Murals

There's a deep burning in my heart for today's family. It's an urgent need to reach, motivate and teach parents the values of managing our homes the way God designed it. Hurting families need someone to care enough, to come along side, to reach out and teach them new ways. Are you the parent or child that feels abandoned in your agony on the side of the road, or are you the Good Samaritan willing to extend love, show mercy and care for someone in need? We need each other, friend. We need the Lord. (People Need the Lord)

Have you ever felt abandoned or abused by one who was meant to bless your life? Some hurting teenagers can't wait to leave home because of verbal, physical and emotional abuse. Some avoid conversation with parents to protect themselves from battles that leave them feeling condemned and humiliated, which is often a learned behavior by watching how one parent responds to another. I was grieved to recently witness a mother cursing her teenage son, condemning him with the most vulgar words I've ever heard come out of a woman's mouth. I saw him shrink as if he wanted to disappear. This was real everyday life for my friend (a military recruit). Is it any wonder why he hates his mother and can't wait to leave? Is it any wonder why many teenagers choose to end their misery with suicide? They believe the poisonous lies of others and think they have no hope. How can we teach them a better way of living?

We must be mindful that the home is the root of where character is developed. This is where we teach our children how to function in this world. We're responsible, Mom and Dad, for teaching our kids who God is. Is your family life spiritually thriving, or spiritually deteriorating? We all could learn and practice some new ways to thrive in our relationships. Children watch and study the way their parents do life. As kids mature into adulthood, some of their dysfunctional ways are left behind while striving to do life better, but tragically, many of them repeat the vicious cycle of the very thing they hated about their upbringing. Like a sapling, it's in their grain. The good news is THERE IS HOPE. God can change the human heart of every willing "sapling". He wants to graft you into His family, the Family of God. Over and over again, it is proven that disobedience to the Lord leads to a cursed life. Obedience to Him leads to a blessed life. Where do we begin to break the legacy of death and misery for families that are willing to learn new ways? How can we help parents and children move from Deceivers to Achievers, from miserable emptiness to fruitful contentment? It's not up to the school teachers though there are many doing as much as they can to make a difference. But responsibility to raise a child in the way he or she should go is in the hands of the parent. It begins in the home. How can we equip and minister to families in need?

Something to pray about and consider; I've been envisioning FREE PARENTING CLASSES and SEMINARS in the schools and churches (when the facilities are not being used) and also via the internet... Parents pursuing their potential for the sake of their precious children. And children learning family values when they're most impressionable. Nothing is wrong with sports, entertainment and shopping as long as relationships are priority over activities. It's a win-win opportunity TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE every way you look at it. Dr. Erwin Lutzer said, "The family has the potential for unity, or for division." Let's come together in unity so that hurting parents and children are given tools and encouragement to learn new ways. Victory is possible whether you're the victim or the violator. Hope and healing is a free gift for everyone willing to receive it. If you're not happy with the direction your legacy is headed, then confess your convictions to God and develop new ways. Until a more established idea can be organized, be encouraged to use your skills and spiritual gifts to fulfill the calling on your life to MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Please share your thoughts or questions,
Joyce Girgenti (inspirational artist and speaker)

