Valley Christian Magazine April 2013

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MercyMeMercyMeMay 3 - McAllenAlong with Matt Maher, Chris August & Bellarive

Know About Jesus vs Knowing Jesus p12

7 Things Parents Do to Make Their Kids Hate Sports p16


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indexFeatures14 A Conversation with Mark Hall

16 7 Things Parents Do To

Make Kids Their Kids Hate Sports

28 Kids Talk About God

29 Forgiven Motorcycle Ministry

30 Fellowship of Christian Athletes

32 Books

34 Events

36 Music Spotlight: Martin Smith

36 96.9 KVMV Top 9 Tunes

On The CoverMercyMe Live In Concert

May 3 - McAllen Convention Center

with Matt Maher, Chris August, & Bellarive

National Columnists8 Lysa Terkeurst

10 James MacDonald

18 Greg Laurie

38 Dave Ramsey

Valley Contributors8 Christian Torres, Publisher

12 Nick Dombrowski

20 Abram Gomez

22 Jerrell Jobe

24 Theresa Valladares

26 Milton Gonzalez

32 Miguel Paredes

To submit story ideas, events, or comments:[email protected]. 3 / Issue 1

Dave Ramsey

36

32

38

Music Martin Smith

Pastor Greg Laurie

18


Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times best selling author and speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith through following Jesus Christ. As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa has lead thousands over the past 15 years to help make their walk with God an invigorating journey. In the midst of her ministry, though, Lysa is a real, everyday woman

who simply seeks to glorify God through her life and family.

Do you ever have little places of discouragement that entangle around your heart? You know in the bigger picture of life things are good. But there’s this little dark place. A little black hole. That some-times doesn’t feel little.

It hangs like a cloud. Blocking the sun. Casting shadows.

Maybe it’s an argument you and your husband have had one too many times. Your relationship is good but this one topic feels like a black hole.

Or an issue with one of your kids. You have an amazing child. But

you. Causes you to fear. It feels like a black hole.

Or a reoccurring frustration with a friend. She’s amazing. But there’s this one part of your friendship that darkens the collec-

-pening with more frequency and it feels like a black hole.

I know. It’s hard.

But here’s what God keeps showing me… a black hole isn’t a black WHOLE.

The whole isn’t all bad. Yes, there are some issues to address and some tensions to manage but don’t let Satan use this frustration to darken your outlook.

Jesus reminds us, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)

Ask Jesus to shed His light on your situation today. Look at this from Jesus’ perspective. Use truth to do something positive in this area today. Invest the time to make a little imperfect progress right there.In the dark place.

That won’t be so dark with a little light cast upon it.

Dark PlacesBy Lysa Terkeurst

Hello Friends, if you live in the Rio Grande Valley and have ever said there are no good Christian events go-ing on…well you can definitely not say that now! One morning I was sitting with Ann Gamblin of 96.9 KVMV when she was noticed the amount of events going on. God has allowed favor over the RGV and is allowing so many incredible events to take place over the next few months-from children events with VeggieTales to some of the top Christian artists such as MercyMe and Casting Crowns! Praise be to God. Don’t miss your op-portunity to be blessed and bless those that are working hard to bring you these incredible events.

I had the blessed opportunity to speak with Mark Hall of Casting Crowns. He shared something so amazing, I wanted to highlight a quote from our conversation [page 14]. Mark was sharing what a disciple looks like’ “They are like a tree planted by a stream of wa-ter. What does that tree look like? Their roots and their reach. If you’re all reach--you’re gonna blow over when the first storm arrives. If you’re all roots, you are unnecessary and unneeded to the world. So you gotta grow your roots into your walk with Jesus and you have to reach out to the world. You have to have be a healthy believer that makes fruit.”

Christian Torres, Publisher

From the Publisher

Christian Torres is a graduate of Baylor University. He is married to Stephanie and they have 3 daughters: Madeleine (13) , Natalie (10), and Courtney (8). They live in McAllen and are members of Palm Valley Church of Mission.

From the Publisher


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

James MacDonald isfounding and Senior Pastor at Harvest Bible Chapel in

northwest Chicago. James’ teachings can be heard on

Walk in the Word, a daily radio program reaching

more than 3 million people across North America.

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

www.walkintheword.comby permission of Walk in the Word,Elgin, Ill., 61023.

I love this: “accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). When I was a kid, I memorized this verse in the King James Version as “rightly dividing the word of truth.” Actually, in the original Greek there’s just one word. It’s a compound word that means cut it straight. Don’t you love that picture? We are supposed to be cutting it straight, rightly dividing, accurately handling the Word of Truth.

We need to cut it straight in our families. When your daughter wants to date an unbeliever—but the Word of Truth says in 2 Corinthians 6:14, “Do not be bound together with unbelievers”—you go to her and cut it straight. When your son wants to listen to ungodly music in your house—but the Word of Truth says in Philippians 4:8, “Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely . . . dwell on these things”—go to him and cut it straight.

Maybe you’re thinking, Hey, to be honest with you, my marriage is not doing very well right now. It’s more work than wow, for sure! I have to be honest and tell you that some days, in my darkest mo-ments, I wonder if I can make it. I’m just not sure I can stick it out for the rest of my life. But the Word of Truth says in Matthew 19:6, “What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.” So put that thinking out of your mind, and cut it straight.

-nances aren’t what they used to be. This hasn’t been a good year; sales are down, and you’ve been tempted to cut some corners. Maybe you’ve thought about withholding your giving to your church because you think, God, I have to provide for my family and cover certain obligations. You’ve been tempted to compromise the Word of Truth. But then you remember Matthew

things will be added to you.” No longer will you allow yourself the luxury of wandering from what the Word of God says. You are “cut-ting it straight”; you are accurately handling the Word of Truth. And you are making the Word of God a priority.

A number of years ago, we had some major rainstorms in our area.

after the storm, two sweet sisters who live next door to us came by and said, “We were calling you on the phone in the middle of the night. We

“Well, we only have cordless phones,” I said. “When the power went out, our phones didn’t ring.”

“Only a couple of cordless phones for a family your size?” the sisters answered. “We have six phones in our house: three cordless phones, and three regular phones.”

I couldn’t believe it. “Wow, you have six phones? For what?” They an-swered, “Well, we work for the phone company. What do you ex-pect? Isn’t your house full of Bibles?”

I laughed out loud, “Well, yes, as a matter of fact, it is!” I walked away smiling to myself, because that’s what I want our family and our church family to be known for—full of the truth of God’s Word.

