Jumat, 27 Februari 2009

Dr. James Dobson Steps Down

Latest development in natural transition alleviates more administrative burden; will continue to appear on daily radio program

Colorado Springs, Colo. (Feb. 27, 2009) Focus on the Family’s James C. Dobson, Ph.D., has stepped down as board chairman of the ministry he founded 32 years ago, it was announced today.

His wife, National Day of Prayer Chairman Shirley Dobson, has also left the Focus on the Family Board of Directors. They have been elected to the positions of Founder and Chairman Emeritus and Director Emerita, respectively, for the nonprofit ministry they started in 1977.

The Dobsons’ decision represents the next step in a transition plan begun six years ago, when he stepped down as president in order to lessen his administrative burden. Executive leadership was handed to Don Hodel in 2003, and then to Jim Daly in 2005. Dr. Dobson had been board chairman until today.

The board of directors issued this statement: “One of Dr. Dobson’s objectives during the last decade has been to help identify the next generation of leadership for the ministry, and to see it established securely before he stepped away from administrative oversight. That purpose has now been fulfilled, and we applaud Dr. Dobson for this concern for the future of the ministry.”

Dr. Dobson’s other responsibilities at the ministry will not change significantly. He will continue the “Focus on the Family” radio broadcast, and handle other duties as in the past. He will also continue to write the newsletter, sent to 1.6 million people per month. He and Mrs. Dobson are anxious to devote themselves the joys of grandparenting.

“One of the common errors of founder-presidents,” Dr. Dobson said, “is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority. I have wanted not to make that mistake with Focus on the Family, which is why I stepped back, first from the presidential duties six years ago, and now, from board chairmanship. Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do.”

Jim Daly, Focus’ president and CEO, said the ministry will “forever be committed to the fulfillment of the mission so definitively served by both Dr. and Mrs. Dobson – helping families thrive.”

“The Dobsons have dedicated their lives to Focus on the Family,” Daly said. “He is my mentor and friend – and an inspiration and role model to millions of Americans.”

Dr. Dobson called Daly a “great leader.”

“We at Focus are blessed to have someone with Jim’s passion and skills, as well as a wonderfully experienced and intelligent board of directors. That fact gave me the courage to let them run the ministry. With God’s help, they will do it superbly.”

Assuming the chairmanship of the Focus board is Lt. Gen. Patrick P. Caruana (USAF, Retired), a board member since 1996 and vice chairman since 2006. Gen. Caruana, who served 36 years in the military, was Vice President of Northrop Grumman Space Technology from 2002 to 2005 and also served as Vice President and Program Manager for TRW Space & Electronics from August 1999 until the company was acquired by Northrup Grumman in 2002.

Contact: Gary Schneeberger 719.648.4590; press@family.org

James Dobson Resigns from Focus On The Family


James Dobson resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family but will continue to play a role at the Colorado Springs-based organization he founded, The Associated Press reports. Dobson's wife, Shirley, also resigned from the Focus board.


Dobson, 72, already turned the ship over six years ago to Jim Daly, the organization's president and chief executive officer. He will continue to host Focus on the Family's radio program, write a monthly newsletter and speak out on moral issues, Daly told Eric Gorski of the AP.


"One of the common errors of founder-presidents is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority," Dobson said in a statement. "... Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do."


On political matters, Dobson "will continue to speak out as he always has — a private citizen and not a representative of the organization he founded," said Gary Schneeberger, a Focus on the Family spokesman. He said the nonprofit ministry and Focus on the Family Action — an affiliate set up under a different section of the tax code that permits more political activity — will continue to be active on public policy.


Dobson has a devoted following. His radio broadcast reaches an estimated 1.5 million U.S. listeners daily. Yet critics say his influence is waning, pointing to evangelicals pushing to broaden the movement's agenda beyond abortion, gay marriage and other issues Dobson views as most vital.


"In the short term, in the near term, Dr. Dobson will stay committed to the issues close to his heart," Daly said in an interview. "He'll continue to speak out on those topics."


