Grace Point! June 2015

June 2015 Volume 1 ~Issue 6
eMagazine of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM
~featuring~
Rebecca
Matthews
Founder,
Senior Editor,
Writer & Publisher
of
Grace Point!
eMagazine

Table of Contents
3~Notes from Rebecca
4-5~The Bright Side by Olivia Carpenter
6-7~Parton’s Petals
8~Young Christian Mom by Rachel Dills
9~Restoration & Renewal
10-13 Handmade in Israel
14-15~Women of Valor: Interview with Rebecca Matthews
16-17~Showcasing: Malik Kirat, Israeli Photographer
18-19~In the Potting Shed
20-21~Women in Scripture: Esther
22-23~Highways & Hedges
24-25~An Ordinary Aussie Mom by Melanie Baker-Nash
26-27~In the Garden
28~Monthly Reflections by George Calleja
29~PrayerWorks
30-31~It is Written
32-33~The Personal Column by Angela Carpenter
34-35~Cleaning Out the Closet
36~VerseWorks by Jaime Dills
37~Observations: Worth a Thousand Words
38-39~Come to the Water
40-41~Namesakes
42~Remarkables
43~About Us
44~Of Parchment & Passage
45~Prayer of Manasseh
Back Cover~StillWorks Imagery
2

Notes
from
Rebecca
3

y Olivia Carpenter
No matter how hard you try, you just can't make everybody happy. Even when you follow
the "Golden Rule" (treat others the way you want to be treated), not everybody is going to
be happy. But, if you're happy yourself, its easier for others around you to be happy.
When I was in 4th grade, all I wanted was to fit in with the "popular girls" at school. For
three years, I put up a false front; a fake version of myself. I threw parties. I went to picnics.
I bought the style of clothes and shoes they wore. I played the sports they played, and I did
everything they did. I was miserable.
I know what you're thinking: Didn't you get exactly what you wanted? From an outside
perspective, I did. But, from myself, I was unsatisfied. I got what I thought I wanted, not
what I wanted in my heart. In a way, I was "popular", but not in the right way. People knew
of me, but they didn't actually know me.
This went on for three years. The whole time, I knew something was missing, but I didn't know
what. Everyone else seemed happy, I seemed happy, but deep down, I wasn't. I was holding
on to those friendships, thinking my happiness depended on them. After I realized we were
heading down different paths, I let them go down their paths and I went down mine.
That day was when things finally started looking up. After three years, I was happy with
myself. I decided it was time to be me, to let people know the real me. Shortly after that, I
decided I was going to try out for cheering. I made it. For three years I kept it a secret that I
took tumbling & cheerleading instead of basketball & softball. It took a while, but in the end,
they were happy for me because I was happy. I didn't take a different path because of them,
I took a different path because of me. And I'm very glad I did. I'm a lot more successful now
than I would've been if I had stayed that unhappy version of me.
If Esther hadn't revealed her true identity; if she hadn't let the world know her instead of
knowing of her, her whole purpose would've been irrelevant. Esther waited until the time was
right, then let everyone know who she really was, instead of a fake front she could have
shown them.
4
photo courtesy of Barta IV via Flickr | License

Finding My Own Path
Revelations 21:4
He will wipe away every tear
from their eyes, and death
shall be no more, neither
shall there be mourning, nor
crying, nor pain anymore,
for the former things have
passed away.
5

petals of wisdom, hope, inspiration, and truth by Keitha Parton
How is it that we as a nation have gotten so far away from God?
Why do we have to constantly defend our right to worship Him in public?
Has humanity slipped so far into itself that they cannot give recognition to
their maker?
John 3:16, " For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that
whosoever should believe in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
Why is America so ashamed of their Christian roots?
Why is it OK to show every sin imaginable on television, but a family praying
together around the dinner table is wrong?
When did we start this spiritual decline here on this free soil that God gave us?
Galatians 6: 7 - 9,"Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man
sows, that shall he also reap."
Why does it seem that wickedness and vile things are the normal way to live
anymore?
If you show someone kindness they automatically think you want something
from them in return.
Our nation is a sad place to be and it is because we glorify and wallow in our
sin.
Ezekiel 11:21, "But (as for them) whose heart walketh after the heart of their
detestable things and their abominations, I will recompense their way upon
their own heads, saith the Lord GOD."
Where are the Christians? Why do we sit idly by and let our rights be taken
away?
6

Our forefathers took great pride upon establishing this country on freedom of
religion. Where has our pride gone?
Are our soldiers dying in vain for a country lost? Did our grandfathers, uncles,
dads, and brothers fight for naught?
Hosea 4:6, " My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because you have
rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to me:
seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children."
I fear for my children in the future. I have already seen enough disdain for
righteousness and the word of God to show me that our future generations are
in deep trouble.
If we can't teach our children to love God and raise them to worship Him then
all hope is lost.
We are living as in the days of Christ. We stand before Pilate, and he addresses
our nation, saying he can find no fault with worshiping the Lord.
He sees no reason to do away with the love of Christ, but to satisfy the crowd of
nonbelievers (most Americans today) he asks which do we choose?
Do we choose to let the rape, sexual immorality, backbiting, anger, incest, child
abuse, pornography, vile tongues, destruction, and evilness go free?
Or will we be just like the ones who chose Barabbas over Christ?
Will we reject Him, crucify Him, and be destroyed for our unbelief?
America it is time to choose to put God back in control of our Nation and stand
up for whom we believe.
God Bless Us All!!!
read more from Keitha at Tuckasegee Country Living and Keitha Parton-Official Mary Kay Consultant
7

