Clay County Church Talk

“Back To School” time means many things to parents. It means a return to schedules and routine – welcomed by many and spurned by the more free-spirited individuals. It means the sounds of children fighting with each other are pushed back to afternoons and evenings. It means hectic mornings getting everyone out the door on time. It means days of quiet or projects for those at home and less worry and guilt for those with jobs that take them out of the home. It means evenings filled with homework, sports practices and events and other extracurricular activities.

To some it means work starts up again – teachers, school bus drivers, crossing guards, etc. For those driving during the day it means lowered speed limits, extra caution while students walk to and from bus stops and schools, and less competition for parking spots at the supermarket!

But to each of us it means another year has come full circle. A remarkably cold winter quickly moved into a record-breaking summer, and as we slip into autumn the cycle begins again.

The year is more than half over. What were your New Year’s Resolutions? If you’ve not kept them, it’s not too late to try again. You don’t have to wait for January to reclaim your wishes/promises/vows. This is a great time of year to begin anew. Ditch the cigarettes – you have better things to do with your money. Pick up the phone and call Alcoholics Anonymous to begin a new season with a new, cleaner body. Force yourself to set one day aside each week to clean your house. Buckle down and form that routine that will bring you one step closer to your dream. Take advantage of your local gym’s free consultation or pick up an exercise DVD at your local thrift store and exercise at home – your heart will thank you for it.

Speaking of hearts, now is a good a time to get back into church. The longer you stay away the harder it is to return. If you don’t have a church you call home, start by visiting one near your house. Clay County has over 200 churches from which to choose! You can start by calling to see what time service starts and what they have for your kids. Go a little early to get everyone settled in. Many churches offer coffee, too! Just go in with your head held high and expect people to like you. Have self confidence! No one knows your bank balance. No one knows if you’re three months behind on your mortgage or you have your house paid off. No one knows if you are a war hero or if you just got out of prison. Only God knows and He loves you unconditionally! More importantly, He is eager for you to make new friends at church.

So make it a point this weekend to go to the church nearest you – it’s a good place to start. If you feel it isn’t a good fit for your family, keep looking. There are many churches to check out, so don’t give up.

And yes, you’re absolutely right: churches ARE full of hypocrites. That’s why those people need to be there. We are all frauds in one aspect or another. So forget that excuse and hold your chin up, straighten up your back and walk in there with confidence because you are a child of the King of Kings and He wants you to have a big-kid play date with His other kids – at church!

Hebrews 10:25 – “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

www.kellystigliano.com

This is the city. Orange Park, Florida. It’s a city that attracts people looking for sunshine. I work here. I carry a Bible.

(The stories you are about to read are true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.)

This is a tale of a Dragnet; coordinating measures to apprehend those fleeing from God. Dios’ Dragnet, if you will.

It was a Sunday in July. It was sunny in Orange Park. We were working the day watch out of Robbery Division. The Boss is God Almighty. My partner is Bill Gannon. My name’s Friday; Joe Friday. I’m a preacher. We were tracking modern day Heros.

All we know are the facts, ma’am. These people aren’t average church attendees. They have loyalty, heart, purpose, desire, faith, determination, sacrifice and the will to win. They are History Makers, and Satan is trying to rob their success by throwing things at them. Things like discouragement; feeling disqualified; disbelief. Want to learn more? Show up at your church this weekend. Saturday night or Sunday morning. Just show up. You won’t be sorry.

We were working the day watch out of Juvenile Division. Juvenile Division is the ear of society, tuned to the cries of children. It’s a selective ear. There are many voices; many cries. Some are normal. Some shout want. Clay County teachers were handing out supply lists for the new school year. Some families were torn because their budgets couldn’t stretch one more dime. Not one more. That’s when I came in. I work here. I carry a Bible. I asked a teacher how the people could help. "All we want are the facts, ma'am." She nodded. “People should give what they can to help these students start their year off right. School supplies are being collected by churches and ministries all over the county. You need to call them to get the details.”

We were working the night watch out of Church Headquarters. It was almost 8:00. It had been a long day. My partner began to complain of eye strain. “You need to go home,” I said. “It’s almost 8:00.” “I’m going to my church's home fellowship group,” he said. “What’s that?” “Well, you see, it’s-” “Just give it to me straight Bill; just facts.” “Friends encouraging friends, that’s what it is! The idea is to be honest, let your hair down, get to know one another. One guy told about his prior drug use and how God helped him.” “You mean this guy copped out to that in front of everyone?” “Yeah. That’s the idea. Friends encouraging friends. You really should go, Joe.” I said I would give it a try.

