Nashville Christian Family August, 2017 Issue by Christian Family Nashville

August 2017

Managing Your Money

COMPLIMENTARY

Teens in Foster Care

John Corbett

From My Big Fat Greek Wedding to All Saints

There are so many teens in Tennessee that need a foster family.

Can you help? CALL TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN BECOME A FOSTER PARENT

615-457-2334 1321 Murfreesboro Pike, Suite 320 Nashville, TN 37214

Nashville Christian Family

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A TEEN TODAY www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com

OUR MISSION Publisher: Robert Stringfellow • 615-815-8765 publisher@christianfamilynashville.com Editor: Raymonda Jaggers Contributing Writers:

Linda Carlson Lindsey Castleman Lou Feagles Kathey Grodi Heather Hale Princess Jones Benjamin Lawson Scott Lehman Jason Lindsey Camille Smith-Platt Ginny Priz Dawn Rae

Stephen Rowland Kimberly Russell Mark Simpson Aron Strong Laurie Stroud Jean Thomason Daniel Tichota Paula Wallace Tammy Webb-Witholt Debra Welborn

Production and Art Direction: Wendy Satterwhite Website Development, Digital Marketing & SEO Services: Anthology Creative Social Media: Kylie Odrobina Printer: Franklin Web Printing Sales & Marketing: Robert Stringfellow Cover Photo: Courtesy AFFIRM Films 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 2017 by The Christian Family Publication, Inc. 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 the Nashville Metro Area and surrounding counties, Williamson, Wilson, Sumner, Rutherford and Maury. 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

– Nashville Christian Family is a part of The Christian Family Publication, Inc. celebrating 17 years of Good News! Visit www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com

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.

FROM THE PUBLISHER “ It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.” Galations 4:18 (NIV) I am excited every year when August rolls around because I know that in less than a month, college football will kick off and another exciting season will begin. I love sports, but college football is my favorite of several that I follow and enjoy during the year. I am a University of Alabama Crimson Tide fan through and through. My father attended there and then taught at the school for many years, my mother worked there and I attended as did a son. Add to that, throughout his life, my father was a college football fan, followed Bear Bryant’s storied career that ended at Alabama, and until his death at 96, my dad got great enjoyment from following and watching the sport and “our” team. So it is no surprise that friends and family would say that I am a rabid fan. With that said, from time to time during the season, I try to stop and ask myself a couple of questions: In God’s scheme of things for my life, is a football game really that important and does my great enthusiasm for my team interfere with my calling as a Believer to spread the Gospel and witness? Asked another way, do I get as pumped up and excited when the Lord presents an opportunity for me to witness to a non-believer about Jesus as I do for a big football game? College football or sports in general may not be what gets you excited, but whatever it is that we have a passion for other than serving God as a witness, we need to ask ourselves the question that I ask myself during football season. I believe that the most important one thing that we as Believers must do is to spread the Gospel and the Good News of Jesus Christ with as much genuine excitement and enthusiasm as we can. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 (NIV) Publisher, 615-815-8765 publisher@christianfamilynashville.com

August 2017

Nashville Christian Family

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August 2017

CONTENTS Volume 8, Number 10

DEPARTMENTS 3 From the Publisher 6 Body & Soul Do You Have a Heart For God, Or Just Profess To?

ON THE COVER

From starring in My Big Fat Greek Wedding to playing the lead in the new movie, All Saints, filmed right here in middle Tennessee, actor John Corbett shares how he identifies with his latest role as a pastor. See page 14. 8

Teens in Foster Care

10, 11

Managing Your Money

6 Miracle Moments Men Are Not “Bad” 7 Parent With Purpose ABC’s of Money Management 10 Money Matters Know the Ins and Outs of College Funding 11 Senior Living It’s Hot! Dealing with Summer Heat. 12 Teachable Moments Please!! Stop and Think Before You Send Certain Type Text Messages

17 Senior Scene Look At Getting Older From a Different Perspective

FEATURES 8

Teens in Foster Care

Endure In His Strength

Myths about Reverse Mortgages

17 Faith At Work Never Doubt That God IS In Control and Will Bless Worthy Efforts 18 Family Matters Help! My Teen is Driving! 18 In His Grip To Hear From God, We Must Talk To Him! 20 Faith Under Fire The Secret to Complete Confidence

NEXT ISSUE Celebrating our 7th Anniversary!

