JANUARY 2019
COMPLIMENTARY
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2 Mile Ministry nd
HOPE For The New Year
Matthew 5:41
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HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME IS DEDICATED TO PROVIDING PROFESSIONAL AND REMEMERABLE SERVICES TO THE FAMILIES ALONG THE GULF COAST. WE ARE COMMITTED TO “CELEBRATING LIFE. ONE FAMILY AT A TIME!” WITH A STAFFOF NEARLY 25. TOTALING OVER 50 YEARS OF FUNERAL HOME EXPERIENCE. WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO MEET YOUR NEEDS AT AN AFFORDABLE COST. CUSTOM FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS, SPECIAL INSCRIBED CASKETS, AND MEMORIAL TABLES ARE A HERITAGE SIGNATURE. WHEN YOU ARE IN NEED OF A FUNERAL HOME, CONSIDER HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME. WE OFFER PACKAGES FOR ALL BUDGETS; AND SERVE ALL NATIONALITIES, FAITHS, AND CUSTOMS.
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O u r M i s s ion is a part of The Christian Family Publication, Inc., celebrating 19 years of Good News
Bay Area Christian Family ® exists to provide Christians and the community at large with ways to grow and develop as a part of the Bay Area’s Christian Family. 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.
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Publisher/Editor: Melissa K. McElroy, bayareachristianfamily@mchsi.com (251)680-8589 Bay Area Christian Family Contributing Writers: Judy Woodward Bates Jodie Berndt Veronica Davis Christina Gibson Jason Greene Chef Lucy Greer
Shane Hale Warren “Rock” Hobbs Janet R. Pittman Camille Smith Platt Dr. Jimmy Steger Rita-Nicole Wright
Art Director: Hope Chastain, HbcDesigns Sales and Marketing: Melissa McElroy, Will McElroy Cover and Cover Story Images: Jim Owen Studios Bay Area Christian Family s published monthly in Mobile & Baldwin counties by MKM Publishing Inc., 8320 Goldmine Oaks Drive E, Mobile, AL 36619. The phone number is 251-680-8589. Reproduction of any part of Bay Area 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 Bay Area Christian Family do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by Bay Area 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 responsibility can be or is assumed. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2019 by MKM Publishing 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: 10,000 copies of Bay Area Christian Family are printed each month. Bay Area Christian Family is free and available at targeted high traffic locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties. Copies are also available by mail, $25 for one year. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to Bay Area Christian Family, 8320 Goldmine Oaks Drive E, Mobile, AL 36619
THANKS FOR READING SUPPORT US BY SUPPORTING OUR ADVERTISERS FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: (251) 680-8589
F rom
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P u bli s h e r
OUT with the OLD IN with the NEW!
The holiday season is behind us and all of the decorations are tucked away. Families are getting back into their normal routines and have a renewed outlook on the New Year and the joys it will bring. It is time to store away the old and prepare for the new things life will bring you in 2019. I encourage you to take a moment and make a “bucket list” of all the wonderful things you wish to accomplish in 2019. Place that list in a visible spot where you are reminded daily and can check each item off once you have completed it. No list can be too short or too long! Many of you will vow to keep those New Year’s resolutions; others will allow them to fade away throughout the year. As Christians, there is one resolution we should keep year round and that is to live a Christ-like life everyday. Start each day on your knees thanking God for all of the wonderful things He has blessed you with and jump-start that day with devotional time. Be gracious and kind to everyone and be grateful for all that God bestows upon us. My challenge to you for 2019 is to live each day to its fullest and create memories that will last forever. “Out with the Old, In with the New”...a
A bout
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simple phrase that encourages all of us to focus on the gifts and talents that God blessed us with and replace those old habits with new ones. I pray that you will enjoy reading Bay Area Christian Family each month throughout 2019 and share your copy with family and friends. I wish you a Happy & Healthy New Year Blessings,
Melissa K. McElroy BayAreaChristianFamily@mchsi.com
P u bli s h e r
Melissa K. McElroy, President of MKM Publishing, Inc. resides in Mobile, Alabama and owns Bay Area Christian Family publications. She has been married to her high-school sweetheart, Will, for 27 years and they have two children, Grant age 21 and Anna age 19. Melissa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations & Marketing at the University of South Alabama in 1994.
and AutoTrader.com. Her husband, Cpt. William C. McElroy, Jr., has served over 28 years in the US Army and is currently employed with CPSI. They are active members of Spring Hill Baptist Church in Mobile. For more information on Bay Area Christian Family, contact Melissa at (251) 680-8589 or BayAreaChristianFamily@mchsi.com.
Melissa has more than 26 years of advertising experience with Mobile Bay Monthly, “I Do…” for Alabama Brides
January 2019 3
Loving God! Loving People! Connecting the Two! Happy New Year! Come Worship With Us in 2019! Sundays 9:00am Worship Service & Bible Study 10:30am Worship Service & Bible Study 4:45pm Surrender (Youth Worship) Amplify iWorship Group (4th-6th Grades) 5:00pm Discipleship (Adults) iWorship Groups (3s-3rd Grade) 6:00pm Worship Service Wednesdays 6:20pm Awanas (3s-6th Grades) Children’s Bible Drill (4th-6th Grades) Adult Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm Student Worship (7th-12th Grades) Fresh Fire (Young Adults Bible Study) Adult Bible Study 7:45pm Orchestra Rehearsal 8:30pm The Bridge (Worship for 18s to 25s)
5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile, AL 36619 251-661-0114 www.fbtc.org
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January 2019
Con ten ts
Volume 10, Number 6
DEPARTMENTS
3 From the Publisher • Out with the Old, In with the New 9 Senior Scene • How to Age Successfully 11 Bargainomics
ON THE COVER 14
A team of four servants of Christ that are willing to go the 2nd mile in their fitness ministry. See page 14 for details on how their success is grounded in faith.
12 Hope for the New Year!
SPECIAL FEATURE 10 Let Your Light Shine Through Prayer
11 Potluck • Lucy’s Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Dip 12 Encouraging Word • My Charlie Brown Christmas 13 Education Extra • Why Can’t I Ever Seem to Get All My Ducks in a Row?
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17 Money Matters • So Your Saving for Retirement, Now What? 18, 19 Healthy Living • 1 on 1 with Jason Greene: You Will Take Time • Foods Good For Your Colon 22 Family Matters • Do’s and Don’ts: Survival Tips for Maintaining Your Recovery this New Year’s Holiday 24 Coloring Page
NEXT ISSUE
25 Calendar 26 Ad Directory 26 Support Groups
Dr. Jimmy Steger & MUCH MORE!
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13 January 2019 5
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6 Bay Area Christian Family
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January 2019 7
Celebrating our 15th year of hosting WOMEN IN WORSHIP, and we are looking forward to sharing together in this new experience with you! The Bible conference will be held on Friday night and Saturday,
February 1-2, 2019, at PERDIDO BEACH RESORT in Orange Beach, AL.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE FRIDAY 5p Doors & Bookstore Open 6p Dinner 7p Conference
SATURDAY
8a Doors & Bookstore open 8:30a Breakfast 9:30am Conference NOON - LUNCH ON YOUR OWN
SATURDAY WORKSHOPS 1:30p - 2:15p 3:15p - 4p SATURDAY AFTERNOON TEA 2:15p-3:15p SATURDAY EVENING 5p Doors & Bookstore Open 5:30p Bookstore Closes 6p Dinner 7p Conference
THE WORKSHOP TITLES ARE: God Has a Plan - Alicia Williamson Garcia God’s Plan for the Human Heart - Lydia Smith The Sovereignty of God - Lennie Rome The Character of God - Diane Vereen The Timeline - Julie Hatcher Prayer - From the Book of Daniel - Gloria Burks BONUS TOUR of Romar Beach Retreat Home of our GNOSIS Summer Camp! Reservations for the conference can be made on Eventbrite, or by mailing your payment to P.O. Box 9611, Mobile, AL 36691. Make checks payable to IN WORSHIP.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS
If you would like to reserve a hotel room in the WOMEN IN WORSHIP room block, please contact us through our website at womeninworship.org. Room rates begin at $109 - $509. You must have a confirmed conference reservation before reserving a hotel room or suite in the WOMEN IN WORSHIP room block.