That’s almost a decade ago now. Thankful-ly, those sisters gave their lives to Christ—in fact I saw them in church last weekend.

Prioritize the Word of TruthBy Dr. James MacDonald


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CHALLENGE: Try sitting quietly in Jesus’ presence for one minute. Put down this magazine and try to enjoy Him, listen to Him, and be with Him.

If most of us were honest, we would say

probably spent more time thinking about our lives than being with Jesus. (Our fami-lies, jobs, kids, the big game, etc.)

Christian’s everyday lives. Sure, we spend a lot of time learning ABOUT Jesus. We have countless services, endless Bible studies, and more books than we can read. However, knowing ABOUT Jesus is not the same as KNOWING Jesus.

3 Major Obstacles to Knowing Jesus:

We are simply doing too many things. We’ve said “yes” too many times. Your calendar is packed with something ev-ery night of the week, and you’re already waking up extra early trying to hold it all together.

Last week I spoke with a friend, who is married and has two kids. He shared of a period in his life when he was working full-time, volunteering, and going to school. There was a week where he got little to no sleep, and at the end of the week he literally felt something snap inside of his body. For the next nine months he suf-

fered from vertigo and had to be touch-ing a wall wherever he walked as a sup-port so that he didn’t fall down.

Some of us are doing far too much, and, as a result, we’re saying “yes” to things the Lord has not asked us to do. Be-cause we’re too busy to spend time with Him, we make more and more decisions without consulting Him, which leads to a downward spiral in our lives.

For others of us, it’s that we don’t orga-nize our lives very well. When we’re disor-

serious debt. When we’re disorganized about our studies, we forget about as-signments and tests. And when we’re disorganized about our relationship with Jesus, He goes by the wayside. Soon, a day turns into a week, which turns into a month and we’ve spent little to no time with Him. Feeling disconnected and having made a series of poor decisions, we let sin grow like festering weeds in the garden of our hearts.

Lastly, there may be some of you right now that, for lack of better words, are not interested in your relationship with Je-sus at the moment. If you call yourself a Christian, this ought to frighten and deep-ly disturb you. This apathy shows that you do not care to know Jesus. I urge you to

cry out to God and beg Him to change you. Then, choose to spend time with our Lord and Savior, regardless of how you feel. Trust that He will meet you where you are and restore you. Feelings are a blessing, but our heart is deceitful above all things (Jer. 17:9), so we must not let our emotions dictate our actions. Instead, we must trust the Lord and come to Him no matter how we feel. (Prov. 3:5-6)

Jesus uses the analogy of branches on a grapevine to depict our relationship with Him (John 15:1-8). Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Have you ever looked at a plant and tried to decipher exactly where the stem and branches start? No clear separation exists between the two. You cannot distinguish where the vine ends and the branches begin. The re-lationship is deep and intimate, and the branches cannot live without being con-nected to the vine. Not only should we not live without being connected to the vine, but we simply CANNOT live without being connected to the vine.

If we are busy, we must discern what it is that the Lord is calling us to and let go of additional schedule clutter. If we are dis-organized, we must get organized. If we are apathetic, we must confess, repent, and plead for God’s grace to change our hardened hearts.

Spirit asking you to do right now?

Know About Jesus vs. Knowing JesusBy Nick Dombrowski


Nick graduated from Western Michigan University and leads campus staff for InterVarsity Chris-tian Fellowship here in the Rio Grande Valley.

Chapters are located at both UTPA and STC. He is married to Chelsea and live in Edinburg.


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Well I am at home in Atlanta. Crazy thing is that we were all in the basement last night....tornadoes everywhere! Crazy! So I had my 14 year old son with me and we had our “man” time explaining how we are supposed to do things...how to keep your family calm, this is what you need to think about.

I am, when something like this happens, I shut down and become weirdly calm!

because it is soo cool!

They made this crazy cool set with mason jar lighting

hanging. It looks an outdoor wedding. Half way through,

intimate. All the words are on the screen. Band comes out

I am going to require a couch on every tour from now on. I

You know what? That is a mystery! There is an owl on stage and it keeps showing up in different places every night. I

someone...what is this thing...it disappears! Ha!

Are you serious?! Ha! What is he saying?! That is hilarious...I

guys, Snooch, and you are alerting me to a problem within

It all started on the last tour, the Come To The Well Tour, in the second half we would come down to the front, sit on stools and just sing acoustic versions of about four songs. It

“If We Are The Body,” with a piano and a cello or “Set Me Free” as a chilled song, where the strings are doing all the

us time to talk and tell more stories that were getting lost for each of the songs.

Right, not many bands could launch with an acoustic

before the reverse...it has to be in this order.

A Conversation with

Mark Ha l l of Casting Crowns

Mark Ha l l


through one of my songs. It seems beautiful, but a guy crying to a song...its kinda pathetic I was all blubering

and other gut busting moments where we are laughing!

Hey you are guys are laughing a little too much after that joke!!!

that drags me back to my old life. After that…I would probably amaze you with my styles. I like all styles. Acoustic. Switchfoot is a more modern rock, Red,

like Tomlin that helps me with my worship and my

puppies, I need someone to hit me hard once and awhile. Other times, I will be challenged more socially by the Switchfoots of the world. I really try and spread out and not get stuck.

out of what we were teaching. So I think that the fact that I teach teenagers with their short attention spans, you better say what you are going to say and say it

quick. A song is like a mini-contract and they know

to go on for 30 minutes and have 4 more points. And seeing that transparency in people is so much better

how I started reaching teenagers.

Already there was a continuation of the song Storm. In Storm, you are dealing with a hard time in your life and you are trying to get through it and you are realizing that I have to let go and let God have it. Even

Already there is the teaching moment behind it. I was going through Phillipians with my students and we were grappling with the idea that the book of Joy was written from prison. Write it down and look at it each

us. He had rest in something higher. Paul knows that he was stuck there in prison but God is already there. He is already at the end of this.

our little girl that we adopted from China a few years ago, multiple surgeries and a lot of issues. In the middle of those times when you stop seeing control

This song is me. This song came out of me having

Ann + James Gamblin + Christian Torres ________________of 96.9 KVMV

Mark Ha l l


Sports for kids—whether its baseball, soccer, or lacrosse—can be great at

lost when a mom or dad puts too much pressure on their child. Avoid these 7 things parents do to make their kids hate sports.

1. They forget their children are kids. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressure of turning our kids into super athletes. But when that happens, we start to expect our children to train like adults. Well, they’re not adults.