22 Kid’s Korner • Kids Get Connected With the Bible Using Simple Science Experiments • Actively Engage Your Young Children to Teach Them How Much God Loves Them

23 An Encouraging Word Keep True To Your Life’s Goal 23 God’s Plan For Salvation and Eternal Life With Him 24 Mission Makers Students Serve Through Trevecca’s Mission Nashville 26 Calendar 26 About Our Advertisers

Parenting Tips And MUCH MORE! August 2017

b ody & s ou l No Heart, Whole Heart, Half Heart, Your Heart

m i r acle m om e Nts

Misandry The word, “misogyny” has become much too familiar. But is it possible this word has eclipsed the more covert undercurrent of thought in our culture? In the eighties I was an avowed feminist. I never used the word “misandry”, but my overall attitude was based upon the idea that men and masculinity were repulsive. Had the women’s marches of today been held in my day I would have marched. I even spelled women with a “y” so as not to use the word ‘men’ when I described myself. In today’s culture narrative we are over-familiar with the word “misogyny”, but what about “misandry” – the hate of men. For more than fifty years men have been thrust into a corporate identity crisis. In response some have gravitated to polar extremes whilst others have become lethargic or consumed with addictions.

Saul, David, Solomon. While their title as king was a commonality, their hearts were very distinct. The Bible points out that one of these men had no heart for God, one had a whole heart for God, and the last, as smart as he was, only managed a half heart for God. The first king of Israel was Saul. Under God’s direction Saul was anointed as king when the people desired one. But Saul’s heart was far from God. Two specific times Saul was rebuked for his behavior against God’s ways. The first occurrence is in 1 Samuel 13 where we read of a battle between the Philistines and Israelites. Ignoring obedience to the given commands, Saul took matters into his own hands. God allowed Saul a second chance in 1 Samuel 15, but again Saul refused to fully obey God’s command. Through weak explanations and blame shifting, the truth was seen and God rejected Saul as king. David, the man after God’s own heart, would be king next. But David was not perfect either. The Bible records of David in 2 Samuel 11, that he took Bathsheba into his chambers and she became pregnant. David found himself in trouble. Bathsheba was married to Uriah, and David panicked that since Uriah was out serving in his army the truth would be found out. David decided to have Uriah killed to hide his sin. But his sin wasn’t hidden from God. Instead God exposed it through the prophet Nathan. It was here, where his sin became known, that Psalm 51 was written, a psalm of confession and repentance from a king who still strived to serve God with a whole heart. Lastly was Solomon, who started well but ended poorly. Solomon’s heart was swayed when he attempted to serve two masters. He could not serve both God and his thirst for women without one or the other being compromised. In the end, Solomon’s choice was women before God, a poor choice for a wise man. It is for this reason that Solomon is known for having only a half heart towards God. But this brings us to look at ourselves. How is your heart? I am not asking you how others view your heart, but rather asking you specifically to look at your own heart. Do you have no heart for God? Is God a prelude to a curse word or a person that you blame when life takes a bad turn? Or is God your only desire, the one you want to please, or the one you give all too? Perhaps you want to give a heart-fraction but not the whole thing. For Saul, David, and Solomon, their choices have been made and their heart conditions told. What will be said about your heart? — Daniel Tichota is the author of On The Vanguard and a certified Associate Instructor for Walk Thru the Bible – otLive. www.onthevanguard.com

Nashville Christian Family

When I see men of all ages who seek to love beyond themselves and provide and protect, I am captivated by the qualities of their masculine hearts. Marriage between a man and a woman is beyond mysterious. It’s magical. Volumes have been written on this topic, but for too many years I was trapped behind a barricade of deceit. As a young adult my deep-seeded mistrust prevented me from having healthy relationships with guys. My perspective was limited to experiences with abusive men or immature teenage boys. Now that I’m old enough to be a grandmother my perspective has radically changed. It began twenty years ago when I met the man who is now my husband. We met at prayer meetings and an annual conference that was held in Boston. With each passing year I became more acquainted with a tenderhearted man who cared deeply about the world. I felt like a scientist who’d found a rare species. Each time I left his company I was humbled by his attitude. It would be eight years before we went on a date, not recommended, but I’m more thickheaded than most. Three months after our first date he proposed. Earlier in the day I faced the fear that I would not “feel” what I was supposed to “feel.” I resisted the temptation to run from the risk of relationship. Four months later we were married on New Year’s Eve. Ever since I have fallen more in love with my husband and I’ve also fallen in love with the mystery of men and who God designed them to be. I apologize. I and countless other women need you men to be the best you’ve been created to be. Embrace your identity, don’t suppress the urge to give flowers, open doors, protect, provide and pray. Pray for yourselves and pray for us. Pray we will not be threatened by your strength. Pray we will allow your strengths to compliment our frailties. Pray that we, the true feminist, will encourage you to fulfill your potential. Together we are an undefeatable team and together we can recalibrate a culture that has tilted off it axis. — Tammy Webb-Witholt lives in Hendersonville, Tenn. with her husband Wolter Witholt. Together they founded Beyond the Silence (www.Beyondthesilence.us) in 2006. Their ministry encourages Christ followers towards wholeness through God's word.

