Newsletter   I   JANUARY 2006

IT ONLY TAKES A MINUTE Charles Dickens once wrote, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.” It only takes a minute to begin reflecting on our present blessings: the gift of life itself, the warmth of friendships, the riches of good health, the power of love, the glory of a sunrise, the privilege of prayer, the joys of music, the satisfactions of work, the treasures of books, the beauty of art, the miracle of spring, and the grace of God. Be more grateful and you will become more joyful! You cannot change the past, but you ruin a perfectly good present by worrying about the future. Set Goals for 2006 1. Goals will give your life purpose. 2.. Goals will help to keep you active. 3. Goals help to produce results. 4. Goals keep you young and interested in life. 5. Goals you achieve encourage others to do the same. 6. Goals are the patterns of good leaders. 7. Goals get us involved in the present. 8. Goals provide a means for things to be done in order. 9. Goals provide a framework for life. Goals are Biblical. The apostle Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 Mistakes to Avoid in 2006 1. Remorse over yesterday's failure. 2. Anxiety over today's problems. 3. Worry over tomorrow's uncertainty. 4. Procrastination with one's present duty. 5. Resentment of another's success. 6. Criticism of a neighbor's imperfection. 7. Impatience with youth's inexperience. 8. Skepticism of the future. 9. Unbelief in God's Providence.

LETTER FROM THE ISF ASSISTANTS Dear International Friend, Best wishes to you as we start a New Year. Another year has quickly gone by. We cannot change any circumstances of the year 2005 nor do we have any way to predict what the New Year has in store for any of us. It's natural for people to plan what they would like to do or accomplish in the New Year. I like to live one day at a time while my wife amuses me by planning for events that will occur many months from now. I think she has plans for my retirement which is a long way off. While it is uncertain what the future holds one thing is sure. God is all knowing and knows the future and all that you need to face its challenges. That simply means that God wants to be your help and encouragement. He created you and loves you. He has promised to be a guiding light in your life when you open up your heart to Him and the truth found in the Bible. January 29th will be the time of Chinese Lunar New Year. We will look forward to seeing you at the January ISF gathering when we hope to put a special emphasis on both the solar and lunar New Year. This gathering will be on Friday, January 20th at 7:30 PM in the beautiful 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 then follow the signs. At this gathering we hope to have special Chinese music and an interesting lecture on the New Year. Of course there will be a full course meal, children's activities in the Kurtzman room, but best of all, that wonderful, warm International fellowship. If you would like to be involved in the Chinese music, please e-mail us. Remember it's all free! We look forward to seeing you on January 20!                                                                                   --Terry & Pam Tiberio, ISF Assistants KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE SPARROW Matt. 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father's will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. One of the explanations for the term sparrow in Hebrew referred to small birds, and in Matthew the word probably refers to a small house sparrow. The birds were well known in Syria : they were small, tame, and found everywhere. Because of their great number they were sold cheaply; five would go for one and one-half cents. The idea is that if God cares for something so inexpensive and small, then certainly He will care for and protect us! The story is told of the ship that was trapped in a severe storm at sea. All were preparing to abandon ship, all except one young girl who was playing with her dolls. When asked if she was not afraid, she calmly replied, “No, because my father is the captain.” When the storms of life seem to trap us, let us learn to keep our eyes upon the sparrow and to say, “I am not afraid because the Captain is my Father!”

ISF CHRISTMAS BANQUET (December 9, 2005)

December 2001 Newsletter
November 2001 Newsletter
October 2001 Nester
September 2001 Newsletter
August 2001 Newsletter
July 2001 Newsletter