Sky Ranch SkyMoms Gatherings in Ft Worth and Plano..and coming to an area near you in 2013!

Sky Ranch SkyMoms Gatherings! 

A special thanks to all our hostesses in Ft Worth and Plano that helped to make each event a huge success by sponsoring tables and inviting their friends to enjoy food, fun, fellowship, and spiritual encouragement! 

Ft Worth, Texas at Ridglea Country Club

Plano, Texas at Maggianos Little Italy

Please let us know if you are interested in participating in one of our upcoming luncheons in your hometown!

skymoms@skyranch.org 

Upcoming Sky Ranch SkyMom Gatherings

Potporri House - Tyler, Texas ~  January 24,  2013

Maggianos -Houston, TX ~  February 5, 2013

Ricks Chophouse -McKinney, TX ~  February 20, 2013

Stonebriar Country Club- Frisco, Texas ~  April 11, 2013

Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…Jesus serves by saving you", with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…Jesus serves by saving you

Did you have a wonderful day of THANKS last week? I hope your family spent a little time discussing something they were thankful for. Expressing thankfulness is a learned behavior, I have decided. It is not something that you naturally do, but it must be taught. Thankfulness is often felt, but not often expressed and it is the act of expressing that matters. This month’s family time topic from the “Sky Ranch Family Devotional: Follow the Leader” is on “Jesus is God’s Servant“ and the weekly discussion is on “Jesus serves by saving us and our response.“ If you have ever had a near death experience and were saved by someone, your natural response would be thankfulness to the person who saved you….right? It is the same with Jesus. Jesus saves each person who believes in Him from a near death experience. You may not realize that you even had a near death experience, but the Bible defines death as separation from God. Trusting and following Jesus, God’s Son, prevents your separation from God the Father. It prevents your eternal death or eternal separation from God. This week’s topic gives your family the opportunity to talk about “how” Jesus saves you and about “what” you are saved from. Take this opportunity teach your kids about the need for salvation, Jesus’ salvation gift to you and a response of thankfulness.

As a Mom, I think sin and salvation topic is a very important conversation to have with your kids and it may be a conversation that needs to be repeated from time to time. As my kids grew, they were able to understand better by repeating conversations. It can take time for concepts to sink in. I also, used this topic to talk about thankfulness. Many people (me included) tend to focus on the negatives. I have a hard time noticing the good things to be thankful for…and my son was like me. I did not really notice it in myself until I saw it in him. Have you had that happen? Kids have a way of humbling you. To help both of us, we started talking about things we were thankful for at dinner. Each of the family members would share two things to be thankful for that day. I noticed that all of our attitudes began to change by focusing on “good” things. It is the same with things of God. The more you notice the good that God is doing and give thanks…your attitude will improve and become more positive towards Him and your life.

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking God to show you the best way to approach the sin and salvation topic. Pray for God to help you clarify any areas of confusion. Pray for God to guide your discussion as you evaluate your response for Jesus’ amazing gift to your family of the ability to live life in close relationship with God. Pray for God to show you if anyone struggles with thankfulness or even just being positive too. Pray for God to help your family see that their thankful hearts can actually serve and minister to others when they share a thankful attitude. 

Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you! 

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis

Sky Ranch Family Devotionals and

Teach Intentionally Author

This week we are in the 3^rd Topic and  13^th  Family Time (or page  31) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Follow the Leader”…

Family Time 13:

Topic 3: Jesus was sent as God’s Servant…Jesus serves by saving us and your response

Talk with God: Read…Scriptures and questions below.

1 John 3:8  …The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

• In 1 John 3:8, what did Jesus destroy?

1 John 4:13  By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.  14 And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son [to be] the Savior of the world.  15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.

• In 1 John 4:14, what was the Son sent to be?

1 John 4:10  In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.  11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

• In 1 John 4:10, His Son is propitiation (payment) for what? 

Isaiah 53:11  As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see [it] and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities.

• In Isaiah 53:11, what does the Servant bear?

Walk with God: Discuss… Jesus destroyed Satan’s work and saved you. What do you need to be saved from? How did Jesus save you?

Prayer suggestion… Pray for God to save you from your sin.

Family Time 13: 

Leader Answers:

• The works of the devil
• The Savior of the world
• Sins
• Iniquities (sins)
• Discussion ideas: You need to be saved from your habitual sin. Satan holds us hostage by sin. Isaiah 53:6 defines sin as turning to your own way as opposed to God’s way. Romans 6:23 says the wages (payment) for sin is death.  Isaiah 53:11 explains how Jesus saved you. We are told that when you repent and believe Jesus, God at the cross placed your sin on Jesus and when God saw the anguish of Jesus’ soul, God was satisfied and the many (you and me) were justified (declared right) in that moment. So, Jesus paid for your sins by His death. How does that make you feel toward Jesus?