Have questions about WOMEN IN WORSHIP 2019 - MORE GRACE!? Contact Alicia Williamson Garcia
S e n ior S ce n e
How to Age Successfully
In recognition of this 75th article in The Senior Scene in this Bay Area Christian Family Magazine, let’s recap just what it takes to age successfully as in having a full functioning body and mind, specifically, aging with no dementia/Alzheimer’s. It’s by following, subscribing to 4 Basic Ways or methods. And the first way is we want to create more brain neurons so to keep our thoughts purring and memories instant as well as keep our subconscious actions, like balance and gait, in full function. We stimulate our stem cells to create more neurons through consistent aerobic exercise. With our brain loaded up with new neurons, we have to nurture them and make them connect to other, older neurons else they will wither away and die. How do we connect them? We must have a mental accomplishment, not just one though, tons. Like many a day. From deciding what to plant in the garden and why, what to cook for dinner, strategizing a stock buy or figuring the best formula for the spread sheet you just created is exercising your brain, the second way to age successfully. Reading up on why the battle of Mobile Bay saved the War of 1812 proving a significant factor in US independence only cuts the mustard ½ way. There has to be a purpose for what you learn. Reading ‘just for entertainment’ is not full brain exercise. You have to have a ‘fait accompli’, you must solve a problem. That’s why video brain games, crossword puzzles, romance novels and the like only go so far. The third way we age successfully is to feed the supportive cells that guide and direct our neurons so we can think clearer, have instant memory and continue our train of thought. Consuming processed junk foods, foods laden with preservatives, artificial chemicals and metals used as thickeners, dyes, sugar and hydrogenated omega 6 oils, every meal for years, no matter
our age actually but especially when we are nudging into our senior years, is like overwatering our house plants. The plant, like our brain, can absorb the water, or processed foods, but over time, the roots become rotten and the plant eventually dies. So too, through the years your brain becomes over saturated with toxins, chemicals and preservatives causing brain cells to die resulting in Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Feed your brain cells all natural foods and if your budget allows organic and non GMO. The forth factor to aging successfully and preventing dementia is synergized when we turn on our emotions, when we have something to sink our teeth into, to give our life purpose and meaning. I call this the 4Cs of Successful aging. Care, Connect, Commit, Concentrate and Sleep (Cs are plural.) Care about ourselves and concentrate on fulfilling actions of daily living, connect with and commit to the purpose of aging with no dementia. When we consistently get good deep 7-8 hours sleep every night we activate our brain’s cleaning and healing system. Aerobically exercise the body, exercise the brain, fill the brain with nutrients from clean all natural foods and prescribe oneself to the 4Cs and you are well on the way to aging successfully with no dementia. And that summarizes the past 75 articles of The Senior Scene. Thank you for following us. For additional details and qualifiers on how to add only years to your life while aging successfully, join us here in the months to come. Also, investigate additional resources in my website www.JanetRichPittman.com. Here’s to your good brain health! — Janet Rich Pittman Brain Health Specialist Former Dementia Administrator and Practitioner www.JanetRichPittman.com, Janet@JanetRichPittman.com
January 2019 9
S p ecial F eatu r e
Let Your Light Shine Through Prayer Let your light shine. That’s a snippet of Matthew 5:16, and it’s the theme verse for this year’s Legacy League Scholarship Luncheon at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala. And while there are countless ways we can live out this charge—ways we can let our light shine, reflecting the light of God’s love—one of my favorites is prayer.
And just as there are all sorts of ways we can shine, there are all sorts of ways we can pray. I love praying the scriptures—taking the actual words we read in the Bible and using them to give life to our prayers. Not only is this approach more creative than the prayers I might come up with on my own, but since it taps into the principles and promises first breathed by God, it’s also more potent. Consider, for instance, how a prayer for my kids to be nice to each other (my constant refrain, back in the day) sounds when it’s cloaked in the language of Ephesians 4:29: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of their mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up, that it might benefit those who listen.” See what I mean? That’s really good! Not only does that scripture-prayer banish what my southern
friends call “ugly talk,” it opens the door to words that function like gifts, bringing encouragement, edification and blessings to all who receive them! And here’s the thing about praying the scriptures. There is not a need we will face in parenting—or in any of life—that God has not already thought of, and provided for, in his Word. And it’s no Learn more from author and speaker Jodie Berndt on Thursday accident, I think, that God’s Word February 7 at the Samford Legacy Scholarship Luncheon at Vestavia Country Club in Birmingham, Ala. For reservations visit is described in the psalms as a “lamp for our feet” and a “light for www.samford.edu/legacyleague. our path.” When we tap into the Bible—letting it — Jodie Berndt animate our desires and our dreams—our prayers Best-selling author of the Praying the begin to line up with what God wants to do, and Scripture series our lives reflect the light of his love. Featured Speaker Legacy League Scholarship Luncheon, February 7, 2019 Let your light shine. That’s as much an invitation www.samford.edu/legacyleague as it is a command. And the more we allow the lamp of God’s word to ignite and burn brightly within us—fueling our words, our deeds, and our prayers—the more we’ll be able to turn the spotlight on God. To Him be the glory, now and forever.
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Lucy’s Hot Pepper Jelly Chicken Dip
January is the ultimate time of year to load up on bargains. Merchandise stocked into stores for Christmas which isn’t carried at other times of the year will be marked super low. Fall and winter items will be on clearance, and even items left from the previous spring and summer will be cleaned out of stockrooms to make room for everything coming in for 2019’s spring/ summer season. Create an occasions list – a list of everyone you plan to buy gifts for all year long, with info such as birth dates, sizes, etc. written out beside each name. Then, rather than waiting until Christmas or the occasion gets close, start shopping now and tucking away gifts for the people on your list, using cash, not credit, to make your purchases. Each time you buy a gift, write the item beside the recipient’s name; label the shopping bag with the recipient’s name; and tuck it away in a designated gift closet or shelf. By spreading the expense throughout the year and shopping for bargains, most people tell me they cut their gift expenses by 75 percent and give nicer gifts than before they began using an occasions list.
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Chunky Turkey or Ham Salad
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked chicken, shredded 10 ½ oz red pepper jelly 8 oz cream cheese, softened 1 cup sour cream 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 tablespoon jarred diced jalapenos
½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded ½ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded and divided ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Preparation
Beat cream cheese in a bowl until fluffy and smooth. Add sour cream, pepper jelly, green onions, jalapeños and garlic powder. Beat until well combined. Stir in pepper jack cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir in chicken. Pour mixture into an 8x8 baking dish that has been sprayed with non stick cooking spray. Top with remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 for 20-30 minutes until browned and bubbly. Serve hot with chips or crackers. — Chef Lucy Greer Greer’s Market & Catering
Hopefully, if you had any cooked turkey or ham left over from Christmas dinner, you tucked it away in the freezer. Thaw it out and chop it into small cubes. Mix in one tablespoon of dill relish (or sweet relish, if you prefer) per cup of cubed meat. Then boil one egg for each two cups of cubed meat. Finely chop the egg/s and mix with the cubed meat and relish. Stir in one-fourth cup of mayonnaise at a time until you’re satisfied with the consistency. For a little added flavor, blend in a teaspoon or two of regular or spicy mustard. Salt and pepper to taste.
