Jenn Rejoices In Grace

2008-04-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Meet Jonathan Gabriel Boger. I hope to have some clearer pictures of our second son soon. These are from my Sonogram last December.
I think it looks like he is playing peekaboo. :)
Jonathan is due May 9th.
His big brother Joshua is 6 1/2 and very excited about meeting him soon.

I just hope it is not TOO SOON. Selfish, I know, but we do have our WBFJ Sharathon coming up April 29-May 2. I want to be able to be a part of it! It is long week with long hours for a lot of our staff, yet I think it is the most FUN, blessed time in the WBFJ year!

Many of you volunteer your time to come answer phones during Sharathon. Some of you may come for the GREAT food (and I don't blame you--that's honestly one of the things I don't want to miss out on!) and fellowship or just simply out of your love for Your Family Station. We really appreciate you!

Many of you lift WBFJ (staff, artists, etc) up to our Father God in prayer during Sharathon. We really appreciate you! And I covet your prayers for me and my family as we prepare for Jonathan's birth.

Many of you give financially--some VERY sacrificially--to WBFJ during Sharathon. We really appreciate you! We are a listener-supported station and every penny makes a difference. Just please make sure you are first giving to your home church. :) We don't want to take away from that.

I am very excited about Sharathon and I hope you are, too. Tues. April 29th is Prayer and Praise Day and we'll wrap that up that evening at 7pm with what I expect to be a wonderful and lively concert with Salvador and Pocket Full of Rocks at First Assembly of God in Winston-Salem.

I hope that Jonathan stays put for a while longer so that I can see many of you during Sharathon! After he is born, I will be staying at home (as long as the Lord leads) to care for him. I hope to still be a part of the WBFJ Family as I am able. It has been a blessing to be a part of this ministry for the past almost 9 years. :)

Again, thanks for what YOU do for WBFJ. We really do appreciate you!

God Bless!
Jennifer

Josh, my Dad (Ed), me & Jonathan and my Mom (Robin) in early April. My husband Joe was taking the picture. :)

PS-If you want to volunteer during Sharathon, please e-mail Bonnie at bhilton@wbfj.org

2007-11-13T09:49:00.001-08:00

November is National Adoption Month. Here is a great article about adoption.
:) Jennifer

For the Sake of One
By Analiz GonzálezBuckner News Service
You’ve seen the faces on TV: faces of teary-eyed orphans begging for your help. You flip the channel, you try to look away, but they’re still there.
Realistically, though, how much could you do for the world’s lonely children? What’s the point of letting your heart be drawn out by a situation you can’t change? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the overflow of need in the world. You aren’t its savior. So then what can you do?
Here’s a suggestion: Help one. Adopt one. Foster one. Focus on one. It may not change the world, but it will change that child’s world.
November is National Adoption Month. Nov. 17 is National Adoption Day. It’s a good time to consider bringing a new blessing into your life.
The Buckner Adoption Network is a Christ-center ministry that offers several adoption services designed to fit families’ adoption and foster care needs.
Buckner services include international and domestic adoption services as well as foster-to-adopt opportunities and birthmother services.
International adoption services offers families the opportunity to bring home children and babies from abroad to the United States. Children from abroad are unlikely to be adopted within their own culture. Because these children lack families to guide and assist them, they are on their own at age 16, with little or no vocational or educational skills. International adoption would be a good way to help one child find hope for the future.
Buckner domestic adoption services offers Texas families domestic infant adoption services, foster-to-adopt and TDFPS adoption services.
Domestic infant adoption services place newborns with Christian couples, usually straight from the hospital. Buckner works with birthmothers during pregnancy to determine a plan for the baby’s future. If she chooses adoption, she chooses the adoptive family. Then she and the family together work out the relationship they will have before and after the baby is born.
Buckner’s birthmother connection allows Buckner to work with birthmothers to provide education about adoption, open adoption and a birthmother’s role in her child’s life after placement; give her tools to cope with the grief in making the adoption decision; help prepare her for giving birth;allow her to look at all the families waiting to adopt; and support her through counseling and support groups with other birthmothers.
The Buckner foster-to-adopt services offer the opportunity to adopt the children who are being fostered by a family. For more information about adoption or supporting our adoption programs, contact us at adoption@buckner.org or 1-866-236-7823.

www.buckner.org

2007-10-10T08:57:00.000-07:00

This is from Lisa Holbrook of Caroline's Promise...

Guatemala 5000 Intitiative
Easy Steps to Take Action

Please take the time to make phone calls, send emails, or fax letters to your member of Congress and UNICEF/New York. We've tried to make it easier for you, by writing a sample letter that you can use. You CAN make a difference for the children of Guatemala! To learn more about the Guatemala 5000 Intitiative please visit: http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm

Step 1: Contact your US Senators by phone or email. Feel free to use our sample letter, making necessary changes. Ask to speak to the Legislative Director or Chief of Staff.
Email Richard Burr http://burr.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home

Phone: 202-224-3154 Fax: 202-228-2981
Email: Elizabeth Dole http://dole.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactForm

Phone: 202-224-6342 Fax: 202-224-1100
If you don't live in North Carolina - find your Senator's contact info here: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Step 2: Contact your Representative to the House of Representatives. Send the same letter.

http://www.house.gov/ and use the "Find Your Representative" section in the upper left

Here is a sample letter:
Dear ______

I am writing in response to the Guatemala 5000 initiative. As adoptive parents and advocates for orphans everywhere, I am concerned about President Berger's announcement that there will be no grandfathering of Guatemalan adoptions that are currently in process. We have taken many mission trips to Guatemala and know first hand the conditions of the children's homes. Our concern is not only for the 5000 adoptive families in process, but most importantly for the 5000 children who should be able to come home to those forever families. We are concerned about the welfare of these children if their adoption process is not allowed to be completed.

We are asking that you get involved and
Sign the letter to President Berger of Guatemala that is sponsored by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. If you do not have a copy of this letter, please contact CCAI at 202-544-8500.
Sign the letter to UNICEF that is sponsored by JCICS. www.jcics.org

These letters simply ask that all adoptions in process as of January 1, 2008 be allowed to process to completion under existing notorial laws.

Thank you for taking the time to hear our concern. We thank you in advance for supporting the Guatemala 5000 Initiative.

Sincerely, ___________ (your name, city and state)

Step 3: Call or fax Ann Veneman, Executive Director of UNICEF Headquarters
Phone: 212-326-7000 Fax: 212-326-7758
Feel free to use the sample letter below, making necessary changes.

