2 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • November 2015 • www.albanyherald.com
Your Teen’s Emerging Identity My wife and I just bought forty acres of property for a short term facility ministering to teens who don’t need a year long stay at Heartlight, but do need to spend some time away from mom and dad to sort through issues. The first item on my agenda with this piece of land is to fence it off. It’s likely where you’ll find me most days—putting up fences to mark the boundaries of the property. The fences indicate where my neighbors’ land stops, and where my land begins. It’s boundaries that distinguish what is mine, from what is someone else’s. As your kids reach their teenage years, you may have noticed that they seem to be marking off their own territory. But don’t worry; it’s a natural part of the growth process. On their way to adulthood, kids begin to mark off where mom and dad end, and where their own identity begins. Some of the actions you may see as rebellion or revolt against the family could be your teen’s way of putting up fences to demonstrate who they are as individuals. Rather than being a cause for concern, a teenager putting up personal boundaries is a reason to celebrate! It means your child is learning to separate and is starting to practice independence. And isn’t that what we’ve been preparing for as
parents? We invest in the lives of our kids so that one day they can leave home and stand on their own two feet. We want our children to learn independence and fly the nest one day. But this process takes time. So how can you encourage your teen’s emerging identity? Model Your Own Self Expression Being together as a family is important. You’ll never hear me say otherwise. But we all need times of separation in order to be healthy. So dads, go play a round of golf with your buddies. Mom, hang out with ladies, apart from the family. Parents, go on dates together, and leave the kids at home. These times of separation demonstrate to your kids that it’s okay to be an individual. You can have hobbies and interests that are yours alone. You’re not merely a member of a family. You’re a person with individual opinions, passions and talents. And that’s a good thing! Spending time away from the family doesn’t mean you don’t like the people in your home. It simply allows the freedom for everyone to be who they are. You can still be a close member of the family, while still being a unique individual. In fact, flourishing as an individual means that you can give back that much more to your
family! Show your teen what it looks like to be both an individual and a dedicated family member, and encourage them to pursue their own personal identity. Set Clear Boundaries Even though your teens are setting up boundaries around their emerging identity, it’s important we set up some clear boundaries of our own. When you draw reasonable fences it tells your child, “You can develop your own identity, but here are the lines your cannot cross.” Here’s what reasonable fences might look like: Allowing your daughter to choose her own wardrobe, but stating that miniskirts and seethrough tops are off the table! Giving your son the freedom to choose his own extra-curricular activities, like sports, or music, or art, but asserting that he has to honor his commitments. Setting clear boundaries is a balance between establishing rules and still allowing freedom. Think of it like a fence around the property. You’re not going to erect a brick wall around your child; that’s too rigid and inflexible. You want to protect your teen by putting up rules that look more like an old split-rail fence. They define the parameters of behavior, but you can still see through to the heart and individuality of the person. So review the rules of
by Mark Gregston your home. Are they so strict that they hamper your teen’s emerging independence? Are they undefined, so your teen doesn’t know when he or she crosses the line? Or is there a lack of rules, so that a teen exploring her identity might get lost and into dangerous territory? Clear, flexible, and yet reasonable boundaries promote healthy selfexpression in your teen. Respect the Need For Self-Expression Have you seen those Christmas cards where every member of the family is wearing a white shirt and jeans? Those pictures can be great if everyone is on board. But if you’ve tried to set up a matching photo opportunity like that, and your teen told you “not in a million years!”, that’s okay! It’s not that they don’t want to be a part of the family. It’s that your child wants to be unique. Maybe your teen told you, “I can’t wait to get out of here!” That’s hard for us moms and dads to hear. It can feel like our kids don’t like being around us. But what your teen is saying is a good thing. He’s stating his intentions to separate, to be independent, to be his own person. Kids will express See TEEN, page 5
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder and director of Heartlight, a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. He has been married to his wife, Jan, for 40 years, has two kids, and 4 grandkids. He lives in Longview, Texas with the Heartlight staff, 60 high school kids, 25 horses, his dog, Stitch, 2 llamas, and a prized donkey named Toy. His past involvement as a youth pastor, Young Life area director, and living with over 2,700 teens, has prepared Mark to share his insights and wisdom about parenting pre-teens and adolescents. You can find out more about Heartlight at www.HeartlightMinistri es.org. You can also call Heartlight directly at (903) 668-2173. For more information and helpful resources for moms and dads, check out our Parenting Today’s Teens website at www.ParentingTodays Teens.org. It’s filled with ideas and tools to help you become a more effective parent. Here you will also find a station near you where you can listen to the Parenting Today’s Teens radio broadcast, or download the podcast of the most recent programs.
