Bay Area Christian Family magazine - June 2018 by Bay Area Christian Family Magazine

JUNE 2018

COMPLIMENTARY

SHANE HALE from Baseball to Blogging Father’s Day Gift Ideas ®

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O u r M i s s ion is a part of The Christian Family Publication, Inc., celebrating 18 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.

Publisher/Editor: Melissa K. McElroy, bayareachristianfamily@mchsi.com (251)680-8589 Bay Area Christian Family Contributing Writers: Judy Woodward Bates Jason Greene Chef Lucy Greer Shane Hale Darrell Holcombe

Janet R. Pittman Ron & Charlotte Perdue Dave Ramsey Barbara Tako

Art Director: Hope Chastain, HbcDesigns Sales and Marketing: Melissa McElroy, Will McElroy

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 2018 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

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A Father’s Sacrificial Love

Father’s Day is a celebration of “Dad” - the special man in our life. Fathers have always provided guidance and protection over the household, and they are respected and loved for those roles within the family circle. A father sacrifices his time and hard work to provide for his family and is fully engaged in the well-being of his children. I came across this precious poem that truly defines a “Dad”: What Makes A Dad? God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, And then there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it - Dad. ~ author unknown Encourage your child to write a special message to their father this Father’s Day to show their appreciation and love for all the wonderful things that a daddy provides day in and day out. Remember, a dad cannot have enough ties, so be sure to add another to his collection this Father’s Day. Happy Father’s Day & Blessings,

Melissa K. McElroy BayAreaChristianFamily@mchsi.com

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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 26 years and they have two children, Grant age 20 and Anna age 18. Melissa received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations & Marketing at the University of South Alabama in 1994.

Her husband, Cpt. William C. McElroy, Jr., has served over 26 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 20 years of advertising experience with Mobile Bay Monthly, “I Do…” for Alabama Brides and AutoTrader.com.

June 2018 3

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June 2018

Con ten ts

Volume 9, Number 11

DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Publisher • A Father’s Sacrificial Love

ON THE COVER 14 As Christians we are to be vessels through which Christ’s message is delivered to those around us. Former South Alabama and Baltimore Orioles baseball player, Shane Hale’s blog is simply a tool God orchestrated and uses to deliver that message. See page 14 and 15 to learn more about the 1SixProject. 6,10 Father’s Day Gift Ideas

6 Great Outdoors • Dad and the Outdoors 9 Are We There Yet? • Splash Into Summer 10 Best Books • Always Fall Forward 11 Encouraging Word • Life is Not Fair 12 Money Matters • Dave Says

17 Senior Scene • 9 Signs You’re Experiencing Brain Drain 18 Healthy Living • 1 on 1 with Jason Greene: The Anti-Ab 20 Bargainomics 20 Potluck • Lucy’s Fish Tacos with Sriracha Coleslaw and Pineapple Salsa 22 Two by Two • Protecting Your Pet 23 Faith at Work • The Golden Rule Gym

NEXT ISSUE

24 Coloring Page

25 Calendar 26 Ad Directory 26 Support Groups

Duck Dynasty Girls, Summer Fun & MUCH MORE

6 June 2018 5

T h e G r eat O utdoor s

Looking for that perfect Father’s Day gift? The staff at Mark’s Outdoors is ready to assist you in finding a gift Dad will love and use. Besides being a one stop shop for hunting and fishing needs, Mark’s also carries a wide variety of lifestyle products for the husband or father in your life. Here are just a few ideas for Father’s Day.

Play it Safe. Shirts with sun protection are a great gift for the dad who spends anytime outdoors. Mark’s has sizes ranging from small to 3x in great colors and styles from the top men’s sportswear brands including Mojo, Simms, and AFTCO. Keep it Cool. Out in the Alabama summer heat, Dad is sure to appreciate a Yeti or Orca gift. Mark’s has in stock Yeti coolers ranging in size from 20-210 quarts and they all come with a five year warranty. Orca coolers are also available in 26-58 quart sizes and each comes with a lifetime warranty. Mark’s also offers both Orca and Yeti beverage options from small to tall to keep Dad’s drink ice cold or piping hot ($20-$30).

Enjoy Function, Style & Craftsmanship. Mark’s Outdoors knife specialist Chris Thompson oversees the inventory of the Southeast’s largest and best selection of knives ranging from “mild to wild” in design and price. In stock selections include brands like William Henry ($350-$2200 range) and Chris Reeve ($400-$500 range). Besides knives, the William Henry brand also offers a great line of men’s

jewelry that has the same distinct style as their knives. Particularly popular is the William Henry bracelet made from leather and forged damascus steel and accented with gem stones ($400). Besides remembering your Dad with a gift this Father’s Day, most importantly, we hope you will have the opportunity to spend some time with your Dad- if at all possible, in God’s great outdoors. — Mark’s Outdoors www.marksoutdoors.com

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Brand Awareness: Recognition as a company that supports the spread of Good News in our community and helps bring attention to the good things that are happening in our community- especially the great things God’s people are doing to glorify Him! n e a potential Recruitment Tool: Platform to share with the community and specifically, rs of good employees, the core values of your company, how you do business and the kind of employees you would like to add to your team.

How the Partnership Works: Your company recognized in multiple media platforms including print, internet and radio as a Community Partner with Bay Area Christian Family in reaching people with the Good News of Jesus Christ! • Listed as Community Partner in print and digital issues of the magazine (12 issues) with logo and web link. • Recognized as a Community Partner on Home Page of magazine website, www.BayAreaChristian.com with your company logo and a link to your site (12 months) • Included in Bay Area Christian Family Social Media posts recognizing your company as a Community Partner who is helping reach people in our community with Good News. • Right to use Bay Area Christian Family Community Partner Logo on your company ads, print materials and website. • Copies of the magazine available to you each month to display and/or distribute. FOUNDATION LEVEL PARTNER: Half Page Color Space in 12 issues of Bay Area Christian Family- print and digital. Your Investment: $7500, due at time of commitment. Limited to 10 Foundation Partners. LEGACY LEVEL PARTNER: Full Page Color Space in 12 Issues of Bay Area Christian Family- print and digital. Your Investment: $12,000, due at time of commitment. Limited to 6 Legacy Partners. COMPLIMEN

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A r e W e T h e r e Y et ?

Dan Koch and his mom Alabama Splash Adventure has opened for the Pat, the “The General,” summer season with the largest expansion in welcome you to a great park history. Enjoy six new amusement attracday of family fun at tions, the Pirates High Dive Show, and many Alabama Splash Adventure, more enhancements to provide more fun all 4599 Splash Adventure Parksummer long. Depending on your mood, enjoy way, Bessemer, Ala. 35002. a relaxing lazy river ride or amplify the excitement with monster slides and waves. On the amusement end, check out the Rampage Wooden Roller Coaster that reaches speeds of 56 mph for a family thrilling ride.