8
Young Christian Mom by Rachel Dills
So keep in mind that I had been very depressed and at the time I weighed literally 90 pounds,
and I was arrested for battery. From the time after I left Corey until the time I got arrested, I
was trying to find a way for me and my son to get back to North Carolina. While on the phone
with someone to try and get a ride, CDV kept harassing me and threatening to take my son
away from me. I finally got fed up and threw my makeup bag at him. And it just got really bad
from there. He called the police and because I had somehow scratched his arm in an earlier
scuffle, I was arrested. Even though I had a busted lip and my wrist was nearly broken, I was
arrested for a scratch that you could barely see.
So I was sitting in the patrol car waiting to be taken to jail and then the officer started accusing
me of being on meth. My temper almost got the best of me. I told her she could draw blood that
second and test it. I despise drugs!
When I arrived at the jail, I was informed that I would have to stay in the drunk tank for 24
hours. It was awful. It was cold and we couldn’t have a blanket or even wear our shoes. I tried to
sleep considering I had been up all night but with the couple of other people that were in there
it was impossible. An officer offered me some food and I told him I wasn’t hungry, so then they
tried to say I was trying to commit suicide by starving myself. That definitely was not the case.
I was so tired and just wanted to sleep. After leaving the drunk tank I was booked and spent
three days in jail. The whole time all I could think about was my son and how I wanted to get
him and just get away from everything and about Corey.
I had never felt so low in my entire life. I had
finally met an awesome man and now he would
never want to talk to me again.
On the fourth morning I was finally released. I
checked my phone and I had calls from my family
and from Corey. I immediately called him and he
informed me that he was out of town but he
wanted to see me. I explained to him what
happened and he didn’t even care. He just wanted
to see me and to make sure I was okay. I told him
that I was going to get my son and go back to
North Carolina for a little while but that we would
stay in touch. So that night, I got my son and left.
I stayed in North Carolina for about three weeks, and Corey and I talked every day. I came back
to Indiana with the intentions of getting my own place for myself and my son, so that Corey
and I could pursue a relationship. We stayed with him while looking for a place, but the day I
moved out never came.
So here we are, almost five years later. He has taken my son as his own. My son calls
him dad and views him as such. Corey and I are engaged and hope to start wedding
plans soon. I am finally happy. It took a lot to get here, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
Corey made it all worthwhile. Through him, God gave me and my son our life back.

A Journey to
When God put this whole thing together, He
set it up with a ‘clause in our contract’-to
put it in today’s legal terminology He told us
to work during the six days, and rest on the
seventh. (Ex. 20:9, Deut. 5:13)
It is a sign between me and the children of
Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD
made heaven and earth, and on the seventh
day he rested, and was refreshed.
(Ex. 31:17)
So, what happened to Israel when they did
not give the Lord His sabbaths?
He took into exile in Babylon those [of
Israel]...to fulfill the word of the LORD by
the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had
enjoyed its Sabbaths. All the days that it lay
desolate it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy
years. (2 Chron. 36:20-21)
God WANTS us to stop and smell the roses. He did!
He doesn’t want us to get so busy that we forget
who He is, and lose our own identity in the process.
He wants us to rest in Him.
The curse put onto Adam after the fall was to toil
the land that had formerly fed him. Only through
Yeshua can we get back in relationship with God, so
that we can enjoy the peace and freedom that Adam
would have had.
The collage of roses on the left is made up of pictures
that I have taken 2013-2014. They come from ‘The
Rose Walk’ in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina.
Our journey over the last five years has taught us a
lot about resting in the Lord. We have learned that it
is better to be obedient while in the journey, than to
be put into ‘captivity’ so God can get what He
requires.
a publication of Ruth Ministries-The Virtuous Woman, TM a woman's restoration ministry/a segment of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM
9

See more from this artist
at
Kelka Jewelry
Shalom and
welcome to the
Kelka Jewelry
collection of Gold
jewelry as well as
Kabbalah Jewelry,
Judaica and gifts
that are inscribed
with Hebrew
blessings and
Hebrew prayers.
My work space is beautiful, it makes me so happy walking in
every morning. I start work really early, around 7:30, I get to
have my coffee and watch the ships come in and out of the
port. I recognize some of the ships that keep coming back to
the Haifa port already, Lirica, Norwegian Jade, Golden Iris
which actually sells my jewelry at her shop already.
photos used by permission
10
My studio is inside an office building actually, in downtown
Haifa, at the city port, on the 6th floor. That's why I have such
peace, quiet and a great view. I need that space to create, think
and be by myself.
Sign up for the Kelka Jewelry newsletter, packed with EXCLUSIVE discounts, insider info, and updates.
Sign up HERE.

See more from this
artist at
Silvina Designs
I am happy when my glass designs are
travelling all around the world!!!
A lot of unique designs are ready to be
shipped today from Israel. Necklace,
judaica, suncatchers, home blessings,
sushi plates and more…
I make glass designs by customer order
so feel free to ask me any question if you
have something in mind!!
Since 2004 I own my studio that
nowadays it comes bigger, having
designing stained glass windows for two
Synagogues and lighting for houses.
Teaching adults how to design in glass in
my studio.
Binyamina-Israel
To visit my website, click here
photos used by permission
11

See more from this artist at
adia art
Jewelry,
Judaica
sterling silver
filigree design,
handmade
and
shipped
from Israel.
12 photos used by permission

see more
from this artist at
Limor's Ceramics Shop
In my shop you'll find hand
painted bowls, fantasy
sculptured animal jars, soap
dishes and other home
decorations. Looking for
something that no one else
has? Have a passion for
ceramics, come and visit my
corner.
My work is created entirely by
me in my Tel Aviv studio with
love and lots of fun. Each
object which I make is a new
adventure for me since the
brushwork varies from one
piece to another, every glaze
holds a secret and each firing
is a bit of surprise which
guarantees you that your
order will be similar to the
listing photo and yet unique
and one of a kind.
Of course, the glazes I use are food-safe and you may put the items in the microwave and dishwasher. The dishes which I
have in stock will be sent within three days. Custom orders will be ready and posted within one to three weeks. I will safely
pack your order in recycled materials so that the package will arrive happy and environmentally correct.
So if you are looking for a special and unusual gift for a friend, family member, employee or colleague, an artful addition to
your salon, kitchen, living room or bedroom, something to hang in your window, on your wall or from your pergola, don't
hesitate to contact me and I will be very happy to help you.
follow me on - facebook - Twitter - Pinterest
photos used by permission
13