We were working the day watch out of Property Division. Ministries were working in the community mowing lawns, relocating churches that were moving into new facilities. They needed help then. They’d need help later. I was sure we could round people up and was told to roll on the call. “Hey hotshot! You look strong. You pump iron. Can you move a chair? Can you lift a box? Can you push a lawn mower? How about bringing that gun show to your local church?” 7:07PM, division pastors took over the moving and mowing scene.

We were working the day watch out of Juvenile Division. Orange Park kids are good. Sometimes they get off the path and when they do, I go to work. I carry a Bible. If only all the kids had the love and guidance offered at Clay County churches. There would be a lot less disrespect, lack of patriotism, less trouble in general.

The phone rang. “Juvenile. Friday. Yes ma’am. I understand. Thank you.” There was a drop in juvenile delinquency. It was traced back to Clay County Church Youth Groups. They have pastors that care. Their meetings are active. There is praise. There is prayer. There is the Holy Spirit. Hearts are touched. Hearts are changed. It makes our jobs easier. That makes it easier to sleep at night, and as the young people say, “that’s groovy”.

We were working the day watch out of Church Headquarters. A man came in. He was distraught. He asked for prayer. I knew my team would help him; pray for him. That’s what we do. We get the facts and we pray. We’re Christians. We care.

(The story you have just read is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent.)

In July and August church was held everywhere, for the city of Orange Park, county of Clay. In a moment, the results of those services.



The suspects were found guilty of sin, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23) Violations of verse 11, chapter 1 of 3rd John in the Holy Bible (3 John 1:11) is punishable by spiritual death, unless forgiveness is requested and a repentant life is adopted. Suspects sited Acts 2:21 and received eternal life with the Boss, God Almighty. Our mission was complete. We will rest easy tonight.

www.kellystigliano.com

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." A portion of the Declaration of Independence, drafted July 4, 1776.

When you take a look back in time, you will see people who have changed history as we know it. Let me share some interesting facts with you during this month of our country’s celebration of independence!

Founding Fathers Thomas Jefferson and former political rival, John Adams became close friends. Jefferson died on July 4th, 1826, the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. John Adams died on the same day.
Have you found your best friend yet? Perhaps he/she is at church! Find a church that suits you and get involved; new friends are just around the corner!

Our Founding Fathers were Christians, motivated by God and His Word, the Bible. In the gospels Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Plug into a benevolent organization or church and make a difference – shine your light!

Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton once said, "I never expect to see a perfect work from imperfect man."
We are all just ordinary, imperfect people. Let's work together and make American history! Find a worthy cause and donate your time today!

The Franklin Public Library in Massachusetts claims to be the oldest library in America. The town, named after Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, requested he donate a bell. He said that "sense" was better than "sound" and donated books. Residents voted to allow everyone to borrow them free of charge, thus making the Franklin collection the first public library. The original volumes are still in the library's reading gallery.
Go to your local public library and take advantage of the freebies offered to you!

Many places advertise that "George Washington Slept Here". Interestingly enough, although he chose the location for, and laid the cornerstone of the White House, he never lived (or slept) there!
There are many places to explore that have historical significance. Plan a road trip today!

Presidential firsts: James Monroe was the first president to ride a steamboat; Andrew Jackson the first to ride in a train. James K. Polk was the first to have his inauguration reported by telegraph. Benjamin Harrison was the first to use electricity in the White House. William McKinley was the first to ride in an automobile AND to campaign by telephone. Warren G. Harding was the first to own and speak over a radio. Harry S. Truman was the first to travel underwater in a submarine AND to give a speech on television. The Carter administration began the task of automating the White House with computers. George Bush was the first to use e-mail. The Clinton administration developed the first White House website. Barack Obama is the first president to use an Apple MAC!

"A desire to be observed, considered, esteemed, praised, beloved, and admired by his fellows is one of the earliest as well as the keenest dispositions discovered in the heart of man." - Founding Father, John Adams
That is a great reminder about how to treat the children in our lives!