Ann Veneman, Executive Director
UNICEF

I am writing in response to the Guatemala 5000 initiative. As adoptive parents and advocates for orphans everywhere, I am concerned about President Berger's announcement that there will be no grandfathering of Guatemalan adoptions that are currently in process. We have taken many mission trips to Guatemala and know first hand the conditions of the children's homes. Our concern is not only for the 5000 adoptive families in process, but most importantly for the 5000 children who should be able to come home to those forever families. We are concerned about the welfare of these children if their adoption process is not allowed to be completed.

We realize that you have incredible influence and are asking that you use it to ensure that the 5000 children already in the Guatemalan adoption process, be allowed to process to completion under existing notorial law.

Step 4: Send an email to guatemala5000@jcics.org informing them of your support of intercountry adoption.

Caroline's Promise 1950 Beeson Road Kernersville NC 27284

http://www.carolinespromise4u.org/

2007-10-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends and Family,
You likely know my heart for orphans--especially after having been to Peru twice this year and seeing some of the most precious ones with my own eyes, hugging them with my own arms, etc. The recent news about the Guatemalan president suspending US adoptions of Guatemalan orphans breaks my heart! And it will likely break the hearts of the 5,000 precious children who will suffer the consequences of this action in the form of not being able to join the forever families that they have already been referred to.

Please read the info below from local adoption advocacy/education/help ministry Caroline's Promise and then visit http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm to see how YOU can make a difference.

JCICS (Joint Council on International Children's Services) is asking that we act on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (October 9th, 10th, 11th)--within a 72 hour window for maximum affect. (Sorry I didn't send this out sooner!)
Muchas Gracias!
For the precious children,
Jennifer

James 1:27 (Amplified Bible)
27External religious worship [religion as it is expressed in outward acts] that is pure and unblemished in the sight of God the Father is this: to visit and help and care for the orphans and widows in their affliction and need, and to keep oneself unspotted and uncontaminated from the world.
Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation

PS-I interviewed Lisa Holbrook of Caroline's Promise about this earlier today and will air portions of it on Stereo 1550 WBFJ AM later today and as we can. Please pray that God will use this interview compell our listeners to act on behalf of the children. Thanks!

Urgent Action Needed for Guatemala Adoptions

Many of you are aware that the President of Guatemala has made a decision to cease all Guatemalan adoptions to people living in the U.S., effective January 1, 2008. You can learn more from the Joint Council on International Children's Services:
http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm

"President Berger's plans also call for the suspension of adoptions currently in-process. Such a suspension would be extremely detrimental to the children referred to adoptive parents. If President Berger's plan is actually implemented, up to 5,000 will unnecessarily remain in foster care or orphanages indefinitely. This situation represents a pending crisis for the adoptive families who have chosen to provide permanency, safety and love to a child in need and most importantly a crisis for 5,000 children of Guatemala." JCICS website.

JCICS has established the Guatemala 5000 Initiative and we encourage you to participate. They are asking all of us to make 6 phone calls and send 1 email to members of Congress and UNICEF. They are asking us to do this on October 9 -11. Your participation CAN make a difference!

Ultimately we depend on our Heavenly Father to intervene on behalf of these precious children. We believe that He is calling the Church to do its job and get involved!

Guatemala Prayer List:
That people will take the time to participate in the Guatemala 5000 Initiative.
That the government of Guatemala will at the very least provide a "Grandfather clause", allowing children who have been referred to adoptive parents to complete their adoption and not remain in orphanages.
For the children's homes and caregivers in Guatemala who will now be under extreme financial stress as they try to meet the needs of children.
For the US families who have children in the adoption process in Guatemala.
PLEASE get involved! Visit http://www.jcics.org/Guatemala5000.htm and inform people who want to make a difference in the lives of children.

From Caroline's Promise www. carolinespromise4u.org
Kernersville, NC

"...we began to realize that many more families would choose adoption if they had financial support, encouragement and prayer support. From that realization came the ministry, Caroline’s Promise.We are excited that you have found us and encourage you to learn more about Caroline's Promise! James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress. ” What is God saying to you when you read this scripture? What is He calling you to do? Adopt? Volunteer? Give financially? God’s word is clear – you must do something!" David and Lisa Holbrook, Co founders and Directors

2007-07-03T09:19:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

When I went to Lima and Cusco, Peru on a Buckner International Shoes For Orphan Souls mission trip this past March, I got to see first-hand just how much orphaned children need new shoes and how happy they are to receive them. And they need pure, true love just as much as they need new shoes.

You see, Buckner's Shoes For Orphan Souls teams don't just bring children new shoes. They also bring the good news of God's love and the hope of salvation through Christ! As you shop for shoes to give to Shoes For Orphan Souls during WBFJ's Shoe Drive, please pray for the child who will receive the shoes. You can even send a note and/or a photo to the child who will get the shoes. Some of the kids we ministered to in Peru received notes/photos with their shoes from the person/people who donated the shoes. They were very happy to have that extra dose of love and assurance that someone really does care for them!

James 1:27"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."

Next Monday, July 9th, we will be broadcasting live from 3 different areas to kick-off our shoe drive. Everyone who drops off a pair of new shoes during one of our remotes will receive a CD from WBFJ!
Lemstone Christian Books in Kernersville (8-10am)
Lifeway Christian Store, W-S (12p-2p)
GreensboroLifeway Christian Stores (4-6pm)

For a more detailed blog with photos go to www.jenntoperu.blogspot.com.

For more information about WBFJ's Shoes For Orphan Souls shoe drive, go to http://www.wbfj.fm/ or http://www.stereo1550.com/ and look for the SOS logo/banner or give us a call at 721-1560.

Happy Shoe-shopping!
:) Jennifer

2007-04-16T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have grown out my hair and avoided highlighting it for about a year in order to be able to donate hair to Locks of Love. The above is a collage of my hair before, during and after (and then, due to the photo program having a mind of its own--before AGAIN) my LOL cut. LOL in this case refers to LOCKS OF LOVE, not Laugh Out Loud (at least I hope so.)

If you have considered or would consider donating your or your child's hair (they should be willing, too!) to help children who have lost their hair, here is some helpful info. on LOL.

WHAT IS LOCKS OF LOVE?
Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

Please Note: Anyone can cut your hair as long the guidelines listed below are followed. We encourage all of our donors to go to a salon they are already familiar with to ensure their comfort when donating.

