Hispanic Heritage Month

I won't to take a moment to acknowledge Hispanic Heritage month which starts on September 15th to October 15th here is a brief history About National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402. The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period. Executive and Legislative Documents The Law Library of Congress has compiled guides to commemorative observations, including a comprehensive inventory of the Public Laws, Presidential Proclamations and congressional resolutions related to Hispanic American Heritage Month. Let's take a moment to CELEBRATE One another on this Hispanic Heritage Month Loretta Sanchez Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month 2015 Danza Azteca Tlaltlacayolotl Hispanic Heritage Month 2015

Members Match success!

Here is CCFA'S 2015 September Newsletter on ALL the things that are going on at the Crohn's And Colitis Foundation Of America. A Letter From the President & CEO I want to personally thank everyone who made a donation as part of the Members Match. I am overwhelmed by the amazing response of the CCFA community throughout this entire campaign – and your dedication to finding cures for IBD. Because of you, we were able to raise over $260,000 – which will enable us to continue funding the most cutting-edge research, increasing awareness about IBD and providing support to people with Crohn's and colitis. Richard J. Geswell, CCFA President and CEO Thank you, Michael Osso Michael Osso President & CEO Join us for a great new event! We received so much interest in our new event, spin4 Crohn’s & Colitis Cures, we have expanded it to more cities! Spin4 will be in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Maryland/DC, New York, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle on December 5! And, if you are not in those cities, there is also a “ride where you live” option. Spin4 is a great way to raise funds for IBD research. You’ll never go further on a stationary bike! Learn more ► Take action for IBD research Congress is back in session this month, which means it’s time to pass the annual appropriations bills for the next fiscal year. These bills fund federal programs – including IBD research. Thanks to your advocacy and the Crohn's and Colitis Caucus, legislators have proposed IBD research funding in their draft FY16 appropriations bills – so we must encourage them to include the proposed funding in the final bills. Please email your legislators today using the September Alert and tell them why IBD research is important to you. Act now ► Camp Oasis thanks you Camp Oasis enriches the lives of children with IBD by providing them with a safe and supportive camp community. In order to do this, CCFA relies heavily on the commitment and hard work of its volunteers. This year, the Camp Oasis program operated 12 sessions across the country and served 1,105 pediatric patients. A total of 295 cabin counselors and 153 medical staff members came together to ensure these children had an incredible experience. With the Camp Oasis program approaching its 20th year, we owe its success to you – the volunteer. Thank you! Help fund critical IBD research Your support helps our scientists continue the groundbreaking research that is making a real difference for people with Crohn’s and colitis. Please make a generous gift to CCFA today. Donate now Upcoming Facebook Live Chat Join host Dr. Raluca Vrabie of Winthrop University Hospital on Wednesday, September 30th from 5:00–6:00 pm EST for our next Facebook Live Chat, “Healthcare maintenance needs of IBD patients.” Join us on Facebook ► Does your child have a 504 Plan? A 504 Plan spells out the modifications and accommodations that a child with IBD may need to achieve success in school – such as an extra set of textbooks, stop-the-clock testing or in-home tutoring. Contact the IBD Help Center at info@ccfa.org for more information and to obtain a sample 504 Plan letter. For all your IBD questions Information Specialists at our IBD Help Center not only respond to patient calls and emails, but are also available via live chat. Specialists can provide disease-specific information and resources on coping, available treatment options, diet and nutrition, financial assistance, insurance, support services and a host of other topics. Chat live today ► Walk for cures this fall! Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis provides a fun, festive atmosphere for patients to connect with others in the IBD community and raise money toward cures. We are kicking off our fall season with more than 60 walks across the country. Find a walk near you ► 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 Pilot Study Investigating a Decentralized Approach to Studying Dietary Intervention in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis by Transparency Life Sciences. CRADLE – A Multicenter Postmarketing Study to Evaluate Breast Milk Transfer in Lactating Mothers Receiving Treatment for Crohn's and Rheumatologic Diseases sponsored by UCB BioSciences, Inc. CRIB – A Multicenter Postmarketing Study to Evaluate Placental Transfer in Pregnant Women Receiving Treatment for Crohn's and Rheumatologic Diseases sponsored by UCB BioSciences, Inc. 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

