Atlanta Christian Family by David Sparks

Publisher: David Sparks, dsparksacf@aol.com Contributing Writers: Judy Woodward Bates John Croyle Barbara Eubanks Darrel Holcombe Zack Hudson Terry Schrimscher Sara Nicole Sparks Tim St. John Ken Summerlin

Our Mission

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Atlanta Christian Family ® exists to provide Christians and the community at large with ways to grow and develop spiritually. The local publication is designed to promote positive living by sharing with readers the latest news on entertainment, healthy living, parenting and inspirational literature as well as what individuals and organizations are doing to try to address the needs of the family.

Art Direction: Terry Schrimscher, Schrimscher Media & Marketing, LLC Cover Photo: Courtesy of Hobby Lobby Sales: Beth Gerhardt Distribution: David Sparks Atlanta Christian Family is published monthly by Atlanta Christian Family, Inc., 19079 US Hwy 231, Pell City, AL 35125. The phone number is 205-884-8187. The web site is www.atlantachristianfamily.com. Reproduction of any part of Atlanta Christian Family without permission of the publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Atlanta Christian Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by Atlanta Christian Family staff to insure accuracy of the publication contents. However, we do not guarantee the accuracy of all information nor the absence of errors and omissions; hence, no respo sibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2010 by Atlanta Christian Family, Inc. Unless otherwise noted, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Circulation & Distribution: Atlanta Christian Family is free and available at targeted, high-traffic locations throughout the Atlanta area. Copies are also available by subscription, $29 for one year. POSTMASTER: POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Atlanta Christian Family, 19079 US Hwy 231, Pell City, AL 35125.

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Contents Volume 5, Number 6

February 2009 6 Bringing Out the Winner Be of Good Cheer 7 Are We There Yet? Mountain Getaways 10 Best Books Victory in Adversity

24 Hours That Changed the World

11 Music Notes TobyMac’s Tonight Album 12 Bargainomics

Hobby Lobby’s CEO Builds Business on Principles.

On The Cover 8

Hobby Lobby’s David Green

Mountain Getaways

11 Toby Mac TONIGHT

Features 13 Humor in Holy Places The Heart of the Matter 14 Advertisers

14 Classifieds

Hobby Lobby’s David Green

13 Biblical Conflict Resolution

Next Issue CASTING CROWNS EASTER EVENTS & MUCH MORE!

10 February 2010 5

BRINGING OUT THE WINNER IN YOUR CHILD John Croyle Executive Director Big Oak Ranch, Author of Bringing Out the Winner in Your Child

Be of Good Cheer Those of us who receive e-mails, spam, pop-ups, etc. sometimes wish we didn’t receive so much garbage on our computer screens. However, sometimes something priceless comes along. We receive a story, hopefully true, that we can use in our everyday lives to make us better. It’s kind of like finding a nugget of gold in a big pile of garbage. One such nugget of gold recently came to my attention. It was from one of those “life planner” guys you see on television or hear on the radio who have the perfect answer for every problem, or so they think. This one quote, I believe, encapsulates our job as parents. “I have learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends on our disposition and not on our circumstances.” The lady who made this statement was Martha Washington. Notice how she worded what she learned from experience. Every day is a life experience. You can choose to be happy or miserable. Yes, at times situations and circumstances dictate our mood, but most of the time you and I can be in control of our disposition regardless of circumstances, other people or problems we face on a daily basis. Our disposition as the matriarch or patriarch of our home tremendously influences our children. I’m not talking about being Tigger from Winnie the Pooh, or Pollyanna. But you and I choose every day whether we are going to let someone steal our “happy.” Daily I meet people who want to steal my “happy” and ruin my day. God said, “…be of good cheer”, “be filled with joy” and “…the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” He instructed us to dwell on these things. What are you dwelling on today? If you have a problem, deal with it. Don’t let it destroy you. Yes, there is an adversary out there who wants to kill, steal and destroy. God says, “Trust me.” I prefer to choose the latter. May we all seek to be obedient children and trust our Heavenly Father, especially when we don’t have the answer to all the problems we deal with as parents. “Trust Him.” He has the best advice and way of life we can experience.

