: A rape of my mind, and the thing that would kill my marriage and future family life.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not sure when I became a Christian. All I knew is that I became keenly aware that the life of the believer explained in the scriptures did not describe me. Where scripture said put RWKHUV Ă&#x20AC;UVW 3KLO , SXW P\VHOI Ă&#x20AC;UVW :KHUH scripture said, forgive others (Matthew 18:34), I held grudges and was bitter. The most obvious being sin of sexual impurity, which I was constantly pursuing.

Change came for me when I realized my way was not working...it was actually killing PH , XQGHUVWRRG Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ WKURXJK WKH SRZHU of the Holy Spirit that Christ offers forgiveness and new life, and I needed to come under his complete authority, not just recognizing who he is.

This changed everything. My marriage beJDQ WR UHĂ HFW -HVXV DQG ZH DUH VWLOO DQ RQgoing work in progress. I began to want to WDON DERXW -HVXV WR RWKHUV EHFDXVH , Ă&#x20AC;QDOO\ realized through his gift that he is the only one who can give life. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m 12 years porn free. Jesus is my authority and my life giver.

/ 23 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Religious Renaissance A

By Clayton Coates Is America losing its religion? According WR QHZ Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJV IURP D 3HZ 5HSRUW VXUvey, the answer is yes. The survey reports one in four Americans today has no reliJLRXV DIĂ&#x20AC;OLDWLRQ DQG IRU WKH Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH WKH number of people who do not claim any RQH VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;F UHOLJLRQ LV QHDUO\ HTXDO WR WKH number of those who belong to a mainstream Protestant church. The survey Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJV JR RQ WR VWDWH WKDW RQH IRXUWK RI adults under 30 do not see themselves as members of any religion. While I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t argue with the numbers in the report, I can argue that perhaps our country isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really losing its religion, but UDWKHU Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ QHZ ZD\V WR NHHS WKH IDLWK I believe this report only takes a surface-level look at whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s really happening in our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s religious landscape. In my opinion, contrary to the study, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re experiencing a religious UHQDLVVDQFH ZKHUH PRUH DQG PRUH SHRSOH DUH DFWXDOO\ Ă&#x20AC;QGing a place within the Christian community; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re limiting where we search for other Christians like us. As young Christians turn to God, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also turning to the internet to Ă&#x20AC;QG OLNHPLQGHG SHRSOH ZKR VKDUH WKHLU YDOXHV DQG VSLULWXDO beliefs. The culture of faith within the United States is simply FKDQJLQJ LQ WKLV GLJLWDO HUD WR UHĂ HFW RXU PRGHUQ RQOLQH OLIHVW\OH For example, take the popularity of sites like ChristianMingle. comÂŽ. Nearly two million singles joined ChristianMingle in 2011 LQ KRSHV RI Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ *RG¡V PDWFK IRU WKHP 1RZ ZLWK PRUH than 7 million registered members, ChristianMingle is the largest and fastest growing online community for Christian singles.

If the number of people who are calling themselves Christians is dropping, then how does that explain the large number of SHRSOH Ă RFNLQJ WR D &KULVWLDQ GDWLQJ VLWH" Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because singles are no longer going to church in WKH WUDGLWLRQDO VHQVH WKH\ QRZ DUH Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ QHZ ZD\V WR DVVRFLate and share their beliefs in online communities as well as the faith community. Katie and Kyle, an engaged couple who met on ChristianMingle in July of 2011, are devout Christians who found a home in this new online community of Christians.

on your favorite social media site, send ChristianeCards, or get a daily Bible verse delivered straight to your inbox. God is now as present online as he is in the church greeting line.

Religion certainly isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t being ignored in popular culture either.

We are seeing a move towards openly displaying faith and values in a place where we once did not: On the playing Ă&#x20AC;HOG )URP 2O\PSLF DWKOHWH /ROR -RQHV WR EUHDNRXW 1%$ VWDU Jeremy Lin, Christianity is getting some serious media attention in the sports world.

Tim Tebow may be the most obvious example of this new move

by Christian athletes to become more vocal about their faith.

Tebow, quarterback for the New York Jets, is regularly quoted in major media outlets across the country about his Christian background and religious beliefs. Generally he is very open about his love for the Lord, even spreading the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message via Twitter. For example, his Tweet before a recent game read, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Looking forward to giving God all the glory in tonightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 666th Monday Night Football game. Romans 8:37-39.â&#x20AC;? Tebow is RQO\ SURYLQJ PRUH &KULVWLDQV HYHQ IDPRXV RQHV DUH Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ D place to share their love for Jesus online.

Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a part of a larger desire to connect with likeminded Christians who share the same background and moral standards, but there is no denying the large number of Christians ZKR DUH Ă&#x20AC;QGLQJ D SODFH ZLWKLQ WKH IDLWK EDVHG FRPPXQLW\ RQline. This new way of sharing Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message through the World :LGH :HE PD\ DW Ă&#x20AC;UVW OHDYH UHOLJLRXV RUJDQL]DWLRQV ZRQGHULQJ where their members are going, but when used effectively can encourage members to return to the local church. Christians can strengthen their relationships with one another (and even with God) simply by connecting with each other online.

