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Ladies IN the Kingdom
Spring 2010 Newsletter
Homewood Church of Christ Ladies’ Ministry
Safe in the Arms of Jesus
Safeguarding Our Souls
By Elizabeth Barker
Human beings, being what they are, can never completely give us safety. Even with the best intentions, people
disappoint us, fail us, and sometimes betray us. Our faith and commitment is to be in the Lord, not in other
humans.
The Bible is filled with examples of the uncertainty of human loyalty. An extreme but true story is that of the
Canaanite Commander Sisera when fleeing and looking for safety turned to the tent of Jael. Judges 4:17 (NIV)
says, "Sisera, however, fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, because there were friendly
relations between Jabin king of Hazor and the clan of Heber the Kenite." Little is known of this woman Jael. The
Bible does not reveal much about her. But she was "gutsy" to say the least.
Another woman, Deborah, who the Bible says was a prophetess and wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel about
this time (around 1224-1153 BC). She prophesied that, "the Lord will hand Sisera over to a woman." Judges 4:9b
(NIV)
So, we do know that God's hand was in this prophesy. As the story goes in Judges 4:18-23 (NIV), Jael went out to
meet Sisera and said, "Come, my Lord, come right in. Don't be afraid." Tired and exhausted, Sisera says, "I'm
thirsty" and asked for water. Jael "opened a skin of milk, gave him a drink and covered him up." Sisera instructs
her to stand at the door and if anyone asked to tell them no one was there. Then "Jael went quietly to him while
he lay fast asleep, exhausted. She drove a tent peg through his temple into the ground, and he died." Judges 4:21
(NIV) When Barak (Deborah's general) came by in pursuit of Sisera, Jael went out and announced "come and I
will show you the man you are looking for." Sisera had thought he had a safety net!
Many of the seventy-one psalms attributed to David depict him as one who is beseeching God for safety. David
himself had practiced deceit and had been deceived himself in his lifetime. Yet, in a miktam of David, he pleads,
"Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge." Psalm 16:1 (NIV). In an earlier Psalm (4:8 NIV) he says, "I will lie
down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
The writer of Proverbs states in 18:10 (NIV), "The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and
are safe."
The beloved John gives an affirmation for us as Christians when he writes, "we know that anyone born of God
does not continue to sin; the one who is born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him." 1 John
5:18 (NIV)Philippians 3:1 (NIV), speaking of having no confidence in the flesh, says, "Finally, my brothers, rejoice
in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you."
Jochebed - Mother of Moses
By Sandy Kilgo
Jochebed lived in an Egyptian slave camp with her husband and
two children. Fearful of their growing population, the Pharaoh had
ordered that all male babies born to slaves were to be immediately
thrown into the river and drowned. Jochebed had every reason to
be afraid when her third child born was a boy. We all know the
story that is told in Exodus 2:1-10.
Hebrews 11:23 says, “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three
months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary
child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” That tells us that
Jochebed knew God. It was no ordinary thing she did in weaving a
basket, covering it with pitch and tar, and floating it in the very area
where Pharaoh’s daughter would come to bathe. How did
Jochebed know to do that? God must have prompted her actions.
Just like Pharaoh’s daughter “just happened” to feel compassion for
the Hebrew baby boy and successfully opposed her father’s law.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean
not on your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
Jochebed had no authority to save her son, but she believed God had a reason for him to be born. So she gave
the child up, not knowing what would happen. Then after he was brought back to her to nurse until he was
weaned, she had to send him again to live in the pagan Pharaoh’s house. This time she gave him up forever. He
became a favored Egyptian and she remained a lowly slave. We don’t know if she lived to see him as Israel’s
deliverer 80 years later.
As Christian parents, we know that our children are loaned to us by God for a period of time. We must leave the
rest to Him.
In his book The Invitation, Henry Blackaby gives four reasons to trust God in the midst of problems:
1. God is love.
2. God is all-knowing.
3. God is all-powerful.
4. God never changes.
Blackaby writes, “Jesus encourages His followers to turn to Him when the hard times hit. He is not disinterested,
letting you work out your problems for yourself. He is not powerless, unable to do anything for you. He is not out
of touch: unable to understand what you are going through. He is ‘gentle and humble’ and He is able to bring
‘rest’ to your soul. He may not always change your circumstance, but He will bring a peace to your heart even in
the midst of your most difficult situation if you will TRUST Him.”