© 2012 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…Give of yourself like Jesus", with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…Give of yourself like Jesus

              

 Do you like a little adventure in your life? What is adventure to you? Isn't it a series of exciting events…with calm moments in-between? It is peaks and valleys; the calm times or valleys cause the exciting times or peaks to stand out. If you live life trusting Jesus and seeking HIs direction, you will find a very interesting life ahead of you. This month’s family time topic from the “Sky Ranch Family Devotional: Follow the Leader” is on “Jesus is God’s Servant“and the weekly discussion is on “Jesus claimed to be God’s Servant, so give of yourself like Jesus. “ Trusting Jesus to the point that you stop controlling your life or designing the best outcome for yourself, and instead… letting go, serving God and being selfless will bring you to this life full of adventure and an amazing peace of mind. Did Jesus have peaks and valleys in His life events on earth? Was there difficulty sometimes? You bet! But Jesus tells you that the lifestyle that He role-models of trusting the Father is the way to the abundant life; or a life that is worth living (John 10:10). 

As a Mom, I found it was a challenge to encourage my kids to be selfless, servant leaders. It did not come naturally to our family. Like everyone else, we were born self-centered. Instead, I had to teach sharing, playing nicely, don't grab, wait your turn, etc. It was hard. When they were older, the topics changed to don't drink….even if your friends drink, don't bully, treat others right, reach out and invite others.. instead of always waiting to be invited, or look for the good in others and tell them. Sometimes you don't feel like being self-less. I learned it was a process and took time for our family to change. My kids, now in college, still aren't perfect...but improved. The most useful lesson learned was that  sometimes selfless behavior…meant giving up being accepted by the crowd…and it meant having self control around their friends. High school kids face a lot of difficulty if they go against "the crowd." It often leads to being ostracized at a time when acceptance is the main thing you want. You can really pay a price for doing the right thing. Teaching our family, to pray (seek God first), trust your values (God's teaching of right and wrong), use self-control (and ask for God's help, when you can't do it), remember the positives, and stop and reflect (remember all the times that you did make a difference because you stood for the right way)...it all seemed to help. Later, once my kids learned enough self-control to stop "following the crowd", they could move into servant leadership and find ways to reach out and serve others in a more impactful way.

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and asking God to show you if anyone struggles with "following the crowd" as opposed to "following Jesus?" Ask God the best way to help your family understand how to counter the lure of being accepted by the crowd. Ask God to show your family how to move from "following the crowd" …to serving Him and making a positive difference in our world .Servant leadership starts by being valued and discussed at home. Pray for God to guide your conversation and give you insight of exactly what your family needs to hear.

Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you! 

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis

Sky Ranch Family Devotionals and

Teach Intentionally Author

This week we are in the 3^rd  Topic and  12^th Family Time (or page  30) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Follow the Leader”…

Family Time 12:

Topic 3: Jesus was sent as God’s Servant…Jesus claimed to be God’s Servant, so give of yourself like Jesus

Talk with God: Read…Scriptures and questions below.

Philippians 2:5-8   … Christ Jesus,  6  who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be  grasped ,  7  but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, [and] being made in the likeness of men.  8  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

• In Phil. 2:7, what form did Jesus take on earth?

Luke 22:27  (Jesus is speaking)  “For who is greater, the one who reclines [at the table,] or the one who  serves ? Is it not the one who reclines [at the table]? But I am among you as the one who serves.”

• In Luke 22:27, what does Jesus say that He is doing?

Walk with God: Discuss… In Philippians 2:5-8 notice how Jesus normally exists  in the form of God…and then, when He comes to earth, He empties Himself and finds Himself a man, obeying God so completely that He ends up dying on a cross. Wow! How is Jesus, who is equal to God, serving you by these actions?

Prayer suggestion…  Pray for God to open your eyes and see Jesus

Family Time 12: 

Leader Answers:

• Bond-Servant
• Serving
• Discussion ideas: In 1 John 3:16 love is shown by laying down your life for another.  Jesus actually died in place of you and literally gave up His life on this earth so that you could have an abundant life while on earth and an eternal life later if you believe Him. Jesus role-modeled serving by saving you eternally. Have you ever given up your personal needs for someone else? How?

© 2012 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

Tori's SkyMoms Tips....Time to be Thankful!

Happy Thanksgiving from Sky Ranch!

