Christian Star Newswww.csn-paper.comU.S.AChristian Star Issue 8 August 2009

Recently, while watching a program on the History Channel, I heard the comment: “all people have angelic capacity”. I know this is true. We all have the ability to be “angels” to those around us. We founded St. Paul Companion Care to fulfill that poten-tial. After writing extensive policies and regulations in my capacity as an attorney and on behalf of a Central Louisiana in-home care provider, and after recognition of the serious need for basic needs assistance for the el-derly and disabled in our community, we ventured beyond the role of lawyer and into the role of caregiver. St. Paul Companion Care trains and provides caregivers to the elderly and disabled. We serve private clients and people receiving Medicaid who might otherwise be in a nursing home. St. Paul cares for the elderly and disabled in their homes and at assisted living fa-cilities. But, what we do is more than that. By showing compassion through our actions and helping people to walk around the house, to bathe, to eat, to stay clean, we help them to keep their dignity during difficult times. We help them to stay at home in their sacred space. We help them to have or retain a certain sense of independence that often defines who we are, and yet we let them know that the help and love of another person can be meaningful

and build God’s kingdom on earth. When I finished high school and went off to college, the days of walk-ing down to my grandparents’ house and helping my Paw-Paw with physical therapy were over. He had previously broken his hip and suffered from Par-kinson’s disease, and my grandmother battled with Alzheimer’s. Shortly after I moved away, my family moved my grandparents to a small nursing home some miles away from any of the family. My grandparents’ lives were never the same. The facility was good, but they wanted to be home. St. Paul Companion Care offers the option to stay home. The last thing that we want is to be like other sitter services. We strive to go to the next level, to lift up those we care for and those who provide the care. We have forgotten that our brothers and sisters are everyone around us of all ages. The members of our extended family who need the love of a helping hand are the people we serve at St. Paul Companion Care, L.L.C. We are located on Shellbeach Drive, Lake Charles, LA in the Capital One Building on the 16th Floor. Please contact us at (337) 433-1403 for an evaluation.

by Attorney Yul Lorio

Unique In-Home Care Providers

Truly Being Their Brother’s Keeper

( Orlando , Florida , USA )—Wycliffe Associates, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes volunteers and resources in support of Bible translation efforts, is campaigning to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the construc-tion of a new multi-purpose building in Kenya that will provide office space for their national partner organization—Bi-ble Translation and Literacy (BTL)—cur-rently working on 14 different language projects.The new building will replace a nearly

100-year-old structure. “We began this construction project 18 months ago,” says Bruce Smith, president and CEO of Wycliffe Associates. “We’ve made great progress, in spite of an outbreak of political violence in the region that in-terrupted the work for awhile last year. Now the situation has stabilized, and translators and their support staff are working safely.”To date, BTL has completed translations of the New Testament in seven differ-ent languages in Kenya , where the

literacy rate is 74 percent. Among them is a language that native speakers have unsuccessfully attempted to write down for themselves. However, translators have now completed a New Testament in this language and have since begun a translation of the Old Testament as well.In addition to making significant linguis-tic strides for these Kenyan language groups, translators have witnessed an

See WYCLIFFE Pg.5

Construction of Translation Center on Track after Political Strife SubsidesWycliffe Associates Seeking Funding for Critically Needed Building in Kenya

Homeless Organizations

NeededCSN’s goal is to help the homeless. We desire to help the homeless organizations and ministries to raise funds for their facility operations, as well as provide the homeless person with a path to generate an income to help them get off of the street.

Nolan Melonson is currently working with a few interested organizations in Houston, Texas to do a test run of the newspaper street distribution to put into place a formal process.

With the high number of homeless people in Atlanta, GA we are also seeking organizations there to help as well.

Please contact Mr. Melonson at (832) 563-1575 for more informa-tion.

More about The Calling See pg. 9

More about Destiny Driven See pg. 8

“What would Christ do if He met a homeless person today?”

Post 911 GI Bill Starting on August 1, the new GI bill is being rolled out that has the potential to help a new generation of veterans get their higher education paid for. Depend-ing upon where they live, veterans will be able to get their housing paid for, along with a $1000 stipend for books and supplies. The program promises almost everyone who serves 3 years or longer on active duty since September 11, 2001 a public college education at government expense. Career service members can also transfer their benefits to immediate family members under this revised bill. The original GI bill was enacted in 1944 under President Franklin D. Roosevelt for veterans returning from WW II. In 1984, the Montgomery GI Bill was introduced as an amendment to the GI bill. Although debated during the recent presidential campaign, this new bill has significant improvements, though not perfect, for veterans. The intent of this upgrade is to help current veterans and also encourage potential servicemen and women to look at the military as an alternative to their future plans. There are several military and veterans websites that have more details on what this program looks like.

General InformationContact numbers:(337) 853-9883(337) 513-5661(832) 563-1575

www.CSN-Paper.com

Publishers:

Monica Soileaumonicasoileau@christianstarnewspaper.com

Chief Editors:

Rolland Soileaurollandsoileau@christianstarnewspaper.com

Advertising:Sales & Marketing

Derrick Singleton; SWLAderricksingleton@christianstarnewspaper.com(337) 853-5172

Mary Stevens; National Sales Managermarystevens@christianstarnewspaper.com(337)513-5661

Nolan Melonson; Houston, TXnolanlmelonson@christianstarnewspaper.com(832) 563-1575

Designers:Primary - Sasha McDanielsashamcdaniel@christianstarnewspaper.com(337) 853-9883

Contributors:Agnes O. AmosAttorney Yul LorioChauncy LatigueChris HarveyColin WittDerrick SingletonDr. Richard ArnoLaura WashingtonJacob IsraelMichele AbshireMonica SoileauRolland SoileauRev. E.J. Kemper IIISt. Paul Companion Care, LLC

Distribution Managers:Derrick Singleton: LouisianaNolan Melonson: Houston, Texas

Disclaimer:The entire content of this paper is copyrighted © August 2009 by Christian Star News. All rights reserved. Material in this publica-tion may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed writ-ten consent of the publisher.

Christian Star News is not respon-sible for any claims made by ad-vertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessar-ily reflect the publisher.

About CSNI would like to thank all of the churches and businesses for their support in helping Christian Star News accomplish the larger vision that God has for the United States. We thank you for continuing to stand with us, as we work to improve the paper to perfection.

We desire to be a part of the harvest of souls for God. We seek to place this Christian paper right next to the secular papers in businesses. We pray and desire that the articles submitted from the different churches will encourage the unsaved souls to seek salvation in a Christ believing, Bible-based Church.Purpose & Goals: • Provide encouraging good news and information of

special interest for those within the local Christian communities that we serve

• Help promote businesses and professionals that want to reach potential customers/clients from their local Christian community.

• Provide an outlet for pastors to reach people beyond their own congregations for the purposes of educating & communicating special events.

• Help educate people about how to live well and to be good stewards as we face challenging economic and social conditions. Examples include: gardening and nu-tritional tips, clipping coupons, as well as advice from experts on subjects such as finances and interpersonal relationships.

• Develop a “Listing” of all Christian-Owned Businesses. • “Counselor’s Corner” will provide Christian-based

advice from a Licensed Professional Counselor. • Promote local positive Christian-based family activi-

ties. • Draw attention to special individual community needs

in an effort to galvanize community support.Note for Pastors: The Christian Star News is Non-De-nominational, and we have no intentions of attempt-ing to persuade those who are currently attending a church that preaches Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord to move to another church. We are not church hop-pers ourselves: we are rooted.

• The CSN offers each local church in the areas we serve the following opportunities:

• Submit articles that are strictly bible-based (pref. KJV/NKJV) for the publisher to consider for use in a future publication.

• Submit upcoming events that are open to the public to be listed.

• Church Directory Listing. • Free distribution of the publication. • We also offer local Christian Churches the opportunity

to purchase Ads (of any size available) in the Christian Star News, and these ads may be designed to encour-age unchurched readers to visit their place of worship.

At the end of the day, we just want to be obedient to the Holy Spirit and serve God!

CSN paper is new and innovative with its new concept of helping the community. Christians are called to help; we are called to help the poor, the struggling and everyone within our reach in need of help. We offer this paper FREE to the public and FREE to the churches to utilize this as a tool to reach out to those who may be seeking to learn more about God and His goodness.

We at CSN extend a genuine concern for the mind, body, and spirit of our readers and will work tirelessly to ensure that we bring to you information and advertisers that adhere to the same. CSN is about Christians Helping All People! We seek to Be our Brother’s Keeper and Loving our Neighbors as Thy Self.

Therefore, we are working with companies to bring you the discounts and coupons you need in one place for neces-sary items that you consume or utilize every day. It requires companies that are willing to offer savings to their loyal consumers, as well as the participation of the community to utilize their saving offers. CSN offers advertisement that is affordable to small Christian businesses, in addition to large corporations. Stand with us in supporting the compa-nies that advertise with CSN as they seek to serve you.

We are here to add to, build and assist the churches with their vision to serve God and prepare souls for the harvest. I offer my TV ministry “Bent, but Not Broken” to the differ-ent ministries as they wish to share their vision, their tes-timony and to announce upcoming events as an additional service. I am blessed to be a blessing!

