What do you think?

Read this article about a Mississippi school denying a lesbian student to bring her female date and then canceling the prom altogether. It's an interesting tactic and I want some opinions on it.

The Southside Progressive Gospel Meeting

The Southside Progresseive Gospel Meeting started this week. Tonight it will be held at the Tara Church of Christ at 7 p.m. Bro. Tom Holland is the speaker for the week. Here is the schedule for the rest of the week.

Tuesday, Tara @ 7:00 p.m. – “Jesus Came From Glory To Take Us To Glory”
Wednesday, East Point @ 7:00 p.m. – “Where Are The Saved”
Thursday, Fairview @ 7:00 p.m. – “How Can You Know You Are Saved”
Also, Brother Holland will be speaking at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 2nd, at the Riverdale Church of Christ. Please make your plans to attend this morning lesson.

VIRTUOUS Flyer

Print this flyer to help spread the word about Virtuous! Just click the picture and copy and paste it into Microsoft word and it will print perfectly!Your help is greatly appreciated! Ask your elders about posting it on your church's bulletin board or you can just pass them out. Thanks again!

What's Your Color Personality

Found this fun quiz on the How About Orange blog from True Value Paint and thought I'd share it with you. Basically you answer four questions and it give you your color. Guess what color I was... Yellow!? Most of my house is blue but whatever... here's what it said,

"You are quite the powerful thinker. It’s this talent that allows you to overcome a plethora of great obstacles. Luckily, this doesn’t affect your ego and you give off a pretty easy-going appearance. You enjoy the finer things in life and also have an attraction to art. If you can help it, you try not to rock the boat. But you also can’t stop yourself from searching for new ideas, methods or styles. "

This is definitely me but I don't think I have anything yellow. Oh well let me know what color you turn out to be!

F.Y.I

How exciting is this little tidbit of information! Virtuous Magazine is now in the N.B Hardeman Library at the Memphis School of Preaching, the Loden-Daniel Library at Freed-Hardeman University and the Nichols Library at Faulkner University!

A GREAT WORK!

Some information about the work of our brothers and sisters in India. Who need support and encouragement!

I am Sunil Raju, 23-year old member and preacher of the Church of Christ in India. I have just completed my Bachelor's Degree in engineering and am hoping to continue my studies within the next year to obtain my Master's Degree, Lord willing. Along with my studies, I have been working to spread the New Testament truth here and bring many lost souls to Christ.
My grandfather has preached in various congregations since 1970. My father was also a Baptist church member until he married my mother and came to know the New Testament truth and was baptized in the Church of Christ. For the past 8 years my father has been completely involved in the Lord's work. He is now the preacher in Gonepudi Church of Christ, a small village near my town. I have been helping my father preach the Word of God in several villages. I came to know the New Testament truth through my father and began working for the Churches of Christ at the age of 17 years.
For the past 6 years we have been spreading the Word of God to many unreached villages and bringing many souls to Christ. We had a good harvest, but the workers became fewer. So, we began teaching and encouraging some church members and denomination preachers, leading them through the New Testament truth. Some of these preachers have begun preaching and starting congregations in other villages. We have 5 congregations at this time with about 20 members in each congregation. Preaching School
We are conducting Bible studies for the preachers at my home one day each month. Some denomination preachers are also attending the classes. Because of these Bible classes we have conducted for the preachers, 4 denomination preachers have been converted to the New Testament Church and have begun working with us. We have been providing traveling expenses, breakfast, and lunch to the preachers who attend the classes. Also, we have been helping our preachers with a small gift every 3 months. For the detailed information about the Preaching School please Click here
Orphan home
We have had many baptisms in the past few years. I hope and pray we will have many more conversions in the future. We have orphans, semi-orphans, distitutes and widows in some of our congregations. We have been feeding these orphan children and widows once or twice a month. We would dearly love to start an orphan home for these children to provide shelter, food, and clothing and to share the love of Christ with them. For the detailed information about the orphan home please Click here
Most of our congregations are in villages and in tribal areas. All our church members are very poor. We help them with clothing, blankets and other necessities. We provide Bibles to the needy. We are doing much work in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ here in India. In His service, Sunil Raju. G, Preacher

GREAT Weekend

Hey everyone I had an awesome weekend and I hope you did too! I attended the Tara COC lectureship on Saturday, met up with some old friends and made some new ones! (Shout out to Teresa from Forest Park) :) Then I went to a friend's Pampered Chef party and all I can say about that was yum! I then enjoyed an amazing sermon by Bro. Eric Owens about what's really important in your life and that's saving your own soul and then saving the souls of the ones you love.