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P ar e Nt

with

P u r Pos e

Children learn math, English and science skills in the classroom, but most schools have abandoned teaching basic financial literacy. Surprisingly, even institutions of higher education aren’t fulfilling the need. About 57 percent of millennials believe that college failed to teach them personal finance skills, according to a Generation Opportunity survey. This all adds up to parents bearing most of the responsibility to raise financially fit kids. The good news is that students who study personal finance – whether from external sources or in their homes – fare significantly better than their less-informed peers. Studies show that students who learn about budgeting and saving are more apt to become consumers who earmark part of their income for savings and pay off credit card balances each month – and are less likely to become compulsive buyers, max out credit cards and make late payments. As the new year presents fresh opportunities, you can make 2017 the year you teach your kids the ABCs of money management. As Daniel Bortz, staff writer for U.S. News & World Report explores, it’s sure to pay off. “Instilling good money habits in your children is arguably one of life’s most important lessons,” he writes. “With the right approach, your child will learn valuable financial habits.”

One of the best ways to begin to talk with your kids about personal finance is to teach them about budgeting. By introducing the concept early – and often – kids can better understand the benefits of budgeting. Although there are specific lessons to teach kids at every stage of development, you can stick to the budgeting basics at every age by simply sharing parts of your household budget with them. Bev O’Shea, a staff writer at NerdWallet, recommends four steps to setting up budgets that you and your children can follow: • Figure out your income – Older children can begin to grasp the concept of paying taxes out of your income, but for younger children, you can choose a simple, set amount to use as a base income. • Choose a budget – Create a budget format that covers your needs, some of your wants, and then savings for the future and emergencies. To make it easier for children to understand why this is important, O’Shea suggests considering the popular 50/30/20 budget: spend roughly 50 percent of your after-tax dollars on necessities, no more than 30 percent on wants, and at least 20 percent on savings and debt repayment. You can always modify

this amount to include your giving goals as well. • Track your progress – It may be helpful to remember that budgets are not set in stone. Things happen (is the refrigerator supposed to make that noise?) and circumstances change (congratulations on that promotion!), which is why experts recommend checking your progress against budgets regularly, such as every payday, and consider including your children in the review. • Automate your budget – Your family budget can benefit from automatic bill payments and diverting a portion of your deposited paycheck into an online savings account. This concept may be a little advanced for young learners, but older school-age children will understand the idea. Bottom line: Talking about budgeting early and often sets a great example for your kids. ECCU offers many resources to help you pass along fundamental financial skills. When you’re ready to teach your children about the basics of saving, consider introducing your children to the ECCU family by opening an account with us. — Linda Carlson, Evangelical Christian Credit Union

Fed up with fake Christians? Tired of sweeping your brokenness under the rug? Then our Bloom Today TV show is for you.

We discuss taboo subjects. We talk about our pain and the path we took to healing so you can

use the fertilizer of your past to

Guest: Nicole C. Mullen

Bloom Today! WHTN/Christian Television Network As seen on the cover of Nashville Christian Family Magazine!

Comcast: Channel 21 or 1021, Dish & Antenna: Channel 39 Charter Spectrum: Channel 10, Online: ctntv.org/livestream

August 2017

F eatu r e

There are an overwhelming number of teens in foster care in Tennessee and not enough foster parents able to work with older children. This presents an issue for foster care agencies like us, as well as the state of Tennessee. Due to the lack of foster parents willing to take teens, it's not uncommon to have children sleep in the Department of Children’s Services office overnight while the workers search for a home for them. Therapeutic Interventions, Inc. is always looking for foster parents, especially those who are willing and able to work with teenagers. They need just as much love and support as any other child. Without a loving, supportive, stable home and family, most teens that age out of foster care end up in jail, having children too young and/or homeless. As a community we CAN make a difference in the lives of teens in the Tennessee Foster Care System. Autum’s Story Autum is one of our former foster youth who has aged out of foster care and is currently utilizing extension of foster care so she can attend college and still receive support from her foster family. Autum first came into foster care at the age of 11 and turned 18 this past May. Over the years Autum has had her ups and downs and has transitioned through several foster homes and residential facilities. She has had a difficult time adjusting to foster care and even ran away from one of her homes for about 3 months, but she realized she needed the support offered by TII and a foster family and she came back. With the support of her TII Case Manager, Regina Henning and her foster mother, Autum was able to graduate high school this past May and is on her way to college! Regina Henning, TII Case Manger and I sat down with Autum for a little Q & A to see what her next steps are and her thoughts regarding her future.