And the growing number of online communities for Christians is proving that. While fewer people may be calling themselves a Catholic or a Presbyterian, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt in my mind that more and more people are calling themselves a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Child of God,â&#x20AC;? and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing it in some bold ways.

´/RRNLQJ EDFN , UHDOL]H WKDW ZKHQ , Ă&#x20AC;UVW VLJQHG RQ WR &KULVWLDQ Mingle, I doubted that anything would happen,â&#x20AC;? Katie said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And now I am planning the wedding that I have dreamed about since I was a little girl, and marrying the man of my dreams. Nobody should doubt what God can do on this site!â&#x20AC;?

Katie and Kyle are part of a larger group of young people who joined ChristianMingle in hopes of meeting likeminded singles who share their love for Jesus. In fact, the number of young people in their twenties who joined ChristianMingle in the last year alone grew by 86%, according to the site. Perhaps our young adults may not want to choose a specific religious denomination, but they are certainly still finding ways to identify as lovers of Christ.

Finding ways to share the faith online is no longer restricted to checking to see if your place of worship includes this weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bulletin on their website. You can now â&#x20AC;&#x153;check-inâ&#x20AC;? to services

Clayton Coates is the Senior Pastor at GracePoint Church. Prior to coming to GracePoint, Clayton led the Single Adult Ministry at Saddleback Valley Community Church in Lake Forest, California. At that time, Saddlebackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Single Adult Ministry included over 13,000 single adults in the greater Los Angeles area. Prior to that, he was a pastor at Fielder Road Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. Clayton earned his Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree from Midwestern State University in 1998 and a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2004. Clayton DQG KLV ZLIH $OOLVRQ KDYH Ă&#x20AC;YH FKLOGUHQ (OOD .DULV 7DWXP 7\OHU DQG $QQDEHOOH $V D &KULVWLDQ0LQJOH $GYLVRU\ %RDUG PHPEHU &RDWHV LV D WUXVWHG OHDGHU DQG LQĂ XHQFHU ZLWKLQ WKH &KULVWLDQ community and provides strategic guidance to facilitate a deeper connection between ChristianMingle and the broader Christian community.

/ 24 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

/ 25 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

finding God in the Mundane

By Jerrell Jobe

A hillside full of sheep and lowly shepherds, a stable full of domestic animals, an impoverished teenager becoming pregnant, these are all scenes from the opening account of Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gospel. Yet, in the midst of these monotonous details are the hints of the Spirit of God at work. From the onset of Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s narrative, he begins to illustrate that even the most mundane places and ordinary spaces can become fertile soil for the divine presence. The sheep-grazing hillside suddenly became a panorama of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glory as a host of angels begin to sing praises to God. The stable, that hours early was a feeding trough for some peasant familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s animals, now serves as a cradle for the infant King â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very Son Himself. Mundane places and ordinary spaces became hotspots for Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manifest presence. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heaven is revealed in ordinary people through ordinary things,â&#x20AC;? writes Richard Harries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It makes us look at the ordinary in a new way.â&#x20AC;? Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s account demands a reconsideration of even our most mundane moments of everyday life.

Throughout history, Christians have actually set aside a few weeks each \HDU WR SRQGHU DQG UHĂ HFW RQ WKH UHDOLW\ WKDW DW DQ\ PRPHQW *RG FDQ invade the reality of your life and give you a glimpse of His glory. At any moment, there may be a moment, unexplainable and unforgettable as it may be, a moment nonetheless, that changes everything and makes life worth living. +LVWRULFDOO\ WKLV VHDVRQ RI UHĂ HFWLRQ LV NQRZQ DV (SLSKDQ\ Epiphany simply means â&#x20AC;&#x153;manifestationâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;appearance.â&#x20AC;?

Epiphany is a word that describes â&#x20AC;&#x153;those moments when we discover something deeper, something truer, something greater than physical reality. These are the moments when our spiritual eyes are opened to behold beauties and realities we were blind to before.â&#x20AC;? While Christmas celebrates Christâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coming in the Incarnation event, Epiphany celebrates manifestation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the ways in which the Incarnation is revealed to us. (Epiphany traditionally begins January 6th and goes until the beginning of Lent.)

The irony is, that for centuries Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s people had expectantly awaited the arrival of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Messiah and then there he was lying in a manger, unnoticed by those who had been waiting. On the other hand, there were these magi who traveled a great distance to bring Him gifts. The magi saw what others were oblivious to. God appeared. He was made manifest. Yet, many were those who missed it.

(SLSKDQ\ LV D VHDVRQ RI UHPHPEHULQJ *RG EHFRPLQJ Ă HVK LQ -HVXV ,W LV DOVR D WLPH RI UHĂ HFWLQJ RQ WKH WUXWK WKDW *RG LV VWLOO PDNLQJ +LPVHOI NQRZQ LQ WKH world in which we live and if weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not careful, we may be one of those who miss it in our own day.