My interviews
with women of God.
There is a ton of things that I could share, but this
‘interview’ will explain how Grace Point! eMagazine
came to be, and how God is using several things that
I love to do to create it.
So, even though I am writing about myself, in
keeping with the spirit of the article, I will play both
parts of interviewer and interviewee.
PPM: How did you get inspired to publish an e-magazine?
Rebecca: I have always loved books and
magazines, and loved to read. When I first saw
the concept of a flipbook about two years ago, I
loved it, but wasn’t sure what to do with it. Ideas
would come and go, but nothing stuck. Then,
almost a year ago, in the summer of 2014, I was
given a copy of this *bookazine, by a friend and
our host at the time.
Not only did I thoroughly enjoy the content, but
I immediately told my husband, “I want to do
something like this!” The bookazine published by
the American Bible Society brought out my
creative side, but I still did not have any course
of action directed by the Holy Spirit. So, I waited
for God to move me in the way He wanted me to
go with this new-found desire of my heart.
Several days went by, and the look and feel of the bookazine kept coming to my mind. I read
every superbly written article, being drawn into the content by the picture that represented it
and, from a design standpoint, realized how the pictures were impacting my perception of the
article; how they made the article seem complete. I began to look at e-publishing platforms,
magazines specifically, and the desire to create an online magazine kept coming to me
stronger and stronger. But, I had to be sure it what was developing in me was a ‘God-thing’
and not a ‘me-thing.’ So, I continued to wait for Him to tell me something, one way or the
other.
Then, about three weeks after being given the bookazine, I had a dream....
14
*a publication that combines elements of both a book and magazine photo credit/ABS website

PPM: So, what happened next?
In the dream, I saw a wooden sign, painted in what I
would describe as ‘beach-y’ colors, with the words
Grace Point! written in cursive across the multicolored
stripes. When I woke up, I immediately
created what I saw in the dream. So, the symbol on the
left was given to me by God, specifically to use as the
name of the magazine. And, not only the name, but the
font, the colors, their arrangement, the angle of the
exclamation point, and its size in relation to the other
letters. It was all God-given.
Rebecca: Next?! Next, you say! What happened next was absolutely nothing!!... Actually, there
was a lot going on in the ministry, but nothing toward developing a magazine! Summer was
ending, autumn was coming, and God was not releasing me to do anything! By the time
November came along, I was sure that God meant it all for a later date; some time a long way
down the road. During the week of Thanksgiving, I said to God, “I would love to begin the
magazine in the January. If I do that, then I have to have time to put it together.” He had
answered a prayer for me when I was twelve years old having to do with starting something in
January, so I knew He would understand when I asked in this way about the magazine. I went to
bed that night thinking that it would be the last time I would mention it to God if I didn’t get the
‘go-ahead’.
Now, mind you, in the last three years, God has led me to create six blogs, fifteen studies,
prayers posted online every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, built websites for us and others in
the double-digits, and became familiar with self-publishing through Amazon’s Createspace; so it
was not a question of how to do it. It was when. So, by the next morning, God had given me a
resounding “YES!” and here we are six issues later.
The magazine keeps growing; He keeps sending me to various people, offering an opportunity
to contribute. Some of those I am led to ask are artisans in Israel, whose work is featured every
month. I send emails out to perfect strangers, to tell them I want to feature them in our
magazine, completely free of charge. So far, no one has said ‘No’, and some of the responses I
get back brings a tear to my eyes.
From Elena: I'm glad to get your letter and I'm glad to hear, that somebody supports our country.
From Robin: Thank YOU very much! It looks beautiful, as does the whole magazine. I'm home recuperating
from surgery right now and this put a big smile on my face.
From Miguel: Hi Rebecca, first of all, thank You so much for your proposal. We really need all that you can
make to help us.
From Limor: I want to share my feelings with you, and tell you that your support of Israel is very moving, it
actually brings tears to my eyes. (It's not a common thing for us to get support). So thank you for that.
We are charged with the responsibility of our fellowman; we are our brother’s keeper. God has
called me, through this magazine, to give a voice to those who otherwise might have none. And,
this not only to the artisans in Israel, but to each one who the Holy Spirit leads me to ask to
contribute. It is so that their voice can be heard, whether it is a one-time contribution, or
monthly. That I enjoy immensely putting the magazine together, searching for pictures, and
building every page, is beside the point. I will continue in this venue for as long as I am called.
15

Malik Kirat
Photographer from Israel
Sea of Galilee
Stormy Winter Sunset
It was shot in one of our first years
living at the North of Israel. I went
out of the Michal's workshop one late
afternoon in the high autumn. The
rain clouds were coming from the
Mediterranean Sea on the West,
covering Galilee and the lake. The sun
was still bright, almost like in the
summer, and the clouds very wintery
purple .
View on the Sussita Nature Resort
It is shows ancient olive groves and the Horn
of the Ein Gev Mt. and the southeastern
shores of the Sea of Galilee. The light grey
rectangles are banana groves, covered in the
protective nets. Sussita Nature Resort is on
the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is
named after the ancient city of Hippos
(Sussita) which sat on the hill in the shape
of a horse’s head (Thus the Greek name
Hippos and Hebrew name Sussita, both
meaning the horse or horse like ) It is
thought that Sussita is the city on the hill that
Jesus referred to while traveling around the
Sea of Galilee.
Summer Sunset
This was taken while cooling
ourselves in the waters of the Sea of
Galilee after an very long and
scalding hot, cloudless day. The
camera faces west, toward the
Galilee and the Mediterranean. The
color of the sky was as about as hot
as the day we were leaving behind!
16

