“Bent But Not Broken”

My husband and I opened a small, retail store selling ethnic cosmetics, cards, hosiery, figurines and a number of other items.  There was no other place in town that sold these particular types of items.  We drew up a dynamic business proposal and submitted it to the Small Business Association, after which we received a considerable loan to start the business.  We found a place downtown (the location wasn’t great, but we could not afford anything better (location is everything).  We remodeled the place, which we didn’t own but rented (mistake!).  We bought fixtures with a business credit card, and we purchased products to sell.  We had done a survey to find out if there was a demand for our products in our area, but you know how often people say one thing and then do another?  Our survey showed a good demand for our idea and our products.  We thought we had a sure thing.  We had prayed, trusted God, and basically, we had done our homework.  Some people say to give a business at least five years to become a success.  I say examine the facts.  Why endure a lot of hardship and expense?  When the cards are dealt after the shuffle, and, after you have drawn more cards, and you can’t make a good hand, then fold and fold gracefully.

I kept a diary of what went on in my life and how God saw my family and me through those hard times.  If you read my first book, remember I said that you should, “Never let them (people) see you sweat?” (Remember the Right Guard™ commercial)?  Well, now I will allow you to see a little of my perspiration.

Don’t stay away from a church, congregation or God because of previous hurts or misunderstandings.  God loves you.  Let her prove it.

To read more – get the book: “Bent But Not Broken” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

NEW!  Top 5 Google Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for June 12, 2014 – July 1, 2014 are:

   • Lakeside, FL

   • Miami, FL

   • Jeffersonville, IN

   • Jacksonville, FL

   • Southfield, MI

Ms. “V” WELCOMES ALL the new cities & states to her site.   ***Please Check The “Reaction” Box at the bottom & let us know what you think***

Give to Get to Give Again

Have you considered what the Bible phrase “…shall men GIVE unto your bosom…” from Luke 6:38 actually meant?  Recently our small group had to privilege to help someone who was in need of assistance.  Our group did not know the individuals, but we were informed and had to ask ourselves, “WWJD” (What Would Jesus Do?).

Take a look at their story here on Examiner.com, and see if you would like to be a blessing to this family.  Or maybe you know of someone else who would like to see a little bit more of what Jesus is truly like right here on this earth.

If you don’t know what a Small Group is; take a look below and find a connection where you live.  Check your local church and ask them about “Small Groups” in your area.

What Is A Small Group?

A "Small Group" {Cell Group, C.A.R.E. (Christians Are Reaching Everyone), Bible Study Group or a Home Group} are a small group of individuals that gather together to have fellowship.  These groups are normally branched out of "Mega Churches" where the Pastor cannot meet with the entire congregation, but he has appointed individuals to get to know a portion of the flock on a more intimate scale.

Small Groups (from 10 - 15 members) live in close proximity to each other and have a common relationship besides the church.Groups may include athletics, shopping, couples, young adults, cooking, dancing, coupon shoppers, motorcyclist, singles, divorced', or any other shared activity and common interest.  They allow members to connect in an atmosphere that’s perfect for intimate worship, regular fellowship, close discipleship, targeted service, and widespread evangelism.

The group is not intended to take the place of a corporate place of worship, but to enhance the church body.  Even if a person is not attending a physical church building, they may even find the comradery of the Small Group to assist them in finding a "Church Home".

Small Group members help each other in times of need. They let the church know if there is something that might need professional attention.  Small Groups stand in the gap for each other and pray for and check on each other and get closer to God.

http://icjax.com , www.victoriapoller.com

To read more – get the book: “Bent But Not Broken” by Ms. "V" (Victoria Thomas Poller)

NEW!  Top 5 Google Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for May 14, 2014 – June 2, 2014 are:

   • Orange Park, FL

   • Ocala, FL

   • Wauchula, FL

   • Redwood City, CA

   • Tempe, AZ

Ms. “V” WELCOMES ALL the new cities & states to her site.   ***Please Check The “Reaction” Box at the bottom & let us know what you think***

Accepting Christ into my life and making a change

Recently, our Pastor asked every person to write out their personal testimony about how their life had been different since they decided to change their lifestyles and follow the lifestyle of Jesus Christ. We were requested to do this in order to show others, who are interested, how we got “saved” or how we came to find Jesus Christ.

My story is simple. I grew up going to Catholic school for 12 years, so I’ve always known of Christ, but I didn’t really know Him. All the things were taught on how one should live and conduct their life; nonetheless, these things were rehearsed but not always done. After graduation, I was a woman of the world. I was in control of my life. Did what I wanted to do, stay out as late as I wanted and didn’t have to be a “good girl”.

There were times that I would have 2 or 3 boyfriends at a time and they never found out. I was promiscuous and it was on MY terms. I was in control (so I thought) and it was my way or the highway. I was having fun, yet I didn’t know that I was under the protection of God because I had relatives praying for me. My life could have ended with disease, retaliation from so-called lovers, or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time – but God…

I thought that I was happy; drinking, doing social drugs, partying, and being lavished with gifts, but I was so tired and unsatisfied. There was something missing. It wasn’t until I decided to settle down and get married that I wanted to change my life. I wanted to be a better wife and mother.

I asked my soon-to-be Grandfather-in-law about a woman in the Bible who was promiscuous and had many men in her life, none of which was her husband. I had heard the story when I attended school and Mass, but I didn’t know my Bible that well to know where it was. My Grandfather-in-law told me to read John 8. That was it. This woman had lived just like I was living. Jesus forgave this woman caught in adultery, could He also forgive me and make a change in my life? I read the scripture and knew that all my sins could be forgiven if only I would ask for forgiveness and make a change. I prayed a simple prayer and asked God to forgive me and come into my life. I wanted to be more like Jesus and I wanted to have joy in my life.

Things changed as my soon-to-be-Husband loved me and showed me that I didn’t need a bunch of men to make me happy. I’ve been living a total life with Christ and loving the same man faithfully for over 33 years. God has been faithful and I wouldn’t turn back to the life I once lived for all the tea in China; and that’s a lot of tea. Trust in a new life with Christ and be fulfilled, blessed and live long and prosperous, in Jesus name. Amen!

The Top 5 Viewer Areas to Ms. "V"s Website for Oct. 11 - 17, 2011 are:

• Beijing, China
• Cabot, Arkansas
• Antwerp, Belgium
• Redmond, Washington
  
• Mountain View, California