You never know where or when or how God will invade your life, but He can VKRZ XS DQ\ZKHUH DQ\WLPH DQ\ ZD\ $QG WKLV WKRXJKW DORQH RXJKW WR Ă&#x20AC;OO us with holy anticipation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be alert,â&#x20AC;? said Oscar Uzin in a sermon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Be alert, so that you will be able to recognize your Lord in your husband, your wife, your parents, your children, your friends, your teachers, but also in all that you read in the daily papers.

The Lord is coming, always coming. Be alert to his coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent; life is recognizing the coming of the Lord.â&#x20AC;?

During this season, may we begin to live with a growing sense of wonder, awareness and anticipation of a divine epiphany and see God invading our very lives with His presence.

May we be alert to see the invasion of a Majestic God, even in the most mundane moments of our everyday lives.

JERRELL JOBE is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission.

He is married to Charissa and has three children : Micah (9), Naylah (7),and Avi (5).

/ 26 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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/ 27 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

The Escape to Egypt

%< $PUDP *RPH]

One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas season. I really take pleasure in the sights, sounds, and smells that are associated with this great holiday. The seasonal additions at Starbucks, holiday movies reminiscent of P\ FKLOGKRRG DQG DLVOHV Ă&#x20AC;OOHG ZLWK &KULVWPDV GpFRU FUHDWH LQ PH VXFK DQ excitement and expectancy for the calendar date of December 25th. As a Christian though, I also understand that it is more than just a holiday. Christmas reminds us of a baby being born in a manger, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and coming to give light to those who sit in darkness. As a preacher, it is also a great opportunity and platform to teach and tackle the biblical texts that deal with the birth of Jesus.

In the second chapter of the Gospel of Matthew, we read about descriptive events surrounding the birth of Jesus. The birth of our Savior has already been announced to Mary, and Joseph has been instructed from the angel of the Lord not to be afraid of his wife Mary and the all of a sudden pregnancy. News has traveled throughout the area and Herod the king has heard about the birth of the King of the Jews. In this particular chapter, there are 3 points of exegetical truth that I believe will encourage you as you close this year, and get ready for a new year.

1. The Problem. The Bible tells us that Herod was troubled by the announcement and arrival of Jesus. He, in fact, wants to destroy the Child.

Before her pregnancy, Herod did not pay attention to Mary or Joseph. But now their situation has changed, and they are carrying a potential threat to his kingdom. It is for that reason that he begins a search committee for the birth place. There will be times when the enemy will trouble you because what you are carrying is troubling him. The reason you may be facing certain problems during this season is because you are carrying in your womb the Promises of God. Remember, the greater the problem, the greater the SURPLVH &RQVLGHU LW HYLGHQFH DQG FRQĂ&#x20AC;UPDWLRQ ZKHQ \RX IHHO WKH SUHVVXUH of the enemy. He is only pressured by what God has placed inside of you.

2. The Path. Because of Herodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wicked plan, an angel of the Lord apSHDUV WR -RVHSK LQ D GUHDP OHDGLQJ WKHP WR WDNH WKH <RXQJ &KLOG DQG Ă HH WR Egypt. When he arose, Joseph took his new family by night and departed for Egypt. The Egyptian border was not just around the corner, but a pilgrimage for the young family. Even though they had an enemy searching them out, God was faithful. Often times we tell God â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lord, I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask for this.â&#x20AC;? While it is most certainly true in some cases, remember that God is faithful, and where God guides, He is faithful to provide. In the middle of your problem or unseen circumstance, God is always faithful to create a path for you to walk thru that is undetected by the enemy. Remember, God has a Witness Protection Program. He will hide you in His secret place unseen by the adversary. There will be times where the path you are on doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to resemble the promise He gave you, but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up. Although you may feel lost and off track, God is never lost. He knows exactly where you are at all times.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today your Savior is born in the city of David.

He is Christ the Lord.â&#x20AC;?

Luke 2:11 NET

3. The Place. It is interesting to observe that the Lord led them to Egypt.

Now, every good Jew at that time would have understood the biblical connotation with the land of Egypt. Egypt was a place of cruelty, idolatry, and a house of bondage. Remember Moses leading the people out of Egypt in Exodus? Theologically, Matthew is showing his audience in his gospel writings WKDW -HVXV LV IXOĂ&#x20AC;OOLQJ 2OG 7HVWDPHQW SURSKHF\ E\ FRPLQJ RXW RI (J\SW $V WKH Lord brought Israel out of Egypt being â&#x20AC;&#x153;Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sonâ&#x20AC;? as a nation, He was also bringing out Jesus out of Egypt who would be revealed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Only Sonâ&#x20AC;?.

In an applicable way, the author is also showing us that God is able to make the worst of places serve the best of purposes. Egypt may have been a bad place, but God used it for His glory. Maybe you feel that you are in a place today that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem like Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best? Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry. God can redeem it and use it for His purpose over your life. God used a jail cell to demonstrate +LV GHOLYHULQJ SRZHU ZLWK 3DXO DQG 6LODV *RG XVHG D Ă&#x20AC;HU\ IXUQDFH WR GLVSOD\ +LV GLYLQH SURWHFWLRQ *RG XVHG D 5RPDQ &UXFLĂ&#x20AC;[LRQ WR XVKHU LQ PHUF\ DQG grace. God is not subject to locations, but wherever you are, God can use it!