I use to own a bridal shop renting designer gowns and I decided to close it to focus on the magazine. So I had a woman come to look at a dress yesterday and she was telling me that this would be her second time being married. And so we had a good time trying on dresses and just talking. After she left I was wondering if I should say anything to her about scriptural reasons for being re-married. So later on that night I was doing my daily bible reading and in the chapters I was reading God tells Moses to go to Pharoh. Moses' reply is what struck me the most. He said, "Who am I that I should go to Pharoh?" Who am I that I should... is what I was thinking concerning this woman that I had just met. But then I thought I am the light of the world and if I don't who will?

So I called her and told her that I was concerned about her and told her what the scriptures said and she was so happy that I called. We had a good conversation and I mentioned that my father, who is a minister, does pre-marital counseling and she was very open to it. Needless to say when you do the right thing it always works out. Pray for courage and boldness to speak the truth of God's word. See people as the souls they are and try and help them wherein you can. Let's all try and remember what's truly important as we go through our daily walks.

Getting ready for V-DAY

Hello world! Just popped in for a quick post on a cute garland you can make for Valentine's Day. Whether you've got a beau or not this easy decoration will look cute in any window or just about anywhere. You can find the directions on the How About Orange blog. The Spring issue is at the printers and so ready to be in your hands...just a few more days now. This journey has been so exciting and so fulfilling. I am so thankful to my family and readers. God bless you and have an amazing weekend!

~B

Spring 2010

The Spring issue of Virtuous is at the printers...finally! The month before a launch is ALWAYS hectic, and you'd think that now would be a time to take some deep breaths and relax but no. Now is the time to focus on marketing. So while I focus on that here is an interesting article from the Christian Courier about how politicians always claim to love the kids, when in fact the laws that they instate do anything but support children. You can read it here.

Happenings

Hey everyone hope you all had an enjoyable break for Dr. King's B-day. Just a few things happening over here at Virtuous. I met with the editor of Virtuous Mom and hashed out the plans for its contents and release. We were both very excited about the project and I am sure Christian moms everywhere will benefit from the variety of topics it will cover. And issue two of Virtuous is coming your way in less than two weeks! It is chock full of V-day goodies, health and beauty info and of course encouraging evangelism ideas and topics. Also be sure to check out our new website www.virtuousmagazine.com! Don't forget about the Swap 'n' Shop to celebrate issue two; let me know if it sounds like something you'd be interested in. And on a side note I just heard on the radio that Atlanta was voted the gayest city in the USA. I would've never guessed anyone could beat San Francisco, but alas it appears I was wrong. The many many many propositions that have been put up for homosexual "marriage" in the legislature have been voted against; showing that the country still has some sort of moral compass. I am sure many people would say I am anti-homosexuality; I am in fact simply Pro-God.

HAPPY MLK DAY!!!!

Help for Haiti

Here is a short list of ways you can help the Haitian relief efforts. The U.S. State Department Operations Center has set up the following number for Americans seeking information about family members in Haiti: 1-888-407-4747

The American Red Cross is pledging an initial $200,000 to assist communities impacted by this earthquake. They expect to provide immediate needs for food, water, temporary shelter, medical services and emotional support. They are accepting donations through their International Response Fund.

•UNICEF has issued a statement that "Children are always the most vulnerable population in any natural disaster, and UNICEF is there for them." UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.
•Donate through Wyclef Jean's foundation, Yele Haiti. Text "Yele" to 501501 and $5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

•Operation USA is appealing for donations of funds from the public and corporate donations in bulk of health care materials, water purification supplies and food supplements which it will ship to the region from its base in the Port of Los Angeles. Donate online at http://www.opusa.org/, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, 3617 Hayden Ave, Suite A, Culver City, CA 90232.

•Save The Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to their fund to provide medical attention and clean water to children and families.