for someone to offer them the love and support to make it. TII is actively recruiting for 3 teens’ forever families. Please take a look at our website at www.tiicares.com/foster-to-adopt to learn more about Samantha, who we introduced to you last month, Uniyia and Delila. These young ladies are all looking for the love and support a forever family can offer them. Could you be the family for one of these girls? If you or someone you know are interested in learning more about how to become a foster parent, please contact our agency at 615-457-2334. We want to hear from you and answer your questions! — Kimberly Russell, QA Specialist, Therapeutic Interventions, Inc. & Melissa Culbertson, Foster Parent Recruiter & Trainer, Therapeutic Interventions, Inc.

TII: So Autum, what are your plans for your future? Autum: "To be an independent educated young woman" TII: Now that you have turned 18 and are no longer in DCS custody, how are you utilizing the extension of foster care offered by the State of TN? Autum: "For the time being, I am using extension of foster care to help me get into college and help me get on my feet" TII: You have had some big changes in your life recently, graduating high school and turning 18 all just a few days apart! How did it feel to graduate from high school and get that hard earned diploma? Autum: "It felt great...I had so many tell me I wasn't gonna (sic) make it...I even thought I wasn't for a bit...but I now see a lot of things may seem hard, but if you put the effort in you will succeed" TII: Autum you have said that you want to study social work in college and to become a social worker. What area of social work do you want to work in? Autum: "I wish to become a social worker and help children that are in the position I was...I've seen a lot and have been through a lot...many people that work in DCS want to help kids, but to actually have lived it...it's a whole new level" As you can see from Autum’s story, you can make a difference for the teens in foster care! They just need someone to show them that they are worth it and

Nashville Christian Family

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August 2017

m oN ey m at te r s

5 Secrets to Becoming an Informed Buyer of a College Education Secret #1 – Middle Income and Upper Income Families Can Pay Less than Advertised Cost In many cases, parents are eligible for some forms of financial aid since the formulas also take into consideration so many other variables, not just your income. Do not assume you won’t be eligible. Many families with incomes in excess on $150,000 can take advantage of strategies to reduce the cost of college. Just like two people sitting next to each other on an airplane can pay two very different prices, so can two students sitting next to each other in the same classroom at the same college. Secret #2 – High School Guidance Counselors and Financial Aid Nights Aren't Enough Not all concerns will be addressed by the high school guidance counselor. Many counselors just don't have the time or expertise to advise families on their unique complexities of college planning and funding strategies. Furthermore, Financial Aid Nights are primarily focused on filing out forms. They don't address practical strategies that can increase eligibility or help you identify schools that are a good fit for your student AND will give you a good financial aid package.

Secret #3 – Private Colleges May Cost Less Than You Think Regardless of which school your child applies to, you will have to pay your “Family Contribution.” Because private colleges tend to be better endowed than public institutions, the private college may be able to meet 100% of your need. Secret #4 – How to Pick Colleges That Will Give You the Best Financial Aid Package It is vitally important that you know which schools have a significant amount of money to award students and which colleges have very little. Knowing this information in advance can put you in a position to obtain the best financial aid package by applying to the right school. Secret #5 – High Income Families Can Reduce Their Out of Pocket College Costs Although there may be no need based financial aid opportunities to upper income families, there are a wide variety of little known college planning and funding strategies that can yield great benefits. Planning for business owners, income planning strategies, asset planning strategies, gifting strate-

gies, tax planning strategies, school based scholarship strategies, and strategies for grandparents are just some of the areas that can yield great benefits. It’s all about being empowered so that you can make smart, informed decisions at every step of the way to achieve the best outcome. Peak College Planning can empower you with actionable information – based on your particular circumstances – that will help you achieve a best outcome. To learn what college planning strategies look like for your family, access your FREE college funding report at: www.PeakCollegePlanningReport.com — Heather Hale, CFP® is principal at Peak Financial Planning, LLC, a Tenn. Registered Investment Advisor. She specializes in college planning and college funding strategies, www.PeakPlanningTN.com

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h ealthy l iVi Ng

There is one continual refrain heard numerous times a day in Tennessee in July and August. It is so HOT!I can’t stand the heat. I don’t even want to go outside. Precautions need to be taken. We are all familiar with these but repetition can be helpful. • • • • • • •

Wear loose fitting, light weight, light colored clothes Avoid sunburn Seek a cooler place Drink plenty of liquids, even before you feel thirsty Avoid hot spots-like parked cars Avoid being outside in the hottest hours exercise indoors in air conditioning

