A Saved Patriot

A gentleman in our church sings a beautiful song in honor of our country and our Savior every year which I love! I can't share the lyrics due to copyright constraints, but it tells the story of Old Glory from a Christian perspective. Many churches have a Christian flag and the colors are the same; red, white, and blue.

The main meaning behind these colors, in a Christian's life, are these;

Red is for the blood of Jesus, who willingly offered to pay our sin debt.
Romans 5:8, " But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Just as our soldiers willingly offer themselves to go into battle for our freedom, Christ went to battle for our freedom from sin.

White is for our forgiveness, as he washed away our sins.
Isaiah 1:18, " Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool."

Ephesians 1:7, " In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;"

Romans 5:8, " But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. "

Our soldiers go into battle, already knowing that not everyone in America is thankful for our freedom. People still commit crimes and are sent to prison everyday, but our soldiers stills fight for our freedom. Christ already knew we were sinners, and he still offered to pay our sin debt.

Blue is for royalty as we can become a child of God, born into his family.

John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"

The people of our nation, although from different nationalities, still come together under one flag and are proud to be an American. The people of this land are Americans, and we are truly a family in this nation. When a person confesses that they are lost without Jesus and choose him to be their Savior they become a part of the family of God. We are all under one banner, his banner over us is love!

Remember that old Sunday School song?

He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love
He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love
He brought me to His banqueting table,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love.

He lifted me up into heavenly places,
His banner over me is love
He lifted me up into heavenly places,
His banner over me is love
He lifted me up into heavenly places,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love.

Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love
Jesus is the Rock of my salvation,
His banner over me is love.
His banner over me is love.

If you have never prayed and trusted in Jesus to be your Savior, you may do so today.

1. Confess that you're not perfect. The Bible calls that sin.
Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

2. Realize that your sin has a payment.
Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ is Lord."

3. Understand that Jesus willingly died for you , even though He already knew you are a sinner.
Romans 5:8, "But God commendeth is love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

4. Here's the best part! Just call upon him!
Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Simply express that to the Lord as you pray,
"Dear God, I know that I'm not perfect and you call that sin. I understand that sin must be paid for with death, but I don't want to pay for my own sin. I willingly receive Jesus' death on the cross as the payment for my sin. Please forgive me and thank you Jesus for dieing for me. In Jesus' Name, Amen."

If you just now received Jesus as your Savior, please let us know by replying below. Just as we raise our flag this Fourth of July and are proud that we have our banner of freedom, we can also know that His banner over us is love!

July Covergirl: Lady Jess, A Girl Growing in Grace

I'm pleased to present this month's GGM Covergirl, Lady Jess. I've only know Lady Jess for about 6months, but I've come to know her as a very sweet, caring, thoughtful person. She is also a big part of GGM as every month she designs our PDF layout. I know God is going to bless her abundantly for all her efforts and talents. I'm excited to see what He will do in her life!

The Bertolini Family...Monica, Gina, Sisterlisa, Mr. B, Timmy, and Jess

GGM: I know you are still young, but what has your childhood been like? I mean, where have you lived, and what are some memories you cherish?

Lady Jess: The only place ever remember living at, besides where I live now, is in a pretty small apartment. As for the memories: birthday parties, church activities, my friends, my salvation, which is a special one, and other decisions I have made.

GGM: What is your relationship with your sisters and your brother like? You and Monica are pretty close in age.

Siblings... Gina, Monica, Timmy, and Jess

Lady Jess: Pretty good. I babysit a lot, and homeschooling has helped me get to know them better.

GGM: Are you happy with being homeschooled?

Lady Jess: Yes. I would never go back to school if given the choice. And, if I were forced to go back, I would probably put up a pretty good fight, and if that didn't work, then I would outshine every kid there.

GGM: What are your favourite hobbies? And why do you like them?

Lady Jess: Reading, because it's fun, and it expands my vocabulary. Talking to my friends, and singing, even though I don't like to sing in front of people. I still enjoy it a lot.

GGM: Do you have a favourite memory?

Lady Jess: No. I can't possibly pick one to be a favorite because I have so many.