A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • November 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 3
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4 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • November 2015 • www.albanyherald.com
The Simplest Way to Learn the Bible! I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. Psalm 119:10 (This process would fall in the first steps of any exegetical or inductive approach.) • The Basic "win-win" plan: If you just take a Bible book, any one, such as Matthew and read it every day for a month, you will know it beyond measure! Then, keep applying this approach to each Book, one at a time. • The Basic "easy" plan: Listen to your book on tape or MP3 several times-as you drive, at a break when you get up, before you go to bed, as you shop, etc. • The Basic "synergistic" Plan; Do Both! I have found this is the simplest, easiest way to learn and know the Bible! Keep this in mind: The more you expose yourself to His Word, the more He will expose His Word to you! And, this can be done in less time than it takes to watch a half hour TV show! You will have far more knowledge of His Word and be more active and involved in our Lord than perhaps 90%
of Christians who usually just "pew sit" and do nothing with their faith. What will you do? God does not need us, but He does desire to use us. We are the instruments and means He uses to make His voice heard and known. Yes, the Spirit goes before us, but we are the examples and the truth-tellers of His Word and precepts. We are to know His Word and His percepts first; they must go deep and break us free of our sin so we can bathe in His love. For us, Christian leaders and pastors, it is essential that our words match our beliefs and our behaviors match our convictions. It does no good to give a sermon or lead a church when we are not impacted by the words we say or do not walk in the direction that we ask others to take. The Steps to Know His Word Better I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
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• Step one: Get your materials. You will need a good, easy-to-read translation. I recommend the New Living Translation (this is not for study, it is a good paraphrase for getting to know the Bible, the idea behind this curriculum) "ÄŒPSEBCMF -JGF *OTVSBODF and a set of tapes or CDs (FREE) MediCare (Assistance) too. Once you get to know the Bible and become t -JGF *OTVSBODF t %JTBCJMJUZ more at ease, then switch t *OKVSZ "DDJEFOU t $BODFS to a better translation such t %FOUBM t 7JTJPO as the New King James or t 'JSF t $SJUJDBM *MMOFTT New English Standard t 5FMF %PD t 4IPSU 4UBZ /VSTJOH )PNF t -FHBM $MVC PG "NFSJDB t 3PBETJEF "TTJTUBODF Version, or the NASB, NIV or KJV. Call: Independent Insurance Agent +JNNZ 4NJUI t *OTVSBODF !(NBJM DPN
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• Step two: Set your time and place. Find a quiet place so you can be clear of distracting thoughts and desires! Engaging His Word is all about the Supremacy and Centrality of Christ; He is our Lord and the center of Scripture. Thus, we must come before God with our eagerness and expectancy. This is not to be a chore; it is fellowship
with the Creator of the universe, and what better time could there be! To be consistent in reading and listening to the Bible regularly, we must make time for it and keep it up-not make excuses and keep that up. • Step three: Select the Book that you wish to learn about, and then read it with a passion to want to know Him and His percepts better. It is best to start with the New Testament before you venture into the Old Testament. • Step four: Read it. Start with Matthew and read it through in one sitting at least once. If this is your first time, you may want to start with John
and/or just plow though the New Testament. • Step five: Play it and Listen. After you read it, listen to it. It is best to listen to an entire book at one sitting. You can play your Bible Book over every day, and in a month, you will know it well. I also suggest you listen through the entire Bible one book at a time; this will take you two months (smaller books you can double or triple up on). Imagine that you can know God's most precious Word with little effort. If you do this every day, you will have listened to His entire Word in a month or two; just let the tape play and allow his Spirit to come into you.
A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • November 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 5
Religious giving and tithing today Kenneth N Nance Agent 110 Cor dele Road Suite 5 Cordele Albany, Albany y, GA 31705-2478 Bus 229-485-1385 Cell 404-477-7233 7233 Kent@kentnanceismyagent.com www.kentnanceismyagent.com www.kentnanceismyagent.com The greatest compliment you can give me is a referral. 287690-1
TEEN
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Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of donors to help them meet their mission statements. Billions of dollars are donated to charities each year, but few people may know that religious organizations are among the biggest beneficiaries of Americans' charitable largesse. According to data from the National Study of American Religious Giving and the National Study of American Jewish Giving, American households donated a median of $375 to congregations, $150 to religiously identified nonprofit organizations and $250 to secular charities in 2012. Various sources repeatedly state that those who identify as religious people are more likely to be philanthropic. That likelihood may be a byproduct of the
tradition of tithing. Instituted in ancient times, tithing is a concept of giving 10 percent of one's personal income to a religious organization. Because donors' income was unlike it is today, centuries ago tithes often came as donations of produce and livestock. Tithing was compulsory within traditional Jewish law and practice, and Christians adopted the practice through Old Testament teachings. Tithing is mentioned in Leviticus 27:30, Numbers 18:26, Deuteronomy 14:24, and 2 Chronicles 31:5. While the New Testament does not recommend or demand tithing and only mentions that gifts should be "in keeping with income," some religious groups continue to embrace tithing.