Yes, they should be focused on doing their best, but their bodies are not able to bear the strain of grown-up size repetition. Plus,

the joy of sports is having fun. If you expect your 8 year old to have the focus and work ethic of a high-schooler, you’re expecting too much.

2. They embarrass their kids. I just read an article about a father who would yell out to his son, “You’re playing like a girl!” at his son’s games.In front of everyone. Parents also embarrass their kids when they coach from the stands, yell at umpires and refs, and confront the coach in an inappropriate way.

3. They compare their kids. You might not even realize you’re doing this one. If you say, “That Abby has amazing ball control,” your child is hearing, “My mom thinks I’m not as good as Abby.” More blatant examples of hurtful comparisons include, “Why can’t you move around the bases like Jack?” “If only you practiced as much as Sophia, you’d be good too.”

4. They don’t show up. Sports are a big commitment, so if you sign your children up to play, make sure you’re all in. That means making every game you can. It may seem like you’re spending all of your free time at

you believe in them.

5. They overschedule their kids. It’s common these days for kids to join travel teams as early as 8 years old. You’ll hear the parents say, “He loves soccer so much. It was his idea.” It might have been your child’s idea, but you are the one who can wisely weigh the cost to your child. Is it really wise to let your children stay up late several nights a week at practices and games? Is it best for him and your family to spend all weekend traveling to tournaments? Many travel team kids are burned out by the time they’re in middle school. Just something to think about.

6. They live through their kids. Some parents were not good athletes growing up, so the fact that their children are very athletic amuses them.But sadly, there are parents who were super athletic growing up who expect their children to be just like them. When they’re not, the parents push, berate, and voice their disappointment. Find a way to let your kids shine. If it’s the sport you or your spouse love, great. If it’s not, accept your child and his preferences as is.

7. They don’t look out for their kids. If your child is being treated badly by a coach, you need to step in. There is a right way to talk to your child’s coach, so be sure to take that approach. But by all means, don’t let

their spirit is broken.

© 2013 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

77777 ThingsParentsDo to Make Their Kids Hate Sports

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By Greg Laurie

The Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

The answer Paul and Silas gave him is very important:

“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved . . .” (Acts 16:31).

What does that mean? The word “believe” does not merely mean intellec-tual assent, acknowledging there is a God, or even that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. To believe, in a biblical sense, is much more than that, because the Bible says that “even the demons believe—and tremble!” (James 2:19). Demons acknowledge the existence of God, but they don’t trust in Him.

To believe means to hold on to, to cling to. It also means to let go of. So in the Bible, belief speaks of both letting go of one thing and taking hold of another. We let go of our sin and take hold of Christ, and Christ alone, to save us. It is not Christ—plus good works that we do—that saves us. Rather, it is just Christ.

I read an article about the pastor of a megachurch who said that he doesn’t believe pastors should use the word “saved” anymore in their preaching because people don’t understand it. But I think “saved” is a great word, and I will keep using it because it is in the Bible.

I also think “saved” is a fairly self-explanatory term. When someone gets caught in a riptide and a lifeguard pulls him out, we say the lifeguard saved him. And “saved” is the perfect word to use when we talk about conver-sion, because before we put our trust in Christ, we were headed to eternal judgment.

So when we say that we are saved, that is the perfect word.

“Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall

be saved from wrath through Him. (Romans 5:9)

Is Senior Pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif. He began his pastoral ministry at 19 by leading a Bible study of 30 people. Since then, God has transformed the small group into a church of 15,000-plus, one of the largest churches in Ameri-ca. For more, visit www.greglaurie.com. Used by per-mission from Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, P.O.

Box 4000, Riverside, Calif., 92514.

greg laurie

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

Saved!


Berta Vidales

7000 North 10th Street2nd Floor, Ste C5 / McAllen, TX 78504-2265

“Working together to meet all your real estate needs.”

I have often said that Hollywood doesn’t need to look far when trying to think of the next creative script or storyline for a movie. Written

are stories found between the pages of Genesis and Revelation that speak about ordinary people like you and I full of real life action. These are people who God selected and decided to allow us to look through a historical window to see their lives as they were lived out in times past. I have noticed that at different stages of my life, I have found myself relating with different biblical characters and their own personal struggles and victories. One in particular is a young man by the name of Joseph. Personally, I think that we all can relate to Joseph at some point or another, and his personal journey towards destiny.

wrongdoing, temptation, perseverance, and

that the book of Genesis allows 13 chapters to speak about his earthly chronicles. Josephis the son of Jacob, and is favored by his father. The favor is so overwhelming that his brothers are resentful because of the grace that rests upon his life. His father provides for him a special coat of many colors to the dismay and envy of the others. In Genesis 37, we are told that Joseph has a series of dreams and shares them with his family. Of course, he

would soon learn that destiny would not come to pass without a series of tests. Soon, his brothers toss him into a deep empty pit to get rid of him. However, because of a sovereign God, the pit would only serve as the catalyst to launch Joseph towards his assignment.

We all have a destiny. We all have been favored by God through His Son Jesus Christ. But there are tests we must go through

faith. One of Joseph’s early tests was the pit. Every believer will go through pits whether

even some other type. Pits, for the most part, are a part of life. Sometimes we cause of our own pits. Other times, the enemy leads us into a trap and we are caught off guard. Whatever the case might be, understand that God can use the pit on the road towards destiny to work some necessary things into your life as He did with Joseph.

1. The Pit serves as an Incubator for your personal development. It is no secret that everyone is in a hurry these days. For some of us, slowing down and taking a breather would take an act of God, and He knows it. Development is not a rushed process. Ittakes a baby 9 months to develop in a mother’s womb. While in the womb, the baby is developing organs, and systems, and limbs, and other necessary body parts for survival in the real world. Joseph had a great dream and a bright future, but it was not going to happen overnight. Parts of his character needed formation so he could walk under the weight of his appointment. I like to compare his pit to an incubator. An incubator is an environment that can be controlled for development and formation. When I think of an incubator or the incubation process, I think of bird sitting

on her eggs to keep them warm and bring them to hatching. Similar to Joseph, you and I have some things inside of us that may need further development. Maybe we are not as prepared as we thought we were. Maybewe need to increase our faith. Maybe we need to have more patience. In any case, the pit serves as a great place for the Spirit of God to hover over our lives and bring into formation the pieces missing from our character. It is only when I am in the pits of life that I truly slow down and seek God for His counsel. Pits give you no option but to stay put. It’s overwhelming to know that even when we are at our lowest, the depth of the pit does not determine the potential nearness of God in our lives. Remember, incubators are a controlled environment. Understandthat God controls the environment of the pit because His hand in on the thermostat of your life. He knows how much you can handle, and He knows the right temperature you need to allow certain things to come to pass in your life. The Pit has purpose!