Closing Thoughts
“Owe nothing to anyone – except for your obligation to love one another” (Romans 13:8, NLT). Christians are to set a good example in their attitudes, actions and finances. So is it a sin to owe? No, it’s a sin to owe and not pay. Whatever you owe, pay it and do so in a timely manner. And make it your goal to pay off old debts and avoid new ones. — Judy Woodward Bates Want Judy to speak to your church, civic organization, or ladies’ group? You can contact her and follow her on her website, www. Bargainomics.com, as well as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
January 2019 11
E ncou r ag i ng W or d
My Charlie Brown Christmas
I moved to Dallas as part of a job transfer in the summer of 1997. It was smooth sailing at first but as time went by life began to beat me up a bit. By the time December arrived, I had discovered a level of lonely that I previously did not know existed. It was not fun. One Saturday night, with apparently no better options to choose from I decided to venture out to the local Wal-Mart. I guess I had reached a point where anything was better than sitting at home. So, at about 10:00 out the door I went. That is the night I met “Chuck”. I was walking down a messy Christmas décor aisle when my buggy came to an abrupt stop. Looking down I noticed something small and green had lodged under one of the front wheels. Instead of going around it, I picked it up. It took a moment to un-ravel the trampled, tangled, smashed flat, headed for the trash can mess in my hands. As I did, it slowly transformed into a miniature 12-inch Christmas tree. I stood there a bit surprised but as I looked it over, I remember with remarkable clarity the words that came to my mind, “You just needed a little love”. The irony. At that moment in my life I could so relate to the tree’s discarded, beaten down and trampled condition.I placed the dusted-off tree in my basket along with a strand of miniature lights and a few tiny ornaments. Total cost was maybe $6 but a solid investment toward adding some cheer to my life. In short order the little tree with ten tiny lights was shining in my one-bedroom apartment. It was hands down the brightest thing I had going in my life at that moment. Having always been a fan of the cartoon “A Charlie Brown Christmas”, I named the tree “Chuck”. I had found me some happy. The Christmas season ended, and I packed Chuck away in a shoebox for safe keeping. When the next Christmas season arrived, I was back home in Mobile, AL and my life was in a much better state. I was around family, the girl I was “hanging out” with would eventually become Mrs. Hale and three sons would follow over a span of seven years. Time often heals things but the months of lonely I spent in Texas had not, nor have they ever, left my mind. Chuck made annual Christmas appearances as the years rolled on and somewhere along the way the decision was made to leave the little tree out on display year-round. It reminded me of where I had once been in life. A few years ago, my oldest son came home with a tiny strand of LED lights to replace the lights on Chuck that had burned out years ago. Not long after that he excitedly showed up with a handful of very tiny ornaments, he had fished out of a trash can at school. Trashed ornaments for a trashed tree. Perfect.
Today, Chuck has a new look, a prominent spot in our home and shines brighter than ever. In time, each of my sons have come to know the story of Dad’s little tree that is never put away. More importantly I have been able to pass along to each of them the life and faith lessons that are in the story. I am no longer lonely today, but I can still remember what that place felt like. This memory makes me very thankful for the family and relationships I have today. In recent years a renewed and stronger faith has opened my eyes to the bigger story that I had missed for so many years. And that is this…. God often places us in trying times and difficult circumstances to grow us and our dependence on Him. Down times and seemingly hopeless situations have always been, and will always be, some of God’s favorite tools for preparing His imperfect people to carry out His perfect work in this fallen world. Lastly, just like that little tree, this world is full of people that are navigating difficult times. They often “just need a little love” and God always needs a conduit to work through to reach them. If not through you, then who? Get in the boat. Do your part. From Nose to Toes.
— Shane Hale Hale is a “redeemed & re-purposed professional baseball player” working as a Realtor with Bellator Real Estate & Development. Through writing he shares his faith to encourage and inspire others to seek God’s plan for their lives. Visit and subscribe to his blog at www.The1SixProject.com
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12 Bay Area Christian Family
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E duc ation E x tr a
Why Can’t I Ever Seem to Get All My Ducks in a Row? Learning to "Cope with Life" and the things that life throws at us, has been a major source of stress in a person's life since the beginning of time. The funny thing is... God created our brains to deal with multiple tasks and problems at very advanced levels of thinking all at one time. Our brain is used 90% of the time as a filter of all mental inputs and stimuli it receives and then processes them into our conscious thought for the activities around us. It allows us to consciously focus on and function at accomplishing just one or two things at a time. God gave Planning a wedding or special event? us the capacity to train our brain to do more- to allow Consider Yellowleaf Creek Mill, Clanmore "ducks on our pond" so to speak, without being ton, Ala., awarded by The Knot as overloaded.
going well, your kids are in trouble or worst yet, maybe going off to the "money drain" called college.... Things begin to feel like they are getting out of your control and you don't like it. You strive to keep all those ducks in a row, but they don't line up. Ever been there? The world then tells you..."take these medications, do this yoga, smoke marijuana, have a drink, find sexual releases", well you get the picture. But worldly standards will drive you bananas! We end up running ourselves, our marriages and our children into the ground and the ducks just never line up!
Coping comes when we listen to what Jesus said to the disciples in John 15:5, "I am the vine; you are the branch“Best Wedding Venue of 2019.” Enjoy es. If a man abides in me and I in him, he will bear much this unique venue as each event now So why am I always freaking out because I can't keep fruit [the ducks begin to line up/author insert]. Apart benefits Transformation Ministries. Visit all my ducks in a row? When our emotions enter the from me you can do nothing." So, the answer to the www.yellowleafcreekmill.com or call coping equation stress enters the situation. Jesus said in 205-280-0903 for details. "Duck" dilemma is learning to cope with Godly StandJohn 16:33, "I have told you these things, so that in me ards. The Bible says "...God is Agape (Love) and we woryou may have peace. In this world you will have trouble [your ducks will not ship Him in spirit and in truth." As we learn to trust God with every aspect be in a row/author insert] But take heart! I have overcome the world." of our life he will teach us more and more truths about how to abide in Him and not have to be in CONTROL! When I learned to Trust the Father in Ducks Vs. Duck Maker. God created us in His image so that we could expeHeaven with everything and everyone in my life and gave up Control, I found rience relationship and Agape love with him and others here on earth. The a place called "Rest." Godly coping is learning to live in his Grace and rest richness of that love when we find it is so cool! But we have limited brain in Him during all the storms. When that happens, I don't have to strive to ability in our human form and our emotions often get out of sync with God's please anyone anymore! I can merely do my best and let the Holy Spirit inside Will. Too many ducks get out of line and we begin to focus on the ducks of me guide me through the stormy waters. I will still need to be engaged in and not on the Duck Maker. Inevitably we begin to life and all its problems, but I won't have to have stress or anxiety. So, it's a try and control all the ducks because of fear; fear of willingness to give up control and then an intentional desire for learning how losing something I love, fear that someone I love will to abide in Christ. When I keep my eyes focused on the Duck Maker all my get hurt, fear that I will not be a success and so on. ducks start to line up. You can see there are many fears that can come upon us. But that's why Jesus said we would have these For more teaching on how to get your ducks in a row, join us at the Transfortroubles but not be afraid. Stress is driven by our mation Ministries School of Ministry Part I class called, "The Keys to Inner emotions getting into control of our will and not letting the Holy Spirit conHealing." Register online, www.trministries.org. Come see what Godly Standtrol those emotions. So, a battle rages between our soul (our feeling, intellect, ards can do to helping you abide in Him and live in His Rest! emotions) and our spirit (God's truths and power) as to who will CONTROL our will. — Warren “Rock” Hobbs Founder, Transformation Ministries Worldly Standards Vs. Godly Standards. Coping is accomplished in two www.trministries.org ways- by Worldly Standards or Godly Standards. Let's be honest here. When the bills pile up, a loved one is sick, you've lost your job, your marriage is not “helping families in crisis”
January 2019 13
2
ND
MILE MINISTRY
Matthew 5:41 “For Such A Time As This” THE VISION This all started about two years ago when the YMCA of South Alabama decided to develop a Christian Emphasis Committee to bring back the “C” in the YMCA. Then came the idea for a class that we held quarterly called “Workout and Worship.” While planning “Workout and Worship” classes, I realized that God had already brought the “C” back to the YMCA and the fitness ministry had been there from the beginning of my fitness career. God just had to put things into motion and bring the right people into my life to bring complete manifestation to this unique fitness ministry. God had given me the 2nd Mile Ministry name with Matthew 5:41 as the defining purpose of the ministry months before, but I didn’t know how this ministry would come to fruition. Pictured left to right: Rita-Nicole Wright, Stephanie Owen, Brandy Touchstone, Andre Love
Little did I know the number two represents a faithful witness and being set apart, manifestation power, testimony, being made separate and Godly division. My first reaction was to go out and try to recruit as many believers possible to be on this ministry team. But God said no and became silent to me for months regarding this unique fitness ministry. I questioned God many times on how and when I needed to move forward with 2nd Mile Ministry. You always hear about God’s timing and how perfect, well guess what? It is so true.