21
Snowy Landscape North Of Israel
Oak Tree Natural Forest
This was taken this winter (2014) which was
surprisingly rich with snow, for Israel. It is a
reminder that Israel is a country with very strong
nature contrasts. The snow falls at the farthest and
highest North of Israel almost every year, and
stays on the Hermon Mt. at the Golan Heights for
a few months. This picture was taken in the Odem
Forest, the only large natural forest in the Golan
Heights. The camera faces the oak trees and the
southern slopes of the Hermon Mt. The lower
branches of the oak trees are seem to be trimmed.
In fact the are - by the cattle grazing freely in the
forest.
Crown Anemone North of Israel
We live in the kibbutz . It usually means a lot of
greenery around. There is large area covered with
pine trees. The pine grove floor is usually almost
barren and covered with carpet of the dry needles.
Last year the pine grove was treated by foresters
and dozens of damaged or sick trees were
removed, creating larger spaces between the
remaining trees. This winter, we got a major
surprise. The grove's floor, now getting more air
and light, was steadily producing carpets of wild
flowers. It is easy to see why the flower has
“crown” in its name.
Persian Cyclamen Growing on the Basalt Rock
This was taken in the autumn after the first rains.
It doesn't usually rain in Israel during April
through October, save for a very few surprises,
so the first green color shows in the autumn and
everyone is very excited about it. Persian
Cyclamen is a sign that the winter is coming soon.
It loves growing in the rock cracks and behind the
stones. I was taking my usual autumn trek down
to the valley and just had a hunch to look back
into the rocks. There was a beautiful bouquet set
in the black rock ...
See more photos and handmade jewelry @ michalkirat.com

In the Potting Shed
by Rebecca Matthews
Do you
have a
built-in
resiliency?
18

esilience
1:the
power or ability to return to the original form,
position, etc., after being bent, compressed, or
stretched
2: the ability to recover readily from illness,
depression, adversity, or the like
Pansies are resilient little flowers. They bloom better in cooler weather; heat
causes the bloom to get smaller, or disappear altogether. And the variety of
color combinations! They are a gardener’s dream flower.
But, did you know that pansies have a built-in “anti-freeze”? They can be cold,
laying flat on the ground, looking past dead. Then the sun warms them up,
and they stand up all perky again.
Well, that is how we need to be when the Enemy
causes a spiritual freeze to come upon us. We
might look like we have died out to the elements,
but when the Son comes up, and we warm up to
Him, we will find that we are as resilient as the
pansy.
After reading the pertinent information about the
pansy located to the right, in yellow, we
understand how the pansy operates during cold
weather. You see, we need to learn to “let the
moisture escape” when we feel Satan blowing a
cold draft our way. The Enemy will try to catch
us unaware, so that the spiritual coldness that
comes will cause us the rupture on the inside.
The cold can come by way of a hateful remark,
acting out of haste or anger, or any number of
other circumstances. Just remember, let the
moisture out, then lift your face to the Son. Just
like to pansies do.
photo courtesy of BRF Klätterträdet via Flickr/License
Pansies protect themselves by
allowing moisture to escape
their leaves as temperatures
fall. Other plants cannot do
this, so when the temperature
goes below freezing the water
in their cells freezes and
ruptures the cell walls. That’s
what happens when you leave
a houseplant on the patio
during a freeze. Dry cells,
though, can’t rupture. They
just go limp. It is normal to see
pansy leaves completely wilted
at dawn but green and perky
by noon. That’s why it is
important to keep the soil in
pansy beds moist after a
freeze…. so their roots can rehydrate
the leaves.
quote from WalterReeves.com
How resilient are you?
Click here to
take the quiz!
19

Women in Scripture and What We Can Learn From Them
by Rebecca Matthews
Esther: The Courageous

The Book of Esther
We all have rules and regulations we have to follow in this world. We must obey the law, the boss and the principal;
these are just a few of the people who enforce the official procedures we abide by in our daily lives. But not everyone
adheres to the rules in the same way: some obey all while others obey none.
What if you are a woman, whose husband is the king, and he makes all the rules that the whole country has to follow?
What if you failed to come when called, knowing the rule is that all beckoned by the king must present themselves?
Would a virtuous wife not comply with her husband, seeing that he was the prominent public figure? After all, if you are
a person in the public eye, your actions come under a certain amount of scrutiny. Queen Vashti knew all these things, yet
still refused to come when the king beckoned. Not only did she disrespect him as her husband, but also as king. For that
action, she was dethroned, and another woman sought and made queen. (1:11-22)
How many times have we seen people around us that show no respect for authority get ‘taken down a notch’, and taught
some humility? Or are we one of those people that disrespects the standing authority? And then we have those people that
are power-hungry, and will stop at nothing-even committing murder-to achieve that power. These people do not have the
wisdom to rule, they only want to attain the highest authority and the submission of the people. (3:1-4) Do we work
with, or know, anyone like this? Is this a husband who has to have such control that every move of his family has to be
documented in some way? Is this an overprotective mother who won’t let her children do the simplest of things for fear of
them getting hurt?
Then there are the ones that recognize this hunger for power for what it is: a purely materialistic desire. But a Godly
man knows not to bow to, or worship, an earthly man, no matter what position he holds. Even if that person makes life
difficult, or threatens to kill those that won’t bow. (3:5-15) Are we able to see these people for what they truly are, and
support them in their beliefs and actions? Are we able to emulate these people and see the faith they have? The scripture
promises that God will always provide a way of escape for His people. God may have someone ‘on the inside’ who has
earned honor and respect from the king. In this case, it is Esther, now the queen. (2:17) Do we fast and pray to find
what it is that God wants us to do in difficult situations? Are we willing to carry it out once the answer comes?
Even though she was not called, she was faithful in believing that God would soften the heart of the king. To come when
not called could result in death. (4:11) In her decision to do the right thing, favor was shown to her, and her people. To
stand in the face of death takes perhaps the greatest amount of bravery and courage a person could muster. Esther accepts
whatever will God has in store. (4:16) Her courage prevented a great disaster, and the evildoers received themselves
what they had intended for others. (7:9-10)
Do we have the courage to face those trying to kill us? Do we have faith that God will see us through and bring us out
victorious on the other side? If we are in a place spiritually where God’s favor is upon us, we also can prevent evil from
coming about. We, as virtuous women, can stand in the face of danger, death, and hostility, and not be afraid. There
should be a little Esther in all of us.
21