Owners, Dan Koch and his mom Pat, also called “The General,” have over 60 years of experience in the amusement and waterpark industry. Over the past five years, the Koch family has added numerous amusement attractions to the park, restored the world-famous Rampage wooden roller coaster, and introduced many valuable extras such as free parking, free unlimited Pepsi drinks, free sunscreen, free inner tubes and free Wi-Fi. Both Dan and Pat Koch are at the park daily from open to close greeting customers, cleaning, and you may even see them in the restaurants making funnel cakes. Pat Koch 86 years old says “We have an incredible staff and you really feel like family when entering, everything must be spit spot clean and all you have to do is relax and have fun.” Alabama Splash Adventure has received a series of positive rankings including being chosen in 2017 as one of the top five friendliest parks in the world

The Rampage Roller Coaster at Alabama Splash Adventure is ranked as one of the top 25 wooden coasters in the world. A season pass to the park has been lowered, check it out at www.alabamasplash.com.

by readers of Amusement Today, a national amusement industry news leader. The park was also named as one of the best theme park values in the USA by MSN News. “We will build upon these honors. We are definitely moving in the right direction,” says owner Dan Koch. “Thank you, guests, team members and the great state of Alabama.” The park’s new attractions include the Scrambler/a spinning frenzy family ride, the Yo-Yo/experience the feeling of flight in open air seats, the Tilt-AWhirl/encounter a series of spins and twists, Rocking Tug/enjoy rocking and spinning motions in this wild ship, Royal Express/gentle train ride off the rails throughout the park, and Splash Island/kids slides and play area. New enhancements to the park include a renovated Island Cafe Restaurant, additional lockers, more seating and dining tables, more shade structures and additional premium cabanas. Visit Facebook/Birmingham Christian Family for details on how you can enter to win tickets to the park!

C h r i s ti a n . C onservative . r e p ub l i C a n . about Mark shirey

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June 2018 9

B e st B ooks Always Fall Forward I love to watch a great game, especially if a team I favor is winning against a superior opponent. Tell me who the under-dog is, and I'll cheer them on like the most ardent alumni. Even so, I've never really understood why anyone would want to play high school or collegiate football. If I'm going to work that hard and give up that much time for something, I want to get paid for it. I also want to come home with my bones intact. Todd Gerelds knows why so many young men play football. It's love. Some guys were simply born to play the game. The same applies to great coaches. In his new book, Always Fall Forward (Tyndale, $17.99), Gerelds offers fifty-two life lessons he learned from his father, Coach Tandy Gerelds. Todd Gerelds first wrote about his dad in his book, Woodlawn, which became a major motion picture recounting the events he witnessed as the son of the longtime Woodlawn High School coach.

Alabama author Todd Gerelds’ latest book is a great gift idea for a new graduate or for dad on Father’s Day.

Always Fall Forward combines scriptural principles with lessons he learned from his dad. These "coachisms" include concepts such as- pay attention to what's around you, always speak the truth, give your best effort in whatever task you're presented with, and always show honor and respect to others. Football has the potential to build fortitude, responsibility, and discipline. These are virtues which can serve our faith as we endeavor to run the race set before us. One day we will come to the end of our last quarter and we will give an account for our life. When it comes to our faith, let's leave it all on the field. — Darrel Holcombe, Owner Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

10 Bay Area Christian Family

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E ncou r ag i ng W or d

LIFE IS NOT FAIR!

“That’s not fair”! How often have we heard that phrase spoken? It is not allowed in our family’s vocabulary, but it is often true. Take the story of Moses as an example. Remember him? The biblical character in Exodus? The one God spoke to through a burning bush? That guy. At God’s request Moses confronted the most powerful man in the world, the Egyptian Pharaoh, with an anointed stick. Then he led an entire NATION of people, out of slavery in Egypt. For a grand finale he parted a sea. What a sight that must have been. Surely, Moses received a great worldly reward for his obedience, for his efforts?! That would only be “fair” right? Keep in mind (this part is important) Moses didn’t ask for that job. He didn’t ask for the assignment that God requested him to carry out. He didn’t ask for the lack of appreciation the Israelite nation showed him for his efforts or for the difficulties he endured executing that assignment. He just obediently endured it. Day by day. Moses was obedient. He was faithful. He obeyed God, for decades, through the entire story. Moses spent over 40 years leading God’s people from bondage, through the wilderness, to their promised land. Yet in the end he was not allowed to enter the promised land with them. His earthly reward after years of obedient service was only to “see” the promised land from the top of a mountain. Then he died. Was that “fair”? Perhaps, just perhaps, the story of Moses is there to relay that very point! That life, Christian service, is sometimes not fair. So, what is your point Shane? The point, the message, is this……. As Christians we are set apart as messengers of God’s grace to the world. This task is not reserved just for the exalted among us, the powerful, the famous, the clergy, the pastors or the people you see on TV. No sir. Regardless of our earthly “status”, as Christians even the least of us, by worldly terms, arrives with an assignment from the Creator. The accepting part is up to us. While our earthly assignments will differ greatly we do share a common denominator while on this planet, which is to “act in love”. Loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves. (Luke 10:27) Unless you live alone on an island you know that to “act in love” is sometimes not so easy. There is risk! Risk of getting rejected, laughed at, taken advantage of, being hurt, even being hurt badly. The list is long. We are to do it anyway! As recipients of God’s love and forgiveness we are to be the agents of His love

and forgiveness to others. Pouring out to others what He continually pours into us. Moses trusted God, obeyed God and allowed God to work through him. We are to do the same. Regardless of the outcome, fair or not. When God denied Moses entry into the promised land, after all he endured, that could certainly be looked at as “un-fair”. The results for our obedience may sometimes be no different. That is just life but remember, our ultimate reward is not of this world. Let me repeat that part, “our ultimate reward is not of this world”. Just as Moses followed God’s assignment for his life we are to follow God’s assignment for ours. Plant the seeds your are given to plant with the talent God has given you to plant them. Every day, plant the seeds. Simple as that. Leave the sorting out part to God and don’t get de-railed by the results, or lack thereof. “Fairness” is a measuring stick the world loves to use. It is not God’s. Get in the boat. Do your part. — 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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Dave Says

Dear Dave, My husband has an old car that has become a real sticking point between us. He bought it for $2,400, and it needs about $4,000 in repairs and restoration. Together, we bring home $50,000 a year, and I feel like this car is interfering with our ability to save money and pay off $35,000 in debt. We already have two decent cars we drive to work, so what should I do about this? — Stacy Dear Stacy, There are lots of guys out there who like shiny toys — especially cars. I get it, because I’m one of them. But these kinds of things are luxuries, and stuff like this should wait until the household and finances are in order. The family should always come first. Dumping money into this while you two are struggling financially doesn’t make sense. On top of that, it’s causing problems between you two on a deeper level. I’m sure your husband isn’t a bad guy, so try sitting down with him and explaining how it makes you feel. Let him know what it’s doing to your finances and your marriage. You might even write the financial side down, so he can see exactly what kind of shape you two are in and where the money is going. Once you do this in a kind, but concerned, manner, it may be a real eye-opener for him. On top of that, you might consider giving him a little incentive to get on board with the idea of getting your finances in order. Suggest that once the debt is gone, and you’ve got some savings in place, there might be a little extra cash on hand to help get that car up and running. Good luck, Stacy! — Dave Ramsey

