Rescuing the Reluctant

As we are starting a new week we are at the end of the month and entering into the 7 month of the New Year which will be July so we are saying goodbye to June with Read: Genesis 19:12-25 Bible in a Year: Job 14-16; Acts 9:22-43 The men took hold of his hand, . . . the Lord being merciful to him, and they . . . set him outside the city. —Genesis 19:16 Many years ago during a water safety class, we were taught how to save a drowning person who is resisting rescue. “Approach the person from behind,” the instructor told us. “Place one arm across the person’s chest and flailing arms, and swim toward safety. If you approach from the front, the person may grab you and pull both of you down.” Panic and fear can paralyze the ability to think and act wisely. When two angels sent by God came to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:12-13), they encountered resistance. Lot’s sons-in-law thought the warning was a joke (v. 14). When the angels told Lot to hurry and leave, he hesitated (v. 15). At that point, the two angels “took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters,” and led them safely out of the city because God was merciful toward them (v. 16). When we reflect on our journey of faith in Christ, we can see God’s faithfulness in overcoming our reluctance and resistance. When we encounter people lashing out in spiritual desperation and fear, may we have God’s wisdom to show His love to them—and to every person who is reluctant to be rescued by Him. —David C. McCasland Father, as I look at my own heart, I know I have resisted You and have been reluctant at times to come to You. Thank You for Your mercy. Help me to share with others who You are. God’s mercy can overcome our resistance.

Hidden Mysteries

We have made it to the end of the week already it's FRIDAY! Yes with Read: 2 Kings 6:15-23 Bible in a Year: Job 5-7; Acts 8:1-25 Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them. —2 Kings 6:16 Most of what goes on in the universe we never see. Many things are too small or move too fast or even too slow for us to see. Using modern technology, however, filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg is able to show stunning video images of some of those things—a caterpillar’s mouth, the eye of a fruit fly, the growth of a mushroom. Our limited ability to see the awesome and intricate detail of things in the physical world reminds us that our ability to see and understand what’s happening in the spiritual realm is equally limited. God is at work all around us doing things more wonderful than we can imagine. But our spiritual vision is limited and we cannot see them. The prophet Elisha, however, actually got to see the supernatural work that God was doing. God also opened the eyes of his fearful colleague so he too could see the heavenly army sent to fight on their behalf (2 Kings 6:17). Fear makes us feel weak and helpless and causes us to think we are alone in the world. But God has assured us that His Spirit in us is greater than any worldly power (1 John 4:4). Whenever we become discouraged by the evil we can see, we need to think instead about the good work God is doing that we cannot see. —Julie Ackerman Link Lord, I’m tempted to fear what I cannot understand or control. But my security rests in You and not in what happens to me or around me. Help me to rest in Your unfailing love. Eyes of faith see God at work in everything. INSIGHT: Scripture speaks of unseen angels protecting God’s people (Ps. 34:7; Dan. 3:25-28; Matt. 4:6; Acts 5:19; 12:7). They are God’s “servants—spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14 nlt).

Celebrating the PURPLE RAIN Soundtrack

OMG! What I can't believe it the Soundtrack that changed my life Celebrates it's 31st Birthday so on this day I just want to say Happy 31st Birthday to Purple Rain! It was released worldwide in June 25, 1984, a month before the film.

Remembering & Celebrating Michael Jackson June 25, 2009

WOW! Boy How Time flies I can't believe it been 6 years now since we lost the legendary King Of Pop Michael Jackson so On this day 6years ago June 25, 2009 We are Remembering and Celebrating the life of Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson - Man In The Mirror - Bad Tour 1988 Michael Jackson~Another Part Of Me Michael Jackson Human Nature Live at Buenos Aires (DWT 1993) Michael Jackson - I Just Can't Stop Loving You - Live DWT Buenos Aires 1993