Depending on the religious organization, adherents to a particular faith may be encouraged to tithe. But many religious groups now leave it up to donors' discretion with regard to how much to give. Givers are encouraged to see where their donations go, and it's not without reason to ask for accounting from a church, synagogue or mosque to understand how donations are attributed. Many religious groups voluntarily publish this information in weekly bulletins. Individuals who plan to give to religious organizations can determine a donation figure that is within their means and adjust it accordingly through the years giving out of feelings of purpose and not obligation.
themselves. And rather than hinder that selfexpression, we should nurture it. If we clamp down on all displays of individuality, teens will only express themselves in unhealthy ways. In order to find separation from mom and dad, kids may turn to drugs, alcohol, or sexual experimentation, in order to gain a sense of identity. I’ve known parents who have fought hard with their kids over hairstyles they didn’t like, so unable to cut her hair short, a teen girl starting smoking marijuana instead. Look, I’d much rather have my kids dying their hair purple, than trying to define themselves with more dangerous behaviors. I don’t care as much about everyone matching in the family photo, as I do about my daughter learning to set her own boundaries. The battle over what music my son listens to is not as important as him developing personal convictions. Respect your child’s need for selfexpression, even if some of those expressions don’t match your personal taste. The more we try to force our teens to look like us, the more they will turn the other way. This isn’t a license for our kids to run wild. But it is an encouragement to let go of the control, and let your son or daughter direct their own unique personalities. That first moment your child pushes away, says “no”, or refuses to go on the family vacation, it can feel like a slap in the face. But remember that wanting to separate and achieve independence is a good thing in your teen. It means you’re doing a good job as a parent. So as your teen’s emerging identity begins to surface, encourage that expression rather than extinguishing it. Your teen will thank you for it.
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RELIGION IN AMERICAN LIFE U.S. Catholic Church Goes Mobile With New App (NAPS)—The nation’s 75 million Catholics—and anyone looking for inspiration, religious news, scripture readings or updates on Pope Francis—can now get the very best of the Catholic Church every day on all screens and devices. The leadership of the Catholic Church in the U.S. has introduced its first mobile app. It’s the only one that brings together information from all Catholic sources—parishes, dioceses, the U.S. bishops and even the Vatican. “This is the most comprehensive virtual connection to the Catholic faith available,” explains Bishop Christopher Coyne, chair elect of the Committee on Communications of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which created the app. “We understand many people are looking for more ways to connect with the Church and incorporate Catholic living into their busy lives—that’s exactly what this app is designed to do.” What It Does The app lets users: • Follow the Pope: Get the latest news about and communications from Pope Francis via audio, video, photos and live streaming, in partnership with Catholic News Service. • Get Inspiration: View daily readings for spiritual guidance and comfort. • Access other features, including the ability to make mobile donations, receive news alerts and share content via social media. • Stay in Contact: Dioceses and parishes have individual pages with Mass and confession times, homilies, events, blog posts, videos, bulletins and more. • Find a Parish: A Church Finder tool locates parishes and dioceses by city, state or ZIP code, which can be used at home or when traveling to locate local parishes. Although most parishes have a website, very few have a mobile app. The Catholic Church App provides a mobile-friendly solution where parishioners can access the latest Catholic news, including from their parish, on the go. “We like to say it’s a whole wide world of faith in the palm of your hands,” added Coyne. “It’s an easy way to stay connected with the Church at large.” How To Get It Features on this new app will be phased in over the next few months. The Catholic Church App is available in English and Spanish, and free to download at Google Play and Apple iTunes. For more information about the app, go to www.USACatholic.church. It may not look much like a cathedral, but your mobile device can put the Catholic Church in the palm of your hands.
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A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • November 2015 • www.albanyherald.com 7
Experiencing God's Grace at the Funeral Dr. Tai Ikomi tai.ikomi@yahoo.com www.forgivenessdiscipleship.com
MaryElla Jones Rhema International Ministries (229) 886-5671
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?: I was born in Winston-Salem, NC. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?: I am married to John Jones. We have been married almost 8 years. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PASTOR? I am not a pastor; however, I attend Rhema International Ministries. I enjoy ministering at the Albany Jail (Blaylock), and I love to pray. WHAT IS THE MOST GRATIFYING/CHALLENGING ASPECT OF BEING A CHURCH LEADER? My most challenging aspect is sometimes I am a little too impatient; I like to see results. My most gratifying aspect is that I know that I am in the perfect will of God for my life doing what He has called me to do. To remind the people of God and the people all over this world there is hope because God is with us.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO FEELS CALLED TO THE MINISTRY?: My advice for someone who feels called to the ministry is to do it for the right reasons. Search your heart and ask yourself, ‘why do I really want to do this?’ Is it because I love God and want to be a blessing to and for other by sharing Jesus. LEAVE US WITH A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE OR SCRIPTURE?: Proverbs 3:6 says, “in all of thy ways acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your path. God has a plan for your life.” Inspirations by Maryella offers inspirational items such as t-shirts and wristbands that are imprinted with the message of hope ‘God is with me’. Check out our website at inspirationsbymaryella.com or you can follow us on facebook and instgram. For more info please contact Maryella Jones (229) 886-5671.