Dear Dave, My fiancé and I are planning to be married in less than a year. We’ve both been through your class at church, and the other night we started wondering if we should wait to have the wedding until we’re both completely debt-free. Would you give us your opinion? — Michelle Dear Michelle, Congratulations! I hope you two will have long and happy lives together. To answer your question, I don’t think there’s a reason to wait. When two people know they really love each other, they should get married whenever they feel in their hearts the time is right. At this point, you shouldn’t be thinking about money as anything except an indicator of where you’re going. It doesn’t matter who got into debt or how, because everyone makes mistakes. But if you’re both serious about getting out of debt, living on less than you make, and are in agreement about how the dollars are going to be handled, then — where money is concerned — you’re ready to be married. Many relationship experts say if a couple can agree on four important things — kids, money, religion, and how to handle the in-laws — they have a great statistical chance of a happy marriage. I believe this, too. And make sure you meet with your pastor for some good, pre-marital counseling before the big day. With all this going for you, I think you two will be okay. God bless you both! — Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey is CEO of Ramsey Solutions. He has authored seven best-selling books, including The Total Money Makeover. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 12 million listeners each week on 575 radio stations and multiple digital platforms. Follow Dave on the web at daveramsey.com and on Twitter at @DaveRamsey.

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SHANE HALE from Baseball to Blogging Life has taught me that there are things you see coming, and there are things you don’t. Becoming a writer and then the author of a faith-based blog, The1SixProject, falls squarely in the I didn’t see it coming category of my lfe. Things like college, work after college, a wife, house, kids, dogs, the often-typical life progression I could see, but never writing. Writing happened in my mid-forties when I arrived soundly at the end of myself and began seeking God’s will for my life. Something I now regret not seeking and then subscribing to years sooner. However, like most all new chapters in life, there is often a story behind the new chapter’s arrival. This one is no different. As a child growing up in rural America my life revolved around family, church, and baseball. I was a left-handed pitcher and all I ever wanted to be growing up was a professional baseball player. I mean literally, that was it. Thanks to dedicated parents, hard work and Coach Steve Kittrell’s gamble on a skinny kid nobody else wanted, I enrolled at the University of South Alabama in the fall of 1986 on a piece of a baseball scholarship. Four years later in 1990 I was drafted in the 7th round by the Baltimore Orioles and went on to spend seven seasons in the Orioles organization before retiring at the end of the 1996 season. Tired of being injured, broke, and away from home I walked away from the only thing I had ever wanted to do, be or become in life. I was 27 years old. Now what? The next twenty plus years of my life can be summed up like this. I went to work, met an amazing girl named Michelle, married that amazing girl, we had three sons Dylan, Brody, and Reece, I bought into the American dream, life rolled on, I came to the end of myself. The “coming to the end of myself ” part didn’t happen overnight. That part took time. As I reached my mid- forties the occasional skirmishes I had begun to have years earlier with my own personal demons evolved into a daily battle that I was losing. Yes, I had a wonderful wife, healthy kids, a large and supportive family, no lifestyle issues, and an endless list of blessings. From the outside looking in my life was grand but personally, on the inside, I was empty, spiritually shallow and facing the reality that there was a growing list of things in my life that I had very little, if any, control over. The man in the mirror was clearly aging. My father and my wife’s mother were each fighting a battle they would ultimately lose with cancer. The economy was in an absolute free fall. I constantly fought back depression, feelings of inadequacy and fear of failing at my most important roles in life. While it may sound trivial compared to the prior comments, since leaving baseball I still lacked a personal “something” that I was passionate and excited about. This wasn’t a midlife crisis either, because I packed a lifetime of worldly living into my 20’s and 30’s that spanned forty-two states and a host of foreign countries. Heck, I was even an extra on the Cleveland Indians team in the movie Major League 2. I was just empty and running out of things to fill the empty with. Somewhere along the way I gave this quest to find a renewed passion and purpose in life a secret name, “The 1Six Project”. The name was rooted in my past baseball career and my jersey number, 16. My dad, John, wore 16 first as a football player for the USM Golden Eagles. I wore 16 throughout my baseball career. My oldest son, Dylan, keeps that tradition alive as an athlete today. Almost 50 years later I still have my dad’s 16 jersey framed and on my wall. It isn’t just a number, it’s a tradition and it means something to me. From my limited world-based view at that time, the process of getting back to the man I wanted and needed to be in life was clearly going to be more than a single event or fix. It was going to be a project. Thus... “The 1Six Project” seemed fitting. Interestingly, I also had an unexplainable and strong conviction that this “project” was going to evolve into something bigger. On this conviction I bought the URL and reserved the web address, The1SixProject.com. It was a couple of years before I ever shared this with anyone. People might think I was crazy.

14 Bay Area Christian Family

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As the months rolled on I began to look less for a worldly cure for what I was missing inside and more for a Godly cure. This led me to ultimately understand that I had been trying to fix my problems with more of what was causing my problems. I didn’t need more worldly success, achievements, adventure, or possessions. I needed God. The empty space I was trying to fill inside of me is the same space we all have inside of us that is reserved for God, and God alone. You can’t fill this reserved space with anything but God, and for my entire life I had been trying to fill I it with everything but God. I started filling it with what belonged there. God showed up to rescue me and, I “got in the boat”. While some people hand their life over to Christ in a moment for me it was gradual transition from being first in my life to becoming second. Raised in church I had always known who God was, but prior to this point in my life I had never known Him on a personal level. Moving from religion to a personal relationship with Christ was a new experience for me and the stronger this relationship became the more God worked in my life. Then one day He told me to write. For clarity, these instructions didn’t arrive while I was on a mountain top and I wasn’t standing barefoot in front of a burning bush either. I was in Loxley, Ala. attending the 2015 annual company-wide Ballator Real Estate summer meeting and I remember it well. The thought “I want you to write” simply would not leave my head. My exasperated response after hours of this thought playing continuously in my mind was, “Write about WHAT?!” It was literally the craziest thing I had ever heard at the time. What could writing possibly address in my life, who would possibly want to read anything I wrote and why won’t this thought leave my head?! I didn’t act on this for several months but the calling, that gentle nudge, would not go away. Just so you know, God doesn’t yell. He gently persists, and it is our option to answer, or not. Eventually, I answered and began to write. In the beginning I mostly just jotted down things that struck me, often on note cards. As I did, words and phrases began to literally jump off the page at me like they were on fire, which was another new experience. These words and phrases I wrote evolved into stories that resembled short devotionals. Mostly the stories were about what God was doing in my life and revealing to me as I continued to seek Him and His will. The more seeking I did the more revealing He did. Looking back, I understand now that God used my writing to speak to me. The inspiration for the stories came from everywhere but the actual writing part, the formulating of a story, required me (still does) to sit quietly with my thoughts, research, study my Bible, and listen. In the beginning this often happened in the middle of the night when I couldn’t sleep and there were, conveniently, zero distractions. I began to call them “meetings”. The same prompting that told me to write began to encourage me to share these stories. So, one day I took a deep breath and shared a story on Facebook. To my amazement, people responded. I kept posting the occasional story and people kept responding in a positive manner. Spiritually I continued to grow, the audience grew, and doors started to open! Another few months down the road a fella named Christopher Williams, a man I barely knew and had never met in person sent me a message that stated, “You need to reach a bigger audience, I am going to build you a blog, do you have a web address you want to use?” Yes, and it had been waiting for almost two years... The1SixProject.com. A few weeks later the blog was a reality. Since the The1SixProject launched in the Spring of 2016, I have posted 87 stories to the site. Site analytics tell me that, since then, collectively over 77,000 stories have been read by over 69,000 people in 96 different countries. I look

