May 23, 2013
Heifer International Gift Ark Presentation In acknowledgement of the generous contribution of Four Gift Arks ($5,000 each), an award was presented by Heifer International to First Presbyterian Church of Brandon. These Gift Arks go around the world— Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. Wherever Heifer finds hunger, poverty and hopelessness, they answer with Heifer animals(…)
May 23, 2013
By Sandy Lee Did you ever think about what guides your actions, desires and decisions in everyday life? Have you ever explored your Core Values and investigate how they may or may not govern your life? How can you live the fullest life that God desires for you if you can’t name and understand your(…)
May 23, 2013
By Deb Coty Do you find yourself hocking up anxiety over and over like a Guernsey regurgitating her cud? Does worrying about the what-ifs suck the joy out of your soul? If so, you’re not alone. My goal for my new book, Fear, Faith, and a Fistful of Chocolate, is to introduce tools – simple(…)
May 23, 2013
BY Sherry Orcuttm owner of Hallelujah Acres How many of you were raised annually watching the 1939 American Film Classic film, The Wizard of Oz? In 1956 telecasts started playing to the public making this an annual tradition for families I can remember as a little girl just waiting with anticipation for that movie to play(…)
May 23, 2013
By Suzy Weisenhart The YMCA Youth in Government is a statewide youth program that brings approximately 700 students together to experience the law-making process first-hand through a unique “youth-run, youth-led” process. Local YMCAs and Youth in Government Chapters have students that work together on debate practices, service-learning projects, fundraising, and State Assembly preparation. For the(…)
May 23, 2013
By Michelle Colesanti The Brandon Christian Women’s Connection (BCWC) recently met in May for a picnic. It was a beautiful day, but they didn’t have to worry about bugs or rain since it was held indoors. During that recent “picnic” meeting, they were entertained by a sixth-generation Florida native, Todd Terrell, who was raised in(…)
May 23, 2013
By Andria Barrios On Saturday, September 28, an exciting event for writers across the area will take place: The Florida Inspirational Writer’s Retreat. Directed by published and award-winning authors Ruth Carmichael Ellinger and Debora Coty, this retreat will be a fun and encouraging event for all writers who attend. “Local author Debora Coty and I(…)
May 9, 2013
By Mindy Weisbert The Journey, Calvary Lutheran Church’s youth organization, is making an active showing in the community while providing an inviting opportunity for teens to share their faith in fun, meaningful ways. Statistics show that fewer than five percent of today’s high school students are engaged in a church student organization, but that is(…)
May 1, 2013
By Andria Barrios “It doesn’t matter if you’re big or small, you can always make a difference.” These truthful words come from a young girl who clearly walks the talk. “I am a student at Bevis Elementary. I am ten-years-old and play select soccer. But my ministry is my passion,” states Jessica Valdes, an industrious(…)
May 1, 2013
By Kathy L. Collins According to Eckerd, a national leader in helping at risk youth and their families, there are more than 100 children in Hillsborough County each month who need placement with foster parents. It is for this reason that several area churches including Bay Life Church, Bell Shoals Baptist Church and the Crossings(…)
