BBtJ.Org August / September 2006 News Letter

Dear Friends of BBtJ,

Time is passing too quickly. The Portulaca we planted has finally started blooming as you can see by the picture. Just in time for autumn. We're already getting a crispness to the morning air (before it turns "hot") and the fall flora and fauna are in evidence.

We've had an interesting summer with ups and downs. Virginia just had unexpected dental work which isn't covered by our insurance in this calendar year. We enjoyed several brief trips to visit friends as well as working stints at Breitenbush Hot Springs. No matter where we go, we always are ready to share our faith. We were able to pick blackberries and plums on the west side of the Cascades. We aren't really as fat as the picture makes us look

Virginia is in the final weeks before going on a speaking tour for Stonecroft Ministries, speaking to four groups in Central and western Washington. Mark won't be going with her so we pray for safety, energy and wellness while traveling.

When we began Bring Back the Joy, we defined it as a web-based encouragement ministry. We believe the web is a tool by which to reach young people or shut-ins who might never darken the door of a church building, either through fear or aversion but who use the computer. We've been neglecting our website. Therefore we wish to focus more on it and slow down in other areas. We intend to revamp and begin publishing our newsletter quarterly with the notification sent to your email address as usual, while postal subscribers get the printed copy. If you have questions or comments, we're always happy to hear from you by mail or email, see coupon on next page for our addresses.

We'd like to remind you that when new files are added to VirginiasViews and Reviews sections of our website, they are now at the top of the index until replaced by other new ones. As always, you can read more about our daily activities by going to Virginia's Journal at http://www.bbtj.org/journals/vj2006Q3.html.

We wish you well as summer turns into autumn.

Love to all our Brothers and Sisters,

Mark & Virginia Lane Bolzern

Mailing Policy: Unless a printed newsletter is requested, we send email notifications with web link to our online letter. To change your address or discontinue your subscription, please email to the address in the coupon below.

Hyperlinks: All bold underlined text in this newsletter are web based hyperlinks to more info.

Comments about Books from Virginia

I've been enjoying reading this summer both by surfing the web and printed copy.

Part of what I've read is the history of Israel, especially pertaining to the persecution of Christians and the Fall of Jerusalem in 70AD. It also has been interesting to read reasonings for the pros and cons on the existence of Jesus. I have to say that after reading a couple of negative books including Laughing Jesus, I especially enjoyed The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel and More than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell.

I am currently reading Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why by Bart D. Ehrman and The Isaiah Effect by Gregg Braden.

You may ask why I've been reading these things? It has been said that one only needs to know what oneself believes. That sounds good. However, in reality, one meets and talks with people of all beliefs and educational levels. Some are really good at stating what they believe with logic and even factual evidence. If one never studies other thinking, then one isn't armed with anything that could contradict that thinking. Of course, one should be wary so one isn't taken in by false teachings. Therefore, be diligent in studying the Bible, knowing what God says is true and having a father-child relationship with our Creator.”

For fun, in addition to the usual mysteries I love to read, I've been reading the Left Behind >The Kids< series. I like them because the stories are simpler and the characters are youthful and believable as well as sharing their particular end time beliefs.

Feedback from our Readers

Sue B: Enjoyed your newsletter & update. Seems everywhere I turn lately, folks are talking about "church outside the box". I think there's a revolution going on! Have you read George Barna's new book, "Revolution"? It's exactly about that trend.

Revolution is an easy to read book of only 144 pages discussing this trend in the "expression of faith." My review can be read at http://www.bbtj.org/reviews/revolution.html.

Lynn T: Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that my book is out and available in just about any secular bookstore, and maybe even a Christian one here or there. It's called, "He Wrote That When..." by Lynn Tyce. The ISBN is 0-849919-23-1. It is the Psalms that David wrote, set in the context of 1 and 2 Samuel.

Maureen P: How nice to receive your (April/May) newsletter. I always enjoy them. Loved the photo of you skiing! It looked really fabulous. It looked as though you were having fun.

Mt Bachelor has already gotten the first snowflakes of the year. Skiing may open by Thanksgiving.

Linda W: Your web page is awesome too... I have been checking your main page and a few other things when I have the time... and letting people know about it... I'm sure they have all been blessed by it too.

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