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Mountain Getaways his month’s, “Are We There Yet?” is a place full of rest, peaceful feelings, good shopping, and just all around warmth...Mentone, AL. Just a short drive from Georgia, Tennessee and many parts of Alabama, like Birmingham and Gadsden, Mentone is sure to bring rest for the soul and a little something for the entire family. You have a wide array of where to stay and what to do. Cozy bed & breakfasts, Inns, romantic cabins, family-sized chalets, RV parks and campgrounds. Our choice was a romantic getaway for two with Mentone Cabins. Cupid’s Crest, our 100 year old cabin, was located on the brow side and offered spectacular views all around. Inside was more than welcoming with the heat already warming things up and smooth jazz playing in the background, setting the stage for much needed rest. There are many sizes, price ranges, and locations around the area to choose from. Our cabin was fully equipped with everything you could need for the weekend, except food and clothes. There were many other extras also, such as a hot tub, swing, stainless steel appliances, fireplace, and even monogrammed bath towels. The effort they took to prepare a place for you to reconnect with God, your family and yourself is unparallel. Plan your stay now at www.MentoneCabins.com.

Once you have decided on your place of rest and have arrived for your vacation, you will want to check out downtown Mentone! So many incredible places to shop for treasures. We got a handmade wooden Christmas tree made from a local artist out of the wood from the area that was strung with lights. It adorns our sitting porch and brings us much delight each day as we enter our home. Find ones like it and other great gift ideas at The Gourdie Shop. Check them out at www.Gourdies.com. Our favorite pottery place was Miracle Pottery. The story of Ms. Valinda Miracle is sure to warm your heart as you find a handmade treasure to take home. You can check out their website at www.MiraclePottery.com. Be sure to stay a while and maybe you can catch a glimpse of this brilliant artist at work creating one of

her many pieces. Also, if there is glaze you love but they don’t have a piece in that glaze, don’t worry, they can custom order and ship it to you! When it’s time to eat, you have quite a few options. The Mentone Springs Hotel takes it up a notch and serves custom made entrees prepared by a chef with a decent price tag. The smells inside were divine and the atmosphere very inviting. The Wildflower Cafe & Country Store serves a mostly organic menu, has a shop, and had live music to set the stage for more relaxing. It was our favorite choice. They were featured in Southern Living’s October 2009 issue. I enjoyed the Brunch Sampler and it was a delight for my taste buds with every bite! Be sure to stop by the Tourist Information Center and grab a coffee to take on your scenic mountain ride. The rest of our stay was spent taking in God’s creation. We visited DeSoto Falls and DeSoto State Park and enjoyed learning about the local history. If you are an outdoors person, DeSoto State Park is for you. There are bike trails, hiking, canoeing and so much more. Plan out your adventure at www.alaparks.com/desotoresort. Across the mountain is a natural wonder, Little River Canyon. You can go to one side of the canyon and walk down to the falls, or you can stay in your car and take the scenic drive on the other side of the canyon. There are plenty of places to pull off for photo ops or to take a hike down. You can also stay alongside the Canyon if you prefer the water view and ease of putting your kayak or canoe in from your door. Outside of the natural surroundings, you can visit the Hall of Fame for the country band, Alabama, as well as some of the members’ places of residence. No matter what the taste, Mentone has something for everyone. The best part is the short drive for a quick getaway. The prices are reasonable and there are many options of where to stay for all different preferences. Be sure to take the time to fall for Mentone and get some rest for your soul! — Sara Nicole Sparks

February 2010 7

The BIG Picture: Hobby Lobby’s

David Green “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:18 “People kid me about my tendency to repeat the phrase ‘The Big Picture’ all the time – well, it’s important” says David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby. “God gives each of us certain gifts or talents. I think one particular talent God gave me was to see the bigger picture, to grasp how it all comes together.” Green knows “The Big Picture.” He’s seen it. And not just in his marketing and management genius with Hobby Lobby. It’s an eternal picture. While family, both ownership and employee levels, are important infrastructures; according to Green, “Our ultimate goal with Hobby Lobby is not internally focused but external. God’s Word and man’s soul are the only two things that are eternal. Family is important; but what have we done that will last 500 – 1,000 years?”

In Obedience to His Command “For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 David Green is a PK – a “Preacher’s Kid.” His father was the pastor of a small church in Altus, Oklahoma. Green began working in retail at McClellan’s five-and-dime while taking distributive education classes at Altus High School.