Highways & Hedges
by Rebecca Matthews
Whose
footsteps
are you
following?
22

Here in the “Bible belt” it seems that preaching and pastoring gets passed down through
families as if it were a deed to a piece of land inherited from the previous generation. But,
what if you are one of those people that God is calling to do something different? What if He
has chosen you to head up a ministry in somewhere in tribal Africa? What if He wants you to
risk your life sharing Yeshua in countries where that name could get you killed?
All throughout Scripture, God chose trailblazers to carry His message from one generation to
the next, so that He always had a remnant of followers. In almost every case, these chosen
ones were asked to something that was totally different than what the families expected
them to do. We know how the disciples - the talmidim* - left their families and followed
Yeshua, without question, and without consulting anyone on their life-altering decision.
So, whose footsteps are you following? Are you expected to fill the religious shoes of the
generation before you? Are you expected to do it the way it has always been done? We know
what Yeshua said about following the traditions of men: read Mark 7.
Don’t let the world hold you captive. Instead of the world having a hold on you, you take hold
of the world through the calling that God has given you. To be called of God should be an
honor, and held in high regard, more so than any accolade that people could offer.
Be a trailblazer for God. Don’t let tradition, or unrelenting family members, keep you from
the purpose wherein you have been called.
תלמידם
*talmidim- A plural Hebrew noun meaning "disciples" in its truest sense: those who leave family to study and follow the ways
of their teacher [rabbi]. They study not only to learn what their teacher knows but to become the type of man their teacher
is. From the Hebrew root word "limmud" meaning "instructed". Strong''s #8527. Pronounced tal mee DEEM. Singular talmid.
(Credit Source )
see more of my blogs at My Story...My Walk
23

I am Super-Woman:
Sometimes we know something is not right
inside us, but we don’t have the
understanding of why. I hope this post is a
source of God’s wisdom as to the WHY it’s
not right to think, ‘I am Super-Woman’ or
buy into this notion of womanhood, (as not
only mothers are susceptible to this lie). I
don’t want to offer just another list of good
tips. I want to provide you with a biblical
reason to help you live this out. We don’t
need more rules – we need the WHY!
by Melanie Baker-Nash
Romans 12:2
‘Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that
you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.’
Being in the world but not of the world:
The world will continually bombard you with media to make you feel unworthy as you are.
The enemy hates women, yes hates us enough to want us anxious, depressed, resentful, greedy, self-obsessed,
sex-obsessed, travel obsessed, fashion obsessed, competitive, jealous, envious, abusive, ready to speak evil and
gossip – you name it…until we’re consumed with things like; mental illness, eating disorders, cosmetic surgery,
suspicion, broken marriages and families, isolation, revenge, perverted sexual acts or making ourselves a sexual
object, having ‘perfect’ children, exhaustion, financial stress…
Yet Jesus says, come to me all you who are weary and take my yoke which is easy and light. He says I love you
my daughter, you are special and unique; listen to my voice and rest in me. Find your worth in me. Embrace your
diversity within the body; my beautiful bride. Stop comparing yourself to other women or your family to what the
world says is good; this will only lead to brokenness.
Being transformed by the renewing of your mind:
When the world feeds our insecurities with thoughts of not being good enough, we must press into scripture
prayerfully to have our minds renewed daily with the TRUTH. I can say from experience, as I am NO
DIFFERENT to you as a woman! It is only by prayer and reading the Bible devotionally with Jesus, my mind is
able to be transformed to one of peace and I hear His voice counteracting my own negative thoughts. When I
hear Him, I become less anxious and often see a better way. I begin to see my strengths as an individual and
come to a place where I ask others for help in areas where I am not gifted, rather than bearing the burden on my
own, or in truth actually THINKING, I must do it all on my own to be good enough.
24

Col 3: 5-8
‘Put to death, therefore, whatever in you is earthly: fornication, impurity, passion, evil desire, and
greed (which is idolatry). On account of these the wrath of God is coming on those who are
disobedient. These are the ways you also once followed, when you were living that life. But now
you must get rid of all such things—anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive language from
your mouth.’
When we believe ‘I am Super-Woman’ we actually fall into the enemy’s trap of idolatry, as we put ourselves
first becoming ‘I Am’. Again this is what the world tells us; ‘You deserve it’, ‘You need to be sexy and hot to have
worth’, ‘You must provide your family with the latest devices to stay ahead educationally’, ‘You must work
outside the home to provide’, ‘You must be popular with other women’, ‘Marriage problems? You can fix it by
yourself; spice up the bedroom like in 50 Shades of Grey’, ‘Got badly behaved kids? You run them to doctors and
stay away from church!’ This is actually a trap of exhaustion that can ruin us, our marriage and family.
Proverbs 22:6 ‘Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.’
Deuteronomy 11:19 ‘Teach them to your children, talking about them when you are at home and
when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.’
To counter falling into the trap of believing we have to be ‘Super-Woman’ moms or women, we need to model a
different lifestyle than what the world says to our children or nieces and nephews. We need to model a
relationship with Christ is what brings wholeness and wellness. That godly character is much more valuable than
the temptations the world offers. When we run around trying to be number one at everything we actually model
a person seeking approval from the world and people, rather than living out a life of someone in love with Jesus
working for His Kingdom, awaiting His return.
If we say to our kids, It’s okay to be different, yet compromise our faith for friendships; are never available for
cuddles and listening due to our kids being in so many enrichment programs; skip church for sport; never read our
bible due to constant TV watching; don’t model worship as our music is predominately secular; argue with our
loved ones as we’re so tired…How is this teaching our children to be different? Actions are louder than words, is
a very real saying!
To conclude I’d like to encourage you to find your individual identity and worth as a woman in a personal
relationship with Christ. The world will tear you down; giving you inner turmoil until it destroys you
completely…But Christ has overcome the world and offers peace. No husband or children will ever complete
you as a woman; this is only available through Christ. No woman or family is perfect so STOP striving to be
‘Super-Woman’ to obtain a perfect family in your own strength and become a Godly one; a light for others to see
Jesus. Find your strength in Jesus who is always enough and will guide you and your family perfectly.
see more from
Melanie Baker-Nash at
Life of an Ordinary Aussie Woman
25