Sarah Pulliam


The Senate votes 87-11 against a revived Fairness Doctrine

South Carolina Republican Jim DeMint wanted to push this issue here at the beginning of the 111th Congress and so he tacked it onto the D.C. voting-rights bill that’s a priority of the Democratic leadership.

He was probably as surprised as anyone when it racked up 87 “yes” votes yesterday. Now the bill heads to the House, which will probably also vote to instruct the FCC not to ever resuscitate the Fairness Doctrine.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky says a new Fairness Doctrine would be “government control over political speech.” No doubt talk radio will consider this a “win” for them – and they’re right. It’s also a win for the NAB, which doesn’t want the government involved in speech-content issues. But the FCC's still mulling over its confused-sounding "Localism" rulemaking. And Congressional Dems signaled through a 57-41 vote yesterday that they're going to push harder for ownership diversity.

From: www.radio-info.com

Kamis, 26 Februari 2009

Fairness Doctrine Update - February 26, 2009


• House and Senate Make Attempt at Broadcast Freedoms. Two stellar men in Congress have taken serious action this week to protect Broadcast Freedoms. They are sponsors of the House and Senate Broadcaster Freedom Act, the bill aimed at forever killing the Fairness Doctrine. United States House of Representative Mike Pence (R-IN) initiated a move to file an amendment in an Omnibus bill which would prevent the Fairness Doctrine from being restored through the end of this fiscal year. Pence through a similar move last year, won bi-partisan support preventing any FCC funds from being spent on a Fairness Doctrine thru March 6 of this year. Pence’s attempt to continue a block of funds for the next year failed in effort to be considered late Tuesday evening. House Republicans are looking at other options, presently.

• In the Senate, late this evening Sen. Jim DeMint (NC-R) plans to add the Broadcaster Freedom Act as an amendment to the DC Voting Rights Bill. DeMint said he added the amendment to prevent the Fairness Doctrine. The Senators office said it is also an attempt to get Congress to act in agreement with President Obama that they too oppose the Fairness Doctrine and stand in unison to oppose censorship on our nation’s airwaves. It is unclear at the time of this publication, how the amendment will be voted on. NRB’s Vice President of Government Relations, Bob Powers, is watching the item closely, in contact with Senate staff on the matter. To help weigh in on NRB’s most significant legislative items please log on to www.freedomtobroadcast.com.

Rabu, 25 Februari 2009

Become a WRAF Church Representative

How would you like to be a WRAF Church representative?

We are looking for energetic listeners who would be willing to communicate on a regular basis what is happening at your church. Someone who will tell us about special events going on at your church and someone who will share prayer needs with us from the congregation.

We in turn will give you some attractive invitation cards which you can use to invite people to your church and to tune into your favorite radio station and program guides to pass out or display in the church. WRAF church representatives will also receive periodic “thank you” gifts from Toccoa Falls Radio as our way of showing appreciation.

Fore more information, call us at 800-251-8326 and we'll be glad to discuss it with you.

Simply fill out this form and we'll get you started!



Personal Info:







Church Info:















Mike Shelley Interviews Tom Atema & Camille Melki


This morning Mike Shelley was joined on the radio by Tom Atema and Camille Melki to talk about EQUIP International Ministries. WRAF is partnering with EQUIP during Care-a-thon 2009 to raise funds to provide leadership training in the Middle East.



Tom is the VP of International Ministries and Strategic Partnership with EQUIP and is responsible for the ministry of EQUIP in 113 nations, with 208 Associate Trainers.





Camille Melki functions as EQUIP's Country Coordinator in Lebanon. Additionally, he serves as Regional Director for the Middle East and Central Asia, consulting in various roles.

View a slideshow about EQUIP

Tri-County Resource Fair at NGTC

All Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses are Invited!

2009 Franklin, Hart & Stephens Resource Fair

Thursday, February 26, 2009 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.

North Georgia Technical College, Currahee Campus Toccoa, GA 30577

COFFEE! DESSERTS! GIVE-AWAYS!

GOAL: To connect our businesses with local, regional and state resource experts who can provide education and training on starting, running and growing your business - especially in tough economic times.