14 Bay Area Christian Family
Days passed by and God started speaking to me again and giving me the number four. I kept asking Him why because I thought surely a ministry team needs more than four people. But God said four Rita-Nicole over and over. Just four! So I began to pray for the four believers including myself that would make up this team. I knew that they would need to be encouragers, servants and have a love for Christ like no other. But here is the kicker...They would also want to serve in Fitness Ministry. Later I found out that the number four represents creation and things that are made. This number has to do with things that are made for and through Him. “Four” is the world number. It’s the number God stamps on things that have to do with “all the world” and the number He uses to mark when He is doing a work within His creation. At this point God spoke to me and gave me the three believer’s names that would serve along side me in this fitness ministry journey. It was time for me to move forward with this ministry and all that was left to do was speak to each one individually and share with them the calling that I believed was placed on our lives.
THE TEAM Our paths crossed at the North Mobile Family YMCA because God wanted them too. He orschestrated every step. He gave the 2nd Mile Ministry team the desire to serve others in a unique and special way. He put us four together for His purpose and plan. All His timing. All His ministry. Myself, Andre, Brandy and Stephanie love to teach group fitness classes. It is our passion and God loved us so much that He is allowing us to use our passion as our ministry. We serve others while teaching group fitness classes such as BodyPump and BodyStep, using the fitness talents that were entrusted to us by God. We want our YMCA members to walk away from one of our classes knowing that they have experienced something different.
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Prayers were answered and all four of us were willing to go the 2nd mile in our fitness ministry together as a team. A team that wants to serve the Lord with everything we have. On October 12, 2018 God gave confirmation to four servants and also sinners that a special ministry had been entrusted to them. The key number for us that day was the number 12. Twelve is the last of the four numbers God uses to show His perfection. It’s the number that shows God is in control and actively ruling over something as King. When God wants to show us He is ruling and that there is a perfect plan, He likes to use the number 12 in His language.
THE MISSION We know that we serve a Resurected King. He has claimed us victorious. We know that we desire to help people reach down and find divine strength in whatever season or situation God may have them in. We as a team will meet you where you are spiritually and physically in your fitness journey and most importantly you walk with God. I began to realize that 2nd Mile Ministry true mission statement would be simple... We would be a fitness ministry while sharing the gospel to others. We want to pray you through defeating the giants in your life. We will encourage you to not accept the minimum in your fitness journey and to only want to achieve God’s best in your walk and all areas of your life. We want to push you to go beyond what is simple spiritually and physically.
THE MINISTRY So, what is 2nd Mile Ministry? A team of four servants of Christ that are willing to go the 2nd mile in their fitness ministry. We are a team of Group Fitness Instructors at the North Mobile Family YMCA in Saraland Alabama where servanthood is a dominate part of our ministry.
centered in why you want to be healthy and fit? Have you asked Him to guide you? Have you asked Him to put the right people in your life to keep goals and expectations God centered? We challenge you to go the 2nd mile in everything you do! God called us to go above and beyond. Don’t be discouraged or dismayed. Go the 2nd mile even when it is difficult. Go the 2nd mile even when you are spiritually, physically, and mentally exhausted. We hear our members say frequently that they don’t think they can make it through one of our classes, well you know what? They do and you can. What an amazing God we serve. He has chosen to use four group fitness instructors to further His Kingdom. He wants you to know that He understands the struggles that we have daily and He can specifically place someone in your life at the YMCA or anywhere to minister to you in your season of struggle or despair. God brought the three wonderful ministry teammates in my life to encourage me to go the 2nd mile. We four have a bond like no other. We cry and laugh together over failures and accomplishments in our God walk. We pray that we will see you at one of our “Workout and Worships”classes at the North Mobile Family YMCA or Hearin Chandler YMCA soon. We would love for you to come experience this fitness ministry that God has entrusted to us!! — Rita-Nicole Wright Please visit and like our instagram and facebook page for the next “Workout and Worship” upcoming date in January! Class is free! @2ndMileMinistry To schedule a “Workout and Worship” for your next church or ladies event, please contact rwright@ysal.org for information and availability.
We are: 4 Stories 4 Journeys 4 Lives With God being the 5th person. We want our members to know that we will go the 2nd mile with them. We will pray for them and encourage them to seek and search God. He will meet you in every journey including fitness, in your life. He is not just in the church. He is Omnipresent. He is Omnipotent. He has unlimited power and can do anything. He can give you the power and strength to get through any season or situation. You only have to ask! He is waiting for you!
THE CHALLENGE We as 2nd Mile Ministry would like to challenge you to read Matthew 5:41 and ask yourself: • Are you going the 2nd mile in your walk with God? • Are you going the 2nd mile in your servanthood? • Are you going the 2nd mile in directing people to Christ? • Are you going the 2nd mile and searching for your ministry that God has given you? Remember we have all been called to ministry! • Are you going the 2nd mile with family, friends and coworkers? • Are you going the 2nd mile in your fitness ministry? Are you keeping Christ
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M on ey M atte r s
So You’re Saving for Retirement - Now what? While saving is a first step, you must decide how to protect your savings and make them last When discussing retirement, there are dozens of questions you can ask yourself. For example, do you want immediate access to your money or do you want guaranteed income over your lifetime (keep in mind guarantees are based on the financial strength and claims paying ability of the issuing insurance company)? Are you concerned about how long your retirement savings will last? Do you want to harness the market to potentially grow your retirement assets or prefer to be more conservative? Thrivent Financial believes working through these questions with a financial professional is the first step towards building a more confident retirement. There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. It’s about finding a strategy that works for you and your loved ones so you can build the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Having a solid framework for creating and protecting your income in retirement is essential to your success. There are three main factors to consider when creating a retirement income strategy, including:
1. Growth - Think about your ability to potentially grow assets to help protect against inflation, a key issue when
saving for long term needs. You should also consider strategies to replenish income sources by periodically harvesting gains when market conditions are appropriate.
2. Guarantees - Consider a strategy with a guaranteed income stream. This will help cover essential day-to-day expenses that you would have a hard time adjusting or reducing.