The day of the funeral finally came. It was Tuesday, the eighth of April... 1986, another day that was to remain indelible in my memory. I woke up and the memory of the accident flashed through my mind. I was numb. I was not exactly sure how to welcome this event that must unfold before the end of the day. It was now a week since the terrible accident had claimed the lives of my husband and our three precious children. A drunk driver had hit us from the rear, killing all of them. I was the only survivor. The agony of watching them die was almost unbearable. Today, I was going go bury my loved ones. Indeed, this same day I had to watch their casket being lowered into the grave. They had gone to the other world, beyond my touch, beyond my sight, beyond my reach; but not beyond my love. Oh, the agony of that moment! Why, oh why did they have to die? I remained calm. I knelt by my bed and praised God for the day. Next, I went to see my sister in another room. She suggested we sing aloud the praises of God. For a moment I hesitated. How could I raise my voice and sing on such a day as this - the day I was going to bury my family? I was not too sure such singing was appropriate for the day. Nevertheless, I decided to go ahead with her suggestion for two reasons. One, my twin sister loves me. If she suggested that we sing, it must be okay for I was, by this time, an emotional wreck. I could not think for myself. Secondly, I reasoned that there could be no harm in praising God. Singing to God could not make the situation worse. So I decided to praise God on the morning of the day I was to see the casket of my husband and three children lowered into the grave. We were on the second or third song when something happened inside of me. For the first time since their departure, I felt united with my departed loved ones. It was a feeling of closeness that is difficult to define or express. I had a vision where I found myself in heaven praising God. To my right, I saw my
family also praising the same God. My family was singing God's praises in heaven, while I was engaged in the same worship down below. We had the same Object of praise. We were praising the same Creator. Distance was no barrier as our hearts melted into one in gratitude to the One who has made us partakers of eternal life. At that moment I experienced the power inherent in praising the Almighty God! It was an experience that has stayed with me. I am most indebted to the Lord of Glory who compassed me with such strength. Now I can truly say "Thank You, Jesus, for taking care of me and of my family yonder. I have no adequate means of praising You, but this one life that I have shall be spent in Your service. In Your mercy and faithfulness, show me the path that leads to Your perfect will and I will walk in it. With my whole being and all that I have, will I praise You and exalt Your wonderful name" Dr. Tai Ikomi lost her husband and three children to a drunk driver in Missouri. She preaches and conducts seminars on forgiveness as the ground for our own forgiveness and emotional and mental healing. She has written 34 books. Article Source: www.faithwriters.com
8 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • November 2015 • www.albanyherald.com
ALBANY First Bethesda Baptist Church 7108 Newton Rd (229) 435-2921 New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church 209 N. Monroe Street (229) 888-4777 Greater Grace Church of God in Christ 205 S Westover Blvd (229) 439-7047 St. Teresa’s Catholic Church 421 Edgewood Lane www.stteresaschurch.org (229) 439-2302 St. Paul Episcopal Church 212 N Jefferson St (229) 436-0196 www.stpaulsalbany.org
Second Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1010 Old Pretoria Road (229) 439-0334 www.secondmtzion.com First Free Will Baptist Church 420 Westover Blvd (229) 436-4021 www.ffwbcalbany.org
Leesburg 135 Main St (229) 759-6576 firstbaptistleesburg.org Leesburg United Methodist Church 117 Starksville Ave N (229) 759-2096 umcleesburg.com
Shiloh Baptist Church 325 Whitney Ave (229) 435-8413
Greenbriar Church 1344 US 19 (229) 446-4642 greenbriarchurch.net
Calvary Baptist Church 1211 13th Ave calvarybaptistchurchofalban yga.org
Leesburg Church of Christ 106 Callaway St (229) 759-2030 leesburgchurchofchrist.org
New Life of Albany 1200 Cordele Rd newlifeofalbany.com
Philema Road Baptist Church 114 Stocks Dairy Rd (229) 435-3135
Lee First Baptist Church -
New Hope Baptist Church 1209 Graves Springs Rd
(229) 439-9997 newhopebaptist.net Greater United Pleasant Green 1512 Philema Rd S (229) 438-8062 Albany Community SDA Church 381 Fussell Rd (229) 436-3631 AMERICUS Life Point Church 384 GA HWY 30 W Central Baptist Church 190 Upper River Rd (229) 924-4092 cbcamericus.org Cornerstone Church 245 Southland Rd (229) 924-7409 Restoration Church of
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Americus 1213 Douglas Cir (229) 931-6244 restorationchurchamericus.c om First United Methodist Church 200 S Lee St (229) 924-3169 fumcamericus.com First Presbyterian Church 125 S Jackson St (229) 924-2162 americuspresbyterian.org St. Mary’s Catholic Church 332 S Lee St (229) 924-3495 First Baptist Church Americus 221 South Lee St (229) 924-9035 www.fbcamericus.org Faith Baptist Church 947 Felder st (229) 924-5890 Union Tabernacle Baptist Church 900 Adderton St (229) 924-0421 Americus Pentecostal Church 820 Magnolia St (229) 928-3178 TIFTON Northside Baptist Church 4605 Murray Ave (229) 382-6855
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St Anne’s Episcopal Church 2411 Central Ave (229) 382-7505 stannestifton.com
First Baptist Church 400 S Main St (229) 985-2103 firstmoultrie.org
CrossPointe Church 110 Northside Dr (229) 242-7702 crosspointechurch.cc
Heritage Church 844 GA 33 (229) 891-3421 heritagelife.org
Southland Church 2206 E Hill Ave (229) 245-8188 southlandchurch.net
Trinity Church 201 12th Ave SE (229) 985-3660 trinityofmoultrie.org
New Covenant Church 3531 Bemiss Rd (229) 247-7777 nccvaldosta.org
Lifespring Community Church 2010 GA 133 (229) 985-2233 lifespringcc.net
Christ Episcopal Church 1521 N Patterson St (229) 242-5115 christchurchvaldosta.org
Our Divine Saviour Catholic 1205 Love Ave (229) 382-4600 odsparish.org Journey Church 304 20th St W (229) 238-3749 New River Church 17 Old Brookfield Rd (229) 386-2693 newriverbaptist.org Carpenter Road Church of God 40 Carpenter Rd N (229) 382-4880 crdcog.com First Presbyterian Church 217 Park Ave N (229) 382-6730 firstpresbyteriantifton.com Beulah Hill Baptist Church 321 Tifton-Eldorado Rd (229) 472-1505 New Life Presbyterian Church 3500 Fulwood Rd (229) 382-7238 newlifetifton.org
Lakeside Assembly of God 146 Washington St (229) 985-5424 lakesideassembly.org Friendship Alliance Church 835 26th Ave (229) 985-4908