GGM: I know you like to design things. What got you started on that? Where do some of your ideas come from?

Lady Jess: (I think you are talking about Monica, she is the designer) I recently was given the opportunity to design the PDF of GGM and enjoy that type of designing.

GGM: You help your mom translate for the hearing-impaired. When did you start learning sign-language and what affect has it had on your life?

Lady Jess: I started learning it from my mom at age four, and it is neat to learn a 'second language', if you will. I find it neat that my best friend has started to learn it from my mom and me, and she is always asking me questions about it.

GGM: If you could change one thing about your lifestyle, what would it be?

Lady Jess: That I lived on a farm and had more brothers and sisters.

GGM: How did you become a Christian? Have you ever felt God calling you to do something?

Lady Jess: I first got saved when I was five, and I hardly remember it, so then I made assurance of it when I was ten. I've never felt God calling me to anything, but I continue to pray that God will reveal what he has planned for my life. My heart changed last year after our parents brought us home. I had a time when I thought I'd never want a large family, and I couldn't stand the thought of camping and getting dirty. But now I want a large family, to be a godly wife, and I desire to homeschool my children and live on a farm.

GGM: What are some of your favourite Bible passages?

Lady Jess: Proverbs 31, because it says how ladies should act, and also Proverbs 7 because it warns us how not to act. I also like Genesis 1 and the book of Revelations.

GGM: What have you read in your Bible lately that has really spoken to you?

Lady Jess: I recently read, in Daniel 1-2, that Daniel stood up to King Nebuchadnezzar and trusted in God to protect him as did his friend, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They also stood up to the King and trusted that God would save them from the fiery furnace. That told me that I need to stick up for God more and for the Bible, for example: If I go out soul winning and someone starts bashing the Bible or thinks that they can take verses out of context, I should be able to stand up for myself and tell them that they are wrong and the right verse is what it is.

Thank you Lady Jess for taking the time to answer our questions and thank you for all the hard work you do around here to help make GGM what it is. We are blessed by you, and so is everyone you meet and greet!

It's a Matter of Integrity

With America celebrating her 232nd birthday I can't help but to sit and think of our founding fathers. What would they say if they were here today? They were men of integrity and prayed for God to guide them as they prepared our Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. As we look to our future for our next generation, what are we passing down to them?

From what I can see, this generation is passing down a 'free thinkers' philosophy that excludes God from being a part of our thoughts and intentions. The next generation is being fed with the idea that they should do what 'feels' good, and following the stars, as they seek to dress and act like today's celebrities. When we hear about Brittany Spears losing custody of her children and having struggles with drugs and alcohol, is this really the direction we want the next generation to go? Each time a young celebrity becomes the next teen celebrity, I cringe at the thought of what will become of them.

It seems to me that the world no longer wants integrity.

By Definition:
Integrity- adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.

Moral- of, pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction between right and wrong; ethical:

Ethical- pertaining to or dealing with morals or the principles of morality; pertaining to right and wrong in conduct.

Right- 1. in accordance with what is good, proper, or just: right conduct.

2.	in conformity with fact, reason, truth, or some standard or principle; correct: the right solution; the right answer.

3.	correct in judgment, opinion, or action.

Do our country's leaders and possible future leaders portray these principles of integrity? So just where does integrity come from originally?

Job 31:6," Let me be weighed in an even balance that God may know mine integrity."

Psalm 25:21, "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee."

Proverbs 19:1, "Better is the poor that walketh in his integrity, than he that is perverse in his lips, and is a fool."

We know that our country's leaders aren't perfect, because God has said in Romans 3:10, "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:" Yet, we should expect them to live with integrity. A person with integrity that makes a mistake will offer an humble apology and seek forgiveness. As a young lady, it is very important that you learn from your parents how to vote. Keep updated on what's going on in the political realm and seek wisdom from your parents in matters of government. The people who are the mayors and governors of today, could very well be the next president and congressmen of the future. If the Lord tarries His coming, you may be the next generation of voters and it's important that we know who, in our government, is walking in integrity.