Ultimately, Herod died while Joseph and Mary waited patiently for the Lord to bring them out. Had they left early and on their own time, they could have encountered dangers they were never meant to face. If not careful, you can leave the place where God has you prematurely and create dilemmas you were never intended to go through. Allow God to work it out in your favor. As He remembered the young family, He will remember you. During this holiday season, trust God for He has His best interests for your life in mind.

Merry Christmas! $PUDP *RPH] is the Executive Pastor at Valley International Christian Center in San Benito, Texas. He serves under the Leadership of Bishop Jaime Loya, and is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Abram has helped to develop leadership in various ministries and programs at VICC. He and his wife, Rebecca, reside in Harlingen. / 28 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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!

MARATHON

By TheresaValladares, M.D.

T

wo hours after I arrived in New York City I received a phone call from a friend saying â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sorry the NYC 0DUDWKRQ KDV EHHQ FDQFHOOHGÂľ $W Ă&#x20AC;UVW I thought it was a joke. This same friend KDV WHDVHG PH RYHU WKH \HDUV DQG , Ă&#x20AC;Jured just another prank.

As you all know the ING NYC Marathon was cancelled 36hrs prior to the start. I believe that it was the right decision to cancel I had only wished it had been done earlier.

RWKHU SDUWLFLSDQWV GLGQ¡W Ă&#x20AC;QLVK &KDQFH pushed me and reminded me of scriptures during the race. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my weakness HE is strongâ&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;&#x153; I can do all things through Christ who strengthens meâ&#x20AC;? He not only encouraged me but he also took care of me making sure I was hydrating and kept me laughing. I have to say that I had great time during this marathon. It was a wonderful experience.

, JRW Ă&#x20AC;UHG IURP D MRE IRU SXWWLQJ P\ IDPLO\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW *RG KDG DOUHDG\ PDGH SODQV IRU PH to be in my own practice where I could chose the hours, days and time I worked and still have time for my family. I had already felt that God wanted me to leave that job but fear kept me there. This drastic event turned out to be my biggest blessing.

For the next 2 days I prayed, cried, and relived the torture of the workouts and the untimely cancellation. What was I suppose to learn from it? I wanted peace and questioned God as to why he would bring me that far to only have it taken away?â&#x20AC;Ś.basically I was having a one woman pity party.

My coach encouraged me to run a marathon the following week. She suggested San Antonio. I was not happy about the idea. I had trained for NYC not San Antonio. It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the same meaning for me although it would still be 26.2 miles.

In my mind I had a plan and that plan failed. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do plan Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and to me that is what this represented.

I prayed about it and decided to do it.

Even going into the race I was still disappointed about NYC. How was this better for me I asked God? Of course He didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t respond.

The night before the race my brotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friend Chance called me and said he wanted to run with me and had signed up that day for the marathon. I had planned in NYC and in San Antonio to run alone. Chance is a fast runner and his previous marathon time was 3:30. I reminded him that I was a slow runner and he was signing up for 5+hours of torture. I hesitated but he insisted.

The marathon was even harder than I expected. It was hot and humid and a lot of

Having run the San Antonio Marathon I feel I am better prepared to run in NYC or DQ\ RWKHU PDUDWKRQ %HLQJ P\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW 0DUDthon there were so many unknowns and GRXEWV , DP QRZ FRQĂ&#x20AC;GHQW WKDW , ZLOO GR better once I get to run in NYC. , VWDUWHG UHĂ HFWLQJ RQ RWKHU PRPHQWV that I have been disappointed and how God always had a better plan for me.

To say that I was disappointed is an understatement. I had trained for 9 months, HQGXUHG PDQ\ GLIĂ&#x20AC;FXOW ZRUNRXWV DQG struggled emotionally and physically.

Training for a marathon became like a second job. It had taken a toll not only on me but also on my family. I was exhausted mentally and physically by the time I arrived in NYC.

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all done this when disappointment comes our way-didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the job, UHODWLRQVKLSV GRQ¡W ZRUN RXW XQĂ&#x20AC;QLVKHG projects, loss of friendships, the medical report hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed, or whatever our hearts desire is that we are hoping for or standing in faith doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come to pass.

7KLV ZDVQ¡W P\ Ă&#x20AC;UVW WLPH TXHVWLRQLQJ *RG when things didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn out as I expected.

hard work and struggles payoff. I believe God wanted us to experience this together.

There was a friendship that ended with betrayal and I was devastated. I put walls up and guarded my heart. He sent me God-fearing friends whom I cherish and trust and they show me daily that I am unconditionally loved. To appreciate the good we sometimes need to experience the bad.

:KHQ , FURVVHG WKH Ă&#x20AC;QLVK OLQH P\ KXVEDQG and brother were there with open arms.

I had numerous friends send texts before, during and after the race. It was truly a very different experience than I had planned.

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to his purpose.

God always has a better plan for us. I was reminded of this on that Sunday morning.