Vision Church 2711 Bemiss Rd (229) 333-7702 thevisiononline.org Perimeter Road Baptist Church 4091 Inner Perimeter Rd (229) 333-0746 perimeterroad.com
friendshipalliancemoultrie.com
Moultrie First Church or Nazarene 410 12th Ave SE (229) 873-6265 www.moultriefirst.org Calvary Baptist Church 830 26th Ave SE (229) 985-3237 www.calvarybcmoultrie.com
Morningside Baptist Church 2604 Bemiss Rd (229) 242-1426 morningside.ws Azalea City Church of God 247 St. Augustine Rd (229) 244-1855 myazaleacity.com
10 A (SCNI) SOUTHERN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER PRODUCT • SWGA PRAISE • November 2015 • www.albanyherald.com
How to Prepare and Handle the Job Evaluation/Performance Appraisal This article on how to prepare and handle the performance appraisal and being evaluated on the job is an excerpt of the Is it the job, the boss, you . . . or are you an entrepreneur?: Find your career stressors and the success God intends book. The information on how to secure either an electronic or hard copy is provided with the link at the end of the article. Enjoy! Preparation In order to prepare for an awesome appraisal, keep a folder with noted accomplishments throughout the year. Before the appraisal, pull out your folder and share your accomplishments with your immediate supervisor who will be conducting the appraisal. When you share the accomplishments, ask them to share their perception of your annual accomplishments as well. Once you have completed this step, you will have enough raw data to manage potential discrepancies and strategize about having a meeting of the minds prior to sitting at the appraisal table. To prepare for a conversation where there are perceived differences of opinion about your contributions, you want to celebrate the similarities of the list and come with concrete examples of the value you believe you have contributed. Don’t dispute or argue with your supervisor. Simply state and present the facts, as this is true, unquestionable, and hard to be denied. If for some reason, you are not able to persuade the supervisor to see your valuable contributions, take the information for what it is and ask how you can avoid this type of dichotomy the next time around. Word of caution here: Keep this informal and more as I’m just checking in to be sure we are on the same page. I suggest you do this one to three months prior to the time when the evaluation will be conducted. This way you get buy-in, and this stays separate from the evaluation and pre-evaluation process. As employees, we think we are the best thing since the Internet. At the same time, we cannot force others to see our value. We may or may not be as valuable as we believe we are. Either way, we are valuable to God and true worth is always found in Him. Here is a great scripture to pray for your boss prior to coming to the
performance appraisal: “Give the king [knowledge of] Your [way of] judging, O God, and [the spirit of] Your righteousness to the king's son [to control all his actions]. Let him judge and govern Your people with righteousness, and Your poor and afflicted ones with judgment and justice.” – Psalm 72:1-2 Ensure you block off ample uninterrupted time for the appraisal meeting Is your boss the type that always has an open door policy? In other words, can they always be interrupted? If so, establish your expectation for a block of uninterrupted time. You can accomplish this by asking them to put the phone on do not disturb, closing the door behind you when you enter the room, and making sure there is nothing else on the calendar immediately following the appraisal. This should not be a wham, bam thank you ma’am one hour drive by. Handling Come to the meeting clear about the objectives Don’t set yourself up for disappointment. The objectives for this meeting need to be clear. For example, will I get a raise? Are we just going through the motions to check it off the annual to do list? What did the mid-point evaluation reveal? If you are not having mid-point evaluations, ask for them. You should not be totally surprised by what is said in the performance appraisal. Nothing should be said that has not already been said throughout the year. What about signing the appraisal? I have been asked many times, “Do I have to sign this appraisal?” The 5-minute answer is no! Let me expound. In my last Corporate America role, I received an evaluation which did not present me in the truthful light. It was full of man-made opinion from a self-absorbed, out-of-touch manager. Frankly, it had nothing to do with how God sees me or what I demonstrated in carrying out the responsibilities of the role. So, I listened intently to what was said, while praying and at the end, I simply stated the truth God wanted me to: “This doesn’t present a true picture of who I am and what I believe I’ve contributed this year, and therefore I will not place my signature on it.” He didn’t object. When it reached
Human Resources, they told me the evaluation didn’t include my signature. I simply repeated what I’d conveyed to my manager. We went back and forth several times with me being asked to sign and my refusing. Once they saw I was sticking to my guns, it was dropped and filed without my signature. One other strategy that I’ve seen used is this. If you refuse to sign it, the company will provide a witness who will document that you have refused to sign the appraisal. So be free, and know you are not obligated to sign an appraisal that clearly presents false information. Closing “But the natural, non-spiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them (of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them) because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated. But the spiritual man tries all things (he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things), yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one (he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him).” – I Corinthians 2:14-15 AMP The performance appraisal should be viewed as a tool to help you determine whether: 1. You are in the wrong place, right gifts and talents. 2. You are in the right place, wrong gifts. 3. You possess the right gifts, the right job, but have the wrong boss. 4. You have the right gifts, the right job, the right boss, but your dreams are calling you. I pray your perspective about the appraisal has changed from a place of “dreading it” to viewing it as one resource God is using to “clue” you in on what’s going on with you, where you are right now, what’s best for you at this present time, as well as what truly needs to change. To discern which of these four places you are in this season of your career, pick up a copy of Find Career Answers.