REGISTER: Participate in the Roundtable Discussions by calling the TSC Chamber at 706-886-2132.

3pm - Cash Is King, Panel of Grant and Loan Specialists
4pm - New Career Economy, The Entrepreneur's Source for Self Employment Options
5pm - Weathering the Storm with a Personal Business Coach, SCORE
6pm - Converting Prospects to Profits, Glen & Ben the Inspiration Agents

RESOURCES:
Bankers, Accountants, Lawyers & Insurance Providers from each County
Verizon Small Business Center
ATS Tech, Affordable IT Support
Chamber of Commerce, Worker's Compensation & Health Plan Discounts
North Georgia Technical College, Small Business Resource Center
University of Georgia, Small Business Development Center
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Many more...a complete list will be available at the door!

Selasa, 24 Februari 2009

Toccoa Rotary Day


Tuesday February 24, 2009 was Rotary Day at Toccoa Falls Radio. We welcomed Steve Alligood, Alan Coker, Benny Turner, Jack Webb and approximately 40 members of the Rotary Club of Toccoa. They received a tour of our broadcasting complex and many of the members were interviewed on 'Round the Country with Lillian Cash.

Listen to / download the interviews

Senin, 23 Februari 2009

WRAF Church of the Week - February 23, 2009

Truth Family Worship Center in Franklin, NC is the newest WRAF Church of the Week.

Congratulations to Pastor Jason Watts and the entire congregation!

Carrie nominated the church and says, "Pastor Watts has a deep desire to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Biblical truths rather than traditions of men to everyone in Macon County and the surrounding counties and GA. This year we have hand delivered 5,000 flyers inviting the community to Church. Pastor Watt's has started a van ministry we go and pick up any student that would like to come from the Local Job Corp. This year alone we have had several repent and get baptized from the Job Corp. When the students graduate from the Job Corp they go back to their home town and they will be taking all the biblical truths they learned at Truth Family Worship with them. So the seed is being planted here in Franklin but will be spread all over the Country. Praise the Lord! God's word is on the move. The Church does outreach to the community we collect new baby supplies and give to the local pregnancy center in Franklin. Pastor Watt's takes our youth to state youth revivals where they get to experience God's Truth with youth from all over. Just recently the Pastor has challenged all members to invite someone over for dinner and do a bible study with them. The bible study he compiled and put together that show's God's Truth and what God wants for us with scripture from the King James Bible. Pasotr Watt's is in the process of getting in to the local detention center to Preach God's Truth to prisoners. Pastor Watt's lives what he preaches; he believes in living Holy and putting God before anything this world can offer. He truely is an annoited man of God!"

You can learn more about Truth Family Worship Center by visiting their website at http://www.truthworship.com/

Minggu, 22 Februari 2009

Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning strikes 1 in 4 Americans each year

By MIKE STOBBE
AP Medical Writer


AP Photo/M. Sherman




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Documents
Peanut Corp. of America's bankruptcy petition


Interactives
Blakely peanut plant inspection report for 2008

Blakely peanut plant inspection reports 2006-2007

Poison Produce: Food-Borne Illnesses

Interactive Look at Salmonella



ATLANTA (AP) -- Next time you have a case of diarrhea that lasts a day or more, chances are better than 1 in 3 that it was food poisoning. As many as a quarter of Americans suffer a foodborne illness each year - though only a fraction of those cases get linked to high-profile outbreaks like the recent salmonella-peanut scare, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"Outbreaks are dramatic instances," says Dr. Robert Tauxe, a CDC expert on the subject. But they highlight a health threat that many people exaggerate and misunderstand, according to some experts.

Scientists have counted more than 250 food-related types of illness - from viruses to bacteria to parasites. Most common are Norwalk-like viruses - famous for sickening cruise-ship passengers. They account for about two-thirds of known food-poisoning cases, according to the CDC.

Two types of bacteria, campylobacter and salmonella, are the next most common. Campylobacter is blamed for about 14 percent of food poisonings, salmonella for roughly 10 percent.

The exact toll of these and other bugs is not really known.