The Challenge of Transition

Here we GO starting a New Week with Read: Joshua 1:6-11 Bible in a Year: Esther 6-8; Acts 6 Be strong and very courageous. —Joshua 1:7 After former professional athlete Chris Sanders suffered a career-ending injury, he told a group of military veterans that although he had never experienced combat, “I understand the pressures of transitions.” Whether it’s the loss of a job, the loss of a marriage, a serious illness, or a financial setback, every major change brings challenges. The former athlete told the soldiers that the key to success when you are transitioning into a new way of living is to reach out and get help. The book of Joshua is recommended reading whenever we find ourselves in transition. After 40 years of wandering and setbacks, God’s people were poised to enter the Promised Land. Moses, their great leader, had died, and Joshua, his assistant, was in charge. God told Joshua to “be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go” (Josh. 1:7). God’s words of direction were to be the bedrock of Joshua’s leadership in every situation. The Lord’s charge and promise to Joshua apply to us as well: “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (v. 9). He is with us in every transition. —David C. McCasland Father, I’m bringing You my trials and frustrations. You know each and every detail. Please comfort me as only You can, and provide exactly what I need for today. Help me give my unfulfilled expectations to You, trusting You’re working out a plan for me. God remains faithful in every change. INSIGHT: From personal observation, Joshua knew that the Canaanites lived in strongly fortified cities (Num. 13:28-29). But God’s command was accompanied with a promise of victory: “No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Josh. 1:5).

HAPPIE FATHER'S DAY!

MAN! on this day there is so much to Celebrate we are entering into the Summer Solstice and Celebrating Father's Day. On this day I am Thankful for my Father Robert L. Dennis who is 73 years young and still alive I am grateful and thankful for ALL the memories and the laughter I have shared with my Dad. So on this day I just want to Wish ALL the Father's a HAPPIE FATHER'S DAY! May this day be filled with Joy & Blessings. I won't to leave you with the message of Hope on this Father's Day God longs for you to listen again to the story of His love for you when you are restless on your own journey through life. Your heavenly Father is always near, ready to encourage you with His Word. —Bill Crowder I rejoice in Your presence and Your love for me, Lord. Today I choose joy in knowing Your love is constant and unchanging, forever fixed. God’s great love for His child is one of His greatest gifts.

HAPPIE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER!

WOW! I can't believe it we have made it to the six month of the New Year and it's already SUMMER WOW! I am so EXCITED! about Summer and ALL of it's Fun filled Activities so as we get together with Families and Friends let's take a moment to enjoy these long HOT Summer Days. Wishing Every one a HAPPIE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER! May it be filled with JOY & BLESSINGS.

Look at the Tassels

We have come to the end of the week it's FRIDAY! YES! so lets take a moment to reflect on ALL that has transpired in our lives with this Read: Numbers 15:37-41 Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 12-13; Acts 4:23-37 Remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them. —Numbers 15:39 Best-selling author Chaim Potok began his novel The Chosen by describing a baseball game between two Jewish teams in New York City.  Reuven Malter, the book’s main character, notices that the opposing players’ uniforms have a unique accessory—four long ropelike tassels that extend below each teammate’s shirt. Reuven recognizes the tassels as a sign of strict obedience to God’s Old Testament laws. The history of these fringes—known as tzitzit—began with a message from God. Through Moses, God told His people to create tassels containing some strands of blue thread and attach them to the four corners of their top garments (Num. 15:38). God said, “You may look upon [the tassels] and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them” (v. 39). God’s memory device for the ancient Israelites has a parallel for us today. We can look at Christ who consistently kept the whole law in our place and obeyed His heavenly Father (John 8:29). Having received His work on our behalf, we now “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (Rom. 13:14). Keeping our eyes on God’s Son helps us to honor our heavenly Father. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt Dear Jesus, thank You for being my spiritual role model. Help me to walk in Your steps so that I can honor and obey God with the Holy Spirit’s help. If Christ is the center of your life, you’ll always be focused on Him. INSIGHT: The book of Numbers is part of the opening segment of the Old Testament Scriptures. It is book four of the five-book Pentateuch, referred to in Judaism as the Torah (the Law). These books were written by Moses as a record not only of the beginning of time and life (Genesis), but also the beginning of the nation of Israel (Exodus through Deuteronomy). This book received its name because of Moses’ order to number the population of the tribes. Jewish names for the book of Numbers include “and the Lord spoke” and “in the wilderness” (both names coming from Num. 1:1).