Thanks for taking the time to be your brother’s keeper and ensuring that they too get the same savings as I am offer-ing you. God bless you and may the seeds you sow reap 1000-fold in the same year in Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

Bible Quiz1. What did Jesus say is as bad as murder?2. According to Jesus, what is the earth?3. What happens to treasure on earth?4. What is the light of the body?5. What does Jesus say about tomorrow?6. What should you not throw before swine?7. Which is the gate that leads to life?8. What does a good tree bring forth?9. What happened to the man who built his house

upon the sand?10. Why should we not judge people?

1.) Anger, 2.) God's footstool, 3.) Thieves steal it, 4.) The eye, 5.) Take no thought for it, 6.) Pearls, 7.) Nar-row gate, 8.) Good fruit, 9.) The house fell flat, 10.) So that we are not judged

Upcoming Events• ZionTabernacleBaptistChurchWomen’sMinistry is

hosting its annual Women’s Conference Friday, August 14, 2009 from 6pm to 9pm and Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 8am to 1pm. Dr. Debra B. Morton, Pastor of the Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana will bring to life God’s written Word in the conference theme, “Leading Women to the Heart of God”. Registration is $25. For more information contact Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church at 337 436-6627, Gisele Williams at 337 526-1118, or email at ziontbc@aol.com

• SeanArdoin+R.O.G.K.(Reflections of God’s King-dom) will perform the FIRST EVER Christian Zydeco concert at Christian World Ministries in support of their new release, “How Great is Your Love?!”Aug 7, 2009 at 7pm-9pmFree admissionLove offering accepted Christian World Ministry at 2001 E. Gauthier Rd. Lake Charles, LA 70607

• BibleHealingCollege Fri – Aug - 7,8 7pm • Victory Christian Center @ 26452 Sorters Road; Porter • Learn to lay hands on the sick. Learn about the root causes of illnesses. Learn how to conduct a healingschool at your home or church. Friday evening at 7pm; Saturday morning

• ChristianWomen’sConnectionFri – Aug 12 Luncheon & Speaker 11:30am • Sweetwater Country Club @ 4400 Palm Royale Blvd.; Sugar Land • NOTE: There will be NO July CWC Luncheon. On August 12; all women in-vited to hear Faye Martin; Bellville; speak about “Life is More Than A Nursery Rhyme” and enjoy delicious buffet luncheon. Free on-site babysitting. RSVP for lunch and child care. CWC affiliated with www.Stonecroft.org. • 281-778-7140 Judy • $18 inclusive

• PowerEvangelismSchool Tue– Aug 18 7pm • Christ The Healer Church 17810 French Rd., Houston • Every Tuesday for 15 weeks from August 18 - December 1. We are training and teaching people how to minister to hurt-ing people. If you would like to join a class that demon-strates the power of God in daily life, enroll for a 15 week course with hands on training. Outreaches to Hospitals, Street Evangelism, Missions, Youth, Nursing Homes and Prophetic Healing Services. Ministers License Available. www.cthem.org • Call: 281-955-0496 • Registration fee $35

• FellowshipFunDay Fri – Aug 21 10am-8pm • Schlitter-bahn Galveston Island Waterpark @ 2109 Lockheed St. , Galveston. Enjoy a day of waterpark fun, food, and fel-lowship, including a live Christian concert.

PG. 1

South west, la Houston, txGreater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church 337-433-0122St. Memorial Church of God in Christ 337-439-8680Zion Tabernacle Baptist Church 337-436-6627Open Arms Baptist Church 337-436-4737Mount Calvary Baptist Church 337-439-4603New Emmanuel Baptist Church 337-437-4042The Church of Lake Charles Teaching Center 337-439-0746Christian Baptist Church 337-436-6530Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church 337-436-0882Eastwood United Pentecostal Church 337-439-3425United Christian Fellowship 337-433-1517Throne of Grace Fellowship 337-433-9007True Light Baptist Church 337-433-7214Refuge Temple 337-491-9367The Church of New Beginning of Lake Charles Inc. 337-430-0177First Pentecostal Church Cathedral of Praise 337-436-2297Shiloh Baptist Church 337-562-2220Livingway Pentecostal Church 337-478-2412Christian World Ministries 337-475-0157Grace Community Church 337-436-0534Trinity Baptist Church 337-480-1555Lake Charles Seventh Day Adventist Church 337-478-8353St. John Lutheran Church 337-478-5666Westlake Church of Nazerene 337-439-8551Eternity Full Gospel Fellowship 337-433-4138First Baptist Church of Gillis 337-855-9414St. Margaret Catholic Church 337-439-4585First Presbyterian Church 337-433-4667Westwood Baptist Church 337-433-8677St. Henry’s Catholic Church 337-436-7223First Pentecostal Church of Westlake 337-436-6053Immaculate Conception Cathedral 337-436-7251Immaculate Heart of Mary Church 337-436-8093New Sunlight Baptist Church 337-436-8965Lake Area Worship Center 337-436-6083St. John Bosco Church 337-433-2467Word of Hope Family Worship Center 337-439-7788Sacred Heart Catholic Church 337-439-9923Diocese of Lake Charles 337-439-7426Episcopal Church of The Good Shephard 337-433-5244Wesley Foundation at McNeese University 337-477-2191Sale st. Baptist Church 337-477-3463Our Lady Queen of Heaven Church 337-477-1236Glad Tidings Church 337-477-7774

Aldine Christian Church 281-442-9751South Aldine Baptist Church 281-442-3124First Baptist Church North Houston 281-449-7201First Baptist Church 281-449-7201Betania Baptist Church 281-442-4258New MT Olive Baptist Church 281-227-6885Bethel Community Church 281-449-1473Grace Restoration Church 281-449-5996MT Canaan Baptist Church 713-633-3312Advent Presbyterian Church 281-821-2533South Main Baptist Church of Houston 713-529-4167St Marys Episcopal Church 281-370-8000Center of Life Baptist Church 281-442-5433Full Gospel Holy Temple Church 713-692-6570Love United Methodist Church 281-590-9294Houston Restoration Church 281-227-6260Church of the Living God 281-219-3853El Monte Calvario Church 281-987-1174Monument of Faith Church-God 281-442-2002Westminster Church 713-442-7210St Luke’s Lutheran Church 281-442-2180Sonrise Community Church 281-449-0994First Baptist Church Kinwood 281-442-3823Harmony Baptist Church 281-442-3444MT Houston Baptist Church 281-442-1726Houston Faith Church 281-870-1010Pine Grove Baptist Church 281-449-2325Berea Missionary Baptist Church 281-449-1859First Church of the Nazarene 281-897-0300New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church 281-987-7170First Unity Baptist Church 281-219-7145True Worship Baptist Church 281-987-3267First Unity Baptist Church 281-219-7145Church of God Pentecostal 713-692-3502Gospel Truth Church 713-686-7689Glad Tiding Holiness Church 281-449-7706Parkwood Baptist Church 281-442-5359Church of Christ 281-442-2298Evening Star Church 713-631-4060Bread of Life Baptist Church 713-631-8600Fontaine First Baptist Church 713-633-2657Little York Church of God 713-633-1284St Gregory the Great Church 713-631-3681Ebenezer Church 713-695-3390

Nashville, tn Dallas, tx

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Fruitful Hill Mission Church 469-774-7483Apostolic Assembly 214-398-5610At the Feet of Christ Fellowship 972-557-7773Baptist Crossover Missionary 214-391-4720Believers Missionary Baptist Church 214-391-6331Bethany Baptist Church 214-398-8403Bethel Hill Assembly of God Church 972-286-1844Bruton Road Christian Church 972-285-2305Bruton Terrace Church of The Nazarene 214-381-6193Cathedral of Faith Church 214-398-7553Church of Christ of Rylie 972-286-1408Church of Christ on Pemberton Hill Road 214-398-4777Church of Living God 972-286-6548Covenant Outreach 214-391-7781Cross of Christ Baptist Church 214-398-4330Dallas Pentecostal Church 214-398-7659Day Spring Pentecostal Church 214-391-7552Emmanuel Fellowship Baptist Church 214-398-1119Faith Baptist Church 214-398-4437Fireside Drive Baptist Church 214-398-5822First Baptist Church of Meadowview 214-391-7176First Evangelist Church of God In Christ 972-557-7300God’s Word Mbc Fellowship Hall 214-309-1995God’s Word Missionary Baptist Church 214-381-4463Good Shepherd Baptist Church 214-391-5865Goodwill Baptist Church 214-391-2907Gospel Tabernacle Church 972-557-4905Grace & Truth Apostolic Church 214-391-0017Greater House Of Faith Church The 972-913-8011Greater Macedonia Primitive Baptist Church 214-275-7560Harvest Baptist Church 972-286-2536Hawn Freeway Church of Christ 214-391-4175Healing Church 972-286-7900Judao Heritage Family Church 214-391-6573Kingdom Harvest Church of God In Christ 972-557-8383Liberty Baptist Church 972-288-4459Lifeline Community Church of The Living God 972-557-7733Little Bethel Assembly of God 972-286-3434Living Gospel Church 214-398-0123Miracle Deliverance Pentecostal Church 214-391-5755Miracle Deliverance Pentecostal Fellowship Hall 214-391-1743Miracle Outreach Full Gospel Church 972-286-9729Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 214-398-6774Mount Sinai 214-398-4061New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church 214-398-4515New Creations Church 972-216-2100

