Monday, December 14, 2009

Nehemiah

Life Group,

Ok, here we go. The last "Life Sentence" of the series. But first, we spoke about spiritual leadership in class last Saturday. Always remember, that someone is looking to you for leadership. One theory is that leadership is 10% skill and 90% character. Lets all devote ourselves to the 90%. Ezra was a great example of Spiritual Leadership. He was characterized by 4 things: knew the Word, faith in God's protection, signs of God's hand on his work and a healthy fear of God's power.

Are you characterized like Ezra? Focus and develop these areas and become a better leader. Please spend time in the Word this week and lets discuss Nehemiah on Saturday.

IN HIM,

Brian

Praises & Prayers 12/12/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 12-12-09

PRAYER'S:
Youngs- Brian's sister Jenny and her husband Mark suffered a loss in their family today. Mark's brother Craig Schroeder was killed in a motorcycle accident. Please keep Jenny, Mark and Craig's whole family in your prayers.
Shaw- Susan Smith (Melissa's mom) has surgery Wed. 12/16 and up coming radiation; pray they get all the cancer in the surgery and the lymph nodes to be clear.

ANNOUNCEMENT'S:
Life Group- NO LIFE GROUP CLASSES DEC. 26TH AND JAN. 2ND.
Men's- Men's conference @ Sabine Creek on Jan. 22 and 23 with Neil Jeffery, go to Sabine Creeks web site and sign up soon.
Women's- WOW Christmas Party tomorrow, 12/13 from 10-12 @ the Sledge's home. Bring a dish to share and a piece of jewelry to exchange.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Erza

Hey Gang,

Are you a somebody? Don't let society tell you yes or not. Let God SCREAM a resounding, YES!! In His eyes, we are all somebodies. In the world's eyes, Esther was a nobody, but how that was proven to be false. She saved an entire people group, the Jews, from certain destruction. She rose from orphan Jew, Queen of Persia and a hero of the time.

What position are you in for a time such as this? Are you trusting in God to use that Somebody status? Look around this week and act on opportunities to serve the Lord for others sake.

Now we move onto Ezra. Please be in the Word this week. The more you spend in the Word the more you can contribute in class and share what God has put on your heart.

IN HIS NAME!

Brian

Praises & Prayers 12/5/09 Update

Thank you to who ever posted the announcements in my absence, I'm not feeling well. I do however have a prayer request... Several weeks back I asked prayers for Lindsey Fowler, the pregnant 19 year old that my teaching partner took in. Well, my prayer request is now that you pray for her and her unborn daughter as Lindsey has now left Joella's house and gone back to Huntsville, we think. We aren't sure really where she is. She is not returning Joella's calls or text's. She is due the first of Feb. One of the last things she told Joella was "that starting over was to hard, being trashy was easier." My heart just breaks for her baby.
Thanks so much for all of you who offered her help while she was here. It means more to me than you will ever know.
Blessings to you all this week.
Theresa Cruz

Praises & Prayers 12/5/09

Announcements:

Women's Brunch - 10:00AM, Sunday, December 13th @ Jill Sledge's house. Sign up to bring something. Also, bring a jewelry/accessory gift to play white elephant.

Russia Information Meeting - 1:00PM, Sunday, December 6th in Room A147. Mission trip will be centered around a marriage conference, women's ministry, and light construction.

Prayer Requests/Praises:

Morans - Dan's high school friend, Randy Peterson, is about to undergo another kidney transplant.

Gattons - December 16th @ 8:30AM, Noah (son) is having a dental procedure in which he has to be sedated.

Stolmans - Leah's sister, Karla, is pregnant, but having complications. They have suffered one miscarriage already. She has a great mindset so far. Pray that it continues.

Middletons - A family they know, the Smiths, lost their 13-yr old daughter Friday after a battle with bone cancer.

Growth Groups:

Tolbert - December 11th, dinner @ Tolberts' house - kid-free event.
Cox - December 10th, couples Christmas night.
Middleton - December 11th, dinner - adults only.