Who will be the next mayor of your city? Do you know who plans to run for the next election where you live? Is there a man your family knows that truly walks in integrity that is interested in the city politics? Can he be convinced to run for mayor?

I've never been one to be at the political debates and city meetings, but with the direction our country is going, I feel that we should be teaching young people how to make wise decision in regards to their future leaders. The parents of generations past should have been passing this important part of our education down to us.

You can become involved in your city's future even if you're not approaching voting age. Here are a few things you can do now:

1- Pray. Begin to pray now for the future leaders of our country. Pray that God raises up the men that He wants us to have, and not what our country deserves to have.
2- Write a letter to your local newspaper's editor about how you feel about the integrity of our leaders. Include what you expect in the city's leadership, what disappoints you, and what you hope to see in the future.
3- Avoid tabloid stories about politicians. Be sure that what you know is fact.
4- Seek your parents wisdom in regards to these tips and ask for guidance when writing letters and calling politicians.
5- Write to your mayor and governor and let them know how you feel. Many politicians have their e-mail addresses listed right on their websites.

Our leaders are to uphold the law and to listen to the people of their cities, states, and country. How else will they know how we feel if we don't contact them and let them know? I'm not suggesting that you join picket lines, chain yourself to a tree, or pin up a 10 foot banner in front of your home, but you can do your part by letting your voice be heard, then leave the rest to God.

As children we were taught to pledge allegiance to the flag, pray for our leaders, support our troops, and love this country as the land of the free and the home of the brave. We learned patriotic songs, to wear the country's colors proudly, and to celebrate our nation's birthday every 4th of July. As we pass on our patriotism to the next generation, let's hand them something to be proud of. Let's be sure that integrity doesn't get lost in the sea of free thinkers. Young ladies, you will be raising the next generation. Please continue to pass the torch of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It's a matter of integrity!

Portfolio de Couturier: The First American Flag

Portfolio de Couturier: The First American Flag…

I have always enjoyed the story of Betsy Ross and the honor bestowed upon her to sew the first American Flag. She was a loyal Patriot to her country and I can imagine her surprise when General George Washington, along with Governor Morris asked her to make the first of our beautiful flags.

... Sewing the American Flag…

What kinds of fabrics would Betsy have used?

It is said that Betsy Ross was an upholsterer. Now an upholsterer specialized in covering chairs and other furniture of the times with heavy and durable fabrics. Therefore the fabrics Betsy could have most likely used would have been linens and heavy silks. Everything would have been hand sewn and assembled with the utmost care to get the design correct.

Imagine if you will her excitement in making the flag, and perhaps her nervousness when she had to present it to the founders of our country.

Upon seeing the flag that Betsy created; she was asked to make the rest of the flags for the American naval fleet. After this, The Congress then commissioned her to make all of our government’s flags.

Did you know that Betsy was able to cut a five pointed start with one snip of the scissors?

As the story goes, at first General Washington originally drew the stars on our flag with 6 points; instead of five because he assumed they would be easier to cut. However, Betsy soon demonstrated that a five pointed start could be cut easily with a single snip, thus the 5 pointed stars still remain on our beloved flag.

Betsy’s Battle flag

by Minna Irving

*****
From dusk till dawn the livelong night

She kept the tallow dips alight,

And fast her nimble fingers flew
To sew the stars upon the blue.
With weary eyes and aching head

She stitched the stripes of white and red,
And when the day came up the stair
Complete across a carven chair
Hung Betsy's battle-flag.
Like shadows in the evening gray
The Continentals filed away,
With broken boots and ragged coats,
But hoarse defiance in their throats;
They bore the marks of want and cold,
And some were lame and some were old,
And some with wounds untended bled,
But floating bravely overhead
Was Betsy's battle-flag.

When fell the battle's leaden rain,
The soldier hushed his moans of pain
And raised his dying head to see

King George's troopers turn and flee.

Their charging column reeled and broke,

And vanished in the rolling smoke,

Before the glory of the stars,

the snowy stripes, and scarlet bars

Of Betsy's battle-flag.

The simple stone of Betsy Ross

Is covered now with mould and moss,

But still her deathless banner flies,

And keeps the color of the skies.