Ten years ago, a team of CDC scientists put together the best enduring estimate of how many Americans get food poisoning each year: 76 million illnesses, which resulted in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.

No more recent figures are available. But the current numbers must be close to 87 million cases, 371,000 hospitalizations and 5,700 deaths, according to an Associated Press calculation that used the CDC formula and current population estimates.

The statistics seem even more alarming in the context of a parade of high-profile food-poisoning outbreaks in recent years: salmonella poisoning linked to hot peppers and tomatoes from Mexico that sickened more 1,400 last year; an E. coli outbreak from bagged spinach in 2006; and even deadly cases of hepatitis A from green onions in 2003.

The recent peanut-related salmonella outbreak has caused more than 640 confirmed illnesses in 44 states and been linked to nine deaths. It was traced to a Virginia-based company, Peanut Corp. of America, which makes minor-label peanut butter, peanut paste and other products.

Those numbers just scratch the surface: A case is confirmed only after a lab test is sent to the CDC. Many sick people just soldier on without even seeing a doctor.

Health officials assume that for every salmonella case, there are three dozen unreported cases. By that calculation, the latest peanut-related outbreak actually has sickened closer to 20,000 people.

But the problem could be a lot worse.

The number of confirmed food poisonings has basically held steady in recent years. It may seem worse because more advanced testing allows investigators to better link cases and identify outbreaks, CDC officials said.

Also, despite sometimes dramatic problems in food production and inspections, the U.S. food supply is still considered one of the safest in the world, several experts said.

Food poisoning affects an estimated 25 percent of Americans every year. That compares with roughly 30 percent of people in industrialized countries, according to the World Health Organization. The toll, of course, is much higher in developing countries, where diarrheal diseases are a major cause of death for children.

But not all of our food comes from within our borders, as demonstrated by last summer's vegetable-caused outbreak.

"I usually say it is one of the safest in the world," said Tauxe, when asked about the U.S. food supply. "But increasingly, our food supply is the world."

Patients suffering gastric distress sometimes assume food poisoning, partly because of all the outbreak news and partly because it's human nature, some doctors said.

"I think a lot of people in general say, 'I have symptoms. I must have eaten something that's caused this,'" said Dr. Andi Shane, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Atlanta's Emory University.

Patients may not consider an infection came from some other means, like handling a contaminated tissue, she said.

Some may also find the latest outbreak unsettling because it involved a prepackaged food like peanut butter, said Dr. Akiko Kimura, an epidemiologist with the California Department of Public Health.

"It's ready-to-eat, and so there wasn't anything the consumer could do," she said.

Food disease investigators say their experience has made them careful to wash their hands, review restaurant inspection reports and think carefully about the foods they eat.

"I am fond of many foods, but I draw the line at eating raw meat and raw poultry, raw oysters and raw unpasteurized eggs," said the CDC's Tauxe.

"I run the cutting boards through our dishwasher," he added.

Parmesean Chicken

as heard by Kathy Nicholson




Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Print Options
Print (no photos)
Print (with photos)
Ingredients
1 clove garlic, minced
1 stick unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 1/4 pound), melted
1 cup dried bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or 2/3 cup if you are using a Microplane zester)
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
A large pinch of Italian seasoning (herb mix)
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 lbs of skinless, boneless, chicken meat, cut into pieces no larger than 2x2 inches



Method



1 Preheat oven to 450°F.

2 In a bowl, combine the minced garlic with the melted butter. In another bowl mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into garlic butter, then into crumb mixture to coat.

3 Place coated chicken pieces on to a 9x13 baking dish. Try to leave a little room between each piece. Drizzle with remaining garlic butter and bake uncovered 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. Note that the chicken will get much more browned on the bottom side than on the top.

Serves 4-6.

Sabtu, 21 Februari 2009

Video of the Day - Pro-life 12-Year-Old Speaks Out



The mother of a 12-year-old girl whose pro-life speech has become a hit YouTube video says her daughter's passion for the unborn is genuine.

Lia is a preteen from Canada who decided to speak out against abortion in her school's speech contest, despite teachers and school officials who encouraged her to pick a different topic.