Keeping your children safe while enjoying the great outdoors:
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Remember to apply sunscreen and insect repellent, wear hats and sunglasses, and use unscented products.
Set boundaries and time limits. Role-play what to do if strangers come near, an unknown animal approaches, or
someone has an accident/injury. Common sense, good instincts, and education are the best tools for you to use.
Keep hydrated with water, sports drinks or pure juices. Avoid caffeine and added sugars which can make you sick.
Keep away from areas where poisonous spiders, snakes, wasps/bees, and poison ivy can be found.
Never leave young children without adult supervision! Things sometimes happen in a matter of seconds so be vigilant.
Older kids should never go out alone, especially to new places or at night. A cell phone is excellent for communication.
Practice Safe Food Storage at Your Next Picnic
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/practice-safe-food-storage-at-your-nextpicnic/article16036.html
To keep unwanted guests like Salmonella and E. coli from your picnic, follow this basic advice:
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Bring two coolers: one for food and one for drinks. Since you'll probably open the drinks cooler more often than the food
cooler, this prevents warm air from reaching your perishables.
Avoid bringing anything made with fresh eggs, which can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Avoid bringing meats, fish, potatoes, and pasta mixed with mayo. These foods can reduce the acidity of the mayonnaise
(which keeps bacteria at bay) encouraging the growth of bacteria. Instead, bring your salad ingredients in separate
containers and mix when you're ready to serve.
Keep your cooler in the air-conditioned car.
Bring along antibacterial wipes or hand-washing liquid to clean your hands before laying out (and eating) the food.
Thaw meat before grilling so it cooks evenly. Cook to an internal temperature of 160°F. Poultry should cook to 180°F.
Keep raw meats, fish, and poultry (and the containers on which they sat) separate from cooked foods.
Wash the outer surface of fruits, including melons, well before cutting.
Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. Anything perishable should be kept at room temperature for no more than two
hours.
Safe & Healthy Meat Grilling
http://www.naturesgrilling.com/healthy.cfm
Protect the Kids: Before you heat the grill, talk to the children about the dangers of playing around a grill and getting
burned. The play area should be at least 8 feet away from the cooking area. If they are throwing a ball or playing a running
game, increase this perimeter to keep them further away from the heat source. In addition to burns, a yard fire is also
possible. Never leave the grill unattended when children are playing in the vicinity – keep an eye on both. Finally, be sure
the fire is out after grilling to prevent a further chance of accidental fire.
Prepare: Trim the fat to prevent flare-ups while cooking. Marinades add flavor to meat and poultry and can tenderize less
tender cuts of meat. In addition, marinades with little or no sugar may help protect meat from charring and have also been
shown to reduce HCA formation. Before cooking, remove meat from marinade and pat dry with a paper towel to promote
even browning and prevent steaming. Sugary sauces and glazes can burn easily and cause charring. If using these types of
products, baste during the last few minutes of grilling and avoid charring.
The Heat is On … Medium! Use medium heat while cooking to ensure delicious, flavorful meat. High heat can overcook or
char the outside of meat while the interior remains underdone. Charcoal Grilling: Medium heat is achieved when coals are
no longer flaming, and are ash-covered and spread in a single layer. Check cooking temperature by cautiously holding the
palm of your hand above the coals at cooking height. Count the number of seconds you can hold your hand in that position
before the heat forces you to pull it away; approximately 4 seconds for medium heat.
Determine Doneness: Lean meat’s tender, juicy texture is optimum when cooked to medium rare (145°F) to medium
(160°F) doneness. Cook burgers to medium (160°F) doneness, until no longer pink in the center and juices show no pink
color. Insert an instant-read thermometer horizontally into the side of burgers and steaks to check doneness. Place the
thermometer in the thickest part or center of the burger or steak. For steaks, the thermometer should not touch bone, fat or
the grill.
http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm109899.htm has a chart for grilling temps.
Go Lean: There are 29 beef cuts that meet government guidelines for “lean” with less than 10 grams of total fat, 4.5 grams
or less of saturated fat and less than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per 3 1 /2-ounce serving.