HAPPIE BIRTHDAY 2PAC

On this day we Just want 2 wish the GREATEST RAPPER OF ALL TIME a HAPPIE BIRTHDAY! On what would have been his 44th Birthday. HAPPIE BIRTHDAY 2PAC! Celebrating the Life of 2PAC here our some of my Favorite videos. 2PAC~Dear Mama 2PAC~Brenda's Got A Baby 2PAC~ Keep Ya Head Up

A 3-year-old IBD Warrior

Here is our CCFA June 2015 Newsletter Issue Providing Hope and Inspiring Action | Latest News from CCFA Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America Providing Hope and Inspiring Action | CCFA JUNE 2015 ISSUE Kendyll: A 3-year-old IBD Warrior At just 21 months, Kendyll was diagnosed with Crohn's disease… and then ulcerative colitis. Today, she continues to suffer from chronic diarrhea, vomiting, sepsis and various other problems that have caused her to be hospitalized numerous times – but she doesn't let it stop her. Despite everything she's been through, Kendyll is a strong, happy, spirited child who loves going outside and spending time with her family. She is an extraordinary little IBD warrior! READ MORE ► Traveling with IBD This Summer Don't let IBD get in the way of your summer vacation! Planning ahead and preparing for any possible unexpected events is the key to ensuring a smooth trip. Doing simple things like bringing a copy of your prescriptions and carrying medications in their original bottles onto the plane can make a big difference. Check out our general travel recommendations, special tips for summer vacations and FAQs about air travel. You can also call the IBD Help Center at 1.888.MY.GUT. PAIN (888-694-8872), email us at info@ccfa.org or chat with us online! Support groundbreaking IBD research Through our pediatric, microbiome and genetics initiatives, CCFA scientists are learning about the causes of IBD and working to find more effective, personalized treatments. Please support this cutting-edge work with a gift to CCFA today. Donate now Who will you fight for? Team Challenge is ready to "Fight for Independence from IBD" – just in time for the 4th of July! Join our virtual race on Independence Day to benefit CCFA by running or walking a 5K or 10K anywhere you want! With your $35 registration fee, you'll get an awesome die-cast medal and personalized bib. Be sure to follow the race on social media too at #IndependencefromIBD! REGISTER ► Know the Basics: Understanding Clinical Trials – A Webcast Learn the basics of clinical trials, including the role they play in advancing research, types of clinical trials and various phases of a study. This program will also highlight what patients need to know about informed consent and available resources for more information about clinical trials. SIGN UP ► Upcoming CCFA Facebook Live Event On Wednesday, June 24th from 5pm-6pm EST, Dr. Sushila Dalal from the University of Chicago will answer patients' questions on "Biologic Therapy: Risks & Benefits." Join us on Facebook. Search our resources Find your chapter IBD Clinical Trials and Other Studies CCFA provides a comprehensive database of studies, clinical trials and other research on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the recently added studies include: A Randomized, Double-blind, Multicenter Study to Explore the Effect of GED-0301 on endoscopic and clinical outcomes in patients with active Crohn’s disease conducted by Celgene Corporation. A Phase III Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-controlled, Multicenter, Parallel Group Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Fixed-dose Combination RHB-104 in subjects with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease conducted by RedHill Biopharma. Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision, best made with a full understanding of the drug development process and a participant's role. Take Steps Team Challenge CCFA Facebook CCFA Twitter CCFA YouTube CCFA Pinterest Forward Donate to CCFA Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America 7​33 Th​ird Av​en​ue, Sui​te 51​0, Ne​w Y​ork,​ N​Y 10​01​7 www.ccfa.org | 8​00-​93​2-​2​423 Talk with an I​BD Info​rmation Specialist at 88​8.M​y.Gu​t.P​ain | 8​88-​69​4-8​87​2 Unsubscribe or update your email preferences CCFA has a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America

Look Up!

The weekend has come to an end and we are jump starting a New week with Read: Psalm 121 Bible in a Year: Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-21 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. —Psalm 121:2 In a park near our home there’s a trail I enjoy walking on. Along one section there’s a panoramic view of red sandstone rocks in the Garden of the Gods with the majestic 14,115-foot Pikes Peak behind them. From time to time, though, I find myself walking that section occupied with some problem and looking down at the wide, smooth trail. If no one is around, I may stop and say aloud, “David, look up!” The psalms known as “Songs of Ascents” (Ps. 120–134) were sung by the people of Israel as they walked the road up to Jerusalem to attend the three annual pilgrim festivals. Psalm 121 begins, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help?” (v. 1). The answer follows, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (v. 2). The Creator is not an aloof being, but a companion who is always with us, always awake to our circumstances (vv. 3-7), guiding and guarding our journey through life “from this time forth, and even forevermore” (v. 8). Along life’s path, how we need to keep our eyes fixed on God, our source of help. When we’re feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, it’s all right to say aloud, “Look up!” —David C. McCasland I look up to You, Father, for You are the One who can help me. Thank You for the joys and trials in my life right now. I’m grateful that I never walk alone. Keep your eyes on God—your source of help. INSIGHT: This psalm reminds us that God is our Helper (vv. 1-3) and Keeper (vv. 4-8). As Helper, the Creator of the universe (v. 2) assists us as we journey through life, giving us the security and stability (v. 3) we need. As Keeper, God is the vigilant watchman, fully aware of the events of our lives because He never sleeps (v. 4). This reality allows us to rest in safety and serenity (Ps. 3:5; 4:8; Prov. 3:24)

