July 2015
COMPLIMENTARY
WILLIAMSON EDITION
Powerful Parenting
The Importance of the Bible
DUCK DYNASTY’S Sadie Robertson
SADIE ROBERTSON
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Nashville Christian Family
www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com
Our Mission Publisher: Robert Stringfellow ncfpublication@gmail.com Editor: Raymonda Jaggers Contributing Writers: Don Ankenbrandt Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress Steve Cherrico Perry Coghlan Mitch Comstock Tammy Daughtry Joshua-Paul Johnian Scott Lehman Jason Lindsey
Nashville Christian Family ® exists to provide Christians and the community at large with ways to strengthen and grow as a part of the Middle Tennessee Christian Family. This local monthly publication is designed to promote positive living by sharing with readers of all ages relevant and timely news and information related to health, faith, parenting, youth, finances, Christian entertainment, missions, church leaders, and much more.
Regina Prude Jay Strother Laurie Stroud Toby J. Swager Peter Wilson, PhD
From the Publisher It is with a grateful heart and praise to God that I am able to announce that the magazine now has a web site as well as a Facebook page. This has been something that has been needed for quite some time, but for various reasons, it had not happened.
Production and Art Direction: Wendy Satterwhite Website Development, Digital Marketing & SEO Services: www.BowenDigital.com Sales & Marketing: Robert Stringfellow Printer: Franklin Web Printing Cover Photo: Courtesy Cory Richards
As we know, it is not our timing for things that we want, it is up to God and His timetable.
Nashville Christian Family is published monthly by Clarion Concepts, P.O. Box 463, Spring Hill, TN 37174. The phone number is 615-815-8765. E-mail ncfpublication@gmail.com. Reproduction of any part of Nashville Christian Family without permission of the Publisher is prohibited. Distribution of this paper does not constitute and endorsement of information, products or services. Views expressed in Nashville Christian Family do not necessarily represent those of the Publisher. Every effort has been made by Nashville 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 2015 by The Christian Family Publication, Inc.
Once again, I have been reminded of that and have seen Him at work in this situation. In looking back over the last few months, many events have occurred that when put together, give me a crystal clear picture and reason why God decided that now is the time for the publication to be able to have the content and message available through social media and the web and therefore to the world. As Jesus said in the Great Commission, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore[a] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt 28 : 18-20) NKJV I am awed to realize that now, Nashville Christian Family magazine is a platform to do this. Please visit the site – www.christianfamilynashville.com.
Unless otherwise noted, scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Use by permission of International Bible Society. Circulation and Distribution: Nashville Christian Family is free and available at targeted, high traffic locations throughout Williamson County. 10,000 copies are printed each month. Copies are available by subscription, $25 for one year (12 issues). To subscribe, e-mail ncfpublication@gmail.com
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July 2015
Contents
Volume 6, Number 9
DEPARTMENTS Departments 3 From the Publisher
12 ON THE COVER Sadie Robertson, of Duck Dynasty and ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, has become an example of faith, modesty and hard work to young girls nationwide. See page 12.
6 Youth News Tennesseans Pray Over Our Students 7 Parent With Purpose Equip Your Children to Make the The Tough Decisions 8 Tech Talk To Upgrade or Not to Upgrade
10 An Encouraging Word
10
Heat Up for the Lord
10 The Single Life Give Your Kids Freedom From Divorce
FEATURES: 9
The Bible Has Never Changed
16
God Rested, So Should We
19
Our Country is Changing, Talk to Your Children
11 Teachable Moment Children Are Not the Problem, Parents Are 15 Faith Under Fire One Response to the Supreme Court Ruling On Marriage 17 Senior Scene Enter Late Adulthood With Confidence 18 In His Grip Practice By Spending Time With God
NEXT ISSUE:
It’s Back To School Time!
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20 Kid’s Korner Playgrounds Can Be Dangerous! Kids Get Connected With the Bible Using Simple Science Experiments
21 Best Books Great New Series of Books for Adults 21 God’s Plan for Salvation and Eternal Life 22 Calendar 22 Advertising Directory
20 JulyJuly 2015 2015
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Y outh N ews
Tennessee Weekend of Prayer Over Students In 2014, First Priority led an initiative to gather parents and community leaders to pray over the campuses of every school in Middle Tennessee. Coordinating with Governor Haslam’s office, a proclamation was established to help accomplish that goal. The results of this one-day event were incredible. Over 1,000 people, at 89 schools united together to pray for students, faculty and administrators. Due to the profound impact on our communities, First Priority followed-up and asked the Governor to turn this proclamation into law. After a short deliberation in both the State House and Senate, we are proud to announce, on April 24, 2015, Governor Haslam signed this event into law, The Tennessee Weekend of Prayer over Students (#Pray4StudentsTN). Each year on the first weekend of August, a time of Sabbath prayer will be called over every school and every student in our communities. This year, #Pray4StudentsTN will occur on August 1st and 2nd. We are working with hundreds of churches throughout Middle Tennessee in order to secure a time and host for over 200 schools in our region. Our goal is provide a minimum of one united time of prayer at every school. We believe this will take 250 volunteers and see 5,000 or more individuals gathering to pray over this 2-day period. Our team has already received a personal note from one principal in Davidson county to say thank you for our efforts in advance. His note of encouragement simply stated “what you are gathering community leaders to do is huge, it will concisely set up our school year like nothing else can.” There are three ways to get involved with this prayer movement: 1 - Be A Host - With over 200 schools in the region, we need volunteers who will serve as point persons at each school for these times of prayer. Using our contact details below, please reach out to our office to become the Host for your local school. 2 - Tell The Story - With over 1,500 evangelical churches, we cannot know everyone. Help us spread the word, by inviting your church, community group or local bible study to get involved. Our office is working tirelessly to connect individuals to the schools they are interested in praying for that weekend. 3 - Join Us For Prayer - As we get closer to the #Pray4StudentsTN events on August 1st and 2nd, we will be publishing times and locations for these gatherings at FPNashville.com. We want to welcome you to join us for as many of these as you are able. With all that our nation and our communities are facing, I can think of no greater call, than the to return to the cause of our children and their future through prayer. Jesus said in John 17: 20-21 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Please contact our office ASAP to get involved. — Steve Cherrico is Executive Director, First Priority Greater Nashville info@fpnashville.com
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P ar e nt W ith P u r pos e
Equip Our Children to Succeed As parents the desire to protect our children is often deep-seated and can consume the relationship. We don’t want to be overbearing, but we don’t want to see them go through pain we believe might be avoided due to our experience. Finding balance is tough. We often struggle with the question, “Do I step in or should I let them learn this lesson on their own?” Something happens as we assume the responsibility of parenthood. We remember the pain of our mistakes but tend to forget the frustration we felt when our own parents would step in and try to stop us from making a poor choice. It’s an interesting cycle. We don’t want them to hurt so we try to assert our parental authority to avoid the pain of a bad decision or the hurt of rejection, but sometimes the hurt is a necessary part of growth. I would love to say that life can be lived without pain or grief but that contradicts the teaching of Christ. When He promised, “In this life you will have trouble,” He didn’t say, “until you come to me and I will make it all easy,” or, “your parents will make all your choices for you so you never make a bad one.” No, He said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” In other words, He had experienced life and come through it. He sets the perfect example of how to parent without being overbearing or smothering. He brings us comfort. As parents, we need to offer wisdom, but we can’t make their decisions for them. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will mot depart from it.” It’s so important that we live a consistent
example in front of our children, regardless of their age. Our example will set a foundation in their life that they will default to when making difficult decisions. The path God has set for them may require a different set of instructions than our own. It may be different than the road we think is best for them. As parents, we have the power to encourage a child to pursue their passions or derail them from the call God has for them. If we equip our children to succeed, there is no limit to their potential. Whether they end up in the place we hoped or something beyond our wildest expectations, they will always remember the support you gave and appreciate your belief in who God created them to be. It’s a difficult course of action because we want to help them avoid pain. We may even feel guilty for inaction. Pray! God will tell you when you need to move and when you need to let them grow. Trust the love of Christ to guide them even when you aren’t there to catch them when they fall. — Toby J. Swager is a husband, father, author of two books, and pastor. He currently serves at Living To Go Church in Goodlettsville. Log on to his website for more information, www.walkingwithswager.com.