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Following active duty in the Air Force Reserve, he returned to his job at McClellan’s. At the age of nineteen he married his wife, Barbara, and a year later took a job with TG&Y spending several more years in management. During this time he borrowed $600, bought a frame chopper, and he and Barbara began making miniature picture frames on their kitchen table for wholesaling. The successful growth of this endeavor into the multi-state, multi-store Hobby Lobby of today is well documented in Green’s book, More Than a Hobby. In obedience to God, Green founded his business on Christian principles and values – not compromising these principles for the sake of an adding machine tape whether it prints red ink or black.

Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 When asked whether he’s ever felt God calling him into some form of ministry or mission Green answered, “God just opened a door. I don’t know that I felt as strongly about it when I first started, but as time has gone by and God has continued to open up doors – in our spirit, my wife and I feel reaffirmed that we’re exactly where God wants us at this time. When you’re borrowing $600 you don’t feel as strongly about it as you do when

you’re doing 2 billion dollars in sales. I’ve just seen God work over all these years in our business so I feel very strong that we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be. But that doesn’t mean we don’t teach Sunday school and have other jobs in our church. We go on mission trips too. But our primary mission field is Hobby Lobby.”

A Legacy Passed Down “If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” John 7:17 Although Green’s mother passed away in 1975 and his father in 1995, both were major Christian role models and influences on the ethics and values he employs today. As Green states, “My father and mother had tremendous integrity and obviously that affected me. Telling people about Christ was very important to them and that’s what we com-

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mit ourselves to here at Hobby Lobby. So, I’m sure they would be very pleased.” This philosophy is part of his commitment to tell people that Hobby Lobby isn’t a secular business. While scanning the newspaper one Christmas morning in the mid 1990s, Green noticed there wasn’t a single mention of the birth of Jesus; however, there were several “Seasons Greetings” and “Happy Holidays.” Now, each Christmas, Easter and Independence Day, Hobby Lobby places a full-page newspaper ad with a message of the real meaning of the holidays in every city where one of their stores is located.

remarkable staying power of Hobby Lobby one would ascertain that Green’s Biblical formula for success IS God’s will.

God and Family First

So, how does a major retail company like Hobby Lobby stand firm on its values and beliefs without compromising in a desperate world? Green adds, “It’s not always about money – it’s principles. God will bless us if we continue to run our business on Christian principles. Our Heavenly Father is pleased when we don’t compromise our faith and principles in times of desperation.”

“It is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” 1 Peter 3:17 The Green family consists of David and Barbara, their two sons, Mart and Steven, daughter Darsee and ten grandchildren. A commitment to spend more time with his family when his kids were younger led Green to the critical decision of closing each store at 8 p.m. when other retailers closed at 9 p.m. An even bolder move was the decision to close all stores on Sunday. When asked whether he had regrets in making the decision to close on Sunday, Green replied, “We’re doing very well with our six-day work week. And even if we weren’t doing well we think closing on Sunday is what we should do. We put a sign in every door reminding people that we’re closed on Sunday so the families have time to be together or worship if they choose. Although there are potentially more sales per hour on Sunday than any other day of the week, we believe we should try to do things the way God would have us do it and there’s a blessing that you can’t really put down on paper. So we have a strong belief in trying to do things right and we’ll be blessed for it in return.” Who would argue that statement? With the

tithed 10 percent of our personal income and tried to do the same in our business. Now, we try to give half our profits each year to ministries.”

We Won’t Water Down Our Faith “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:14 In any business there are risks. There are times in each of our lives, whether business or personal, we sometimes doubt God’s guidance and wonder if He will provide when things aren’t going as planned.

