Christian Living January 2014

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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014

TRUT H

Event

A conversation with youth

LIBERTY

Barrett Foster children’s friend

RAE ANN

Norell

Lessons on grief

TREASURE VALLEY

Voices Choral group at large

Contents January / February 2014 “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”

— Psalm 51:17

Features Treasure Valley Voices:

4

A singing ministry

Columns

6

Outdoors with Dougherty: Hunting near-mishap

Publisher Sterling Media Ltd.

10

Consider This: Faithful friends

Editor Gaye Bunderson gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-639-8301

16

Notes from Home: Breakfast breakdancing

Sales & Marketing Melva Bade melvab@sterlingmedialtd.com 208-501-9024

20

Maximum Health: Time-tested nutrition

Sales Manager Sandy Jones

23

Breaking Free: Envy: a deadly sin

Departments Cover Story — Truth Event:

Volume 2, Number 1

Graphic Design Denice King Contributors Dan Dougherty, Brian Raymond, Rosie Main, Dani Grigg & Dan Woodworth Distribution Assistants Doris Evans and Shawna Howard

12

A conversation with teens

Rae Ann Norell: A mother’s grief Dave Norell

Liberty Barrett:

Helping foster children

Idahope Writers: Christians who write

8

7

Creativity in the Kitchen: Getting imaginative with oatmeal

18

In the Community: Gospel workshop

22

Business Spotlight: Heritage Auto Repair

11

14 17

In Each Edition 3

Editor’s Intro: Praying for others

& Scripture: 11 Quotes Verses for seniors

January / February 2014 | Christian Living

Christian Living is committed to encouraging and instructing individuals in their daily lives by presenting stories of people in the Treasure Valley who are living on a foundation of faith in Jesus Christ and who serve as uplifting examples to others. Views expressed in Christian Living do not necessarily represent those of the publisher. Every effort has been made by Christian Living 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 2013 by Sterling Media Ltd. Christian Living is published every other month and is available in high traffic locations throughout the Treasure Valley.

www.boisechristianliving.com

EDITOR’S Intro

Praying for others an important practice “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6

By Gaye Bunderson Resolutions are too much of a cliché to write about this time of year, so I’m not going to. Instead, I’m going to write about prayer.

Because I’ve lived through a mountain of troubles the past few years, I’ve frequently asked people to pray with me. In fact, I sometimes picked up the phone and called a prayer line called OurPrayer.org, a ministry of the Guideposts Foundation.

I think that praying for others is a generous and selfless act, and I’m working to be more and more conscientious about intercessory prayer myself. I think being able to pray confidently and openly for other people is a kind of skill.

When I called the prayer line, I got an across-the-board selection of prayer volunteers. Some of them spoke as though they knew me and my situation personally, and they blessed me with mighty prayers and wise words.

Many of them just offered up a nice prayer — not necessarily inspirational, but good.

Now I’m not being critical, but I’ve got to share the other side of the coin with you. I occasionally got people who spoke heavily accented English and I could only understand a few phrases, like, “Oh, we praise you, Fodduh!”

Some people said a fast prayer and then signed off.

One young man randomly selected a Bible verse that was extremely irrelevant. But the most amusing of all was the lady who offered up a quick, two-sentence prayer while a dog barked in the background, and then said, “I gotta go!

The dog is barking.”

But whether those prayers came out unintelligible and clunky, or whether they came out eloquent and made me feel God was speaking through that individual, I still believe every one of those volunteers who gave of their time to pray for me was doing something profoundly worthy and I always appreciated it.

I also believe that God honors all prayers offered up with sincerity. He doesn’t require that we pray like skilled orators. He just wants our hearts to be in the right place.

Here are some of the wise things much wiser people than me said while praying on my behalf. I hope they help you, as they continue to help me, if you are struggling with anything difficult in your life right now: • “ Faith is sometimes like riding a bicycle uphill. It isn’t always easy, but eventually you get to the plateau — and then eventually you even get to ride downhill.” www.boisechristianliving.com

• “God will get you through this, for His Word says: ‘Though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me...’”

• “In Genesis 28:15, God promised Jacob that He would not leave him until everything He had promised was accomplished in his life. God will do the same for you. He doesn’t respect some people and not others. Sometimes it is necessary to hold onto God through some tough places before your victory comes to pass. Put your confidence in Him. He wants to help you.”

• “God is always with you. Remember … with God, there is always a way. Allow the power of His Word to bring you to a place of victory.”

• “Lamentations 3:24-26 (MSG) says: ‘I’m sticking with God (say it over and over). He’s all I’ve got left. God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God.’” Please continue to send us your ideas and comments.

The new year promises to be a very adventurous one! n Gaye Bunderson, Editor gayeb@sterlingmedialtd.com Christian Living | January / February 2014

TREASURE Valley Voices

Choristers serve God through song

Treasure Valley Voices performs at Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Meridian. The group especially likes to help small congregations lift their collective voices in praise. (Photo by Brad Elsberg)

By Gaye Bunderson In roughly 2009, Larry Nielsen’s wife Crystal, who then worked at Northwest Nazarene University, thought it would be a great idea to have a community choir. When she was thinking of who she could tap for the position of choir director, she forgot for a moment that her own husband qualified.

“I’ve done a lot of things, including having been a musical director in several churches, where I normally volunteer or do it in a part-time capacity,” Nielsen said. “I’ve had choirs, orchestras, bands. I started playing the keyboard when I was about 5 years old.”

His other skills include arrangements for vocals and instruments, making him the perfect material for community choir director. What evolved from his wife’s inspiration became a faith-based choir called Treasure Valley Voices. Members use their talents to “lead God’s people in worship and praise,” according to information at www.treasurevalleyvoices.com.

Currently, there are approximately 18 choir members, ranging in age from 18 to 80.

“We’d like to have 50 vocalists and 30 instrumentalists,” Nielsen said.

“If we get it, we get it. God has sent us who we needed at the time we needed it to do the type of ministry he has us doing. A big part of our ministry has been in retirement homes.

“We do mostly a lot of old hymns.

They enjoy it. We minister to them, and they minister to us.”

The choir also performed at a sports event.

“We sang the American and Canadian anthems at a Boise Hawks game. Both of those were eight-part a cappella arrangements — just our voices,” Nielsen said.

But the group’s first priority is to sing for the edification of believers.

Because Nielsen wants the choir members to participate in their own home church services, Treasure Valley Voices performs on Friday evenings, Saturday in the afternoons and evenings, and Sunday in the afternoon and evening.

“I don’t want people to be drawn away from their own churches,” he said.

When they do perform collectively in churches, they present a congregational worship program.

“Two-thirds of what we do is just singing with people and having them sing with us,” Nielsen said.

January / February 2014 | Christian Living

Members represent various denominations, and anyone is welcome.