HAPPY NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY!

YES! You don't have to be Boricua to Celebrate National Puerto Rican Day. I just want to wish ALL my BORICUA'S a HAPPY PUERTO RICAN DAY! Here's what transpire in the city of New York for the Puerto Rican Day Parade NEW YORK, NY -- A sea of red, white and blue flags, salsa music, colorful floats, dancers and hundreds of thousands of spectators filled New York's 5th Avenue for the 2015 National Puerto Rican Day parade. The parade is an annual tradition for New York's large Puerto Rican community and for those who come from near and far to attend the event. It has a long history; the first parade took place in 1958 along El Barrio before its route changed to Fifth Avenue. The parade unites the "boricuas" (named for the Indian name for the island, which was Borikén, later referred to as Borinquen) in New York and across the rest of the continental U.S. with those in the island. Every year the parade honors a region of Puerto Rico, this year they are honoring Añasco, a municipality located on the west coast of the island. The parade, which is known to bring out stars like Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, and Daddy Yankee, brought out Roselyn Sanchez, Ivy Queen, acclaimed orchestra composer Angel 'Cucco' Peña (who composed a theme song for the parade), Andres Jimenez, Rosie Perez, Martina Arroyo, Alex Sensation, Tito El Bambino, Toby Love, Frankie Negron and Raquel Sofia this year. NBC-NY anchor Darlene Rodriguez was a parade ambassador one of the many proud "boricuas" participating in the event. Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Oscar award-winning actress Rita Moreno was the Grand Marshall of the parade, and she stepped off her float to dance salsa with people on the street. Broadway composer, playwright and actor and musician Lin Manuel Miranda ("In the Heights," and "Hamilton") received the parade's "Nuestro Orgullo" award for his inspiring contributions to the American stage. Miranda and Sanchez also got off their floats to dance salsa together. Many politicians were also in attendance. Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez walked along side Alejandro Garcia Padilla, Governor of Puerto Rico. New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio was also out in support of the many Boricuas in his city. The parade has gone through changes after its board was ousted last year over mishandling of funds. Lorraine Cortes-Vasquez, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade Board chair, said to the New York Daily News that "a chaotic situation either pulls people apart or it brings them together - in our case it brought people together." This year the parade honored its Afro-boricua heritage honoring Sylvia del Villard and Arturo Schomburg. This year's parade put a spotlight on several issues affecting the island. One is the environmental crisis for communities along the Caño Martín Peña in San Juan. The Caño, as it is also known, is a 3.75 mile long and 200 feet wide natural tidal channel. The clogging of the channel has led to constant flooding of water with fecal matter making it extremely dangerous for the residents living around it. Parade officials have been strongly pushing a Change.org campaign that pleads the Congress to allocate $9.1 million on the 2016 budget to the United States Army Corps Engineers for the pre-construction Engineering and Design phase of the Caño Martín Peña Restoration Project. Another issue that was raised by several public figures attending the parade - including the island's governor, New York City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Parade Marshall Rita Moreno and "Jane The Virgin" actress Yvonne Coll - is the recent announcement that the federal government will cut by 11 percent the Medicare Advantage benefits in the island starting in 2016, even though the island commonwealth's federal healthcare funding rates are half of those in the U.S. mainland. At the parade there were calls for the freedom of Puerto Rican nationalist Oscar Lopez Rivera, one of the leaders of the FALN (Fuerzas Armadas de Liberacion National Puertorriqueña). Though López Rivera was never charged with participating in any terrorist or violent act nor of participating in any of the bombings associated with the group, he is serving a 75-year sentence, including over a decade in solitary confinement. Puerto Rican Day Parade 2015 National Puerto Rican Day Parade 2015

HAPPY FLAG DAY!