Karen M. Pina is the founder of Gifts Ordained by Direction. Her exclusive approach for leaders develops the character necessary to rise to greatness in business and ministry. She has written three books and created over 100 ministry, business, and personal development resources that quench leaders’ thirst and hunger for spiritual meat and marketplace wisdom. Karen has been a guest on several television and radio programs that challenged leaders to move to the next level of significance in every area of their lives. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services and a Master’s of Education (M.Ed). in Higher Education Leadership and Administration. Karen will defend and obtain and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration (Ph.D.) in 2016. Her education and gift of wisdom has served her well as she has coached, consulted, and trained doctors, directors, entrepreneurs, visionaries, IT professionals, bishops, apostles, executives, coaches, prophets, teachers, pastors, and a vast array of leaders to greatness. To learn more about the books, resources, and Karen go to www.godscoach.com
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WZBN Praise
105.5
James A Thomas
Albany GA
Pastor
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED?: Although I have traveled throughout the United States with my job and have visited other countries, I LOVE and am quite proud that I was born in the Marion County (Buena Vista, Georgia area, made my home there, and have lived there all of my 66 years. TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?: I am the oldest of three siblings. I was only twelve (12) years old when my mother was tragically killed by a friend. My sister, brother and myself were then raised by my hard-working grandmother and grandfather. I found and married the love of my life in 1989. She is the beautiful Ms. Gloria Dean Tookes Thomas. She and I try to walk together in Christ daily. Together we have one son we adore: Maurice, who is married and has three (3) children. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A PASTOR? I am in my eighteenth year as a pastor at the Friendship Baptist Church in Desoto, Georgia where I first started pastoring. I am also the pastor, for 16 years,of the Saint Mark Baptist church in Buena Vista Georgia. WHAT IS THE MOST GRATIFYING ASPECT OF BEING A PASTOR? The Bible, in Matthew 5, verse 16 says: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” I truly believe that living for Christ everyday as a light for him is what and how I live my life. Thus it is only natural that my greatest work, as a pastor, is to shine a light on others, to bring lost souls to Christ, to comfort and serve His people so that they may be a light of the world every day. What a great world we would have if Everyone serve and do good for somebody else. I am so very proud of the one hundred plus souls that have joined
the church and serving Him, while I am a pastor…”The Greatest work of man is the work of Christ….” DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR SOMEONE WHO FEELS CALLED TO THE MINISTRY?: My advice to anyone who feels called to the ministry is 1/ examine yourself and be sure that the calling is realistic 2./ everyone has a place in the ministry of Christ, to be a pastor holds you accountable for the spiritual and Christian growth of others, so make sure that your ministry is both the right one and you are ready spiritually, mentally and physically to take on the calling. 3./ most of all, Seek Christ FIRST in everything you do, surrender yourself to strength from Christ and allow HIM to mould and shape you for His will, not for yourself and 4./. remember that HIS ways are NOT our ways, His thoughts not our thoughts, so think on HIM and not on self before you act: LEAVE US WITH A MEANINGFUL MESSAGE OR SCRIPTURE?: It is my true believe that everyone MUST create a “personal” relationship with Christ in order to reap the full benefit of his blessings for one’s life on earth and more importantly, our eternal home. Since my expectations is to be one of those “in Christ” to rise, be judged and hear that my eternal home is to be with Christ in Heaven, I often read one of my favorite scriptures: Psalm 51 where along about the 10th verse, it says “create in me a pure heart, o God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. This personal committed scripture life allows one to clean themselves first and then they are able to go to their brothers and sisters who have need and be the light of Christ to both save their soul and show them, with a demonstrated live, how to be made whole. I offer this scripture to anyone where, in its entirety, will surely help along this life’s journey for man and mankind.