“We do ask that people be evangelical Christians. There’s an interview phase, mostly to make sure that they’re going to be a good missions fit. I’ve had people come to the group thinking it would be a very highly polished, technically perfect type of group. I’m more interested in the ministry than the perfection, but I do want them to improve,” Nielsen said.

He also asks that people come with a sense of commitment. In other words, people who want to participate in the choir only from time to time, when it’s convenient, aren’t the kind of members Nielsen is looking for. And he stresses as well that members’ hearts be focused on service.

“There’s no glory in going to a retirement home and singing to 12 or so people sitting there — no earthly glory anyway, but eternal glory.

Some of these people can’t get out and go to church,” Nielsen said.

Michael Vernor of Nampa has been a member of Treasure Valley Voices since its inception. He sings bass and helps run the technology that is involved in performances, such as microphones and speakers. www.boisechristianliving.com

Vernor grew up singing in church and college choirs, but once he graduated, he said, he found limited opportunities for publicly lifting his voice in song.

“Once you’re out of college, that’s it, unless you sing professionally,” he said. “They’re moving to a different model of how they do music in church. It’s a worship team-style of four or five people on a platform. It’s not choral music. It’s two- or three-part harmony at most, and more modern band instruments and not a lot of orchestral type of instruments.”

He said one of the visions behind Treasure Valley Voices was to give people the option of engaging in an older-style church choir performance.

“We have the opportunity to be together, to sing and praise God, and we have the added benefit of doing that with other groups,” Vernor said. “We’ve had very memorable times where we’ve been with a group; and we find that often with the small groups, the smaller churches, they just join with us and the experience is amazing.”

Vernor said “people are the most fascinating part” of membership in Treasure Valley Voices.

“We appreciate the time together as a group, and spending time worshipping. There’s no church politics involved,” he said. “It’s not just about singing; it’s about worship. … It’s about 50 percent singing, 40 percent laughing and 10 percent praying.”

The group is self-funded, and members pay a fee to be in the group. The money goes toward the purchase of music and copyright fees. Choristers wear red and black clothing that they buy themselves, and they pay their own traveling expenses for valley-area performances.

For more information about joining the choir or about a choir performance, contact Larry or Crystal Nielsen at (208) 250-2586 or email info@treasurevalleyvoices. org. (Crystal Nielsen serves as communications director for the group.)

The philosophy behind Treasure Valley Voices may be found on its website and is summarized here in just two sentences: “The opportunities to watch a service on television or the Internet, or to listen to a CD, do not compare to live worship with other people singing around you. Corporate worship cannot be duplicated.” n

Upcoming Performances • Family Music Festival

• Fifth Anniversary Celebration

This concert will mark the fifth year of ministry for Treasure Valley Voices.

Sunday, February 16 • 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

First Southern Baptist Church 912 W. Linden, Caldwell, ID 83605 Details for both events will be posted on the Treasure Valley Voices website, www.TreasureValleyVoices.org.

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This is a brand new event taking place during the Winter Carnival in McCall.

Saturday, February 1 • 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

McCall Church of the Nazarene 506 E. Pine Street at Roosevelt (across from Depot Park) Featuring Treasure Valley Voices and The Mighty Men of McCall singing sacred and secular pieces

www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | January / February 2014

OUTDOORS With Dougherty

Hunting near-mishap affects dad

By Dan Dougherty “Against a deepening blue sky, the waning sun cast a pinkish glow against the scattered clouds. The crisp nip of fall awakened the senses with a promise of the chill of winter soon to come. I observed the osculating ‘V’ pattern of a flight of ducks passing close enough overhead to hear the distinct whooshing of their wings as they headed out in the evening to feed. A sight and sound that brings back a flood of memories.” … Forget the attempt to be eloquent!

In short, it was a beautiful, cool fall evening and a passing flock of ducks reminded me it was time to hunt.

I had hunted ducks since I was 9 — a wonderful time of bonding I shared with my father. At 13 it hit its full stride when my dad became pastor of a Dan Dougherty taught school in the Treasure Valley church in Caldwell. Lake Lowell was for 40 years and retired last May. He now has plenty a key hangout for over a half million of time to enjoy the outdoors whenever he wants.

Pacific Flyway ducks in the mid 1960’s.

The surrounding farm fields provided it right into my father’s chest as he ample opportunity for forage, especially crested the bank. He teetered on the those abundant fields of corn. edge like a drunken sailor but righted Hunting picked up considerably himself just in time. I only laughed afafter Thanksgiving when cold weather ter I saw he wouldn’t fall. With a dopey brought in huge numbers of “northgrin he said we had enough ducks to erns” on their annual migration. It got pick and it was time to go. quite intense when cold weather would The following week we were out by freeze the lake and send the ducks out Maggard’s Fruit Ranch. It was our last to the local rivers and drain ditches for hunt of the year. On one side of the a brief period before they continued dry Low Line Canal, a huge flock of their quest south. ducks was landing in the cornfield. Dad It was during one of these periods at had permission to hunt that field. We age 15 that Dad and I ventured out on snuck down the canal and prepared to a very cold morning to hunt the Green- come up where the ducks had landed. I leaf drain ditch west of Pleasant Ridge hung back and let my dad go first since Road. Shooting hours started half an he let me do most of the shooting on hour before sunup. We were there and our last hunt. Just as we came out of ready 15 minutes earlier. I had on boots the canal, Dad took off his safety in anwith two pairs of socks. Dad wore his ticipation of the ducks taking flight. At insulated chest waders. My toes were that moment he slipped on frozen mud freezing and my cloth-gloved hands and his gun went off out in front of were stiff and aching from the cold. him into the corn. The ducks came up The dim sight of low-flying ducks and in a cloud of black and we shot several. the sounds of their wings helped me On the way home, as we were driving endure until watch-clad Dad gave the down Ustick Road, I looked over at signal. We had many ducks in short my father. With a slight grimace on his order. face, a tear ran down from his eye over I shot more than Dad because he was his cheek. In alarm I said, “Dad, what’s always wading and crossing the ditch to wrong?!” His deep blue, tear-filled eyes retrieve what we shot. Just as Dad was met mine and he uttered, “I could have climbing the frozen ditch bank with killed you, son.” a retrieved duck, I shot my last duck Before the season started the followfor my limit. The duck was coming in ing year Dad gave me his 12 gauge to low and fast. Its momentum propelled replace my 20. He knew my desire for

January / February 2014 | Christian Living

more fire-power and ambition to kill geese. I thought it a little strange but figured since I now had my driver’s license, Dad expected me to hunt with my friends.

I knew he still loved the hunt. His morning ritual was to spend time early each morning (5:30) at the church praying. On mornings when the wind was blowing hard from the right direction he would wake me and drive me out to the lake. He would sit in the car and read his Bible, pray, study, and watch. I would set up just off the firing line and shoot the low-flying ducks and geese as they were caught up in the wind. On several occasions I would come back to the car and see his smiling face holding a duck or goose that dropped out of my sight.