Cathedral of the Incarnation 615-327-2330Rivergate Church Of Christ 615-865-2842Mt Zion Baptist Church 615-254-7296World Outreach Church 615-896-4515Agape Fellowship Church 615-553-0007First Baptist Church Of Mt Juliet 615-754-2525ClearView Baptist Church 615-794-5488South Haven Baptist Church And Christian School 615-384-5073Franklin Road Baptist Church 615-890-0820First Baptist Church 615-444-8444Fellowship Bible Church 615-893-6652Donelson Fellowship 615-871-4769Metro Baptist Church 615-859-1184First United Methodist Church Franklin 615-794-2734Christ Church 615-332-5968East Main Street Church Of Christ 615-953-6180Lighthouse Baptist Church 615-953-1357First Church Of The Nazarene 615-255-1289The Carpenter’s House 615-890-1420New Vision Baptist Church 615-895-7167Word and Spirit Church 615-867-0033First Church Unity 615-332-1323Family Worship Center 615-953-0968Bluegrass Baptist Church 615-824-0001College Heights Baptist Church 615-452-4952Fourth Avenue Church of Christ 615-794-6626Our Savior Lutheran Church & Academy 615-833-1500First Baptist Church of Nashville 615-664-6000Fellowship Bible Church 615-893-6652Central Church Of Christ 615-256-0789Bethel Murfreesboro 615-896-2348Trinity United Methodist Church 615-896-0413Lighthouse Christian School & Preschool 615-331-6286Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints 615-355-9268St Patrick’s Anglican Church 615-534-2589Brook Hollow Baptist Church 615-352-1295West End Church Of Christ 615-383-7450Catholic Community 615-758-2424Community Church Of Hendersonville 615-826-0042Family Worship Center 615-232-8950Faith Christian Reformed Church 615-833-5977St Marks United Methodist Church 615-893-3455Joy Church International 615-773-5252Bible Baptist Church Of Hendersonville 615-824-0042Station Camp Church Of Christ 615-452-5734Gallatin Church Of Christ 615-452-0271

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

WYCLIFFEContinued from pg.1

unexpected outcome of their work—reconciliation between warring clans in the region. When Christian groups in the area met to collectively find ways to restore peace, one church leader suggested that Matthew 5:9, from the New Testament, be read aloud: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (niv). The verse was read first in English, then in Swahili, and

finally in Sabaot, the heart language of the audience. The readings in the first two languages were met with silence, but after the local language verse was read in their heart language, people in the audience began weeping. Some dropped to their knees in prayer, asking for forgiveness and to be made instru-ments of peace. The same results were reported in meeting after meeting across the region.Today, the embattled clans are nearing complete reconciliation after centuries of friction and the loss of hundreds of lives, as recent as last year. The transla-tors believe that access to the Bible in

the heart language of these groups has contributed significantly to the success of peacekeeping efforts.According to Smith, a new facility for translators and support staff is critical for the continuation of translation work in East Africa . “The African translators have been giving their very lives for this cause for the past quarter-century,” he says. “And all from under the roof of a rickety, 100-year-old building.”Wycliffe Associates has set a goal of raising $165,000 to complete construc-tion of the new multi-purpose build-ing, a three-story administrative center located in Nairobi .

During 2008, some 4,124 Wycliffe Asso-ciates volunteers served in 49 countries as part of the worldwide Bible transla-tion team. Wycliffe Associates plans to mobilize more than 4,800 volunteers to serve in 41 different countries this year to build and renovate facilities, con-struct roads and airstrips, teach Vaca-tion Bible School, help with language development and office work, oversee projects, use their computer skills, and much more. For more information, visit www.wycliffeassociates.org or call 1-800-THE WORD (1-800-843-9673).

St. Paul Companion Care: Does someone you love need help at home? St. Paul Companion Care, L.L.C. provides loving caregivers for the elderly and disabled, in the home and assisted living facilities, to help with cleaning, cooking, bathing, hygiene, and to help maintain their independence and dignity. Our faith based business is striving to lead the industry by example in quality, care and love. Visit us at www.stpcc.com, or call us at 337-433-1403.

Something for your Business & Some-thing for the Consumer!

Ask Mary about our special: Buy 2 months of adver-tisement and get 1 month Free!

Right now, people are holding on tight to their money. If you are looking for a way to get them into your place of business anyway, cut them a deal. Give them a break. Times are hard, with banks closing, companies cutting back on workers, isn’t this cor-rect?

We are looking for advertisers that are willing to sub-mit COUPON SAVINGS! In particular, on necessary, everyday items; however, we are not turning down luxury items either.

We will link our advertisers’ website address through their ads on our website, as a bonus for advertis-ing in our paper. Our online edition of the paper is reaching across the Globe. We will be sending weekly articles that will be generated and submitted to our followers, giving your advertisement multiple exposures.

If your company has ideas on how consumers can save money and you would like to submit an article, please submit it to the email address below.

We are also looking for Health Care Providers to sub-mit educational columns, giving your services free advertisement through your articles.

If you would like an appointment with our Sales Manager, please call (337) 513-5661.

Ask Mary about our special: Buy 2 months of adver-tisement and get one month Free!

MaryStevens@ChristianStarNewsPaper.com Sales Manager (337) 513-5661.

SashaMcDaniel@ChristianStarNewsPaper.com Sales & Article Submissions

CSN National Sales Manager & Owner of Mar-Tel Marketing

Mary Stevens

PG. 4

Part Three In Romans 8:28, the Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called ac-cording to his purpose.”

On October 15, 2007

I received a call today from the recruiter I interviewed with in late September. She notified me that my résumé had been presented to the CEO of the company and that they liked what they saw; but unfortu-nately, they have decided to restruc-ture and hire from within.

Lord, this is very disappointing news. What can I do in this situation? Nothing, really, but the rejection is easier to swallow since they hired from within. At least it was not be-cause I did not do a good interview.

Nevertheless, I had hoped the out-come would be different.

I am encouraged by the words of Don Moen’s song “God Will Make a Way”: “God will make a way / Where there seems to be no way / He works in ways we cannot see / He will make a way for me / He will be my guide / Hold me closely to His side / Withlove and strength for each new day / He will make a way, He will make a way.”

Lord, please make a way for me.

Let Us Reason TogetherIt is natural to respond to any crisis with disappointment. Is it ungodly to be discouraged and feel a sense of hopelessness in such situations?Drink from the FountainWhat a great way to start off the day by committing your day into the hands of the Lord and confessing it! The Bible tells us Deuteronomy 28:1–14 that if we fully obey the commandments of our God, many blessings will come upon us. There is

power in thetongue. Claim the following affirma-tion for your life, and so shall it be.

AffirmationI am blessed in my going out and my coming in!

I invite you to journey with me now into my own personal crisis of a protracted job search. Perhaps you’ll recognize yourself within the pages of my journal, and perhaps you’ll come to discover—like I did—the God who waits to deliver you!Buy the book and discover how to:• Conquer your emotions and fears

as you face life’s trials.• You will learn to position and

anchor yourself in the hand of God to keep you strong, bold, and moving forward.

• You will develop the ability to praise God in the midst of your storms, even when you don’t feel like it.

• You will discover that God walks

with you through every trial you face. You will see that He is truly the guide and makes the path straight and the hills flat for those who trust in His wisdom and mercy.

• You will take away a word or a thought to help you in your despair and you will learn to hold on to the Word of God to main-tain hope.

AuthorAgnes .O. AmosTo order The Journey of a Christian Job Seeker: Conquering Your Emo-tions and Your Fears Through Life’s Trials ($14.99, paperback, 978-1-60791-339-9) please visit the fol-lowing Web sites now at - www.borders.com- www.amazon.com- www.barnesandnoble.com- www.journeyofachristianjobseeker.com- or call 1-866-909-2665

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

The Good-Bye KissDad and mom have this long-standing tradition that they have never ceased to share. I can’t even tell you when it started and I can’t even recall a time that it didn’t happen not even when they may have been unhappy at each other. Who knows, it probably started before I was born but for as long as I can remember when my dad was ready to leave the house to go some-where he would stop at the door, call to my mom to come give him a kiss and then wait patiently for my mom to meet him there to give him that kiss good-bye.The other day dad was loading up some things to bring to the recycling place and he had a lot of loads to gather. At first mom was standing by the table helping him a bit and talk-ing to him as he came in to get and then carry out each load. This day, even after all was made ready to carry out, she continued to stand there not leaving that spot to go sit down or relax. I thought to myself that she seemed a bit antsy and wondered “Why doesn't she go sit down?” I didn’t voice what I was thinking and continued to watch her stand there, wondering, “What in the world is she doing?” When dad came back in for the last load she said to him "Do you want your kiss now or do you want to come back in after you bring out that last load?"I was in amazement. I thought, “My mom KNOWS my dad!” Though I had momentarily forgotten their shared

tradition, she didn’t. She knew that as soon as he finished gathering every-thing that he was going to call her to get that “good-bye kiss.” She knew that he wasn’t going to leave that house with out that kiss and she was preparing herself for that moment. Waiting and watching expectantly until it would be time for the moment to get there so that it could be ful-filled.The wheels of my mind were turn-ing and I thought about this story in parallel to our relationship with Christ. There are truths that we can glean from this little life lesson. Isn’t this the way that God wants us to be with Him? He wants us to be in that “love” relationship with Him in communion and prayer so that we know His ways and His thoughts. He wants us to know His Word so that when He speaks we hear, we listen and we act. He wants us to “know” Him intimately so that we are so in tune with Him that sometimes we even know what He would expect of us before we hear Him speak. He wants us to be standing, ready and waiting to do what He would ask of us. He wants us to be in expectancy of His moving in our lives.The scripture that says “He stands at the door and knocks” passed through my mind and I had to smile to myself as I thought about just the first part “He stands at the door” just as my dad stands at the door for my mom every single day of her and his life. Every single day of my life my God