3. Near Term - Have a pool of money for immediate enjoyment and expenses. This can be used to cover discretionary expenses with a buffer of accessible funds. This is where your “fun money” can come from for travel, entertainment, hobbies and gifts. Finding the right balance for your risk tolerance and lifestyle choices is essential. The asset mix you choose as you allocate your retirement assets can be customized to your specifications. Whether you want the protection of guaranteed income or would prefer to grow assets aggressively, finding the right allocation for you is most important. Retirement assets are an important part of a healthy financial strategy. Make sure you think about how you will spend the money you’ve worked so hard to save. — Christina Gibson (251) 281-7312 and Timothy Benson (251) 709-0315, Financial Associates, Thrivent Financial. For more information, please visit www.thrivent.com This article was prepared by Thrivent Financial for use by local area representatives Christina Gibson at 90 McKeough Ave Saraland, Al (251) 281-7312 and Timothy Benson at 90 McKeough Ave Saraland Al (251) 709-0315 Thrivent is a not-for-profit membership organization that helps Christians be wise with money and live generously. It offers its more than 2 million member-owners a broad range of products, services and guidance nationwide. For more than a century it has helped members make wise money choices that reflect their values while providing them opportunities to demonstrate their generosity where they live, work and worship. For more information, visit Thrivent.com. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. Insurance products issued or offered by Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Not all products are available in all states. Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. They are also licensed insurance agents/producers of Thrivent. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.
WHAT’S A SECOND OPINION WORTH? A lot—when it comes to your investments. As Thrivent Financial associates, we can look at your portfolio with fresh eyes to determine if it is aligned with your goals. No matter which way the financial markets are going, together we’ll determine whether any changes are needed to help keep your investment plan on track. Contact us today for a complimentary portfolio analysis. Christina Gibson Timothy Benson Financial Associate Financial Associate 251-259-5009 251-709-0315 AR License 7823662 timothy.benson@thrivent.com christina.gibson@thrivent.com connect.thrivent.com/christina-gibson Facebook.com/chris.gibson.thrivent Linkedin.com/in/chrisgibsonthriventfinancial
90 McKeough Ave • Ste C • P.O. Box 961 Saraland, AL 36571 Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Thrivent Financial representatives are registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures. 28506 R10-17 Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota • Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836
January 2019 17
H ealthy L ivi ng presented by: Jason’s Fitness
1 on 1 with Jason S. Greene: You Will Take Time! If you ask most people what keeps them from exercising they say, “I don’t have time!” The truth is you can take time for fitness now or you can wait and take time for sickness later. Sooner or later you are going to take time. A study conducted in the Netherlands showed that people who participated in vigorous exercise for at least 20-minutes; 3-times per week had significantly less sick leave. More than 4-days a year!So, you can exercise just 3-times a week for 20-minutes and not be sick four days a year. I don’t know about you, but that’s a no brainer. I personally want to feel good. I will choose health and fitness over sickness every day. Let’s not forget that those 4-days you get back are the kind when you are so sick you cannot function. When you start adding up how much better you feel everyday it’s even more exciting. I have written so much about the obvious benefits of exercise I decided to go in search of the not so obvious. Here are my five favorite not so obvious benefits of exercise. 1.Exercise reduces stress and anxiety. Some days you start a workout feeling lousy. Around the middle of the workout you start feeling better and by the end you feel incredible. Why is that? A study at Princeton University showed that exercise changes the chemistry of your brain. It causes the release of GABA a neurotransmitter that helps quiet brain activity and lower anxiety. The study showed that people who exercise had a lower reaction to stress even 24-hours later. 2.Exercise boosts your immune system. Most people know that regular exercise reduces your risk of serious illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers. What most people don’t realize is that exercise actually raises your immune system, thus making you more resistant tocommon illnesses such as flu and colds. Research at Appalachian State University performed by Dr. David Nieman showed that people who performed a moderate-intensity walk for 40 minutes per day had half as many sick days due to colds or sore throats as those who didn’t exercise. 3.Exercise improves sleep. Skip the pills and workout. Many studies have proven this and one in particular showed that people who exercised regularly for about 10 weeks reported sleeping better than before. In this case “better” meant they fell asleep faster and experienced a decreased need for sleep inducing medication. 4.Exercise strengthens your mind. Studies show that exercise lessens the severity of memory problems in older adults and can even decrease the risk of diseases like Alzheimer’s. Exercise also has a positive affect on the brain function of young people. Studies have shown that exercise improves brain processes such as planning, memory, reasoning, problem solving and more. 5.Exercise improves your sex life.This oneshould be pretty obvious. Exercise improves the way you look and feel. Looking and feeling better transmits into a healthier sex life. A healthy sex life improves how you look and feel...and the world goes round and round! — Jason S. Greene E-mail your question to Jason@JasonsFitness.com You can see this exercise and many others demonstrated at www.southfit.com!
Disclaimer: One on One with Jason aims to provide general fitness and exercise information. Advice offered may not be applicable to all individuals and does not constitute medical, health or scientific fitness advice. People have different needs, abilities and levels of health. It is recommended that all readers consult a medical professional before beginning any form of exercise, participate in any physical fitness or sports training program or undertake any form of health plan, nutrition program, or weight loss diet---especially if you have been inactive most of your life, suffer from obesity, or have any health problems.
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H ealthy L ivi ng
Foods Good for the Colon
Colon issues in the country are at a all-time high and the good news is, this can all be stopped, healed and prevented if you’re willing to change what got you there, Let’s do this! I suggest to all my patients to increase consumption of whole grain foods and vegetables, because foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber favor lower risk of diverticulosis and certain kinds of cancer. Natural substances found effective in lowering cholesterol include, guar, locust bean gum, oat bran, pectin, psyllium mucilloid and xanthium gum. I personally believe in high –fiber foods; however I recommend that the whole food be taken – cooked whole grains, raw fruits and vegetables. An increase in dietary fiber shortens the bowel transit time, increases fecal bulk and moisture content, helps maintain regularity, increases beneficial bowel flora, reduces colonic pressure and changes colonic metabolism, resulting in cleaner blood which is really the most important facet of healthy eating. If you are one of those with chronic or temporary digestive or bowel difficulties, you will find these foods I am about to discuss with you very useful. High fiber foods such as raw or lightly cooked fresh vegetables and ripe fruits Especially yellow vegetables and fruits have an aperient activity, softening the stool and shortening bowel transit time. Cooked whole cereal grains also have this effect. Green vegetables, in addition to being anti carcinogenic due to the rich pro-vitamin A content, are cleansing and sweetening to the bowel, resulting in an alternative effect, since a cleaner bowel means a cleaner bloodstream. In a case of an underactive digestion and assimilation, it is important to use foods that can be most easily digested and assimilated, at least until improvement in tissue structure and function takes place To aid in weak digestion, I have all my patients take a good pro-biotic and sometimes beet and alfalfa tabs 2-3 times per day. I have all my patients start their morning with my 8-12
oz of good alkaline water with my Pro-Green products which is loaded in many different types of healthy greens and carrots. You ready for my list of the best foods you can eat for a healthier colon? Here we go: Adriatic figs, almond butter, apples, apricots, artichokes, asparagus tops, baked whiting fish, beets well cooked, black berry juice, black currants, cherries, celery juice, cauliflower coconut cream, almond oil, avocado, bananas, black cherries, broccoli, broiled tuna, brown rice pudding, beet greens, carrots, chard-young, Chinese dates, cucumbers, eggs scrambled, fresh lima beans, green lima beans, green grapes, honey, pineapple, red cabbage, collards-young, flaxseed meal, fresh black figs, green peas, olive oil-virgin, papaya, pears, prune juice, raisins- boiled, rice bran muffins, ripe olive, romaine-young, squash, strawberries, sweet corn, watermelon, winter melons, rye bran muffins, spinach-wilted, steamed onions, steamed quail, steel cut oats, sun-dried pears and prunes, tomato sauce, whey from goats, young fowl and poultry. These foods are not only easy to digest and usually tolerated by weak stomachs, but they are also laxatives to the bowels and beneficial to the blood. A great many of them are alkaline. They supply blood salts, oxidation salts, heart salts, nerve salts and the essential salts for the internal glands and general secretion, as well as nutrition for the brain. Bottom line, is these foods feed the entire body and this is what we all need to be healthy. Until next time, Stay healthy ! — Dr. Jimmy Steger N.D., PH.D., DNM Naturopath, Nutritionist & Iridologist 4412 Government Blvd, Mobile (251) 660-1240 www.drsteger.net Spring Hill Baptist Church WMU and Women’s Ministry present
Esther 4:14
Dr. Rob Hatfield, Pastor Love GOD | Love EACH OTHER | Love THE WORLD 2 South McGregor Avenue | Mobile, AL 36608 | 251-342-5320 | www.shbc.cc
January 2019 19
There’s a touch of the past that peeks through fivetime Grammy Award winning Yolanda Adams’ voice, posture and passion when she’s on stage. Best known as the contemporary gospel artist who merged the genre with R&B and jazz, she’s a picture of her father’s love for B.B. King, Miles Davis and Charlie Pride. Adam’s says being the oldest of six siblings and losing her father as a young teenager instilled in her leadership and advocacy for children. In February she will advocate for children here in Alabama, performing as a part of “Believe! A Night of Hope” benefitting Children’s of Alabama. “The medium of music is one of the best forms of reaching hearts,” she explains, “Hearts reach hearts, and that’s why we do what we do.”