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T ech T alk
Do I Want to Upgrade to Windows 10? Recently Microsoft has started adding to the bottom of the system tray and icon encouraging all Windows 7 or 8 users to upgrade their system to Windows 10. So the question is do I want to? The simple answer is for most of my clients yes. Very much so yes. Windows 10 is similar to what would happen if Windows 7 & 8 had a baby. It will look weirdly like both, but at the same time be different. It will mostly have the best traits of each and improve on some of the negatives that it’s parents had. The major reasons to upgrade are: It is more secure, more aware, more flexible and more personal than previous Microsoft offerings. We are also getting closer to an experience that will feel more “the same” on all devices and will sync more info than ever before. It also includes Cortana, Microsoft’s answer to Siri. If you are a Windows 7 or 8 user you can look for the icon in your system and reserve your upgrade today and Microsoft will alert you after your upgrade is downloaded and ready to be installed. The upgrade will not be available until July 29th, 2015, but most users would be wise to wait a month or
two after this time in order to upgrade. You have until July 29th, 2016 to get your free upgrade and there are some limitations to the offer. The fine print from Microsoft’s website follows: Yes, free! This upgrade offer is for a full version of Windows 10, not a trial. 3GB download required; standard data rates apply. To take advantage of this free offer, you must upgrade to Windows 10 within one year of availability. Once you upgrade, you have Windows 10 for free on that device. Windows 10 Upgrade Offer is valid for qualified Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 devices, including devices you already own. Some hardware/software requirements apply and feature availability may vary by device and market. The availability of Windows 10 upgrade for Windows Phone 8.1 devices may vary by OEM, mobile operator or carrier. Devices must be connected to the internet and have Windows Update enabled. Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update required. Some editions are excluded: Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8/8.1 Enterprise, and Windows RT/RT 8.1. Active
Software Assurance customers in volume licensing have the benefit to upgrade to Windows 10 enterprise offerings outside of this offer. To check for compatibility and other important installation information, visit your device manufacturer’s website and the Windows 10 Specifications page. Additional requirements may apply over time for updates. Security and features are kept automatically up-to-date which is always enabled. See the Windows 10 How to Upgrade page for details. — Mitch Comstock is the father of four boys, husband and entrepreneur. He is founder of Legendary Computers in Franklin, Tenn. He also is the author of Embracing Stress: a Daily Devotional for an Iambic Soul, available on Amazon.com. You can read about his thoughts on spiritual things at IambicSoul.com.
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Nashville Christian Family
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F eatu r e
THE BIBLE
Why the Bible is Important The Bible is the most famous and important book in the world. The Bible has, amazingly – no doubt with supernatural grace – survived its critics. Thirty to sixty million copies are produced annually. The harder tyrants try to eliminate it and skeptics dismiss it, the more its influence grows.
As followers of Jesus, we believe the Bible is God-breathed, authoritative, inerrant, sufficient, understandable, necessary and timeless. We also affirm that the Bible is a Christ-centered book; that is, it contains a unified story, from Genesis to Revelation, of redemptive history of which Jesus is the hero. But have you ever tried to explain why the Bible is important to an unbeliever? Here’s one approach that will get people to think. Everyone chooses some kind of authority by which to live their life, make their decisions, and pursue fulfillment. Everyone “RESTs” on some kind of authority. Here are the four major sources of authority in people’s lives: • R – Reason. The ability to use logic and critical thinking to come to a conclusion. Many people think their aptitude to observe and put together facts gives them all they need in life. • E – Experience. These people live by the old adage, “experience is the best teacher.” They live and learn, and they put together a system of life that is best summed up as “whatever works for them.” • S – Scripture. Believers are convicted that the Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth, without any mixture of error, for its matter. Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy. • T – Tradition. Many simply rely on the thinking and way of life of others who have gone before them. They uncritically embrace the “way we’ve always done it.” All four sources of authority are ways that we learn, grow and develop a rule of life. But one of them is not like the others. Only one can be an objective source of truth. Think about it: reason is vitally important, but what if my conclusion differs from yours? Experience is valuable but not only do you only learn the hard way, no two people have the exact same set of experiences
in life. Traditions are foundational and should be honored for a reason – but what if a tradition is faulty in its assumptions? Reason, Experience and Tradition are all good things, but they are all subjective sources of truth. They are the servants of Scripture. Only the Scripture stands alone as an objective source of authority that enables all of us to equally have access to the same standard of truth. Trends will come and trends will go. What’s popular this season will be outdated the next. Some new discovery will come along to challenge the latest thinking. People will chase new and exciting experiences but will run out of time, money or both and discover they can’t do it all. Time-tested traditions will fade as people forget what made them important. But not the Bible, it has stood the test of two thousand years and remains not so much a book you read, but a book that reads you. The Bible itself still says it the best. “The grass withers. The flowers fade. But the word of the Lord our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:3 — Jay Strother is the Campus and Teaching Pastor of The Church at Station Hill in Spring Hill. His favorite stories come from the adventures of life with his wife, their three lively daughters and their adopted son from Nepal. Jay enjoys good books, strong coffee and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
July 2015
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T h e S i ng le L i f e
A n E ncou r ag i ng W or d
Fire!