Firstfruits and Tithes “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38 There’s little doubt Hobby Lobby has been blessed under the leadership of David Green. From its inception on Aug. 4, 1972 in 300 square feet of retail space in North Oklahoma City to over 430 stores in 34 states, Hobby Lobby is America’s home and craft superstore. As you might imagine, beginning with $600 of borrowed cash to 2 billion dollars in revenue is hard to comprehend. But the Biblical instructions for tithing that Green witnessed when his parents lived out these scriptural commands did not skip a generation with him. Although his father was pastor of a small church, with smaller tithes and the proportionally smaller salary you’d expect, it never stopped his parents from tithing. When the church would hold a “pounding” by giving vegetables, fruit, canned or dry goods by the pound, his parents would calculate the cost of each item and place a monetary tithe of 10 percent in the offering plate on Sunday. As the saying goes, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” and Green reinforces it by saying, “We’ve always

Advancing the Kingdom “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 Hard work and obedient stewardship has paid dividends for Green and Hobby Lobby. As expected, he is deluged with contribution requests from around the world. But hold the phone if you’re reading this. He has a system and a logical theory behind it, as he explains, “We get hundreds of inquires each month from people wanting us to contribute to various causes and charities. We could give a small portion to each one or give a larger portion to a few who in turn would be able to help a greater number of people. Three of our largest beneficiaries are Book of Hope, Every Home for Christ and Oral Roberts University.” If you research any or all three of these organizations you’ll see the impact they have on reaching the lost for Christ to millions all over the world as, well as making evangelical disciples of young people to carry out the Great Commission as commanded by Jesus to each one of us in Matthew 28: 19-20.

More Than a Hobby “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:10 The business goal of Hobby Lobby for the next five to 10 years is continued growth by opening 25 – 30 new stores each year. With this trend, Green wants to see more expansion in the northeast. One reason to assume these goals are attainable is past results. Another is faith when he says, “We grow as we’re obedient.” And what about David Green’s spiritual goals for the next five to 10 years? Listen close to his words: “We want to tell people about Christ – to be a witness for Christ.” And that, my friends, is much more than a hobby. — Tim St. John

February 2010 9

BEST Books Victory in Adversity Atlanta Writer Details How He Found Faith Through Recovery Samuel Cox first came to The Bridge in Gadsden, Ala. with a story similar to many other young men and women. His life had spiraled out of control at a young age and he had lost hope — succumbing to a life of alcohol, promiscuity, and drug addiction. In his book, Victory in Adversity, Cox writes of experiencing his first taste of alcohol before the age of 10. While this may sound surprising to many, it is becoming all too common. According to the 2009 Pride Survey of Schools, 7.5% of students in the United States under the age of 10 have had their first beer. This gateway swings wider with age. The survey shows that 12% of 6th grade students drink alcohol and that number increases to 40% by the 12th grade. Samuel Cox writes openly and honestly about his descent into addiction which progressed into dealing drugs before his arrest. In the chapter entitled “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, Cox describes his bus ride to The Bridge, the uncertainty he felt along the way, and the peace he experienced in his stay. “The Bridge program was the most positive environment I had ever been in,” he says, and “it was in the Bridge program that I first really started learning about God.”

24 Hours That Changed the World The death of Jesus constitutes one of the most mysterious and shocking events in history. Two thousand years after that dark day, we are still grappling with its horror and hope. Just when we think we’ve made sense of it, as soon as we’ve developed a sound system of theology around it, we discover afresh the complexity of Christ’s death. To tweak the words of Flannery O’Conner, Jesus’ death still throws everything off balance. In 24 Hours That Changed the World (Abingdon Press), Adam Hamilton moves through the events of Jesus’ last day. The Last Supper, Gethsemane, the betrayal, the arrest, the trials and the suffering on the cross are examined not just in historical detail but with theological analysis. Knowing the story, however, is not enough. Hamilton wants us to think about what the story means to us. There is a Judas and John within all of us. How will we respond to this Galilean who offers His life as a ransom for many? Having affirmed that Jesus changed the world, are we prepared to let Jesus change us? In the days leading to Easter, reading 24 Hours That Changed the World will have a centering effect on those of us who have built our spiritual lives around the hope we find in the story of Jesus. He came. He taught. He died. Then God raised Him from the dead. This is our defining narrative. This is the gospel of Jesus. — Darrel Holcombe

As someone once said, “you learn more from your trials than you ever will from your triumphs.” In the book, Samuel Cox writes about his recovery, relapse, and return to sobriety. Today, he is a business owner in Atlanta and he leads a ministry speaking to men in prison. He is an active member of World Changers Church International whose pastor, Creflo Dollar, recommends the book as “life changing.” A bridge is a means of crossing over an obstacle between you and your destination. The Bridge got its name because it helps people cross over the obstacle of addiction into a life of sobriety. As the author notes, “a bridge cannot lead you anywhere without a decision to cross over.” As he puts it, “every person has to be willing to take that step.”