GUIDELINES FOR ACCEPTABLE DONATIONS
Hair that is colored or permed is acceptable.
Hair cut years ago is usable if it has been stored in a ponytail or braid.
Hair that has been bleached (usually this refers to highlighted hair) is not usable. If unsure, ask your stylist.
Hair that is swept off of the floor is not usable.
Hair that is shaved off and not in a ponytail or braid is not usable.
Layered hair is acceptable if the longest layer is 10 inches.
Layered hair may be divided into multiple ponytails.
Curly hair may be pulled straight to measure the minimum 10 inches.
Hair that is 6-10 inches in length will be accepted and sold at fair market value to offset the manufacturing costs.
Gray hair will be accepted and sold at fair market value to offset the manufacturing costs.

YOU SHOULD KNOW
Hair is needed from men and women, young and old, all colors and races.
There is no maximum length you can donate.
It is estimated that 80% of all donations come from children who wish to help other children.

For more information about Locks of Love, please visit http://locksoflove.org.

Note of PRAISE:

Since I donated my hair I have "met" (via MySpace) a local girl who was blessed by receiving a wig from Locks of Love when she was a child going through illness-related hair loss. Sometimes we tend to be unsure as to the truth and accountability of an organization until we get a first hand account of it. So, take it from me--and from my new friend--Locks of Love is legit!

Rejoicing in Grace,

Jennifer

2007-03-12T07:26:00.000-07:00

Good morning!

Just wanted to let you know that WBFJ's multitalented Mike (Deke if you listen to Crossroad!) has set up a special blog for my mission trip to Peru with Buckner International's Shoes For Orphans Souls. To see it, go to http://jenntoperu.blogspot.com.

I'm excited and I've started packing and laying out some things. I leave this Saturday afternoon 3/17/07 (St. Patrick's Day)! Wow!

Rejoicing (more than you can imagine) in grace,

Jennifer

2007-02-26T07:43:00.000-08:00

Next month I will be travelling to Peru to represent WBFJ on a Shoes For Orphans Souls mission trip with Buckner International. (www.buckner.org)

This will be my first mission trip as well as my first trip outside the USA requiring a Passport. So, I had to get a Passport. That was pretty easy to do after I called my mom to confirm her and my dad's birthplaces. Good thing I did, b/c I would have gotten my dad's wrong! He was born in Petersburg, Va--not Hopewell like I thought! I knew that mom was born in Buffalo, NY!

Well, I hear that South America is lovely--but there are some risks in going there.

YIKES! I don't want any colored fever and I needed my Tetnus/Diptheria booster, so I went to my Doctor's office for that. And the next day I headed to a place I just recently learned about--The Passport Health office.

Tonya, the Clinical Nurse Manager, talked to me about the various health risks of visiting the areas of Peru where I'll be travelling. She had a HUGE map in her office to help us visualize my trip.

Ultimately, I decided to cover the basics including Typhoid Fever, Flu and Hepatitis A&B. Here is a lineup of what I was about to face. Tonya was working on preparing the 3rd shot off camera. The biohazard bin kinda looks like a Red Hat in this pic. My mom is in a Red Hats group in Hopewell, VA! I think Tonya is a bit young for the average age of Red Hatters, anyway.

1,2, 3 sticks and then 3 bandages for my "boo-boos". My son Josh wondered why I didn't get "cool" bandages like he uses. Why, indeed, Tonya?! Perhaps those are reserved for minors.

(Not pictured: my 1 boo-boo on my right arm from the Tetnus/Dipth. shot I got the day before.)

In the bathroom after my shots, I reflected on my experience. No tears! Even though my hair was pretty flat. I'm growing it out to cut 10 inches of it off to give to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. They meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Check out www.locksoflove.org

After all those shots, all that talk about SOUTH America and needing to learn some Spanish, and since it was so close to lunchtime, I decided I would jump on into some more trip prep-work by going "South of the border" to the nearby Taco Bell drive -through to get my lunch. (I didn't see ANY rats!) I only wonder if I can work my working lunch into my reinbursable expenses.

(I do not advise eating Tacos while driving. It is difficult and messy and unsafe--even though I was driving my hubby's car and didn't have to shift gears. Of course, being safety and CLEAN-conscious, I did most of my nibbling at the stop lights and back at the station.)

I will be blogging about my trip from Peru from time to time. So check back and see how things are going. And I'd appreciate your prayers for me, for the others making the trip, for my husband Joe and son Joshua and for the orphans we will be blessing and ministering to on this trip!

Rejoicing in grace and in the opportunity to share God's love in Peru,

Jennifer

2006-12-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

Buenos Dias!

I brought some Kashi Heart To Heart Golden Brown Maple oatmeal with me to WBFJ to eat for breakfast today. When I got it out of the microwave I freaked b/c there were little orange specks all over the top of it. I thought that splattered food remnants had fallen from the top/sides of the microwave into my oatmeal. Ahhhh! How gross!

I scraped the top layer of oatmeal out of my bowl. Then I noticed that the orange specks were throughout the oatmeal. Hmm. Very intrusive microwave food splatter remnants! Then I thought, "Are there CARROTS in here or something?" So I went online and looked at the info about the oatmeal. And I figured out why it looked like someone's spaghetti/taco/salsa remnants had splattered into it.

Here's some info. from our friends at the Kashi website:
Heart to Heart instant oatmeal is a heart-warming way to start your day. Available in three favorite flavors – Golden Brown Maple (my flavor), Apple Cinnamon and Raisin Spice.

More For Your Heart
We created Heart to Heart with more heart healthy ingredients to make taking care of your heart easy and enjoyable.

Can help:
Reduce Cholesterol – 1g soluble fiber from oats
Support Healthy Arteries – 6 natural antioxidants, including green tea and grape seed extract; 100% daily value of 3 B vitamins
Promote Healthy Blood Pressure – low sodium

Golden Brown Maple
With warm, creamy oats naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, it’s a tasty way to do more for your heart.
Low fat
Low sodium
Nothing artificial (like microwave food splatter remnants!)

Ingredients:Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Evaporated Cane Juice, Chicory Root Fiber, Guar Gum, Natural Flavors, Potassium Chloride, Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, ActiVin® Grape Seed Extract, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Alpha Tocopherol Acetate (Natural Vitamin E), Tomato Extract (Source of Lycopene), Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Fumarate (Iron), Beta Carotene (Source of Vitamin A), Folic Acid and Vitamin B12.
Diabetic Exchange: 2 Carbohydrates
Kosher Certification: OU (???)