In Honor of Those Who Have Fought to Keep Our Nation Safe
edited by Betty Holland from http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/celebrate_americas_freedoms.asp
The Origins and Celebration of Memorial Day
Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the Grand Army of the Republic established Decoration
Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Its leader, Major General John
A. Logan declared it would be observed on May 30. This first large event was held at Arlington National
Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. Logan’s order for his posts to decorate graves in
1868 “with the choicest flowers of springtime” urged: “We should guard their graves with sacred
vigilance. ... Let pleasant paths invite the coming and going of reverent visitors and fond mourners. Let
no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have
forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”
Local springtime tributes to the Civil War dead already had been held in various places. One of the first occurred
in Columbus, Miss., April 25, 1866, when a group of women visited a cemetery to decorate the graves of
Confederate soldiers who had fallen in battle at Shiloh. Nearby were the graves of Union soldiers, neglected
because they were the enemy. Disturbed at the sight of the bare graves, the women placed some of their
flowers on those graves, as well. Approximately 25 places have been named in connection with the origin of
Memorial Day, many of them in the South where most of the war dead were buried.
In 1966, Congress and President Lyndon Johnson declared Waterloo, N.Y., the “birthplace” of Memorial Day.
There, a ceremony on May 5, 1866, honored local veterans who had fought in the Civil War. Businesses closed
and residents flew flags at half-staff. Supporters of Waterloo’s claim say earlier observances in other places
were either informal, not community- wide or one-time events. By the end of the 19th century, Memorial Day
ceremonies were being held on May 30 throughout the nation. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national
holiday by an act of Congress, though it is still often called Decoration Day. It was placed at this time on the
last Monday in May, as were many other federal holidays.
To ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress
passed and the president signed into law “The National Moment of Remembrance Act,” P.L. 106-579. The
commission’s charter is to “encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their
country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity”. The National Moment of Remembrance
also asks all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence
to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation.
The Origins and Celebration of Veterans’ Day
In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The site became
the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans. This memorial gesture took place on November 11, giving
universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th
hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day was already known world-wide as Armistice Day. Armistice
Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national
holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action.
On Memorial Day 1958, two more unidentified American war dead were brought from overseas and interred in
the plaza beside the unknown soldier of World War I. One was killed in World War II, the other in the Korean
War. In 1984, an unknown serviceman from the Vietnam War was placed alongside the others. The remains
from Vietnam were exhumed May 14, 1998 and identified by DNA testing, allowing his family to bury him
privately. An Army honor guard, the 3rd U.S. Infantry (The Old Guard), keeps day and night vigil.
In 1954, Congress passed the bill that President Eisenhower signed proclaiming November 11 as Veterans’
Day. By a law passed in 1968, the national commemoration of Veterans’ Day was moved to the fourth Monday
in October. It soon became apparent, however, that November 11th was a date of historic significance to many
Americans. Therefore, in 1978 Congress returned the observance to its traditional date.
The first celebration using the term Veterans’ Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond
Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized "National Veterans’ Day," which included a parade and other
festivities, to honor all veterans. Weeks' local parade and ceremonies are now an annual event celebrated
nationwide. Raymond Weeks received the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Reagan in November
1982. Birmingham still has the largest celebration in the United States, which today honors all veterans. Each
state and the federal government’s Veterans’ Administration have resources for communities and schools.
Summer Safety Tips for Keeping Kids Safe
Skateboarding and Rollerblading:
• Helmets, knee and elbow pads, safety gloves, and brightly colored clothing (so
others can see you) keep these activities fun and safer. Be sure the helmets fit
correctly and check often for defects.
• Do a safety check of the skateboard or in-line skates every time one gets ready to
use them - the equipment should be in good working condition to avoid problems.
• Adults should make the rules and enforce them. Be sure you know the laws in
your municipality. Never use private property without permission. Skate parks are
the safest places to go.
• Teach your child how to use the equipment properly, especially how to fall –
because they will fall. Lessons are a good investment, or get a safe, experienced
skater to teach your child.
• NEVER hitch a ride by holding on to a car, bicycle, or motorized vehicle.
• Keep focused with your eyes and ears. Headphones or ear-buds can prevent you
from being fully alert.
• Always use the buddy system so one is not alone. Be able to communicate if help is
needed, such as with a cell phone or walkie-talkie.
Bicycling:
• READ the safety tips for skateboarding and rollerblading. These apply to bicycling,
too.