"What if I told you that right now someone was choosing if you were going to live or die? What if I told you that this choice wasn't based on what you could or couldn't do, what you had done in the past, or what you would do in the future? And what if I told you [that] you could nothing about it? Fellow students and teachers, thousands of children are right now in that very situation," she says in her speech.

Jumat, 20 Februari 2009

The New Music Spotlight - February 21, 2009



Links to our featured artists:

Mandisa - "Voice of a Savior"

Russ Lee & Michael O'Brien - "When Life Gets Broken"

Peder Eide - "Yes I Believe"

Nathan Clark George - "What If I Were In The Garden?"

Melissa Greene - "Revelation Song"

Bebo Norman - "The Only Hope"

Bonus Video - Mandisa - "Voice of a Savior"

Kamis, 19 Februari 2009

The Jody Hice Show - Friday, February 20, 2009

Seton Motley, the Director of Communications for the Media Research Center joins Jody Hice today to talk about the so called “Fairness Doctrine.” Is it a real threat or just fear mongering?

Listen to / download the show

Subscribe to the podcast

Rabu, 18 Februari 2009

Selasa, 17 Februari 2009

The Jody Hice Show - Wednesday February 18, 2009

Jody’s special guest today at 3 PM is Matt Bowman of the Alliance Defense Fund. Jody and Matt will be talking about attempts from the ACLU and Planned Parenthood to force medical professionals to perform abortions.

Listen to / download the show

Subscribe to the podcast


WRAF Partners with EQUIP

Toccoa Falls Radio is pleased to announce that we are joining hands with EQUIP to help train leaders around the world.

EQUIP is a non-profit organization specializing in the development of effective international Christian leaders. Founded by Dr. John C. Maxwell in 1996, EQUIP is dedicated to developing servant leaders who shoulder responsibility, meet challenges with courage and creativity and never relinquish their God-given dreams.

Keep listening and reading to find out how you can be involved in this exciting endeavor and when you get a moment watch the video below to learn more>>>

Senin, 16 Februari 2009

What does the Fairness Doctrine mean to conservative radio?

Fox and Friends, Feb 16, 2009.

WRAF Church of the Week - February 16, 2009

Congratulations to Donald Grizzle and the entire congregation of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Cornelia, Georgia, the newest WRAF Church of the Week!

Kelley nominated her church and says, "My church is special to me because of all the wonderful people that go there, including the pastor and his wife. The people of the church are always going to visit the sick, elderly, and in need. The church family frequently donates to those in need. I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful church family we have. God is in every service, and we have such wonderful youth programs. I appreciate our pastor, his wife, and all of our members immensely."

The congretation would love for you to join them! Service times are at 11am and 6pm every Sunday. Give them a call at 706-778-2049.

Click here to nominate YOUR church to be the next WRAF Church of the Week.

Jumat, 13 Februari 2009

“Bless The Lord” Song Devotion By Laura Story

This week, we’re featuring “Bless The Lord” by Laura Story. Get the mp3, lead sheet and chord chart for free at GreatWorshipSongs.com.

We also have a video of Laura teaching how to play “Bless The Lord” on YouTube.



Laura was kind enough to share her heart behind the song in this song devotional.

BLESS THE LORD

“Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits;
Who pardons all your iniquities, who heals all your diseases;
Who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your you this renewed like the eagle.”- Psalm 103: 1-5 (NASB)

Do you ever have days when you don’t feel like worshipping? As someone who leads worship for a living, I have to admit that sometimes I don’t feel like worshipping. Some days I am tired and my throat hurts; other days, I am feeling down or distracted by other things. Sometimes life just seems too hard. Though I am ashamed to admit these thoughts and feelings, I know that they are more common than we would like to admit. How do we come before the Lord of lords in all His splendor and majesty when our hearts feel so apathetic?

