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Newsletter
I FEBRUARY 2009
MY BIBLE AND I
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I have a companion of infinite worth,
We travel together through this dreary earth;
From pilgrimage here to a home in the sky,
We are traveling together, my Bible and I.
I have a companion, a wonderful guide,
A solace and comfort whatever betide;
A friend never-failing when others pass by,
Oh, blessed communion, my Bible and I.
I have a companion, its God’s Holy Word,
Revealing from heaven the mind of my Lord;
My Rock and my Refuge when danger is nigh,
We’ve blessings eternal, my Bible and I.
I have a companion, a heavenly light,
A pillar by day and a fire by night;
A lamp from the cradle until I shall die,
What blessed communion, my Bible and I.
I have a companion, a dear faithful friend,
A union of blessing that never shall end
Till Jesus returns with His saints form on high,
We’ll travel together, my Bible and I.
O light of my journey, Thou lamp to my feet,
Oh, manna from heaven, so precious and sweet;
For thee do I live and for thee would I die,
Forever and ever, my Bible and I.
--Unknown |
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GOD'S GUARD YOUR HEART WITH LOVE |
Love is a choice. Either you choose to behave lovingly toward others ... or not; either you behave yourself in ways that enhance your relationships ... or not. But make no mistake: Genuine love requires effort. Simply put, if you wish to build lasting relationships, you must be willing to do your part.
Since the days of Adam and Eve, God has allowed His children to make choices for themselves, and so it is with you. As you interact with family and friends, you have choices to make ... lots of them. If you choose wisely, you'll be rewarded; if you choose unwisely, you'll bear the consequences.
Christ's words are clear: We are to love God first, and secondly, we are to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40). These two commands are seldom easy, and because we are imperfect beings, we often fall short. But God's Holy Word commands us to try.
The Christian path is an exercise in love and forgiveness. If we are to walk in Christ's footsteps, we must forgive those who have done us harm, and we must accept Christ's love by sharing it freely with family, friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
God does not intend for you to experience mediocre relationships; He created you for far greater things. Building lasting relationships requires compassion, wisdom, empathy, kindness, courtesy, and forgiveness. If that sounds like work, it is-which is perfectly fine with God. Why? Because He knows that you are capable of doing that work, and because He knows that the fruits of your labors will enrich the lives of your loved ones and the lives of generations yet unborn.
–Taken from Above All Else |
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Words of Wisdom |
Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.
- Lao Tzu
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this,
than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
- Jesus (John 15:12-13) |
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LETTER FROM THE ISF DIRECTORS
Dear International Friend,
This letter once again brings greetings to you from International Student Fellowship (ISF). We have had a very cold winter so far here in Pittsburgh. When we talk to people who have families in other countries that are experiencing the winter season we find out from them that it is also very cold. Yet there are a few places that are having a mild winter. We will be very glad when spring arrives in Pittsburgh.
When you are out shopping you may have noticed that Christmas decorations are gone and have been replaced by Valentines candy and other items you can buy for someone special for Valentine’s Day. This holiday always brings a bit of warmth to what is usually a very cold time of the year.
At our last gathering it was bitterly cold. We were so happy to have old friends come and to also meet many new friends. We hope the weather will warm up some so that you can attend the Valentine’s Day gathering on February 13, the day before Valentine’s Day.
--Terry & Pam Tiberio, ISF Directors
February 13th ISF Gathering
We would like to invite you to our February ISF Gathering. This gathering will be on Friday, February 13th at 7:30 PM in the Ballroom of the William Pitt Union. The William Pitt Union is located in Oakland on the corner of Bigelow and Fifth Avenue. To get to the Ballroom, use the entrance on Fifth Avenue and go to your right.
At this gathering there will be an interesting lecture, special music, a wonderful meal, and warm fellowship. Also, there will be special children’s activities in the Kurtzman room. We hope to see you and remember that it’s all free! Please invite your friends.
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ISF JANUARY GATHERING (January 16th, 2009)
65 present, from 8 countries: China, Columbia, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, South Korea, Syria, USA.
Hope to see you at the February ISF Gathering on February 13th at the
William Pitt Union
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