at it this way. I followed God’s direction and He used that obedience to make over 77,000 faith-based impressions on over 69,000 souls around the world. As Christians we are to be conduits through which Christ’s message flows. The1SixProject blog is just a tool that God orchestrated and uses to deliver that message. As evidenced by this article in a popular local magazine, doors have continued to open. God continues to bring people into my life that support me and strengthen my walk as a Christian and The Gospel continues to be shared. For the record, I take absolutely ZERO credit for any of this. I sought God’s plan for my life, God said write, I obeyed His command and the rest just literally happened. Brother, that’s how it works! Additionally, in 2016, along with the creation of The1SixProject blog, theses four “1:6” verses were also revealed to me: • Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion….. • Philemon 1:6 – Be active in sharing your faith……. • Romans 1:6 – You are among those who have been called to belong to Christ…. • James 1:6 – When you ask, believe, and do not doubt…… As a young man I had no way of knowing that my baseball career and my attachment to the #16 would help set the table for me to find my way back to Christ and to purpose. After spiritually drifting for decades, at the end of myself and with basically no other options, I didn’t just ask God to help me I also began to “do my part” by seeking him, wholeheartedly. God showed up and I “got in the boat”. When I did this God went to work in and through my life. I experienced a real burning passion as a young man while I pursued and played baseball. Those years of my life showed me what it felt like to be truly on fire for something. Once you experience that feeling it is hard to ever live without it. After decades of wandering and searching for it again, I found that a personal relationship with Christ provides that same feeling, only bigger. It’s very cool. Today I am a “Redeemed & re-purposed professional baseball player,” husband, father, realtor, writer, I am Second, and I don’t ever want to be first again. Get in the boat. Do your part.

— Shane Hale

June 2018 15

Medicare Questions?

Teaching Kung Fu, Tai Chi and Qi Gong for fun and exercise!

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16 Bay Area Christian Family

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S e n ior S ce n e

Signs You’re Experiencing Brain Drain

And How to Keep Your Brain Fully Charged to Ward Off Dementia

To start off, let’s all be clear: Brain fog, forgetting names, forgetting where you put things, feeling dazed and confused? Your instant recall coming a day or two late? None of this is a normal part of aging, no matter what you’ve been told. You might think, Oh lord, this is it—Alzheimer’s and dementia are setting in! But trust me, that does not have to be the case. Why? Because dementia is not a normal part of aging. Let me repeat that, for the folks in the back, because it flies in the face of everything we’re told. Dementia is not a normal part of aging. It is, in fact, very possible to age without losing your mind. To grow older, to reach age 100 and beyond, without growing mentally feeble. Hard to believe, because it seems to have happened so fast—one day you’re feeling sharp as a blade, and then, you wander over to the utility room for something and can’t for the life of you recall why you’re there. Unfortunately, our society constantly sets our brains up to fail. We’re conditioned to do and to eat what’s convenient, not what’s healthy. Fact is, your brain is not gone forever, and dementia is not a foregone conclusion. When you learn how your brain works, you can take steps to recharge it and get it back on track. And if you know what triggers dementia, you can take your brain’s health back into your own hands and charge it to the fullest. You can avoid these triggers and implement brain-boosting habits that will help regenerate fresh brain cells and newer, stronger connections. And, if you’re diligent, it’s very possible to build a brain that gets better and sharper with age. Many of you have contacted me and told me you want a book, something to hold and refer back to time and again. Well, here is one for you. As this is my 80th article for Bay Area Christian Family Magazine, I guess you could say it is about time. Here are the nine critical signs you might be vulnerable to dementia—and tips on how to protect your brain and build resilience. This is a plump booklet, not a thick paperback. An electronic copy is available for free on my new website, www.JanetRichPittman.com. But if you want something to hold in your hands, mark up and refer to over and over, I am pre-selling these booklets. They will be $7.99 which includes shipping and you can order from my website, www.JanetRichPittman.com and pay via paypal. The current plan is to just print what is ordered and deadline for ordering is July 2. They will ship last week in July. To order go to www.JanetRichPittman.com, scroll down, view the book and hit the ‘get instant access’ button. This will take you to the order button. May I suggest you not test or tax your memory and just order now as ordering deadline is just a few days away, July 2. Thank you for being such a great audience in reading my articles and absorbing the information given in them. Now, here is another tool for you, one you can get your hands on and wrap your brain around to keep it healthy and fully functioning. Enjoy! — Janet Rich Pittman Brain Health Specialist Former Dementia Administrator and Practitioner www.JanetRichPittman.com, Janet@JanetRichPittman.com

June 2018 17

H ealthy L ivi ng presented by: Jason’s Fitness

1 on 1 with Jason S. Greene: The Anti-Ab

The pursuit of a trim flat mid-section has always been a goal of most exercisers and it used to be all about the sit up. If you wanted to have a flat tummy all you had to do was a bunch of sit-ups. Then sometime around the 80’s we started making fun of the sit up, and singing praises about the crunch. Over the past few decades we have found a hundred different ways to do a crunch. We have crunched on the floor. We have crunched with machines. We have crunched with cables, and we have even draped across big rubber balls and crunched some more. So, what’s the newest thing when it comes to firming your midsection you ask? I’ll give you a hint. It is less about what you do, and more about what you keep from doing.

When you do a sit up you are doing an exercise that creates hip flexion. Crunches create spinal flexion, side-bends create lateral flexion. When you do twisting exercises you create trunk rotation. Over the years I have used all of the above to help clients firm and trim their waist. The only drawback with these movements is that they also create load on your spine, which over time can lead to back problems. The irony of this is that every fitness expert, doctor, and physical therapist, will tell you that back pain is generally caused by a combination of two things, weak stomach muscles and tight hamstrings.

Most fitness professionals have switched gears completely and begun focusing on core training anti-movements: Anti-Extension, Anti-Lateral Flexion, Anti-Rotation. All of these exercises are isometric in nature, require a minimum of equipment and have been proven to be very safe and effective. I have included three examples to get you started. Anti-Extension= Ball Roll Outs: 1) Begin by kneeling on the floor with your hands on the top of a stability ball. Engage your abs keeping your entire spine stable. (photo-a) 2) Keep your hips stable and your arms straight, roll forward on the ball. (photo-b) Hold briefly at the bottom and then use your abs to return to the starting position. Note: Keep your chest up throughout the movement. Do not allow yourself to crunch over.