2. The Pit serves as an Opportunity for your personal downloads. One of the most used inventions of our day and age is the Iphone. As a matter of fact, anything with the letter “I” seems to strike gold. I have both the Iphone and Ipad, and they are very useful for me in my everyday living. What is interesting is that updated software and application updates are always being offered. Again,because we operate at such a high paced rhythm these days, I normally don’t take time to receive these fresh downloads to my electronical devices. What I fail to realize it that I tend to operate on the previous system that could be outdated, and missing out on some of the new features that come with the new downloads. So, I have to intentionally accept these downloads, and allow these devices time to update. I hope you see where I am going with this. The Bible teaches us that it is God “who daily loads us

in Ephesians that we have been blessed with “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly

it be that we have become so unaware of fresh spiritual downloads that God has for us that we are still operating under old spiritual software? Speaking freely, I would much rather be anointed with fresh oil than operate on yesterday’s content. Some of us are still using joy from 10 years ago, when the truth is that God has fresh joy for your life today! Thepit gives us an opportunity to download into our hearts and spirits something fresh from God. The problem with the religious people in Jesus day wasn’t that they didn’t respect God. It was just that God sent a fresh download – His only Son – and the people never took the time to notice what God was doing. They continued to operate under old software from the old Covenant. I don’t know about you but I am thankful for His mercies that are new every day, and for His grace that supplies all things and enriches our lives! The pit has purpose!

Do not be afraid of the PIT TESTS of life. Beencouraged to know that God is at work in your life!

The Journey of Joseph THE PIT TEST / Part 1

is the Executive Pastor at Valley International Christian Center in San Benito, Texas. He serves

under the Leadership of Bishop Jaime Loya, and is a graduate of Southwestern Assemblies of God University. Abram has helped to develop leader-

ship in various ministries and programs at VICC. Heand his wife, Rebecca, currently reside in Harlin-

gen, TX and are parents to Isabella Claire.

Abram Gomez



A new monthly series of concerts of Contemporary Christian Music

If you are a local band or singer and would like to participate, send us your contact information along with an audition CD/DVD to:

Robert K Ordway3009 Heron AveMcAllen, TX 78504956.463.4911

First Presbyterian ChurchDowntown McAllen Location

at 12th & Austin Ave.

coming soon

or email to:[email protected]


When you get in your car, what’s one of

people, you turn on some music. But, have you ever stopped and wondered why?

Everyday, millions, while at home have the television on. No one is watching, but it’s on nonetheless. Why is this?

In surveys, the number one reason peo-ple say they keep the television on in their homes is simply to generate some kind of noise.

“I just like having something going on the background,” people say. But, why is this?

Have we become afraid of silence?

Silence can be unsettling for many. In si-lence, we are left to our own thoughts and emotions. In silence, we often be-come aware of how we’ve become addicted to noise. Even more, we real-ize our dependence upon such things to pacify us. We become conscious of how often needless words and chatter rule our conversations, mostly out of fear and a need to control.

Cognitive psychologist Mihaly Csikszent-mihalyi, in his book Flow, writes about research done in the arena of the mind. His research concludes that, “when we are left alone, with no demands on at-tention, the basic disorder of the mind reveals itself. With nothing to do, it begins to follow random patterns, usually stop-ping to consider something painful or

condition, people are naturally eager to

is readily available, as long as it distracts attention from turning inward and dwell-ing on negative feelings. This explains why such a huge proportion of time is invested in watching television, despite the fact that it is very rarely enjoyed.” While this is insightful, it really isn’t a new discovery. The Apostle Paul penned in

the First Century, “the mind controlled by the sinful nature is death” (Romans 8:6). The practice of solitude and silence tend to strip us of these opiates, forcing us to encounter ourselves and the world as they really are.

“Solitude is the furnace of transfor-mation,” wrote Henri Nouwen in his book The Way of the Heart. “Without solitude we remain victims of our society and continue to be entangled in the il-lusions of the false self. It is the place of conversion, the place where the old self dies and the new self is born, the place where the emergence of the new man and the new woman occurs. In solitude I get rid of my scaffolding: no friends to talk with, no telephone calls to make, no meetings to attend, no music to enter-tain, no books to distract, just me - na-ked, vulnerable, weak, sinful, deprived, broken – nothing. ”

the emotions that emerge within your soul?

turned off, what does your mind tend to dwell on?

silent long enough to actually know?Getting alone (solitude) in a quiet place (silence) was a natural element of Je-sus’ life rhythms. The Gospel’s give us a glimpse into Jesus’ private life with God. Luke says, “Jesus often withdrew to lone-ly places and prayed” (Luke 5:16).Jesus placed a high priority on these times of solitude and silence. Could it be, that these very times of being alone with the Father were one of the primary sources of Jesus’ strength, wisdom and insight?

an expressed place in your rhythm of life?While silence exposes my subconscious patterns of thinking, this isn’t the goal. The higher goal is, as the Apostle Paul encouraged, to have a mind that is “set

on” Christ (see Colossians 4:1-3). To have a mind governed by the Spirit of God,

in a reality marked by “life and peace,” not “death” and decay (see Romans 8:6-15). Perhaps, in time, we like Je-sus, will discover silence as a incubator where we are reminded of who we are in Christ, His relentless love for us and our place in the world in which He as placed us. These are the true sounds of silence,

Engaging Silence:

(or longer) without listening to anything while in your car. If you typically walk/run/workout with an mp3 player, go with-out. Pay special attention to the types of things your mind thinks about? Can you discern patterns of default thinking? Is this challenging? Take some time and journal about what you observe. Make note of what begins to change over the course of the week.

to simply be alone with God. For some, three-minutes of silence may be an am-bitious endeavor. During this time, the goal isn’t necessarily to ask anything of God or even say anything to Him. Rather, simply to be with God. Perhaps, it is God who has something to say to you. Listen. Silence your body to listen to your words...Silence your tongue to listen to your thoughts...Silence your thoughts to listen to your heart beating...Silence your heart to listen to your spirit...Silence your spirit you listen to His Spirit.In silence you leave many and be with the One.-Mama Maggie

Be still, and know that I am God. –Psalm 46:10

The Soundof

SilenceBy Jerrell Jobe


VALLEY CARE CLINICS

welcomesDR. DANIEL C. LEE, OB/GYN

“It’s by the grace of God that I’m able

to be a part of my patients’ lives,

whether it’s watching the miracle of a

baby developing or helping a woman

through menopausal symptoms.”

