A Note from the Editor: Traditions
When I see the word ‘Tradition’, the first thing I think of the is the song from Fiddler on the Roof. I come from a very musical family, so that’s really not all that surprising.
However, the word ‘Tradition’ also brings to mind the holidays, especially Christmas. Traditions are a great way to bring families together as well as to help keep the memory of those who have passed on alive and with us during our celebrations. For instance, my grandmother, “Sweetie-Pete”, used to make this delicious banana-pineapple salad every year when we visited her for an early Christmas. I now have the recipe and make it for my family.
When my daughter was little, the movie Polar Express first came out and it quickly became a family favorite. She was especially captivated by the bell Santa gave to the little boy. Since then, I have left a bell somewhere around the fireplace for Cassie to find. This follows a very similar tradition my parents had for me and my sister. Santa would always leave a tuft of his “beard” somewhere around the fireplace and whoever found it, had good luck for the year.
This year, some of us may not be able to practice our regular traditions due to lock-downs and extra restrictions. Although, this can be disheartening, it is also an opportunity to create new traditions. Play a Christmas game with your family, like bingo or trivia. There are several websites that provide the information you’ll need. Or create a Christmas scavenger hunt for items already around the house. Sing carols or read the Christmas Story from the Bible one night after dinner. There are so many creative things you can do and the most important factor is that you’ll be doing them with your family. After all, family is the most important thing when it comes to traditions – it’s who you share them with!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and many Blessings to you and your families!!!
God’s blessings upon you,
Gayle Garcia, Secretary & Editor
Pacesetters, Glendora, CA Chapter
December Ministry Minute
Don Kemerer is the Director of Cray Youth & Family Services. He is also a founding member of CBP New Castle and when we could meet in person his organization donated the use of their coffee shop, Confluence, for the meetings.
The organization has been around for 36 years and Don has been involved for 30 of those years. He started as a volunteer and has worked his way up over the years. Initially he was going to be a doctor but transitioned to psychology and sociology when he saw how long it would take to become a doctor. God has given him a heart for the at risk children and the ability to see and love the person behind the addiction and challenges.
2020 has added more stress to a population that already was having a hard time. You can hear more about that around the 9 minute mark and how Cray is helping to ease that stress.
Some of the things they can use ongoing are sweatpants and hoodies and hygiene products.
Don also challenges us to consider mentoring an at risk youth in our area as well as shares prayer requests especially for Michelle around the 14:40 minute mark
You can watch the full interview here. Please share it with others who may have a passion for the population Cray Serves.
One of their mottoes is once a “Cray kid always a Cray kid.
Valerie Pugsley,
CBP Regional Director, Orange County CA
Politics
“…Say to her, “Is all well with you? Is all well with your husband? Is all well with your child?” And she answered, “All is well.”2Kings 4:26 ESV
Second Kings 4 records the story of a mother whose little boy suddenly died in her arms. Yet even when it looked unbearable, she knew that unexpected trouble was not a surprise to God. She immediately set out to get her friend the prophet Elisha. Twice she was asked if her child was well, and she answered, “All is well.” She knew that God could make a way where she did not see a way. Elisha prayed for the little boy, and he miraculously came back to life.
We all face unexpected challenges—the loss of a loved one, a personal failure, a layoff, a sickness, an election. It is easy to get overwhelmed. But rather than complain and go around in self-pity, go deeper and instead have a report of faith, “All is well. God’s in control.” Then because you are rooted in the Most High God, you will feel the peace that passes understanding and have the strength to endure what should have taken you out.
If you are pinning all your hopes on who wins or loses our elections…think again. I wish someone had a magic wand that could fix everyone’s problems, but that is just not going to happen! No matter who wins our elections, just know that REAL change can only start within YOU. Now more than ever It is easy to let social media, the news, and the people around you tell you how to feel… But you have got to look inside yourself for the strength and courage you need to move forward and make a change. Do not get me wrong, I hope the outside world benefits you. But the reality is, it is not always going to be that way. Focus on you and how you can make a change for your family… and watch it spread and impact those around you. No matter what happens, remember to stay positive, focused, and be kind to each other. If you are ready to start looking within yourself for solutions, comment “I got this!” “All is well”
I know for many folks the USA election has been an emotionally stressful time. And some of you may be disappointed or shocked by the result. However, whatever the result ends up being, and whatever your politics. Here are a few things that can make a BIG difference to your personal economy and your families well-being:
I recently read an article where a mental coach for top athletes, including NFL and NBA players revealed one of his favorite success secrets. The secret? Focus on what you can control and change.
What happened in the past has already happened. But your success is not determined by your past. It is all about the present moment and what you do next.