Being Fully Alive for God
Summer sizzles. And we cool off in all of the ways we can. A plunge into the pool. An icy glass of fresh squeezed lemonade. A pledge to never budge from in front of the air conditioner. Heat! It is an integral part of the summer experience, especially for those of us who live in Middle Tennessee. It’s not the desert, but it is hot! So, what happens when we are spiritually on fire? Like the bush that drew the attention of Moses from across the savannah—there on the backside of Midian. It turned an ordinary workday of tending flock into a life-altering redirection. Seeing brush burn is a common sight. In the desert wilderness of Midian, an outbreak like what Moses experienced was probably not that extraordinary. Spontaneous fires can ignite vegetation, grass, brush, or a dry bush. What was uncommon was seeing a bush that burned but was not consumed. The scientific explanation is that this fire resulted from a low oxidation process and particular conditions which did not permit the ready dissipation of heat. There is nothing dramatic about this bush. Horticulturist and gardeners may consider bushes to be quite ordinary. In the gardening world, run-of-the mill bushes are seldom planted, cultivated or nurtured. Yet, when God gets ready for a miracle, what does He do? He sets an inconsequential bush on fire. Moses noticed it because it stayed on fire. Why did God choose it? How long had it been burning? All that I know for sure is that God set a bush on fire. And it was that holy fire that set the bush apart from everything else growing in the surrounding area. The fire made it different. The fire got Moses’ attention. Moses considered the question: Why is this bush burning yet it is not consumed? It is not diminishing at all. Summer or winter, God can set the most ordinary person on fire and everyone around will be surprised. I don’t care how old you are, how young you are, how well-prepared or ill-equipped you are, or how unremarkable you think you are. God can take an ordinary day and fill it with miracles. If our God has a way of setting a common bush on fire—a bush which was never recognized for its gifts or promise—He can do the same with you. In reading Exodus 3, God appealed to Moses by setting a common, ordinary bush on fire. God did not introduce himself to Moses in any flamboyant way. In fact, an introduction was not even necessary. Moses saw the bush and made an individual response to God’s summons to greatness. God called Moses out of the burning bush. Is he calling you? It is difficult to be your best self without being on fire. God will take the initial step and light the flame. He will still come down. He will still speak. He still gives assignments. One that only you can do. Then, it is up to you to keep the fire burning. — Regina M. Prude is an inspirational speaker, radio host, columnist and author. Send e-mail comments to regina@reginaprude.com. Read her blog posts at www.reginaprude.com; follow her on Facebook and Twitter @rprude.
10 Nashville Nashville Christian Christian Family Family 10
FREEDOM for Kids of Divorce, 365 Days a Year
“I wish my parents would not put me in the middle. I hate being the messenger now that they are divorced!” “I always feel like my parents want me to pick a favorite – I wish they knew I love them both and I don’t want to be in the middle of their war.” For kids in post-divorce families it’s difficult to be the one who carries messages and information back and forth between homes. Many children, as early as age six or seven, are given the burden of being the mouthpiece between angry parents; they are asked to inquire about child support or handle financial matters like a negotiator. Often kids are told negative details about their “other parent” and are made to feel guilty for having fun with the “other family.” These young people grow up with deep hurts and resentments and often are not able to express their feelings because mom and dad are at odds with each other. What would make an important difference for kids after divorce? Research shows that there are six critical “risks” for kids after divorce and the most critical is the level of “inter-parental conflict.” When mom and dad stay angry and express harsh and negative things against each other they are putting their children at risk. Inter-parental conflict can show up in tone of voice, body language and especially when parents argue and have conflict when the children are present. Many kids talk about how much they hate to be around both parents at the same time, either at school events or at the “hand-off ” between houses. The inability to be neutral or positive when exchanging the children is really hard on kids but they don’t have the ability to voice this to parents – they don’t want to upset anyone and don’t want to add to the already difficult situation. Emotional FREEDOM for kids after divorce would include: - Never speak negative about the other parent, even when it is justified. Leave negative words unsaid! - Express positive support of the other parent and the child’s relationship with that parent. - Be intentional and actually say something nice about the other parent and allow the children to express positive words and experiences connected to the other parent. - Handle all financial discussions between parents without involving the children. It’s not their job, it’s the parent’s job to discuss, plan and coordinate finances related to their upbringing. - Consider having a co-parenting meeting to talk about parenting decisions and schedule planning. Do these meetings in public or by phone but never with the children present or nearby. - Don’t ever make children feel like they have to choose a favorite parent. Kids have the ability to love both and they need to be encouraged to do so. - When step parents come into the equation don’t be jealous or make it another war for kids. Be the mature parent who intentionally builds a bridge of communication with the new step parent. They will never take your place but if you work together it will drastically bless and help the children. — Tammy Daughtry, MMFT, is the founder of Co-Parenting International, an organization launched in 2003 to help divorced parents raise healthy kids. She is a national author of Co-parenting Works! Helping Your Children Thrive After Divorce (HarperCollins 2011).
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T eachable M om e nt
The Power of a Parent
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Mom and Dad, You Underestimate Your Influence With Your Children. I recently watched the movie about the life of Jackie Robinson entitled “42.” It was centered upon his life as a baseball player, both in the minor and major leagues. It was for me, a powerful movie. One scene in particular was deeply moving, probably because I have spent so much of my adult life working with children and their parents. This scene occurred at a game played in Cincinnati, OH, after Jackie went up to the Majors. As was usually the case early in his career, when Jackie walked onto the field, racial slurs and epitaphs where hurled liberally at him by white fans. (I imagine it to have been a lot worse that could be depicted in the movie.) At this point in the movie the camera zeroes in upon a father, who loves baseball, and his son attending with him that day. It is obvious the father has communicated his love for the game to his son. But that is not all he communicates. As the father joins in with the crowd and begins to hurl verbal insults at Jackie, the son sits stunned for a brief time, looks at his dad, then the crowd surrounding them, and as he looks back to the field, the little boy joins in the insults and epitaphs. The little boy’s expression suggests that he did not really understand all that was happening or that he was saying but the example of the adults around him was validation enough to convince him to join in. I recently had a conversation with a very frustrated single mom. Abandoned by the father of her son, she is left to raise this young fellow alone, with some help from her parents. Not being a member of a Christian community (a congregation) she has little human assistance and wisdom available to her, which further contributes to her feeling of isolation and frustration. I listened as the mom expressed her frustration, near tears, that many, many parents of young children express similarly: “it doesn’t matter what I do, nothing changes!” She wanted to make her child the problem when in fact it was mom that was the central problem. Her biggest issue was herself. Children look to the adults around them for cues about the acceptability (or not) of their behavior. Verbal and non-verbal cues are indicators to the child. They are powerful indicators that will evoke clear responses from young child.