Give It Away

The weekend is over we are at the end of the month getting ready to enter into the 10th month of the New Year but as we start this New Week let's be thankful for ALL that GOD has done in are lives with these words of wisdom Read: Philippians 2:19-30 Bible in a Year: Isaiah 5-6; Ephesians 1 I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, . . . whom you sent to take care of my needs. —Philippians 2:25 Many charities that help people with various needs depend on donations of unwanted clothing and household items from those who have more than enough. And it’s good to give away unused things so they can benefit others. But we are often more reluctant to part with things of value that we use every day. When Paul was imprisoned in Rome, he needed continuing encouragement and the companionship of trusted friends. Yet he sent two of his closest comrades to help the followers of Jesus in Philippi (Phil. 2:19-30). “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon . . . . I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (vv. 19-20). And, “I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs” (v. 25). Paul freely gave to others what he most needed himself. Whatever we feel is “most valued” in our lives today could be of great benefit to someone we know. It may be our time, friendship, encouragement, a listening ear, or a helping hand. When we give away what the Lord has given to us, He is honored, others are helped, and we are blessed. —David McCasland Lord, show me what I cling to. If someone needs it, open my heart and my hands and help me give it away today. Giving freely honors the Lord, helps others, and blesses us. INSIGHT: Epaphroditus is mentioned only in today’s passage and in Philippians 4:18. The Philippian church had sent him to minister to Paul, who was in a Roman prison (2:25). He willingly took the role of Paul’s personal servant and also brought gifts from the church (4:18). Paul called him “my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier” (2:25). Epaphroditus had become seriously ill and upon recovery Paul sent him back to Philippi, carrying with him this letter of encouragement (vv. 27-29). Paul asked the church to honor him for his faithfulness and the costliness of the service he had rendered to Christ (v. 30; 1 Thess. 5:12-13). Sim Kay Tee

First Steps

So here we are at the end of the week It's FRIDAY! YES! time to prepare for the weekend BUT before we do let's take a moment to reflect on this past week and be GRATEFUL for ALL GOD has brought us throw with these words of wisdom Read: Romans 8:14-17 Bible in a Year: Song of Solomon 6-8; Galatians 4 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. —Romans 8:16 A friend stopped me the other day with some exciting news and then spent 10 minutes describing for me the first steps of her 1-year-old nephew. He could walk! Later I realized how bizarre we might have sounded to an eavesdropper. Most people can walk. What was the big deal? It struck me that childhood provides a quality of specialness that nearly vanishes for the rest of life. Thinking about our treatment of children gave me further appreciation for the fact that God chooses the word picture of “children” to describe our relationship with Him. The New Testament announces that we are God’s children, with all the rights and privileges of worthy heirs (Rom. 8:16-17). Jesus (the “one and only” Son of God) came, we’re told, to make possible our adoption as sons and daughters in God’s family. I imagine God views each halting step forward in my spiritual “walk” with the eagerness of a parent watching a child take that very first step. Perhaps when the secrets of the universe are finally revealed, we will learn an underlying purpose of watching children grow. It may be that God has granted us these times of specialness to awaken us to His infinite love. Of the fullness of that love, our experiences here on earth are mere glimpses. —Philip Yancey Loving heavenly Father, increase our awareness of Your love for us and Your delight in us so we can show the world the difference You make in our lives. You are loved. INSIGHT: Notice in today’s Bible reading the extensive nature of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Paul tells us that the Spirit leads us as God’s children (v. 14), enables us through adoption to call God our Father (v. 15), and affirms God’s saving work in our hearts (v. 16). It is one of the truly great passages in the New Testament on the work of the Spirit in our lives—and one we should celebrate! Bill Crowder

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN!