Isaiah

Gang,

Thanks to all that could come on Saturday. If we could all be a friend like Jonathan. Ask yourself, I am being that type of friend. If you have not spoken to that best friend in a few days, give them a call. Thank them for who they are and how they are so special to you.

Here we go with Isaiah this week. Dive in and learn about Isaiah. As with all the life sentences thus far, we are all bound to learn a lot.

In Him,

Brian

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Jonathan

Life Group,

Wow what an explosive gathering yesterday. I am referring to the exploding fire of course. Who saw that coming? Well, that was exciting and the gathering itself was awesome. I heard and I agree our Thanksgiving gathering is one of the best things we do all year. A wonderful tine of fellowship and food. Thank you to to everyone that made this such an incredible time for everyone to enjoy.

Here we go with another week and opportunity to dig into God's word. We learned Saturday about the sad life of Solomon and how we need to go to God with all decisions we are making. Include Him in absolutely everything you do. If you find yourself in the middle of a bad decision you can always turn to God for advice. If we keep close to Him, we will know if we are in His will.

Spend time this week studying Jonathan and lets hang out on Saturday to discuss.

Blessings,

Brian

Prayer Update

Dear Life Group-
Thank you for your prayers and concern for Kelley Jones, after spending most of the day in the ER, Kelley finally got to see a doctor and confirmed that she has Bells Palsy caused from a virus which is not contagious. The baby is fine. They are putting her on steroids to hopefully speed up the recovery of the paralysis. She should regain muscle movement in her face within 4-8 weeks. Only 10% of patients do not regain muscle movement. Please keep her in your prayers for a speedy and full recovery. Thanks again for all you do.
Blessings,
Theresa Cruz

Urgent Prayer Request

Dear Life Group-
Kelley Jones sent me a text about two hours ago saying she was headed to the ER. She was feeling bad yesterday and today she has no feeling in the right side of her face and is still feeling bad. Kelley is pregnant and due in Feb. I will let you know know more when I know more. Please keep her and the baby in your thoughts and prayers.
Blessings to you all.
Theresa Cruz

Praises & Prayers 11/7/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 11-07-99

PRAYER'S-

Young's- Dee's brother (Mike) is leaving for 2nd tour. Pray that orders come down for Kuwait assignment rather than Iraq.

Elliott- Jerusha's co worker tried to wake her 16 yr old son, and found him unresponsive. He had tried to commit suicide. He is now in hosp. under supervision for a un-specified time.

Cruz- 19 year old Lindsey, is in need of prayers. Lindsey is pregnant due in March, was being abused at home and now is living with a close friend of Theresa's here in Rockwall. She is starting from scratch, came here with clothes on her back and a few items in a small back pack. If anyone has anything they can give her please let Theresa know.

Middleton- Family friends son hurt his knee, had a blood clot and is in great pain. He will no longer be able to play basketball.

PRAISES-

Furguson- Blake survived H1N1 after 104.4 temp

ANNOUNCEMENTS-

Life Group- Thanksgiving feast tomorrow, 3p.m. eating at 4p.m. www.mysignup.com/younglifegroup Map is attached.

Men's- Man Church 11/11 7p.m.

GROWTH GROUPS-

Brooks- 11/21 dinner; 12/4 Christmas celebration

Cox-

Cruz- Friday 11/13 7p.m.

Middleton- 11/22 5:30p.m.

Tolbert-

VISITORS WELCOMED-

Tim and Wendy Glasson

www.youngabf.blogspot.com

Monday, November 2, 2009

Solomon

Gang,

What a beautiful Monday. The sun is shining, birds are cherping and we are off to the races? Another week to not be like Jonah. Share your faith through all that you say and do. Do not judge who gets to experience the Good news. We are all God's children. Share your faith. Choose Good over Sin!

Thank you to all that could make it to the Trunk or Treat. It was a lot of fun for the kids and the adults sure enjoyed just hanging out. Those that did not make it, you were missed. Ok, on to the week ahead. The life sentence of Solomon. Keep in the Word and lets discuss on Saturday night.

Blessings,

Brian

Praises & Prayers 10/31/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 10-31-09

Daylight Savings ends Nov. 1st, at midnight. REMEMBER to turn your clocks back one hour.