• Additionally, bicycles should have reflectors on the front and rear pedals as well as
both wheels. Some kind of horn or bell in important.
• Bicyclists must follow the same traffic rules as motorized vehicles. Be sure your child
knows these rules. When riding near traffic, always yield to the bigger vehicle
because after all, it is bigger! The best thing is to stay away from busy roads.
• Teach kids to use hand signals and how to read road signs.
• No risky behaviors: hitching, stunts, riding double, weaving, racing on roads. Keep
focused and alert at all times.
• Always check the bicycle’s Air, Brakes, Chains before riding. Check helmet fit often.
• Your adult example will be your child’s best teacher. Remember: use the buddy
system and know the boundaries.
Water Safety:
• NEVER leave children unattended when they are playing in or near water. If in a
public area or the beach, make sure there is a life-guard. Someone should always
know how to administer CPR and first aid.
• When kids are on boats, canoes, docks, fishing, etc. they need a life jacket that is
designed to fit their body size. Floats are not sufficient to prevent drowning.
• Swim lessons are very important so your child feels confident and secure.
• Apply sunscreen and insect repellent often, wear a sun hat and sun glasses, and
don’t forget appropriate foot gear to keep their feet safe.
• Avoid horse-play and rough-housing which can get out of control quickly.
• Watch for dehydration and sunburn. Both can be serious for children.
• Empty toddler-sized backyard pools daily. If you have a pool at your house it
should be fenced and locked. Be sure your neighbors’ pools are locked, too.
• Always use the buddy system and have a phone where you can call for help.
Homewood Church of Christ
Ladies’ Ministry
265 West Oxmoor Road
Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: 205-942-LOVE
Website:
www.homewoodchurch.org
Transformation through
Worship, Relationships and
Service
for the sake of others
coeditors: Nicki Koski and Betty Holland
Keeping Your Teens and ‘Tweens Safe in the 21st Century
by Betty Holland
Navigating the world of adolescence has always been frustrating, but today’s adults must be extra vigilant in helping keep
these young people safe – physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Sorry, there are no owner’s manuals.
• Your best resource is the Bible coupled with prayer! Good common sense and well-developed instincts will help, too.
• Family, friends, neighbors, church family, teachers, coaches, Scout leaders, sponsors and directors in many varieties
can be a valuable support system. Make sure their values systems are compatible with yours so your adolescent is
not getting mixed messages.
• Keep the lines of communication open. You might not like everything you hear, but you need to listen.
• As a parent you encouraged your baby to take its first steps, feed itself, and learn to play well with others. The same
principles apply as they get older. Help them to build self-confidence and respect so they have tools to use when
situations arise. They are not a “mini-me”. Be there to encourage, support, and re-direct. Do not be embarrassed to
seek advice, if needed.
• Keep ‘tweens and teens busy in productive, positive activities. By nature they are social beings and will seek out a
group for interaction. Expose them early to a variety of pastimes: sports, music, technology, the arts, Scouting,
volunteering, church activities, etc. Then encourage their interests. Insist that you know who they are hanging out with
at all times and meet those kids’ families.
• Give them chores to do! Teach them how to do it, give a deadline and expect them to do their best. Don’t forget the
power of praise as well as setting consequences. You want your young person to be a responsible, contributing adult.
• Talk about drugs, alcohol, sex, social networking, bullying, cheating, and other pitfalls awaiting young people today.
Research to educate yourself about the latest trends, set boundaries and enforce them, and don’t stop
communicating. Something new comes up every day and you need to be as knowledgeable as your kids so you can
be there to back them up. These on-line resources may be helpful to get you started: their language and trends at
http://www.urbandictionary.com/ and publications from the government at http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Teens.shtml
• Driving is a priviledge not a right. Get them Drivers’ Education and enforce your own family guidelines.
http://www.statefarm.com/about/csr/safe_neighbors/teen_safety.asp
• Always keep in mind that a person’s brain is not finished developing until he/she
is at least 18 years old, and the decision-making mechanisms are the last to
develop.
• “Garbage In – Garbage Out” Whether it’s music, books, movies, video games,
activities – whatever – if it has components that are morally wrong, violent, or
vulgar, and your young person is exposed to it often enough, you’ll see that
behavior being manifest. Surround them with those things that emphasize the
Fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5: 16 – 26 can help them determine the “garbage”
from the “fruits”.