In honor of June 14th which is Flag Day. I just want to wish Everyone a HAPPIE FLAG DAY! May God Bless the United States Of America. Here is the History Of Flag Day. The Fourth of July was traditionally celebrated as America's birthday, but the idea of an annual day specifically celebrating the Flag is believed to have first originated in 1885. BJ Cigrand, a schoolteacher, arranged for the pupils in the Fredonia, Wisconsin Public School, District 6, to observe June 14 (the 108th anniversary of the official adoption of The Stars and Stripes) as 'Flag Birthday'. In numerous magazines and newspaper articles and public addresses over the following years, Cigrand continued to enthusiastically advocate the observance of June 14 as 'Flag Birthday', or 'Flag Day'. On June 14, 1889, George Balch, a kindergarten teacher in New York City, planned appropriate ceremonies for the children of his school, and his idea of observing Flag Day was later adopted by the State Board of Education of New York. On June 14, 1891, the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia held a Flag Day celebration, and on June 14 of the following year, the New York Society of the Sons of the Revolution, celebrated Flag Day. Following the suggestion of Colonel J Granville Leach (at the time historian of the Pennsylvania Society of the Sons of the Revolution), the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames of America on April 25, 1893 adopted a resolution requesting the mayor of Philadelphia and all others in authority and all private citizens to display the Flag on June 14th. Leach went on to recommend that thereafter the day be known as 'Flag Day', and on that day, school children be assembled for appropriate exercises, with each child being given a small Flag. Two weeks later on May 8th, the Board of Managers of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution unanimously endorsed the action of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames. As a result of the resolution, Dr. Edward Brooks, then Superintendent of Public Schools of Philadelphia, directed that Flag Day exercises be held on June 14, 1893 in Independence Square. School children were assembled, each carrying a small Flag, and patriotic songs were sung and addresses delivered. In 1894, the governor of New York directed that on June 14 the Flag be displayed on all public buildings. With BJ Cigrand and Leroy Van Horn as the moving spirits, the Illinois organization, known as the American Flag Day Association, was organized for the purpose of promoting the holding of Flag Day exercises. On June 14th, 1894, under the auspices of this association, the first general public school children's celebration of Flag Day in Chicago was held in Douglas, Garfield, Humboldt, Lincoln, and Washington Parks, with more than 300,000 children participating. Adults, too, participated in patriotic programs. Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior, delivered a 1914 Flag Day address in which he repeated words he said the flag had spoken to him that morning: "I am what you make me; nothing more. I swing before your eyes as a bright gleam of color, a symbol of yourself." Inspired by these three decades of state and local celebrations, Flag Day - the anniversary of the Flag Resolution of 1777 - was officially established by the Proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson on May 30th, 1916. While Flag Day was celebrated in various communities for years after Wilson's proclamation, it was not until August 3rd, 1949, that President Truman signed an Act of Congress designating June 14th of each year as National Flag Day.

Don’t Lose Heart

The week has come to an end YES! it's FRIDAY so let's take a moment to reflect on ALL that has transpire this week with Read: Galatians 6:1-10 Bible in a Year: Ezra 3-5; John 20 In due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. —Galatians 6:9 Cooking can become tedious work when I do it three times a day, week after week. I get tired of peeling, cutting, slicing, mixing, and then waiting for food to bake, grill, or boil. But eating is never tedious! It’s actually something we truly enjoy even though we do it day after day. Paul used the illustration of sowing and reaping because he knew that doing good can be tiring (Gal. 6:7-10). He wrote, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (v.9). It’s difficult to love our enemies, discipline our children, or pray without ceasing. However, reaping the good we have sown isn’t tedious! What a joy when we do get to see love conquering strife, or children following God’s ways, or answers to prayer. While the cooking process can take hours, my family usually finishes a meal in 20 minutes or less. But the reaping that Paul talks about will be eternal. As we have the opportunity, let’s do what is good and wait for the blessings in God’s timing. Don’t lose heart today as you go about following God’s ways. Remember that joy is guaranteed for more than a lifetime. —Keila Ochoa Dear Lord, help me not to become weary of doing good today. I’m thankful that some day I will be with You for a joy-filled eternity! Keep running the race with eternity in view. INSIGHT: The churches of Galatia, a province in ancient Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), were recipients of this emotionally charged letter from Paul. He had founded these churches (Gal. 1:8; 4:13,19), yet they had fallen away from the gospel of grace that he had preached to them. Instead, they had begun embracing a blend of the gospel and legalistic Judaism. Because grace (rooted in God’s kindness) and legalism (rooted in our performance) are incompatible, Paul responded with this letter in which he expresses deep concern for their spiritual condition.