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Try this. Make eye contact with your child and then widely open your eyes while simultaneously putting a big smile on your face. Keep a lock on their eyes, and whether they smile or not, continue to smile until they do. Body language is a powerful tool to affect your child. Mom and dad, NEVER EVER underestimate the influence you have in the life of your child. You, and the peer group of adults who regularly have contact with your child, have an immense opportunity to direct and shape them. The problem with children is usually not children. The problem with children, especially very young children, is the adults that surround and direct them. Have you heard the old saying, “how do you eat an elephant? The answer is: “one bite at a time!” How do you train a child? One moment at a time! Dayby-day, little-by-little, “…line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.” Remember that the cumulative effect of that incremental and inescapable training will be see in the life of your child. — Perry Coghlan is a husband for over 42 years, father to six, grandfather to 18, and with his wife Patsy, co-founder of Spring Hill Academy, a Christian and Classical school, in Spring Hill, TN.
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July 2015
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Be Confident in Who God Made You to Be:
True to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit that makes the Duck Dynasty family the inspiration it is today, Sadie Robertson has become an example of faith, modesty and hard work to young girls nationwide. The daughter of Korie and Willie Robertson, at 17 years old she is already a motivational speaker, an author and a businesswoman. In the last two years she has collaborated with fashion designer Sherri Hill on a line of dresses and competed on Season 19 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars. Her book, Live Original: How the Duck Commander Teen Keeps It Real and Stays True to Her Values, details the principles that lead her to think happy, be happy and dream big. And this month she launches a line of inspirational greeting cards and back-to-school products to make sharing faith easy in the classroom. Best known for her tagline “Live Original,” Robertson says to live original simply means being who God called you to be with confidence. “When I was little I would actually preach to my parents on the way home, or I would stand up on the table and I’d just start preaching. My dad nicknamed me The Original because not many kids do that,” she says. “So once Duck Dynasty started and my career took off, I decided Live Original was going to be my message that I shared with everyone.” Spending most of her summers busy with Christian camps and mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Robertson says it is easy to identify as a Christian but not always easy live out the faith. “Something about being a Christian is you never stop learning and you never stop growing. It’s a continual thing. You take two steps forward and one step back sometimes, and that’s just how the Christian walk goes,” she says. “Recently in my life I’ve been learning that the more you talk to God and the more you allow God in, the more it’s going to come out.”
Seventeen year old Sadie Robertson of Duck Dynasty and Dancing with the Stars says true confidence is about being proud of who God made you to be.
Sadie was a valid competitor on Season 19 of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars.
Now a senior in high school, Robertson has transitioned into her school’s homeschool program to accommodate her travel schedule as a motivational Christian speaker. She says in her younger
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years, confidence was difficult. While she could be herself among family and close friends, at school she kept quiet. Three years ago she looked to Scripture to try and kick her anxiety, and the answer came in time. “I had this girl who kind of bullied me, and it made me really discouraged. So I wrote this verse on my dry erase board in my room on January 12, 2012, and it is still there today. It is Hebrews 10:35, and it says so then do not lose your confident trust in the Lord, for it will be richly rewarded. I read that verse every day for all When it comes to mentors during the school year, Robertson says her mother, Korie, and grandmother, Kay, are her greatest these years and nothing happened. encouragers. “I recently started a Facebook page, and my first post on it was for teens and kids to go hang out with their parents. Until about six months of reading it, They’ve been through it; they’ve done it and can help you through it.” when I actually said, ‘What does this mean and how can I put this into crowd may be doing one thing or saying one thing, but it doesn’t make you my life?’ Whenever I applied it to my life and [realized] it’s not about being weird to do something else. That just makes you original. You can be you.” confident in yourself—it’s about being confident in who God made you to be—that’s when it all turned around.” Secondly, expect trials. Because living original can be hard. “Even if you are doing what’s right, there are going to be days where you don’t want to do it Hoping to make the transition back to school easier for teenagers like herself, because nobody else is doing it. But trust God because in the long run it’s Robertson has teamed up with DaySpring to release her own line of greeting definitely going to be worth it.” cards and school supplies with an inspirational message. The spiral notebooks, three-ring binders, locker decorations, pocket folders and Scripture - Camille Platt cards display messages like “Let your smile change the world,” “Thank you God for unfailing love” and “Think happy, be happy.” “I think it’s going to do great, not just because it’s cute. It shares a message. Sometimes at school you don’t know how to share your faith. It can get awkward at times because you get shy. But having these things is kind of like a start to a conversation.” Families are invited to see Sadie in Nashville on August 29th at her first "Live Original LIVE" event. The event will A tennis player and a javelin thrower, Robertson says sports have played a big role in prepping her for the busy, often public, life she lives today. Joking that feature several speakers and performers, including John she tries to live a Hannah Montana lifestyle, spending half her time in school Luke Robertson and his fiancée Mary Kate McEachern, and half her time “doing crazy things,” she says learning to take criticism Reed Robertson, Cole Robertson, “The Bachelor” couas an athlete was an important part of growing up. “If I wouldn’t of had the ple Sean and Catherine Lowe and the band for KING & coaches that I had when I was young push me the way that they pushed me, COUNTRY. The event will also include filmmaker Max then it would have been a different experience on Dancing with the Stars, Zoghbi and his wife Bonnie Kate, who will share the inspihaving that work and that practice every day. I am thankful for all the coachrational tale of their faith and Sadie’s boyfriend and star es that really pushed me when I didn’t want to be pushed and made me do high school athlete Blake Coward. “Live Original LIVE,” is things that were hard.” produced by Mason Jar Productions. Tickets range from $29 to $199 and are available at www.LiveOriginal.com or As she finishes up her high school career and looks to the future for more by calling the Allen Arena box office at (615) 966-7075. opportunities as a speaker and entrepreneur, Robertson says there are two Preferred seating and VIP meet-and-greet packages with key ways kids and teens can follow her lead and Live Original this fall. “Numall performers also are available. ber one, just because the crowd isn’t doing it does not mean it isn’t cool. The
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F eatu r e