Dear SkyMoms,

During the holiday season you have a great opportunity to begin making memorable, and meaningful family traditions.  These traditions can stay with your families forever as they pass down to their own children...
Maybe it is as simple as your family favorite green bean bundle recipe...

Green Bean Bundles

Canned Whole Green Beans (Del Monte)

Bacon slices cut in 1/2

Sauce:

1/3 cup butter

1/3 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. garlic salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Wrap 12-14 green beans with bacon and place in prepared dish. Repeat, using all the green beans and bacon.
3. One can is 4-5 bundles.  Allow 2 per person.
4. Combine butter, brown sugar and garlic salt. Stir until completely smooth- this can take up to 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over green bean bundles.
5. This sauce amount is for 2 cans.  I always double the recipe, and for Thanksgiving I make enough sauce for 6-8 cans of green beans...my family loves these as leftovers!
6. Bake for 45 minutes.

Maybe your tradition is to reflect and remember all that you are thankful for....
here is a great tool to help each family member participate in sharing what they are thankful for.... i-am-thankful-for-printables

Maybe your tradition is to always invite others over to your home to celebrate this "Thankful Season" together,....

who otherwise would not have had a place to share a meal with during Thanksgiving!

What are your traditions? How can you make this Thanksgiving memorable, and meaningful?

Blessings,

Tori 

Tori Miller

SkyMoms Ministry Director

Sky Ranch

Texas | Colorado | Oklahoma

972-743-7774 (Mobile)

 www.skyranch.org 

Ronda from ~ The Family Table, brings us "Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole"

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

Here is a tried and true breakfast casserole. It has been around for ages and you may have a family variation that you love. As I mentioned in my last post, I am preparing for Thanksgiving week. Stocking the freezer with casseroles and tea breads that can be pulled out on those mornings that I need to feed a crowd. This casserole can be cooked ahead of time or you can freeze it uncooked. I am cooking and freezing mine to save time. 

First I usually decide which pans I want to use. This time I made two small squares and an oval so I went with the larger proportion of ingredients. I spray them all with cooking spray and divide the bread to the three pans. Then I divide the sausage and the cheese. Then I top the casseroles with the egg mixture. If I am making one large casserole dish, I go with the smaller ingredient list. It is a pretty forgiving casserole and you can add mushrooms, onions or any other tasty ingredients you want. If you think you need more eggs, just crack a few more and add a little more milk. No worries. Make this casserole work for you. 

Sausage and Egg Breakfast Casserole

1- 1½ lb Sausage 

12-18 eggs, lightly beaten 

3-4 cups milk 

2-3 teaspoons dry mustard 

1 – 1½ teaspoon salt 

1 loaf cubed bread 

2-3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese 

1/2-3/4 teaspoon black pepper 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 F. In large skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. In large mixing bowl, combine eggs, milk, mustard and salt; stir well.
2. Distribute the bread into the pan(s).  Sprinkle with sausage, cheese and then pour egg mixture evenly over casserole.
3. Bake uncovered for 55-60 minutes, or until eggs are set. Tent with foil if top begins to brown too quickly.
4. Serve immediately or let cool completely. Wrap well in saran and food saver casserole. Thaw overnight and reheat foil wrapped casserole at 300 until warm.

Happy Cooking,

Ronda from The Family Table

Prayer Encouragement: "Around the Table and Within Your House" by SkyMom, Terrie Chevaillier

Around the Table and Within Your House

Blessed are all who fear the LORD,

who walk in obedience to him.

You will eat of the fruit of your labor;

Blessing and prosperity will be yours.

Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;

Your children will be like olive shoots around your table.

Yes, this will be the blessing for the man who fears the LORD.

May the LORD bless you from Zion;

May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem

All the days of your life.

May you live to see your children’s children-

Peace be on Israel.  

Psalm 128

As I read this psalm, I am so encouraged about the legacy

of a family.  There is so much promise and blessing in these six verses.

  In this passage, the wife is compared to a fruitful vine and

the children are compared to olive shoots.

Within the house and around the table.

Olive shoots are small young shoots that come up from the roots of olive trees.

These shoots become new trees that bear fruit.

And a fruitful vine is one that is full of maturity and beauty.

As we approach this Thanksgiving, let us 

Give thought to our present family table 

and our future family table.  Our table of legacy…

Let’s pray God’s Word:

Heavenly Father, I thank you for family.

Oh how I long to see the fruit of my labor.

Some days I see abundant fruit and there are some 

Where I have to look hard and change my focus and attitude 

to see the fruit.    It is there….it takes me seeing 

through the lense of thankfulness…and then it appears, and I see it.