PRAYER'S:

Tate- Please continue to pray for Stephanie's sister Anny

Shaw- Continued prayer for Kirk's back/neck to heal after surgery.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Life Group-Thanksgiving Feast next Sunday the 8th, 3p.m. eating at 4p.m. @ Prda's land in Rockwall. Sign up to bring something at www.mysignup.com/younglifegroup

Men's- Man Church Wednesday Nov. 11th, 7p.m.

PreSchool Partner's- In need of volunteers for Nov. Dec. and Jan. Please sign up in class.

Women's- W.O.W. tomorrow 11/1 10a.m. @ the Cox's house

GROWTH GROUPS:

Brooks-

Cox-

Cruz- Meeting Friday Nov. 13th, 7p.m. @ the Cruz's

Middleton-

Tolbert-

youngabf.blogspot.com

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Praises & Prayers 10/24/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 10-24-09

PRAYER'S:

Tate's- Stephanie's sister Anny. Wisdom, discernment and courage to make tough decisions. Pray for safety for her parents, Anny and Kids.

PRAISE'S:

Lazaro's- Ethan was found safe and sound at home. All are well and counting their blessings.

Tate- Brian and Stephanie are celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary on 10-25, Congratulations!!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Life Group- Huddle on Wednesday the 28th 6p.m. regarding Missions;

Trunk or Treat on Saturday the 31st after Life Group. 2nd level of the parking garage. Bring dinner for your own family, a dessert to share. Please invite friends and family and other Life Groups to join in with us. A great idea has also been brought up, if possible for families to bring both cars and split candy between both it will allow more cars for the kids to go to.

Thanksgiving Feast at the Prda's on Sunday Nov. 8th. 3p.m. eating at 4p.m. Look for a sign up sheet to be sent out this week.

PreSchool Partners- Thank you to Joe Cruz for serving tonight.

Women's: W.O.W. Sunday Nov. 1st, 10a.m. @ the Cox's. Bring your favorite fall recipe.

GROWTH GROUPS:

Brooks-

Cox-

Cruz- Friday Nov. 13th @ 7p.m.

Middleton- Sunday Nov. 1st @ 5:30

Tolberts-

Daylight Savings beginning on Sunday Nov. 1st- REMEMBER to set your clocks back one hour.

youngabf.blogspot.com

Monday, October 19, 2009

David and Mini Retreat

Life Group,

Wow, what a beautiful weekend. I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy it. I also hope that those of you that have have been effected by the flu, recover real soon. Unfortunately, we as a class have been hit real hard with sickness.

I have attached the Word of the Week so you can keep up with the "Life Sentences." We will not have a lesson this week because we have been selected again to have a Mini Retreat in the Home Pointe Center. Everyone please meet in the center immediatly after the church service. I am sure we will have a wonderful and fun time just like last time.

Have an incredible week and remember from our lesson on Saturday, Worship Him in all circumstances.

Brian

Praises & Prayers 10/17/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 10-17-09

PRAYER'S:

Sanders- Dawn's mom has pneumonia

Tate- Please continue to pray for Stephanie's sister Anny. Difficult life circumstances, wisdom, discernment and courage to make tough decisions.

Shaw- Kirk having back surgery on Tues 10/20 and will be home recovering 2 weeks.

PRAISES:

Prda- the family is well !!!!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Life Group- Fall Festival this Friday the 23rd; Home Pointe Session next Saturday @ Home Pointe, Meet there right after church; Life Group Huddle Wed. 28th, 6p.m.; Trunk or Treat Saturday 31st, 8:30p.m., plans have changed slightly, please bring dinner and drinks for your own family and a dessert to share, please invite your family and friends to come; Thanksgiving Feast Sunday Nov. 8th, 3p.m. (eating at 4p.m.)

Missions- David Prda helping to lead construction/marriage trip to Russia in Jan.

Women's- WOW has been rescheduled from this Sunday to Sunday Nov. 1st. 10a.m. @ the Cox's

GROWTH GROUP'S:

Brooks-Family time @ Harry Myers Park- Sunday, Oct. 18, 2:00p.m.