Dr. Daniel C. Lee is excited to be back in the

Rio Grande Valley, providing exceptional care in

women’s health. After completing a Family Practice

residency at In His Image in 2004, Dr. Lee completed

a second residency in OB/GYN at Oklahoma State

University. At his new office in McAllen, Dr. Lee

provides a full range of obstetric care, and has special

expertise in minimally invasive gynecological surgery.

To make an appointment, call

855-VCC-APPT (855-822-2778)

OB/GYN

www.valleycareclinics.com/vcm

NEW MCALLEN OFFICE:1309 East Nolana, Suite CMcAllen, TX

CLINIC HOURS:Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcomed.

JERRELL JOBE is a teaching pastor at Palm Valley Church in Mission. He is married to Charissa and has

three children : Micah (9), Naylah (7),and Avi (5).

When I was younger I use to watch WWthe Miss America Pageant. These wom-en were so beautiful and at the end of the evening one of them would receive a crown. The tiara was always sparkly and full of crystals. I wanted one just like any other little girl.

When Lady Diana was marrying Prince Charles I was in awe of the crown she

-sition to a princess. Tiara’s are worn by most queens and are signs of royalty.

It’s no surprise that when we marry we tend to gravitate toward these beautiful accessories. It’s a special day. We want to feel like a princess.

As I have gotten older the longing for a ti-ara has not gone away. This is no surprise to my friends because they know I love everything sparkly and bedazzled! So as my birthday approached this year I told my husband “I want a Tiara”. He looked

-spond when I said “I NEED a Tiara”!

So I will now share with you how I have come to this point in my life that I feel I am special enough for a Tiara. It’s bibli-cal!

Isaiah 61:3-to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of glad-ness instead of mourning and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

and frustrating. Different trials can make us feel unworthy or beaten down and maybe our self esteem has suffered. We begin to think less of ourselves and focus on the negative.

Perhaps negative words have been spo-

ken over you or maybe you harbor the guilt of having done that to others. Could you be harboring bitterness or unforgive-ness? Maybe you felt you were treated unfairly?

Or perhaps you are still trying to recover from a scarring divorce, painful relation-ship, or traumatic childhood. Do you walk around with shame and regret of past mistakes?

In the Old Testament ashes were atone-ment for sin. They were collected after an offering was burnt at the altar. When someone was repenting, mourning or felt ashamed they would put ashes on their head for all to see.

Job 42:6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.

Esther 4:1 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

Daniel9:3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

2Samuel 13:19 Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the ornate robe she was wearing. She put her hands on her head and went away, weeping aloud as she went.

What are your ashes and are you still car-rying them around? Yes it can be very hard for us to let go of pain, hurt, shame, regret, bitterness or unforgiveness. These ashes affect your self-worth and it can be apparent to others. Are you carrying your ashes for all to see?

If you had real ashes in your hands you would see how hard they are to remove and how easily it can stain clothes. The more you try to rub them off the more the stain seems to spread. Whatever item of clothing you have on will not return to its

pristine condition. Just as in the ceremo-nial ashes of a burnt offering a change of clothes would be required.

When you hold on to your ashes it af-fects every area of your life. It can leave you with feelings of sadness, inadequa-cy and despair. It can make you forget what God has promised you through the acceptance of Christ.

That spirit of despair he wants to replace with praise and for your mourning and sadness he has promised to give you joy and blessings.

It’s time to trade in the ashes and claim what is rightfully yours-the Crown of Beauty! Just as in the Miss America Pag-eant or a royal wedding you have been deemed special and worthy. We are the children of the Most High King. Don’t al-low trials of life to steal that from you. Yes you should have a Tiara!

I have started to give tiaras as gifts to my friends for their birthdays. I’ve seen each one of them overcome struggles and through them I have learned to let go of my own past mistakes and pain. It’s a gift with biblical meaning and of course it’s sparkly!

So going back to why I NEED a Tiara is simple. It is to remind me that when I am knocked down by life or hurts and disappointments come my way I have a choice to make-do I want to hold on those ashes or do I want to represent the splendor of God and wear my “Crown of Beauty”!

theresa

Valladares

She is married to Enrique Lopez and has two wonderful sons,

Cord and Diego.They are members of The

Family Church and she practices family medicine in Pharr.

By Theresa Va l l adares , M .D .


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Asthe principal of Covenant Christian Academy I get to meet with new

families every week. They visit us Thursday mornings promptly at 8:30 for the “school tour”. I walk them to the library and share our vision, mission and core values. We then proceed to visit classrooms as we dis-cuss curriculum, programs, learning styles, spiritual formation, scheduling, recess and of course lunch. We end the 30 minute pilgrimage with a quick overview of who I am - my professional background, experi-ence, ministerial calling, love for children and of course I tell them about my own two boys. “I am blessed with two boys...my oldest is 21 and my youngest was born January 15, 2013”. After hearing this their demeanor goes from attentive to bewil-dered to amazed as they exclaim in uni-

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are

We decided to name him David after the great King of Israel, the shepherd boy / giant slayer who God called a man after His own heart. His name in Hebrew means “beloved”.

Soon after David’s birth, his mother was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The prognosis was piercing and the 15 year journey was treacherous but in the midst of it all we found Jesus and that made all the difference in the world. She found joy in visiting M.D. Anderson in Houston and the local hospitals sharing the hope of Christ with all she came into contact with.

On February 28, 2007, after David’s 15th birthday, she passed away in her sleep and went to meet with her Creator. She left a wonderful legacy.

At that point God decided it was not “good for man to be alone” so He brought a special someone into my life and in De-cember 2008 we got married. I went from being her pastor to becoming her hus-band just by saying “I do”. Since day one she shared with me her desire of being a

-stances forecasted no hope in this coming to fruition she never gave up. She prayed, worshipped and seeked His face and God showed up in a mighty way and gave her the desire of her heart.

My youngest son was born January 15,

2013. We decided to name him Daniel af-ter the great prophet, the young man who did not conform to the world and was fa-vored by God. His name in Hebrew means “God is my judge”.