Hunting waterfowl was a passion that continued through high school into college. In my later college years I was introduced to big game hunting.

Although my dad never hunted with me again we continued our fishing trips for decades.

In the early spring of 2001 I was visiting my parents at their home in Boise. Dad had retired and came back to give my brother, Tom, support as he pastored in Boise. Dad had cancer but remained upbeat and happy. In his own words, “Whatever, whatever – I’m ready to go.”

On that occasion we reminisced about all our good times hunting and fishing. I asked him why he stopped hunting. He looked at me and once again said with tears in his eyes, “I could have killed you, son.”

He followed it with, “Why were you behind me that morning? You always were in front.”

I told him that as I was walking I just felt I should let him go first because of his not shooting much the week before.

He nodded and said that God had impressed that on my mind and I had God’s favor. That God must have plans for me. I still hope that is true, but I also know that me letting Dad go first came from a boy’s love of his father.

Dad passed in May of that year. The family hunting tradition is still carried on with my sons. I plan to take my oldest grandson out for his first hunt in the near future. n

www.boisechristianliving.com

CREATIVITY In The Kitchen

Getting imaginative with oatmeal Nothing beats oatmeal for breakfast — or for any other meal, if you’re so inclined. The following recipes, provided by Bob’s Red Mill, show you just how creative you can be with a bowl of oats!

Doctor’s Orders The Elvis

The Power Lift The Texan

Oatmeal topped with blueberries, a big dollop of gut-lovin’ non-fat Greek yogurt, and two tablespoons of ground flaxseed.

Power up for your day with 5 egg whites, steamed spinach and toasted hemp seed.

To your favorite oatmeal, add a tablespoon of peanut butter, 1/2 of a sliced banana and two crispy strips of bacon.

Make your oats with a Texan-flair by adding crumbled chorizo, black beans, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, a drizzle of BBQ sauce and top it off with a fried egg.

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(Bob’s Red Mill, a natural foods, whole grain and gluten-free products company, is based in Milwaukie, Ore.)

www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | January / February 2014

RAE ANN Norell

Mother writes book to cope with grief

By Gaye Bunderson Extreme kayaker Dave Norell loved adventure — loved it more than the security of a 9-to-5 job, a reliable paycheck, and a permanent home. He was, to the core, an adventurer, traveling the world in search of whitewater.

He died in 2004 just before his 25th birthday. The odd twist is, he didn’t die while kayaking but rather while riding his bike in a Boise-area triathlon competition. It wasn’t danger that killed him. A congenital heart defect had gone undetected throughout his life, until it claimed him on a leg of the bike ride eight miles up Bogus Basin Road.

His mother, Rae Ann Norell, wrote a book about her son titled, “Broke, Hungry & Happy: The Life of Extreme Kayaker Dave Norell.”

“When my son died, after the first couple of weeks I Rae Ann Norell is shown with her son Dave. Rae Ann wrote the book,“Broke, was afraid I would forget the details of his life. I wanted Hungry & Happy: The Life of Extreme Kayaker Dave Norell” to cope with losing him. She is also a part-time grief counselor. (Courtesy photo) people to remember him and get to know him and his philosophy of life, which was ‘live life to the full and “I felt close to him while I was writing the book. It was follow your passion.’ healing,” she said.

Though she was born and raised in the Christian faith, she admits she went through a phase of questioning God. “I didn’t think God caused David’s death, but I wanted to know why he didn’t prevent it,” said Norell.

While she said she drew some comfort from the beatitude “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted,” she put most of her “Christian” activities on hold.

“I don’t think I was angry at God, but I withdrew from Him. I stopped praying. I went to church that year, but I stopped reading the Bible,” Norell said. “I tried to get mad at the medical profession. I wanted to know: Who could I blame? But that’s the way life is, and medicine can’t fix everything.”

At birth, a pediatric cardiologist told David’s parents he had a heart murmur that should be monitored every three years by a physician, which they adhered to responsibly. Later on in high school, he fainted while sprinting around the gym, and the doctor who saw him diagnosed high blood pressure.

Ultimately, Norell had to move past blame to make some semblance of peace with her new reality.

“I went from, ‘Why me?’, ‘Why David?’ to ‘Why not me?’,” she said.

After the family found out, following an autopsy, that David had a bad heart, the doctor told them he could have died at birth.

Dave Norell loved the danger inherent in kayaking. He pursued the thrill of “So I had to think, ‘At least we had him for 25 years,’” kayaking like others pursue a career. In many ways, in fact, it was his career.

(Courtesy photo) she said.

January / February 2014 | Christian Living

www.boisechristianliving.com

She started attending meetings of The Compassionate Friends, an international organization that on its website defines its mission as “assisting families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child of any age.”

“I went to the group three weeks after David died, and it really helped me,” Norell said.

She is retired from a 20-year career as a clinical social worker where, in that capacity, she served as an adult mental health counselor. She is currently a parttime counselor specializing in grief and loss and is a facilitator for The Compassionate Friends. It is generally led by my laypeople, and it is just a coincidence that Norell happens to be a grief counselor, she said.

“I miss him all the time,” Norell said of her son. She copes by staying as close as she can to her daughter, who lives in Colorado, and to her grandchildren.

And, yes, within a year she drew close to God again.

“God brought a lot of blessings through David’s friends. I’m still in touch with his best friend, and they all tell me how much David inspired them,” she said. n

Tips for dealing with grief There are no “rules” when it comes to grieving. Everyone grieves differently and in their own time frame.

Some suggestions on how to help those who are grieving: 1. Be patient with those who are grieving.

2. Recognize that each person grieves differently and in their own time frame. It is a long process with steps forward, and steps backward.

3. Listen.

4. Listen (it bears repeating) rather than offer advice.

5. If you can handle strong emotions, offer a “shoulder to cry on.”

6. Don’t be afraid to make a bereaved person cry. Tears are healing.

7. Things that are not helpful to say: “They’re in a better place,” “It was God’s will,” “I know how you feel” (even if we’ve suffered the same type of loss), etc.

8. Other things that are not helpful to say: “It’s time to move on, it’s time for closure, it’s time to move to a new house, or get rid of the loved one’s belongings.”

9. If not sure what to say, you can say, “I’m so sorry.”

10. Talk about their loved one if you knew him or her.

11. If you didn’t know the loved one very well, ask them to tell you about that person.

12. Ask in what way you can be of help. Maybe there are practical things they would appreciate, such as meals, babysitting children or pets, chores, errands, etc. Be sure to ask first. www.boisechristianliving.com

Dave Norell (Courtesy photo)

Riverwind Fellowship

If you are longing to be connected with the Lord at a deeper level and experience His Love in a new way Riverwind is for YOU! We might appear to be casual, but we cultivate serious faith! At the heart of Riverwind Fellowship is our intense worship encounter!