stands at the door for me, waiting for me to come to Him in intimacy and in love. Waiting for me to share part of my day with Him. Waiting for me to be obedient to His calling on my life.As I contemplated Him standing at the door for me, feelings were bubbling up inside of my heart and overflowing and I began to cry, because as I wrote I was so very over-whelmed with His love and patience with me. I was overwhelmed with the thought of Him just standing at my door waiting. Even though I know the Lord, there are times that I feel far from Him, times that I fail, times that I feel as if I have not been pleasing to Him, times that I feel alone, times that I feel as if I just don’t measure up; and yet He never leaves me nor forsakes me. In my minds eye I can just see Him and feel Him standing at my door in complete unconditional love. Yes, at my door, just simple ole, plain ole, me, my door.And He is always there standing at the door for everyone of us, calling and waiting for us to come to Him so that we can have those times of

shared intimacy. How much He loves us, we can’t even begin to fathom the depths of that love. What an awe-some God we serve that would wait for us to come to Him with arms wide open. Yes, He is at your “door” too, just simple ole, plain ole, you, your door! Yes, He stands at your door.He stands at the door. Let Him in. Begin to know Him. Begin to share in-timacy with Him. You will never be the same because when you let Him in He changes lives. May you know His love and His touch in a special way and may He bless you beyond measure. He loves you with an everlasting love and you are special to His very heart.

Love in Christ, Michele Abshire

PG. 5

Recommended Christian Reading of the Month

THE HOPE OF REFUGEBy Cindy WoodsmallPublished by Water BrookISBN# 978-1-4000-7396-2336 Pages

Back Cover: Raised in foster care, and now a widowed single parent, New Yorker Cara Moore struggles against poverty, fear, and a relentless stalker. When a trail of memories leads Cara and her daughter, Lori, away from the city toward an Amish community, she follows every lead, eager for answers to mysteries from her past and a fresh start. She quickly discov-ers that Dry Lake, Pennsylvania, is no place for an outsider. But one Amish man, Ephraim Mast, dares to fulfill the command he believes that he received from God—Be me to her—even though doing so threatens his way of life.

Can an Amish man help Cara find safety in a strange community with complex, unspoken ties to her family history?

Review: Cindy Woodsmall has the unique ability to quickly grab your attention, emotions, and curiosity to whisk you into a wondrous world of her making. This is not your typical Amish story. Her main character Cara is a hard working waitress, a single mom who addicted to cigarettes always looking over her shoulder to flee from a violent stalker. Cara does her best to survive in New York and care for her young daughter Lori, who is her world.

What I love about Cindy’s books is the fact that she talks about universal truths and the lies some believe— things that we all struggle with from time to time—such as feeling aban-doned, or a desperate need to be loved and be a part of a community so we can live our life to the fullest. Cara wants answers about her past so that she can figure out which path to take in the future.

Cindy has an uncanny way of letting you feel like you’re a fly on the wall and sensing that nothings being al-tered because you’re hanging around!

She allows you to capture every detail of the drama unfolding in her story, up-close and personal. Ada, an Amish woman, says to Cara (who can’t figure out why anyone would want to be Amish), “We all submit to something. Athletes submit to the rules of their game. Lawyers and judges submit to the laws. The highest court in the land submits to the Constitution….The Amish choose to submit to the Ordnung in order to be strong against desires that want no boundaries.”

Cindy lifts the veil and allows you to peak into the Amish way of life. The Hope of Refuge is the beginning of an amazing tale, with believable characters you’d like to meet. I can’t wait to sit down to read Cindy’s next book, and find out where these special characters end up. The author leaves you with a satisfying ending and a desire to know what happens next. Thanks, Cindy for taking us on another exciting adventure in and out of the Amish community.

Nora St. LaurentBook Club Servant Leader

www.christianbookcenteronline.com

I was inspired to write these inspi-rational books, because I see a lot of women, men, and children that are afraid. I seen myself in them, and I know what they are going through not know-ing what to do. I have been through a lot of damaging situations in a lifetime. Until I got enough courage to seek help for myself, I was just like everyone else lost in the house. Some people get help others don''t know how, and this is where I come in to help them. Just let-ting people know what I have been through, and how God delivered me.

I know this will help a lot of woman in their time of needing someone to be there for them. It''s not easy to

admit that you need help, but once you do, every-thing begins to go in the right direction for you. I know some situation need more care than others do. Philippians 4:13 states; I can do all things through Christ which strength-ened me. God gave me the strength to overcome my pass, and he can help you overcome yours also.

By Lorner Jones

You can purchase these great books at www.authorhouse.com

CSN congratulates the new Author, Mr. Patrick Jacko as he has his book signing at the Christian Book Center in Lake Charles, LA. Patrick Jacko was born on December 30, 1983 in Lake Charles, La. Being raised in a

single parent home with 4 other siblings, he always found comfort in the word. As he saw his mother struggle to keep food on the table, he knew that he wanted better, not only himself, but also his fam-ily. Throughout his childhood, he did not have any role models around him, since his father was a drug addict that wanted nothing to do with him. His mother, Delores Jacko, and grandmother, Johnnie Mae Culpepper, were the source of his inspiration and strength. After seeing his father passed out from cocaine, he knew at that moment he had to be different. So at the tender age of ten, he began to fall in love with music and used it as a source of power. After enduring many hardships as a child, such as poverty and feelings of emotional abandonment from the lack a father figure in his life, the real turning

point in Jackos’ writing career happened the day after his grandmothers’ death. This is the moment he would make writing his driving destiny. He found a way to calm the pain and all of the dramatic experienc-es in his life with writing. And because he had been through so much pain, he knew that his story could help someone else. At the age of 25, Patrick Jacko, a na-tive of Lake Charles, La., has written and published his first book entitled Destiny Driven: From Pain to Promise. In his book, Jacko dives deep into a subject that most only dare to go. He shares very intimate experiences from his past and how he managed to overcome them. It is a blueprint on how to come out of pain and walk into a land of promise. Destiny Driven will revive your dreams and ambi-tions, refresh your thinking, and restore

the things that your past has robbed you of. Jacko’s remarkable writing style will capture your attention from start to finish. Destiny Driven: From to Promise is a must read for anyone who has ever experienced pain. Pick up your copy today! Patrick Jacko is a dynamic public speaker and a sensational vocalist. Couple that with his charismatic personality and you have an extraordinary package. Audienc-es fall in love with his ability to make them laugh and yet still deliver a life chang-ing message. Jacko is also a self-taught musician, song writer, and a theatrical actor. He is also a playwright with Mama Grace’s Dysfunctional Family Reunion be-ing his first production. For bookings and engagements please call Patrick at 337-884-3877 or email him at patrickjacko@yahoo.com.

PG. 6

Interview with JACOB ISRAEL: 2009 WINNER "Best Religious Fiction" at THE NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Jacob Israel is unlike many authors we meet today. His compelling writing style brings the reader along a fantas-tic journey that may stay with them for many years to come. I was excited to spotlight him here and I believe you will find, like his book, there is more to Jacob Israel than meets the eye.

INTERVIEWER: For the readers who don't know you, tell us a bit about yourself.

JACOB: I'm a father to three amaz-ing children and a husband to a wife I adore. I'm someone that has been through a lot in life and grateful for every moment of it. The good, the bad, the beautiful, and the ugly, all paved the way to become who I am. Professionally, I'm an Emmy, Telly, and N.R.B. Award winning television writer and producer, who has been blessed with a steady creative career since graduating university. However, that is not who I am.Most my life, I was one of those people who wore a mask to fit in. I felt very alone, alienated from those around me. Looking back, I under-stand why. Everything I've endured had great purpose. Never meeting my biological father, coping with a severe case of Crohn's disease, suffer-ing abuse and abandonment, losing everything, it all played its part to humble me and get me where I am today. I spent the majority of my life questioning the meaning of it, learn-ing that it is better to love than to hate, to give rather than receive, to be content and compassionate. As a young adult, I was most comfort-able on stage. I won a dramatic schol-arship to university and that is where I found my love for the written word. It would be years and many perfor-mances of my original works later, that would I actually dare pursue a career in writing. Today, I couldn't be happier with that career choice; I am constantly chal-lenged and rewarded by it. There is nothing better than sitting down to write something that, you pray, will make a difference in someone's life. This was the impetus for my novel.

INTERVIEWER: Let's talk about that, why did you write THE CALLING?

JACOB: I wanted desperately to share a story of how love and forgiveness can overcome all things, even the

most horrible. I had to write THE CALLING. I believe I was meant to write it. I had the seed of the story burning inside me most my life, but it wasn't until devastating circumstances in my life about four years ago made it possible for me to sit down and write it.