Heat exposure can particularly affect the elderly. With advanced age, individuals become more susceptible to the heat. As we age, our bodies lose the ability to deal with heat. The sense of thirst diminishes with older age and so seniors may not even know they are dehydrating. Many medications taken by the elderly, impair sweating and the heart’s ability to pump harder to cool the skin in the heat. Seniors may even dehydrate enough so that they become dizzy and fall and possibly break bones. A great deal of care must be taken to prevent injuries to our older, loved ones in this Tennessee summer. There is another precaution I would like to personally add. Please quit complaining about the heat!!! Follow the excellent health advice above and concentrate on all the other positives in your life. Psychologists tell us that negative crumbling about this world the Lord has given us and embrace what the Psalms teach us- “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy: at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” -Psalm 16:11 NKJV — Lou Feagles, President/CEO of Simple Solutions for Home Care, LLC, 2201 Murphy Ave. Suite 303, Nashville, TN 37203, Phone 615-647-0700, Fax 615-647-0701 www.ss4hc.com

If something in this month’s issue of

has awakened in you a desire to learn more about the Freedom and Eternal Life that Jesus Christ offers, we encourage you to seek out a Bible-based church in our community.

We believe this is the MOST IMPORTANT DECISION you can make for yourself and your family. God Bless You!

F eatu r e

I’m always telling my kids, “If you practice, you’ll get better at it.” Whatever “it” may be, at one time we were all a novice at something. The more we do something over and over, the better we get at doing it. As I think about living out what God has directed us to do in His word, I’m encouraged that He’ll help us do so by the power of His Spirit, but I sometimes get overwhelmed and tell myself, “I just can’t,” or “I can’t do it perfectly so I might as well not do anything at all.” Have you ever had that thought? No matter what you are pursuing based upon what God has shown you, whether exercise, learning a trade, or incorporating a deeper prayer life, it will challenge you from a personal, professional, and/or spiritual standpoint, but continue to preserve and endure in His strength. Are we truly content as Christ-followers to be hearers of the Word but not doers? Remember that James 1:22-25 gives us insight that we are deceiving ourselves if that’s the path we choose. We live in an ever-changing world and should strive to not deceive ourselves. Truly, all of His word is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). These verses apply to each of us. What would happen if we started intentionally applying even a portion of scripture? What happens to today, this week, the end of next week, if we practice something daily? “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9) personally comes to my mind. Sometimes, when I try to do something new, I forget that I’m trying something new. Since it’s not a habit yet, I can easily get distracted from practice-time. Moody Radio in Nashville is there for you and me as an encouraging and equipping resource so we can take the next step in our walk with Jesus Christ. — Dawn Rae

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August 2017

F eatu r e

What are some Myths about Reverse Mortgages! I have over 17 years of experience with Reverse Mortgages. Many people do not know that President Ronald Reagan signed the FHA Mortgage bill that included this loan on 02/05/1988. This loan was developed to assist senior citizens with their financial needs and provide them a way to “stay in their home” while drawing some of their equity WITHOUT having a monthly payment. The following is a list of some myths that are associated with this loan: 1) The current owner’s names go off title and the bank owns the home. NOT TRUE – the owner’s remain on title and have full authority to sell the house at any time If the house is sold the loan must be paid off (just as is required with any home equity loan). 2) The owner’s give up all their equity to the bank. NOT TRUE – the highest loan amount you can get is 75% of the appraised value if you are 90 years or older. You cannot get 100% of your equity. The amount of equity you can get a loan for depends on the age of the youngest borrower. 3) Anyone can get a Reverse Mortgage. NOT TRUE – at least one borrower must be 62 years old. In addition all borrowers must pass a Financial/Credit assessment.

4) You can get a Reverse Mortgage on any type of home. NOT TRUE – Reverse Mortgages are available on FHA APPROVED – single family residences, condominiums, town homes and planned unit development dwellings. All must meet FHA guidelines. 5) The money received from a Reverse Mortgage will affect your Social Security or Medicare benefits. NOT TRUE – the funds received from a Reverse Mortgage are considered your home equity.

er’s qualify for enough money to pay off existing liens – this may be done! 9) You have to have a credit score above 620 to get a Reverse Mortgage. NOT TRUE – credit score does not affect this loan. The credit assessment is simply an evaluation of your payment history/credit activity for the past 24 months.

6) The money received from a Reverse Mortgage is taxable or will affect your taxes. NOT TRUE – the funds received from a Reverse Mortgage are considered your home equity.

10) Your debt to income ratio cannot exceed 40% to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage. NOT TRUE – the debt to income ratio is not a factor of this loan. The financial assessment that is completed calculates if the borrower’s have the excess funds to pay all other debts, annual property taxes, annual homeowner’s insurance and have enough residual income to live on.

