Accounting News and Notes

 Living for Christ: Impassioned Living…Navajo Family Missions Series Day 7… Taking Christianity Into the World

^“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 

This is Day 7 of the Navajo Family Mission Series of our Weekly Family Trip To Serve the Navajo People of Pueblo Pintado. It is about sixty people who for an entire week lay down their jobs, vacations and responsibilities to be the very hands and feet of Christ. This is their story. Jesus often withdrew to the solitude of the desert to pray and be strengthened. Come along side us and see the changes of  hearts, passions and lives as God joins us on our journey To catch a further look at our vision for our work there visit http://www.hiscpa.com/blog/2009/07/30/casting-a-vision-navajo-family-missions-taking-christianity-into-the-world/  If you and your church are encouraged by our journey, join us as we look to revival for the Navajo People, by taking Christianity Into the World 

Day 7 – July 16, 2009 – Friday – Jesus Gives Us The Power To Tell Others About God

Power Verse:  Mark 16:15 says “He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.”  

Friday was a day of many emotions since it was the day that we would be completing our time at Pueblo Pintado and returning to Albuquerque.  Everyone enjoyed signing each other’s t-shirts.  One of the little girls told Susan that her dad wanted her to sing all of the songs that she learned.  Then, she whispered to her that she was having trouble with the song “He’s Got the Power.”  

In Women’s Bible Study, it was neat to watch Michelle, Shirlee, and Rachael as they came up with Navajo names for each of the leaders – Carol, Dawn, Pam, and Elizabeth.  They got a Navajo translation book out of Michelle’s car to help them out and spent some time in careful discussion to make sure that they came up with good names.  The names that they gave to each of them were really special:  Carol – Deezbaa’ which means leading the way; Dawn – Awee’ Chiin which means beautiful doll; Pam – which means Warrior Girl; and Elizabeth – Asdzoattsoii which means beautiful yellow woman.  The women were open with the team this year about their experiences throughout the week.  Paula and Melarie enjoyed learning about God’s Word.  Shanti and Delores enjoyed the testimonies given by each team member during the week.  Delores also said that she was beginning to understand more about God and His role in her life.  Shirlee had fun doing the crafts.  Michelle said that she had mostly boys as friends and was glad to have some new girl friends.  Emma thanked us for coming and told us that the children look forward to us coming to see them every year and to being a part of a Vacation Bible Study. 

Every year, many tears are shed on our last day at Pueblo Pintado.  It is always so hard to leave because this team has truly made friends at Pueblo Pintado.  We left in the afternoon for Albuquerque.  That evening, some of us had dinner at a Mexican restaurant.  Robin asked Matthew how he rated his first mission trip.  He said a 9.7 and that he did not miss the TV or his video games.  

Later, at the motel, some of the team members shared several memories.  Kevin said that he was able to relate to several of the motivated kids.  He shared with them some of his struggles with Morgan and put his heart and soul on the line for the few that understood what he was talking about.  Arnold shared how much the people of Pueblo Pintado appreciated our love and concern for them, and all that we did for them.  The Mimbs family shared that Grace who is 18 years old and Lilli who is 14 years old felt called to go on the Pueblo Pintado mission trip.  LeeAnne said that her first reaction was to say no because David had experienced a cut in his salary, and they have two kids in college and two kids at Greater Atlanta Christian School.  Her response to her kids was to pray about it.  The Sunday morning of the first meeting, LeeAnne still did not have a clear answer from God as to what they should do.  She read Alysia’s devotion in the Together We Can” devotional book which talked about missions and “fanning the Flame when it is burning.”  God showed LeeAnn “the flame in her children’s hearts,” and she knew what her answer would be:  “they were going.”  David was also praying, and felt that he was supposed to go also.  The next Sunday in church, Lee Ann felt that the Lord was telling her that their nephew Jesse should join the family on the trip as well.  Jesse responded that he wanted to go on the trip.  David suggested that he talk with his company who had been matching their tithe to the church to see if they would be willing to support the family on the Pueblo Pintado trip.  On May 20, Tami M. pulled LeeAnne aside and told her that they had received a check to send the whole Mimbs family on the trip and that there was enough money left to pay for Jesse’s trip as well.  As LeeAnn said, “God’s word promises exceedingly abundant of all that we can think or ask according to His riches in Christ Jesus.”(Ephesians 3:20).  Kimberly also shared how it touched her heart that Matthew enjoyed the trip and getting away from media for a week.  

Other comments that were shared from others throughout the trip that were not shared on Thursday night were the following: 

Penny said that her knee had been hurting for days before the trip and that it had gotten worse the Friday before the trip.  She said that it was swollen and very painful.  She was beginning to feel doubtful about the trip, but she called the doctor who gave her an appointment at 1:30 p.m.   While in the waiting room, she picked up a magazine to read, and a card fell out.  It had a Bible verse from Matthew on it that spoke of taking care of today and not worrying about tomorrow.  The card then said that this was no coincidence that this card had been found at this time and to pass it on.  The doctor ordered an x-ray for her knee and gave her medication.  Penny was feeling ready to make the trip the next morning.  