As evangelical Christians, we dissent from the court's ruling that redefines marriage. The state did not create the family, and should not try to recreate the family in its own image. We will not capitulate on marriage because biblical authority requires that we cannot. The outcome of the Supreme Court's ruling to redefine marriage represents what seems like the result of a half-century of witnessing marriage's decline through divorce, cohabitation, and a worldview of almost limitless sexual freedom. The Supreme Court's actions pose incalculable risks to an already volatile social fabric by alienating those whose beliefs about marriage are motivated by deep biblical convictions and concern for the common good. The Bible clearly teaches the enduring truth that marriage consists of one man and one woman. From Genesis to Revelation, the authority of Scripture witnesses to the nature of biblical marriage as uniquely bound to the complementarity of man and woman. This truth is not negotiable. The Lord Jesus himself said that marriage is from the beginning (Matt. 19:4-6), so no human institution has the authority to redefine marriage any more than a human institution has the authority to redefine the gospel, which marriage mysteriously reflects (Eph. 5:32). The Supreme Court's ruling to redefine marriage demonstrates mistaken judgment by disregarding what history and countless civilizations have passed on to us, but it also represents an aftermath that evangelicals themselves, sadly, are not guildless in contributing to. Too often, professing evangelicals have failed to model the ideals we so dearly cherish and believe are central to gospel proclamation. Evangelical churches must be faithful to the biblical witness on marriage regardless of the cultural shift. Evangelical churches in America now find themselves in a new moral landscape that calls us to minister in a context growing more hostile to a biblical sexual ethic. This is not new in the history of the church. From its earliest beginnings, whether on the margins of society or in a place of influence, the church is defined by the gospel. We insist that the gospel brings good news to all people, regardless of whether the culture considers the news good or not. The gospel must inform our approach to public witness. As evangelicals animated by the good news that God offers reconciliation
through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus, we commit to: • Respect and pray for our governing authorities even as we work through the democratic process to rebuild a culture of marriage (Rom. 13: 1- 7); • teach the truth about biblical marriage in a way that brings healing to a sexually broken culture; • affirm the biblical mandate that all persons, including LGBT persons, are created in the image of God and deserve dignity and respect; • love our neighbors regardless of whatever disagreements arise as a result of conflicting beliefs about marriage; • live respectfully and civilly alongside those who may disagree with us for the sake of the common good; • cultivate a common culture of religious liberty that allows the freedom to live and believe differently to prosper. The redefinition of marriage should not entail the erosion of religious liberty. In the coming years, evangelical institutions could be pressed to sacrifice their sacred beliefs about marriage and sexuality in order to accommodate whatever demands the culture and law require. We do not have the option to meet those demands without violating our consciences and surrendering the gospel. We will not allow the government to coerce or infringe upon the rights of institutions to live by the sacred belief that only men and women can enter into marriage. The gospel of Jesus Christ determines the shape and tone of our ministry. Christian theology considers its teachings about marriage both timeless and unchanging, and therefore we must stand firm in this belief. Outrage and panic are not the responses of those confident in the promises of a reigning Christ Jesus. While we believe the Supreme Court has erred in its ruling, we pledge to stand steadfastly, faithfully witnessing to the biblical teaching that marriage is the chief cornerstone of society, designed to unite men, women, and children. We promise to proclaim and live this truth at all costs, with convictions that are communicated with kindness and love. — The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention
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F eatu r e
“Busyness is the curse of our age.” Richard Foster, The Celebration of Discipline Summer is usually the season so many of us long for… planned vacations, longer daylight hours and hopefully a different rhythm. So how does rest and solitude become a part of our routine, not only this summer, but always? It starts out simple, but requires intent. We are called to a place of rest and times of being alone with the Lord, but we have lost this in our busyness. Many of us have witnessed the incredible demand in life to stay connected to everything, all the time. Like no other period in the history of the world have we had access to so much, but at what cost? God created us with a longing for quiet and rest, so what are you going to do to build this into a routine for your life? Do you feel that for some reason it’s wrong to do this? I remember years ago reading a book by Tim Hansel called When I relax I feel guilty. I think the title says it all. Have you ever considered learning how to spend a half a day or all day in rest and fellowship with Jesus? This for me has been my saving grace, spending routine entire days alone with the Lord. Anyone I have ever introduced this idea to has always come back from their day wondering why in the world had they not done this before…100% of them. God created us for this, so go after
it and create some margin to make it happen. If spending time in quite is new to you, start simple and small, and build. • Get up 15 minutes earlier, avoid the television and just reading God’s Word. • Take a walk listening to music that encourages you. • I read a chapter of Proverbs most days. Whatever the date, that is the chapter I read. • Read the entire book of Ecclesiastes and take a long walk thinking about it. • Take a half a day or entire day alone with the Lord. Read, pray, listen to music, take a nap, take a walk, do something you love. It’s OK to do this, in fact, consider it a commandment and take the needed steps to free up time to do it. Jesus said, “Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 — Don Ankenbrandt Founder of Alliance Ministries and author of The 210 Project, www.210project.com, don@alliance-ministries.com
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In His Grip
Practice... then play! Golf is a game of precision and precision takes practice. Sure it’s great to get on the range and work on your game, but at some point you’ve got to tee it up and play for real. However, some people would actually rather spend all their time practicing rather than playing! Some people live the Christian life like that. God never intended for you to spend your time sequestered in your quiet place working through the daily drills. It’s okay to deepen your relationship with Jesus so that He can transform your character to reflect His glory, but who sees His glory if you don't get out there on the course of life? “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22; NIV). I love the book of James because there is no subtly. James follows verse 22 by saying that if you stare intently into the Word of God and walk away from it unchanged and forget what it says, you're like a man who looks at himself in the mirror then walks away forgetting what he was looking at. James' cure for forgetting is doing.
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Without the preparation, we’ll never reach the potential our Heavenly Father has waiting for us. However, the balanced Christian life requires both preparation and “doing” all that God is teaching. — Scott Lehman is President of In His Grip Golf Ministry and author of the popular book, “More than a Game.” Scott and his family live in Thompson Station, Tenn.
WHAT DOES GOD REALLY WANT ME TO DO WITH MY LIFE? The 2:10 Project answers this question through a practical and engaging process that helps you discover your unique spiritual DNA. The message of this book with powerful online activities brings clarity and understanding to your life’s purpose. Walk this path and your life will never be the same!
About the Interactive Process A Life-Changing Process
The 2:10 Project is more than a book; it is an interactive process. The 2:10 Project includes the book you are holding in your hands and online access to the following interactive assessments and projects: • Interactive Time Lines • S.O.L.O. Workbook • My 2:10 M.A.P.
A $79 Value
The value for these online assessments and resources is more than $79. In partnership with Ministry Insights, we are excited to offer them to you as part of The 2:10 Project. All you will need is the access code provided to you when you purchased the book.