7) This loan has high closing costs and fees. NOT TRUE – typically closing costs for this area are between 2 – 3% of the appraised value for either a Reverse Mortgage, Purchase or Refinance that is in 1st lien position.

11) If the value of the property goes down the loan is due and payable. NOT TRUE – one the Reverse Mortgage is closed and funded the loan is cast. The value of the property does not affect the loan after closing.

8) The owner’s must own the home “free and clear” in order to get a Reverse Mortgage. NOT TRUE - 1st or 2nd mortgages may be paid off with this loan. Note: The amount of the loan depends on the youngest borrower – as long as the borrow-

For more information, please contact Kathey Grodi at 615-970-2216 or kgrodi@klgmcm.com.

t eachable m om e Nts

Reasons NOT to Send Tough Conversations Via Text Message In life, we will have to deliver tough messages--whether it is breaking up with someone or letting someone know we are disappointed with them. The growing trend is to text the bad news, however that has been shown to often make the situation worse and keep us avoiding conflict. By sending a text, the person you are sending it to could misread the information, it could be inappropriate timing, and might not have full context of what you are saying. Sending messages that we are upset, disappointed, hurt, and angry are best if sent face to face. Here are tips for when you feel the urge to send bad news via text message: 1) Stop yourself and be curious about why. Many times, we do not know why we do what we do. We must slow down and be curious. Our thoughts, emotions and body are all linked together but many times we might stay only in thoughts or only in emotions. We need all three working together. Remember that once the messages are texted, they are recorded and cannot be taken back. 2) Tap into the fear. Avoiding talking face to face means we fear something. What do we fear about talking to the person face-to-face? What are we afraid will happen? In these moments, don’t dismiss the fear, listen to it and let it move you to

Nashville Christian Family

positive action. However, if the person is physically unsafe, then you do need the physical separation that text message gives. 3) Use text to find a good time to talk face to face. Taking face to face allows our mirror neurons, found in our left inferior frontal cortex, to fire, so that it is easier to really hear what the other person is saying. We often can assume what the other person is thinking and feeling when we are apart, it is better to read others when we are looking at each other. 4) When you talk face to face, lead with your fear. Here is an example: “I want to talk to you about something that is important to me, but I am afraid you will get upset.” This way you can put the fear out there and it doesn’t control the conversation. Remember that usually the hard way is the right way. Being intentional about tough conversations grow us as individuals and with the person we are in relationship with. — Lindsey Castleman, marriage and family counselor and co-creator of the marriage workshop “7 Conversations to Enrich Your Marriage”— learn more at www.7ConversationsNashville.com. Connect with Lindsey at www.findyourpathway.com

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MEET ANNA AND ADAM

AS MISSIONARIES AND PARENTS, THEY ARE NOT ONLY COMMITTED TO TRAINING PASTORS IN THE PHILIPPINES BUT ALSO RAISING A WORLD CHANGER AND A FINANCIALLY SMART CHILD. SO WHILE THEIR SON IS LEARNING MORE ABOUT JESUS, HE IS ALSO PRACTICING GOOD STEWARDSHIP AND GENEROSITY. NOW THAT’S A WINNING MISSION.

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August 2017

In the new movie All Saints, actor John Corbett, portrays Rev. Michael Spurlock who welcomes refugees from Burma despite the financially failing state of his Tenn. country church. In this scene from the movie, Spurlock is seen with refugee Ye Win (portrayed by Nelson Lee), who served as a spokesperson for the refugees who were striving for a fresh start in America and needed healthcare, education, clothing and food.

John Corbett with Rev. Michael Spurlock, whom he portrays in All Saints. Corbett says Spurlock shared with him what it was like to literally hear God’s voice: “He was just walking in a field—it was nighttime—thinking about the future of the church and the Karen people, and he said he heard a voice as plain as the voice he was talking to me in that gave him instructions on how to make all this work out by turning the field into a garden,” Corbett says. “He said it wasn’t a voice he’d ever heard before. It wasn’t a voice inside of his head. It was a voice talking to him—a man’s voice.”