Needless to say, as a dad, I am more than

In all honesty I never imagined myself be-ing a dad for the second time and starting all over again at age 41. I am constantly reminded that I now have two pairs of eyes, David’s and Daniel’s, that are con-stantly watching my every move and that whatever I do or say will impact their lives. I feel twice as responsible and account-able for their lives.

Jesus said “the student is not greater than their teacher, but the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher” (Luke 6:40 - NLT)

Our children are in need of a parent not a buddy...they are in need of a mentor and not a playmate - they need someone to guide them to their God given destiny.

I heard a story about a little girl that upon arriving home after Sunday school class followed her father around relentlessly. Her father paused and asked her “sweet-ie why have you been following me around for the past 10 minutes?”The little girl replied “because my Sunday school teacher told us to follow in the footsteps of Christ and your are the closest to him that I know”.

Salomon writes “train up a child in the way he should go so that when he is older he will not depart from it”. The question is - whose responsibility is this??? The par-ents’ of course. We teach and train up by example and as they watch the teacher they will soon imitate and emulate what they have experienced their whole life.

-Lead by example and keep it real-

Establishing structure and discipline early on together with a strong relationship is crucial to the proper and successful up-bringing of every child. Author Josh Mc-Dowell has a simple but very powerful equation that as parents we should al-ways remember:

RULES - RELATIONSHIP = REBELLION

we mustn’t ever forget-Love - that should be a no-brainer

Identity - the need to feel unique and sig-

Security - the need for stability, structure and consistencyPurpose - the need to know that God has a special plan for their livesAcceptance - the need to belong uncon-ditionally

Paul writes to the Ephesians: “Fathers, don’t exasperate your children by com-ing down hard on them. Take them by the hand and LEAD them in the way of the Master.” (Eph 6:4)

How will our children ever trust in a Heav-enly Father they cannot see when their earthly father has failed them so many times? How will they ever understand or even accept God’s grace when their own father has never extended it to them? How can a father lead their children to the Master if they themselves don’t know the way? How can a blind man lead another

ditch?

-It is time for dads to rise up-

A young medical student whose love for the Lord was evident in his life was being interviewed by a middle aged man. The interviewer asked him “so what do you want to be when you are older?” The young man replied “I want to be like my father”. The man then asked “so you want to be an doctor?” He replied “my father is

-lower just as he is”. He then added “my dad is one the greatest Christian men I have ever met!”

The interviewer paused, took out a pencil and notepad and asked “tell me...what is your father like?”

The question for you today is “What are you like?”

Shalom,

Milton

wow!

Milton Gonzalez is the Principal of Covenant Christian Academy in McAllen and has a son David. He is married to Elena and they have

a son Daniel.

MILTON GONZALEZ

By MILTON GONZALEZ


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“My grandma thinks I’m going to heaven,” says Kole, 6.

Why is it that most grandchildren can’t get enough of their grandparents?

Most grandparents are smart enough to just love on their grandkids. They leave the hard stuff like correction and disci-pline for the parents.

Kids instinctively sense when someone loves them. They know their grandparents think they’re very special, and they love it. If grandparents possessed the key to heaven, all their grandkids would have their tickets punched for heaven.

“You have to be good,” says Carly, 6.

That’s exactly the problem, Carly. Do you know anyone who is good always? If no one is good all the time, how good do you have to be to walk through the pearly gates? Many people think God grades on the curve. If I’ve been better than most people, God will roll out the golden carpet to welcome me into heaven, right? WRONG!

God doesn’t grade on the curve. When we compare ourselves to other people, we’re looking at the wrong standard for enter-ing heaven. We need to look at God instead of people. God is good all the time because goodness is his nature.

“I know I am going to heaven because I believe that Jesus died on the cross to take away my sins,” says Reecie, 7. “I know that this is the way to get to heaven because God said so, and God is truthful (John 3:16).

Reecie is not trusting in her own efforts to be good. She knows that she could never earn the kind of goodness that God re-quires to live with him forever. The Lord Jesus Christ is God’s standard for goodness and heaven. Out of all the billions of people who have been born, only he was good all the time.

As God’s only son, Jesus came from heaven in order to make the way to heaven available for all. Jesus said: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,” (John 14:6).

Amazingly, Jesus Christ offers eternal life as a free gift to all who will simply trust him and him alone as their only way to heaven.

the cross, many people still think Jesus needs help in being the savior of the world.

certainty that you have eternal life. Death is the biggest prob-lem everyone faces. Jesus conquered death when he rose from the grave after three days. True liberation and power

comes from knowing you are God’s child forever. No one in-cluding you can undo a spiritual birth any more than one can undo a physical birth.

When you are born again spiritually into God’s family, you be-long to him forever. God wants to bless all his children. Like any good father, he disciplines his children (Hebrews 12:6). Howev-er, he never disowns his children. That can’t happen because God promised eternal life to all who accept the Lord Jesus as their savior.

Think about this: The very nature of the life that God gives when anyone trusts the Lord Jesus as his or her savior is “eternal.”

Memorize this truth: “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28).

Ask this question: How can you lose something that lasts for-ever?

Carey Kinsolving’s Kids Talk About God syndicated column is distrib-uted by Creators Syndicate. KidsTalkAboutGod.org features a Bible-lesson archive of all columns. Kinsolving is the co-founder of the RGV Children’s International Arts Festival. For details, go to www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org

How Do You Know If You’re Going To Heaven?


F o r g i v e n Motorcycle M i n i s t r y

Q&AQ: Where were each of you in your l ives when you became aware of For-given Motorcycle Min istry?A: Ronnie - For many years Lydia and I have been involved in min istry through different levels of serving. We both grew up in Christ ian homes and enjoy reaching out to the needs of God’s people. Forgiven Motorcycle Min istry has given me an op-portunity to continue growing and sharing God’s ult imate gift , H is love!A: Lydia - I was born into a Pastoral family . From childhood to this day, I have been involved in vari-ous levels of min istry. As a staff member here at The Family Church and through Forgiven Motor-cycle Min istry, I have had the priv ilege of seeing l ives transformed and famil ies restored.

Q: How has Forgiven Motorcycle Min is-try impacted your l ifestyles?A: Ronnie - In a normal church sett ing, you don’t get to experience bonding with church famil ies. As a Chaplain in Forgiven Motorcycle Min istry, I have the priv ilege of l istening to people’s hearts and spir itually direct them through the word of God to f ind answers. R id ing together tops it off.