OK. So I suppose that the orange specks were the tomato extract and beta carotene and NOT microwave food splatter remnants. Whew! It's safe to eat!

Rejoicing in God's graciousness,
Jenn

2006-12-01T05:56:00.000-08:00

December 1, 2006 Broadcast of Focus on the Family
The Vital Role of Fathering (Part 2 of 2) Josh McDowell
Josh McDowell talks about the important role that fathers play in the lives of their kids. (Part 2 of 2)

A former agnostic, Josh McDowell is now a well-known Christian *apologist (he defends the authority/truth of the Bible and explains it), speaker and author who has influenced the lives of millions of people around the world. He has written or co-written more than 75 books including the best-selling Evidence That Demands a Verdict and More Than a Carpenter. Josh and his wife, Dottie, reside near Dallas, Texas, and have four children. (from www.family.org)

* by Josh McDowell
"Apologetics," as defined in Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, is "a branch of theology devoted to the defense of the divine origin and authority of Christianity."
If you want to know more about apologetics, this (http://www.josh.org/apologetics/apologetics.asp) is the place to be. You'll find proof that the Christian faith is based on fact, not fiction.
My interest in apologetics began back in college when I was challenged by several students to examine the claims of Jesus Christ. After much study, I could only come to one conclusion Jesus Christ is the Son of God, He was crucified, He died, and He was resurrected on the third day.
Soon after this discovery, I accepted Jesus as my Savior and Lord. As one who had set out to prove Christianity false, I now found myself in the perfect position to proclaim the Truth I had found. Over the past 39 years God has given me many opportunities to speak at college campuses and churches. He has also led me to write many books on apologetics.
One of these books is More Than a Carpenter. In it I share the basic truths of the Christian faith, as well as my own story of how I came to Christ. You can order it at http://www.beyondbelief.com/a_mtc.spl?sourceid=3104

My husband Joe and I LOVE Josh McDowell. In fact, he is one of the Josh's that we named our (now 5-year-old!) son Joshua after. Mr. McDowell can explain the Bible very well. He can explain the differences between Christianity and cults. He impacts people greatly for Christ. He has a very unique and passionate voice. He is passionate about the gospel! And he may be MOST passionate about reaching young people with the message of God's unfailing love.

Josh is sucessful in reaching young people with God's love. He tells of gothic students at high schools coming up to him and asking him for hugs. One young man in particular told him that his father never hugged him or told him he loved them. Josh challenges us to think about that when we see these Men (and women) In Black.

I didn't get to listen as closely to Part 1 of Josh's message on Focus on the Family yesterday, but here are some notes I took on the message he shared today. I have copied and pasted some of the Bible verses Josh refers to using www.BibleGateway.com .

I hope the notes are a blessing to you. You can go to www.family.org and www.josh.org for more information.

Rejoicing in grace and in Abba Father's unfailing love,
Jenn

NOTES ON JOSH'S MESSAGE ON THE VITAL ROLE OF FATHERING
(additional/explanatory notes by me in parentheses)

Intimacy is the ability to be real with another person. –Josh McDowell

The #1 question he gets from young men all over the world is “Will you give me a hug?” A goth (short for gothic—a style featuring black clothes, hair, makeup, body piercings, etc) guy at a high school asked him that at one of the high schools he spoke at did that. He said that his father had never hugged him or told him he loved him.

Kids need UNCONDITIONAL love from their fathers.

Pres. Bush, Sr. said his best accomplishment was that his kids still come home.

3 Questions that Josh asks his children:
1) Do you know that I love you?
2) Do you know that I love your mother?
3) When you get married and have kids do you want what I have with your mother and with you?
---If your kids can answer yes to all of these you are able to mold and shape them. If they answer no to any of them, you will have less of a positive impact on them.

There is no Bible verse that guarantees good parenting because every child has a free will. Proverbs 22:6 is probably one of the most misquoted Bible verses. Proverbs 22:6 (New International Version) “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
But if your kids KNOW you have unfailing love for them, the chances of them getting into trouble will be less.

You’re not truly emotionally free to fail until you know you are unconditionally loved.

We owe it to our kids to show them that they are so unfailingly loved that they are still free to fail.

In all the interviews Josh has heard w/ Hugh Heffner (creator of Playboy magazine, etc), Josh has never heard him mention his father. But Hugh said recently that he knew his mother loved him but she never showed it, so he had to learn about love from the movies. Josh thinks that if Hugh had been shown unfailing love (by his parents—especially his father) there would have never been Playboy magazine.

1 Cor 13 on love.

1 Corinthians 13 (The Message by Eugene H. Peterson)
The Way of Love
1 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. 2If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. 3-7If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. Love doesn't strut, Doesn't have a swelled head, Doesn't force itself on others, Isn't always "me first," Doesn't fly off the handle, Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, Doesn't revel when others grovel, Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.
8-10Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.
12We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
13But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.

King David wrote of God’s unfailing love.
Psalm 13:4-6 (New International Version)
4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him," and my foes will rejoice when I fall.
5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
6 I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.

Pres. Bush wanted Josh to tell him –for a Father’s Day speech—what he thought was the greatest problem facing America. Josh said, “The Daddy”. He told the President’s secretary that and she said she couldn’t go to the Pres. With that. He got her e-mail and sent her 70 pages of research. Pres. Bush used some of Josh’s material in his speech and got a huge/loud standing ovation from his audience.

Moms are taken for granted b/c they are expected to be there, etc for their children.
Dads aren’t taken for granted. Kids don’t know what to expect from their Dads. Will he be there for me or always be on the phone? Will he cry with me? Will he pray for/with me?

When Josh’s kids would come home from school they’d tell him that their friends wished Josh was their Daddy.

Men are a powerful force when it comes to the impact they have on their children.

Josh says his greatest contribution is loving his wife and children.

Josh says Focus on the Family has a big task. But God doesn’t call us to anything that he doesn’t resource us for!

Jim Dobson says God once revealed to him that if this nation is going to make it/if the church is going to make it, men are going to have to love their wives, children/families. (James C. Dobson, Ph.D., is founder and chairman of Focus on the Family.)

Problems are big if you have a small god. But problems are small if you have/serve a BIG God! And we serve a BIG GOD!

Josh is ready to attack hell with a squirt gun if men/leaders will step up to the task. And Jim Dobson says the gates of hell shall not prevail! (The Bible says that, too, but I can’t find the verse!)