Anti-Lateral Flexion=Waiter Walks: 1) Simply hold a dumbbell overhead (like a waiter in a café) in one hand and walking across the room. (photo-c) 2) Change hands and walk back. Notes: You want to make sure you keep your body perfectly straight by bracing your core. Start with a light weight until you feel that your form is perfect. This exercise is harder than it looks. This exercise is also a good static shoulder exercise.

Anti-Rotation= Pallof Press: A) Stand side ways to a cable machine or resistance band. Holding cable in both hands press straight out in front of your chest while bracing your entire core. (photo-d) The point of the exercise is to keep the resistance from turning your body. Hold for 4-30 seconds and change sides. Notes: You may increase the difficulty by increasing the load, by bringing you feet closer together or by increasing the amount of time you hold each repetition.

D — 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.

18 Bay Area Christian Family

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For more information about tickets, please visit www.shbc.cc.

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June 2018 19

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P otluck

Summer Movie Camp

Lucy’s Fish Tacos with Sriracha Coleslaw and Pineapple Salsa

Beginning June 6, AMC Theatres are offering kids’ movies at 10am every Wednesday at The Wharf in Orange Beach and Jubilee Square in Daphne. For $4, your child gets admission plus a kids’ pack including popcorn, a drink, and a fruit snack. The first show is “Boss Baby.” Movie Camp runs through August 1. (No Movie Camp on July 4.) See the entire list of movies at: www.AMCTheatres.com/summer-movie-camp.

Re-use Coffee Grounds

Don’t dump those used coffee grounds into the garbage. Save them. For what? Let them dry and sprinkle them around any areas in your home where you’ve seen ants or other unwanted critters. Coffee’s high nitrogen content wards off bugs. Sprinkle grounds around your flowers and other garden plants to keep slugs and other garden pests away. Coffee is great for your compost pile, too. And load an open container with used coffee grounds and slide it into the back of your fridge. It’ll absorb odors for at least a couple of weeks. Save the next batch of grounds to replace those with and sprinkle the older ones around your garden.

Frozen Beach Treats

Whatever you’re doing outdoors, make sure you take along a cooler of cold drinks and healthy snacks. A couple of easy and tasty treats are frozen grapes and banana “popsicles.” Allow me to explain. Instead of just freezing a bunch of grapes, fill wooden skewers with grapes and freeze them as grapes-on-a-stick. You and your kids will enjoy them. With younger kids, though, slide the grapes off the stick to prevent choking or other hazards.

Ingredients:

1 lb tilapia or other white fish Backyard Seasoning (Full of flavor, not salty or hot) olive oil kosher salt Flour tortillas, warmed Sriracha Coleslaw: 7 oz (about 2 cups) shredded cabbage 1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 teaspoon Apple cider vinegar 2 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce ¼ teaspoon kosher salt Pineapple Salsa: 1 cup Fresh pineapple, finely diced ½ cup fresh tomatoes, finely diced ¼ cup sweet onion, finely diced 1 Jalapeno pepper, finely chopped juice of 1 lime ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation

For the coleslaw: Whisk mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Sriracha sauce, and salt together in a bowl. Pour over shredded cabbage, and mix until combined. Set aside. For the salsa: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Set aside.

Peel a banana; cut it in half and insert a popsicle stick through the flat end. Coat the banana in your favorite yogurt; then roll it in crushed almond slivers or finely chopped walnuts or pecans. Pop them in the freezer until ready to serve or load into your cooler.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and add a couple tablespoons of olive oil. Rinse tilapia fillets and pat dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with kosher salt. Season both sides liberally with Backyard Seasoning. *If you are using a Cajun seasoning, do not season with additional salt. Place the fillets in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on both sides until cooked through.

Facebook Tip

Cut fish into pieces and assemble tacos. Place fish in a warmed flour tortilla. Top with coleslaw and salsa. Serve immediately.

This may not save you money, but it can sure save you some embarrassment. If you accidentally post something in the wrong place or have an error in what you’ve posted or – horror of horrors – posted something and then regretted putting it out there, you can easily fix the problem. Look for the three dots out to the right of your post. Click there and a dropdown menu will appear with several options, including delete and edit. Choose what you want to do; fix or delete; and you’re all set.

— Chef Lucy Greer Greer’s Market & Catering

Closing Thoughts

“You must not have any other god but Me” (Ex 20:3, NLT). While other languages have a variety of words to choose from, we Americans tend to “love” everything: our families; our cars; our houses; our pets; our clothes; our jewelry; and the list goes on. Why not make a change? Stop carelessly using “love.” Teach your children the importance and value of what it really means. Reserve it for the Lord and those you highly value in your life. — 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.

20 Bay Area Christian Family

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BUT THEY WHO BUT THEY WAIT FORWHO THE BUT THEY WHO WAIT FOR THE LORD SHALL WAIT THE LORDFOR SHALL RENEW THEIR LORD SHALL RENEW THEIR STRENGTH; RENEW THEIR STRENGTH; THEY SHALL STRENGTH; THEY SHALL MOUNT UP THEY SHALL MOUNT UP WITH WINGS MOUNT UP WITH WINGS LIKE EAGLES; WITH WINGS LIKE THEYEAGLES; SHALL LIKE EAGLES; THEY SHALL RUN AND NOT THEY SHALL RUN AND NOT BE WEARY; RUN AND NOT BE WEARY; THEY SHALL BE WEARY; THEY SHALL WALK AND NOT THEY SHALL WALK AND NOT FAINT. WALK AND NOT FAINT. Isaiah 40:31 FAINT. Isaiah 40:31 Isaiah 40:31

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251-333-4800 Mobile, AL 36602 800 St. Louis St 251-333-4800 www.wings-of-life.com Mobile, AL 36602 800 St. Louis St www.wings-of-life.com Mobile, AL 36602 www.wings-of-life.com

LIFE LIFE

INSTAGRAM: @4wingsoflife INSTAGRAM: TWITTER: @4wingsoflife INSTAGRAM: @4wingsoflife TWITTER: @4wingsoflife FACEBOOK: @4wingsoflife TWITTER: wings of life recovery FACEBOOK: @4wingsoflife wings of life recovery FACEBOOK: wings of life recovery

"restoring damaged lives" www.wings-of-life.com "restoring damaged lives" www.wings-of-life.com "restoring damaged lives" www.wings-of-life.com

Would You Like to Would You Like to Would You Like to Help? Help? Help? THRIFT STORE THRIFT STORE THRIFT STORE

By donating your used vehicle, furniture, clothing household items, you arevehicle, helping furniture, By donating your or used furniture, Byvehicle, donating your used to household change lives in our community. Donations clothing or items, you are helping clothing or household items, you are helping accepted atchange our thrift store location. If Donations to changeare lives in our to community. Donations lives in our community. you would to pick upatyour donation, are accepted at ourlike thrift store location. areusaccepted our If thrift store location. If please Allto donations are donation, you would like uscall to 251-432-5245. pick yourlike donation, youup would us pick up your tax251-432-5245. deductible. please call are pleaseAll calldonations 251-432-5245. All donations are Hours of Operation Mon - Fri 9-4, Sat 9 -2 tax deductible. tax deductible. Hours of Operation Mon - Friof9-4, Sat 9 -2Mon - Fri 9-4, Sat 9 -2 Hours Operation

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The 90-day recovery program is based on biblical principles that,iswhen consistently The 90-day recovery program based on program is based on The 90-day recovery applied, will produce permanent recovery biblical principles that, when principles consistently biblical that, when consistently fromproduce addictions and other destructive applied, will permanent applied, willrecovery produce permanent recovery lifestyles. emphasize reliance on from addictions andWe other destructive from addictions and otherJesus destructive lifestyles.and Weaccountability. emphasize reliance Jesus lifestyles. Weonemphasize reliance on Jesus and accountability. and accountability.