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est known for his roles in Northern Exposure and My Big Fat Greek Wedding, actor John Corbett is no stranger to the plight of refugees revealed in his latest film All Saints. He grew up the only child to a single mother who worked for minimum wage in a hospital supply room, living in a two-bedroom apartment in West Virginia with a host of neighbors from Vietnam. Immigrants, the neighbors didn’t speak English, worked in local restaurants and often fit 15 people in an apartment the same size as his. Corbett still recalls the concern he felt toward their struggle to be accepted and to succeed. In All Saints, Corbett portrays Michael Spurlock, an Episcopal pastor who risks his family’s future to support a group of Burmese refugees when his church is on the verge of financial collapse. Based on a true story, Corbett says the film is an example of the kind of compassion he has strived for his entire life. As Corbett navigated the diverse neighborhood of his youth, he also attended a small Catholic school for grades 1 through 12. “We went to church every day; we had to wear little dress pants and shoes and white shirts and clip on ties,” he remembers. “Becoming an altar boy gave me a work ethic in life. At a young age, I had to be at the rectory at a certain time getting my vestments on, preparing things.” After high school, Corbett moved to California to join his father in work as a welder and a boilermaker. When an injury forced him off the job, he enrolled at Cerritos College, located between Los Angeles and Long Beach. “I coincidentally met some young actors, right out of high school, who were goofing around in the cafeteria one day. We shot the bull for about half an hour, and they invited me to see their improv class. That was 1984, and I had never seen anything like it. I decided to drop all my other classes and only sign up for acting classes,” he remembers. A few months later, Corbett had the lead role in “Hair” on campus, singing and dancing on stage as his father sat stunned in the audience. “He couldn’t believe his welder son was up there doing a shuffle.” From 1986 to 1990, Corbett was hired for 50 national commercials. His first speaking role was as Karen Arnold’s boyfriend on Season 1 of The Wonder Years. He went on to roles as Chris Stephens in Northern Exposure, Aidan Shaw in Sex and the City and Ian Miller in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He also started a country rock band that occasionally plays at WorkPlay in Birmingham. Corbett credits God’s providence with his transition from the steel factory to the stage. Corbett’s relationship with God today is heavily weighted in prayer. He prays for compassion. He prays for the lost, for other people’s souls. He prays to be less judgmental. “I try to be a good person and have forgiveness and have compassion and tolerance and just really try to listen,” he says. “Listening is big with me. That means letting people finish their sentence and not be in a rush to tell my story.”

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John Corbett stars alongside Christian comedian Chonda Pierce as well as Cara Buono from the television series “Stranger Things” and Gregory Alan Williams from Hidden Figures, in the movie All Saints, in theatres August 25.

The story of All Saints, however, is one he is quick to tell. After trading in his corporate sales career to become a pastor, Michael Spurlock had one assignment from his superiors: close the quaint country church in Smyrna, Tenn. for good, sell everything on the property and try to keep losses to a minimum. However, a group of Burmese refugees approached him for help, and Spurlock decided to sideline the Bishop’s instructions and turn the property into a working farm to pay the church’s bills and feed its newest people. Contemplating what it means to obey God’s voice when success isn’t guaranteed, the film is more of a “contemporary drama” than an argument for the Christian faith, says Rich Peluso of Affirm Films. It’s about people of faith living out ordinary circumstances in extraordinary ways. If there’s any intentional message for All Saints viewers, Corbett says, it’s a simple directive to help others. “A church’s responsibility might be to care for the poor, but the church is also in business sometimes, and if the church is losing money they have to shut their doors. That’s just the way it goes. But we are human beings, and we don’t have to shut our doors.” Comparing Spurlock to the Bethlehem innkeeper the night Jesus was born, he continues: “When the Karen (pronounced kuh-REN) [refugees] showed up at Michael’s door, it would have been so easy for him to say I care about you and I love you and I’m sorry, but the inn is closed. The guy who ran the inn when Joseph and Mary showed up, who knows maybe [he] was a nice guy, maybe he did have a full house. Michael could have done the same thing and he didn’t.” As revealed in the film, Spurlock’s vision was not without serious complications. Weather, machinery and manpower problems all threaten to ruin his plan to save his church and give hope to the area’s refugees. But it’s the realization that a community can come together to help others that matters most. Corbett’s favorite line from the film is when Spurlock tells his son, Atticus, that he will just have to pray for God to help the Karen. “Atticus says, ‘but aren’t you God’s help?’ I like that because he’s so right. Yeah, I am God’s help,” Corbett says. “That line, every time I read it, it just sort of made me smile.”

A Williamson County Connection I was so blessed to be a part of this movie! I knew after reading the script that it was very special… but after seeing a rough cut of the film…I realized that it is way more than I knew. So many prayers were answered. He even answered my prayer just by getting me this part in the film. As an actor, I knew that leaving Los Angeles and moving to Nashville would leave me with fewer opportunities to work. I told God that what I really wanted was to be a part of a film that had a great message of faith. I was so excited when I booked this part. And true to His nature, I got more than I asked for! I got to work with Affirm Films, Rich Peluso, Steve Gomer and John Corbett! God is still working miracles and answering prayers.