because her height made clothes shopping a nuisance, she learned how to make patterns and sew.
Adams was 13 years old when her father died as the result of a car accident. She suddenly found herself in a position of great responsibility. He had been her “best bud,” she recalls, and had taught her how to balance a checkbook, how to resolve conflict, and how to get the younger kids to and from extra curricular activities. One of 12 siblings himself, “I think your first everything means something,” Yolanda he had fostered a Adams says of winning her first Grammy Award in 1999. closeness among “Because most of the awards that I get are peer awarded… extended family in to win it because people feel a connection with what you do the Houston area. and what you’re called to do is phenomenal.” “We could have Also the winner of three been the poster know if I would be the leader that I am right now BET Awards for Best Goskids for loving uncondihad I not been thrust into that position.” Adams pel Artist and four Gospel tionally family,” says Adattended the University of Houston and later Texas Music Association Dove ams about the importance Southern University, where she studied radio and Awards, Adams grew up placed on looking out for television communications. A singer since she was in Houston, Texas, in a your siblings, gathering a toddler, she also joined the Southeast Inspirahome grounded by strong with extended family and tional Choir. In 1986, her featured vocals with the family relationships, communicating with each choir were noticed by American producer Thomas music and faith. “Faith other. “My dad always Whitfield, and she signed a recording contract in Christ was the basis said that you never fight with Sound of Gospel Records the following year. of our family, period. in house. There should In 1999, Mountain High… Valley Low propelled There was no trying to not be a squabble in Adams from urban gospel to mainstream, featurfind Him. No, he was in In 2018, Yolanda Adams won a Tony Award for house that does not get ing collaborations with artists and producers who the house,” she recalls. squashed by love.” Best Original Score Written for Theatre for her had previously worked alongside Mariah Carey, “We were brought up work on SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical. Janet Jackson, Brandy, and Bebe & CeCe Winans. in a house full of love In her father’s passing, Mountain High… Valley Low won a Grammy and a house full of faith, a house full of prayer.” Adams’ foundation of faith and family stood firm. Award for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album Her mother, prolific in piano and orchestration, “It was a blow to the whole family, and by the and went two-times Platinum was the minister of music at their church. Her grace of God and faith that we have in God, we father was a deacon and sang in the choir. He also didn’t just manage the situation. We didn’t just Both educators, Adams says memories of her coached athletics, so the house ran according to cope with it. We thrived through it because in orparents’ advocacy for children has fueled her seasons--football, baseball, track and field. By age der to face what you are facing, you have to under- philanthropy work. Representing the inspirationeight, Adams was joining him at the driving range stand that there’s another side to this; there’s anal community with FILA’s Operation Rebound, once or twice a week. She also played tennis, and other reason why this happened. I often say I don’t
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Adams has joined NBA players like Grant Hill and Ray Allen in visiting schools in underserved communities in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Washington, D.C. to talk about the importance of setting goals. President Barack Obama presented her with the Achievement Award for National Community Service for her involvement with charities like the Children’s Defense Fund, and her Houston-based Voice of an Angel Foundation She has also worked with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Resources to help children in low-income neighborhoods receive immunizations. Despite the accolades, Adams insists that raising her daughter, Taylor (17), has been her greatest opportunity. It has also prompted Adams to pass on the importance of faith, family and philanthropy that her parents passed on to her. “There’s a different type of nurturing for a kid who comes into the world who can pretty much have everything,” she says of parenting alongside ex-husband Tim Crawford. “We made sure that philanthropy and social awareness is a part of her DNA, so she also volunteers, she also does great social work. It was very important to us that she knew it was a blessing to be born into this family, but it was also a responsibility. Because of your name, because of your notoriety, you have to bless people with the way you’ve been blessed.” Fellow Grammy Award winning composer and conductor In addition to her work Henry Panion will join Adams on stage in Birmingham in the music indusFebruary 26."I just love the fact that he’s very passionate try, Adams continues about music and making sure that it sounds authentic to host the “Yolanda and it also reflects the artist that he works with," says Adams Morning Show,” Adams. "He is phenomenal when it comes to allowing a syndicated radio the artist the freedom and the control to bridge together program that has been that sound. He’s amazing, absolutely amazing." on the air for 11 years
102 N. S ECTION S T . (251)929-2525
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and will soon announce a new grid of networks airing the program nationwide (www.YolandaAdamsLive.com). Adams is also an entrepreneur, marketing her own line of coffee and bath and body products at YolandaAdamsLive.com. Above all, however, her heart still belongs to children. Preparing for “Believe! A Night of Hope” at the historic Lyric Theatre in Birmingham, Adams says if you cannot be physically present for a child outside of your child, or children outside of your children, she says, then supporting a charitable organization like Children’s of Alabama financially is a way to start. “I also believe that we have to become more concerned about the safety and awareness of our kids and not make excuses as to why we can’t help,” she says. “Every child, no matter what socioeconomic status they come from, deserves to be heard, and they deserve advocates.” Adams promises an evening of gospel music that continues to reveal her varied musical influences and ultimately focuses on inspiring listeners to be open to a blessing. “You never know when you meet a person how their day is going; you never know when you meet a person what they’ve gone through in their lives. To me what music does is it chips at the barrier, that wall that people have up a lot of times, and by the second or third song, the person is open to the blessings of the song. The blessings of the performance. And so, it’s going to be emotional; it’s going to be riveting; it’s also going to be healing and repairing.” Sponsorship packages for the February 26 event are priced from $1,000 to $10,000 and include VIP seating at the concert and a meet and greet after the performance. A limited number of individual general admission tickets ranging from $55 to $65 and single VIP tickets priced at $100 are available through Ticketmaster. For sponsorship opportunities or ticket information, contact Andrea Martin at 205-638-9017 or andrea.martin@childrensal.org. — Camille Smith Platt
January 2019 21
F am i ly M at te r s
Do’s and Don’ts: Survival Tips for Maintaining Your Recovery this New Year’s Holiday. The DO’s
Do Avoid Getting too Hungry, Angry, Lonely, or Tired. Poor eating habits, being overly anxious/eager, being isolated from your support, or sleep deprivation are few examples of excessive behaviors that can cause you mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical fatigue. When we experience fatigue, we tend to make poor decisions that are based on immediate gratification. The HALT principle is a reminder to maintain consistency in your recovery program. Do Attend Your Recovery Support Groups such as AA, NA, Celebrate Recovery, etc. If these meeting times/locations change due to the holiday, then prepare to attend another local meeting or consider an on-line meeting. If you are in a treatment program, then it is important for you to adhere to the treatment structure as they outline. Do Participate in Recovery Sponsored Activities. Many support groups will have New Year’s Eve functions that are loads of fun for you and any family that you choose to bring. You will learn how to have fun in a sober environment without experiencing the dreaded hangover of shame, guilt, or regret the next morning. Do Communicate With Your Sponsor. Setting a specific time to communicate with your Sponsor can also be helpful in maintaining your structure. This will help you maintain accountability and also allow for a follow-up call from your Sponsor if you fail to communicate at the expected time. Do Create a Recovery Plan & Follow the Plan. The adage “If You Fail to Plan, then You Plan to Fail” is very true. Make sure to plan out your activities this New Year’s beginning at least with New Year’s Eve and ending whenever you return to work or your normal routine. Your Sponsor, Therapist, and Supportive Family can help you create a realistic plan for this season. A Back-up plan for the unexpected situations will also be helpful.