Dove Program Dove ProgramDove Program

Graduates of the 90-day recovery program may for the Dove Foundation Graduates of be theeligible 90-day recovery program Graduates of the 90-day recovery program bible school. This extended term program is may be eligible for the Dove Foundation may be eligible for the Dove Foundation dedicated tobible building successful servantbible school. This extended term program is school. This extended term program is leaders thatdedicated will positively influence their dedicated to building successful toservantbuilding successful servantfamilies, workplaces and will communities. leaders that will positively influence their leaders that positively influence their families, workplaces families, and communities. workplaces and communities.

We sell breakfast and lunch plates ranging from friedand chicken barbecue pull lunch pork plates ranging We sell breakfast lunch plates ranging We sellto breakfast and We also breakfast and pull pork chicken to barbecue pull pork from friedsandwiches. from friedcater chicken to barbecue lunchWe meals. If youbreakfast or your organization are sandwiches. also sandwiches. cater and We also cater breakfast and looking for or a lunch catered mealIfatyou a low price,organization are lunch meals. If you your meals. organization are or your please give us a call at 251-404-4873. We looking for a catered meal at a low price, looking for a catered meal at a low price, willus deliver catered orders! Please call or please give a call all atplease 251-404-4873. We give us a call at 251-404-4873. We email us at wingsoflifekitchen@hotmail.com. will deliver all catered orders! Please call or orders! Please call or will deliver all catered email us at wingsoflifekitchen@hotmail.com. email us at wingsoflifekitchen@hotmail.com.

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You could be our corporate or private Your business or our organization You couldsponsor! be our corporate or private You could be corporatecan or private with sponsor! usor toorganization provide change the sponsor! partner Your business can Yourreal business or in organization can lives of the hurting and broken-hearten. realwith change the partner with us to provide partner us toinprovide real change in the Please call us at 251-510-5442 and join lives of the hurting and broken-hearten. lives of the hurting and broken-hearten. others have become corporate Please call us atwho 251-510-5442 join Please calland usour at 251-510-5442 and join partners . others who have become ourwho corporate others have become our corporate can provide a scholarship bed! You can partners You . partners . donate the cost ourprovide 90-day You can provide a scholarship bed! You can Youofcan arecovery scholarship bed! You can program who has to recovery donate the cost offor oursomeone 90-daythe recovery donate cost ofno ourability 90-day please call us at 251For information, program pay. for someone who has no ability to program for someone who has no ability to All donations areattax deductible. pay. For510-5442. information, please call us 251please call us at 251pay. For information, 510-5442. All donations are tax deductible. 510-5442. All donations are tax deductible.

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Graduates of Wings of Life’s Dove Foundation bible school may be eligible forDove Graduates of Wings of Life’s Dove Graduates of Wings of Life’s thebible ministry training program. This Foundation school may be eligible for unique Foundation bible school may be eligible for program promotes servant leadership and This unique the ministry training program. Thistraining unique the ministry program. in the and community. program outreach promotes opportunities servant leadership program promotes servant leadership and Once completed, men and women will obtain outreach opportunities in the community. outreach opportunities in the community. a Ministerial Once completed, menCertificate. and women will obtain Once completed, men and women will obtain a Ministerial Certificate. a Ministerial Certificate.

a stable home environment, while program. We Wings of provide life offers a transition program. Wings of life offers aWe transition partnerships provide training and provide acommunity stable home environment, while provide a stable home environment, while jobpartnerships placement services thoseand re-entering community provide for training community partnerships provide training and the work force. job placement servicesjob forplacement those re-entering services for those re-entering the work force. the work force. PASTOR CHRIS PATRICK, DIRECTOR PASTOR GLENN ALEXANDER, ASST DIR PASTOR CHRIS PATRICK, PASTOR DIRECTOR CHRIS PATRICK, DIRECTOR MIN. INEZ SPENSER, WOMEN'S DIR PASTOR GLENN ALEXANDER, ASSTGLENN DIR ALEXANDER, ASST DIR PASTOR PASTOR BEN GODWIN, MEN'S DIR MIN. INEZ SPENSER, WOMEN'S DIR SPENSER, WOMEN'S DIR MIN. INEZ MIN. BRANDY VALENTINE, HOUSE MOTHER PASTOR BEN GODWIN, MEN'S DIR BEN GODWIN, MEN'S DIR PASTOR MIN. SHAWN JOHNSON, KITCHEN MGR MIN. BRANDY VALENTINE,MIN. HOUSE MOTHER BRANDY VALENTINE, HOUSE MOTHER MIN. SHAWN JOHNSON, KITCHEN MGR JOHNSON, KITCHEN MGR MIN. SHAWN

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Protecting Your Pet As a pet owner, it is vital for us to be aware of items dangerous to our pets and what we should do if something happens.

Foods Toxic to Pets include: coffee grounds, fatty foods, tea, chocolate, avocado, alcohol, yeast dough, grapes/raisins, salt, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic and peanut butter (any products containing xylitol, an artificial sweetener). Always keep garbage out of a pet’s reach. Rotting food contains molds or bacteria that could cause food poisoning. Cleaning Products. Many household cleaners can be used safely around pets. However, if the label states “keep pets and children away from area until dry,” follow those directions to prevent possible health risks. Always keep bleach and detergents away from pets. Store cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of the reach of pets and keep them in their original packaging or in clearly labeled and tightly sealed containers. Insecticides/Rodenticides/Antifreeze. Flea and tick products labeled “for use on dogs only” should never be used on cats or other species. If a pet ingests rat poison, potentially serious or even life-threatening illness can result. Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants can be fatal to pets. Insecticides, plant/lawn fertilizers, weed killers, ice-melting products and gasoline are also extremely dangerous. Place these items in areas completely inaccessible to pets. Medications that pose high risk to pets include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, acetaminophen, diet pills/vitamins, cold medicines, antihistamines and antidepressants.