Join us Sundays for breakfast at 9:30 am Celebration of His Presence and His Word at 10:30 am Revelationship School of Higher Learning Wednesdays 7pm

10220 W. State in Boise, Idaho

Riverwindfellowship.com We live stream every Sunday

Los Pastores Salsa is a fundraiser for our outreaches.

It is a local Buy Idaho Non Profit Company You can find our gourmet products at most Albertsons, Boise Co-Op, Whole Foods and Natural Grocers.

More about us on our web site: Lpgourmetsalsa.com

11-2013

For those who are grieving: 1. Be patient with others — although they may say or do things that are not helpful to you, in most cases they are trying to be helpful.

2. You do not have to accept people’s well-meaning advice.

3. Take one step at a time.

4. Give yourself permission to grieve.

5. Surround yourself with a few positive, helpful friends / colleagues / relatives. Even if it is just one person. Not everyone is cut out to “be there” to help others grieve.

6. Give yourself permission to take a break from what others expect from you.

Christian Living | January / February 2014

CONSIDER This

Pray for friends who offer hope

By Dan Woodworth We are wired for hope and healing. When we lose hope and healing, we can no longer live.

Did you know that if a newborn baby is not touched by healing, loving hands, he or she will die?

We must experience hope and healing to live flourishing and full lives. Without them, we are empty and just exist, or fail to exist at all.

I believe many people die because they have lost hope, and sickness and disease overtake them. Many people die of a broken heart, emotionally and physically.

Now you are saying, “OK. I ‘see’ how we need hope and healing.

How do we experience these vital ‘vitamins’?”

I am so glad you asked.

Hope is a gift. The gift comes from other people who have experienced hope and then can give hope. Healing comes from people who have or are experiencing healing.

How do we find them? We must ask. We must seek them out. They are around us. We need to learn how to know who they are.

Faithful, loyal friends

Our brains must be rewired if we have been abused. We will keep gravitating to people who abuse us until that cycle is broken. It can only be broken by people who do not abuse us. It can only be broken by people who give us hope and healing.

We are hurt in community with hurting people. We are healed in community with healing people.

We lose hope with people who take away hope. We experience hope with people who give us hope.

I experienced hope and healing with a person I met when I was on spring break from my first quarter in graduate school in March of 1977. She was 65 years old.

I was 25.

She deeply loved me, completely accepted me and highly valued me.

Her name was Ann. Now Ann was different. She was very different.

She was different than anyone I had ever met.

Ann knew who I was. She knew who I could become. She never gave up on me for 26 years until she passed away at 91 years young.

Ann knew that I would do anything to please my parents. She knew that I had a ferocious fear of rejection and fear of failure. Guess what? She knew me and she loved me. She loved me as I was, but she loved me so much that she committed her life to transforming that fear into fulfillment and that pain into peace and power.

At the young age of 26, I met my beautiful bride, Irene. She was just like Ann. What a winning wonder!

Now I had two faithful and loyal friends.

If you want to experience hope and healing, you must be connected with the right people at the right place in the right perspective. Timing is transforming!

There is an old Chinese proverb that says when the student is ready the teacher will appear. I believe that is true, but I also believe there is a missing ingredient. That missing ingredient is prayer.

Pray for connections

When we pray and ask the One who made us to supernaturally connect us with people who will give us hope and healing, He will do it.

Just randomly trying to find someone is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Your chances are nearly zero trying to find a tiny little needle in a huge haystack.

You need a miracle. I have received many miracles, but the most amazing ones were meeting Ann and Irene.

The hope and healing experience is a powerful process that requires

10 January / February 2014 | Christian Living

Dr. Dan Woodworth is an adviser, author and inspirational speaker. He is well known for his uplifting messages, and in his own life has overcome illness to become what he calls “a healthy and happy man.”

He has worked as a fisheries research biologist, consultant, teacher, counselor, real estate property manager, ordained pastor and chaplain. He may be reached at dan@danwoodworth.org. For more information visit www.danwoodworth.org.

perseverance and patience. It’s like peeling off layers of an onion and then being recreated into a new onion layer by layer — only you smell and look much more beautiful.

Today I feel Lavishly Loved, Absolutely Accepted and Victoriously Valued with No Strings Secured! I feel hope and healing because of two people who gave me hope and healing.

My beautiful bride continues to give hope and healing all day long every day.

Ann is in heaven. She is looking at me and saying, “I always knew you would become all you were created to be. I always knew you are loved, accepted and valued. Now you know it.”

Don’t give up. Someone special is looking for you: a special hope and healing friend. n www.boisechristianliving.com

QUOTES & Scripture

Bible verses for older people Everyone is going to get old someday, and that’s not a bad thing. It means you’ve lived a lengthy life, accrued experience and gained knowledge. Granted, there’s much that’s good about being young, but youth doesn’t last forever. Something that does last is God’s commitment to you whatever your age. Below are some Bible verses that apply to older people:

Dave Norell: Young man loved life on the edge

By Gaye Bunderson Dave Norell decided early on to live an unconventional life.

When he looked at the worker bees of the world hauling themselves off to offices and other employee factories, he felt a measure of pity for them. After coming home from a kayaking trip early one morning, he wrote the following (as explained in the book “Broke, Hungry & Happy” by Rae Ann Norell, Dave’s mother): “What a bummer it must be to have to be at work at 7:00 in the morning, five days a week, year ‘round. This was just another reminder of how great my life is. … Everybody has the choice of what to do with their own lives, but it seems as if some people don’t realize it.

“Any one of those tired looking people could be doing exactly what I do: eat, sleep, and kayak.”

Dave kayaked, and hopped trains.

Anything adventurous — even dangerous — ended up on his www.boisechristianliving.com

to-try list. To make a living, he took pictures and shot videos, and worked for a kayak manufacturing firm. It’s the kind of life only a devil-may-care young man in his 20s could pursue without trepidation.

Dave started college in pursuit of an engineering degree but quickly abandoned it. Having learned kayaking at age 14 from his dad, he sought bigger and faster whitewater to conquer. When he stared down and beat “the dangerous realm of Class V” whitewater on the Milner Section of the Snake River, he feels he became a man that day.

Again, from his mother’s book: “Only six minutes of paddling but what a wild ride. It was now official. Easter Sunday, April 16, 1995, like my father and the men that accompanied me, I became a man. Let the confidence shine through, decisions be made quickly and clearly, and most importantly, let the ladies come swarming.”

More verses on page 15

“Where there is no counsel, the people fail, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.”

-Proverbs 11:14 NKJV

CHRIS IAN CLINICAL CONCEPTS,LLC

Currently assisting Individuals, Couples, Groups, Families, & Churches

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— Proverbs 16:31 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your mighty acts to all who are to come.

— Psalm 71:18 Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God: I am the Lord.

— Leviticus 19:32

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Christian Living | January / February 2014 11

COVER STORY

Truth Event: Helping teens confront

By Gaye Bunderson Angella Nicholes doesn’t call herself chairman of the Truth Event, but she does acknowledge she’s “the one with the plan.” The Truth Event, a program designed to communicate with teens about relationships, social media and other topics, takes place from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Ten Mile Christian Church, 3500 W. Franklin Road in Meridian. Cost to attend is $10.