Do Not Succumb to Peer Pressure. Adhering to your recovery plan and back-up plan can help you to avoid or deal with the high-risk situations that occur during this season. If you are not Honest, Open, or Willing to take a stand for your recovery, then maybe it is time to reevaluate your recovery goals. Do Not Respond Negatively to the “Are You Drunk/High” Questions. Just like there are stages in recovery, there are also stages in relapse. One of the first stages deals with your thoughts that eventually manifest in your actions. People who have had the opportunity to witness you sober and also witness you under the influence are very insightful to your behaviors that build you up to drink or drug. If they question your sobriety, take the time to ask them about the signs and symptoms they see. This will provide you with valuable clues that you can address with your therapist or/ and your Sponsor to help improve your recovery success. Have a Wonderful & Safe New Year’s and Remember…..IT Works If You Work It! — Veronica Davis Veronica Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Addictions Therapist. She has over 15 years of clinical counseling experience and is the CEO of LPC Services, LLC located in Mobile, Ala. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families seeking to make improvements in their lives. You can contact Veronica Davis at (251) 478-5050 or visit her website at www.lpcservices4help.com
Do Raise Your Glass… If You Choose To. Whether alcohol is your drug of choice or not, in recovery “a drug is a drug” and your goal is to refrain from all substances. It is best to attend non-alcohol/drug related functions, but if you choose to risk it, then limit your time at these function, and take someone supportive of your recovery goals with you. If you feel uncomfortable without a cup, then fill your cup with sprite, ginger ale, sparkling cider, water, etc…..Remember, What is in your cup only matters to you.
The DON’Ts
Do Not Ignore the Triggers of the Season. Newcomers in recovery often minimize the dangers that come with socially acceptable drinking/ drugging holidays. Triggers can come in all types of disguises. Remember, this disease is Cunning, Baffling, and Powerful. If you are still functioning with the belief that your “will power” is enough to avoid high-risk situations, then this thought alone may be the main trigger you need avoid. Do Not Fall for Your Excuses. Just as you had multiple excuses to use alcohol/drugs, well, now it is time to create the excuses to NOT use alcohol/ drugs. Remember all of the problems and consequences that came with your alcohol/drug use? Well, use this remembrance to help you stay motivated in your current recovery efforts. Do Not Test Your Recovery. This here is a rookie mistake that so often results in immediate relapse or a delayed relapse (1-3 months later). Regardless of the time frame, testing your recovery always ends in RELAPSE!
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November 2018 23
C olor i ng P age
24 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
JANUARY 2019 Calendar event, “Ice Age Archaeology!” Stop by anytime between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, January 19th for fun craft activities. Kids can make their own wooly mammoth, throwing spear, or rock art! The Museum’s permanent and temporary exhibit galleries will also be open for self-guided tours, so it would be a great time to visit the Museum if you are unable to stop by during the week! Admission to the event and Museum, as always, is FREE. We hope to see you there! Candice Cravins - 251-460-6106 or ccravins@southalabama.edu
January 11 Family Night at the Shoppes of Bel Air - Family Night at The Shoppes will start at 5:30 PM and last until 7:00 PM every other Friday night. There will be live music for each event and crafts by Sunshine Sue’s. The first family night event will host “Dance Without Limits”, a dance studio exclusive to the special needs community. Additional family nights will offer self-defense classes, dance classes, workshops and appearances by the Azalea Trail Maids. Light refreshJanuary 25 ments from participating restauMobile Project Homeless Connect rants will be offered. - The location for this one day service fair for the homeless will be January 12-13 at the Mobile Fairgrounds in West Mobile Symphony’s Brahms’ VioMobile. Mobile Project Homeless lin Concerto - One of the greatest Connect is designed to provide violin concertos of all time and a needed services to the homeless of fitting showpiece for our masterful Mobile and Baldwin Counties. The soloist. Tickets start at $15 and go event will provide legal assistance, on sale September 4, 2018. January dental and vision screenings, 12 Start/End Time: 7:30 p.m., 9:30 and access to housing assistance p.m. January 13 Start/End Time: and mainstream resources (food 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. mobilesymstamps, state IDs, etc.) This comphony.org 251-432-2010. Alyssa munity event will bring governWeiskopf - 251-432-2010 or alysment agencies, academia, health sa@mobilesymphony.org care facilities, faith based organizations, transportation, law enforceJanuary 19 ment/court, United Way, businessMLK Day of Service - Come join es, workforce development and Mobile United’s Natural Resources other nonprofit agencies together Committee, along with Mobile to provide necessary services for Baykeeper, Alabama Coastal the homeless in our community, Foundation, and Dog River Clear at no cost to them. Please consider Water Revival for a day of service helping us make the communion Saturday, January 19, 2019. ty aware of the January 25, 2019 Registration starts at 8:30 with Mobile Project Homeless Connect special guest speakers, cleanup event. Your investment in this one from 9:00 to 11:00, with lunch concluding the event from 11:00 to 11:30. Below is a detailed schedule of events. More details will be provided soon.
January 26 Battlefield Blitz 5K & Fun Run Be a part of the first-ever running of the “Battlefield Blitz 5K and Fun Run,” scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2019 at Historic Blakeley State Park! Held on Alabama’s largest Civil War battlefield, the Blitz is a unique community event which will benefit the park’s many special programs and projects. Pre-registration is $20 for adults and $15 for 12 and under. For more information contact (251) 626-0798. January 26 Reese’s Senior Bowl - This nationally televised, North vs. South football game features the nation’s outstanding college senior players coached by NFL coaches. Ladd-Peebles Stadium. For more information contact, (251) 4382276.
HAVE AN EVENT? TELL US ABOUT IT!
January 19 Ice Age Archaeology - Join us at the USA Archaeology Museum for our January family day
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day event will be a gr eat investment in our community. Should you want additional information, please contact Sharon Algood of Housing First, Inc. at 251-4458016 or via email at sharon@hfal. org. Sharon Algood - 251-4458016 or sharon@hfal.org
January 12-13 Mobile Symphony’s Brahms’ Violin Concerto - One of the greatest violin concertos of all time and a fitting showpiece for our masterful soloist. Tickets start at $15 and go on sale September 4, 2018. January 12 Start/ End Time: 7:30 p.m., 9:30 p.m. January 13 Start/End Time: 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. mobilesymphony.org 251-4322010. Alyssa Weiskopf - 251-4322010 or alyssa@mobilesymphony.org
January 26 Reese’s Senior Bowl - This nationally televised, North vs. South football game features the nation’s outstanding college senior players coached by NFL coaches. Ladd-Peebles Stadium. For more information contact, (251) 438-2276.