Had I run in NYC I wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been alone and I probably wouldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had a hard time staying positive. We are not meant to be alone. We should fellowship with other believers even during a race. God sent me Chance. He was a blessing and in my own strength would have never DVNHG KLP WR PDNH VXFK D VDFULĂ&#x20AC;FH My husband did not accompany me to NYC. Like I mentioned the training had taken a toll on my family. He offered to take me to San Antonio. When I crossed WKH Ă&#x20AC;QLVK OLQH KH KXJJHG PH DQG VDLG ´, am so proud of you.â&#x20AC;? It was a moment that I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget because I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize how badly I needed to hear that from him. In NYC I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have had that moment and he wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have seen my

/ 32 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

I need to trust in those moments of disappointment that He knows what is best for me. Stop the pity party as my blunt friend would say! I encourage you to look back over your life and remember the disappointments. You will see as I did that God always has a better plan. He knows your needs before you do and He will always provide.

Life is like a marathon. You will struggle emotionally and physically. You will be disappointed at times. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be ok if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the job, your heart gets broken or you have failed relationships or whatever you thought was your hearts desire doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come to pass. Be patient and watch God overwhelm you with his goodness. His good and perfect will for your life has already been planned and we need to trust and have faith that every situation is being worked out for our good. His plan A is always the right one!

2Timothy4:7 , KDYH IRXJKW WKH JRRG Ă&#x20AC;JKW , KDYH Ă&#x20AC;Qished the race, I have kept the faith.

theresa Valladares She is married to Enrique Lopez and has two wonderful sons, Cord and Diego.

They are members of The Family Church and she practices family medicine in Pharr.)

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Christmas Music:

Fa-La-La-La-La La-La-La-La!

Christmas God With Us Jeremy Camp

Joy to the World Lincoln Brewster

We Have A Savior Hillsong

Tis the Season to be Gotee Too Various Artists

A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth

Joy Steven Curtis Chapman

Ok who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love Christmas Music?!

I guess if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re walking through a super crowded store it might not evoke the same feelings as if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re with your friends or family and sharing a meal, checking out some of the awesome Valley Christmas lights displays, or quietly reflecting on the year and how

Various Artists

God is Great!

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put together a list of some of the latest releases for you to check out and enjoy this season!

Merry Christmas!! ~Valley Christian Magazine

Christmas Francesca Battistelli

Noel Josh Wilson

Vintage Christmas David Ian Vintage

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What can we learn about Christmas from the Song of Mary (Luke 1:46-56)? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The rich are empty and the poor are wealthy,â&#x20AC;? says Laney, 9.

We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t normally think of the rich as being empty and the poor as being wealthy.

But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what Mary said or sang to her cousin Elizabeth after being told that she was blessed among women because of the child she would bear. ´+H KDV Ă&#x20AC;OOHG WKH KXQJU\ ZLWK good things, and the rich He has sent away empty,â&#x20AC;? said Mary (Luke 1:53).

Empty?

At least 90 percent of all advertising would immediately cease if a law were passed that said ads must port r a y the

wealthy as living empty lives.

However, this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mean all rich people are empty.

Remember, a rich man buried Jesus in a tomb that he originally planned for his own burial (Matthew 27:57-60).

Earlier in Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s song, she said that God has regarded the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lowly state of His maidservantâ&#x20AC;? (Luke 1:48).

If Mary lived in our time, she would be called a â&#x20AC;&#x153;nobody.â&#x20AC;?

6KH ZDV GHĂ&#x20AC;QLWHO\ QRW KRPHcoming-queen material. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t live in the right neighborhood. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear designer jeans. She would probably not have a date for prom night.

Mary was a humble, young woman living in humble circumstances. If a contest were

held to choose the woman most likely to bring the Messiah into this world, she would not win. Yet, the Lord chose her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mary was rejoicing as we should for everything we get during Christmas,â&#x20AC;? said Marcus, 12.

Yes, Mary started her song with rejoicing: ´0\ VRXO PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;HV WKH /RUG and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviorâ&#x20AC;? (Luke 1:46-47).

In spite of all that is written and said about Mary, she, too, needed a savior. There are no exceptions, not even Mary. If you want to look for reasons why Mary was different than most folks, look at her spirit of praise and rejoicing.

God blesses a lot of people.

Some of them realize it. Mary had a divine perspective on OLIH 6KH ´PDJQLĂ&#x20AC;HG WKH /RUG Âľ I freely confess that I often magnify stupid things like the tailgater who hugs my bumper like heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drafting me in a NASCAR race. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a rare soul who can keep his or her focus on the Lord in the midst of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggles. Magnify the Lord, and your life will always be in balance. Like Mary, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see life from Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perspective. A full schedule wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make up for an empty inner life. Be an answer to the Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prayer, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your will be done on Earth as it is in heavenâ&#x20AC;? (Matthew 6:10).

Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s song teaches us to trust God, says Miranda, 12: â&#x20AC;&#x153;God will never put you in situations that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t handle.â&#x20AC;?

/ 36 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

There are many things Mary could have done after the angel Gabriel told her she was going bear a son who would be called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lord God.â&#x20AC;?

She could have panicked and thought about how totally inadequate she felt. Or, she could have become proud and thought about how the Lord chose her over all other women.