Derek Prince once said the biggest problem in this nation is “renegade males not doing their jobs.” (Derek Prince (1915-2003), poured himself out to reach the unreached, and teach the untaught – to see the hope of the gospel spread all around the world. –from www.derekprince.com)
Josh grew up with an abusive father who beat his mother, etc. But God brought 3 godly couples into Josh’s life when he was in seminary and they lived out before him how to love a woman and his children.

Silence in an audience usually indicates that a speaker has hit a raw nerve. Many men have been convicted by Josh’s messages.

Jim Dobson’s father warned him to not let success cause him to lose their children.

How can men start over?
Josh says they need to have a new attitude. When his son was 2 and wanted to play football and talk to him he was working on a deadline and told him he’d talk to him later. His wife gently rebuked him for that. Then Josh dropped to his knees and told God that he would never again put his ministry before his family. God showed him that his family IS his FIRST ministry.
It is NEVER too late for you to start over, men, dads, husbands! Not even if you are in your 40s and your kids are in jail. It is never too late to start over.

2006-11-22T06:15:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!
Today is the biggest travel day of the year! I hope you and your family and friends enjoy safe travels, delicious food and wonderful fellowship tomorrow. We will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my husband Joe's family in NC this year. Joe's Birthday is Sunday. It will be a busy and fun weekend!

The Friday after Thanksgiving is probably the biggest shopping day of the year. I have un-fond memories of being pushed and shoved and crowded and breaking out into hives as I went shopping on that day in past years. If you are ready to save some money on soothing spa products AND save yourself the trouble of searching for a parking spot, fighting crowds and getting overheated, check out my Thanksgiving Weekend BeautiControl Specials!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas! And I have many of our most popular items in stock and on sale for those of you who like to buy gifts during the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend!

*I can only accept cash or check payments. Quantities are limited, so these are first come first serve. No S& H charges. If you are a first time customer, take 30% off the retail prices below.
I have to add a 7% charge on the RETAIL price for NC Sales Tax for all orders.

Item (#available) Retail Price
Microderm Abrasion sets $60
(buffer + facial cream --3 available)

Sunlogics Sunscreen $15

Warming Trend Green Tea Masque $22.50

Demarkable (for stretch marks,etc) (2) $35

Cell Block-C SPF 20 (1) $25
Therapeutic Bath Minerals $20
(I have at least 2 jars)

Nourishing Eye Pads $17
Save Your Sole Gel Talc for feet $15
(help for sweaty feet)

Save Your Sole Foot and Leg Scrub $18
Save Your Sole Rich Sea Salve $21.50
Show of Hands Instant Manicure $26.50
(original Herbal Serenity scent)

Herbal Serenity Body Gelee (1) $13
Herbal Serenity Age-Defying Hand $13
Treatment

Herbal Serenity Foot Creme $11.50

Herbal Serenity Cuticle Salve $12.50

Skinlogics Gold Cleansing Foam (1) $16
Skinlogics Gold Tonic (1) $16.50
Skinlogics Gold Moisturizer (1) $18
(or the set of 3 for $45)

Lavender Body Creme (1) $20
Lip Apeel $19
(I have at least 2)

Herbal Hydrating Mist (1) $9
Frozen Margarita Foot Creme (1) $16
Salty Margarita Foot Scrub (1) $16
Spa Sugar Body Lotion (1, I think) $14

Not finding what you're looking for yet? Here's a "tasty" new product line!

The BeautiBistro™ Gift Collection--the aromas of holiday desserts without the calories!

I will have to order these by Friday Nov. 24 (or Sat. 11/25 at the latest) and they're only available while supplies last! I'll have to pay retail prices and will therefore have to charge retail prices plus 7% NC Sales Tax.

Hot Fudge Body Scrub 8 fl. oz. $25 Polish skin deliciously while savoring the decadent chocolate scent. Self-warming action leaves skin kissably soft.

Peppermint Stick Body Toner 5 fl. oz. $25Awaken your senses with this cooling after-shower delight for revitalized skin.

Gingered Mandarin Foaming Bath Sprinkles 3.5 oz $25Add sprinkles to bath to create luxurious moisturizing bubbles with intoxicating mandarin and ginger.

Pumpkin Gingerbread Body Butter 8 fl. oz. $25Rich, moisturizing butter with vanilla undertones that blend with skin for delicious hydration.

Peppermint Lip Balm .32 0z. $15 Plumps lip contours and adds moisture and shine. Wear aloneor over a favorite lip color.

If you are running low on a BeautiControl product that you love, now is a great time to reorder! Just let me know what you need! E-mail me at bcescape4u@bellsouth.net. I am going to try to place my order Friday 11/24 or Saturday 11/25. I can accept cash or check payments.

If you know someone looking for a BeautiControl consultant please give them my name and contact info.!

God Bless you and yours this Thanksgiving and always!

:) Jennifer Boger

PS from Jenn the Germaphobe:

* When's the last time you changed out your makeup?
To avoid bacteria buildup, did you know that you should buy new mascara every three months or that lip glosses need to be trashed after about a year? Concealer lasts 18 months, liquid foundation for a year, eye shadow (powder) two years, and lipsticks last 2-3 years. (If the color changes in your lipstick or you notice a bad smell, it should be thrown out before then.) Feeling the need to clean house and replace some of your old, bacteria-filled makeup? Then check out www.beautipage.com to see the new colors and offers!

Jennifer Boger
BeautiControl Spa Consultant
bcescape4u@bellsouth.net
Announcer, Stereo 1550 WBFJ AM (website coming soon!)
Announcer, WBFJ-Your Family Station www.wbfj.fm
Winston-Salem, NC
http://rejoicingingrace.blogspot.com
www.myspace.com/rejoicingingrace

2006-11-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Friday, November 10, 2006
Happy Veteran's Day weekend!
Current mood: thankful

Happy Veteran's Day weekend!

OK! It has been a LONG time since I took US Government class at good old Thomas Dale HS. And though I had an AWESOME, COOL & LOVELY Government teacher (thank you Courtney Soling!!--spelling?), I needed a little reminder today regarding the difference between Veteran's Day and Memorial Day.

Looks like I'm not the only one (government teachers across our country grunt in frustration)--because that is one of the FAQs on the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs website. Here is the answer:

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, Veterans Day is the day set aside to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

(All of the information on this blog --except the Bible verses and my personal remarks-- is from http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday on the US Department of Veterans Affairs website)

October 31, 2006
A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America
Through the generations, America's men and women in uniform have defeated tyrants, liberated continents, and set a standard of courage and idealism for the entire world. On Veterans Day, our Nation pays tribute to those who have proudly served in our Armed Forces.