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If you are interested in reading Victory in Adversity, you can contact the author and purchase a copy at www.dominionproject.com. If you, or a loved one, struggle with addiction, you can visit The Bridge web site at www.bridgeinc.org. — Terry Schrimscher

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Music Notes TobyMac’s Tonight Album Here is a recipe for TobyMac’s newest album: club music + rock + pop + hip hop + a dash of Latin = Tonight. That’s a great formula but it could also make for a potentially chaotic record. I thought this the first time I listened to the album. I’m a musician and assumed that there had to be some type of pattern and order, and there is! The album is actually laid out in a very clever way, and the best way to describe it is to set it into a play format.

ACT 1, Scene 1 The first three songs on Tonight definitely have a club/dance influence to them. I immediately thought that these would be great songs to play while working out. The first song is the title track for the album. “Tonight” begins with a catchy beat that gets you ready to enjoy the whole project. “Funky Jesus Music” concludes this part of the CD perfectly – with funky Jesus music.

Interlude “City on Our Knees” is the fourth track and a song that has been receiving a lot of airplay on Christian radio. It definitely sets a different pace from the first three songs, but it’s still great.

TobyMac’s Tonight is a great album that definitely takes you on a journey. This CD should satisfy all his old fans as well as bring in some new listeners. And be sure to see TobyMac in concert at the upcoming East Alabama West Georgia Will Graham Celebration at Beard-Eaves-Memorial Coliseum in Auburn on Sunday, March 28. — Zack Hudson, LifeWay Christian Stores

Scene 2 This is the rock “scene.” There is a heavier feel on “Showstopper” and the dance beats are completely gone by this point. The next song throws in a little hip-hop flare for good measure but still keeps an overall rock style.

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Scene 3 “Hold On” is another pop song that is also making the rounds on Christian radio.

Intermission The interlude is what has become a tradition on TobyMac’s albums. Toby’s son Judah shows up with his freestyle rap song.

ACT 2, Scene 1 The scenes in Act Two start changing quickly as the project gets ready to close out. Starting out the last part of the CD is “Hey Devil.” Is it possible for TobyMac to sound like Billy Idol? Why yes, if this song is any indication.

Scene 2 The next two songs revert to pop. “Wonderin” is another song you will surely hear on the radio. “Captured” blends pop with a bit of hip-hop and is another great track.

Scene 3 Here we are at the last “scene” of the album. “Start Somewhere” is followed by “Break Open the Sky,” which features a relaxed, reggae type of sound and is a perfect ending song.

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We Welcome Your Submissions! Button It! Before any new item that has buttons is worn, dot a small amount of fast-drying clear nail polish onto the threads on the back of the fabric where each button is sewn on. This will help keep the threads from pulling loose, so you're less likely to ever lose a button.

Snack Knack Don’t train your kids to expect drive-thru goodies every time they climb in the car. Stock a container with nonperishable snacks, juice boxes and paper towels and keep it in your vehicle.

Deductive Reasoning Which do you need more – the latest model car or an extra $5,000? Every year you drive your paid-for vehicle means an average of $5,000 in savings as opposed to making car payments. Also, if your vehicle has quite a few years on it, consider switching your insurance coverage to liability only, which could save you even more. If full coverage is a must, find out how much money you could save by switching to a higher deductible.

Unlimited Cell Service for $50/month Whether or not you spend a lot of time on your cell phone, you might want to look into Boost Mobile (www.BoostMobile.com). Their Web site shows their areas of coverage and they offer some impressively low rates for service. They offer “pay-as-you-go” talking and texting service for 10 cents a minute. Unlimited calling, texting, web access and more is $50 a month with no contract, no roaming charges and no hidden fees of any kind. For $60 a month, you get all the unlimited services including e-mail.

Free or Low-Cost Financial Counseling If you’re struggling with your finances, you may qualify for free or very inexpensive financial counseling through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.NFCC.org). The NFCC is a non-profit network with more than 800 locations that offer financial counseling in person, online, by e-mail and phone. You can contact them via their Web site or by phone at (800) 388-2227.