It was a very dark and hard time, but a lot of beauty rose from those ashes, and I would not trade that experience for anything. It's the reason I chose such a dark and fearful cover. There are too many things in life keeping us from following after our dreams and finding peace. Fear is the enemy of joy. It destroys relationships, hopes, families… it destroy lives. Allegori-cally, that is why the woods in The Calling are dead. I wanted to write something that would provoke thought and encour-age readers to move past fear and into faith, to seek the life I believe we're meant to live while keeping them guessing and entertained along the way.

INTERVIEWER: You mentioned alle-gory, some have compared your novel to The Shack as well as the works of Stephen King, is that a fair compari-son?

JACOB: Well, I hope it is. I can only pray it has a positive impact on those who read it, as far as comparing it, that wouldn't really be up to me. But, yes, there is a story beneath the story that is told. So, in that aspect, sure, there are similarities. For years, I have studied scripture as well as many other philosophies and religious texts. Of course, the bible has been my biggest creative influ-ence, not to mention the spiritual. I love the revelation one receives when the heavens of our understanding open up and we finally understand what that verse (that we couldn't understand) finally means. "It is glory of God to conceal a thing, and honor of Kings to seek out the matter". In my novel, there are many hidden treasures for those with "eyes to see" if you will. Although, there is no need to look deeper, because I believe the mes-sage, intrigue and suspense is loud and clear, it still is very rewarding, I think, to find the more veiled spiritual meaning, but that is up to the reader. From anagrams, to events, locations, names, to the title of the book, and even (clears throat) the author's name, there is a reason for it all. Like, for examples sake, if one were to string every chapter title together, it might be cool if there were a hidden message there, wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

INTERVIEWER: What does the title of the Book mean?

JACOB: Well, I believe all of us have a calling on our lives, a purpose we are to carry out. Thomas James, the lead character in the novel is no dif-ferent. His purpose is a bit grander than most, however. He doesn't truly understand the significance of what he is called to do. The novel docu-ments the first eighteen years of the boys life. He's haunted by nightmares of what may come, visited by strange messengers, abused, alienated, and abandoned, yet despite his circum-stances he has an uncanny ability to love and forgive. Thomas is ever questioning, the role he is to play and his circumstances. Perhaps, Thomas was "called" to be that "voice in the dead woods" the title speaks of, call-ing people out of the deep sleep that keeps them from finding out that they truly are.

INTERVIEWER: You mention the first eighteen years of Thomas's life, the book does lend to a sequel, will we hear from Thomas again?

JACOB: Sure, THE CALLING is the first novel in a series. Before the Prologue you'll find two pages with two pecu-liar quotes. One states, "Your life is not what it appears to be, what will happen when the truth is poured out on a world that is deceived?" What is interesting about this pas-sage is, it is credited to "The Book Of Thomas James" in the year 2012. Most may skim past passages like this, but like I said, there's a reason for everything. So keep your eyes peeled for the next book in the series to release in the next year or two.

INTERVIEWER: Who will this book appeal to?

JACOB: First of all, let's talk age ap-propriate. I am excited to hear how varied the ages are of those who love the book. I'm most surprise with those ages twelve and up. I wanted the book to appeal to a large demo-graphic. So, to have a younger gen-eration also excited about an alle-gorical fiction with a mature spiritual message and theme is a dream come true. As far as, what type of person should read THE CALLING, I believe anyone who is not fulfilled in life, who wants more from entertainment than just escape, anyone who has suffered, or experienced great loss and didn't understand why, I think, whole heart-edly this is the book for you. You will relate with Thomas's struggle, you will be encouraged by what comes out of it, and inspired by how any-

thing is possible with faith and love.

INTERVIEWER: So, what is THE CALL-ING A VOICE IN THE DEAD WOODS about?

JACOB: The Calling is an inspira-tional thriller about a twelve-year boy named Thomas James, whose extraordinary insight and purpose changes the lives of those he meets, and sets the world on its edge. The self absorbed, greedy, and ar-rogant residents of Bethel begin to despise young Thomas James for the honest words he speaks. His peers torment him, strange messengers visit him, and an evil presence fights to destroy him every step along the way. Thomas suffers from prophetic night-mares and visions he does not under-stand. The loss of his family is almost more than he can take. His internal struggle to make sense of his circum-stances leads him down a perilous road, where nothing is as it seems. Soon, the startling revelation of who Thomas James truly is will confound the masses and inspire all those he sets free.You have to find out what is in us all that makes us heed the "Calling".

INTERVIEWER: Where is the book available and how do we find out more about it?

JACOB: You know my website is a great place to start. It is www.Jaco-bIsrael.org and it has video trailers, a synopsis, sample chapters, reviews, links to purchase it online and general info about upcoming events, news, etc. I also do a bi-weekly video jour-nal posted in the author section. Like the book, I hid messages, inspiration-al poetry, and lots of other fun stuff to find. The book is available every-where books are sold, if you can't find it at your local bookstore, see if they can order it for you, and if not, all the major online retailers, from amazon.com to target.com carry it as well.INTERVIEWER: In closing, what do you want the readers of THE CALLING to take away from this book?Obviously, I hope they enjoy it and are entertained. However, the most important thing to me is that, those who read it will find that even in the hardest, and most difficult of times, there is hope. Hope… That is what I want people to take away from this book.

To order the book please visit www.JacobIsrael.org

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

PG. 7

“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9 GettoknowRobinRobin Blue…From the streets of Compton, California, drug dealer, user and gang member turns “From Crime to Christ”. She is the Presi-dent and Founder of Spirit Song Ministries International with a Headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona and also Mbale, Uganda East Africa. In 1973, Robin Blue decided it was time to give God a real chance in her life. A preacher’s daughter turns everything that was wrong in her life around for the good. Knowing and understanding what her purpose is, she took “The Good News of the Gospel” back to the streets.

She ministers as Key Note Speaker, Teacher, Preacher, Apostle, Motiva-tional Speaker, Community Activ-ist, Author, Missionary, Psalmist,

and Recording Artist. She speaks in Conferences, Workshops, Seminars, Gang Treaties, and Concert Halls. She has been graced by God to Preach in Conferences with Interna-tionally Renowned Speakers such as Dr. Iverna Tompkins and the late Dr. Fuchsia Pickett. In many confer-ences around the world Robin Blue has been nominated by thousands of conference attendees as “The Most Recommended and Anointed Speaker.”

Everyone Needs This Book!!!This book is dedicated to any leader, from the Church-house, to the White House who has been judged for making mistakes that pushed you to the deep end of sin, resentment, rejection or denial.

“Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief --- and clergymen – you are not exempt from this book. Counselors and teachers need to read this book too, apply it where it fits and pass it along to others.”Dr. Iverna Tompkins

For more information, “Behind Closed Doors”, is published by Au-thorHouse. To order in bulkwww.Authorhouse.com for all other orders visitwww.barnesandnobles.com www.amazon.com and other retail stores ask for

Behind Closed Doors byRobin BlueISBN: 9781438982656

For more information,press only:Creative DirectorTerrell Tye(602) 544-6040 www.THIL-TONDESIGN.COM

For Bookings and other Products contact:www.robinblueministries.comEmail: justrobinb@juno.com P.O. Box 14394Phoenix, AZ 85063(623) 214-9060

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

Galatians 5:22 (KJV) “For the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuf-fering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” To better understand the word longsuffer-ing, please allow me to dissect the word. Webster’s definition of the word “long” is, far reaching, extend-ed or lengthy. “Suffering’ accord-ing to Webster’s definition is woe, misery, or distress. So how does the word longsuf-fering fit into the parameter of the life of the believer? Longsuffering is synonymous with patience (an even

temper, forbearance). Patience is a virtue granted to the believer by God. In Romans 5:3 (KJV) Paul admonished the believer to “glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” In other words, we are to be full of joy and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure, afflictions and hard-ship produce patient and unswerv-ing endurance. No, this does not mean that we are to be joyful about troubles or hardships, but to rejoice while in the trouble or hardship. There is a difference. The latter produces a God like character that says we are a true follower of Christ. Christ came to show us the way. Jesus Christ said, John 16:33 (KJV) “These things have I spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” So what

does this mean? It means that we can have perfect, complete peace and confidence in Him and what He says. By His birth, death, and resur-rection, He has deprived the world of power to harm us and has con-quered the world for us. So how can we rejoice in tribu-lations, troubles, hardships and sufferings. Our praise has to be our weapon. In Psalms 34:1 (KJV) we are instructed, “ I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continu-ally be in my mouth.” The Bible tells us in Psalms 22:3 that “God inhabits (lives in) the praises of His people. Since we can trust that this is so, then we can safely say that He will bring us through any trouble, trial or tribulation that we face. The word of God has to be our weapon. Our prayer life has to be our weap-on. There is no other way. Let’s for a moment take a look at the illusion that we have identified

as reality. We all want our lives to be filled with pleasure and not with pain. Some believers even errone-ously have been taught that when they “come to Jesus” everything is going to be alright. However, the word clearly tells us in John 16:33 that in this world we will have tribulation. The key factor here is to learn how to live “in this world“, yet not “of this world.” Sometimes God allows us to be in a place in life that is very uncomfortable, rough and sometimes just painful. This is not the time to sit around and cry “woe is me.” Many times we are anxious to get out of the trouble when God is saying “wait, I have a blessing stored up for you inyour period of waiting.” It is in those times of trouble, trials, and tribula-tions that God is refining us. It is in those times that we learn how to wait with patience, confidently knowing that he will bring us out.