Nicholes, who lives in Caldwell, has been a stay-athome mom for 12 years. Prior to that, she obtained a degree in social work and was employed in the fields of juvenile probation and child abuse investigations. She and her family attend DeerFlat Church in Caldwell, where she helps with the youth group. In relating how the first inspiration for the Truth Event came about, she tells about the time last year on a Sunday that she walked into a meeting of the group thinking, “All I know how to do is love them — that’s all I can do.”

But God didn’t see it quite that way.

“I felt He spoke very clearly to me that that was not accurate and brought to my mind all the work He’d been putting into me: education, life experiences, being the mom of a pre-teen at the time, counseling. All that stuff is for use (to be used for good). It’s experience turned into blessing,” Nicholes said.

She felt that soon after that God spoke to her when her daughter turned 13 about negative messages young people confront every day from music, television, and the Internet.

“I felt like God was talking to me about ‘what do we do with all the influence the world has on our kids?’ It’s telling them the exact opposite of what we’re telling them at home. We sound like we’re nagging in dealing with them,” Nicholes said.

She began to pray and ask God what He wanted her to do, and that’s when Ephesians 4:15 came to mind: “Speak the truth in love.”

“It started to gel into a purpose,” Nicholes said.

As in most God-inspired objectives, pieces began to fall into place as He put people in Nicholes’ life who were able to help move along the vision that ultimately became the Truth Event. One of the first things that happened was a neighbor helping line up The Truth Event will feature nationally recognized “media two musical acts, including Cuslie buster” and pop-culture tomary, above, and the Christian rock band ALSA, a group that expert Tina Marie (Griffin) to originally hails from the local speak. community of Star.

“That started the ball rolling,” said Nicholes.

Now, two musical acts are also set to appear, including the band ALSA (A Life Set Apart) and DJ and musician Customary. Local Christian radio station KTSY is the sponsor. Station manager Brian Yeager offered the following statement on why he thinks the youth-targeted project is so important: Tina Marie will be the featured speaker at the Truth Event. Though she grew up on a Wisconsin dairy farm, she later worked in Hollywood as an actress in feature films and on TV shows.

12 January / February 2014 | Christian Living

www.boisechristianliving.com

grown-up issues “The Truth Event is an important event for our community. With cultural norms assuming that Biblical purity is boring and unrealistic, truth must be spoken. The Truth Event will present the truth about relationships and purity in a way that shows how attractive God’s way is. KTSY is so proud to support the Truth Event that builds healthy families now and in the future.”

DeerFlat, Ten Mile, Central Valley Baptist and other churches are lending their support to the project, and individuals and organizations throughout the valley are pitching in any way they can.

Ten Mile Christian Church, where Tina Marie will speak and the artists will perform, can accommodate 550 teens.

At the same time, Central Valley Baptist in Meridian, which can accommodate 450 parents and others from the community, will present a live feed via satellite of the same event the teens are attending.

The target group for the Truth Event will be middle school- and high school-age youth. A similar, age-appropriate presentation will be given to 8- to 12-year-olds at Central Valley; however, it is on a reservation-only basis, and interested parents should email info@truthevent2014.org.

While the umbrella topics for the older youth will be relationships and social media, there will be various breakout sessions on related topics during the six-hour presentation.

“This is a conversation with the kids, not another opportunity to preach or teach,” Nicholes said.

Offering an example of what will be covered in the area of technology, Nicholes spoke of Snapchat, a popular photo messaging app that is promoted as creating perishable pictures; subsequently, young people sometimes take and send inappropriate pictures they believe will disappear.

The photos are actually retrievable and may resurface to a sender’s embarrassment.

“Kids have a false sense of security,” Nicholes said. “Snapchat isn’t evil. It’s how you use it. It’s about boundaries.”

Tina Marie, a returning speaker to this area, is known to touch on subjects such as how harmful media affects hearts and minds, as well as provide tips on current positive entertainment choices in movies, video games, TV shows, and more.

Nicholes is asking people in the community to pray for the Truth Event. There is also need for some financial assistance, and interested people may visit www.truthevent2014. org and follow the links to donate. n For more information, or to order tickets, go to www. truthevent2014.org, where the home page includes the following: “Truth Event is appropriate for teen audiences. The Truth Event will address mature topics of sexting, pornography, premarital sex and intimacy.

Content may not be appropriate for some youth.” www.boisechristianliving.com

Christian Living | January / February 2014 13

JEMfriends

Liberty Barrett: a friend to foster children

By Gaye Bunderson Some people stand out at a very young age: for their athletics, academics, gregariousness or good looks.

Others stand out for attributes far more important than those, such as an innate ability to care for others.

Liberty Barrett launched her own nonprofit five years ago at the age of 19 in order to help youth who “ageout” of foster care.

“Liberty seemed to develop a giving heart very early in childhood,” her father David Barrett, founder and administrator at Covenant Academy in Boise, said.

“She grew up in a family of seven children, and I can remember times at the dinner table when she would give away the food on her plate if one of her siblings expressed that they were still hungry after the food that was served was gone.”

Liberty’s compassion for children without loving families like her own started when she played on a basketball team with young people from Hope House. Hope House, now based in Marsing, is a residential program for children with neurological and developmental deficits stemming from early childhood trauma, abuse or neglect, according to the Hope House website at www. ahome2come2.com.

One of her teammates became a close friend, and upon that friend’s graduation from high school, Barrett spoke at the ceremony, telling how the girl had influenced her and offering words of encouragement as she embarked on a life away from Hope House.

“I started to realize how much of a difference one person can make in another person’s life,” Barrett said during an interview.

With her own money plus a little help from others, she got together the $1,000 to fund the launch of the organization she decided to call JEMfriends. The “JEM” part of the name stems from a compilation of her siblings’ first names: her brothers Josiah, Jacob, Joel and Justin, and her sisters Elysse and Mercy. She felt the acronym was fitting because of her siblings’ complete backing of her endeavor.

“I wanted to support these other kids, and my brothers and sisters told me, ‘God put this vision on your heart,’” Barrett said. “My parents had been in ministry for many years and that was my foundation for going out and showing the love of Christ to others. … God was calling me to a unique life, set apart, to show the love of God to other people.”

Now four years on and at age 24, she works with board members and private donors who “see the vision,” she said.

The mission, as expressed on JEMfriends’ website at www.jemfriends.org, is “to build support for collegeaged individuals, allowing them to adjust to life situa14 January / February 2014 | Christian Living

Liberty Barrett started a nonprofit called JEMfriends five years ago at the age of 19 to help young people who “age-out” of foster care. (Courtesy photo)

tions, work and/or school, to help them get effective resources, and to develop structure in their lives.”