Mary chose to magnify the Lord and rejoice in her savior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For He who is mighty has done great things for me,â&#x20AC;?

Mary said (Luke 1:49).

Think about this: Mary magniĂ&#x20AC;HG WKH /RUG 6KH IRFXVHG RQ Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s might and greatness instead of herself. Whatever you magnify will determine the kind of person you become.

Memorize this truth: Luke 1:46-47 previously quoted.

Ask this question: Who or what will you magnify this Christmas?

Carey Kinsolvingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is distributed by Creators Syndicate.

KidsTalkAboutGod.org features a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Arts Festival. Now through Dec. 21, children may answer and illusWUDWH RQH WR Ă&#x20AC;YH TXHVWLRQV DERXW heaven. The best festival entries will be published in an online book. One Valley child will win a vacation for his or her family to the Bar Lazy J Guest Ranch in Parshall, Colorado. For details, go to www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org and click on the horses

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FCA Vision 7R VHH WKH ZRUOG LPSDFWHG IRU -HVXV &KULVW WKURXJK WKH LQÁXHQFH RI DWKOHWHV DQG FRDFKHV FCA Mission 7R SUHVHQW WR DWKOHWHV DQG FRDFKHV DQG DOO ZKRP WKH\ LQÁXHQFH WKH FKDOOHQJH DQG DGYHQWXUH of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relation-ships and in the fellowship of the church.

FCA Core Values Our relationships will demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and His Word through Integrity, Service, Teamwork and Excellence.

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2011 Dove Awards’ “Artist of the Year” Francesca Battistelli released her Christmas album,Christmas New Release Tuesday’s Sarah Freak gives the alEXP ÀYH RXW RI ÀYH VWDUV and raves, “I knew if she were to ever attempt a project of the [Christmas] sort, she’d knock it out of the park, and she’s done exactly that with Christmas. Fun, beautiful, and at times deeply moving, this is without a doubt one of the must-own Christmas projects of 2012.”

spective, originality and amazing vocals …This album caters to listeners young and old and in between which is what takes a good holiday album to becoming a great one.”

“I am b eyon d exc it ed a b out t h is C h rist m as al b um ,” sa i d B at t ist elli. “ M y producer, Ian Eskelin, did an incredible job bringing my vision for these songs to life, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear them! Christmas is my favorite time of year, and I hope that this album is one people want to listen to year after year.”

Kim Jones from About. com observes, “For KHU ÀUVW &KULVWPDV RXWing, Francesca Battistelli covered some of the classics and co- wrote songs that could easily become classics.”

2nd Annual Dove Awards’ “Artist of the Year,” Francesca Battistelli, is set WR UHOHDVH KHU ÀUVW VROR &KULVWPDV DObum, Christmas, on Fervent Records October 16. She also has songs showcased on two additional holiday albums due out the same day: Word Record’s A Very Special Christmas: Bringing Peace on Earth and A Very Special Christmas 25th Anniversary EHQHÀWLQJ WKH 6SHFLDO 2O\PSLFV

BREATHEcast reviewer Neshell Hogan adds, “Christmas is the perfect mixture of traditional Christmas music that has a fresh, modern per-

1. Matt Redman

2. Toby Mac

10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) CD: 10,000 Reasons

Me Without You CD: Eye On It

3. Tenth Avenue North

Battistelli’s 11-track album, Christmas is comprised of both classics and some newly-penned Christmas tunes. The traditional songs include:

4. Big Daddy Weave 5. Matthew West

Losing Redeemed CD: The Struggle CD: Love Come To Life / 40 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Forgiveness CD: Into The Light

on on i t a m r sit i nfo i v e e r s o a For m lli, ple e t s i t t a m. o B c . a c c i s s e camu Franc s e c n a r www.f

“Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “Marshmallow World,” “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel,” “The Christmas Song,” “What Child Is This?

(First Noel Prelude),” “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” and “Joy To The World.”

The new songs all co-written by Battistelli are: “Heaven Everywhere,” “Christmas Is,” “Christmas Dreams” and “You’re Here.”

Since her debut in 2008, Francesca Battistelli has earned a Grammy nomination (Best Gospel Performance), six Dove Awards including 2011 “Artist of the Year” and 19 Dove Award nominations. Both her debut album, 0\ 3DSHU +HDUW ZKLFK ZDV FHUWLÀHG gold this past summer), and her 2011 sophomore release, Hundred More Years, took the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Album chart. With over 700,000 in album sales to date, she is the best-selling new artist in the genre in the past eight years.

Her music ha s also been featured on TLC’s Jon & Kate Plus 8, ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, NBC’s The Biggest Loser, Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance, and several other television and movie outlets.

6. Jason Gray Good To Be Alive CD: A Way To See in The Dark

7. Brandon Heath Jesus In Disguise CD: Blue Mountain

8. Third Day

9. Newsboys

Your Love Never Fails I Need A Miracle CD: God’s Not Dead CD: Miracle / 41 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Inciting Incidents

By Sarah Cunningham A soccer injury, the loss of a job, the passing of my dad, the constant rejection for job opportunities, and many other incidents were sent to test and challenge me. These things could bring people down. We have all received challenges that we could and should rise above with God’s help.