A nation thrills, a nation bleeds,

A nation follows where it leads,

And every man is proud to yield

His life upon a crimson field

For Betsy's battle-flag!

Did you know that July 25th is Threading the Needle Day?

On July 4th, 1776 the founders of our country signed the Deceleration of Independence that declared our country a free nation under God. Many man and women have given their lives and dedication to keep our country free.Remember to pray for our soldiers who are serving in Iraq and all over the world.

Sincerely,
Miss Brielle

Portfolio de La Vie: Betsy Ross

Betsy Ross is one of the most-well known ladies in history, but not too much is known about her except that she was the first to sew an American flag with the stars and stripes.


On January 1st, 1752 Elizabeth (Betsy) Griscom was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was the 8th child out of 17, and was brought up in a household with strict discipline rules of Society. Being in such a large family plain, sensible dresses were a given, and Betsy was good at making her clothes having learned how to sew from her great-aunt Sarah.

Betsy attended a Quaker school, and after she finish her father apprenticed her to an upholsterer named William Webster. While working for the upholsterer, Betsy fell in love with a young man and fellow worker John Ross, who was the son of an assistant rector at a Episcopal Church of Christ.

Because Betsy and John were of different denominations, Betsy was voted out of Quaker meetings and the couple had to elope. They did so in 1773 when Betsy was only 21, marrying at Hugg's Tavern in New Jersey.

Because of the marriage Betsy was forced to split from her family and the Quaker congregation. The young couple decided to join the Christ Church and start their own upholstery business to make a way in life.

When the American Revolutionary War broke out it affected the Rosses and they were financially weakened because the fabrics they depended on became scare and there was no business. John decided to join the Pennsylvania Militia and was then seriously injured by an ammo explosion just before the war was about to end in mid-January of 1776. He soon died afterward and was buried in Christ Church cemetery. Betsy continued on with the upholstery business by herself.

Only supported by 18th century affidavits and family oral history shows accounts of the widowed Betsy Ross meeting with George Washington, George Ross, and Robert Morris at her small upholstery business where it's said to have been the birth of the first American flag, complete with stars and stripes. It's been said that these

men met there in silence because the men protested that these new [five-pointed] stars would be unfamiliar and difficult for seamstresses to make, she folded a piece of paper, made a single scissor snip, and revealed a perfect five-pointed star.

After John's death, Betsy joined a group called the "Fighting Quakers", who were quite nontraditional and support the war effort. In 1777, June, Betsy remarried to a sea-captain named Joesph Ashburn in Philadelphia.

During the war the Ashburn's house was occupied and used by British soldiers, of course, forcibly when they controlled the city in 1777. Betsy nursed both American and British soliders after the Battles of Germantown.

Several years later Betsy was notified by her husband's old friend, John Claypoole, that her husband was dead. Betsy then married Claypoole and the couple had five daughters together. However, an unfortunate event kept being repeated in Betsy's life as Claypoole died after 20 years of ill health. Widowing her once again. She kept working at her upholstery business, which included the making of United States until 1827. Betsy then retired and moved in with her married daughter, Susannah Satterwaite, who continued with her mother's business. Betsy died at the age of 84 in 1836, and her body is buried at the Free Quaker burial ground on South 5th Street. However, 20years later her remains were reburied in the Mount Moriah Cemetery in Cobbs Creek Park, a section of Philadelphia. In 1975 in preparation for the United States Bicentennial celebration the city ordered that Ross' remains be moved to the Betsy Ross House courtyard. The workers found no remains under her tombstone though, but bones were found in the family plot and were deemed to be her's. Her remains are now at the Betsy Ross House for tourists to see.

Mother's Memo

Dear Ladies,
It has come to our attention that one of the links on our site has recently contained some inappropriate links. I'm not one to make a point of causing another site undue hardship if I disagree with them by naming their site, and although they may not be up to date with double checking all their links on their top visibility site, I do feel the necessity to strongly caution you of their site.

The Fundamentalist site, which many of you are currently listed on as well, as been spammed with ungodly links which you will NOT want to be associated with.

We thank one of our anonymous readers for informing us of this and we have removed that link from our site.