Area Needing Encouragement	Pastor, Author or Teacher	TV or Web-Program, Website or Book	Supporting Scripture or Theme
From God	The Bible is God's spoken Word written for instruction and application. It is alive and active in the heart of every believer as a Road-Map for life.	Read the Bible Online www.biblegateway.com Chronological Bible Reading Plan	God has stooped down to our level to communicate His message to us in written form. He does not reveal His will to us through our emotions, but through His spoken Word. 2 Timothy 3 16-17; John 17:17 Jesus prays to God, "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." To sanctify is to make holy. To set apart as sacred. To purify-free from sin.
From Live Radio		Moody Radio - Where You Turn. For Life MBI--Moody RadioWMBIHome	Compelling programs filled with solid biblical insight and creative expressions of faith that helps you take the next step in your relationship with Christ. Through the power of the Word, you will hear and experience more of the life God intends for you in every moment, in every situation.
Hope and encouragement for every day life issues	Several programs to choose from, at Total Living Network.	www.Total Living Network.com	To direct people to Christ and provide resources for a vibrant relationship with Him through the electronic communications media.
Answers to difficult questions	Kirk Cameron and Ray Comfort	Living Waters and Way of the Master.com	Seek and save the lost the way Jesus did. Learn how to share your faith by asking questions like: "Are you a good person?"
*"Experiencing God"* teaches how to have an active relationship with God: 5 ways to experience God; in prayer, through the Bible, through circumstances, through the church, and through other people.	Henry Blackaby	This was the first Bible-Study Workbook that taught me who God really is and how to experience Him on a personal level. Welcome to Blackaby Ministries. Thanks to Henry Blackaby's willingness to share his wisdom to help others, I will never be the same!	Knowing God does not come through a program, a study, or a method. Knowing God comes through a relationship with a Person. This is an intimate love relationship with God. Through this relationship, God reveals Himself, His purposes, and His ways; and He invites you to join Him where He is already at work.
Women's Issues	Beth Moore	Living Proof Ministries	"For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any two edged sword." Hebrew 4:12
Practical Biblical Truths for Everyday Life	Dr. Charles Stanley	3 Years of Videos From This Beloved Pastor's Sermons Home - In Touch Ministries - Dr. Charles Stanley 2009	Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus–the work of telling others the Good News about God’s mighty kindness and love (Acts 20:24 ).
HOPE and PRAYER	For prayer, call 1(888) NEED-HIM to speak with a Spiritual Coach.	Visit www.groundwire.net for answers or http://www.needhim.org	There is HOPE!
What is My Purpose? What in the world am I here for?	Pastor Rick Warren	The Purpose Driven Life is the best-selling hardback in American history, with over 30 million copies sold world-wide. Warren founded Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, CA in 1980 with one other family. Today, it is one of America’s most influential churches, with approximately 20,000 people attending the weekend services. Saddleback offers more than 200 community ministries and support groups.	"It's not about me!" This 40-day personal spiritual journey presents what Warren says are God's five purposes for human life on earth and describes itself as "a blueprint for Christian living in the 21st Century ... using over 1200 Biblical verses and quotes.
How to Know God. For prayer, call 1 (800) 821-3300	Pastor Greg Laurie	If you're trying to do GOOD WORKS to balance out the bad things you've done, it will never happen. You could never do enough GOOD WORKS to balance out your bad choices. Forgiveness of sins is only possible by a redeemed life in Christ. Daily Devotional at Harvest Online	What do you live for? Greg’s Blog » Parables from the Beach, Part 3
How to walk in the Word		Walk in the Word with Dr. James MacDonald	Igniting passion in the people of God through the proclamation of truth
Family Life Today	Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine	Helpful resources and answers to questions about family www.familylife.com	Help for today. Hope for tomorrow.
Running to Win	Dr. Erwin Lutzer	Listen to "Putting Your Past Behind You" and other life-applicable topics oneplace.comthe-dark-side-of-evil-part-1-of-2	Satan hates God, and he takes his anger out on God’s people. Discover this spiritual knowledge and put into practice, this message to FIND TRUE FREEDOM!
Training for Biblical Wisdom	Nancy Leigh DeMoss	Ladies, If you only have time for 1 daily resource to learn from, I highly recommend www.reviveourhearts.com. This is like FREE CLASSES at your convenience; any subject, any time, and as much time as you want to invest. We are so grateful to *Revive Our Hearts* for 10 years of faithful service, and for sharing 10 amazing years of programs via your archives! I thank my God for every remembrance of you, Nancy, and all our brothers and sisters behind the scene. My faith walk is so much sweeter because of your faithfulness to your calling!	Calling Women to Freedom, Fullness, and Fruitfulness in Christ

Have you opened the door of your heart to invite Jesus in? Accepting Him is the most important decision you'll ever make, and this decision affects every other decision. If life as you know it ended today, do you know where you will spend eternity? If you have questions about the bible, or need someone to talk to, please let us know how we can help. www.NeedHim.org.