“At some point in our lives, we all wonder, ‘Why am I here?’ When you read The 2:10 Project, you will take your first step on a journey toward personal significance. This book is a valuable guide to a more fulfilling life.”
– Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manger and Lead Like Jesus “The 2:10 Project is more than a book. it’s a process that gives anyone looking to find their God-given place in “Everyone has a built in desire for significance and meaning. God has blessed each of us with unique gifts and talents in order to make a lasting impact for His Kingdom. The 2:10 Project will help you identify your God-given abilities and reach your full potential in Christ.”
– Jim Daly, President, Focus on the Family
Ongoing Support
The 2:10 Project website (pictured below) will provide you with ongoing encouragement and support while you are going through the interactive process, and as you walk out your calling in the weeks and months to follow. The 2:10 Project will give you everything you need to discover your place in God’s story.
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MILESTONE 2
Life can swallow you like a water hazard swallows a golf ball. We can drown in the day's minutia. That daily devotional prepares you for those hazards, but Jesus wants us to get out there on life’s course and aggressively take our shots; to play life with confidence knowing He has prepared us to be the salt and light to others.
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (NKJV)
• Strengths Profile • Spiritual DNA Inventory • Passions Survey
GRADUATION
When you read The 2:10 Project, gnificance. This book is a valuable
Let's face it, you spend time with God, then get in the car to go to work. You catch every light red, get cut off in traffic and spill coffee on yourself; traffic is backed up and you are late. You get there and the elevator is down so you take six flights of stairs and sit down to a billion e-mails that came in over the weekend. Um, yeah, what was that you were saying this morning, God?
The 210 Project is receiving very positive reviews from congregations using it as a tool for new member orientation and small group Bible Study.
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Order your copy of The 210 Project Today and Discover Your Place in God’s Story. www.210project.com July 2015
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S e n ior S ce n e
Freedoms That Come With Aging
MEET US BEFORE WE MEET YOU!
For many years, I taught a graduate level course in Lifespan Development. I was well versed in Erik Erikson’s development stages—including the challenges and age ranges for each stage. So, as I was turning sixty a few years ago, I was very aware that I was entering into the last of Erikson’s eight stages: Late Adulthood. For some entering into the last stage of life, this transition can be depressing or bring on an existential crisis, which may be a reason the baby boomers, as they were moving into this stage of life, used their influence based on their numbers to redefine and subdivide late adulthood. Depending on which book you read, late adulthood is now subdivided into the “young-old,” the “old-old” and in some cases the “oldest-old.” Thanks, baby boomers! I am no longer in late adulthood—I am in the young-old stage.
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Despite the baby boomers’ attempt to redefine late adulthood to make it seem more positive, the truth is that late adulthood does not have to be a depressing stage of life. In fact, many of us in late adulthood have found new freedoms that make this time of life exciting and enjoyable. Maybe this is why Erikson referred to this stage as the age of integrity. Others call this stage “The Encore Years,” or “The Bonus Decade.” For many of us, late adulthood represents a new beginning, a time of new freedoms. Let me share some of these newfound freedoms that I have discovered. First, knowing and acknowledging there are more days behind and fewer days ahead, you can value and appreciate each new day. I now see value in things that I took for granted in the earlier years of life. With a decrease in work-related responsibilities, it’s easy to find a freedom to enjoy time with family and friends. Savoring activities with grandchildren, traveling with a spouse, volunteering in a non-profit organization, and generally living out new experiences can be a part of the agenda in this stage of life. The second freedom comes in experiencing the joy of letting go of what is comfortable (the known), and taking the risk of trying something new (the unknown). In the earlier years of life, I held back in taking risks. No doubt this was out of a fear of failure or out of a fear of others seeing me fail. Somehow, turning sixty changed that for me. I woke up to the reality that failure is not necessarily bad. We all fail to varying degrees. What’s sad is being paralyzed from taking risks based on fear. I recently saw a plaque in a store that was entitled “Motto to Live By.” In part, the plaque read, “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-presented body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming, ‘WOO-HOO, what a ride!’” Late adulthood can be a time to get out of the comfort zone and enjoy the life with which God has blessed you. Third, while the physical body is failing in some respects, and strength and stamina are not as present, late adulthood provides one the opportunity and freedom to focus less on the physical and more on the internal and the spiritual. In the early years, men, for example, tend to stress physical strength, external achievements, and outward success. As you move into the later years, priorities shift to internal feelings, the importance of relationships, wisdom, understanding, and most importantly, one’s relationship with God. Job 12:12 states that, “Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding.” And Isaiah 46:4 promises that, “Even to your old age I will be the same and even to your graying years I will bear you! I have done it, and I will carry you; and I will bear you and I will deliver you.”
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So, while there are pros and cons with increasing age, there are some significant freedoms that come with aging. There is a peace with coming to terms with who we are in Christ versus trying to be who others want us to be. — Peter Wilson is a licensed psychologist in the state of Tennessee. Dr. Wilson is the director of the Graduate Counseling Program at Trevecca Nazarene University.
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Nashville Christian Family
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F am i ly L ivi ng
“As The World Turns… Turn To God!” As a husband and father I seldom lack an opinion on just about anything. On social media I am often “that guy” who re-posts a variety of articles that can lead one to believe how I may feel on any subject from sports to matters of faith. While I often express my opinion freely, as a pastor, I choose to use wisdom to help guide my words in what I say, where I share it and with whom. But what happens when life turns so dramatically it begs a response from the pastor, father and husband at the same time?
The end of June our nation witnessed several cultural, and spiritual, events that reinforced life has fundamentally changed in our nation once again. From Baltimore to Charleston, the Confederate Flag controversy, Obamacare and now Same-Sex Marriage such fast moving turns may have been best addressed by quoting a favorite Scripture and letting life move on down the line. Instead, I was so burdened by the seismic turns, in our nation and culture, I knew I needed to help focus my family back on God in the face of such changes. Following the SCOTUS ruling my wife and I called a family meeting to reinforce, with our children, the importance of serving God with all of their heart, soul and being by keeping His Word. This world is always filled with people who claim victory and while a nation can unify behind any cause (IE a call to war, marriage, race, politics, etc.) if that cause runs contrary to the Word of God you will not need “Pastor Josh” to remind you of the reality of a Holy God. At the end of all history, recorded and still being written, God's eternal Word stands victorious and every nations epic rise and tragic fall have proven this true time and time again. God is never silent and when He is "silent" it is His waiting to see how the hearts of people will turn toward or away from Him in times of trouble. God always weighs in on the affairs of nations and God always has the final say and last victory. When the nations bless the Lord, by keeping His Word and His ways, we experience the results of such blessings. When the nations are hard-hearted toward God the nations experience life without His blessings. As my family sat around our dinner table I reminded them their world has forever changed but even the greatest of all nations and empires will fail because not a single kingdom will compete with the Kingdom of God! Only His Kingdom will endure forever and those who honor Him and keep His Word in their hearts, that they might not sin against Him, will be saved. I anointed myself, wife and children and we prayed the Holy Spirit would keep His truth in us all, during such times, and use all of us to glorify the truth of His Holy Word in every vocational walk of life.
