God Bless the USA by Donna Clayton

In July of this year, I was privileged to visit the Normandy American Cemetery and memorial at Normandy Beach in Caen, France.

I entered the museum theater with the families on our educational trip. Words cannot express what emotions I felt as I watched a video interviewing older veterans who had been a part of the D-Day Invasion in June 1944. The screen flashed black and white photos depicting the faces of their youth as they told what they remembered about that historic day. Many of them choked up with tears as they shared their memories of “storming the beaches” after they parachuted into the channel; they were marching directly into the face of death. 73,000 American men – most were very young, some had not even made it out of their teens. The sacrifices they made, the courage they exhibited, and the emotional aftermath that so many of them endured for decades after the war was all for our benefit.  

Today I watched a video that made me remember, once again, the sacrifice made for the benefit of all generations. Remember with me.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=507647319347925&set=vb.360937727352219&type=2&theater

Word for the Week

*corrected reference is Psalm 61:2 (KJV)

I don't know about you, but I have some days where I am just plain overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with difficulty, sadness, my own inability, too much to do and not enough time to get it done, others' insensitivity, world problems, and the list goes on. (Please tell me I am not alone.)

On those days, we need to recognize that there is One who wants to carry our burdens, who wants to comfort us, who wants to give us joy in spite of our circumstances. We need to run, not walk to Him.

But we also need to realize that sometimes we may need to lead others to that Rock. Not just those who don't know the Lord, but our fellow sisters and brothers who are just so overwhelmed at the moment with the difficulties of life. They know Truth; they just need someone else to come along beside them to "sister" them and strengthen them in the Lord. 

I've been on both ends of this, recently even - the running to the Rock and the being led by others stronger than I at the time. Will you pray and ask God to draw you to Himself and then to use you to lead others to the Rock today?

Apple Cider Vinegar Tea by Paula Roten

For years, I have heard about the benefits of apple cider vinegar. It is credited with helping any number of ailments. Just look it up on reputable sites on the Internet and you will find the same information over and over: 

• helps with diabetes and sugar control
• helps control cholesterol levels
• is full of probiotics
• supports immune function
• can help with constipation or diarrhea
• can aid with weight loss by speeding up the metabolism
• can ease body odor
• relieves sore throat, colds, and sinus infections
• relieves joint pain and stiffness
• promotes digestion
• prevents allergies
• helps clear skin conditions and blemishes

Now, this wonderful, economical, easy-to-find pantry staple is not the most palatable thing to get down. In fact, for years I have substituted regular white vinegar in its place in salad dressings and coleslaw because of the strong taste. 

But lately, I decided I wanted to give it a try because of all the benefits it could have for my body and because I need to stay well and not spread germs to my granddaughter who is battling cancer. So, I went out and bought Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar with the mother (at Kroger it's in the organic section of the store). From what I've read, the mother is very important. You don't get all the health benefits from the processed apple cider vinegar we find on our store shelves. You must buy the raw, organic, non-distilled variety which contains the mother.  

By trial and error, I discovered a most enjoyable and palatable way of getting my required 2 T. dose in every day. You may want to start with less vinegar and even less/no ginger and then up the amount as you develop a taste for it. I was fortunate in that I liked it full-strength from the very beginning.

Apple Cider Vinegar Tea

1 herbal tea bag (I have a huge stash in my pantry and have used every flavor before buying any more. I really like Celestial Seasoning's Country Peach, Raspberry Ice, Red Zinger, and Salada Green Tea with Red Antioxidants)

12 oz. water

sweetener (I use 2 tsp. stevia)

1 tsp. powdered ginger *

2 T. organic, raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar

1/2 - 1 cup more water

ice

1. Brew the herbal tea bag in a large mug of about 12 oz. of water. Allow time for it to steep.
2. Pour into a 1 qt. glass jar.
3. Add the sweetener, ginger, and apple cider vinegar and stir well. 
4. Add another 1/2 cup water (or more).
5. Fill the jar with ice and stir.

*Check out the health benefits of ginger. It also strengthens the immunity and is said to be an anti-inflammatory as well. 

My tea is a variation of Good Girl Moon Shine by Trim Healthy Mama.

Bible Studies

Don't miss out on the upcoming Bible Studies starting next week. Be sure to sign the lists on the ministry table in the Welcome Center this coming Wednesday night or Sunday morning so we'll be sure to have a book for you. 

1) Children of the Day by Beth Moore - 9 week study
of I & II Thessalonians
Begins Monday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 pm and Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 9:30 am

2) Precept upon Precept
Luke Part 2: The Savior of Sinners Chapters 17-24
8 weeks
Begins Monday, Sept. 9, 9:00 am

Tuesday morning classes will provide childcare, but please register your children (and if you could call the church office this week to let Carlene Belue know, that would be great!)

Word for the Week

Everything is permissible, 

but not everything is beneficial. 

Everything is permissible, 

but not everything is constructive. 

I Corinthians 10:32

Take a step back and look at your life. Are there things that the above verses bring to mind? Social activities, movies and TV shows you watch, foods you eat or drinks you drink, how you spend your free time, what you read? 

Time to take a personal inventory and hold it up to the light of Scripture today.