Cox-

Cruz- Serving together @ the Fall Festival Friday, Oct. 23, 4:30p.m. - 6p.m.

Middleton- Sunday Nov. 1 @ 5:30p.m.

Tolbert-

youngabf.blogspot.com

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Eli

LIFE Group,

I hope everyone has had a wonderful Monday. Isnt the cooler weather great! Sorry for the delay in the Word of the Week. Please take time to spend time in the Word. Discover Eli and his life sentence.

Please be praying for David Prda as he prepares the lesson for this Saturday. I am sure it will be a great lesson.

Honored to Serve,

Brian

Monday, October 5, 2009

Praises & Prayers 10/3/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 10-03-09

PRAYER'S:

For the many families who have illness running through their homes

The Hodkinson's- (visitors), Leslie & Brian: Brian's step-dad (Tom) was diagnosed with terminal lung & liver cancer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

LIFE GROUP- Huddle on Wed. 28th, 6p.m.;

Fall Festival- Friday 26th we have chosen to sponsor the ticket table. We need people to volunteer their time during one of the many shifts, sign up in class next Saturday night.

Trunk or Treat- Saturday 31st after Life Group, we will meet on the second level of the parking garage, decorate your cars if you choose, let your children dress up and invite your friends to come along also. We would like several cars to be available for the children to go to. If there is a big enough turn out we would also like to cook out hamburger and hot dogs. Let's make this a fun night, or worship and fellowship. Sign up sheet in class or contact Theresa Cruz @ tacruz@sbcglobal.net

Thanksgiving Feast- Sunday, Nov. 8th, at the Prda's land. We will meet at 3p.m. eat at 4p.m. and will also have a bon fire. Look for a sign up to follow in ABF the next few weeks.

MENS- Man Church- Wednesday, 10-14-09 7p.m.

PRE SCHOOL PARTNERS- Thank you to the Stolman's for serving tonight, serving next week are the Sander's (Jim and Ashley)

GROWTH GROUPS:

Brooks- Sunday, Oct. 18th @ Harry Myers Park 2p.m.

Cox-

Cruz- Friday, Oct. 9th 7p.m.

Middleton-

Tolbert-

youngabf.blogspot.com

Rehab

Life Group,

Not such an easy topic or conversation on Saturday? The topic of "rainy days" in this life are never easy to think about never mind talk about them. With that said I feel the discussion was a good one and thank you to those that shared, I know it took some courage. I pray that we all walked away with an understanding that the "rain" will come and that God will never move away from our sides. Take another look at the worksheet that we went through in class and remind yourself of how great HE is. (see attached)

This week, we will study Rahab. By looking at the lesson, this topic will be much easier on the heart. I look forward to sharing God's Word with everyone and hearing what He puts on your heart this week.

Oh, thank you to everyone that showed up for the BIG 40 bash. I am blessed and honored to teach such a young crowd. HAHA.

Honored to Serve,

Brian

Praises & Prayers 9/26/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 09-26-09

PRAYER'S:

TATE'S- Please pray for Stephanie's sister Anny Goiny through difficult situation, wisdom, guidance, peace and provision

YOUNG'S- Dee's brother, Mike, has been called up for duty again. Been back 1 year, leaves for another year. Prayer for safety and Family.

SHAW'S- Continued prayer for Melissa's mom, Susan, as she continues chemo.

CRUZ'S- Please pray for Katelyn who was hit by a fast pitch softball and badly sprained three fingers and has a bruised bone in her middle finger. Happened to her right hand.

AREA SCHOOL'S- Please keep all the students, teachers and staff in your prayers as many are catching the flu and having to miss several days of school.

PRAISE'S:

HAPPY 40TH BIRTHDAY TO BRIAN!!! Thanks for the cake.

STOLMAN'S- Praise for good doctors and modern medicine and a very quick end to a "bad" flu.

ANNOUNCEMENT'S:

LIFE GROUP: Thanksgiving Feast @ the Prda's, look for more info to follow soon. Also keep in mind a way you can help with the Fall Festival.