We say so long to the Summer days and the Summer Nights as of Today September 23rd we have entered into a New Season which is called the Autumnal Equinox or should we say FALL is here YEAH! As reported by CNN Meteorologist Brandon Miller reported. (CNN)There are a variety of ways to mark the beginning of a new season, especially fall -- when the promise of cool, crisp mornings replaces the heat of summer. For some, fall truly begins with the first football game of the year. For others it's Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. However you look at the season, autumn officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere with the autumnal equinox at 4:21 a.m. ET Wednesday (or for the Southern Hemisphere, the vernal equinox marked the beginning of spring). The word equinox derives from the Latin words "aequus," meaning equal, and "nox," meaning night -- referring to the fact that nearly the entire Earth will experience roughly the same 12 hours of daylight as night. The tilt of the Earth ensures we have seasons, and based upon its orbit around the sun, whichever hemisphere is tilted closest to the sun will be in summer, while the other hemisphere is in winter. The hemisphere tilted toward the sun gets its rays more directly and for a longer period of time (longer days), while the other receives these rays at more of an angle and for less time (longer nights). But as the Earth orbits around the sun, this angle becomes equal for both hemispheres for a short time -- before the hemisphere closest to the sun becomes the one farther away. This happens twice a year, in March and September. The length of day/night is the same for both hemispheres Wednesday but will be shorter Thursday for the Northern and longer for the Southern. This discrepancy will grow each day until the winter solstice (summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere) on December 22. From that point on, it reverses until March, when the sun's rays are equal for all -- at least for a day. Just want to wish every one A HAPPY FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN! Lets take a moment to reflect on the past 9 months and be GRATEFUL for ALL that GOD has done for us.

A Fly’s Reminder

The weekend has come to an end and we are starting a New Week with Read: Ecclesiastes 9:4-12 Bible in a Year: Ecclesiastes 7-9; 2 Corinthians 13 Anyone who is among the living has hope. —Ecclesiastes 9:4 When I first began working in the small office I now rent, the only inhabitants were a few mopey flies. Several of them had gone the way of all flesh, and their bodies littered the floor and windowsills. I disposed of all but one, which I left in plain sight. That fly carcass reminds me to live each day well. Death is an excellent reminder of life, and life is a gift. Solomon said, “Anyone who is among the living has hope” (Eccl. 9:4). Life on earth gives us the chance to influence and enjoy the world around us. We can eat and drink happily and relish our relationships (vv. 7,9). We can also enjoy our work. Solomon advised, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might” (v. 10). Whatever our vocation or job or role in life, we can still do things that matter, and do them well. We can encourage people, pray, and express love with sincerity each day. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “Time and chance happen to them all. . . . No one knows when their hour will come” (vv. 11-12). It’s impossible to know when our lives on earth will end, but gladness and purpose can be found in this day by relying on God’s strength and depending on Jesus’ promise of eternal life (John 6:47). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt Dear God, help me to manage my time well and enjoy the gifts of this world today. Thank you for the promise of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. This is the day the Lord has made. Rejoice and be glad. INSIGHT: Solomon’s wisdom was legendary in his day (1 Kings 4:34) and so was his pursuit of knowledge. First Kings 4:32-33 says, “He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five. He spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.” Bill Crowder

2 A.M. Friends

We have made it to the end of the week YES! It's FRIDAY! with Read: Colossians 4:2-15 Bible in a Year: Proverbs 30-31; 2 Corinthians 11:1-15 He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. —Colossians 4:12 A friend told me about a group of people who share a strong bond of faith in Christ. One of them, a 93-year-old woman, said, “I feel like I can call any of you at 2 a.m., and I don’t even have to apologize if I feel the need for any type of assistance.” Whether the need is prayer, practical help, or someone to be there during a time of need, these friends are unconditionally committed to each other. The same sense of commitment shines through Paul’s letter to the followers of Jesus in Colossae. Writing from prison in Rome, Paul says he is sending Tychicus and Onesimus to encourage them (Col. 4:7-9). Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus send their greetings (vv.10-11). And Epaphras is “always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured” (v. 12). These are bold assurances of practical help and deep-seated love. Are you part of a “2 a.m. group”? If so, give thanks for the faithfulness of friends. If not, ask the Lord to connect you with another person with whom you can share a commitment to pray and care. I suspect it will soon grow to include others. Share the love of Christ with one another. Anything. Anytime. Anywhere. All in Jesus’ name! —David McCasland Jesus, thank You for friends who demonstrate Your love to me. Help me to do the same for them and those around me. Most of all, thank You for being the friend who sticks closer than a brother.Share this prayer from our Facebook page with your friends: facebook.com/ourdailybread Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Jesus INSIGHT: Paul wrote the book of Colossians to the church at Colossae, which apparently was a sister church to the church at Laodicea about 10 miles away (Col. 2:1). The Colossian church appears to have been founded by Paul’s colleague Epaphras (1:7) and was also the home church of Philemon and his redeemed slave, Onesimus (4:9; see Philem. 1:2). Bill Crowder