It is in times like these that I look to the Psalms, one of my favorites of God’s gifts to us. The Psalms provide an entire arsenal of prayers and petitions that we can use when we find ourselves in a spiritual drought. Take David for example; certainly his life was no picnic. Between his bouts with sexual sins, murder and seasons of even running for his life, there must have been times when he felt reluctant to worship God. But still we see him faithfully proclaiming the greatness of our Lord. For David knew that the very quality of his worship was not based on his own volition but on the object of his worship - the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Though our affections for God may wax and wane, His character is unchanging! We even see David speaking to his own soul, demanding of it, “Bless the Lord!”. He reminds himself even in the harshest of circumstances how good God is, recounting blessings that the Lord has bestowed upon him.

I think God knows that worshipping Him can be a discipline at times. And like any other relationship in our lives, our relationship with the Lord takes work. But on those days that are hardest to praise His name, that’s when I find worship to be the sweetest. Though I may enter feeling tired or disconnected, I find joy and peace in the presence of God and the Holy Spirit sustains that worship, renewing my mind and restoring my heart. All I have to do is show up. God is not only the author of worship, but His radiance inspires us and enables us to bring Him the adoration due His name.

So, next time you are tired and feel as though you have nothing to give to God in worship, know that you are right. There is nothing we can bring before Him that He has not first given to us. And on those hard days, we must confess that we don’t want to worship Him, but we want to want to worship Him. Over time, He will cultivate that desire in our hearts and souls to say, with the great psalmist,

“I will bless the Lord at all times.” (Ps. 34)

Courtesy of http://www.greatworshipsongs.com/

Senin, 09 Februari 2009

WRAF Church of the Week - February 9, 2009

Congratulations to Lester Cowan and the entire congregaion of Rehoboth Church in Toccoa, GA, the newest WRAF Church of the Week!


Karen nominated her church and says, "We have an outreach program called Glorious Kids. This involves children and adults in the community for a two hour fun time and learning about Jesus. We also have a senior citizen programs every third Wednesday of every month. We have singing and a free meal and a word from our pastor."



The congretation would love for you to join them! Visit their website at http://rehobothag.com/

Minggu, 08 Februari 2009

BuzzEngine.com set to debut at NRB.


Mike Shelley and myself are at the National Religious Broadcaster's Convention in Nashville, TN.


There's a lot of "Buzz" about a new ministry service called BuzzEngine. They are set to unveil their website today.


Here's a video that explains more:




Buzz Engine Tim Intro from Buzz Engine on Vimeo.

Kamis, 05 Februari 2009

Loving People who are not Like You

I read this article for my morning devotion. I felt it was a strong encouragement for reaching out to others who are not exactly like me or the people in my "circle" Blessings, Kathy Nicholson

heard Sundays on WRAF from 1-5 pm


How to Love One Another... Even Other Christians
Whitney Hopler
Crosswalk.com Contributing Writer


Editor's Note: The following is a report on the practical applications of Gerald L. Sittser's new book, Love One Another: Becoming the Church Jesus Longs For, (InterVarsity Press, 2008).

His extroverted personality annoys you. She seems too quiet. He favors a liturgical worship style, while you like a contemporary one. Her political views are too liberal for your conservative taste. Sound like any of the people at your church?

You may dislike them or disagree with them, but their commitment to Christ makes them your spiritual brothers and sisters. If you fail to reach out to them in love as Christ calls you to, then your fractured relationships will do great damage to all involved. But if you take Christ’s command to love them seriously, that love will become a powerful force for good – both in your church, and in the watching world.

Here’s how you can learn to love other Christians – no matter what:

Remember what God intends the church to be. The church should be a foretaste of what heaven will be like, with many vastly different people unified in their diversity by their love for Jesus Christ. It should be such a loving community that it’s an incarnation of Christ’s own sacrificial love. Realize that differences are normal and healthy; it’s simply how you respond that tests whether or not you’re willing to love. Keep God’s desire for the church to be a loving community in mind. Don’t settle for less, as far as it depends on you.