Dawn shared that she was so thankful that the women had shared with us and opened up their hearts to us.   

Lynn said that both of her girls really enjoyed the trip.  When they had been gone from the reservation for less than a day, they were both asking if they could go again next year.  Each of them made special friends that they are going to correspond with during the coming year.  Both Hannah and Heather grew a lot during the week.  Hannah who is going into seventh grade this year ran into some challenging opportunities that stretched her to  grow in some areas like patience, grace, and mercy.   Another exciting experience for Lynn was that before we left for the trip, she kept having feelings of apprehension and doubt.  She said that the devotional that she read that morning before she left for her trip spoke of answering the call of God and that if she did, God would walk with her.  She was able to leave her home that morning with a glad heart knowing that God had this trip in His hands.  The day that they were unpacking the backpacks, Lynn came up with a game for the kids to tell her their favorite color.  They asked if they could have more than one color.  Most of the kids said that their favorite colors were red and black.  The backpacks were black and red.  She also said that the older girl that she had comforted in the gym following the loss of her grandfather went out of her way on Friday to spend time with her whenever she saw her.  This girl had definitely developed a trust in Lynn.  Another neat experience was that when she came to her first Pueblo Pintado planning meeting, Lynn felt that there was a special person that she was supposed to serve on this trip.  When she got to the reservation, she realized that it was a child.  She said that the Lord called upon her to use every ounce of kindness, patience, and grace to work with this child to help this child to grow emotionally and spiritually.  God definitely gave her the strength and wisdom to lean on Him to be there for this child.  

Carol felt that on this trip, she truly saw God put into play a desire in her heart which was to be able to share with women about what God has been teaching her since she became a Christian at age 18.  She has always wanted to be a teacher to women of God’s Word and to share His faithfulness to her in her life.  

Denise shared that at the Senior center, the seniors were so much more talkative this year amongst themselves and that they seemed to be more relaxed and trusting.  She said that she cherished the time that she had spent with such wonderful people.  The teacher had shared that she had been looking forward to this week for over a month and crossing off the days until we would get there. This trip was very special to Pam because she got to serve with her son Tony.    

 Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!   

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved)

Serving God by Fulfilling the Great Commission…Taking Christianity Into the World 

I have a favor to ask and hope you will prayerfully consider it.  As you know, planning for the Pueblo Pintado mission trip to serve our Native Americans, the Navajo, begins the day we arrive back home from being there and it’s time to start some serious planning.  There has been a lot of talk about doing two weeks this year and a lot of ideas are coming forward that need some discussion, discernment and consideration.  To get the entire team together and discuss this would not be fruitful because we are all so passionate about it and all have thoughts and opinions (and they all are valuable) that we want to share.  So, we are looking at the possibility of forming a “board” if you will, of people who have been there many, many times before, people who have been a few years and people who served their first year this past summer.  This would be a group of people who could take the ideas that are brought forward, discuss them, look at the positives and negatives and decide whether or not to pursue whatever it is.  We need open minds, open hearts, a passion for the Navajo culture, a passion for this trip and a willingness to think outside the box.  By being part of this “board”, you would not be committed to go on the trip next year – we would love it if you would – but you are not committed.  We just value your opinion, think that you could offer great insight and seem to have a passion not just for Pueblo Pintado but for missions as a whole. 

To “catch the wave” and to see if you and your church is being called to serve on a mission trip here in the U.S, I invite you to pray to seek God’s will and to review our work and efforts there by visiting Navajo Family Missions on our blog at   http://www.hiscpa.com/blog/    and our vision at http://www.hiscpa.com/blog/2009/07/30/casting-a-vision-navajo-family-missions-taking-christianity-into-the-world/  I write this to you today predominantly to encourage you to serve God, wherever He has you and to not wait to see what God’s will is for you and your life. 

Provided here by John Dillard who is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved) Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!  

Christianity with a World View: Excelling at the Work at Hand…Navajo Family Missions Series Day 5… Taking Christianity Into the World 

This is Day 5 of the Navajo Family Mission Series of our Weekly Family Trip To Serve the Navajo People of Pueblo Pintado. It is about sixty people who for an entire week lay down their jobs, vacations and responsibilities to be the very hands and feet of Christ. This is their story. Jesus often withdrew to the solitude of the desert to pray and be strengthened. Come along side us and see the changes of  hearts, passions and lives as God joins us on our journey To catch a further look at our vision for our work there visit http://www.hiscpa.com/blog/2009/07/30/casting-a-vision-navajo-family-missions-taking-christianity-into-the-world/  If you and your church are encouraged by our journey, join us as we look to revival for the Navajo People, by taking Christianity Into the World

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2

Day 5 – July 14, 2009 – Wednesday – Jesus Gives Us The Power To Live Forever 

COPS: Christ-like Obedience Protects Saints 

Power Verse:  Psalms 23:4 says “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

In vacation Bible school, the focus was on how Jesus helped Peter to walk on water.  For drama, the 24 boxes of corn starch didn’t work in time to do the visual illustration, but Pam, Leigh D., and Susan had fun trying to mix that concoction together.  They laughed a lot and felt like they had received a free spa treatment as their hands were very soft after working with the corn starch.  Leigh E. made up some trust exercises.  Each child did at least one trust exercise, and it was neat to see which person that they chose that they trusted the most. 