(251) 680-8589

Household Items. Potpourri smells good to pets but contains ingredients that can cause oral ulcerations and other problems, mothballs that contain naphthalene and can cause serious illness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma, respiratory tract damage (if inhaled) and even death (if ingested). Also protect your pet from tobacco products, pennies (those minted after 1982 contain zinc) and alkaline batteries. If you suspect your pet ingested or came into contact with poisonous items, call your veterinarian immediately or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at (888) 426-4435. - Jeff Falone, DVM

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22 Bay Area Christian Family

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F aith

W or k

The Golden Rule Gym

Ronald and Charlotte Perdue have long wanted to share their talents. Besides being a Physician working in Urgent Care within the local area American Family Care clinics, Ron has pursued his love of Martial Arts since the age of 18. That’s been over 40 years. He is now ranked through local Grand Master John Graham, Sr. and the Southern Shaolin Five Ancestors Fist Society in Quanzhou, China as an 8th Degree Black Belt in the Five Ancestors Fist style of Kung Fu. Charlotte has pursued the study of Tai Chi and Qi Gong, both softer and less intense forms of exercise, during this time. They have much to offer to the young and to the young at heart. The opportunity to expand their gifts to the general public occurred through St. John’s United Methodist Church where they have been members since 2007. They prayed for an opportunity and then asked Pastor John Russell, Jr. if they might be allowed some space to offer classes. They began teaching in the Fellowship Hall at St. John’s in 2011. They are currently teaching at the newly repurposed Vision Center community building located at 4807 Princeton Drive, where the Forest Hill United Methodist Church was previously housed. So how does an MD and a Christian come to study Kung Fu? Ron says “It’s fun! It’s good exercise. I don’t need a team of players or a special place to practice. It can be useful in the right circumstances. But mostly, it’s fun!” Charlotte has studied Tai Chi and Qi Gong more for the purpose of health. She has taught locally at the YMCA, the Mobile Country Club, and the Semmes Senior Center. Ron and Charlotte both believe that Martial Arts can help those who choose

to study them in their everyday lives. Ron says that movies certainly don’t portray these Arts as anything but violent. But that is the current attraction of such movies. “Violence is not our goal. Presence of mind and confidence in your own ability are your best tools for de-escalating tense situations.” The motto of Ron and Charlotte’s Golden Rule Gym is “Calm your mind, focus your attention, exercise your body, be kind and polite to all you meet, and accept no harm.”

“We are looking for people with good minds and good hearts who want to add the physical abilities of Martial Arts for their betterment, or just want a friendly place to exercise and to learn something new and different. I am interested particularly in those who would like to teach someday. It is a joy and a privilege to teach a new generation of instructors. We are not in this for the money. We pay our instructors and improve our facility with the money’s we receive. There are no yearly contracts and our fees are really reasonable,” Ron says. “Additionally, no one bows in this gym or calls me Master. If a student wants to call me by a title, they are told to call me Lao Shi, which means Teacher in Chinese. Otherwise, call me Doc or Ron.” Charlotte’s love of Tai Chi and Qi Gong comes from a strong desire to help people maintain and improve mobility as they age. The flowing choreographed movements of these Arts are beautiful and graceful. Taking the weight off your joints and making the muscles of your legs hold you up offers benefit to those with arthritis and balance issues. — For more information on class times and cost, call Charlotte at 251-5337932. See our Facebook page at Five Ancestors Kung Fu – SJUMC.

Home Staging & Seasonal Styling Home Staging & Seasonal Styling by Melissa McElroy Home Staging & Seasonal Styling by Melissa McElroy

by Melissa McElroy

Home Staging & Seasonal Styling Organizing ~ Rearranging Furniture ~ Accessory Selections & More ~ Seasonal Styling Organizing ~ Rearranging Furniture ~ Accessory & More ~ Seasonal Styling ~ Home Staging (New Selections Look/Selling) Home Staging (New Look/Selling) Organizing ~ Rearranging~ Furniture ~ Accessory Selections & More ~ Seasonal Styling byStaging Melissa McElroy Home (New Look/Selling) Call Today ~ for Consultations & Bookings, (251) 680-8589 Call Today for Consultations & Bookings, (251) 680-8589 References Upon Request

References Upon Request & Bookings, (251) 680-8589 Call Today for Consultations

Organizing ~ Rearranging Furniture ~ Accessory Selections & More ~ Seasonal Styling References Upon Request June 2018 23 ~ Home Staging (New Look/Selling)

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24 Bay Area Christian Family

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JUNE 2018 Calendar June 13 Kids Gulf Discovery Day - Children of all ages will enjoy learning about the wildlife and ecology of the Gulf Coast from a variety of environmental organJune 2 izations. The Environmental Studies Cat & Dog Days of Summer - Local pet Center will bring their Raptor Road adoption groups participate in partnerShow to the Great Lawn to engage and ship with the City of Semmes to assist educate guests about the wonders of with this worthwhile community event. native birds of prey. The Dauphin Island Attendees will enjoy vendors with wares Sea Lab will offer presentations with to sell, snow cones and drinks to cool their Touch Tables in the Magnolia their thirst, food, and cooling off activiRoom. Visitors may also take a guided ties to include water slides and the splash cruise along the beautiful Fowl River, pad. The best part is that at the end of courtesy of WildNative Delta Safaris. this fun day, you just might just have Space is limited and reservations are rea new “forever” friend to take home. quired for the cruises, so be sure to make Location at Semmes Municipal Park your reservations early. Cruise times beginning at 9am. are 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The cruise fees are $9 for adults June 2 and $6 for ages 0-12. Join us for a day of Harvest Nights - Weeks Bay Plantation summer fun! will kick off Harvest Nights on Saturday, May 5 from 4 to 8 p.m., the series June 13 continuing every Saturday through June Investing For Women - Knollwood 16. These family-friendly events feature Republican Women’s Club will host blueberry picking (cost is $8 per pound), Cheryl McCormick-Hann, registered market vendors, food trucks and live broker and accredited asset management music under the stars. specialist at 2:00 p.m. as speaker on the topic of investing for women. She June 9 will address the issue of investing from Glowrage - Doors open at 9:00 p.m. several angles including the perspectives and show time is at 9:30 p.m. Tickets of widows, singles, and couples. Join us are $15 until 6/4, then $18 until 6/9, at Gordon Oaks Retirement Community. then $20. Get advanced tickets at www. On the property, signs will direct the way soulkitchenmobile.com or by calling to the meeting room. 866.777.8932. This is an 18+ show. Performing as part of the Law Offices of June 14 Alexander Shunnarah & Assoc Concert Second Thursday Walk With The Series. Curator - Join Amanda for monthly presentations on the second Thursday June 10 of each month. Amanda will present on “In the Eyes of a Child” – Spring Hill topics and/or lead groups on collection Baptist Church, Spring Hill Singers tours around the grounds and discuss present their annual Choir Tour perforthe plants we have in bloom right now. mance at Saraland High School Theatre. She will share her best growing tips and Two performances at 4pm and 7pm. if anyone can stump her on ‘Name That Free admission and parking. For more Plant’ — we will award a free plant to the information about tickets, please visit stumper! Should be fun! www.shbc.cc or call 251-342-5320. June 16 June 11 – July 27 Fishing For Hope – Iron Men Outdoor Art Blast Summer Art Camp - Art Blast Ministries is hosting a fun day for special Summer Art Camp registration is now needs children ages 19 and under. Loopen! With classes for 4-7 year olds, cated at Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope 8-11 year olds and 12 and up, there is from 8am to 1pm. For more informatruly something for everyone in the tion please call 251-979-0338. wide variety of art offered throughout the summer. Ceramics, painting, and June 18 – 22 drawing in all styles inspire students to Recycled Art Camp - Innovation and energize their creativity, while learning resourcefulness can be seen all over the about elements of art and art history. island of Cuba as people and businesses Hosted by Mobile Museum of Art. solve everyday problems with the materials they have available. Hosted by the