A: Lydia - Our family was involved in a Missions Min-istry that reached out to the lost and hurting in the slums of Mexico and the surrounding areas. Our souls are the very heart beat of God and when I heard that Forgiven Motorcycle Min istry’s passion was to reach out to the community and impart the love of God through various acts of k indness, I knew in my heart that Forgiven was the place to serve.

Q: What would you say to someone who may be interested in becoming a part of Forgiven Motorcycle Min istry?A: Ronnie – You don’t need a motorcycle. All you need to know is that your sins are “Forgiven. ” If you want to meet new people that do excit ing things for the K ingdom of God, I encourage you to join Forgiven Motorcycle Min istry.A: Lydia – Forgiven Motorcycle Min istry reaches out to the lost and hurting. In th is min istry you will have an opportunity to be a blessing to others. My greatest joy is to see the un-churched come to know Christ as Lord and see them attending church and serving with Forgiven Motorcycle Min-istry. Come join us in reaching the lost for Christ .

Ronnie and Lydia have been a part of For-given Motorcycle Min istry s ince the be-ginning. As the lead Chaplains, they were asked to facil itate Forgiven’s Chaplain Min istry to spir itually direct the l ives of the people that Forgiven serves. They both come from Christ ian homes and en-joy sharing God’s ult imate gift , H is love. Chaplains, Ronnie and Lydia Longoria

Ronnie and Lydia have been a part of For-given Motorcycle Min istry s ince the be-ginning. As the lead Chaplains, they were asked to facil itate Forgiven’s Chaplain Min istry to spir itually direct the l ives of the people that Forgiven serves. They both come from Christ ian homes and en-joy sharing God’s ult imate gift , H is love. Chaplains, Ronnie and Lydia Longoria

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A Note from Nathan…

Please buy a sign and scholarship for a kid to go to camp. It’s that easy! You’ll be glad you gave!

Nathan JonesNathan JonesMulti-Area Director

Fellowship of Christian [email protected]

COACHES CAMPHorseshoe Bay Marriott Resort - Horseshoe Bay, Texas

Thursday—Sunday, July 11th to 14thCome and enjoy the fellowship of other members of the

coaching profession as you learn key principles of successful living as a “Coach” in an environment that is fun and understands coaches.

LEADERSHIP CAMPHardin-Simmons University - Abilene, TX

June 10th to June 14thDFW FCA Sports Leadership Camp

Dallas Baptist University – Dallas, TX – www.dfwfca.org

June 24th to June 28th

SPORTS CAMPSFCA Golf Camp – HSU, Abilene, TX

June 10th to June 14th Texas Tech University - Lubbock, TX

June 21st to June 25th Texas A&M University - College Station, TX

July 1st to July 5th (Subject to change)

COLLEGE EXTREMERiver Bend Camp – Glen Rose, TX

January 25th to 27th

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE CAMPS GO TO:


Since 1954, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has challenged athletes and coaches to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is cultivating Christian principles in local communities nationwide by encouraging, equipping and empowering others to serve as examples and to make a differ-ence in their family, school, and community. Reaching over two million people annually on he college, high school, junior high and youth levels, FCA has grown in to the largest inter-denomi-nation sports ministry in the world. Through this shared passion for athletes and faith, lives are be-

ing changed for current and future generations.

FCA Camp has been the greatest exper i ence of my l i f e ! Anyone who

has not gone to FCA Camp is m iss-ing out on one great exper i ence ! ”

“It was intense.”

“I’m athletically faster in my sport and spiritually

stronger with God.”

If you would like to sponsor an Athlete to Summer Camp

call Robin at 956-994-1121 today!

FCA Vision

FCA Missionof receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relation-ships and in the fellowship of the church.

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

FCA Camp ScholarshipCampaign

FCA Camps are a time of “Inspiration and Perspiration” for athletes who want to

reach their potential through comprehensive athletic and spiritual training.

How YOU can make a difference

Buy a Sign for $500.

By participating in our camp scholarship campaign, each

Donor will have their name (or company name) on their

own 24” x 18” double sided sign which will be placed at

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Every sign sold represents one Athlete’s FCA Camp

Scholarship.

VCM_Abril_2013.indd 31


Living the PsalmsCharles R. SwindollWorthy Publishing

7An Experimental

Mutiny Against Excessby: Jen Hatmaker

Have you ever wondered where the abundant life Scrip-ture promises is, and how you seem to have missed it? Do you ever catch yourself saying, “Those were the best years of my life?” A failed relationship, a health crisis, a job loss, the death of a loved one—all can cause us to hide out, go numb, give up. Before we even know it, we’re sim-ply coping with life instead of living it to the fullest.

It happens to most of us at one point or another. For au-thor and Bible study teacher Denise Hildreth Jones, it hap-pened in the wake of her devastating divorce. But she fought desperately to reclaim her God-designed heart, and now, in her transparent, authentic style, Denise chal-lenges you to do the same. Sharing stories from her own journey and others she’s walked alongside, Denise will help you identify ways you’ve given your heart to “lesser gods” like performance, people-pleasing, and control,

life—to laughing, loving, and living life to the fullest.

American life can be excessive, to say the least. That’s what Jen Hatmaker had to admit after taking in hurricane victims who commented on the extravagance of her f a m i l y ’ s upper middle class home. She once considered herself unmoti-vated by the lure of prosperity, but upon being called “rich” by an undeniably poor child, evidence to the contrary mounted, and a social experiment turned spiritual was born.

7 is the true story of how Jen (along with her husband and her

against the modern-day diseases of greed, materialism, and overindulgence.

Food. Clothes. Spending. Media. Possessions. Waste. Stress. They would spend thirty days on each topic, boiling it down to the number seven. Only eat seven foods, wear seven articles of cloth-ing, and spend money in seven places. Eliminate use of seven media types, give away seven things each day for one month, adopt seven green habits, and observe “seven sacred pauses.” So, what’s the payoff from living a deeply reduced life? It’s the discovery of a greatly increased God—a call toward Christ-like simplicity and generosity that transcends social experiment to be-come a radically better existence.

ReclaimingYour HeartDenise Hildreth Jones

Imagine touching the snooze button on the alarm clock or phone, and suddenly a sense of refreshment and tranquility over-whelms you as it is time

to briskly and excitedly leap out of bed and into the grind of the day.

Maybe that is the case for some people. But a good bunch of us need “En-couragement for the Daily

Grind.”

Charles Swindoll has written a devotional book that offers just that. He has selected 26 Psalms that address 26 different “grinds” we may face throughout life.