We are sorrowful that this has occurred and humbly apologize and seek forgiveness for that. I have no doubt that the owners of that site will be thankful when they receive our letter informing them of this. As I said they may not be up to date on their quality control, but it's still no excuse.

Aside from that please come visit Mrs. Dixon for her Psalm and Praise and be uplifted!

Belgian Waffles

This morning we made the most delicious waffles and thought I'd share them with you for my Creative Kitchen recipe. We often make these waffles together as a family and enjoy them every time!

Ingredients:
1 3/4 c. flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt 2 egg yolks
1 3/4 c. milk 1/2 c. cooking oil
2 egg whites 1 tsp. vanilla

With your parents supervision, plug in the Belgian waffle iron and heat up. Be sure that there isn't anything near the waffle iron that would burn.

1. In a mixing bowl combine dry ingredients. Set aside.
2. In another bowl beat egg yolks just slightly. Add milk, oil, and vanilla and mix.
3. Add wet mixture to the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a large spoon, mix together until moist and slightly lumpy.
4. In a small bowl, using a hand mixer, beat egg whites until stiff peaks form.
5. Gently FOLD in egg whites to the batter. Do NOT overmix.

Open waffle iron and spray lightly with a cooking spray or use a pastry brush to lightly brush with oil.

Pour about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of batter onto the center of the iron and close gently. Do NOT walk away. Always supervise your waffles.

Bake according to manufacturers directions.

When the waffle is done and slightly golden brown, remove with the tines of your fork and place on a cooling rack for just a few seconds. If you place the waffle directly onto a plate the condensation will cause your waffle to become soggy.

Top your waffle with butter and syrup, or any other toppings that you enjoy.

Topping ideas:
-fresh chopped strawberries
-blueberries
-chopped walnuts
-whipped cream
-peanut butter (Instead of the butter)

What other toppings can you think of?

(Picture courtesy of sxc.hu)

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn!

Happy Birthday dear Kaitlyn! Yesterday you turned 16 and what a sweet, Godly young lady you're turning out to be! We wanted to do something special for you here at GGM so we decided to give you a party, though I'm sure you'll be having a grand party of your own!

We did some decorating in your favourite colours. Balloons, streamers, and boxes and box of gifts just for you!

The cake is always something spectacular at parties and I thought this one was just perfect for our Purple Princess.

For lunch we'll have a tea party out on the terrace and then when night comes.... a grand ball! Complete with a band and fireworks to light up the sky!

My special gift to you is not only your royal template, but the blessing of a prayer. May today, Kaitlyn dear, be filled of life, joy, and the warmth of family and friends. Remember to pray for the Lord’s will over your life each day. Remember to pray for the Fruits of the Spirit to be on your heart and the Armor of God over you. Remember to set a good example for your younger siblings and your friends. Remember to pray that the Lord will mold and make you into the woman, wife, and mother you will soon be.

Your mom is quite proud of you and I bet Jesus is too, and often smilies because of your zealousness to follow Him.

"She was a colicky infant, a rambunctious toddler and a strong-willed child, but as a young lady she is a dream come true! She is creative, insightful, loving, and most importantly strongly desires to please God! She is not only my daughter, but my dear friend! I am so blessed by her!

Love, Mom

HAPPY 16TH BIRTHDAY
KAITLYN!

May you be blessed beyond measure and may you continue to grow into a sweet Daughter of the King! You’re loved and so very dear to many…

Happy Birthday Miss Virginia

Please celebrate with us as we make today special for Miss Virginia! Miss Virginia, who is commonly known as Geena Beena in our family, has turned 9 years old today. I remember the day that Miss Virginia was born! Her Auntie Courtney was with me, as was her honorary auntie, Aunt Megan. Miss Virginia was named after our Pastor's mother, Virginia, and her middle name, Megan, from Aunt Megan. We adore our Geena Beena and her cute little nose!


She has lovely dark blue eyes and a great presence of love! Anywhere she goes, she wants to be a little mommy to any other children that are near. Miss Virginia, we love how you always volunteer to work and help out no matter whose home we're at. We know you're going to be a wonderful mommy and wife one day!