The site also includes statistical data highlighting the need for services to help fostered youngsters, such as: • There are 500,000 children in foster care across the country, and each year 20,000 to 24,000 of them ageout.

• Idaho has 1,800 youth in foster care, and each year about 12 percent age-out.

• 50 percent of foster youth end up homeless within 18 months of emancipation.

Barrett defines “aging-out” as “the process of a youth transitioning from the formal control of the foster care system towards independent living” — an autonomy they are largely unprepared for in terms of job skills, education, self-care knowledge, medical assistance and professional counseling. www.boisechristianliving.com

01-2014

JEMfriends provided a house in Meridian for aged-out youth (generally around age 18). That house closed and a Boise-based house opened in December. The Boise location was deemed preferable because young people in the program are required to work and attend classes and can be nearer to such opportunities in the capital city.

“What I am amazed with in the work of JEMfriends is how much it has accomplished in the lives of various young people with the little Liberty has had to work with,” said her father. “She is literally building the organization from scratch, having to construct the support structure and the ministry structure as she mentors the youth that the Lord brings into her life.

“We definitely support Liberty financially as we are able. Our more consistent support, however, is in physical time and effort — being there when she needs a job done.”

So date, Barrett has helped approximately 15 kids in what she calls “practical ways,” which she defines as: housing, mentoring, life skills training, education, financial aid, obtaining equipment such as computers for education, and clothing. She said she has also helped about 100 kids through the three-day, low-cost sports camps she puts on each summer.

“This is what I do full-time,” Barrett said. “At this point I do take jobs that are just enough to meet my daily needs, such as painting. I live a lot on what God provides.”

She continued: “I’m a missionary to this world. You know how some missionaries go overseas? I am a missionary here.” n

Verses continued from page 11 Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.

— Job 12:12

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day.

— 2 Corinthians 4:16

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Christian Living | January / February 2014 15

NOTES From Home

Son shows his ‘breakdancing’ moves

By Dani Grigg Breakfast should be the happiest time of the day. You are finally doing your favorite thing in the world (eating) after at least eight hours of not doing your favorite thing in the world (eating). On top of that, you MIGHT be eating PANCAKES. I love pancakes.

Wait. Let me rephrase that: I LOOOOOOVE PANCAKES. Dani Grigg is a Boise freelance writer, wife, and One time I ordered a stack of cheerful mother of two young sons. pancakes at a restaurant and then wolfed the whole stack down like a how much of the toppings, who marathon runner,* like I usually do. gets to add the toppings, what But soon the waiter came back and spoon is used to scoop the toppings, and whether the toppings are saw my empty plate and widened stirred in or left on top. And then his eyes. The charming** young there’s the X factor, which accounts man quickly plastered a smile on for all those times I have delivered his face and said, “You ate them the oatmeal perfectly according to all!” Pause. “That’s awesome!” instructions and Jonah has seen the So many carbs. I love carbs. And flawless final product and screamed then you pour SYRUP on top. Exand fallen on the floor, crying. cuse me while I eat my computer.

Recently we had an X-factor day.

Anyway, breakfast. As I was Upon presentation of his oatmeal, saying, it should be a happy time.

Jonah threw himself on the floor, Even when you’re not eating belly down, palms on the floor, legs pancakes, you’ve got some pretty great options. But my two-year-old akimbo. Then he pushed his whole body backward several inches, struggles to see the happy side of straightening out his legs as he did it. We love oatmeal in our family, it. Tantrumming the whole time. so oatmeal is often requested. I get It was a pretty impressive maout a bowl, dump some quick oats neuver.

I would have thought he into it, then pour some water in. was breakdancing, except he didn’t Here we come to our first opportustrike a hip-hop pose at the end nity for trouble. I walk toward the and he wasn’t wearing a hoodie. microwave, and if the inspiration This time I laughed, imagining so strikes him, Jonah will declare, him breakdancing. But usually I “I don’t wanna cook it.” I respond, don’t laugh. Usually I walk away “Oh, we have to cook it. It’s yucky if you don’t cook it.” Sometimes he going “aaarrgh” — no, “AAARRGH” — and vowing to never lets that slide, but sometimes... he give him oatmeal again. doesn’t. Then there are tears.

But really, no breakfast is safe.

But regardless of the tears, I cook If I’m giving Jonah a breakfast the oatmeal. Then it’s time to add bar (aka “fruit and grain bar”), the toppings, and here we have there could be an issue with how more trouble. I don’t even want the wrapper is opened and you’d to get into it. I’ll just say, there are issues with what kinds of toppings, better WATCH OUT if the breakfast bar breaks. Toast has the same 16 January / February 2014 | Christian Living

toppings issues that oatmeal has.

You’d think cereal would be alright, but there’s that X factor.

Childless readers, you may think I’m advising you to never have children, but what I’m actually advising is that you never try to give breakfast to a two-year-old. If you can think of a way around that part of the day, please let me know and then go ahead and multiply and replenish the earth. And readers with children, if your two-yearold doesn’t do this at breakfast, I don’t want to hear about it. Then I will know that you have no understanding of why I’m walking around with a hint of crazy in my eye at breakfast time. *I am not a marathon runner. **He was not charming. n

www.boisechristianliving.com

IDAHOPE Writers

For Christians who write, or want to

By Hilarey Johnson Nearly everyone has an idea for a novel running around in his or her head. Frequently, the inspiration springs from the love of story — but once in a while, it’s because the person read a book and thought “I could do better.”

Whatever the motive, few people seriously begin a fiction project, and even fewer finish more than a handful of chapters. But, where do you go from there? The three best ways for writers to receive encouragement and direction are to attend a writer’s conference, join a group focused on writing or work with a critique partner.

You can find all three options right here in the valley. Idahope Writers is a local nonprofit group for Christian writers and Christians who write.

This means not everyone who attends Lisa and Scott Phillips lead worship prior to a meeting of Idahope Writers. (Courtesy photo) will write religious books or place their work in Christian bookstores, but each person is seeking fellowship with other writers who love God. Additionally, the members attempt to hone their craft and create quality fiction.

“My goal for the group is that we continue to train, encourage and inspire each other to offer the best possible faith-based literature,” Rebecca Carey Lyles, the current president of Idahope Writers, said.

Although the group is predominately composed of fiction writers, several members write nonfiction as well. Lyles has just released the second title in her Kate Nelson Series, “Winds of Freedom,” but she also has nonfiction titles available, including “On a Wing and a Prayer: Stories from Freedom Search the MLS & Sign up for Fellowship, a Prison Ministry.” Other members write blog posts, devotionBUYERS automatic alerts of new listings als, articles, Bible studies and mentoring materials.

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Angela Ruth Strong initiated the group in 2008 because she’d attended other writing groups in the Treasure Valley but couldn’t find one that specialized in Christian fiction.

“I loved going to the Oregon Christian Writer’s conferences every summer, and I wanted to create a similar community in our area,” she said.