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT/LONGSUFFERING___________

PG. 8

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

By Linda Olson

Several years ago, I was invited with other Christian women in leadership to a meeting where a new confer-ence was being introduced. The co-ordinator asked each person why she had come. Time and time again, I heard a negative response such as, “I didn’t want to attend but my pastor thought it would be a good idea or my pastor made me”. I had brought a car full of excited women from my leadership team. We were seated at the center table and knew that our excitement and inspira-tion would either inspire them or discourage them, but I knew we couldn’t hold back. Fortunately, the positive happened and many of them thanked us for our inspiration. I left the meeting with mixed emo-tions. Several weeks later, I wasn’t able to shake the burden I felt with this experience. I knew if this group of 75 women from many different church denominations represented a typical Women’s Ministry group, we were in big trouble. About six months later I attended a worldwide conference. As the speaker was waiting for everyone to find the seminar room, she asked if anyone would like to share what kind of support they were getting as a woman leader within their church. Once again, one by one, women got up and responded with negative and bitter attitudes saying if they were invited to a board or pastor’s meet-ing, they didn’t feel welcomed. Most of them felt they were getting very little or no support. Within the next year, I shared a meal

at our kitchen table with a profes-sor and his wife from a Christian University sharing the burden I felt for Christian women leaders. I shared the need I sensed all across America. The professor shook his head and said, “No, it isn’t.” I didn’t understand. Then he said, “my wife and I have traveled to many different countries around the world and the need is worldwide. I knew that the invitation to entre-preneur a Women’s Ministry pro-gram in a church of 5,000 people that had never had a Director of Women’s Ministry would be no easy task. I also knew accepting this invitation was accepting God’s call to work with women on another level. John Maxwell, Christian Leader and owner of Injoy surveyed churches across the nation and discovered that 85% of people serving in the church are women. Every Christian professional, entrepreneur or minis-try leader is well aware of the de-mands required of her. They are also aware of the lack of resources that equip them to meet the demands. What is offered to empower and equip Christian women in leader-ship?Let me ask you, “Are you tired of…the words, I would like to help but…?…reaching out to everyone around you and wonder when someone will reach out to you?…feeling all alone because there isn’t anyone you can go to who can give you the direction you need.” If so, the answer to rising above your circumstances to becoming the leader you were meant to be is here.

Through Made for Something More, I invite you to join me at the well to quench your emotional and spiritual thirst. For more than thirty-five years as a Chris-tian professional, entrepreneur, volunteer and homeschool Mom I have equipped and empowered thousands of women to make the changes they desire. Made for Something More is an inspirational, informational and transformational program de-signed to embrace, equip and em-power Christian women who want to make a difference. It focuses on several areas: 1. Capturing your VisionI work with leaders and their team to teach you WHAT and show you HOW to: Capture your Vision, Explode your Influence and Put money back into your ministry.Then in less than 45 minutes I will empower you and your group through an inspirational talk, Ex-ceeding your Expectations, Trans-forming a woman, Influencing a city. You will learn how you can connect with anyone wherever you go, how to rise above your circum-stances in any economy, how to de-feat your Goliath before he defeats you, how to go from stuck to unstop-pable and new tools to quench your thirst.2. The Exceeding your Expecta-tions Teleseminar seriesequips you with how you can benefit from an economic downturn, the transformational tool you cannot do without, the secret to making a difference with everyone you meet, the one thing that will keep you from

going higher, the secret to extraordi-nary living through turbulent times, the secret to what every woman wants but doesn’t know how to get and a time to answer your personal questions. 3. Fabulous 3-Day First Class Lead-ership Retreat at the Pacific Ocean, near San Diego, CA. This retreat offers a relaxed and fun atmosphere, inspiration, motivation, tools, sup-port and a fresh start. Ask how you can earn your way to this incredible get-away.

Made for Something More

Linda Olson, BioFounder of Made for Something More, professional speaker, and award-winning leader. Linda Ol-son has the ability to capture, in-spire, and motivate any audience. She equips them to rise above their present circumstances and focus on their dream. Whether speaking to a group of 20 or 20,000, Linda has won the hearts of many as she equips and em-powers women to live a fulfilled purpose driven life.

Singing the world around

By Colin Witt

Today the Christian music indus-try is leaps and bounds ahead of where it was only ten years ago. An industry with sales grossing over half a billion every year and a genre which sits right above Jazz, Classical, Soundtracks and even Latin. Today Christian Music is the sixth largest genre in the world!

In an industry that is growing in its reputation for being ruth-less, placing “Christian” as prefix might not change much. Many have manipulated the gospel scene to pocket a million or two and everywhere today integrity, is hard to find.

This is not the ambition of singer/songwriter and recording artist, Isak Bosman. Bosman an established professional in the Christian music scene, under-stands the vitality of being au-

thentic. “I cannot vouch for anyone else, but I know that when I make music it must be from a place of integrity and honesty. I have had the privilege to play on some pretty big stages and it’s easy to get swooped up in the success of it all. But I know that I cannot be successful and not be truthful in my art, else I have failed.”

Bosman has been on this journey of making music professionally for 5 years now, performing at venues like the Sydney Entertainment Centre, where the likes of Robbie Williams, Elton John and David Bowie are regular faces. He has toured three other continents and witnessed the gathering of many diverse cultures, but Bosman insists that none of it is why he makes music. “I believe in making great music, don’t get me wrong, but I believe that mu-sic needs to both be personal and impersonal. We need a perspective to relate to, but then also a way to see what’s bigger than ourselves. I believe my music ultimately has to make us look to God in His wonder and then look to our neighbor and say, I can make a difference…I have to make a difference.”

Bosman sees his music as an art that only God can bring to color. He in-sists that without God at the centre it’s all just a big noise. “I am con-vinced that without God as my focus, I won’t be able to bring to people the music that has come through my life. It’s scary at the same time, be-cause I am responsible for reflecting that. But my confidence lies in know-ing that He is faithful to His plan and I just need to stay willing.”

Whichever way you perceive his approach, his music is certainly not going to leave you indifferent.

With a scheduled tour in South Africa this summer and a follow-up tour of the United Kingdom he will soon be singing the world around and around.

PG. 9

DivinePrescriptions

With E.J. Kemper III

The Problem: Guilt

One of the reasons why so many believers are experiencing failing relationships is because of guilt. Guilt is a bag that many Christians carry. Guilt is the feeling of con-demnation based solely upon one’s actions in the past. Guilt is an at-tempt by Satan to hold your con-scious hostage. He strives to make you feel that you are not worthy of the present because of your past dealings. Guilt arises when you con-stantly dwell on the mistakes that you have made and the sins that you have committed. Don’t give the devil the go-ahead to continuously remind you about the slip-ups that you have made. Guilt is one obvi-ous sign that you have not forgiven yourself. Christ says that we are to love others as we love ourselves. So many Christians think that loving relationships (friendships, mar-riages etc.) are not attainable for them. So many Christians cannot love others because they don’t love themselves. Until you stop beating yourself up for what you have done in the past, you will never be able to take hold of your future. You are not condemned to wallow in a pen of self-pity and self-degradation. Don’t let the devil convince you that all you deserve is to be alone and miserable. Christ died that we may live. Now, by “live” I don’t mean exist. To live is to have a conscious exonerated from the stranglehold of guilt.

The Prescription: Let it go

Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” Stop tormenting your-self by depriving yourself of a future much different than your past. Stop allowing yourself to be haunted by a mind congested with guilt. You are not condemned, you are redeemed. You are not the person you once were. You don’t live how you once lived. Nor do you behave the way you once behaved. You are a born again, new creature. This means that Christ has taken away your old nature that enslaved you to your flesh and given you a new nature that liberates you to Him. So then, if He has forgiven you it is time for you to forgive your-self. I know you let someone down, but forgive yourself. I know that you may have messed up bad, but for-give yourself. Maybe you’re saying, “But you don’t understand how bad I’ve messed up?” My dears, it does not matter the extent of falter, what

matters is that God’s mercy can and has covered it with the blood of Jesus Christ. So then the writer of Hebrews 10:2-3 says “For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year.” In the Old Testament the people of God had to bring animal sacrifices to the temple to be of-fered as reparation for their sins. The priest would lay his hand on the head of the animal as a semblance of the transfer of sin. This means the ani-mal now bore the sin of the man and would receive the just punishment in the place the man. This practice was started by God himself in the Garden of Eden when He slew an animal and covered Adam and Eve with its’ coat. The writer explains further that we no longer have to offer a sacrifice or atonement for our sins day after day and year after year. Besides this point, the writer says further that in sacrifice there is remembrance of sin and fault. Because one had to offer again and again he remembers the sin and the fault. Thank God that Jesus Christ has paid the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. Just as the in-nocent animal, Christ bore the sin of the sinner that the sinner might be free from the tyranny of sin and guilt. Therefore the only sacrifice that we must offer is the sacrifice of praise unto God. For in this sacrifice there is not the remembrance of sin but the remembrance of salvation. Therefore stop sacrificing your life upon an altar of guilt by regurgitating the missteps that you have taken and give God praise that you have been freed from the baggage of guilt. –Excerpt from No More Baggage by E.J. Kemper III in stores January 2010-Get E.J.’s new book The Proper Pur-pose of Pain at www.ejkemperminis-tries.com