We simply adore the cakes at PinkCakeBox.com and wanted to share with you what we'd love to be able to get for your 9th birthday. A perfect cake for a princess like you!

Your Granny is coming today and has gifts for you. We have no doubt that she'll have them wrapped in beautiful paper, just as these gifts that your sister, Jessica found for you.




We want you to know that although we couldn't get all your friends to come to our town today, they send their love through this cyber party just for you! We enjoy your delicious recipes and your spunky personality. You're always filled with love and energy!



And we can't have the perfect princess party without a wonderful dress! We know you love the color pink so Jessica found this gorgeous dress just for you! Maybe we can make one just like it one day! We know you would look beautiful in it! We pray that your day is filled with love as you spend time with your family. Many prayers and blessings bestowed upon you our dear Miss Virginia!


All our love,

The GGM Team!

In Good Faith: My Busy Week

Good morning ladies! It's Sunday morning and I'll be preparing my family for church over the next few hours, but wanted to say hello before we go. This last week sure has been a busy one for us. Lady Jess and Miss Monica June just got back from a youth conference and had a great time. I'm sure they'll be blogging about it soon on their own sites.

In the midst of them coming home, my husband's ministry had an immediate need for their women's home and I was asked to step up to the plate. Our family will now be assisting some women in getting their lives put back together so that they can reunite with their own families soon. On top of that I myself attended a Women's Extravaganza yesterday. I just love getting all that extra teaching from women on how to be a Christian lady, a wife, and a mother.

This last week I have been thinking about our In Good Faith posts that help us to reflect upon our week and plan for the week ahead. I memorized a new verse this week and had to work diligently on it, since the memory doesn't work as good when you get older. Miss Virginia and I worked on memorizing Philippians 4:8, "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever tings are of good report, if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (KJV)

Have you memorized any new verses from God's Word this week?

God gave me so much to accomplish in helping other people this week, so much more than usual. I did try to call my mom to say hello, but she wasn't home. I shared my faith with the ladies at our women's home as I taught them a Bible study on Thursday night and I invited a lady from the dentist office to church, I'm avoiding ungodly influences and ceased from watching a TV show that I know isn't edifying to my spirit.

My heart struggled with some resentment yesterday and I gave that to the Lord in prayer. I showed an act of kindness to someone this week and even helped an elderly lady by giving her a ride home yesterday. This has been a better week for me and I'm thankful that I got to be used by the Lord in so many areas.

I'm not perfect by any means, and I still feel like I didn't do enough this week to help others, but it's just what God gave me to do. I heard a story yesterday that helped me to put this into perspective.

A man was walking along an enjoying his fellowship with the Lord, when He said to them man, "I have a barrel of 3 stones that I need you to take to the top of the hill for me. It must get there before sunset, can you do that for me please?" The man was so honored and excited to do something for the Lord and so on he went. As he was walking up this hill and enjoying his walk, he came across another man who seemed a bit tired. He stopped to check on the man and asked if there was anything he could do to help. The man was so relieved to hear his offer and informed him that he had 6 stones that he needed to get to the top of the hill and was just too tired to continue. So the man offered to add the 6 stones to his load.

He continue on up the hill now with 9 stones and as he came to another small village he ran into another man he knew well. This man also had a difficulty and told the man that he too had several stones he needed to take up the hill and so he again offered to assist. He continued on up the hill and became sore and tried. He hadn't quite reached the top of the hill yet and he prayed to the Lord, "God I'm just too tired. I can't possibly get all the way to the top before midnight." The Lord replied, "All I asked of you was to deliver 3 stones. If you will do just what I asked you to do and allow the other men to do what I asked them to do, then you will do just fine." So the man unloaded the extra stones and continued on his way with just the 3 that the Lord gave him and he felt like the load was now much lighter than when he first began with it. He reached the top of the hill and knew he had done well for the Lord.