MEN'S- Wednesday Oct. 14th, 7p.m.

PRE SCHOOL PARTNERS- Thank you to the Elliott's for serving on Saturday, serving next week are the Stolman's

WOMEN'S- Sunday Oct. 18th 10a.m.- noon @ the Cox's home

GROWTH GROUP'S:

BROOKS-

COX- Friday, Oct. 9th @ 7p.m.

CRUZ- Friday, Oct. 9th @ 7p.m.

MIDDLETON-

TOLBERT- Sunday Sept. 27th, Harry Myers Park 9a.m.

youngabf.blogspot.com

Monday, September 21, 2009

JOB

All,

Well, here we go again it is Monday. If we follow what we learned on Saturday, it does not matter what day it is, we need to live in God's blessings. Rachel and Leah, much like us sin; however, we are still extremely blessed. Take all situations in your life and know God has a Promise of blessings for you. Please take a look at the exercise I mentioned in class and live in His blessings this week.

So onto this week. Lets take the time to study Job. It promises to be another interesting look at "Life Sentences."

Living in His Blessings,

Brian

Monday, September 14, 2009

Rachel

Life Group,

What a joy class was on Saturday. I hope everyone enjoyed the discussion as much as I did. How fun to dig into the word with some hot topics, marriage, woman and sex. We learned how to use the Bible, the Spirit, the Church and His divine plan to know if we are in His will.

Now for this week. Lets did into the life sentence of Rachel. Enjoy your time in the Word and I look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.

Brian

Praises & Prayers 9/12/09

YOUNG LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 09-12-09

PRAYER'S:

Lazaro- Ethan and Chase have swine flu

Jennings- Brook also has swine flu

Morris- Nikki's dad is having a biopsy on a mass in his lung-prayer that it is not cancer

Tolbert- A friend, Angie Talley, has cancer and starts chemo Sept. 21st. She has a 3rd and 6th grader. Her kids are friends are our kids.

PRAISE'S:

For the rain

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Life Group- Class outing to take place in Nov. for Thanksgiving. More details to follow as time gets closer

Pre School Partners- Thank you to Joe Cruz for serving tonight, serving next week are the Prda's

GROWTH GROUPS:

Brooks- Sat. Sept. 19th, Dinner after Life Group

Cox-

Cruz- Friday Sept. 26th, 7p.m. @ the Cruz's

Middleton- Sunday Sept. 13th, dinner 5:30

Tolbert-

VISITORS:

Brian and Leslie Hodkunson

youngabf.blogspot.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Esau

Life Group,

I am so glad that I was able to make it back to hear the lesson on Noah. John, thank you for bringing the lesson and reminding us of how righteous a man Noah was. We can only hope that we can follow in Noah's footsteps.

Wasn't it nice to have an extra day to spend with our families? I wish everyone a wonderful week as we study Esau. Another good example of what we do not want our life sentences to be. Oh, by the way, how is yours coming? Enjoy your time in the word and I look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday.

In His Name,

Brian

Praises & Prayers 9/5/09

LIFE GROUP ANNOUNCEMENTS 09-05-09

Have a safe and Happy Labor Day

PRAYER'S:

None spoken

PRAISE'S:

None spoken

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Life Group- Thank you to the Cox and Cruz growth groups for providing snacks tonight. Please check out the new bulletin board, for new families of the month. Raymond Jennings has stepped up to coordinate for our Life Group's service in the Fall Carnival. Thank you Raymond

Men's- Man Church Wednesday 09-09-09 6p.m. for burgers, 7p.m. for worship

Mission's- Please see David Prda if your interested in going to Mexico on a mission trip this Fall.

Pre School Partners- Thank you to the Brooks for serving tonight, serving next week is

Joe Cruz

Women's- October, hosted by the Cox GG, details to come.

GROWTH GROUPS:

Brooks- Bible Study, Friday 9/11 @ 7p.m.

Cox-

Cruz- Devotional, Friday 9/11 @ 7p.m.

Middleton-

Tolberts-