Did you know it was him? It was sometime now after Jesus’ events had passed and people were talking about the tragic events of the day, you know what I mean by that…..goes something like this Michael Jackson this, Michael Jackson that… did he…didn’t he. You get my drift on how we as Earth living breathing speak-ing spirits can do when something special happens. In the book of Luke 24: 13-19 Two of Jesus’ Followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talk-ing about everything that had hap-pened.You know, Jesus’ trial before Pilate, Jesus’ Crucifixion, Jesus’ death and burial and unbeknownst to them His beloved Resurrection (thank you Lord). Which they had heard about from the women who went to Jesus’ tomb. While they were talking about all that had hap-pened, suddenly Jesus himself came along and joined them and began walking beside them. But they didn’t know who he was; Je-sus says “you seem to be in a deep discussion about something, what are you so concerned about?” I am drawn to write and tell you that even if you don’t recognize someone that you have known for a while, you should recognize a voice or a certain mannerism. Now Isaiah advised us in Isaiah 53:2-4 that “there was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him”, he was despised and reject-ed—a man of sorrows, acquainted with the bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised and we did not care. The disciples stopped short, with sadness written all over their faces, then one of them said ‘You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days. Jesus said “what things? My point is, Jesus may show up in your life in many forms and you may not recognize it as being him, he may be the one who paid that extra change you needed in the store, he may have let you in a traf-fic jam, or held the door for you, or gave you a good report at the hospital or showed up as a phone call when you were about to com-mit suicide, no maybe he showed

up as a check, when you needed it to pay your mortgage or car note. I am not saying Christ is a magician of some sort… my point is to get you to recognize when Jesus is in your presence. After having supper with Jesus as he blessed the meal, suddenly their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. At that moment he disappeared. In the Bible it states that God is Spirit( John 4:24), not God is a spirit did you catch that. He is Spirit, which means he is all over. We need to take him out of the box, that we keep him in, he is not in the manger, wrapped in swad-dling cloth, he is not on the cross with a trickle of blood and nails in his hands he is “Alive” and well I am convinced that if you can learn to give him power over your life to do as he chooses, I am sure of it that you will recognize when he shows up. In John 14:6 Jesus states” I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the father except through me, if you had known who I am, then you would have known who my father is. From now on you know him and have seen him!” Take the time to get a relationship with Christ, if you are not saved.. Let today be that day, ask him into your heart. Make him Savior and Lord of your life. It’s not a matter

of religion, please don’t mix the two. Relation-ship brings ownership to one an-other. I can recall being at a busi-ness and my children were out

among all the other children, hav-ing a great time, at first glance all I saw was little heads and eyes, but from my relationship with them, I spotted them each time, without hesitation. So it is with Christ, you should know when he is around without hesitation. Start the practice of his presence around you by acknowledging him always, in the morning before you do anything simply say “ Good morning Holy Spirit”, while out in about say “thank you Jesus for your presence in my life”. Make it a habit, anything you do more than 15 times, becomes a habit in your life. You will not regret it I promise you. Recognize Grace when it is in your face!

By Chauncy Latigue

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

PG. 10

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

A Touch of Grace • The Missing Link • Created in God’s Image • Creation Therapy

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Every single person that reads Cre-ation Therapy will benefit in their interpersonal skills, both at home and in the workplace. Creation Therapy helps us understand our own temper-ament, as well as others. Marriages have been salvaged by simply under-standing the needs of each other. Creation Therapy is a counseling method based on the belief that man is a uniquely created being rather than the result of an evolutionary process. This method was developed during seven years of research in-volving five thousand (5,000) indi-

viduals who were seeking help for their problems. Conclusions based on research are that Creation Therapy is over ninety percent (90%) successful when administered by a person who has been trained in this counseling technique.

Presently our A.P.S. Certified coun-selors are administering approxi-mately 25,000 A.P.S. reports per year. The Arno Profile System is a Divinely inspired counseling tool which God’s people (counselors) are successfully using to help the hurt-ing.

Have you ever wondered why we do the very things that we know we should not and why we do not do the very things we know we should? This was one of the greatest things to perplex the Apostle Paul and it continues to perplex most present-day Christians.Lay persons and members of the clergy who take and complete the Creation Therapy course will:• Learn what causes relationship

conflicts and how to resolve them.

• Learn the secrets of human be-havior and how God's wonderful

plan works when understood and applied.

• Learn a very successful five-step method for counseling those who turn to them for help.

• Qualify to administer the Arno Profile System which identifies an individual's "inborn" tempera-ment rather than their behavior. This information helps the coun-selor identify the core problem and aid the counselee in problem resolution.

Creation Therapy Developed Through Research by Dr. Arno

Chris Harvey pursues excellence. He is a natural born salesman and entrepreneur whose first business was a tie-dye tee-shirt operation at a time when his friends were selling lemonade. He then sold Christmas cards from catalogs in July and managed a paper route. As a teenager, he worked sum-mers and Saturdays in greenhouses. By his first year in college, Chris was a skilled meat cutter, taxidermist, and heating and air condi-tioning mechanic.Chris holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Shepherd College and a master's degree in economics from the Uni-versity of Virginia. His professors nominated Chris for inclusion in "Who's Who Among American Colleges and Universities."After college, Chris pursued a career as a stockbroker with Wheat First Securities (now Wachovia Securities). He later helped open the Leesburg, Virginia branch of Smith Barney, where he is currently First Vice-Pres-ident - Wealth Management and Financial Advisor/Portfolio Manager. Chris's commitment to helping clients make informed decisions led to his teaching "In-

vestment and Financial Planning Strategies" for Georgetown University. He was a faculty member in the continuing education depart-ment for thirteen years.Chris has served on community boards including Lions International and Services for the Visually Impaired. He is an ordained deacon in the Southern Baptist Church and served on church planning and financial com-mittees. Chris was a founding board member for Loudoun Transportation Association, which operates door-to-door bus services for those without other forms of transportation. He chaired the task force that established Dominion Academy, a private K-8 school in Leesburg, Virginia, and later served two terms as a board member.While at Wheat First Securities, he received the prestigious J.C. Wheat, Jr. Community Service Award for his motivational and dis-ability awareness presentations for local clubs, churches, and schools.Chris also served on disability awareness panels for the Defense Mapping Agency and for Bell Atlantic (now Verizon).Chris and his wife Stephanie live in Leesburg,

Virginia with their three children, and are involved members of the community.Motivational Speaker"An inspiring message for today"Chris' topics include: • Locating Lighthouses - Landmarks to Guide Your Corporate and Personal Journeys • Navigating Stormy Seas - Overcom-ing Adversity • Climbing Out of the Boat - Moving out of the Comfort Zone • Riding the Waves of Change - Ac-cepting Change and Using it to Your Advan-tage • Captains and First Mates - The Need for Teamwork • Beacon of Light - Finding Hope in the Darkness • Against the Current - Resisting the Tide of Mediocrity Chris tailors his presentations to meet the needs of your organization.For more information about Chris Harvey’s work see our September Issue of the Chris-tian Star News or you can visit www.vision-withoutsight.net.

Until My Blindfold Comes Off - A Journey of Vision Without Sight About Chris Harvey's Journey

PG. 11

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

The Sermon on the Mount

Across1 Not to be put under a bushel. 3 Let yours shine before men! 7 Moth and rust will do this to your earthly store. 8 If you do this, you will find. 10 These should not be done in view of men. 13 The eight sayings by Christ at the beginning of his sermon. 15 They sound trumpets in the streets when they are being charitable. 18 The peacemakers will be called this. 20 They were with Jesus when he gave the sermon. 22 You can't serve God and this. 24 The earth is this to God.

Down2 Jesus gave this as example of how to commuicate with God. 4 Don’t lay these upon the earth. 5 Whoever says this to his brother shall be in danger of the council. 6 Those who are given happiness and good fortune. 9 When engaging in this, you should enter into your closet and shut the door. 11 Where the sermon was given. 12 You should search for this first, before worrying about food and clothing. 14 What you should do to your eye if it offends. 16 They which do this shall be filled. 17 The hypocrites disfigured their faces while doing this. 19 If you are forced to go a mile with someone, this is how far you should go. 21 The foolish man built his house on this.

ADULTERYALMSBEAMBEATITUDESBLESSEDBRETHRENCANDLECHILDREN OF GODCORRUPTDISCIPLESFALSE PROPHETSFASTINGFOOTSTOOLHUNGERHYPOCRITESJUDGEMENTKINGDOM OF HEAVENLIGHTLORD’S PRAYER

LOVEMAMMONMERCIFULMOUNTAINMULTITUDESNEIGHBOURPEACEMAKERSPLUCKPRAYERRACARIGHTEOUSNESSSALTSANDSEEKTEMPTATIONTREASURESTRESPASSESTWAIN

PG. 12

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, during the 3-day process to identify the homeless for the 2000 Census Operation, the total number of homeless persons recorded during March 2000 was 280,527 in the United States.

In Atlanta, GA, independent counts yielded over 15,000 homeless individu-als on the streets in 2000. However, new estimates by independent studies state that there are over 20,000 people home-less in Atlanta, GA today.