To protect the Nation they love, our veterans stepped forward when America needed them most. In conflicts around the world, their sacrifice and resolve helped destroy the enemies of freedom and saved millions from oppression. In answering history's call with honor, decency, and resolve, our veterans have shown the power of liberty and earned the respect and admiration of a grateful Nation.

All of America's veterans have placed our Nation's security before their own lives, creating a debt that we can never fully repay. Our veterans represent the best of America, and they deserve the best America can give them.

As we recall the service of our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, we are reminded that the defense of freedom comes with great loss and sacrifice. This Veterans Day, we give thanks to those who have served freedom's cause; we salute the members of our Armed Forces who are confronting our adversaries abroad; and we honor the men and women who left America's shores but did not live to be thanked as veterans. They will always be remembered by our country.

With respect for and in recognition of the contributions our service men and women have made to the cause of peace and freedom around the world, the Congress has provided (5 U.S.C. 6103(a)) that November 11 of each year shall be set aside as a legal public holiday to honor veterans.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim November 11, 2006, as Veterans Day and urge all Americans to observe November 5 through November 11, 2006, as National Veterans Awareness Week. I encourage all Americans to recognize the valor and sacrifice of our veterans through ceremonies and prayers. I call upon Federal, State, and local officials to display the flag of the United States and to support and participate in patriotic activities in their communities. I invite civic and fraternal organizations, places of worship, schools, businesses, unions, and the media to support this national observance with commemorative expressions and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

If you would like to thank our troops for their service, you can send a free postcard to US troops overseas by going to:
http://www.letssaythanks.com
(Thanks to Tami, who sent me this info. months ago.)

I did this earlier this morning.

Thanks to anyone who has served our country in war or peacetime! I appreciate your sacrifice--and that of your friends and family!

Rejoicing in God's graciousness and thankful for those who fight for freedom,

Jenn

Psalm 18:34 (New International Version) "He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze."

Psalm 24:8 (NIV) "Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle."
Psalm 144:1 (NIV) "Praise be to the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle."

2006-11-09T08:35:00.000-08:00

The Second Look Project
Current mood: determined
Category: Life

JUST BECAUSE SOMETHING IS LEGAL DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT!

1 Corinthians 10:23 (New International Version)
"Everything is permissible"—but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible"—but not everything is constructive.

I got an e-mail yesterday from my co-worker Verne who is the News Director of WBFJ FM (www.wbfj.fm). He gave me some links to a website-- www.SecondLookProject.org and wrote, "If you can use these [their radio PSAs--for Stereo 1550 WBFJ AM]…wow…it will make you think." And it surely did.

Here is some information I have gathered from the website so far...
The Second Look Project offers information to help people make informed decisions based on fact rather than emotion. While abortion has been legal in the U.S. for three decades, polls continue to show that many people do not have very basic information about abortion, such as when during pregnancy it is legal, or why it is generally performed.

DID YOU KNOW?
* It is during the embryonic period that all major systems and structures develop.114-21 days: The cardio-vascular system is the first major system to function in the human embryo. Blood is circulating and the heart begins to beat at 21 or 22 days, and can be detected on ultrasound.
*The U.S. abortion rate is among the highest of developed countries. 2
*Women who have had abortions cite the following reasons: 3

42%
unmarried
38%
would interfere with education/job/career
38%
have completed my childbearing
34%
student or planning to study
28%
can't afford baby and child care
25%
don't want people to know they had sex or got pregnant
22%
don't feel mature enough to raise a child
22%
unemployed
14%
not enough support from husband or partner
13%
possible fetal health problem
12%
physical problem with my health
1%
was a victim of rape
<0.5%
became pregnant as a result of incest

1.Moore, Keith L. and Persaud, T.V.N. The Developing Human: Clinically Oriented Embryology, 6th edition: Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Co., 1998; also England, Marjorie A. Life Before Birth, 2nd ed: London: Mosby-Wolfe, 1996.
2.The Alan Guttmacher Institute, "Abortion in Context: United States and Worldwide" Issues in Brief, 1999 No. 1 (1999).
3.The Alan Guttmacher Institute, "Abortion in Context: United States anThe Alan Guttmacher Institute, "Reasons U.S. Women Have Abortions: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives," Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, Vol. 37 (September 2005). d Worldwide" Issues in Brief, 1999 No. 1 (1999).

Partial birth abortion
The Supreme Court and Partial-Birth Abortion Six years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court invoked its Roe v. Wade decision to strike down a state law against partial-birth abortion.

Unfamiliar with partial-birth abortion? Well, it is what it sounds like it is.

Warning: See below for a nurse's eyewitness description of a partial-birth abortion. Due to the nature of the procedure, some may find the text disturbing.

Brenda Pratt Shafer, R.N., telling Congress about a partial-birth abortion she witnessed:
"The mother was six months pregnant (26 1/2 weeks)*. ... Dr. Haskell ... delivered the baby's body and the arms -- everything but the head. The doctor kept the baby's head just inside the uterus. The baby's little fingers were clasping and unclasping, and his feet were kicking. Then the doctor stuck the scissors through the back of his head, and the baby's arms jerked out in a flinch. ... The doctor opened up the scissors, stuck a high-powered suction tube into the opening and sucked the baby's brains out. Now the baby was completely limp."- Brenda Pratt Shafer, R.N. to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution, March 21, 1996

*26-29 weeks: Eyes open; eyelashes are well developed, and the fetal body becomes plump as subcutaneous fat is deposited. If born now, lungs are sufficiently developed to breathe air; the central nervous system is also well developed.

Warning: See below for an abortion practitioner's description of a partial-birth abortion. Due to the nature of the procedure, some may find the text disturbing.

Trial testimony of William Knorr, M.D., who performs partial-birth abortions:
"[Question:] When ... the fetus comes through the cervix except for the head, how do you proceed?"

[Answer:] I first evaluate the cervix to see if I have enough room to slip a finger between the cervix and the fetal head, and if I can do that, I can then insert my crushing forcep around the head, crush the head and extract it. If the cervix is very tight, I can't do that, I will use a craniotomy procedure, will turn the fetus so the back is up and find the area that I want to open, and either with a finger, a dilator or a scissor will open that area and gently pull down. That pressure alone is enough to empty the cranium and extract the head." - Carhart v. Ashcroft, 331 F.Supp.2d 805 (D. Neb. 2004), March 31, 2004, transcript at 516

Please visit www.SecondLookProject.org for even more eye-opening information. And please pray for women in crisis/unplanned pregnancies as well as for the babies whose lives are affected (and sometimes ended) by those women's choices. And pray that laws will be changed to protect those whose hearts beat and lungs are able to breathe but whose mouths are yet able to protest. It doesn't make sense to me that someone who murders a pregnant woman can (rightfully, in my opinion) be charged with double murder, and yet abortion remains LEGAL.