“Hope is really what sets Christian fiction apart from the mainstream market. It worked out nicely that the word fit into our name.”

It wasn’t long before books written by Idahope Writers members found their way into publication. Strong’s first novel, “Love Finds You in Sun Valley,” was published in 2010, and she recently released “Lighten Up,” the Assoc. Broker /GRI, ABR, CRS first of her Body and Soul Series.

Five years later, Idahope Writers still meets monthly for support. Even Cell though the writers come from different church affiliations and backgrounds, a typical meeting begins with what brings them together: worshipping God.

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Christian Living | January / February 2014 17

IN The Community

Gospel music workshop set for Feb. 1

Dr. Timothy D. Poston, Sr. is a featured clinician at the 18th annual Gospel Music Workshop and Concert and plays a Hammond B3 organ for the event.

By Gaye Bunderson The 18th annual Gospel Music Workshop and Concert will be held Saturday, Feb. 1, at Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, 150 W. Maestra Street in Meridian. Registration takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.; the workshop (with a lunch break) will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and the concert begins at 7 p.m.

The registration fee of $30 includes a day-long workshop, packet and a “soul food” lunch. The evening concert is free, but a freewill offering will be taken. Proceeds from the offering help support the work of the Community Ministries Center at 3000 Esquire Drive in Boise.

Featured clinicians for the workshop include gospel singers Tim and Sharon Poston, Sherral Jackson, Dion Williams and Marie Jackmon.

Tim Poston performs on a Hammond B3 organ.

Pre-registration is encouraged by calling 378-7774 or 362-3528.

Mamie Oliver, executive director of the Community Ministries Center and pastor of Mountain View Community Fellowship in Boise, co-founded the Gospel Music Workshop and Concert with Cherie Buckner-Webb, Idaho state legislator and businesswoman.

The concert allows participants to take part in authentic American gospel music.

“We wanted to bridge the gap between cultures and let people have an experience they’ve never had before,” Oliver said.

Attendees get together, meet each other, learn music and unite in song.

Eight people came to the workshop in its debut year; last year, more than 90 participated, coming from throughout the state and as far away as Seattle.

The kind of music that is presented during the workshop is uniquely American, not having its roots in either Europe or Africa. It sprung from the souls of an enslaved people and allowed them to express feelings from futility to hope and fear to faith. Oliver calls it “the emotions of a culture.”

The workshop and concert “make gospel music available to people,” she said.

It costs from $3,000 to $4,000 to put on the event. Oliver sometimes gets corporate support (Albertsons, for instance, supplies bottled water each year), but not always.

“It’s costly,” she said. “I find community help whenever I can.”

One of the people who has attended the event is Boise State professor Jill Gill, who specializes in 20th century American social, cultural, political and religious history.

“My mother and I attended the workshop the past two years,” Gill said. “She and I went just to do a

18 January / February 2014 | Christian Living

mother/daughter thing together.

My mother is a great singer (used to sing in choirs in college); and I enjoy singing (though lack a great voice).

My mother is not a Christian, so that was not the draw for her. But she and I both appreciate the genre of black gospel music. The music is uplifting and joyous to sing; it simply feels good, and fills the spirit even if one is not Christian. Both my mother and I found ourselves singing parts of the songs around the house days, even weeks, afterward.

“Another wonderful feature of the gospel workshop is the immense talent of the leadership. Rev. Oliver brings in real pros, and it is truly amazing to experience their talent in action. That they can take a mishmash group of novices and turn us into a choir that sounds quite good in a matter of hours is a tribute to them more than the singers. Bottom line, it is exhilarating fun.” n

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Lisa Phillips, author of “Double Agent,” a Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense title to be released in 2014, leads the group with her guitar.

“Worship unites us as we praise God and give thanks to Him. It draws our focus to the Giver of the writing gift He has given each one of us,” Phillips said.

Each meeting includes writing inspiration, teaching, and time for writing exercises. Members are also offered the opportunity to bring in a few pages of their work-in-progress for critiques or brainstorming. In addition to monthly meetings, the group gathers for an annual barbecue, a one-day writing retreat and a conference.

The conference grows bigger every year. Whenever possible, they tap the valuable resource of local writers, including Robin Lee Hatcher, bestselling author of more than 70 novels. Idahope Writers also seeks to bring a well-known speaker from out of the area to keynote the conference. Last year’s speaker was suspense author Brandilyn Collins, and in 2014, Christian author, film director and producer Bill Myers will keynote the spring conference.

Idahope Writers desires to create a quality conference so residents of the Treasure Valley do not need to travel outside the state each year.

“I love that I don’t have to spend the money on airfare, hotel, and highpriced registration fees to go to a high quality writer’s conference,” said Heather Humrichouse, Idahope Writers treasurer.

The annual spring conference takes place in March.

In addition to publication, several Idahope Writers have also received awards for their writing since joining. Peter Leavell, author of “Gideon’s Call,” was Jerry B. Jenkin’s Operation First Novel winner in 2012.

“No book is written in a vacuum. The picture of a solitary writer in an office, typing away, is great, but only true to a point,” Leavell said.

Leavell believes, regarding publication, “An author’s writing must see the light of day. Without a critique group, the manuscript is going nowhere, because it takes a team to write a book. There’s no better troupe than the friendships you’ve solidified in your local writers group. It’s the launch pad of almost every career.” n

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Idahope members teach and encourage each other. (Courtesy photo)

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Christian Living | January / February 2014 19

MAXIMUM Health

Modern world needs time-tested nutrition

By Rosie Main The Maximized Living Nutrition Plans focus on the true principles of nutrition that have sustained human life for thousands of years. These principles can be seen today in cultures around the world that are free of the chronic conditions plaguing North Americans.

What Happened: The Standard North American Diet The typical North American diet is not working, as seen by the skyrocketing statistics of heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, breast cancer, and obesity. It is these five chronic diseases that North Americans are most likely to die from.

To avoid becoming a statistic, it is essential to avoid the 3 Dangers that compromise one’s health: Sugar, Damaged Fat and Toxins.

Sugar Sugar is cheap and addictive and a primary risk factor for diabetes, heart disease and cancer. When too much sugar is consumed, as is the case in the Standard North American Diet, excess sugar not usable

for energy is stored as fat. With too much sugar in the bloodstream, insulin becomes constantly elevated leading to Type II diabetes. Sugar also fuels cancerous cells, and impedes the immune system.

Damaged Fats North American studies which have linked fat consumption with disease have primarily evaluated the impact of damaged fats on the body and have overlooked the incredible benefits of healthy fats. Damaged fats such as trans fats (hydrogenated oils), vegetable oils, and canola oil have been denatured through heat and chemical changes, causing them to oxidize and form free radicals which are hazardous to your health.

Healthy fats such as olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds provide your body with nutrients to build cell membranes, absorb vitamins, and lower inflammation.