To apply the words of the Apostle Paul a little differently, let us “run with endurance the race that is before us.” Hebrews 12:1
“Whatever Christians think about our President, whoever we voted for, there is only one King!” Adam Hamilton
“Please pray for our nation and the unrest and mistrust. As believers we are often guilty of expecting God to swoop in and save the day … The way we want. Jesus is on the throne and we need to rejoice in that regardless of what is happening on earth. “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Alex Giannetti
A Prayer for Today
“Father, thank You that You are the Most High God who sees every unexpected and uncertain circumstance I will ever face. I declare that my peace and strength are in You, and my roots are firmly set in You. All is well today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Robb Montgomery,
Power of the Spirit, Gibsonia, PA
Chapter of the Month – Redlands CA
The Redlands Chapter for CBP is like a home in the suburb with the pool in the backyard. We are not really having a good time unless all the kids are gathered there. The joy of our virtual gatherings comes from a spectrum of locations, time zones, and interests that members and visitors bring. Considering that we are all part of God’s Kingdom, we believe that we are in his will in encompassing our breadth of locations, time zones, businesses, backgrounds and personalities.
On any given Thursday morning, our meeting includes saints from Western Pennsylvania, Mid Tennessee, as well as California’s Inland Empire. Aside from the obvious jokes about weather differences, we feel comfortable with mixed experiences & cultural nuances of worship styles. Ultimately, the ease at which members connect their faith to their assorted businesses keeps the Redlands Chapter’s humor high and our connections deep.
President Nichol Davis sets an expressive tone that, from a leadership perspective, allows the membership to congregate easily. As a professional photographer that focuses on families, Nichol sets an incredible tone that communicates faith, warmth and trust. Considering that a significant part of her professional success features her ability to get children and pets to follow her directions, she is the absolute, perfect leader for this eclectic group.
The team further achieves balance when incorporating VP, Glenn Hunter’s sly wit, National Officer, Don Morris’ just-the-facts demeanor, along with Secretary Rita Moruzzi’s heart-warming demeanor, the body follows a recipe that allows a bit of the mischievousness blended with respect for good manners. A classic case of this balance is a running gag among the membership of including Otters randomly in the backdrops of their Zoom panels, while bad puns shower upon their discussions. Consequently, one may be reminded at any point in their meeting that someone “otter” improve their behavior. Furthermore, they communally enjoy each other’s wit, respect and shared business tips. They even find time to do business among themselves, as well as liberally share advice.
Ultimately, CBP Elite comes together on Thursday mornings with the expectation of fellowship, laughter & business insight. A way to serve hugely for an important client is as likely to result from their conversations, as how a member integrates his street tacos business into his other business interests. Ultimately, this Redlands Chapter is a group of Christ-Lovers who find camaraderie and fellowship. The group takes the gospel seriously, yet remains perfectly capable of not taking each other too seriously. They learn, share, & pray together. The chapter accepts these different aspects of the Christian experience and share them among each other for greater fellowship and ultimately worship. While they may not spread to the four corners of the Earth, they successfully stretch their connections from California’s Inland Empire, to Tennessee, and to Pennsylvania. That territory is ample for their humble group of worshippers.
David Pugsley, President
Bread of Life, Lakewood, CA Chapter
Member Highlight: LaDawn VanKirk
Today I had the privilege of interviewing LaDawn VanKirk, the Vice President at the New Castle CBP Chapter. She lives in the small town of Portersville, PA. 38 miles north of Pittsburgh, PA, along with her dog ACE, a 25 lb. Boston Terrier. She makes jewelry and crochets in her spare time.
She was in the nursing field for over 20 years before moving into real estate investing but was still looking for her passion. She found CBP through Meet-Up and soon met someone at the meetings that introduced her to Kynect Energy, where she loves what she does saving people money with their energy bills! She has loved this opportunity for the last 2.5 years. Her goals include growing and learning in her faith in GOD, being comfortable being uncomfortable, and having the financial freedom to give back to others. Her family is bi-coastal, with her near the east coast, and the rest of her family in California. She hopes to use her new expertise with Zoom calls to be able to visit with family over Thanksgiving! Her dream is to own a 21’ Fourwinds powerboat with a 200 HP engine to enjoy on the lakes around western PA. Her favorite part of CBP is the friendships and relationships she has formed. She prefers ZOOM over in-person meetings. It gives her the freedom to travel the country visiting chapters everywhere. It is a very consistent experience and loves the diversity of the groups. She likes the face to face meetings for the sidebar conversations before and after the meetings, and the warm handshakes and hugs! However, travel time cuts into her day. When someone thinks about her, she would like to be thought of as: Loyal, Honest, lots of FUN. She will do whatever she can do to help you. She is her best in everything that GOD has put in front of her.
Robb Montgomery,
Power of the Spirit, Gibsonia, PA
New Members
Please welcome to Christian Business Partners the following new members.
* Randall HarpChapel Hill Media, LLC (Spring Hill TN)
* Soto SotoBG2G (Butler PA)
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger” Luke 2:8-14
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