Alabama Contemporary Art Center. June 21 Rx for a Cause Fundraiser - Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy of Mobile will host Jazz and Cocktails, 5:30 pm to 9 pm at Mobile Arts Council, located at 318 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL. This year’s fundraiser, “Jazz and Cocktails” will benefit the mission of Ozanam Pharmacy to provide prescription assistance to those in our area with limited incomes and no insurance who are unable to afford necessary prescription medications. Tickets for the event are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at eventbrite.com, at the door or at Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy, 109 S. Cedar St. Mobile, AL 36602. Ticket prices include wonderful food, live jazz music, a silent auction and a chance to win prize baskets. Sponsorship opportunities are available and donations of auction items are welcome. Email tcarroll@ ozanampharmacy.org for information. Please join in the fun on June 21 to help provide life-sustaining medications for those in need. For more information about Ozanam Charitable Pharmacy or Ozanam’s Jazz and Cocktails… A Rx for a Cause Event go to www.Ozanampharmacy.org, like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter or call 432-4111, ext. 109 or 251-721-0458 May 26 – Aug 26 Ice Age Imperials - Imagine traveling 20,000 years into the past to a period in our planet’s history when the environment was dramatically different than we know it today. Fierce cats, enormous mastodons and wooly mammoths, six-feet-tall beavers, and other giant creatures roamed the land, and every day was a struggle for survival. This story will be presented like never before, through direct handling and interaction with real fossils from such ancient animals as the giant (five ton!) ground sloth, the cave bear, the largest breed of lion to ever live, and the herds of shaggy elephants that once covered North America. Ice Age Imperials explores how today’s animal life compares to its extinct Ice Age relatives, and about the way of life of the earliest peoples, the Paleo-hunters, that once inhabited North America. Ice Age Imperials will also provide a rare opportunity to “touch the Ice Age.” For more information on Ice Age Imperials or the History Museum of Mobile, please call 251.301.0266.

June 1 – 30 Ragtime The Musical – Joe Jefferson Players presents Ragtime The Musical based on the novel of the same name by E.L. Doctrow, Ahren’s and Flaherty’s Ragtime is a compelling epic capturing the American experience at the turn of the 20th century. For more information call 251-471-1534.

June 2 Publix Grandman Triathlon - Mobile Baykeeper is hosting the 14th Annual Publix Grandman Triathlon at the beautiful Fairhope Pier beginning at 7am. Racers begin the race with a jump off the pier into Mobile Bay and swim 1/3-mile to the shore. Following the swim, racers bike 18 miles, beginning up a steep hill before riding through the streets of downtown Fairhope and miles of rolling countryside. The race to the finish line consists of a 3.1 mile run alongside scenic Mobile Bay.

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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

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A bout O u r A dve rti s e r s Atchison Designs – 5392 Dawes Lane Ext, Mobile, AL, 251-591-7075, atchisondesigns@gmail.com Avon South LLC – 6920 Airport Blvd, Mobile, AL, 251-607-0320 Christopher Mullenix, DMD, MD, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery 715 Downtowner Blvd, Mobile, 251-4713381, www.mobileoralsurgery.com Community Insurance Partners – 7308 Cottage Hill Road, Mobile, AL, 251-635-0989, www.communityinsurancepartners.com

Goldfingers – Two locations to best serve you: 1020 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, 251217-2914 and 3151 Dauphin St, Mobile, 251-287-1330, www.goldfingers.com Hansen Heating & Air – Two locations to best serve you – Mobile, 251-471-3047 and Eastern Shore, 251-210-1493, www.hansenair.com Heritage Funeral Home – 953 S. Broad St, Mobile, AL, 251-525-9000, www.heritagefuneralhome.net Hacienda San Miguel - 880 Schillinger Road, Mobile, AL, 251-633-6122, www.sanmiguelrestaurante.com

Victor Crawford for Senate, District 33 – www.electvictorcrawford.com Shane Hale, Bellator Real Estate & Development – (251) 370-8812, shane@ Chris Elliott for State Senate – shanehale.com, www.shanehale.com www.electchriselliott.com Jason’s Fitness – 3724 Cottage Hill Rd, Greer’s – Locations throughout Mobile Mobile, AL, 251-391-1234, and Baldwin Counties, www.greers.com www.southfit.com

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Support us by supporting them. Lighthouse Restaurant - 12495 County Road 23, Irvington, AL, 251-824-2500

Roly Poly – 3220 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL, 251-479-2480

Matt McKenzie for Baldwin County Probate Judge

Spring Hill Baptist Church – 2 S. McGregor Ave, Mobile, AL, 251-342-5320, www. shbc.cc

Mark Shirey for Senate 34 – McKemie Place – www.mckemieplace.org www.markshirey.com

Janet Ogelsby for House of Representatives District 105 Palmer’s Toyota Superstore - 470 Schillinger Road South, Mobile, AL, 251-6390800, www.palmerstoyotasuperstore.com Pickett Orthodontics – 6611 Wall Street, Mobile, 251-607-0110, www.picketortho.com

University of South Alabama Football – 6001 USA Drive South Suite 35, Mobile, AL, (251) 414-8274, www.usajaguars.com Volunteers of America SouthEast – 1204 Hillcrest Rd, Mobile, AL, 251-338-1297, www.voase.org Jack Williams for Senate 34 www.votejackwilliams.com

Premier Medical Group – www.pmg.md Roly Poly – 3220 Dauphin St, Mobile, AL, Wings of Life – 800 St. Louis Street, 251-479-2480 Mobile, AL, (251) 333-4800, www.wingsof-life.com

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Free Pick-up and tax receipt. 83 Call (251) 602-14 ils ta de for & appointment for pick-up.

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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.

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 Group Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group- Touch- Wings of Life, 800 St. Louis Street, Mobile, Al, Dauphin Way Baptist Church, 3661 Dauphin 36602 Street, Mobile, AL 36608 ing Hearts Senior Care, 3rd Tuesday of each Group meets Wednesdays at 3:30 pm Month, 11am-12pm, 3263 Demetropolis, 251-342-3456 Ste10, Mobile, AL 36693, 251.455.4204, no fee Divorce Recovery Support Group – all invited 6101 Grelot Road, Mobile, AL 36609 Widowed Persons Service of Greater Mobile Grief groups and “Building a New Life” Compassionate Friends Grief Support Group – (251) 342-0462 group offered at different times and in several 1507 Dauphin Street, Mobile, AL 36604, (251) Hours: 6 p.m. - 7:30p.m. every Wednesday locations. Call the WPS office for info. 1204 471-1511 Hours: 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of Alzheimer’s Support Group (Fairhope)- Thom- each month Mom’s Day Out – Hillcrest Rd. Mobile, AL, 251-470-6866 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

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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.