290425-1
Friendship Baptist Church Desoto, GA (229) 938-0202
Tune In
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Upcoming Events Late Night at FBC Tuesdays at 8 PM College Bible Study - Free Food! FBC Family Life Center First Baptist Tifton 4th St & Central Ave www.fbctifton.org Contact Bill Hughes bhughes@fbctifton.org First Saturday of Each Month 8:00 am - 10:00 am Dougherty Prayer Vigil 222 Pine Ave, Albany Contact Rance Pettibone, Sr.: rancepettibone@hotmail.com (229) 881-4828 Thursday, November 12 7:00 pm Mercy Me Greater Than Tour Griffin First Assembly 2000 W McIntosh Rd, Griffin www.thejoyfm.com
“Serving with professional ethics and excellence for more than 40 years.”
Saturday, November 14 10:30 am - 11:30 pm Saturday Samaritan Missions First Presbyterian Church 220 North Jackson St, Albany
287343-1
Saturday, November 14 Begins at 9:00 am Sweating for Equity 2015 Benefitting Flint River Habitat for Humanity Dual Threat Crossfit 1502 US 19 South, Leesburg www.dualthreatcrossfit.com
Advertise Your Business Inside the Pages of SWGA Praise! (229) 888-9319
Calico Holiday Arts & Crafts Show November 14 & 15 Saturday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Spence Field (Sunbelt Ag Expo site) Over 400 booths of gifts and glitter, music and magic, food and fun of the season come together at this exciting event. $5 per person. Children 12 and under FREE with an adult. (229) 985-1968 www.calicocrafts.com An Even Merrier MAY-HAW Christmas Dec 3, 4, 5, & 6 Thursday & Friday 7:30 pm Saturday 2:00 pm & 5:30 pm Sunday 2:00 pm www.swampgravy.com (229) 758-5450 Christmas Parade - Downtown Thomasville First Monday after Thanksgiving Usher in the holiday season with a charming down home parade and welcome Santa to Thomasville. (229) 226-3446 for information Victorian Christmas Festival Second Thursday and Friday in December. Horse-drawn carriages, community sing-along, holiday shopping, choirs musicians, holiday delicacies, and Saint Nicholas. www.thomasvillega.com (229) 228-7977 Spirit of Christmas Parade & Festival Dec 5, Downtown Leesburg Parade at 10:00 am followed by a festival Plains Christmas Parade & Lighting of Downtown Nov 28, 6:00 pm, Plains, GA Americus Christmas Parade Dec 3, 7:00 pm, Downtown Americus
Please submit your upcoming events to Jennifer King, jennifer.king@albanyherald.com
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Albany mother cuts ribbon on Habitat home By Jennifer Parks
ALBANY — A single mother was given new hope, and a new outlook on life when Flint River Habitat for Humanity helped connect her to a new home in south Albany. She shared her experience as the ribbon was cut on the home. Janet Lewis, who manages the cafeteria at Northside Elementary School, was there to cut the ribbon — with officials from Habitat and the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce — present at the last ribboncutting of a new house that Habitat is expected to do in the neighborhood. In 2011, Lewis had lost her apartment, forcing she and her daughter, JaKayla Lewis, to move in with her mother while going through a custody battle. Having a home with a yard seemed like a far-range dream. The following year, she stumbled onto the Habitat for Humanity website. She filled out an application and dropped it off. There were no homes available at first, but Lewis kept in touch until she was able to get into an orientation. When she was finally able to get in, she and JaKayla, now 10, put in 400 “sweat equity” hours — helping with neighboring homes and working in Habitat’s ReStore during their time off. During the time it took to build and eventually move into her home, Lewis said she transformed and even “grew up a little” while doing the work to earn the privilege of becoming a
Janet Lewis walks out of her Willow Oak Court home on Wednesday morning holding picture frames shortly before a ribbon cutting on her home, which was built with the help of Flint River Habitat for Humanity. (Staff Photo: Jennifer Parks)
homeowner. “It has been awesome,” said Lewis outside her Willow Oak Court home. “I have more responsibility, and I’m happy with that. “When I pull into the yard and see what I work for … I’m teaching my daughter responsibility.” At the moment she cut the ribbon, she later said: “I’m finally free. We are grateful, and she (JaKayla) was happy (when it came time to move in). Building your own home makes you take care of it even more.”
As a single parent who was once struggling, she indicated the hands-on effort of working for the house helped her to see something greater than what she had experienced before. “It’s a challenge, but if you keep working for it, it’s coming,” she said. Now, Lewis has a home, a new outlet of friends through Habitat and a child on the honor roll at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School. “It’s not a giveaway process, it’s a home … It wasn’t me alone,” Lewis
said. “When walking into Habitat, (it is like interacting) with a distant family member who you have never met. It’s family, and they are family oriented.” Jennifer Vanston, executive director for Habitat, focuses on the homeowners, making sure they understand the economic and financial process involved in obtaining a home. “There is a relatively strong educational component (providing) for homeowners to be
successful,” she said. Vanston said the effort to help with stable housing is “part of building a great community.” She indicated this can be particularly true when a child is involved. “Improved safety and affordable housing for a child is huge,” she said. “(Lewis’) daughter being on the honor roll and being in a safe and healthy home means she will be a successful and valued member of the community as a young adult.”