Sarah Cunningham has compiled the honest and open stories of six individuals whose Inciting Incidents have prompted them to share their experiences as an encouragement to others.

Jeff Goins is a writer whose inciting incident began in Spain as a student. He was confronted with the universal problem of poverty in a way that caused him to return to the United States and continue confronting the issue. His story will take you to his heart and get you thinking about something God may have impressed on your heart. Hopefully Jeff’s story ZLOO KHOS \RX ÀQG D PRPHQW RI LQFLWH IRU VHUYLFH WR God. Mandy Thompson is a worship leader and songwriter who candidly shares about her bout with depression. Most would be ashamed to confess they have any hints of depression as Christians. It may just jeopardize the image of strong Christian that most desire to convey. Mandy’s journey allowed KHU WR ´ÀQG KHUVHOI µ 7KH GHHS GDUN FUHYLFHV LQ RXU mysterious minds can illumine the shiny light of the self God made us to be.

Blaine Hogan is a creative director, artist and actor. Blaine suffers from ocFDVLRQDO SDQLF DWWDFNV +LV ÀUVW SDQLF DWWDFN LV GHVFULEHG DV IROORZV ´, VWRRG 3DFHG &XUOHG XS LQ D EDOO RQ WKH ÁRRU 7KH IDU RII KXP KDG VZLUOHG LWVHOI LQWR a cyclone of force looking for a way to escape my body. I couldn’t sleep.

The anxiety swelled. The worry multiplied. The pressure came from all sides.”

Blaine’s early life and unhealthy habits seemed to catch up to him. It was WLPH WR UHÁHFW DQG VRUW WKLQJV RXW 0D\EH \RX FDQ UHODWH David Hickman is an innovative pastor who was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome at age 10. His weakness caused him to take on a personality that tried to bury the self that was his essence. Hmm, pretending to be something you’re not; perhaps a few of us can relate. David’s story will help others embrace their own brokenness and trust God. Counselor and blogger Tracee Persiko’s story of family brokenness is too common these days. Little did she know that her future would be born from a divorce that could have ruined her. Dysfunction and brokenness in our families is common, but will it swallow you up and keep you broken, or ZLOO \RX OHDUQ IURP LW DQG ÀQG \RXU SODFH" David V. Wenzel is a creative consultant who had a perfect life that was struck with a sudden discovery that changed his perspective. He, like the others is still learning and growing through his current situation that changes and tests many lives.

These stories are brilliantly written and engaging. You will not want to put the book down once you enter into the lives of these refreshingly honest people. These stories have blessed me and encouraged me in my own struggles and walk with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Book Review by

Miguel Paredes

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And to further help teens keep the Word close to their hearts, theONCE-A-DAY DEVOTIONAL FOR TEENS offers readers the opportunity to UHÁHFW RQ MXVW HQRXJK 6FULSWXUH DQG DQDO\VLV to keep them inspired as they face life’s challenges. Packed with 365 such daily devotions, this new devotional for teens helps readers furWKHU UHODWH WR WKH %LEOH DQG ÀQG QHZ LQVSLUDWLRQ each day. It’s perfect for regular devotional time or for use alongside the NIV ONCE-ADAY BIBLE FOR TEENS.

Is a teacher at Edinburg North and earned his Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary.

He is married to Brenda and has four children: Diego (10), Karla and Andrea (7) and Charis (3).

/ 42 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

/ 43 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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First Baptist Church of McAllen A Worship Ministries Presentation Celebrating the Birth of our Savior In The Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Mcallen

December 16, 2012 ~ 6:30 pm

Let Ther e Be Light / 44 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Colonial Holiday Covenant Christian Academy Thank you to our Museum and Room Sponsors:

Alice East The Strong Family Performance Therapeutics Everlast Construction D Tronics LTD & Titan Vacuum Services, LLC McAllen Construction, INC The Almaraz Law Firm Jaguar Land Rover San Juan Obst Market Looney Montgomery Foundation

Freels Orthodontics Richard & Stephanie Moore Dr. & Mrs. Oscar Cano Valley Christian Magazine Dickerson-Belcher Farms TEGA Equipment & Rental The Vasquez & Martin Family Burns Building Construction, INC And to all the other Sponsors, Teachers & Staff

Most of all Thank You to all the Great Families of Covenant Christian Academy!

God Bless & Merry Christmas!

/ 45 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Modeling Contentment for Your Kidsâ&#x20AC;?

By Dave Ramsey

C

hristmas is coming! Cue the relentless toy commercials, mailboxes stuffed with toy store fliers, and malls overflowing with even more toys! Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s enough to turn even the most generous-spirited child into a self-centered, tantrum-throwing brat. )RU PRUH Ă&#x20AC;QDQFLDO KHOS SOHDVH YLVLW www.daveramsey.com Dave Ramsey is a personal money-management expert and extremely popular national radio personality.