Words and Actions

The weekend has come to an end so we are JUMP! starting a New Week with Read: Matthew 21:28-32 Bible in a Year: Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7 Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. —1 John 3:18 The email from the student in my college writing class expressed urgency. It was the end of the semester, and he realized he needed a better grade to participate in sports. What could he do? He had missed some assignments, so I gave him two days to complete those papers and improve his grade. His response: “Thank you. I’ll do it.” Two days—and the deadline—passed, and no papers appeared. He didn’t back up his words with action. Jesus told about a young man who did something similar. The boy’s dad asked him to do some work in the vineyard. The son said, “I will, sir” (Matt. 21:30). But he was all talk and no action. In commenting on this parable, Matthew Henry concluded: “Buds and blossoms are not fruit.” The buds and blossoms of our words, which breed anticipation of what we might do, are empty without the fruit of our follow-through. Jesus’ main application was to religious leaders who spoke of obedience yet refused to follow through with repentance. But the words apply to us as well. It is in following God “with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18)—not in making empty promises—that we honor our Lord and Savior. Our actions in obeying God show Him more love, honor, and praise than any empty words we might say to try to appear good. —Dave Branon Dear Father, help me to follow through on my promises to You and to all who depend on me. Especially help me to do Your will and not just talk about it. Words are the blossoms, action the fruit. INSIGHT: Matthew 21 describes several events in the life of Christ. This chapter opens with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (vv. 1-11) followed by the cleansing of the temple (vv. 12-17) and the cursing of the fig tree (vv. 18-22). Then the parable of the two sons follows a debate with the religious leaders about Jesus’ authority (vv. 23-32). It is this issue that forms the context of the parable, for it deals with how the sons responded to authority. The son who did his father’s wishes was the one who honored his father. Bill Crowder

Never Forget September 11th

14 years ago today America was attack BUT on this day we want to take a moment to reflect and remember The anniversary of 9/11, we honor the memory of the fallen. The White House Observes a Moment of Silence on the 14th Anniversary of September 11th

In the Garden

OK, So here we are we have made it to the end of the week YES! It's FRIDAY! here is some words of wisdom for ALL of to reflect on Read: Matthew 26:36-42 Bible in a Year: Proverbs 10-12; 2 Corinthians 4 My Father, . . . may your will be done. —Matthew 26:42 My forefathers were pioneers in Michigan. They cleared the land, planted crops, and cultivated gardens to raise food for their families. This agrarian bent has been passed down through the generations. My dad grew up on a Michigan farm and loved gardening, which may explain why I love gardening and the smell of fertile soil. Cultivating plants that bear beautiful flowers and tending roses that fragrantly grace our yard with beauty are enjoyable pastimes for me. If it weren’t for the weeds it would be wonderful! When I have to wrestle with the weeds, I am reminded of the garden of Eden; it was a perfect garden until Adam and Eve disobeyed God and thorns and thistles became a reality for them and every gardener since then (Gen. 3:17-18). The Bible also mentions another garden—the garden of Gethsemane where Christ, in deep distress, pleaded with His Father to find another way to reverse sin’s consequences that were born in Eden. In Gethsemane, Jesus surrendered to His Father by uttering words of full obedience in the face of great pain: “Your will be done” (Matt. 26:42). Because Jesus surrendered in that garden, we now harvest the benefits of His amazing grace. May this lead us to surrender to His weeding of sin from our lives. —Joe Stowell Lord, thank You for the amazing price You paid to free me from sin. May the reality of the victory You won encourage me to reject the sin that entangles my ability to be fruitful for You. Spiritual growth occurs when faith is cultivated. INSIGHT: While Gethsemane is usually referred to as a “garden,” it was in reality more like an orchard of olive trees. A portion of that orchard still remains today at the foot of the Mount of Olives, just across the Brook Kidron from the old city of Jerusalem and the temple mount. From Gethsemane, you have a clear view of the Eastern Gate where it is believed the Messiah will enter Jerusalem when He returns to earth at His second coming. Imagine: In the shadow of the place where Jesus will be greatly honored as the arriving King is the garden where His sufferings began. Bill Crowder

HAPPY LABOR DAY!