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Celebrating and Supporting Kinship Care On the last day of her life, my grandmother, Mamma B, told all of us gathered around her bed to take care of all the children. Not just the ones in our homes, but all the children. Throughout her life, this great woman raised 6 of her biological children and a host of other children whose parents could not or would not care for them. Little did she know that decades later, we would be talking about what she did and calling it “kinship care.” Across America, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings are stepping up to care for children who would otherwise go into the foster care system and be cared for by people that they do not know. This is perhaps one of the most important trends in child welfare. In some cases, like my own grandmother, no court or agency ever gets involved. This is referred to as private of informal kinship care. According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF), approximately 400,000 children are not in state custody because family or even fictive kin open up their homes and hearts to care for them. However, the growing trend is public or formalized kinship care. In 2014, 104,000 children were in kinship foster care (AECF). While they live with relatives, they remain in the legal custody of the state. This enables relatives to get the same level of financial, resource and emotional support as foster parents who are not related to the children in their homes. Here in Georgia, Governor Nathan Deal declared September 2015 as Kinship Care Month. He recently stated, “ . . . I commend those next of kin who choose to undertake the safekeeping of children in these challenging and unpredictable situations, and I greatly appreciate The Kinship Care Program for working to provide resources and support for those families.” According to the Department of Human Services, in the past year, more than 6,100 children exited foster care to the care of relatives and fictive kin. In addition, more than a quarter of the 10,000 children in foster care are in the care of relatives. This is a trend that State Director Bobby Cagle not only supports, but is urging his staff and the Georgia community to embrace. Research conducted by the Casey Foundation found that compared to children in the general foster care population, kids in kinship care tend to be: • Better able to adjust to their new environment • Less likely to experience school disruptions • Less likely to experience behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders • More stable—they move less than kids in non-family foster care settings Thus, we should all rally behind this national and state trend. There are people within our neighborhoods and faith communities that need the extra http://camptobelong-ga.org/index.html support to care for children to
which they are related or closely connected. We must also think outside the box. Sometimes, the closest person to a child is a coach, music teacher or next door neighbor. Fictive kin and kin need our support and love to ensure that children can stay in our communities and live with people that they know and trust. After all, the viability of our communities depends on the well-being of our children. “Children are one third of our population and all of our future." (Select Panel for the Promotion of Child Health, 1981).
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Tywon Heath has been preaching and teaching the gospel for over 13 years now. Born in Albany, Georgia, he grew up in a Christian home with his father who was also a Pastor. Reverend Heath accepted Christ at an early age in his life. At the age of 8, he was baptized and became a member of the Greater 2nd Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Albany, GA. Reverend Heath is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps where he served his country proudly. He had the chance to visit several countries and states within the United States to give him a better understanding of the diversity in our world. He is now employed with the Albany Police Department, Albany, Georgia, working as a Sergeant in the Uniform Bureau. Reverend Heath has received specialized training in the following areas, but not limited to: Supervision Certificate, Leadership, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assaults, Child Abuse/Death, Gang Investigator, Hostage Negotiator, and School Resource Officer. Reverend Heath not only serves as a local law enforcement officer, but, he also serves as Chaplain to the police department and is a member of the Georgia Association of Law Enforcement Chaplains (G.A.L.E.C.). He obtained his Associates Degree in Criminal Justice at Troy University and his Associates Degree in Theology at Southwest Georgia Theology Seminary (accredited). Reverend Heath answered his calling into the ministry in 2002 under the leadership of Reverend Edward J. Heath, Pastor of Mt. Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, Inc., Albany, Georgia. As Reverend Heath served there for three years, he worked in several different fields of ministry including: Senior Citizens Ministry, Youth Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Media
Ministry and other departments which dealt with maintaining the church and organization of programs. Since his calling into the ministry Reverend Heath has worked tirelessly in the Kingdom to reach God’s people. In 2012, Tywon Heath Ministries, www.TywonHeath.com, A Soul Stirring Ministry, was launched on the World Wide Web. In 2014, Reverend Heath was called to serve as Pastor of the Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Oakfield, Georgia. He has already gained much love and respect as he preaches and teaches the Gospel of Christ. Since his tenure at Greater Friendship much has been accomplished within the church and God has added to the church greatly. During this time Reverend Heath entered into radio ministry launching A Soul Stirring Ministry Broadcast on WZBN Praise 105.5 every Wednesday at 6:35 P.M. Rev. Heath previously served as Pastor to the Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Dawson, Georgia and the Jackson Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Parrott, Georgia. While being at both of these churches, he has taught and demonstrated how God will continue to bless those who continue to follow and obey His word. Reverend Heath has gained much respect and love from those whose lives he has touched by the teachings of Christ! Reverend Heath is not only a loving and caring shepherd within the church, but also at home. His greatest joy is his family! He has a beautiful, loving and devoted wife and best friend, Wanda. Then there are the children: Tywon, Jr., Shakira, Timothy, Precious and Andraya, who take on his characteristics of fun and laughter. He is greatly adored and highly respected by his family for exercising exemplary Christian leadership.
The King of Glory 24 The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.
Wanda Heath Office Manager 110 Cordele Road Suite 5 Albany, GA 31705-2478 Bus 229-485-1385 wanda@kentnanceismyagent.com
Kent N Nance, Agent The greatest compliment you can give me is a referral. 287345-1
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