Sometimes we take on more than what God really wants us to do. There are times when we can reach out and help a needy sister in the Lord, but there are also times when the Lord wants them to accomplish their goal with just His help. As we each trust in the Lord for the things that He has given to us, we become stronger and He can then give us more to bear. But it takes time to build that kind of muscle. ;O) Always pray before taking on a new responsibility and seek the wisdom of your parents before doing so. I know my girls are the kind to volunteer quickly when they know there's a need. They're so much like me. We must always pray about what God would have us to do, just because something is good to do doesn't mean we are required to do it all.

I hope this has been a blessing and an encouragement to you. I hope you can take a look back through your week and see how you did in your walk with the Lord. Then pray about what He can show you in the week to come.

1. I had personal devotions this week: 3 days 5 days 7 days other

2. I memorized a God's word this week: 2 verses 4 verses 6 verses other

3. I helped mom or dad this week in an area that wasn't already a previous responsibility.

4. I attended our spiritual service this week:

5. I shared my faith with someone this week by speaking of our Lord with someone new.

6. I am avoiding bitterness in my heart towards someone right now. True or false

7. I am avoiding wrong influences such as ungodly T.V, music, or friends, etc.

8. In a clear conscience I know my heart is right with my parents.

9. I showed an act of kindness/service to my siblings this week.

10. I offered help to the needy this week. Ex: an elderly person, a sick person, the homeless, etc.

Underarm Tips

Summer has hit and the temperatures are soaring in some parts of this world! One thing young ladies detest is underarm moisture and odor! We did some research and found a few products that are all natural and claim to be safe for their customers. Finding a good natural product isn't always easy so we wanted to share our findings with you.

In May we attended a Science fair and one of the projects was about those popular deodorants that claim to leave no mark or residue on your black dress. The student experimented with four different brands and found that not one of them actually performed as their advertisers claimed they would.

When you choose an underarm product, be sure to have your parents help you to research and be sure it's the best for your skin. There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when caring for that sensitive skin.

1. When you shave be sure to use a safe product to help reduce the risk of cutting yourself. Aveeno has a sensitive skin formula in their shaving cream line.

2. When you shave, the blade will exfoliate the skin for you so there is no need to scrub that delicate area with an abrasive sponge.

3. Replace your razor regularly and be sure to clean the blade thoroughly with hot water after each use.

4. When you're done showering, pat underarm slightly dry. You want to have the skin slightly moist when you apply the deodorant to help activate your product.

5. Deodorant/Antiperspirant applied to the inside of the thigh will help reduce irritation from walking in skirts.

Here are a few sites to check out with your parents for safer underarm care.

Toms of Maine

Mother Nature

Jason Natural

Do you know of another product that you'd like to share with us? Be sure to reply below!

Winner!

In our June issue of Growing in Grace, Lady Olivia shared her review on Laylie's Daring Quest and we had many girls sign up to win that copy of the Life of Faith Girls series. Lady Olivia put all the names in and drew out this winner:

Snow Crystal!

Thanks to all who joined our giveaway and for helping to spread the word about these awesome series. Keep your eyes open for upcoming giveaways right here at Growing in Grace Magazine!

Congratulations Snow Crystal!

National Picnic Day

National Picnic Day

Did you know that picnics probably originated with medieval hunting parties? These outdoor feasts were originally social events for the wealthy, but eventually just came to mean eating outdoors! Don’t you think food just tastes better outdoors? I do!

So get out a big basket or cooler and get ready for some fun!


Picnic Packing List:
Salad
Fruit
Sandwiches or cold fried chicken!
Drinks
Dessert (maybe brownies or cookies)
Bug spray/sun screen
Fresh mint to repel bees
Small first aid kit
Wet wipes for hands
Napkins or paper towels for spills
Plates, cups and cutlery
A large blanket

If you are not using an insulated cooler you might want to bring ice packs for leftovers. These will also come in handy as a part of your first aid kit in the event of an accident!






Bring a camera and some entertaining activities like a kite, a great book, a crossword puzzle and pencil, a ball, etc.

Make sure not to litter. Whatever you pack in, make sure to pack out or throw away!

Or for a rainy day picnic spread a blanket in your living room and take time to do this really cute craft:

http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Class/est572/mdepuy/june.htm

Young and old alike LOVE a picnic! Take time to make some memories this month!