Rejoicing in grace and celebrating life,
Jenn

PS-God loves you. I am in no way suggesting that He doesn't love anyone who is in any way involved with abortion. Sin is sin to Him. And forgiveness is available to all of us.

1 John 1:9 (New International Version)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (Amplified Bible)
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].

1 John 1:9 (The Message)
8-10If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.

2006-11-02T05:13:00.000-08:00

(From the) Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
www.appcnc.org

For Immediate Release 11/1/2006
2005 Teen Pregnancy Statistics Fall; “This is no time to be complacent.”

CHAPEL HILL – The 2005 Teen Pregnancy Statistics were released today, showing that the teen pregnancy rate in North Carolina fell by 1.1% in 2005 to 61.7 pregnancies per 1,000 teens aged 15-19. While most counties across North Carolina fell, some counties did rise. The fall in rates is part of a 14 year downward trend, during which time rates fell by nearly a third, a trend echoed across the United States. Locally rates for Forsyth County rose by 4.7% to 66.5 per 1,000 teens.

This rate drop follows on 2004’s slight increase, which served as a wake-up call to remind parents that teen pregnancy is still a present risk for our children. “We must not become complacent,” Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition of North Carolina Executive Director Kay Phillips stated, “We cannot rest on our laurels. Everyone needs to remember that education is the best defense and that parents must be the first and best educators of their children concerning sexuality. However we must also remind our Legislature that teen pregnancy remains a costly problem in North Carolina. We cannot afford to ignore our children’s futures.”

Pregnancy rates among Hispanic teens aged 15-19 rose 0.9% in 2005 to 175.7 pregnancies per 1,000 teens, up from 174.2 in 2004. African American teens had a 2005 pregnancy rate of 85.3, compared to 86.9 in 2004. The number of pregnancies among American Indian teens and other minority groups was too low to calculate reliable rates.

The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Coalition works in concert with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health to ensure that counties across North Carolina receive the support and resources they need in order to face the issue of teen pregnancy. Two examples of success include Beaufort and Cherokee counties; their stories are detailed below:

Beaufort County Beaufort County’s teen pregnancy rate decreased 17.5% from 2004 to 2005. With 86 teen pregnancies among 15-19 year olds in 2005 and a state rate of 68.9, Beaufort ranks 42 out of the 100 counties in North Carolina. DHHS through the DPH has funded an Adolescent Parenting Program in the county for the last four years. This program serves teens under 18 who have become pregnant or are parenting one child. The Beaufort County School System operates the project locally and has been able to institute several primary prevention efforts as well, including having teen parents speak with other students about the hardships of teen parenting.

Cherokee County The teen pregnancy rates in Cherokee and Graham Counties dropped dramatically between 2004 and 2005. In Graham County, the rate of teen pregnancy dropped significantly from 90 to 60.2, a 33.1 percent decrease. In Cherokee County the rate fell 28 percent from 75.7 in 2004 to 54.5 in 2005. The Cherokee County School Health Advisory Council has been particularly successful at reaching 8th and 9th grade students throughout Cherokee and Graham Counties with teen pregnancy prevention programming. Adolescent males in both counties are offered Wise Guys, a male responsibility curriculum. Girls in the two counties are offered the Teen Outreach Program, a teen pregnancy prevention program centered around service learning. These two projects receive funding from the Division of Public Health in the Department of Health and Human Services of North Carolina.

Since 1985, APPCNC has worked with individuals, agencies and communities across North Carolina to provide tools to help prevent teen pregnancy in North Carolina. APPCNC offers low- or no-cost trainings for health educators as well as a resource library for health workers to borrow from. APPCNC also brings educators together to discuss methods that work and to provide a support network for often overworked educators. In addition, APPCNC advocates at the state level for increased funding and attention for teen pregnancy prevention programs at the county level.

Information on statistics by county and county rankings can be found at www.appcnc.org More information on state and county teen pregnancy rates and numbers is on the State Center for Health Statistics website at http://www.schs.state.nc.us/SCHS/data/pregnancies/2005/
APPCNC is a non-profit organization that partners with individuals, agencies, and communities in North Carolina to prevent teen pregnancy, thereby improving the lives of young people. APPCNC has been recognized nationally for its innovative work in the area of teen pregnancy prevention and provides services in all 100 North Carolina counties through Advocacy,
Collaboration and Education. APPCNC can be contacted at (919) 932-9885.

Wow! Looks like Forsyth County needs to step up their efforts to prevent Teen Pregnancy. I know that when I was a teenager I did not believe that a few moments of pleasure were worth all of the problems that could come forth. But I think I was in the minority even then.

We can't give up on the young people today. We can't just assume that "they're going to do it anyway." Let's educate them. Let's mentor them. Let's be open about our own past mistakes and the consequences we reaped from them. Let's show them unconditional love at home (especially fathers loving daughters and mothers loving sons) so they will be less likely to fill that void with unhealthy relationships with boyfriends/girlfriends.

Let's teach them about God's unfailing love. And let's teach them the real reason that God created sex. Let's educate ourselves on that and read Pastor Tommy Nelson's book about The Bible's Song of Solomon called (I think--it's been a while since I read it) "The Book of Romance". It shows that God definitely created sex for enjoyment between a married couple as well as for procreation.

If you or someone you know are in Forsyth County and need some guidance regarding teen or other crisis/unplanned pregnancy, there is a great resource for you--The Salem Pregnancy Care Center.

The Salem Pregnancy Care Center
Empowering women Equipping parents Engaging teens

1342 Westgate Center Drive, Winston-Salem, NC, 27103.
336.760.3680
E-mail them at info@salempregnancy.org .
Office hours are Monday-Friday 9-5 with evening appointments available on Thursday.

www.salempregnancy.org Espanol: http://www.piensaloenlinea.com

If you've read all of this, you share my concern for the future of our young people. Thank you!
Rejoicing in God's graciousness,
Jenn

2006-10-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

Contemplating Cults...