And how I long to be a fruitful vine within my house.

Your word says that these blessings will come to all

who fear the Lord.

Please help our family to grow in the fear of the Lord and knowledge of His Word.

I look with abundant hope to the days where my children

will bring their children to our home and we will gather around the table

And give thanks for all that is directly from Your hand of provision.

I pray that as parents we would have spiritual roots that go down deep

So that from those roots, our children will sprout up and become

strong in Your Kingdom

I speak a blessing over my family and the generations to come 

 with expectant hope and thankfulness,

as we gather around the table this month and the years to come.

~Terrie Chevaillier, SkyMom Prayer Encourager

Sky Ranch Sky Mom Gatherings are coming to your hometown!

Sky Ranch SkyMoms Gatherings! 

Prosper, Texas

 Southlake, Texas 

&
Shreveport, Louisiana  

A special thanks to all our hostesses that help to make each event a huge success by sponsoring tables and inviting their friends to enjoy food, fun, fellowship, and spiritual encouragement! 

Prosper, Texas at Gentle Creek Country Club

 Southlake, Texas at Timmaron Country Club

 Shreveport, Louisiana at Southern Trace Country Club

Please let us know if you are interested in participating in one of our upcoming luncheons in your hometown!
skymoms@skyranch.org 

Upcoming Sky Ranch SkyMom Gatherings

Ridglea Country Club -Ft Worth, Texas~  November, 27 2012
Maggianos Willow Bend -Plano, TX ~  November, 28 2012
Potporri House - Tyler, Texas ~  January 24,  2013
Maggianos -Houston, TX ~  February 5, 2013

Ricks Chophouse -McKinney, TX ~  February 20, 2013

Stonebriar Country Club- Frisco, Texas ~  April 11, 2013

Blessings,

Tori 

Tori Miller

SkyMoms Ministry Director

Sky Ranch

Texas | Colorado | Oklahoma

972-743-7774 (Mobile)

 www.skyranch.org 

Teach Intentionally..."Family Time…God’s Servant and Justice", with Stacy A. Davis ~ Bible Teacher and Sky Ranch Board Member

Family Time…God’s Servant and Justice

Have you heard of the “Justice League of America?” Your kids have. It is the name of the super hero group of Super Man, Wonder Woman, etc.. But do you think your kids understand the name and what justice is? Justice can have several definitions depending on how it is used. I think that kids do understand that the idea of the super hero is to fight things that are “wrong” and stand for things that are “right.” Kids understand justice has to do with right and wrong. In the Bible, it is the same. This month’s family time topic from the “Sky Ranch Family Devotional: Follow the Leader” is on “Jesus was sent as God’s Servant“ and the weekly discussion is on “God’s Servant and justice.“ In the Bible, justice has more to do with being in right standing or on right terms with God. God gives you a list of right and wrong behaviors such as the 10 commandments (Exodus 20) or the golden rule of treat others in the way that you want to be treated (Luke 6:31). Then, God tells you to live the way that He is declaring right; but in our own strength, you and I can’t do that…and we sin (or miss the mark) of doing “right” in God’s eyes.  God sent Jesus to pay the penalty for your failures (or sin) and it is because of your faith in Jesus that God will declare you “right” with Him (or justify you). Help your family define right and wrong based on God’s values.

As a Mom, I passed on my Biblical views often in political discussions around elections, especially the Presidential elections. I found it was a great time to bring up discussions that were age appropriate of…what does the Bible say about various political views? I felt it was important to pass on to my kids the impact the Bible should make on your political beliefs. Based on your kid’s age, they may not be ready for the hot topics of abortion and homosexual marriage, but you can start with discussions on justice and basic ideas of right and wrong based on the Bible.  God explains that it is important to help the poor…but is that for the government or the church to do? Or both? And God also teaches that each person is to work hard and pay their own way. So, how does it all fit together? The American founding fathers were very Biblically grounded men.  I took the opportunity to talk about how these views have shaped our country and our government and I defined our family’s stance on these values as well. As a Mom, I feel some of the biggest opportunities that I have to make a difference in our world is to pass on to my kids… the reality of how God’s view in scripture is lived out in our family lifestyle and in our country’s values.

This week in your family time, I would encourage you to prepare by praying for your family and ask God to show you the best way to explain “Justice.” Pray that God will give you the opportunity to explain any issue on right and wrong that may need to be covered in your family.  Sometimes parents don’t even realize their kids need more explanation on an area. Ask God to give you that insight. Ask God the best way to explain to your kids… the government values of our country, the best way to pass on your family values…and the best way to explain how both align with Biblical teaching.