Welcome one another. Be willing to embrace people as they really are, rather than as you wish they would be. Remember that God doesn’t play favorites; He generously loves all people, and hopes that you will, too. Don’t reserve your love only for those who love you back, or who are similar to you in personality, religious conviction, interests, background, social status, economic level, race, culture, etc. Ask God to help you accept all people as equally important because they’ve been made in His image. When you interact with people, acknowledge them, show appreciation for their accomplishments, express affection for them, and say something that blesses them. Look for the best in people and overlook the worst whenever you can.

Be subject to one another. Surrender yourself to God and ask Him to show you how to do His will in circumstances that are less than ideal. Instead of waiting for people and situations to conform to your wishes (which is futile), invite God to use difficult people and situations to transform you according to His wishes – into someone who’s more like Christ. Rather than insisting on pursuing your own agenda or protecting your own rights, trust God to do what’s best for you in challenging circumstances.

Forbear one another. Let your gratitude for how often God has shown forbearance to you – loving you despite your many sins, mistakes, and weaknesses – motivate you to give other people the room to be who they are, despite all their imperfections. Remember that we’re all works in progress. Ask God to give you the humility, patience, grace, and humor you need to accept people without judging them, and to encourage them to be themselves around you. Keep in mind that, while Christians need to stand for essential beliefs such as Christ’s divinity, there’s plenty of room for different ways of expressing faith. Rather than trying to change people who bother you, pray for them and trust God to change them in the best ways and at the best times. Don’t deny people opportunities to serve simply because they have flaws. Accept and affirm the valuable contributions that imperfect people make through Christian service. Be willing to listen respectfully to people who don’t share your point of view on an issue, yet still share faith in Christ. Allow yourself to learn from their perspectives.

Forgive one another. Since God has forgiven you, He expects you to forgive others, with His help. Don’t wait until you feel like forgiving people who’ve hurt you; you likely never will. Instead, decide to forgive, and your feelings will eventually follow as God changes your heart through the forgiveness process. Understand that forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrong behavior. It simply means that you’re entrusting the situation to God. Even if the people who’ve wronged you don’t apologize and repent, choose to forgive them anyway, knowing that by doing so you’ll be giving God the gift of your obedience and freeing yourself from the poison of bitterness.

Confess sin to and pray for one another. Regularly own up to the reality of your sin, and confess it to God and other Christians. Listen when other Christians confess their sins to you. Let the knowledge that you’re all desperately in need of God’s grace draw you closer together. Embrace the mercy, forgiveness, and hope that God offers you. Pray for each other’s concerns, seeking healing for your brokenness. Rather than praying only for certain people who seem more worthy than others, be generous with your prayers – willing to intercede for anyone.

Serve one another. Follow Christ’s example by counting others better than yourself and seeking their welfare. Be willing to serve however God leads you, whether or not the opportunities He urges you to take make use of your gifts. Simplify your life so you have enough time to make service a regular part of your schedule. Allocate a regular place in your budget for generous financial giving. Develop the talents God has given you so you’ll be able to use them well when you’re faced with opportunities to use them in service work. And check your motives: Make sure you’re serving out of a desire to love God back for loving you, rather than to try to prove something to yourself or others or to get something from the people you serve.

Encourage one another. Ask God to help you live with integrity so you can encourage others with a good example of what faith in action looks like. Carefully consider the impact of your attitudes and actions on other people; strive to be positive. Reach out to discouraged people in creative ways, such as by writing them cards or letters, or inviting them to meals at your home. Catch people doing something right, and let them know that you’ve noticed and appreciate their efforts. Whenever you spend time with your friends, do all you can to encourage each other.

Comfort one another. Suffering can unite people in powerful ways because it reveals their common need for God. Divisions and conflicts often appear trivial in the face of suffering. Make room in your life for broken and grieving people. Whenever you encounter someone who has suffered a loss, think and pray about what you can do to help: from providing child care, meals, or job training, to simply listening to them share their stories. Don’t minimize, exaggerate, or trivialize grief. Instead, point grieving people to the source of real hope – Christ – and let your shared hope in Him draw you closer to each other.