In the Garden
by Rebecca Matthews
Fruits in Scripture
The Date
26

The date - the fruit itself - is
mentioned approximately 50 times in
Scripture, and is almost always
associated with the tree that bears
it. Some believe that the honey
mentioned when referring to Canaan
as the land of milk and honey, is
actually referring to to the sweetness
of the dates, and not the product of
honey bees. And, along with raisins
and figs, dates were pressed into
‘cakes’ in ancient times, and were
used as food on-the-go.
A cup of dates has 93 grams of
sugar, which is 80%, yet are very
healthy to eat, and can be eaten by
diabetics without fear of raising
their blood sugar. The remainder
of their nutritional value is protein
and fiber, plus several trace
elements. In the Sahara, dates are
ground and added to to the feed of
camels, horses, and dogs. And, in a
non-food use, a syrup is made
from them to coat leather bags
and water pipes to keep them from
leaking!
27

28
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George Calleja - Christian Author
Peace Through Unity/Blogspot
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Peace Unity Lives/Twitter
George Calleja/Facebook
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George Calleja/Google+

It Is Written
by Rebecca Matthews
What
happens
when you
get
writer’s
block?
30

What happens when you get writer’s block? Do you just sit and stare at the empty
page, or a blank computer screen, hoping an epiphany will suddenly fall into your
lap?
If so, don’t waste your time trying to make something happen. Instead, use the time
to catch up on another project, or something else that is important for you to get
done. Before you know it, an idea will come to mind, and the words will just flow out!
Something that helps me when I get stuck is to look at photos, whether online,
tucked away in a shoebox, or hidden in the back of a drawer. The old adage is that a
picture is worth a thousand words. Well, find a picture and see how many words you
can write!
But, what if pictures don’t seem to help, or it’s just not your thing? Then, a look
through an old magazine or newspaper article could stir up an idea. A quick scan
over the titles in your personal library or your local public library could be the
answer, as well as any of several online book-reading platforms.
The idea is to get your focus onto something constructive, so that there is no more
blockage. When you create a flow of thoughts through other activities, soon you will
find that your mind returns to the blockage, and you will have just what you need to
clear it out of the way, and keep on a positive track.
31

The Personal Column
by Angela Carpenter
God created us in His image.
We are the only thing He
created with a soul to love Him
back. Unlike animals who live
on instinct, God created us like
Him with the ability to choose.
We all have free will.
A situation will happen: a part
of God’s plan, but we have a
choice to go through it with
Him or without Him.
Without God you will hit road
blocks, traffic jams, detours, and
react out of fear and short term
pleasure, like an animal on the
earth.
With Him you will see the road
blocks, detours, and traffic jams
clearly and see a reason why.
God’s Will
Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I
have for you, the plans to prosper
you and give you hope.
32

God is complete freedom--free of fear. God is
free to love and help others with no fear of
consequences. Can you imagine living that
free? What would you do differently if you
could be free? And what would you not do?
Would you be able to face your giants? Would
you be able to part the sea for others to have
freedom as well? Would you be able to give
your life for another? He created us with the
same freedom as Himself.
I hear people use the words free will in a
negative way. “Free will sucks.” But, it only
sucks when we do not use it, when we choose to
live in the world like an animal, living on
instincts, only for ourselves to profit and
survive. A free will is freedom to thrive in this
world, and a heart to help others do the same.
God is good and fair, and free will is the
greatest gift He gave us. He gave us the
freedom to choose, so we could know the
freedom of Jesus Christ. If we did not have the
freedom to accept and choose a life in Jesus, we
would be no different than animals. When we
activate our free will by making a choice to see
our life in Scripture, we see that free will is one
will.
After 13 years of being a stay-at-home mom, I
decided to re-enter the workforce, to help make
ends meet at home. I started working for a wellknown
retail company sweeping floors a few
hours a week for $8 an hour. I knew I could
help the company, and my family, profit, if I
gave 100% of me to them. When you help
others you help yourself. The better I was at my
job, the more hours my boss gave me. The more
obedient I was, the more responsibility she gave
me.
In four short months, I found myself
interviewing for a manager’s job. With no
resume` or business degree, I got the job. My
boss later told me that I got the job because I
had something that does not come with a
business degree: I understood the bottom line:
PROFIT. When we help others, everyone
profits.
When Jesus met Peter, he said Follow me. I will
make you a fisher of men. He didn’t want Peter to
spend his life trying to catch fish to survive. He
wanted Peter to teach others to fish to thrive.
Jesus chose God’s will, and chose to live His
life for the profit of others. He knew where He
was going and said follow me. He wanted Peter
to choose the same. God said I know the plans I
have for you. The plans for prosper and hope.
If we want to enjoy life, we must follow Him.
The more obedient we are to God, the more
responsibility He gives us.
Accepting free will is the understanding of
ONE will: God’s will. When the disciples
asked Jesus how do we pray, He said, Our father
who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your
kingdom come, your WILL BE DONE ON EARTH
AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
Dear God, I praise you, I serve you, now and
forever. Amen.
One heart, one will, one purpose. What would
you give to have that kind of freedom on earth?
Jesus already gave His life for you. Accept HIM
and you will see.
read more from Angela at notbusinesitspersonal.blogspot.com
33

Cleaning Out the Closet
by Rebecca Matthews
What
part
of your
view on
life
just
don’t fit
anymore?
Are you
tired of
wearing
religious
hand
-medowns?
34