I know my children (16, 8) cannot grasp the gravity of such changes. For them it is still a bright, sunny and hot summer day as the one before; but their world has changed and when I shared with them the realities of such turns I witnessed their awareness in their eyes. You know what helped us all? The reality that the Lord is true, His Word is eternal and though Kingdoms rise and fall our trust will remain with King Jesus! (See: Joshua 24:14) Perhaps some of you have asked, "What do I Do or Say?" Let me leave you with some Biblical peace, during such uncertainty, I have found beneficial: "Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends…Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now… It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust…But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way." (Hebrews 10:32-39 MSG)
MARANATHA!...COME, LORD COME! — Joshua-Paul Johnian Sr., M.A, Lead Pastor, Maranatha Church in Franklin. As an avid blogger, thinker and published author Joshua’s unique perspective presents the Gospel across a variety of social media and traditional platforms that can stimulate spiritual and physical growth within a hungry and willing church fellowship.
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K i ds K or n e r
Play it SAFE on the Playground
Play is incredibly important to the development of children's social, emotional, cognitive and physical development, as well as creativity and imagination. Playgrounds offer kids the opportunity to be outside, play with friends and get exercise. Unfortunately, each year, more than 200,000 children are treated at hospital emergency rooms for playground related injuries. Many of these accidents are preventable.
Teri Coco, MD, is a physician in the emergency department at Children’s of Alabama. She says parental supervision is the best way to prevent playground accidents. “Watch your children. Be aware of where they are, what they’re going down, what their climbing on.” Playground equipment should be age appropriate. Little ones should play on playgrounds that are designed for their size and abilities. “So for those children who are less than 2 to 3 years of age, you want to look at that equipment when you get there. Be sure it’s low to the ground, that there are no monkey bars. The slides should be very low and the surfaces of the equipment should be smooth,” says Coco. Small children are also safest if they are playing in
their own area, not mixed in with bigger children who could knock them over. But adult supervision shouldn’t just be limited to the younger children. Older children may test their limits on the playground, so it’s important for parents to keep them in check.
Coco says, the parent should walk around before allowing their children to play on the playground to see that everything is safe. Check the surface of the playground to be sure there are no exposed nails or twisted metal, look for things like broken glass under or around the playground, and feel the surface of slides to be sure they’re not too hot. Also, check out the playground surface. “The harder the surface is, the more serious the injury is going to be when they fall,” explains Coco. Recommended surfaces include wood chips, mulch, pea gravel or shredded rubber. Finally, instruct your children how to play properly. Make sure children slide feet-first, not head-first, down slides, and watch that they are using swings properly. For more details on playground safety and other health and safety tips, visit www.childrensal.org.
God’s Roller Coaster BIBLE TRUTH Faith is like a roller coaster ride, strap in, hang on, and trust God. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS Mark 11:22-24 New International Version (NIV) 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Pool Noodle Marble Run INGREDIENTS · Pool Noodle · Box Cutter · Marbles
INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Using the box cutter, have an adult, cut the pool noodle, with a hole down the center, in half, lengthwise. STEP 2: Attach the pool noodle halves to the wall. Make sure the start of the pool noodle marble run is higher when compared to the end of the pool noodle marble run.
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Nashville Christian Family
STEP 3: Hold a marble at the start of the pool noodle marble run. Release the marble and observe. EXPLANATION It all starts once you release the marble. Gravity pulls the marble down the first hill. This is kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is energy an object has due to its motion. The potential energy gained by the marble being pushed up the next hill will power the pool noodle marble run through the end. Potential energy is energy stored in an object due to the object’s position. This is the reason why the start of your pool noodle marble run must be higher when compared to the end of your pool noodle marble run. Otherwise, the marble will not have enough energy to make it to the end. BIBLE CONNECTION God has an out of this world rollercoaster ride each of us, which may include a lot of ups and downs. You can’t experience this awesome ride unless you sit down, strap in, hang on, and trust God will get you through anything. — Jason Lindsey - Executive Director/Founder/K-12 Science Educator Hooked on Science – www.hookedonscience.org
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B e st B ooks an index of Scripture to help readers with specific topics such as rest, strength and fear. “This devotional is really for anyone who desires to simply rest,” says Bethea. “Many of us are tired, weary and beaten down from all life throws at us. We’ve gone through great storms and strife. It is critical for us to remind ourselves that God offers peace, rest and comfort in our need.”
Gifts of Hope
Looking for hope in the darkest of times? New Hope Publishers’ Gifts of Hope series offers 30 Days of Hope for Peaceful Living and 30 Days of Hope for Restoration in Infant Loss, written by southern authors Mark Bethea and Maegan Roper. Through these poignant devotionals, the authors share their stories of pain, despair, and the healing power of hope in Christ. The new releases are the first two editions of the Gifts of Hope series. Designed to help readers through the use of the Gospel, the books feature Scripture paired with daily devotionals written by people who have experienced the power of hope in their lives. Future topics will include chronic illness, infertility, and adoption. In 30 Days of Hope for Peaceful Living, author and pastor Mark Bethea aims to help people in the midst of a storm to find the peace of Christ. He shares his own search for peace during his mother’s fight with cancer, offering a real look at the difficulty of trusting God during hard times. The book includes
P l an
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S alvation
Author Mark Bethea pastors Argo Baptist Church in Alabama. 30 Days of Hope for Peaceful Living is his first book.
Maegan Roper and her husband Jeremy are the parents of Ellanie, Emmalyn and Harrison. Roper is the marketing director for New Hope Publishers.
Through 30 Days of Hope for Restoration in Infant Loss, Maegan Roper encourages readers to find joy in their grief, demonstrating the healing power of God’s love through her own experience in losing her daughter Ellanie. Her writing is honest and open, acknowledging the strength of grief while emphasizing the healing power of God’s love. “Even in grief, there's still joy,” says Roper. “because God is faithful and He is always working on our behalf. His hope is everlasting and even in life's most painful circumstances, it never wavers.” The first two books in the Gifts of Hope series are available at Amazon.com, CBD.com and bookstores everywhere. -Bethany Adams
Has something in the magazine or something you have discussed with someone or some thoughts that you have had or something that you have heard, brought you to a point of realizing that you want and need to know Christ in the truest and personal sense?