As tourists walk through the Atlanta’s popular park, Centennial Olympic Park, many homeless people can be seen resting or roaming around the heart of Downtown Atlanta. It is heartbreaking to

see so many children and adults in the streets, without a roof over their heads. As Christians, we have a responsibility to help our leaders in our communities find a solution to end homelessness in Amer-ica. Although these numbers address the Atlanta area, this problem is prevalent throughout all of our major cities.

Shuffling these people out of our daily visual contact is not the solution. Chris-tians everywhere should be appalled at the solutions that have been proposed to rectify this condition; everything from making it illegal to be homeless to moving them to other areas where they will be equally homeless. The Christ-like solution is to help these people get off the streets to gain some sense of worth and dignity.

Homeless Population in Atlanta, GA

IN THE HEAT OF AUGUSTThe hot temperatures of midsummer make it tough to spend much time working in your garden, so take advantage of any cooler days to take care of grooming and weeding. Right now, your primary concern will be assuring an ample supply of water for your plants. Weed control is also very important, because with the warmer weather and increased watering; weed seeds will germinate and grow faster, and mature to the point of producing more seeds. Take advantage of your spare time to keep the weeds cultivated out of all parts of the garden.Watering can be the biggest task this month particularity if the weather gets hot. Veg-etable gardens, most flowering plants, and the lawn all need about one inch of water every week to keep them green and looking nice. Be sure to water thoroughly, and deeply each time you water. When possible, do your watering in the morning or early afternoon so the soil has a chance to warm up before the cooler evening hours set in. Deep watering will induce the plant’s roots to grow deeper, where they are less likely to dry out, as well as the added benefit of anchoring the plant into the ground better. Light, surface water-ing actually wastes water, because the water never actually reaches the root zone of the plant, and the moisture rapidly evaporates from the top inch of soil. The best way to tell if your plants are receiving enough water is to take a trowel or shovel and dig down a few inches. The soil should be moist at least 3 or 4 inches deep to insure that the water is reach-ing the root zone of the plants. Of course, if you planted drought resistant plants in your garden, you won’t have to water as often, but the principal of deep watering still applies.Be sure to check the hanging baskets and

container grown plants every day during hot weather and about every second day on moderate summer days. Don’t just check the surface... Push your finger an inch or two into the soil to be sure there is adequate moisture below throughout the root area. Water them thoroughly each time you water, but be care-ful not to overwater them.

• Now is the time to start your fall and winter vegetables. Plant starters or seeds of green onions, carrots, beets, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and winter cauliflower directly into the garden early this month.

• Enjoy the harvest of your homegrown fruits, vegetables and herbs!

• Late this month Poinsettias and Christ-mas cactus should be brought back indoors and you should begin preparing them for Christmas flowering.

Poinsettias are short day plants. Although they will eventually bloom, if you want the plants in bloom for the holidays they must be kept at about 65 to 70 degrees, and subjected to at least six weeks of 14 hours of total dark-

ness per day (mid to late September). This may be accomplished by placing the potted plant in a closet or unlighted room, or by cov-ering the plant with black cloth, black plastic over a frame or a cardboard box. The plant must then be returned to the light each day and given a minimum of 4 hours of direct sun,

or 10 hours of bright light. The application of a 0-10-10 fertilizer this month and again next should help encourage the development of flower buds, then feed your plant every 2 weeks with a high nitrogen fertilizer once color has begun to show.Christmas cactus needs the same general care, with the exception that they require cooler temperatures of about 50 to 60 de-grees. • Continue to watch for insect or disease

damage and take the necessary steps to control the problem.

• Warmer and drier weather means it will be necessary to water and mist your house plants more often.

• Keep the weeds pulled, before they have a chance to flower and go to seed again. Otherwise, you will be fighting newly ger-minated weed seed for the next several years. Weeds in the garden are harmful because they rob your plants of water and nutrients, harbor insects and dis-eases, and, on occasion grow tall enough to shade your flowers and plants.

• Change the water in your bird bath regu-larly, and keep it filled. Standing water is less healthy for the birds, and may become a breeding ground for mosquito larvae.

• Continue to watch for insect, slug and snail, or disease damage throughout the garden, and take the necessary steps to control the problem.

• Last but not least remember to enjoy your garden!

By Derrick Singleton

PG. 13

Cash for Clunkers LifelineBy Rolland Soileau

The Cash for Clunkers program that was introduced in late July to help spur auto sales in the US and to also promote the sales of more fuel efficient autos has been very successful in its debut. It’s been so successful that the $1 billion that was allocated for this program has already run out, far in advance of the anticipated November deadline. Originally, $4 billion was sought for this program. It was eagerly waited for by both the auto industry and environmentalists, although tougher environmental standards were de-sired. But you have to take one step at a time and this was a great step in the right direction. So what’s the next for this program? Is it over just like that? I don’t think so.The government is seeking another $2 billion dollars for this program as soon as possible. Before any-one starts thinking that “here we go, spending more money that we

don’t have”, consider the usefulness of this program. The auto industry has been instrumental in helping this country work its way out of past recessions. This is not just money down a hole for taxpayers. This money will stimulate major sales on big ticket products- cars and trucks. This is a good chunk of the econom-ic recovery for this country. The US is not the only country that has this type of program going. European countries such as France, England, Germany, and Spain have all instituted this program. It has had been a big success wherever it’s been introduced. Our current problem in the US is that it has been way more successful already than anyone anticipated. A pro-gram that works better than we thought it would? Fancy that! $3 billion is nothing to sneeze at, but in the larger scheme of things this is money very well spent. Right now the House has already passed a bill to add $2 billion to extend this

program. That bill goes before the Senate next. This bill needs to pass and will most likely do just that. It would be an extreme tragedy if it did not. There’s talk about sus-pending this program now that the current funds are used up, but I feel fairly certain that this program will live on. The broader picture with this program is that we have something that works for the good of the entire nation. You don’t have to be an auto worker in Detroit to see the benefits of this program for the country. Auto dealers around the country are being extended part of this lifeline. This also translates to money circulating in communi-ties across the nation, good and services being bought up across the nation, and consumers getting

good deals on vehicles. It is also a very innovative way to get more fuel efficient cars out there on the road in a controlled fashion, but reason-ably quick. This program will get new legs and continue on. But as a warning to anyone thinking about using this program, I would do so sooner rather than later. At the rate that the initial funds were used up, I’d say we will see any additional funds used up way before the No-vember deadline. But that’s actu-ally a good thing. It’s great to see people back in the showrooms of their local dealers. It’s also great to see the government get it right too. I’ve seen some of the ads from deal-ers lately and right now is the time take advantage of this opportunity before its gone, maybe for good.

Christian Star Issue 8 August 2009

By Rolland Soileau

The stock market had its best July in 20 years last month as the Dow gained 8.6%. The S&P 500 also had its best July in a dozen years. These are pretty promising indicators that the worst of this current recession may well be behind us. Although these are encouraging signs, we are not quite out of the woods yet. Companies are starting to improve their bottom lines and are cau-tiously predicting improvements in the near-term future. But the stock market is not the sole indicator on the health of the economy. At the end of July, the government re-ported that the economy shrank at a pace of just 1% in the second quar-ter. Although this was yet another declining quarter, it was much better than most analysts had predicted.

The Consumer confidence index fell from 49.3 in June to 46.6, which was the second straight month of decline after 3 straight en-couraging months of gains. There are several upcom-ing reports that will give a

better understanding of the health of our economy, including reports on housing, employment, and manufac-turing. The stock market can be very misleading when trying to view the economic landscape of the country. It mainly expresses the optimism of investors, which normally should be based on sound economic data derived from company filings. But those of us who remember the tech bubble most definitely know that this is not always the case. Inves-tors look to the future when trying to determine their buy, hold, or sell cycles. A company can have a great quarter of earnings, but if they give a forecast that appears gloomy you may see a lot of selling of that com-pany’s stock. Most companies are not losing money now like they were

at the beginning of the year. There has been significant cost-cutting and belt tightening, which in a lot of cases has led to multiple lay-offs of employees. Unemployment is probably the biggest negative sentiment that consumers have about the current path of the economy. The short-term outlook for the economy is still negative, mainly due to the 9.5% un-employment rate which is extremely high by any standard. Since the start of the recession in December of 2007, unemployment has risen by 4.6% which means that there are 14.7 million unemployed people who can’t find work. The Bureau of Labor statistics estimates that the number of long-term unemployed (those without a job for 27 weeks or more) increased to 4.4 million in June. July’s unemployment numbers will be very closely watched and will impact the stock market, one way or another. Overall, the early indicators are pointing to the worst of this cur-rent recession being past us. Hous-ing numbers have been somewhat

encouraging. The values of homes have stopped declining in some areas and are actually on the rise. Unemployment, while still rising, is finally starting to taper off. Inven-tories of businesses are starting to evaporate. The stage is being set for a strong economic recovery in the future. Businesses are streamlined, and when that pent-up demand for goods and services finally unwinds, they’re going to have start hiring again. Keep in mind that there are also a lot of elderly workers who would have retired recently, but who have held off due to the state of the economy and their shrunken 401k’s. One sidebar to the recession that we’re currently in: people have actu-ally learned how to save. For years, the US population has saved less on a percentage basis than most indus-trialized countries. We have learned be more fiscally responsible with our finances and if we remember the lessons we’ve learned, that will definitely do us well in the future. But we are a nation of consumers and that also means we’re a nation of spend, spend, spend.

Economical Signs

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