If you have an event you would like listed in the Bay Area Christian Family Community Calendar Email to: bayareachristianfamily@mchsi.com subject line-Calendar January 2019 25
A bout O u r A dve rti s e r s Andress Jewelry, LLC – 21 ½ Saraland Blvd, Saraland, AL, (251) 675-9020, www.andressjewelry.com B. Scrolls – 6300 Grelot Road, Suite G124, Mobile, AL, (251) 401-8795, www. bscrolls.com Christopher Mullenix, DMD, MD, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 715 Downtowner Blvd, Mobile, 251-471-3381, www.mobileoralsurgery.com
Support us by supporting them. bile, AL, (251) 478-5050, www.LPCServices4Help.com McKemie Place – www.mckemieplace.org Mobile Christian School – 5900 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 6611613, www.mobilechristian.org Moffett Road Baptist Church – 5555 Moffett Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 3420563, www.moffettroad.org
Community Insurance Partners – 7308 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL, 251-635-0989, www.communityinsurancepartners.com
Neighborhood Pest Control Service – (251) 533-4749
Eastern Shore Lanes – 10460 Eastern Shore Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527, (251) 625-3400, www.eslanes.com
NuView Counseling – 1120 Hillcrest Road, Suite 2G, Mobile, AL, (251) 4013560, www.nuviewcounseling.com
First Baptist Tillman’s Corner – 5660 Three Notch Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 661-0114, www.fbtc.org
Oak Ridge Gifts & Pharmacy – 4180 Oak Ridge Ave, Mobile, AL, (251) 4455882, www.shoppesator.com
Flipped Out Kitchen – 7765 Airport Blvd, Suite 120, Mobile, AL, (251) 3751733, www.flippedoutkitchen.com
Palmer’s Toyota Superstore - 470 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL, 251639-0800, www.palmerstoyotasuperstore.com
Goldfingers – www.trygoldfingers.com
Pickett Orthodontics – 6611 Wall Street, Mobile, 251-607-0110, www.picketortho.com
Greer’s – Locations throughout Mobile and Baldwin Counties, www.greers.com
Printed T-Shirts & More – 7985 Tanner Williams Road, Mobile, AL, (251) 633-0300, info@printedTshirtsandMore.com
The Gulf Bowl – 2881 S. Juniper St., Foley, AL, (251) 943-4575, www.gulfbowl.com
PureVine Health Care – (251) 622-2487
Hansen Heating & Air – Two locations to best serve you – Mobile, 251-4713047 and Eastern Shore, 251-210-1493, www.hansenair.com
The Ravenite Pizzeria – 102 N. Section Street, Fairhope, AL, (251) 929-2525, www.theravenite.net
Heritage Funeral Home – 953 S. Broad St, Mobile, AL, 251-525-9000, www.heritagefuneralhome.net
Spring Hill Baptist Church – 2 S. McGregor Ave, Mobile, AL, 251-342-5320, www.shbc.cc
Hacienda San Miguel - 880 Schillinger Road, Mobile, AL, 251-633-6122, www.sanmiguelrestaurante.com
Strategic Wealth Specialists, LLC – 3233 Executive Park Circle, Mobile, AL, (251) 472-4426, www.strategicwealthspecialists.com
Shane Hale, Bellator Real Estate & Development – (251) 370-8812, shane@shanehale.com, www.shanehale.com
Thrivent Financial – Christina Gibson and Timothy Benson, Agents – 90 McKeough Ave, Suite C, Saraland, AL, (251) 281-7312 for Christina and (251) 709-0315 for Timothy, www.thrivent.com
Jason’s Fitness – 3724 Cottage Hill Rd, Mobile, AL, 251-391-1234, www.southfit.com Lighthouse Restaurant - 12495 County Road 23, Irvington, AL, 251-824-2500 LPC Services, Behavioral Health Specialists – 605 Bel Air Blvd, Suite 10, Mo-
S u pport G rou p s
Al-Anon Meetings Al-Anon offers help and hope to families and friends of alcoholics. New Life Al-Anon meets MWF at 12:00 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2921 Airport Blvd. Courage to Change Adult Children Al-Anon meets Mondays 5:30 p.m. at Activities Bldg. Room 232 Spring Hill Baptist Church, 2 South McGregor. Searching For Serenity Adult Children AlAnon meets Saturday 11:00 a.m. at Activities Bldg. Room 240, Spring Hill Baptist Church, 2 South McGregor. For meeting information call 251-639-5858.
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group (South Alabama)- 3rd Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7pm. No entrance or support fees associated with the group. VIA Senior Center, 1717 Dauphin Street, Mobile, 36604. For Meeting information call 251.776.5999.
Volunteers of America SouthEast – 1204 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL, 251-3381297, www.voase.org Wholistic Health Care – Dr. Jimmy Steger, 4412 Government Blvd., Mobile, AL, (251) 660-1240, www.drsteger.net 17176 Greeno Rd, Fairhope, Al, 36532
Positive Parenting Discovery Group every Tuesday from 7-8 pm Exchange Club Family Center, 3101 Interat Christ Anglican, 3275 Halls Mill Rd, Mobile, national Drive, Suite 701, Mobile, AL 36606, Al, 36606 (251) 479-5700
Discovery Group every Thursday at 7 pm at Widowed Persons Service of Greater Mobile Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group- Touch- Wings of Life, 800 St. Louis Street, Mobile, Al, Grief groups and “Building a New Life” 36602 group offered at different times and in several ing Hearts Senior Care, 3rd Tuesday of each locations. Call the WPS office for info. 1204 Month, 11am-12pm, 3263 Demetropolis, Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, AL, 251-470-6866 Ste10, Mobile, AL 36693, 251.455.4204, no fee Divorce Recovery Support Group – all invited 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Compassionate Friends Grief Support Group – (251) 342-0462 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604, (251) Hours: 6 p.m. - 7:30p.m. every Wednesday 471-1511 Hours: 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of Alzheimer’s Support Group (Fairhope)- Thom- each month Mom’s Day Out – as Hospital Wellness Center, 750 Morphy First Baptist Church, 806 Government Street Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36533 Childcare in Downtown for working Moms (251) 660-5661 and Dads, (251) 432-6513, ext. 22, Hours: 7:30 Discover Groups The groups below help individuals battling ad- am - 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday, ages 8 Does your organization offer a support group Alzheimer’s Disease Support Group (Mobile)- diction, coping with divorce, suffering from a weeks to 4 years E.A. Roberts Alzheimer’s Center, 169 Mobile loss and co-dependency. This is done through for the Bay Area? Infirmary Blvd., Mobile, AL (251) 435-6950 Mom’s Support Group a Christ-centered and Bible based approach. Tell us! Send your information to: Hours: 2nd Thursday of every month from 10 Exchange Club Family Center, 3101 Internabayareachristianfamily@mchsi.com to 11 am New - Discovery Group starting Monday, De- tional Drive Ste 701, Mobile, AL 36606, (251) to be listed in upcoming issues cember 7th from 7-8 pm at Graceport Church, 479-5700 Hours: 1-2:30 p.m. Thursdays
26 Bay Area Christian Family
www.BayAreaChristianFamily.com
Where NEEDS are MET, HOPE IS GIVEN & LIVES are CHANGED for MOTHERS, SISTERS & DAUGHTERS. Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. Proverbs 31:25
We at McKemie Place are committed to helping women create new beginnings by empowering them with the courage to rebuild their lives. Donations of time, talent and treasure are greatly needed. C E L E B R A T I N G
Call us at 251.432.1122 or visit McKemiePlace.org to learn how you can help today. OF GIVING HOPE
2 0 0 7 - 2 0 1 7
The region's only shelter for single, homeless women.
PROUDLY SERVING MOBILE AND THE GULF COAST FOR 25 YEARS PalmersToyota.com 470 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL 36695
251.639.0800