What views, thought processes, attitudes,
characterizations, philosophies, or ways of life, just
don’t fit anymore? It’s time to get rid of the outgrown,
over-sized, thread-bare thinking that someone
else has given you, and be dressed in the spiritual
clothing that God has given us!
So, what clothing should we find hanging in our
spiritual closet? We find the answer to that in
Ephesians 6; it is a uniform to be worn at all times.
Paul likens it to a Roman soldier’s armor, because
theirs was the best defensive clothing in the physical
world at that time. We are going to look at the
modern wardrobe.
v. 14 - having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist Not just any old belt, but a belt
that holds tools. Think of a carpenter’s belt, an electrician's belt, or any other occupation where tools
need to be within reach at all times.
v. 14 - put on the breastplate of righteousness The Roman breastplate was a piece of metal that kept
their internal organs from being injured. We don’t have to wear one of those to keep from being hurt.
However, being quick to forgive, slow to anger, and refusing to let others offend us will keep necessary
organs, like or heart, from being broken.
v. 15 - and fitted your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace You know, we women love shoes.
Most of us would have a closet just for them , in every style, color and heel height we could imagine.
So, whether you’re wearing 6-inch stilettos, running shoes, or your theme song is “These boots are made for
walking,” remember that they represent the spreading of the Gospel, and that you will always be willing
to go where God calls you.
v. 16 - above all, taking up the shield of faith Today’s shield is made from Kevlar, or similar material,
and is called a bullet-proof vest. For police and military, it is to keep the bullets from penetrating.
Our enemy uses fiery darts.
v. 17 - take the helmet of salvation I personally have never been a “hat person” but I know I have the
spiritual covering and protection of Yeshua Himself, whose very name means “salvation” and that He
guides me in all my thoughts and actions.
v. 17 - and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God We’ve all seen the Robin Hood movies,
where all the battles are fought, and won, by a sword. The difference between the Hollywood version
and God’s, is that God’s is a two-edged sword. This means that if we start using it in a way that was
not intended, we will end up hurting ourselves more than we do the enemy. (see Hebrews 4:12)
v. 18 - praying at all times in the Spirit, being watchful to this end in all perseverance This is not
given to us as an article of clothing in our English translations, but we know that the Jewish tallit is
a shawl-like garment worn by men during morning services, and during the reading of the Scriptures,
with tzitzit (long fringes) attached to the corners as a reminder of the commandments. It is also called
a prayer shawl. The women do not wear a tallit, but do wear scarves during these services. So, every
time we put on a scarf to complete an outfit, or to ward off the cold, we should remember that
prayer does the same thing: it completes our spiritual wardrobe and it keeps out the spiritual coldness
of the enemy.
35

TM
God I trust you
with my every need
I will follow you
where you may lead.
Through valleys low
and mountains high
It is you I will
remain beside.
I may stumble
but you will not let me fall
Because you are God
and You are above all.
I will call upon your name
when evil is near
It is with your name
they run in fear.
I do not worry
about what lies ahead
You are alive oh God,
and not dead.
___
by Jaime Dills
36
VerseWorks TM a trademark of Philippi Prospect Ministries TM

Observations: Worth a Thousand Words
by Rebecca Matthews
What does this picture say to you?
You are not a little girl anymore?
Where has the time gone?
Is this the place where girl meets woman?
Are you leaving your childhood innocence behind?
Is this where your dreams started, or where they have come true?
Do you want to make sure you don’t lose the little girl inside of you?
Are you ready to start the next phase of your life?
Does this bring back memories of a more peaceful, happier time in your life?
All of these scenarios help us understand the stage of life we are in, how we
have matured, what we have left behind, and who we are going forward.
37

38
Come to the Water
by Rebecca Matthews
The Well :
In the city of Haran,
in the region of Aram-Naharaim
(The land of the two rivers.)

39
Genesis 24:10-20
Then the servant took ten camels from the camels of his master, and set out with a variety of good things of
his master’s in his hand; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. He made the camels
kneel down outside the city by the well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.
He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my
master Abraham. “Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming
out to draw water; now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and
who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your
servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.” Before he had finished
speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor,
came out with her jar on her shoulder. The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with
her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up. Then the servant ran to meet her,
and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.” She said, “Drink, my lord”; and she quickly lowered
her jar to her hand, and gave him a drink. Now when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw
also for your camels until they have finished drinking.” So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran
back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.
Genesis 24:56-58
He said to them, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my
master.” And they said, “We will call the girl and consult her wishes.” Then they called Rebekah and said to her,
“Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”
Decisions. Decisions. We all must make them. Rebekah had a few choices to make when she showed up at the
well, and saw a stranger there who had obviously come a long distance. When asked for water, she immediately
decided to be hospitable to this man, in no way knowing that her actions were an answer to the prayer that
he had just spoken in his heart.
Then, after his reason for coming had been established, she had no choice in the matter of whether she
would be Isaac’s bride. But, when morning came, she did have to make another decision: whether to go with
Abraham’s servant, or stay and prepare herself for the position she was chosen to fill. She chose to go then,
and not delay.
So, how many times have you been brought to a well of decision? A place where you have been rewarded for
acting instinctively with warm reception and hospitality? A place where you were free to make some of the
decisions, but others were made for you? Have you been given a sense adventure? Or, a blessing and honor
bestowed upon you by family and friends because of your choice? Have you moved to a new location, either
literally or spiritually, just by drawing from the well of decision?
The well that Rebecca drew water from, in “the land of the two rivers,” is a reminder that we have choices to
make that can alter our future. We can choose to go or stay, to be blessed or be cursed. But, it is also a
reminder that some decisions are made for us. It shows us that sometimes we are impacted by the decisions of
others, and their decision can change the course of our whole lives.

Abram/Abraham
Responsibility
Our names are more than just what we are called.
God gave names, or changed names, in Scripture,
in the lives of those whose names were changed. Do
up to the character of that name? Or, do you feel
Abram
Ab means chief, principal, and comes from a primitive root word meaning father, chief (The same
word that Yeshua used when he cried Abba, Father.)
Ruwm means exalted, haughty, and comes from a primitive root word that means to be high above,
to rise or raise, to bring up, to exalt or be exalted.
Abraham
Ab is the same; nothing changed.
Raham means a multitude.
So, Abraham went from being a father exalted (alone), to being the father of a multitude.
As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, And you will be the father of a multitude of nations.
No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you
the father of a multitude of nations. I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of
you, and kings will come forth from you. I will establish My covenant between Me and you and
your descendants after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to
you and to your descendants after you. I will give to you and to your descendants after you, the
land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their
God. (Gen. 17:4-6)
Are you the father of a multitude, either literally or figuratively? Are you an established leader,
having the responsibility of those around you? As an Abram, are you a productive member of
society, having the respect of your spouse, colleagues, and neighbors? As an Abraham, are you
responsible for your children, raising them as a Godly father, setting an example before them?
Whether you are an Abram, or an Abraham, the key word is responsibility.
40