International Medical Corps is assembling a team of first responders and resources to provide lifesaving medical care and other emergency services to survivors of the earthquake. The IMC previously helped recovery efforts after September 2009's earthquake in Sumatra, Indonesia, and the massive 2005 earthquake in Pakistan. Donate to the International Medical Corps through their 24-hour hotline at 800-481-4462

•Partners In Health reports its Port-au-Prince clinical director , Louise Ivers, has appealed for assistance: "Port-au-Prince is devastated, lot of deaths. SOS. SOS... Temporary field hospital by us at UNDP needs supplies, pain meds, bandages. Please help us." Donate to their Haiti earthquake fund.

•Mercy Corps is sending a team of emergency responders to assess damage, and seek to fulfill immediate needs of quake survivors. The agency aided families after earthquakes in Peru in 2007, China and Pakistan in 2008, and Indonesia last year. Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund; Dept NR; PO Box 2669; Portland, OR 97208.

•Doctors Without Borders is on the ground and has set up clinics to treat injured in Haiti. Donate any amount so they can keep their efforts going.

The list is from The Huffington Post.

Wednesday's Word of Encouragement

"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south." Psalms 107:1-3

Virtuous Magazine WEBSITE!!!

Check the magazine's new website!

www.virtuousmagazine.com!!!

But don't worry the blog will still be here.

SWAP 'n' SHOP

To celebrate the release of the next issue of Virtuous in Feburary, we are planning a swap 'n' shop! Basically everyone brings gently used and clean clothes, shoes, jewelry and housewares etc.. and the goods are put on display. Then we shop! What's left over is donated to charity. It's a win-win, you get to do some New Year's cleaning, get free stuff and donate to charity all at the same time. Light refreshments will also be served. The event will serve as a great way for all of us Virtuous women to meet and get to know each other. Dates and location are to TBA but let me know if you'd be interested, and sorry for those not in the Atlanta area. :(

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year Virtuous Women!!! I had a wonderful holiday season and I hope you did too. Virtuous has many exciting things planned for the upcoming year and we are happy that you are coming along for the ride. This is the year to stop talking and start doing. No matter what it is that you want to accomplish this year all you have to do is start. Remember a baby step is still a step.

Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death!

We are under attack in so many ways. Read this article by Corinne Patterson on the Focus Press website and you will see what I am talking about.

A Life Changing Song

Today I wanted to post a short story written by a talented young lady who I met through Virtuous. Her name is Brooke Reninger and she worships in Cerdar Falls, Iowa. Here is the story. Enjoy!

A Life Changing Song

Violet took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. Calm down, she told herself. Just one song and you’re done.

She was used to giving concerts; she had been doing them since she was seven. So she was also accustomed to the nerves that went along with them. But this was different. She was playing just one song in front of three judges and an average size audience. Just one song to leave her mark on the audience and mystify the judges. It would be quite a challenge, especially with the song she had chosen. But it would be worth it. She could finally be discovered, get a record deal, be a star! But she had to get past this first, she reminded herself.
Someone signaled her. It was her turn. She took another deep breath and walked out on stage. The lights were blinding. The middle judge smiled at her.

“Hello. What is your name, and what will you be doing?”

“I’m Violet Tercott and I’ll be playing the piano.”

“Excellent. You may begin whenever you are ready.”

Violet gave the judges a small smile and proceeded to the piano bench. She perched there gracefully for a moment, her fingers gently resting on the keys.
Then she began to play. As she moved through the song, her nervousness fled. She gave herself over to the melody, feeling it flow through her fingertips into her entire body. She felt every emotion of the harmonies; the anger as the seconds raged, the peacefulness when fifths sounded.

She ended with a flourish of fingers and keys, to the thunderous applause of the audience and a standing ovation from the judges. Almost in a daze, she managed a slight bow.
I did it, she thought. I’m on my way. Soon, the whole world will get to hear me play. In her heart, she knew this was the most important day of her entire life.

Brooke Reninger

What must I do to be saved?

In the salvation of man's soul there are 2 necessary parts: God's part and man's part. God's part is the big part, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift if God; not of works, that no man should glory" (Ephesians 2:8-9). The love which God felt for man led him to send Christ into the world to redeem man. The life and teaching of Jesus, the sacrifice on the cross, and the proclaiming of the gospel to men constitute God's part in salvation.