In arts and crafts, Julie was in awe at how God multiplied her time and her supplies that day. First, He brought people to her to help her and her group out.  They had decided to focus on the tie-dyed shirts for the day instead of trying to complete the self portraits.  Their initial plan had been to have the self portraits completed to put on the walls for the carnival that evening so that the parents could enjoy seeing them.  David, who was a crew leader, gave some time from 11:30-12:00 before lunch to work on the self portraits.  He added special details to them like painted nails and flowing hair.  Also, Heidi and Tiffany ran out of things to do and completed the portraits.  They hung them in the classroom for the carnival.  In one of the classes, she had 3 new students.  They were not sure that they would have enough t-shirts, but found 3 shirts already made up.  In the 5^th grade, she needed 24 clips for the Bible verse board project that they were working on.  They had 24 kids in that class, and there were exactly 24 clips in the box for the project.  They also found some extra paint brushes for the project.   Julie also located some  stickers and pictures that they were able to use as a filler project for the day.   

Wednesday afternoon was spent preparing for the carnival.  Dawn, Pam, Elizabeth E., Beth, and Carol worked on putting together the items that were to be given away for Bingo while Robin, Kimberly, and Nancy made sure that the Bingo boards, space covers, and the PA system were ready.  Penny had come up with the idea of giving away 2 books and a book bag to each child.  She had e-mailed every person in her neighborhood asking for donations. Tom, Tommy, and others worked in the kitchen preparing hot dogs and baked beans for the community as well as setting out chips and drinks.  The kids worked on booths outside – the finger nail painting booth, the go fish booth, the guess the gum balls booth, and others.  

During after school activities, Lynn took her small group to the gym to have a “run around” break because they were tired of being in their room.  An older girl and a younger girl were crying because their grandfather had passed away on Monday.  For the next half an hour, she hugged and cried with them.  She used this opportunity as a time to comfort them and tell them about Jesus and Heaven.  Her knowledge of the native beliefs about heaven and honoring their elders allowed her to be able to explain to them in ways that they could comprehend Jesus’ promise for believers.  The older girl looked amazed that she was able to understand what Lynn was sharing with her.  In the end, the girls were able to stop crying and to go back to playing with their friends.  

The construction group completed the porch project at David’s house.  When they were leaving the house, Adam glanced back and saw David with his Bible in his hand blessing his new porch.  

The carnival was a success.  The kids enjoyed receiving the books and participating in the activities at the booths.  The adults enjoyed the Bingo.  One of our vans went out to pick up Nelson.  Carol happened to be at the door and held it open for Nelson to come in.  Before she could speak to him, he had already thrust his hand into her hand and was introducing himself to her.  Nelson does not get out much because of his physical condition, but Carol was so blessed by his vibrant eyes and personality.  It was obvious that he did not waste time feeling sorry for himself.  Nelson was glad to be a part of the Bingo games, and he did win several prizes. (Smile)   

 Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!   

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant in Duluth, GA. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey and a Voice of One: Nehemiah’s Prayer visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or call John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304 (All Rights Reserved)

Growing in the Lord…Taking Christianity Into the World

Today I received a note from a Believer who was seeking what they might do as they were at the lowest spiritual level personally that they had been in years. They were seeking what they might do to encourage and strengthen themselves in the Lord prompting me to suggest: 

-A Home Church where you worship and serve regularly.

-A daily walk, where you study God’s word daily.

-A small group where you can learn God’s word with others weekly, who can also help and encourage you, grow with you and mentor.

-A Journal. Having a roadmap of what God is doing in your life is your best bet to know both where you have been and where you are going.

-A Passion. If you love Christ you will seek Him in prayer and strive learn all about Him, just as you would a new love.

-Service. There is perhaps no better way to gain God’s strength and blessings by humbly laying down your life for others. Fortunately there is nothing we have to do to earn our way into the Kingdom as it is a free gift and ours for the asking and acceptance by faith. However, there is much you can do to train both your heart and mind to be like His.

John Dillard is an Christian Speaker/Author and Certified Public Accountant. To See how he takes Christ along with him to work visit http://www.hiscpa.com/ and for his latest book Overcoming Life’s 9/11’s: Job’s Journey visit http://www.john-dillard.com/ or all John Dillard CPA today at 770.814.9304

 Dare to Attempt Something so Great for the Kingdom of God that it is doomed to failure, lest Christ be in it!