Do you have questions or need prayer for your family? Email me at SkyMoms@skyranch.org.

I will be praying for you! 

Stacy

Stacy A. Davis

Sky Ranch Family Devotionals and

Teach Intentionally Author

This week we are in the  3^rd Topic and 11^th  Family Time (or page  29) of the Sky Ranch Devotional “Follow the Leader”…

Family Time 11:

Topic 3: Jesus was sent as God’s Servant…God’s Servant and justice

Talk with God: Read…Scriptures and questions below. 

Isaiah 42:1  “Behold, My Servant, whom I uphold; My chosen one [in whom] My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him; He will bring forth justice to the nations.  2 He will not cry out or raise [His voice,] Nor make His voice heard in the street.  3 A bruised reed He will not break, And a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice.”

• In Isaiah 42:1, what is God’s Chosen One called?

Matthew 12:15  But Jesus, aware of [this,] withdrew from there. And many followed Him, and He healed them all,  16  and warned them not to make Him known,  17  in order that what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet, might be fulfilled, saying,  18  “Behold, My  Servant  whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles.  19 He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.  20 A battered reed He will not break off, And a smoldering wick He will not put out, Until He leads justice to victory.”

• According to Matthew 12:17, is Jesus the Servant that is mentioned in Isaiah?

Walk with God: Discuss… In the Jewish scripture written before Jesus arrived on earth, God tells us to look for Jesus as a Servant that will bring forth justice. How does Jesus bring justice to you and your family?

Prayer suggestion…  Ask God to help you understand how Jesus saves you.

Family Time 11:

Leader Answers:

• God’s Servant
• Yes
• Discussion ideas: God tells you ahead so that you won’t miss that Jesus was to be a Servant as well as a King. Jesus brings justice to you by His paying the penalty for your sins on the cross and justifying you with God. In Galatians 2:16, you are justified (declared in right standing with God) by faith in Jesus. How does Jesus bring justice to the nations?

© 2012 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.

Prayer Encouragement: "An Undefiled Generation" by SkyMom, Terrie Chevaillier

An Undefiled Generation

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

James 1:27

This past year I have had so many opportunities to see this generation of children serving.

They have passion, they have vision, and they have energy!

Moms, it is so exciting to see the generation that God is raising up right before our eyes!

Last night, my husband and I had a fun date night in Dallas.

Christi Nockels and Kristian Stanfill did a Friday Unplugged concert at a church in Dallas.

They are part of Passion Church in Atlanta, GA and are part of the praise and worship team

For the Passion Conference in Atlanta. 

Just a side note….listen to Christi’s song she recently wrote from her Glorious Album called

Waiting Here for You.

I promise, if you buy it on Itunes…you will listen to it over and over again.

It is that uplifting!!

Passion is a conference that is hosted in Atlanta every year over the New Year’s weekend where

eighteen to twenty something’s gather for worship and a cause.

I had heard this number, but last night it just made my heart sing!

Christi and Kristian shared a small thank you clip that was made in India from the 

women and children that benefited from the money raised in 2012.

During those four days of gathering in Atlanta in January 2012….eighteen year olds to twenty something’s (mostly college kids) gave over 3.5 million dollars towards helping the moms and children in India be safe and free from the sex trafficking that goes on in India starting with children as young as three years old.

3.5 million dollars given over four days for a GIANT cause.

SkyMoms….God is doing something in the hearts of our children.

Their generation LOVES what He loves.

These kids get it and they are on fire for the Lord and what is dear to Him.

I know that many things around our world today look helpless and hopeless.

Yes, it is true that many youth are going astray, but…many ARE NOT!

As SkyMoms, let’s partner with God as we seek Him as to what we can do as we shepherd and lead this generation.  They are His children and He is working in their hearts for His people and for His glory!

Let’s Pray God’s Word:

Dear Father, we thank You that You have gifted us with children to teach and train.

We are filled with humility and gratitude that You would allow us to partner with You in caring for them as they go about work in Your kingdom.

You desire pure and genuine religion.

Help us to model genuine religion to them as we as moms worship you 

and strive to let our actions match the many words we give them.

We want to model genuine religion.

Thank You that You are putting in their hearts a desire for pure and genuine religion.

Lord, help us to have a heart for orphans and widows in distress.

Guide our eyes to see those outside of our little safe circle.

And Father, as we raise our children, we come before You and thank You that 

You have the power to keep them from becoming corrupted by the world.

Amen

~Terrie Chevaillier