Parting Words “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning…” (Luke 12:35, NIV). Many Christians confuse readiness and busyness. They take on every job that they're asked to do and find themselves overwhelmed, overworked and severely under-joyful! Are you one that would fit into that description? Don’t commit to any position within or outside your church without seeking the Lord’s guidance. I’ll be back next month with more money-conscious tips.

— Judy Woodward Bates, “The Bargainomics Lady” Columnist Judy Woodward Bates is an author, speaker and TV personality. To schedule an appearance, learn more money-saving tips or order her new book, visit www.Bargainomics.com.

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Faith At Work

Send us an example of Christian love at work in our community (400 words or less).

Photos welcome.

Music Notes

Send us a story about your favorite local singer/songwriter with an inspiring faith story. (400 words or less).

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Potluck

Share your favorite recipes! Published a cookbook? Let us feature it on our Potluck page!

Cool Stuff With a Mighty Message

Send us an idea of an inspirational gift or product. (400 words or less).

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Eating Out Do you have a favorite local restaurant you would like to see featured? What about a restaurant owner who actively lives out his/her faith?

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Humor in HOLY Places The Heart of the Matter Heart-shaped boxes of candies line the store shelves this time of year. Don’t you love the little candy hearts kids pass around at school which have messages on them? “Be my Valentine,” “Love ya,” “Be Mine,” - these sentiments and many more are passed along in different ways in February. The heart simply represents love. My cousin Willard was one of the first in Alabama to receive a heart transplant. While waiting on it, the doctors implanted another heart, piggyback style, to his to keep him alive until a match was found for his. Finally the day came for his new heart. A few days later, my mom and dad drove to Birmingham to see him. His childhood nickname was Wicky. Standing by his bed, my parents offered what encouragement they could. As they started to leave, my Mom, who was known for foot-in-mouth disease, said, “Now Wicky, don’t lose heart. My dad, who never missed an opportunity to joke said, I don’t guess he will, Willie. He’s already had three.” Even Willard got a chuckle from that exchange. Another person who couldn’t seem to get his words right told my husband one day, “Steve, the doctor says I’ve got digestive heart failure.” Actually, that’s probably a malady of many – indigestion. Perhaps the greatest “heart” fax paus I’ve ever heard was committed by a lady in a church my husband pastored. At a Wednesday night prayer service, she stood and requested prayer for a friend. “Bro. Steve, I have a dear friend who is to have a “heart castration” tomorrow.” I had difficulty stifling my laughter.

A young deacon sitting next to me gave me a nudge and said, “Boy, I bet that would hurt.” It was over then; the laughs came from all around. Dr. Jaroy Webber, while pastoring Dauphin Way Baptist in Mobile, received a phone call from his doctor son. “Dad, I just helped with the first heart transplant in the US.” “That’s awesome son.” Dr.Webber listened to his ecstatic son for a good while and shared in his joy and accomplishments. Finally he told him, “Son, when you can take a heart out and cleanse it of all sin, call me back - collect.” The bible has much to say about both the heart and about love. Deuteronomy 6:5 speaks of both: Love the Lord your God with all you heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Jesus expounded on this and added in Matthew 19:19, — and love your neighbor as yourself. Most of us find that one hard to do. As our thought dwell on love and heart during this season, may we pray with the Psalmist, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Psalms 51:10. Only when we sincerely pray this and get our relationship with the Father right, can we truly love others in the purest and deepest sense. Contact Barbara Eubanks today to schedule her for your next church or civic event. She brings a mixture of humor and inspiration to audiences everywhere. Email – Barbara@BarbaraEubanks.com Website www.barbaraeubanks.com

Special Feature Biblical Conflict Resolution Truth be told, most of us don’t like conflict. I know that I don’t. I respect those people who will face a problem head-on and deal with it, but frankly, I’m afraid of people who actually like conflict. The Bible spells out the way believers should try to work out disputes among themselves in Matthew 18:15-17 (The Message). The steps are pretty simple: 1) Go alone to the person who has offended you, state your case and work out a resolution between the two of you. 2) If that doesn’t work, solicit another believer or two to come along with you to keep the conversation honest as you give it another shot. 3) If even then you still can’t resolve it, then it’s time to bring the church into it, perhaps by talking to your pastor and seeking his direction or asking him to mediate. Seems like a reasonable plan, doesn’t it? Why is it then that we try to address conflicts in so many other ways? What integrity exists in complaining about something or someone anonymously? How many times have you or I com-