On a Hill Far Away

The weekend has come to an end getting ready to jump start a new week with Read: Genesis 22:1-12 Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 30-31; John 18:1-18 Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love. —Genesis 22:2 I often find myself thinking back to the years when my children were young. One particular fond memory is our morning wake-up routine. Every morning I’d go into their bedrooms, tenderly call them by name, and tell them that it was time to get up and get ready for the day. When I read that Abraham got up early in the morning to obey God’s command, I think of those times when I woke up my children and wonder if part of Abraham’s daily routine was going to Isaac’s bed to waken him—and how different it would have been on that particular morning. How heart-rending for Abraham to waken his son that morning! Abraham bound his son and laid him on an altar, but then God provided an alternate sacrifice. Hundreds of years later, God would supply another sacrifice—the final sacrifice—His own Son. Think of how agonizing it must have been for God to sacrifice His Son, His only Son whom He loved! And He went through all of that because He loves you. If you wonder whether you are loved by God, wonder no more. —Joe Stowell Lord, I am amazed that You would love me so much that You would sacrifice Your Son for me. Teach me to live gratefully in the embrace of Your unfailing love. God has already proven His love for you.

Celebrating the Gift and Life PRINCE ROGERS NELSON HAPPIE BIRTHDAY!

Dear Prince, I know you don't Celebrate Birthday's BUT on this day I'm taking a Moment to Celebrate YOU! On this day June 7, 1958 God created and bless the world with Prince Rogers Nelson who was born to the late Mattie Shaw and John L. Nelson in Minneapolis Minnesota. Words can't even begin to describe how Thankful I am to God for creating such a genius of a Masterpiece you were created by God to BLESS his HOLY NAME. YES, I know millions adore U ALL over the world but U're gifts and talent came from God Almighty. Along this journey of yours you have created some 34 albums and won numerous Awards introduce us to various Artist some we've Loved and some we didn't quite catch a hold of Inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, I came along for the ride when I was 3 years old my first PURPLE EXPERIENCE was seeing you in U're very First Movie Purple Rain and I have NOT come off this ride with ALL of it's ups, downs, twist, turns,upside down, free falls, of this ride call LIFE BUT with ALL that U have encountered and endured my prayer was that U overcome ALL of those obstacles with the Help of Jesus Christ. As I reflect on U're life, music, career, musicianship, bandleader, actor, composer, dancer, arranger, conductor and performer the world has become U're canvas and U have created some beautiful Masterpieces for nearly 4 decades I am truly Thankful for your willingness to explore different types of music BUT always keeping that Spiritual lining in U're music.U have always been ahead of U're time but always RIGHT on time with the messages and lyrics to U're music. As U continue 2 take risk with U're music career U faced the Unexpected with U're Intellectual Rights to Owenership of U're Music Catalog U fought for freedom from Contactual Rights to Owen U're Music Catalog and fight for other Artist to regain full owenership of their entire catalog, Now that is true BOLDNESS and Confidence in U're GOD given ability as a musician to strive a make changes that U saw fit. Over U're entire career U have work with some of the GREAT'S like Miles Davies, Clare Fischer , Susan Rogers, Sinead O' Conner, Sheena Easton, Bangels , Sheryl Crow, Larry Graham, Maceo Parker, No Doubt, and countless of other Artist and Inspired millions of others artist along the way. So on this day I want to honor and Celebrate the God Fearing Man Of God that U are. JUNE 7, 1958 a gift was given un2 the world THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER on this day we give THANKS AND PRAISE 2 God 4 U This is my Birthday Letter 2 U. HAPPIE BIRTHDAY! May God shine his face upon U Now and Always. Sincerly Yours, Debbie A.K.A QUEEN BEE