WOW! I can't believe Summer is coming to an END! I just want to take a moment to Wish everyone a HAPPIE LABOR DAY! May this day be filled with JOY & BLESSINGS. As we take this moment to reflect on ALL that has happen over the Summer we are truly Blessed to enjoy moments with Family, Friends or even taking time for one's Self to reflect on the sheer GRATEFULNESS of Life. Hope your Labor Day is Reflective & Blessed. HAPPY LABOR DAY!

Ripples of Hope

The weekend has come and gone and we are starting a New Week on this Labor Day Holiday with Read: 1 Peter 1:3-9 Bible in a Year: Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 16 In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. —1 Peter 1:3 In 1966, U.S. Senator Robert Kennedy made an influential visit to South Africa. There he offered words of hope to opponents of apartheid in his famous “Ripple of Hope” speech at the University of Cape Town. In his speech, he declared, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” At times in this world, hope seems scarce. Yet there is an ultimate hope readily available for the follower of Christ. Peter wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Through the certainty of Christ’s resurrection, the child of God has a hope that is more than a ripple. It is an overwhelming current of confidence in the faithfulness of the One who conquered death for us. Jesus, in His victory over death—our greatest enemy—can infuse hope into the most hopeless of situations. —Bill Crowder My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Edward Mote In Christ the hopeless find hope. INSIGHT: Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) who were suffering because of persecution. He tells them that their sufferings serve a divine purpose by proving the genuineness and quality of their faith (1:7). These believers can “greatly rejoice” (v. 6) because they have “a living hope” that is eternal, guaranteed by the risen Christ, and divinely reserved by God (vv. 3-4). Suffering believers have the privilege of following Jesus’ example (2:21), participating not only in His sufferings, but also in His glory (1:7; 4:13). They have the opportunity and responsibility to tell others about their living hope (3:15). Sim Kay Tee

People Power

So here we are in the 9th Month of The New Year WHAT! It's already September WOW! and it's the end of the week so as we prepare ourselves let's take a moment to reflect on this Read: Ephesians 4:7-16 Bible in a Year: Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40 The whole body . . . grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. —Ephesians 4:16 A man was boarding a train in Perth, Australia, when he slipped and his leg got caught in the gap between the train carriage and the station platform. Dozens of passengers quickly came to his rescue. They used their sheer might to tilt the train away from the platform, and the trapped man was freed! The train service’s spokesman, David Hynes, said in an interview, “Everyone sort of pitched in. It was people power that saved someone from possibly quite serious injury.” In Ephesians 4, we read that people power is God’s plan for building up His family. He has given each of us a special gift of His grace (v. 7) for the specific purpose that “the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work” (v. 16). Every person has a job to do in God’s family; there are no spectators. In God’s family we weep and laugh together. We bear each other’s burdens. We pray for and encourage one another. We challenge and help each other to turn from sin. Show us, Father, our part in helping Your family today. —Poh Fang Chia Are you a spectator or a participant? What gifts do you have? In what ways can God use you to help others grow closer to Him? We need each other to get to where God wants us to go. INSIGHT: The various types of spiritual gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8, 1 Corinthians 12:7-30, Ephesians 4:11, and 1 Peter 4:10-11. That no two lists are identical would suggest that each list is not exhaustive. God intends that we use these grace gifts to serve, instruct, encourage, edify, equip, and empower the church so as to glorify Him (1 Cor. 14:4-5,26,31; Eph. 4:12; 1 Peter 4:10-11). In Ephesians 4, Paul highlights the teaching gifts that help build up and mature the church (vv. 11-16). Apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers are gifted in proclaiming and teaching the Word of God. Sim Kay Tee