They can reveal a lot about our character. When
it signified that a change was about to take place
you have a Scripture-based name? Are you living
a name-change is in order?
Sarai/Sarah
Security
Sarai
Sar means chief, captain, general, lord, keeper. It comes from the word sarar which means to be or
act as a prince, to rule, a head person (of any rank or class) a captain, chief, general, governor,
keeper, lord, ruler, steward. It comes from primitive root word that means to have or exercise
dominion, to rule.
Ai is a feminine suffix, which makes any word that it is attached to become the feminine version of
that word. It is also associated to barrenness. (Gen. 11:30)
Sar is the same~nothing changed.
Ah is also a feminine suffix, and changes the meaning to lady, princess, queen, and takes away the
barrenness.
So, Sarah went from a barren leader to a leader of royalty. (Gen. 17:16)
Then God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall
be her name. I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her. Then I will bless her, and she
shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her. (Gen. 17:15-16)
In this name change, God did not change the basis of who they were; he built upon it. Both before
the name change and after, Sarah's status in relation to Abraham did not change. Sarah did not lose
her 'royalty' status, rather she was promoted in it; she would have an heir to carry it on.
Do friends and colleagues confide in you because they trust you? Do others look up to you as a role
model? As a Sarai, do you make those around you feel safe and secure? As a Sarah, are you a
guardian and protector of your children, keeping them out of harm’s way, giving them the love and
support they need? Whether you are a Sarai, or a Sarah, the key word is security.
41

Remark
a
b le
s
“Who ever
is trying
to bring
you down,
is already
below you.”
___
by Amanda Marler
42

We were taken in for the day by a member of the church. Sherry took us home, fed us, then let us sleep
for a few hours. She arranged for us to stay at a relative’s house, and we went there later that evening.
The highlight of our stay consisted of a African-American man who had been laid off from his job in
Charleston, and was hitchhiking back to his mother’s home some three hundred miles away in Georgia.
He told us he was a prodigal son, and that he had called his mother and asked her forgiveness for past
words spoken in anger. He could have gotten a bus, but he was traveling with his loyal canine
companion, who he refused to leave behind. We made him a bed on the sofa, and the next morning, our
host drove him to his mother’s house, five hours away in Georgia.
We left three days later, on a Thursday, and walked the eight miles back to the park where we had spent
the night two months previous. It was almost the end of February, and a little warmer than the last time
we were there. We went as far as we could opposite of where we had been before. Finding some bushes
with a lot of leaves on the ground, we settled down for the night.
The next morning, we walked the few blocks to a church that we had visited in December during a
revival. We had made the pastor’s acquaintance then, and we hoped he remembered us. The receptionist
for the church was a spirit-filled woman named Wanda. She was also in charge of the church’s food
pantry. The pastor took us into his office, and we told him our circumstances. We emphasized that we
were not there for a hand-out. We wanted to serve in ministry in some capacity, and inquired if he had
anything that we could do. This was a Friday morning, and what he did next amazed us. The first thing
was arrange a motel room for the weekend, and let us choose some items from the huge inventory in the
church pantry. Then he asked us if we had eaten, and we told him we had not since the day before. He
had a prior lunch date with an older couple on his staff. He took us along, and we ate some ‘real food’ for
the first time since Christmas. Afterward, he dropped us off at the motel, made sure we had all we
needed, and left us for the night. To slide between clean sheets was a welcome treat; we had slept on the
floor at the previous house.
On Sunday, Pastor Martin picked us up for church. We sat in the back, which held about 450 people, and
that day it was standing-room only. At the end of the service, just before he was about to dismiss the
service, Wanda stood up and announced that the morning offering allocated to the food pantry was a
few dollars short of a nice, round number, and made request for $20 to be added to make the sum. The
pastor repeated her request. Several people rose and began taking money to the pastor standing in the
aisle near the front of church. James whispered to me that the Lord had put it on his heart to give our
last three dollars to the cause. He went up and, as he passed over the folded bills, said that it was our
‘widow’s mite.’ He then turned and came back to our seat, his eyes full of tears.
I had been watching Pastor Martin through this whole process, and he began to cry, then told the
church our story. He reiterated that we had not asked for anything except some missionary work. He
finished the story and dismissed in prayer. As the people left, many walked by and pressed bills into our
hands and our shirt pockets. Others gave us their blessings and said they would pray for us. One woman,
Gail, could not seem to leave us. She had pressed a $100 bill into my hand, and then went to speak to the
pastor. I saw them talking privately, then come toward us. We were dumbstruck by the outpouring of
generosity from the congregation, but the next offer was even more amazing to us. The pastor had a
church approximately twenty-five miles away that needed an interim pastor. The wife of the former
(very elderly) pastor had taken ill suddenly, and had resign unexpectedly the week before. The
congregation was in disarray, and Pastor Martin was in the process of finding someone to take the
church. Since we were not of that denomination, he brought us in as missionaries to serve in the church
until a replacement was found. Gail Scott, and her husband, Stanley, donated a well-equipped 30ft.
camper for us to stay in. Within two days, we were living out back of the church, to help out in the
community.
For our widow’s mite -our three dollars- the Lord returned to us that Sunday $496, a place to live, a
work to do, and a community to serve in. It just proves that if we give our all to God that He will repay in
kind.
43

Give ear, O heavens, and let me speak;
And let the earth hear the words of my mouth.
Let my teaching drop as the rain,
My speech distill as the dew,
As the droplets on the fresh grass
And as the showers on the herb.
For I proclaim the name of the LORD;
Ascribe greatness to our God!
The Rock! His work is perfect,
For all His ways are just;
A God of faithfulness
and without injustice,
Righteous and upright is He.
Deut. 32:1-4
44
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