This family is on my heart a lot lately and I ask that you continue praying God will provide for them and their incredible hearts for children. I’ve posted more details on them so that you may learn how to pray more specifically. 

The Beach family has 11 adoptive kids and 2 biological. They have taken the directive to care for orphans and have taken children that no one else will take… babies addicted to crack, kids with mental problems, and kids with terminal illnesses.

The last two babies are close in age, Jeremiah is 7 months and Mercy is 5 months.  Mercy went in for intestinal surgery last week and while she was recovering at Texas Children’s, Jeremiah (who had had ongoing stomach trouble from birth) went in for emergency surgery as well.  He was also diagnosed with a serious condition in the middle of all of this.

Melissa is up at the hospital, the other kids are being cared for by their older sons plus dad (when not working). And, they have a son leaving for college in a few days! 

Here they are listed in order of age so that you can pray for them by name:
Mom- Melissa
Dad- Larry
Chris (21)- works all day with Larry
Michael (20)- just left for college!
Jose (19)- home all day with the kids!
Cody (18)- in the Marine Corps
Mikala (17)- works all day
Paul (13)- will be at the hospital receiving treatment on Friday (every Fri)
Faith (11)
Hope (8)
Justin (7)
Jacob (3)
Grace (2)
Jeremiah (7mos)
Mercy (5mos)

My dad always had a camera in our hands growing up… and to this day encourages my brothers and me to continually capture life through the lens.

And I’m encouraging you to the same with your children. I found this incredible opportunity to showcase your high schooler’s talent and creativity! And wow, a chance to win some college dough! Check it out!

“The Houston Press high school photo contest enters its Sophomore year…”

Also, this is amazing:
“Our first category is “faces” and entries are due by September 30. All Houston-area high school students are eligible. Send those face images to studentphotos@houstonpress.com. And teachers, if you’d like us to come to your photography class and give a presentation on the basics of photojournalism, hit us up at the same e-mail address.” (Keith Plocek, Houston Press)

*The featured photo above is Michael, DK’s brother and his lovely girlfriend Emily in Pennsylvania.

There’s a really special family at my church who’ve opened their arms and home to several children, including those with special needs, fostering and adopting them, loving them and providing a stable Christian environment. I’ve had the joy of serving in the nursery at church and have gotten to know two of the youngest, Grace and Jacob…

 The Beach family has a few prayer requests and I ask that you jump on board asking God for His healing power and provision to cover this family.

From Dad/Larry: “4 month old Mercy had surgery to remove a blockage in her intestines. She is resting  and start formula again in day or two.  Jeremiah is 6 months and he is going to have a fundle placation for reflux and a g-tube. (I think it is close to the same surgery Mike’s daughter Abby Grace had.) Our 8 year old daughter Hope had it at 4 months and we are starting to deal with complications now. Jeremiah is scheduled for Thursday so Melissa and both babies will be at TCH until his surgery.”

Will you please remember this family today?

“Greetings to our KSBJ family! Logan helped me pick out some pictures to send to you of his summer. I am also attaching some of Erica. They are both doing great. We are thankful to the Lord that they are healthy and they know Jesus. But if God lays them on your heart please don’t stop praying for them. We desire for them to love Jesus more than anything in this world, so no matter where they are they are in this world or what they are up against, they will still be in love with Jesus.

We love our KSBJ! KSBJ is exhibiting great faith when they depend on supporters for donation. It brings such a different perspective to the atmosphere of the broadcasting when they use traditional commercials. Just wanted you to know how much I appreciate what you are all doing. Keep walking by faith!!!!!!

We would love to see you all again but it sounds like we are going to Florida this fall for Sky Angel to do a short video of Logan and all that’s happened. They have offered to take us to Disney World and the Bible Land Experience. It was nice of them to offer this trip to us. We pray that it brings Glory to God.

 Love to you all,
Tee Jay Henderson
Jude 24-My favorite verse this week!”

With the world of food changing drastically around us, the concerns of how to feed our families properly seems so difficult and overwhelming.

Any questions you ever have on how to make great changes in your pantry and diet, ask domenica!!

Have you ever asked or wondered?