If so, below is a simple outline for someone of any age who is not a Believer to act on their desire to accept Jesus Christ into their heart as their Savior. God’s Plan of Salvation God created us to honor and serve Him Revelation 4:11: “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power;For You created all things, And by Your will they exist[b] and were created Each of us has sinned against God Romans 3:10: As it is written, “There is none righteous, no, not one” Romans3:23: For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
Jesus Christ died on the cross in our place, paying the penalty for our sin Romans 5:8: But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. We each must accept Jesus Christ as our personal Savior Romans 10:9: that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:13: For “whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.”
The penalty for sin is eternal separation from God and Heaven Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Good works cannot ever earn God’s forgiveness and Salvation Titus 3:5: not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us. God loves each of us John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
To accept Christ into your heart and life, pray a simple prayer along these lines - “Dear God, I know that I am a sinner and I am sorry for my sins. I know that Jesus died for my sins and the sins of the world. Right now, I ask Jesus into my heart and receive Him as my personal Savior. Forgive me of my sins, thank you for saving me through the blood of Jesus. Please Lord, help me live for you. In Jesus name, amen.” All scriptures are taken from The New King James Version of the Holy Bible.
July 2015
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July 2015 Calendar List Your Event!
If you have an event you would like listed in the Nashville Christian Family Community Calendar e-mail us at: NCFPublication@gmail.com subject line - Calendar Family Experiences at Deer Run: July, August & September — Are you looking for a unique way to experience some family time together? Deer Run offers multi-generational, all-inclusive camp experiences — a 3-night Family Camp in July, Father-Son Weekend in August and Mother-Daughter Weekend in September. You will have fun together, strengthen your relationships plus create lifetime memories. Each experience has lots of outdoor activities, action-packed challenges, engaging worship and speaker sessions. Deer Run Camps & Retreats, Thompson’s Station, Tenn. Visit www.DeerRunRetreat.org/upcomingevents for details and registration, or call 615.794.2918. SPLASH INTO SUMMER WITH POOL EVENTS Williamson County Parks and Recreation is taking it up a notch this summer with a series of special events at their outdoor pools in Franklin, Fairview, Spring Hill and Nolensville. Dos Dollar Days: Outdoor pool admission reduced to $2 for ages 4-54 (save $1 per person) on July 6, July 20 and August 3. Freebie Fridays: Special premiums or coupons offered with pool admission on July 10, 17, 24 and 31. On July 10, it’s ‘Double Dip Day’ with
free admission and ice cream for the first 30 people admitted at each outdoor pool location. On July 17, all teens and adults at the pools will receive a coupon for one free aerobics class. The first one hundred pool patrons at each location get a free freezer pop on ‘Pops at the Pool’ day, July 24. Afternoons with Ariel: Admission to the pool includes playtime with your favorite little mermaid, Ariel. Go diving for shells and play special games like push-a-duck and pool scrabble. Join the fun July 22 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Nolensville. DJ on the Deck: Get your friends together for a rockin’ good time with DJ on the deck! Along with pool admission, enjoy music, games and beach ball fun as a DJ spins your favorite tunes poolside from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: July 8 in Fairview; July 15 in Franklin; and July 22 in Spring Hill. Art Splash: Have fun at the Franklin and Fairview pools from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on August 5! Pool admission includes water relays, pool noodle light sabers and water guns! To participate, bring a pool noodle and a white t-shirt to paint!
A bout O u r A dve rti s e r s
ONGOING
Tennessee Right to Life Chapter: Meets the 1st Thursday monthly at 7 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 2640 Buckner Road, Thompson’s Station, Tn Tennessee Right to Life is committed to effectively advocating the protection of human life through educational outreach, passage of protective legislation and the development of an informed, active grassroots movement statewide. www. tennesseerighttolife.org - info@tnrtl. org - 615-298-LIFE(5433) Every Friday Morning CBL Roundtable – 6:45 AM – 8:15 AM – CEO Fellowship is a non-profit, non-denominational organization of local Christian business leaders. The focus of our weekly meeting is to teach and equip these leaders to operate and lead their respective companies on these Biblical principles. Each week we feature a guest
speaker from our local business community. Meetings are held at Brentwood Baptist Church, Wilson Hall, 7777 Concord Rd, Brentwood, TN. www.ceofellowship.com or email us at info@ceofellowship.com Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce – 11:00 AM – 12:15 PM - Networking/Leads Group Meetings held each month. First Monday, Cool Springs/Franklin/Spring Hill at King University, 113 Seaboard Lane, First Thursday is Downtown Group which meets at LifeWay Plaza. Second Thursday the Brentwood/Green Hills GROUP meets at Corkey’s BBQ. Monthly Luncheon event is the last Tuesday of each month at Christ Church on Old Hickory Blvd., featuring an outstanding speaker. For more information about the Chamber and events, visit www.tnchristianchamber.org or email rstringfellow@yahoo.com.
Coming in
AUGUST
August 29 Sadie Robertson in Nashville at her first "Live Original LIVE" event. Also appearing; John Luke Robertson and his fiancée Mary Kate McEachern, Reed Robertson, Cole Robertson, “The Bachelor” couple Sean and Catherine Lowe and the band for KING & COUNTRY. Tickets are available at www.LiveOriginal.com or by calling the Allen Arena box office at (615) 966-7075. August 29 Southeast Creation Conference- 8am-4pm, Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium, early bird rates available. Learn more and purchase tickets atwww.creationbirmingham.org.
Please support these local businesses that support Nashville Christian Family with their advertising. Support us by patronizing them.
Buffalo Canoeing & Campground – www.buffalocanoeingofhohenwald.com,
Legendary Computers – www.legendary-computers.com, 615-472-8134
931-796-2211
Molly Maid – www.mollymaid.com, 615-656-4334
Deer Run Camps and Retreats - www.deerrunretreat.org, 615-794-2918
P.E.S.T., Inc.- www.pestinc.net, 615-382-9774
Goodwill Industries – www.giveit2goodwill.org, 800-545-9231
Saint Thomas Health - www.sths.com, 615-284-LIFE
David W. Harr, DMD - www.docharr.com, 615-776-2565
The Fish 94FM - www.94fmthefish.net, 615-367-2210
Hyundai of Cool Springs – www.hyundaiofcoolsprings.com, 615-550-7330
TN Christian Chamber of Commerce – www.tnchristianchamber.org, 615-815-8765
Lee Company – www.leecompany.com, 615-567-1000
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Nashville Christian Family
www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com
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Nothing shall be impossible.
Share in his transformation at STHealth.com/bariatrics