One Little IBD Warrior Soldiers On

Please take a moment to read about this Little Angel and my Little SHERO Kendyll about One Little IBD Warrior Soldiers On As told by Kendyll’s mother Shaquille Claiborne When Kendyll was born, she had trouble keeping down her formula and was diagnosed with acid reflux, but around six months of age she starting having increased vomiting and diarrhea. After constantly being diagnosed with stomach virus, she was finally referred to a GI doctor in Jackson, Mississippi. Around 21 months, Kendyll was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Later we would find out she actually had ulcerative colitis. Since being diagnosed, Kendyll has been plagued with chronic diarrhea, vomiting, sepsis, and various other problems that have caused her to be hospitalized numerous times. With the help of her tube, she is able to get her medications and all the nutrition she needs. Throughout everything, Kendyll is a very strong, happy, spirited child. At 3 years old, Kendyll enjoys going outside and spending time with her family. She is an extraordinary little warrior. Kendyll is one of a growing number of children in the U.S. being diagnosed with inflammatory bowel diseases. Learn how you can help us look for better treatments and one day cures that can lead to their future free from IBD: http://www.ccfa.org/get-involved/. For further information, call CCFA at our IBD Help Center: 888.MY.GUT.PAIN (888.694.8872). The Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of America provides information for educational purposes only. We encourage you to review this educational material with your health care professional. The Foundation does not provide medical or other health care opinions or services. The inclusion of another organization's resources or referral to another organization does not represent an endorsement of a particular individual, group, company or product.

What We Do

We have made it to the end of the Week YES! So let's take a moment to reflect on this Read: Philippians 3:7-17 Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 23-24; John 15 One thing I do . . . I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:13-14 When Pulitzer Prize-winning film critic Roger Ebert died, a fellow journalist wrote of him: “With all his notoriety, honors, and celebrity, all his exclusive interviews and star-dusted encounters with movie greats, Ebert never forgot the essence of what we do—review movies. And he reviewed them with an infectious zeal and probing intellect” (Dennis King, The Oklahoman). The apostle Paul never forgot the essence of what God wanted him to be and do. Focus and enthusiasm were at the heart of his relationship with Christ. Whether he was reasoning with philosophers in Athens, experiencing shipwreck in the Mediterranean, or being chained to a Roman soldier in prison, he focused on his calling to know “Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings” and to teach about Him (Phil. 3:10). While he was in prison, Paul wrote, “I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14). Whatever his circumstances, Paul continually pressed forward in his calling as a disciple of Christ. May we always remember the essence, the heart, of who we are called to be and what we are called to do as followers of Jesus. —David C. McCasland Father, may I be willing to do what I can with all that I have, wherever I am. Paul was in earnest over one thing only, and that was his relationship to Jesus Christ. Oswald Chambers INSIGHT: In the verses preceding today’s reading (see vv. 4-6), Paul describes his credentials—his “confidence in the flesh”—including his religious upbringing, his ethnic heritage, his zeal, and a lifetime of devotion to the law of Moses. However, all of this is nothing compared to knowing Christ and receiving the gift of salvation (vv. 7-8).

Light in the Darkness

WOW! So here we are starting a New week in a New Month YES! We have started a New Month we have entered the 6th Month of the New Year with Read: John 12:42-50 Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 15-16; John 12:27-50 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. —John 12:46 During a trip to Peru, I visited one of the many caves found throughout that mountainous country. Our guide told us that this particular cave had already been explored to a depth of 9 miles—and it went even deeper. We saw fascinating bats, nocturnal birds, and interesting rock formations. Before long, however, the darkness of the cave became unnerving—almost suffocating. I was greatly relieved when we returned to the surface and the light of day. That experience was a stark reminder of how oppressive darkness can be and how much we need light. We live in a world made dark by sin—a world that has turned against its Creator. And we need the Light. Jesus, who came to restore all of creation—including humanity—to its intended place referred to Himself as that “light” (John 8:12). “I have come as a light into the world,” He said, “that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness” (12:46). In Him, we not only have the light of salvation but the only light by which we can find our way—His way—through our world’s spiritual darkness. —Bill Crowder How have you seen God’s light displayed in our broken world? In what ways have you shared His light?Tell us your answers to these questions at www.odb.org. When we walk in the Light, we won’t stumble in the darkness. INSIGHT: The imagery of Jesus as light (v. 46) is the key feature of today's text, but it is also a key feature in the entire gospel of John. In fact, John uses the word light to describe Jesus twenty times, clustered into several key parts of the book: chapter 1 (six times), chapter 3 (five times), chapters 8-9 (three times), and chapter 12 (six times). In each instance, except for references in chapter 1, Jesus is the one speaking, using light as a self-portrait.