His three New York Times best-selling booksâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Financial Peace, More Than Enough and The Total Money Makeoverâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;have sold more than 6 million copies combined. His latest book, EntreLeadership: 20 Years of Practical Business Wisdom from the Trenches, releases in September 2011.

Our culture sends our kids the powerful message that Christmas is about fulfilling their wishes. And while most parents prefer their kids learn to be happy with what they have, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s terribly easy for them to fall into the cultural Christmas trap and spoil their kids, giving them every item on their lists.

So how do you teach your kids contentment? The good news is you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to ditch the Christmas tree, stop singing carols, or even skip the Christmas presents!The bad newsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;well, there is no bad news. Teaching your kids contentment at Christmas is fun and rewarding for your whole family.

How Can I Be Content?

First, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s start with a good understanding of contentment. Being content is the spiritual state of not needing something else to feel whole. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re content, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not motivated by stuff.

The key to teaching your kids contentment is to be content yourself.

Kids imitate what they see, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re setting the example. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get sucked into the illusion that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy when you have that new car, that new home or $1 million in the bank. Stuff does not equal happiness! Get about the business of being happy now.

A New Point of View

If your kids canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to get over the idea that Christmas is focused on them, change their perspective. Make Christmas about what they can giveâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;to their family members, to neighbors and to the needy.

Your donations could be monetary, but giving time and energy will have a bigger impact. Look for ways your family can interact directly with the people theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re helping. Once kids are focusing outside themselves, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a stronger appreciation for what they DOUHDG\ KDYH DQG WKH\¡OO PRUH ZLOOLQJ WR WKLQN DERXW RWKHUV Ă&#x20AC;UVW

Gifts That Last Forever

Do you remember what you got for Christmas when you were 8 years old? Do you still have it? Play with it everyday? Probably not.

And guess whatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;your kids are the same way.

That super-special gift will be forgotten in a couple of years. But the memories you make while baking homemade treats for the kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; teachers, watching Christmas movies together, or simply decorating the Christmas tree will last forever.

So What Goes Under the Tree?

Christmas is a time of giving, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural to give gifts to your kids as part of the celebration. You can keep the stuff from taking center stage by making it clear with your words and your actions that Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Christ.

Gift giving and receiving will also teach your kids another valuable lesson about contentment: Stuff is fun, but Christmas is much bigger than stuff.

/ 46 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

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/ 47 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /

Raul â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rudyâ&#x20AC;? Rodriguez attorney at law

Some historians may argue that among the greatest restoration stories of mankind are the European Renaissance or perhaps the post-World War II era.

The cultural movement known as the European Renaissance roughly took place during the 14th through 17th centuries. This moment in history saw the face of Europe evolve with respect to its arts, architecture and long held science tenets. It also saw a rediscovery of the Greco-Roman classical knowledge and a rebirth of the study of Latin and vernacular languages. It served as a bridge between the Middle Ages and the Modern Era. Closer to home, America saw its restoration take place in the years that followed World War II. During this era, couples who could not afford families during the Great Depression made up for lost time.

The mood in America suddenly became optimistic. At that time, the unemployment rate of the Great Depression dropped dramatically and the economy improved substantially. The G.I. Bill empowered many honorDEOH VHUYLFH PHPEHUV WR ÂżQLVK KLJK VFKRRO DQG DWWHQG FROOHJH $V WKHLU VNLOOV ZHUH LPSURYHG VR ZDV WKH Âżnancial well-being of their families.

But, without a doubt the greatest restoration that can take place is when a person does as Romans 10:9 instructs us to do. Romans 10:9 says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.â&#x20AC;? The message is simple: invite Christ into your heart and make him your personal Lord and Savior. At that time, your restoration will be complete.

Next He will do as Philippians 1:6 says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I am certain that God, who began the good work within \RX ZLOO FRQWLQXH KLV ZRUN XQWLO LW LV ÂżQDOO\ ÂżQLVKHG RQ the day when Christ Jesus returns.â&#x20AC;? As you seek and strive to honor God with your life, He will reward you by allowing you to take on His characteristics. Hosea 14:4 says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will bring my people back to me. I will love them with all my heart; No longer am I angry with them.â&#x20AC;? I pray that you will invite Christ into your heart and allow Him to restore you!

$W P\ RIÂżFH , DOVR ZDQW WR EH SDUW RI \RXU restoration plan, albeit in a different way. I pray that God will use me for His honor and glory in helping me address your needs. If you have been involved in an auto accident and/or other serious injury or if you have lost a loved one as a result of someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s negligence, I will do my best to restore some sense of normality to your life. I will also help you in matters involving family law, criminal law and real estate and will issues. As always, I bear in mind that in honoring God with the way I handle my business relationships I will be honoring you my esteemed client.

Raul â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rudyâ&#x20AC;? Rodriguez

ZZZ UDXOUXG\URGULJXH]ODZ FRP Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 ZZZ UDXOUXG\URGULJXH]ODZ FRP Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455 : 8QLYHUVLW\ (GLQEXUJ 7; e-mail: anointed511@gmail.com : 8QLYHUVLW\ (GLQEXUJ 7; e-mail: rrodlaw@hotmail.com / 48 /www.valleychristianmagazine.com /