Founding Father Samuel Adams said, "He who is void of virtuous attachments in private life is, or very soon will be, void of all regard for his country. There is seldom an instance of a man guilty of betraying his country, who had not before lost the feeling of moral obligations in his private connections."
And that’s a great reminder about being a good example to the people in our lives.

The first President of the United States was known as a praying man. President George Washington was asked by congress to write the first official National Thanksgiving Proclamation on October 3, 1789. It began with, "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor . . . ." To read the rest of the historical document that encourages Americans to pray, go to http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/thanksgiving/transcript.html.
Are you praying for our government leaders? Why not make it a daily practice to ask God to influence the decisions our leaders make and to bless those decisions?

www.kellystigliano.com

It’s Father’s Day! “Good job” to all the men who have stepped up to their God-ordained plates as heads of their households. It’s easy to be a father but it takes someone special to be a Dad! Thank you for being there to help nurture, guide, discipline and love your offspring! You are extraordinary!

This is usually the time when I wish all the single mothers a happy day, too recognizing that they wear the hats of both parents throughout the week. I’d like to extend that sentiment again this year. There are many reasons a woman is a single mom and you ladies are super women; we all admire you!

I’d like to add something else this year. To all the single fathers who have to bear the physical ache in their chests when they bring their kids back to a home they no longer share; to the single fathers who wear both hats throughout the week due to any number of circumstances including the death of their beloved, divorce, deployment or choice – Happy Father’s Day, you amazing person you!

Remember always that God is our strength in times of trouble and our joy in times of gladness.

I want to share a sweet memory I have from the days when I was a single parent. It’s called “A Father’s Day Memory” and has been published a couple of times elsewhere. Thanks for reading:

As a single mom I pulled together my pennies to buy the ingredients for a nice meal for my parents on Father’s Day. Always watching, my three and four year olds took note of this act of honoring my Dad on his special day. The next morning I was awakened by the most cherished sight.

These two precious preschoolers brought breakfast to me in my bed. Because we had very little food in the house, they improvised with what they could find. On a carefully balanced tray, they brought me what turned out to be a feast for my soul.

They had found a hot dog bun in the back of the refrigerator. First they split and covered it with peanut butter, and then they put it into the toaster! (God obviously had His hand on them!)

So my breakfast in bed was a little glass of water and two melty peanut butter toasts. They proudly presented it to me proclaiming, “Mommy, you’re the best Daddy we’ve ever had! Happy Father’s Day!” They cuddled with me and we all shared my breakfast.

That is one of the most extraordinary gifts I’ve ever received. I gladly went to work a little late that day, with a huge smile on my face.

www.kellystigliano.com

If you've read the previous post, you've learned about my sad realization of my very own favorite sword being used against me. The power of words and the way they are strung together can uplift, encourage, and bring life. They can also tear down, trick, and wound. I learned the hard way the difference between a hotel's advertised rooms as "oceanview" vs "oceanfront". My own fault, I know. Still, I felt deceived.

My faith in humankind was restored! After telling Best Western about my disappointing birthday gift of what I thought was a lovely room facing the Atlantic Ocean, the manager of the Castillo Del Sol in Ormond Beach saw fit to make it right. My hubby and I have just returned from a mini-vacation which included a free night in an oceanFRONT efficiency at that hotel! It was wonderful and even more enjoyable because it was complimentary.

So does the squeeky wheel get the oil? I don't really think that's the lesson here. I was polite, honest and not overly scarcastic in my communication with Best Western. I think that the manager just genuinely wanted to make it right.

We bundled our mini-vacay with a free trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom. "Free?" you say? Yes. Remember Disney offered a free day in return for volunteering somewhere? We felt good working up a sweat one day at the Habitat for Humanity Restore on Blanding Blvd. in Middleburg. Disney was encouraging people to get involved and help others. Maybe the motivation was selfish, but it still got people out there helping others!

I Corinthians 12:28 talks about the various gifts of the spirit. "Helping others" is mentioned. I Peter 4:10 says, "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." So whether people brought food to food pantries, read to children, helped to build houses or sorted donated items, we were all doing what we could to help.

Trying to find the good in others; encouraging others to do good regardless of the reason; rewarding people for their efforts; making right a perceived injustice - this all restores my faith in humankind. Just when I think everyone stinks and is trying to "get theirs", God intervenes and helps me see the good in His creation. Thank You, God!

www.kellystigliano.com