Bear one another’s burdens. Accept the reality of that following God’s call to bear other’s burdens will be costly, inconvenient, and disruptive. Ask God to help you do so anyway. Be available and flexible for when He leads you to help bear someone’s burden. Seek to help burdened people take responsibility for their problems and get back on their feet, rather than fostering dependence on you. Hold them accountable for their attitudes and actions while providing the support they need to grow. Realize that it’s not possible for you to help everyone you know who needs help; God only expects you to help the people He leads you help – and only in the specific ways He guides you to help them. Pray for discernment about who you should help, and how. Combine a sympathetic attitude with good judgment. As you help others, keep in mind that you’re not superior to them. When someone helps you, remember that you’re not inferior to them. Realize that everyone needs help at various times. Let your shared experiences of helping and being helped deepen your love for the fellow believers around you.

Stir up one another. It’s dangerous to get complacent about your faith. Get out of your comfort zone and help other people get out of theirs. Do all you can to inspire and challenge others to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead each day and take creative action in the specific directions the Spirit leads them. Meet with other Christians regularly and talk with them often about what’s most important to them, and why. Invest your time, money, or talents in some of their causes. Let go of an attachment to the familiar, the past, a desire to control, or anything else that stands in the way of pursuing something new that God is calling you to pursue.

Admonish one another. Be willing to confront, challenge, and correct Christians who are living in disobedience to God’s commands. But always do so with the goal of helping them restore their intimacy with God. Never admonish someone out of spite. Instead, let love motivate you to want the best for them and be concerned about their welfare. When you admonish someone, do so privately, positively (aiming to solve the problem), and prayerfully (as God leads you).

Selasa, 03 Februari 2009

Michael Harden to Speak in Stephens County


State Representative Michael Harden will bring a legislative update and take input from all interested local citizens during "The Stephens County Republican Party Monthly Breakfast" meeting this Saturday morning, February 7th at 9 o’clock at Carolyn’s Kitchen on Stephens Drive in Toccoa. Breakfast will be provided on a donations-basis by Carolyn’s Kitchen. For further information, call Party Chairman Jimmy Harris at 706.886.4321.

Video of the Day - It's Great to be a Georgia Bulldog!






Senin, 02 Februari 2009

Road Home Show Notes - February 2, 2009

Pro-life video that NBC refused to air during SuperBowl XLIII


WRAF Church of the Week - February 2, 2009


Lakeland Baptist Church of Buford, GA is the newest WRAF "Church of the Week."


Congratulations to pastor Brian Rhodes and the entire congregation on this recognition.



Courtney tells us; "Our church is a new church plant is South Hall County off of Friendship Road. We started years ago in our living room and we now have 65 members. Our church is all about "Helping People Follow Jesus"-discipliship, church growth. It is one big family that Loves the Lord with all our heart. LBC has a wonderful children's classes from birth to 11 years old. We our mission minded currently supporting 6 missionaries. Pastor Brian loves people and has a sincere desire to see souls saved in the south end of the county."

Nominate your church now >>> to be the next WRAF "Church of the Week."

Minggu, 01 Februari 2009

Seven Layer Fiesta Dip




as mentioned by Kathy Nicholson on Sunday Feb 1, 2009

Makes 64 (2-tablespoon) servings.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans

1 container (16 ounces) sour cream

1 package McCormick® Taco Seasoning Mix or 1 package McCormick® Taco Seasoning Mix 30% Less Sodium

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1 cup prepared guacamole

1 cup chopped tomatoes

1/2 cup sliced green onions

1/2 cup sliced black olives

Tortilla chips

DIRECTIONS
1. Spread refried beans in shallow serving dish.

2. Mix sour cream and Seasoning Mix in small bowl until well blended. Spread over refried beans.

3. Top with layers of cheese, guacamole, tomato, onions and olives. Serve with tortilla chips.

Tips
A Taste for Health Tip: Substitute to reduced fat sour cream and reduced fat cheese for a savings of 10 calories and 1g fat per serving. Serve with baked tortilla or pita chips to save additional calories and fat grams.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
per serving

Calories: 43

Fat: 3 g

Carbohydrates: 2 g

Cholesterol: 7 mg

Sodium: 115 mg

Fiber: 1 g

Protein: 1 g