plained to the pastor about something without first going to the person who has offended us and trying to resolve the problem? If I’m unwilling to bring my complaint to you directly, what does it say about me or the validity of my complaint? What does it say about what I believe about the instruction of Scripture? Nowhere does the Bible say that conflict resolution is easy or painless. Playing the “I don’t like conflict” card is just not a valid excuse for trying to get someone else to handle your problems. It’s unfair to the person with whom you have a conflict. It’s unfair to the person you are soliciting to act on your behalf. It’s unfair to you because it robs you of the opportunity to speak your heart honestly to another person, to hear that person’s heart and to experience the satisfaction that comes from reaching a resolution. God knows how you and I are made because He made us! He knows that conflict is not comfortable for us but He also knows what’s best for us. Following these steps are the plans that He gave us…so don’t you think that we should do our best to follow this plan? — Ken Summerlin

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14 Atlanta Christian Family

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The schedule for our 2010 sessions is as follows: Write Incredibly Now™ at Pace Academy $595 Maximum number of students is 6 June 14,15,16,17 (Session I Grades: K-2nd) 9am-12pm MANUSCRIPT June 21,22,23,24 (Session II Grades: 3rd-5th) 9am-12pm CURSIVE July 12,13,14,15 (Session III Grades: K-5th) 9am-12pm MANUSCRIPT & CURSIVE July 26,27,28,29 (Session IV Grades: K-5th) 1pm-4pm MANUSCRIPT & CURSIVE **Please contact the school for availability 404.240.9130 www.paceacademy.org

Children's Special Services, LLC Presents The Modified Developmental Preschool at Dunwoody Academy NEW!! A special preschool experience for the child who needs a “little something extra”! Classes starting NOW!!

Mission to serve children ages 3-5 in a sensory based preschool environment that integrates them into the mainstream preschool activities while preparing them to transition into elementary school situations. Curriculum Is age-based and criterion referenced for each age level. It is a based on , Creative Curriculum for Preschool and The Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum for Ages 3-5 with the Head Start Outcomes Framework, the NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and Accreditation Criteria, and many State and national early learning standards and The Southern California Sensory Integration Observations. . Class Size 4-6 children Hours Preschool Hours ~drop off is available at 7:30 am with pick up at 5:30 pm Instructional Therapeutic Classroom time 9-12

Write Incredibly Now™ at Children’s Special Services: $595 Maximum number of students is 6 July 5,6,7,8 (Session I Grades: K-2nd) 9am-12pm* MANIUSCRIPT July 5,6,7,8 (Session II Grades: 3rd-5th) 1pm-4 pm* CURSIVE Please contact Children's Special Services, LLC for more info 770 394 9791

Write Incredibly Now™ at St. Martin’s: $595 Maximum number of students is 6 July 19,20,21,22 (Session I Grades: K-2nd) 9am-12pm MANUSCRIPT July 26,27,28,29 (Session II Grades: 3rd-5th) 9am-12pm CURSIVE Please contact the school for availability 404.237.4260 www.stmartinschool.org

Personal Options and Preferences™ at Children's Special Services, LLC $395 Maximum number of students is 8 July 19,20,21,22 (Grades: 1st-4th) 4-5:30 pm Please contact Children's Special Services, LLC for more info 770 394 9791

S.H.I.N.E (Sensory, Hiking, Independence, Novel Experiences) $350/day Maximum number of students is 10 Choose 1,2,3 or 4 days: June 11 June 25 July 9 July 23 ages: 5-12 9am-2pm Camp Twin Lakes Please contact Children's Special Services, LLC for more info 770.394.9791

Play Your Way to Sensory-Motor Success at Children’s Special Services $295 Sensory Preschool Program Maximum number of students is 12 ages 3-6 June 7,8,9,10 Dunwoody Clinic 1-3 pm Please contact Children's Special Services for more info 770.394.9791

Play Your Way to Sensory-Motor Success at St Martin’s $295 Sensory Preschool Program Maximum number of students is 12 ages: 3-6 years July 19,20,21,22 St. Martin’s Preschool 9am-11:30am Please contact the school for availability 404.237.4260 www.stmartinschool.org