Though God's part is the big part, man's part is also necessary if man is to reach heaven. Man must comply with the conditions of pardon which the Lord has announced. Man's part can clearly set forth in the following steps:



Hear the Gospel. "How shall they call on him whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" (Romans 10:14).



Believe. "And without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him" (Hebrews 11:6).


Repent of past sins. "The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now he commandeth men that they should all everywhere repent" (Acts 17:30).



Confess Jesus as Lord. "Behold here is water; What doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believeth with all thy heart thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:36-37).



Be baptized for the remission of sins. "And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).



Live a Christian life. "Ye are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that ye may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9).

OPEN INVITATION
Now that you are aware of a church in the 20th century which is built according to the blue prints of Christ's original church, why not become a member of it? In becoming a member of it, you will be called upon to do nothing which you cannot read in the New Testament. You will then live and worship just as the apostle-guided Christians of the first century did.
Not only is this return to New Testament Christianity a wonderful basis upon which all believers in Christ can unite, it is absolutely solid ground. If we do just what our Lord commanded we know that our salvation is certain. Come with us as we go back to the Bible, back to Christ and his church!



If you need help in locating a congregation of the churches of Christ nearest to you, please e-mail us at virtuousmag@yahoo.com, and we will be more than happy to help you find one. No one from the church will call without your consent. Please come by and visit us soon. We care about you and your family.





(Article from church-of-christ.org)

Things that make you go hmmm....

Hey! I hope everyone had a happy turkey day; I know I did. And I know that I have a lot of catching up to do, pictures to load etc... Anyway until I can get to that check out this article on the Christian Courier website and trust me it's eye opening to some of the abominations that are being spouted by so-called Christians.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

A Step Ahead

If nothing else the Virtuous woman is always at least one, if not two, steps ahead of everyone else. Publishing a magazine also keeps you that way. So today how about a FREE printable 2010 calendar designed by Gleaux and available HERE.

Launch Party Photos!!!

Everyone loved walking the red carpet! The tunes were courtesy of DJ Bentley aka Byron Fitch and the scrumptious cake was provided by Neadie Dismuke. Thanks again to everyone who came out and supported Virtuous; we've got big plans ahead so stay posted.

Recovery

The launch party was a success! A big thanks to everyone who came out and supported Virtuous. Pictures are coming soon! Whew I need a little R&R after such an amazing party!

The State of the American Woman

TIME magazine has done a special on American women and what they want, how they feel and the changing climate of households. Women will now take the mens' place as the most employed gender, and about 40% of women are now the breadwinners in their family. Some of the research revealed that women have the most equality, liberation and freedom now than they have ever had; yet they are the unhappiest they have ever been. Some believed it was because of the all of the new repsonsibilities that come along with equality. What do you think? Follow the link above to read all of the articles they're pretty interesting.

Gay-Marriage: Big Defeat in Maine

Michael A. Lindenberger – Wed Nov 4, 10:20 am ET

Mainers' 53-47 vote to reject gay marriage does more than simply slap down a law that just six months ago had made Maine America's second state to permit same-sex couples to wed. With voters thronging to the polls, the closely watched - and ultimately not very close - vote extended the winning streak of gay marriage opponents nationwide, who have now prevailed in more than 30 straight state elections over whether to allow gays to marry. Just like Californians one year ago, Maine voters insisted on having their own say on an issue that simply will not go away.

I think the country has spoken on how they feel about homosexual marriage and many people who are pro-traditional marriage (they always try to make us anti-) are not members of the church of Christ. Even the children of the world can differentiate right from wrong. Read the rest of the article here.

VIRTUOUS HAS ARRIVED!

Today is the day we've all been waiting for... Virtuous launches today! Yay! You can get a free digital copy of the premier issue by joining the Virtuous Magazine group on Facebook. You can also find a hard copy of the magazine here. This is truly an exciting day! I never thought I would actually make one of my oldest dreams come true, but with God, hard work, great help and awesome technology you can do anything. Keep living Virtuously. To subscribe please click on the link above that says Subscribe or just go here! Also, a big thank you to everyone who has been super supportive with this endeavor.