I heard a knock on my door last Saturday morning. I didn't answer it b/c I was still in my PJs! Plus, I wasn't expecting anyone. I went and peeked out the window after a moment and saw a lady I didn't know standing behind a stroller on the sidewalk in front of my home. And I saw a nicely dressed man I didn't know on my front stoop. Later when I opened the door I saw that the man had left some material from the Jehovah's Witnesses.

The materials look nice and warned about false religion or something, I think. The trouble is that the Jehovah's Witnesses are false when compared to the teachings of the Bible. In fact, from what I've learned from Josh McDowell and Dr. D. James Kennedy and his guests on Truths That Transform (M-F mornings at 8:03am on Stereo 1550 WBFJ AM), the Jehovah's Witnesses and the other common door-to-door group, the Mormons, are cults.

Wait, Jenn! JWs and Mormons both believe in Jesus! Well, the issue is WHAT they believe about Jesus, God, etc. On Truths That Transform today I learned that JWs believe that Jesus was actually the archangel Michael made into a man and was not divine. They believe that salvation is based on their own works AND distributing their materials! No wonder they are so determined to go door to door and give them out! Yes, they believe that they assist in their own salvation. Also, the foundations of JW are built on false prophecies.

For more information on cults and their teachings, check out www.truthsthattransform.org and the CHRISTIAN APOLOGETICS & RESEARCH MINISTRY website at www.carm.org. Below you will see some information that I found very enlightening on the CARM website.

I am thankful that I don't have to depend on myself for my salvation. If I did, I would be doomed and have no hope.

Rejoicing in God's graciousness,

Jenn

Comparison of "religious movements"

This is a simplification of various groups and their beliefs. It is, to be realistic, an oversimplification. But it gives the reader an idea of where the groups stand.

Here's the order:

Group Name,Founder, The Gospel, The Church, teaching about God, teaching about Jesus, Salvation-how?, teaching on Jesus' Resurrection, Scripture and writings associated with group

Christianity
Jesus Christ
That Jesus saves from sin
Those who are saved
Trinity: 3 Persons in one God
God in flesh
by Grace
Jesus rose in the same body he died in
The Bible alone

Christian Science
Mary Baker Eddy
(1821-1910) Religious beliefs of Jesus' teachings, not the atonement.
A collection of spiritual ideas
Impersonal Universal Presence
A man in tune with the Divine Consciousness, not the Christ.
Correct thinking
No Bible, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Miscellany

Islam
Muhammad
Faith in Allah and works
n/a
One God: Allah.
Non Trinitarian
Created being. A prophet. Not God.
by Allah's grace and man's works
No.
Qur'an, Hadith

Jehovah's Witnesses
Charles T. Russell (1852-1916)
founded 1879
Jesus opened the door for us to earn our salvation
Members of their church
One Person
Created being. Michael the archangel who became a man
Keeping the commandments, being in their Organization
No Bible, Studies in the Scriptures, presently the Watchtower and Awake Magazines

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints (Mormons)
Joseph Smith (1805-1844) founded 1830
Jesus' atonement plus the Laws and ordinances of the gospel
Members of their church
Triad - 3 gods.
Created being. The brother of the devil and of all people
Resurrected by grace, saved by doing works.
Yes
The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price

-from www.carm.org

2006-10-18T06:35:00.000-07:00

The End Times-Are you ready for Christ's return?

Check out today's broadcast of "A New Beginning" with Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, CA. It puts the signs of the end times into great perspective. I've felt a couple of signs myself lately. Yesterday there was an EARTHQUAKE that I could feel/hear in my home in Winston-Salem, NC before 5am. And later that evening there were 2 aftershocks. My family and I felt the second one. It happened at 9:11pm. Kinda creepy--the time of it. For more info on this earthquake activity check out www.usgs.gov.

So, anyway, experiencing the earthquake and aftershock yesterday has me thinking a lot about End Times prophecies in the Bible. And today the Lord allowed me to hear this very enlightening message from Pastor Greg Laurie at work at Stereo 155o WBFJ AM. We have a website coming soon, by the way!

From The "A New Beginning Radio" website: The Rapture will come suddenly, and for many, unexpectedly. How can we prepare our friends and loved ones for that awesome day? Get some help today on A New Beginning. Pastor Greg Laurie brings a powerful message from a recent Harvest Crusade called "Is the End of the World Near?"

http://www.harvest.org/radio/index.php/1.html#

FYI, here's some more info about Pastor Greg Laurie:

Greg Laurie Biography from www.harvest.org

Greg Laurie pastors Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California. He has authored several books including the Gold Medallion Award winner, The Upside-Down Church, as well as Losers and Winners, Saints and Sinners and The Best Is Yet to Come. You can find his study notes in the New Believer's Bible and The Seeker's Bible.Host of the Knowing God with Greg Laurie television program and the nationally syndicated radio program A New Beginning, Laurie is also the founder and featured speaker for Harvest Crusades—contemporary, large-scale evangelistic outreaches, which local churches organize nationally and internationally.

Whether speaking or writing, God has gifted Pastor Laurie with the ability to apply biblical principles to current events in a way that is relevant and easily understood by people of all ages, from all walks of life. The trademark of a Greg Laurie sermon, book, or broadcast is his contemporary, yet straightforward style and format. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Cathe.For more about Pastor Greg, visit his personal homepage at www.greglaurie.org

Pastor Greg has been a blessing to me over the past several years. I pray he will bless you as well.

Rejoicing in God's graciousness, Jenn

2006-10-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

I show my support for the Carolina Panthers while trying to stay warm in the WBFJ gazebo at the Dixie Classic Fair Sunday Oct. 8th.

This is my first Blogger blog. I don't really know what to say, so I'll think on it and try again when I have something on my mind besides my need to balance my checkbook and cook dinner. Not necessarily in that order. I will say, though, that yesterday was my first day back working full time at WBFJ since I had my son Joshua in Sept. 2001. I'm doing mornings on WBFJ AM 1550 again ( I started working at WBFJ in Sept. 1999) and it's good to be back. I have been blessed to stay a part of the WBFJ Family over the past five years doing part time announcing on both WBFJ FM and WBFJ AM while maintaining my full time job of "staying home" with my son. I've also done some work as a teacher's helper at Reynolda Presbyterian Preschool and Kindergarten and as a BeautiControl consultant. I can whole heartedly recommend RPP&K as a great place to send your children for a loving Christian preschool education. And if you have any interest in BeautiControl--products, Spa parties or joining the business--check out my website at www.beautipage.com/jboger.

Well, I need to make my family some dinner. "Hey guys, how's cereal sound tonight?" Just kidding!

Rejoicing in God's graciousness,

Jenn