“I’ve had a bottle of hazelnut oil sitting in my cupboard, what do i do with it and how long does it last?”

“Is it healthy to microwave vegetables?”

“Is there a difference in organic vs. regular (quality and taste)?”

“I have frozen peas, some bacon and leftover chicken in my refrigerator…what can i make for dinner?”

With all these questions and so many more, we’ve decided to let you ask them straight to domenica so she can help clear up the confusion and concerns!

To ask your questions, click here!!

And for more on the Mom-a-licious lifestyle and cookbook, click here!

 Brooke Interview Part 1
 Brooke Interview Part 2
 Brooke Interview Part 3
 Brooke Interview Part 4

Tina wrote to us about her sister, Denise!
“My sister is Denise Rogers.  She means the WORLD to me. She married her highschool sweetheart & it didn’t work out.
She is such a wonderful SINGLE  mother. She has three of the most beautiful kids and they are my godchildren
Denise has been through so much. They lost their house during Hurricane Rita, both our families evacuated together.  We all anticipated the worst & when we all found out they lost their house, we were devestated..
They lived in a FEMA trailer for about a year. She now lives in a nice house with her 3 children but she works very hard just to pay the bills. She works full time at an eye doctor and her kids ABSOLUTELY are #1 to her. She sends the kids her kids off to school…She makes sure they get to do their extra curricular activities…She is ALWAYS there for them.
She is an AWESOME MOM & I love her very MUCH!”

Congrats Denise! We love you!

Many thanks to Christian Brothers Automotive for helping us recognize the hard work of Single Parents in Houston through the gift of $50 gas card and free oil change! Their website is www.cbac.com

Tell us about a single parent you know and want to honor at ljordan@ksbj.org!

Read more about it here!

This was sent to me from Mark Vigario: “We are writing to you about Sulay Gonzales, a single mother of four.  Years ago, Sulay’s husband left for Mexico without a word and left her to raise a family, pay a mortgage, and survive on her own.  She tells the story today without bitterness, only with grace, that God was able to step in and meet her needs. 
 
Even so, life hasn’t been easy.  Having to work full time to provide for her family, sometimes doing the work of two people, she purposed to learn a skill and do it with diligence.  She now works at Polaris West in Katy and is a valuable team member.  Not surprisingly, her work ethic was passed on to her children–three of the four are in college and the youngest is a sophomore at Katy High School on the varsity football team.  Also, all of her kids have been involved in swimming, usually starting the day at the pool at 5:30am.
 
We admire Sulay because she has the heart of a servant.  Her eyes are on others, looking for ways to help and support those in need.  She actively volunteers in the nursery at church–always with a warm smile for the babies.  She also helps another single father in our church take care of his daughter and loves her like her own.  Her children have followed her example and are a reflection of her kindness.  One of her sons recently adopted a beautiful little girl from Columbia; her two teenagers volunteer regularly at church; and the three oldest children have spent time coaching other kids in swimming.

Last winter she was without heat in her home for months, though few people knew.  She trusted God to help and He opened the door for her to finally sell her home and start life over. Today, looking at Sulay’s life, seeing a woman who fears the Lord, makes others around her desire to grow in relationship with Him. She overcame a tragedy, put her children in the Lord’s hands, and continues to experience His fullness.”

It’s the big kickoff party for the 25th annual Chevron Jingle Bell Run. This annual 5 mile adult run, 3 mile family walk and 1K kids race is an annual Houston holiday tradition.

The race will not be held until Sunday afternoon, December 14th but the Downtown YMCA is having their  annual “Christmas in August” kickoff party for the race this Thursday, August 7th from 12:00 - 1:00 PM at the Downtown YMCA (1600 Louisiana).

If you work in the downtown area or want to drive the kids in for the party it will be held at the Downtown YMCA next to the new Chevron Building (the newer Enron building) at 1600 Louisiana. Free food and refreshments will be provided while supplies last along with visits from Santa, players from the Houston Dynamos Soccer Team and a children’s singing group. 

And a snow machine will also turn the Y’s front lawn into a winter wonderland for the kids.And on your way there, pick up some backpacks and school supplies for Operation Backpack!!