Toxins The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved approximately 3,000 food additives, preservatives, and colorings for use in the

Rosie Main is a chiropractor, USA team doctor and a Maximized Living doctor. She owns Main Health Solutions at 2300 W. Everest Lane, Suite 175, in Meridian. She may be reached at (208) 859-6170 or rjmaindc@yahoo.com. For more information, visit MaximizedLivingDrMain.com.

food supply. The average person will ingest 140-150 pounds of additives and chemicals every year, creating a serious imbalance within the body. Because toxins from food and household products are fat-soluble, the body will naturally create fat to safely store the toxins and protect the body. This toxic fat will block nutrients, rob your energy, contaminate your cells, affect your moods, and contribute to a host of symptoms and disease.

Solution #1: The Core Plan This plan is for everyone. The three core nutrition principles are the foundation for the Nutrition Plans, regardless of age, gender, genetic background, or medical history. Following this plan results in healthy families.

The 3 Principles of the Core Plan • Fat — Healthy Fats vs. Damaged Fats: Eat more healthy fats and eliminate all damaged fats.

• Protein — Naturally Raised vs. Unnaturally Raised Animals: Go organic and natural for all animal products.

20 January / February 2014 | Christian Living

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• Carbohydrates — Whole Carbohydrates vs. Refined Carbohydrates: Eat more vegetables, and eliminate refined grains and sugars.

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Some indications you may need this plan are as follows: • Cognitive dysfunctions — including ADD/ ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorders • Metabolic syndromes — including Obesity, High Cholesterol, High Triglycerides, High Blood Sugar (or Low Blood Sugar), High Insulin, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, and/or High Leptin • Modern-day Illnesses — including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Toxicity, Fibromyalgia • Immune System and Inflammatory Diseases – Cancer, Autoimmune Diseases, Digestive Dysfunction, Intolerance to Grains, Asthma, Arthritis Three Rules on the Advanced Plan Follow the 3 Principles of the Core Plan along with the following modifications: • Fat — Increase your intake of healthy fats.

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BUSINESS Spotlight

Heritage Auto Repair: service and outreach

By Gaye Bunderson Tony and Rebecca Zanders started Heritage Auto Repair in 1999 in a shop behind their Meridian home. In 2007, they moved to a building at 175 N. Linder.

They are a full-service auto repair business specializing in oil changes, brakes and tune-ups, major and minor engine repairs, and transmission work.

Tony serves as company president and Rebecca, who also goes

by Becca, holds the title of vice president and is in charge of bookkeeping and the company’s community outreach programs.

The couple prayed, Rebecca said, and sought the Lord’s direction for what seeds of ministry He wanted them to sow through their business. They then decided on two primary programs: one for single mothers and a second for veterans.

On Mother’s Day, they give free oil changes to single moms as well as provide activities for their children and a free catered pulled pork meal for the whole family.

They do the same for military veterans on Veterans Day. They picked those two target groups, according to Rebecca, because she was brought up by a single mother and because both she and Tony have veterans in their families.

Support in this effort comes from the College of Western Idaho’s Car Club members and Napa Auto Parts of Meridian. D.L. Evans Bank pitches in for the cost of food. Both mothers and veterans must sign up to participate in the program; and in 2013, 75 mothers and 75 veterans benefitted from the program, with more people attending the events when family members are counted.

Tony and Rebecca Zanders own Heritage Auto Repair at 175 N. Linder in Meridian.

“We say we don’t fix cars, we serve customers,” said Rebecca, quoting 2 Corinthians 9:7, which reads, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give.”

The company employs 10 people and provides car care services to 65 customers per week on average.

Tony grew up doing mechanic’s work. “He loves to work on cars,” said his wife. “When you love and have passion for what you do, it will show.”

Rebecca started learning how to keep books while working for her

22 January / February 2014 | Christian Living

pastor’s business in Oregon. (The couple are Idaho natives who lived briefly in Oregon prior to returning to the Treasure Valley.)

Tony also works hard to dispel the negative image frequently attributed to auto repair shops, specifically that they perform and charge for unnecessary services.

It’s one of the biggest complaints received by the Better Business Bureau, Rebecca said. That’s why the Heritage Auto Repair mission statement includes the following: “To change the way people view our industry by being the leader in integrity, honesty and trust.” n www.boisechristianliving.com

BREAKING Free

Brian Raymond is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in Nouthetic/Biblical counseling. In January 2010 he was the co-founder of Christian Clinical Concepts, LLC in Nampa. He is currently in private practice at Christian Clinical Concepts. He may be contacted at (208) 475-1875 Monday through Friday.

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01-2014

By Brian Raymond Envy is one of the deadliest sins, according to Pope Gregory the Great in the late 6th century. Biblically, we are aware that there is really no degree of sin, so envy fits right in with every other sin; however, we know that any sin has its own method of destruction.

Proverbs 23:17 states, “Do not let your heart envy sinners. But be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day.”

It certainly seems easy to envy. It is especially simple to falter in this sin when one is tired of struggling while seeing others “prosper.” This prospering comes in many forms: financial success, climbing of the corporate ladder, relationships, marriages, children, and physical attractiveness, just to name a few.

I would imagine that each of us has struggled “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, with the sin of envy at and his righteousness; and all these things one time or another … more often than we shall be added unto to you.” would care to admit I — Matthew 6:33 am sure. Given that we have a bent towards sin and perhaps specifically towards envy, it is important for us to seek the biblical solution to help set us free from this malady.

It is important that we distinguish between envy and covetousness before we proceed further. Envy focuses on people, and covetousness focuses on things. For the purpose of this discussion we will focus on envy.

Envy is centered on a jealousy towards people that we feel are better or are better off than we are. Envy perpetuates the thoughts that life is unfair and God is unfair — basically feeling as though God does for others what He hasn’t done for us.

Envy takes pleasure in other people’s failures and faults. Envy primarily finds satisfaction when someone else is hurt or is hurting.

Knowing what envy is and being able to identify with it in each of our lives at one time or another, how then does God want us to contend with it?

As we see unbelievers prosper, we are often tempted to envy them. If we acknowledge their eternal destination, we should pity them. Galatians 5:19-21 reminds us that, “When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.” Charles Spurgeon in “Faith’s Checkbook” stated that, “The cure for envy lies in living under a constant sense of the divine presence, worshipping God, and communing with Him all the day long, however long the day may seem. True religion lifts the soul into a higher region, where the judgment becomes more clear, and the desires are more elevated. The more of heaven there is in our lives, the less of earth we shall envy. The fear of God casts out envy of men. The death-blow of envy is a calm consideration of the future.”

When we as believers envy unbelievers, we should acknowledge eternity and not just the present day. For unbelievers, if they remain in their unbelief, this life is the best that they will ever experience. For believers we must keep our eyes fixed upward towards Jesus Christ and acknowledge that though this life may bring difficulty, OUR best is yet to come in eternity with our Savior. n

01-2014

Envy: a deadly sin indeed

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