From Psalm 1, Swindoll confronts “the grind of compromise.” He compares the godly life and the ungodly life presented by

compromise the standards of righteousness God has set before us. This is contrasted to the refreshment that comes from being planted close to the water that nourishes our souls for godliness.Swindoll’s explanation of the text is as clear and helpful as ever.

It is insightful and easily digested and ready for application.

“The grind of uncertainty” is examined with a look at Psalm 23. Swindoll says, “I have observed that few inner battles are more

have encountered one more of its many faces as you have struggled with a career choice, new direction in life, purpose

-lational snags, and a dozen other confusing puzzles not quickly or easily solved. It is for the dark hours of uncertainty that David penned a song we know as Psalm 23.”

It surprises me that we overlook the Psalms. We ride emotional rollercoasters on a daily basis. As the different Psalms are read, it is easy to see that the writers were not afraid to share their emotional highs and lows. It is refreshing to know that we are not alone as we confront the daily grind.

meaningfully on your personal journey. You will see that God is with you and wants to join you as you walk through various daily grinds, such as those of discouragement, divine silence,

-curity.

Be encouraged by Living the Psalms.Lutzer’s book can help you walk through Joseph’s journey. Along the way, with prayer and discernment, you may begin to see how God has been working in the past and is working in the present as He takes you into the future He has for you.

Miguel ParedesBook

Review

by

Is a teacher at Edinburg North and earned his Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is married to Brenda and has four

children:Diego (10), Karla and Andrea (7) and Charis (3).


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APRIL 19-20

1400 E. Ridge RD., STE 10 MCALLEN, TX 78503 WWW.PENAEYE.COM

/ 35 /www.valleychristianmagazine. /

5253 N. 23rd StreetMcAllen, Tx. 78504

956.627.5135

It is the philosophy of La Petite Learning Academy that early childhood should be a time of fun, warmth, security, education, exploration and discovery. La Petite Learning Academy provides an atmosphere that encourages social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth through the children’s play and through small group instruction. Our curriculum includes creative art, foreign language, math, music appreciation, hands on science activities, block play, sign language, dramatic play, sensorial and cultural activities. We have daily outdoor time which includes, kids stretching classes, gardening & introduction to physical education. We also have a weekly baking lesson every Friday. We are a Christian based center and incorporate our bible studies weekly into our curriculum. It is our mission to provide a Christ-centered environment. Children are exposed daily to shapes, colors, numbers, and letters through developmentally appropriate activities. We focus on early literacy and reading readiness as early as 6 weeks

early childcare experience. We are McAllen’s newest addition in the childcare industry and are happy to serve children from ages 6 weeks-5 years old.

We are now enrolling!

Register now for

Summer Camps!!

La PetiteLearning Academy

Session 1: Space Adventure

Session 2: Under The Sea

Ages PK4-12 years oldSummer Camps!!


4. Audio AdrenalineKings & Queens

CD: Kings & Queens

5. Casting CrownsAlready There

CD: Come To The Well

2. Chris Tomlin Whom Shall I Fear

(God of Angel Armies) CD: Burning Lights

3. Passion featuring

One Thing Remains

1. MercyMeYou Are I Ame

CD: The Hurt and The Healer

M A R T I N S M I T H


7. PlumbNeed You Now

(How Many Times)

CD: Single

9. Hawk NelsonWords

CD: Made

6. Third Day I Need A Miracle

CD: Miracle

8. Josh Wilson Carry Me

CD: Single


www.daveramsey.com

Dave Ramsey is a

personal money-management expert and

extremely popular national radio personality.

His three New York Times best-selling books—

Financial Peace, More Than Enough and The

Total Money Makeover—have sold more than

6 million copies combined. His latest book,

EntreLeadership:

20 Years of Practical Business

Wisdom from the Trenches,

releases in September 2011.

What’s the difference?Dear Dave,My wife and I make $140,000 a year, and we’re working on our debt snowball. We’re almost out of debt, but we still have two small car pay-ments and some credit card debt. She wants to get rid of the credit card debt but doesn’t mind us having car payments. Can you help me understand this?...Kelly

Dear Kelly,I’m not sure I understand her thinking either. The car payments and the credit card debt are the same thing. They’re both debt payments, and you’re being charged interest on both of them. The only difference is that one is attached to a car and one’s not. It makes about as much sense as saying you like Visa better than MasterCard.

Even if she has some strange hang-up about car depreciation, that argu-ment doesn’t hold water either. Cars go down in value whether you bor-rowed money to buy them or not. A $20,000 vehicle will be worth $10,000 in just a few years no matter what you do. A car payment won’t keep it from depreciating or slow the rate of depreciation.

Sometimes people get burned out or tired of paying the price to become debt-free. It can happen when you’ve been working on something for a while, and it seems like you’re never going to get there. Sit down and have a gentle, loving talk with your wife. Find out why she feels that way about the car payments and where the root of the problem really lies.

She may just need some support and encouragement from the man in her life. Remind her how far you’ve come together on this journey, how close you are to winning, and how much you love her. You’re too close to

In-laws and out of debtDear Dave,I’m 27 and married, and we have two kids. I make $90,000 a year, but we have $80,000 in consumer debt—$48,000 of which is in car loans. The rest is credit card debt. My wife’s parents have offered to let us move in with them so we can get out of debt faster. Do you think this is a good idea? ... Kevin,

Dear Kevin,If I were in your situation, I would not move in with the in-laws. You’ve got an absurd amount of money wrapped up in those cars. I’d sell the stupid things, start living on a budget and paying down debt, and keep my dig-nity.

In my mind there are only two scenarios where you’d even consider tak-ing the in-laws up on their offer. One is where they’re absolutely wonderful people and you have a great, non-toxic relationship with them, where everyone involved knows their boundaries. Even then, I’d only consider this if it were for a very short, agreed-upon amount of time.

The second scenario would be if moving in with the in-laws were the only way to accomplish your goal. And you don’t pass that test. You guys can

about it. If you had two little paid-for beaters, your lives would be so much different. You could even save a little money on the side while you were paying down debt and buy a better car as soon as the debt was gone.

If you can’t tell, I’m pretty big on maintaining dignity. You might love your

money going into your automobiles is insane, and that’s your biggest

By DaveRamsey



Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 / Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

e-mail: [email protected]

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Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

Phone: 956.380.1421 / Toll Free: 877.480.1421 Fax: 956.380.2920 / Mobile: 956.655.5455

e-mail: [email protected]

attorney at law

Raul “Rudy” Rodriguez

Documents

Valley Christian Magazine April 2013