— Debra Rogers Welborn is a Franklin, Tenn. resident

- Camille Smith Platt

August 2017

GROWING GOOD SPORTS NEW YMCA FALL BASKETBALL LEAGUES

JR. TYKES BASKETBALL for ages 3-5 YOUTH BASKETBALL for Kindergarten and older Community registration runs Aug. 1-31, 2017 Season runs Oct. 16-Dec. 16 Leagues available in Brentwood, Donelson, East Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Northwest Nashville, Smyrna, Spring Hill and Springfield.

Learn more or register online at YMCAMIDTN.ORG/YOUTH-SPORTS Our Mission: A worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping people grow in spirit, mind and body.

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www.ChristianFamilyNashville.com

s e N ior s ce N e

F aith @ w or k

Who Wants To Be Old?

How To Experience A Miracle

I still remember it like it happened yesterday. I walked into McDonald's to order coffee and the teenage girl behind the cash register asked me if I wanted the senior's coffee. I was about 51 years old but thought I looked years younger. I got red in the face, stammered a little bit, and said "No, I will pay full price"! I was chagrined that someone thought I looked like a senior! Well, now that I'm getting ready to turn 60, I am looking for those senior discounts wherever I can find them and have my A.A.R.P. card in my wallet.

I adjusted my sunglasses and took another sip of coffee as I listened to Paula vent her emotions in the driver’s seat. “Ginny…we have a contract for a television show we NEVER asked for sitting in our email RIGHT NOW! This is crazy! This doesn’t just happen.”

I personally think that we live in an American culture that glorifies youth, and consequently, often takes a condescending attitude towards our senior citizens. Somehow if we are not in our prime in regard to physical strength, career, sexuality, or mental acuity, we are perceived as somewhat a "drag" on society. I think we subconsciously, at the very least, are well aware of these biases. If someone overestimated your age, would you regard it as a compliment? Just think of the millions of dollars made on hair coloring products, wrinkle reducing skin lotions, face lifts -- all because we don't want to appear older! Its quite common for some older folks to fib about their age -- and its never older, always younger! Contrast that attitude with Oriental cultures where the elderly are highly valued. In South Korea the 60th and 70th birthdays are celebrated with large-scale family feasts and parties, and adult children are expected to take care of their aging parents. China actually has an "Elderly Rights Law" which mandates that adult children visit their parents often -- with fines or jail time if they don't! When I read verses in the Bible about the aged, they command deference and honor, such as: Leviticus 19:32 — "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God; I am the Lord." Proverbs 16:31 — "Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life." Exodus 20:12 — "Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you." 1 Timothy 5:1-3 — "Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father ... treat older women as you would your own mother" Most of the residents at Holiday Out RV Park near Crossville where Susan and I spend many weekends are a few years older than Susan and I, and we highly value the bits of wisdom we hear from them at times. They comprise part of the "Greatest Generation" that won WWII and made America the economic powerhouse that it became. They did it all without Google, iphones, or computers. Actually the inventors of that modern technology are now getting "long in the tooth." I guess this is a "Thank You" to all our seniors for their lifetimes of hard work and dedication. — Stephen Rowland is chaplain for the Knights For Christ, the Columbia chapter of the Christian Motorcyclists Association.

We were traveling to the Global Media Summit in Dallas, Texas. Months earlier we both felt God told us to attend. The only rational explanation we could find was to market our small ministries to the media “big-wigs” in hopes to be guests on their shows. But, now, we had our own show? Bloom Today, our TV show, felt like a terrifying reality rushing toward us.Paula continued, “We’re not ready for this!” Then I saw the semi-truck passing us in the next lane with two words written in the dirt on it: “But God.” We looked at each other in disbelief. Had God’s handwriting showed up on a perfectly timed moving truck? As we kept talking about the impossibilities of it all, we passed a billboard stating “Nothing is impossible for God.” “We’re fighting against the powers of darkness.” The words were barely out of Paula’s mouth before she saw a church with huge words on the roof: “the gates of hell shall not prevail.” Chills. There was no denying it anymore. God wanted us to walk through this door. This modern day miracle was just the beginning. Two months later, we signed a contract with Inspiration TV to broadcast Bloom Today across 150 countries in over 162 million homes. Our friends asked how we’d made these miracles happen. Maybe it would work for them, too? The truth is, these miracles were not about making our dreams happen. They were about fulfilling God’s plan. We were just willing vessels. The most important ingredient in experiencing a miracle is having a relationship with God. Understand how He feels about you and the world. Discover His unconditional love and faithfulness. Obey Him. Miracles are always close to HIM. There is no formula for making a miracle. In fact, trying to make God do one is trying to manipulate Him. Spoiler alert: He sees right through that. As our relationship with God develops, we learn to recognize His voice. Trust His timing. Wait on Him. Moving ahead of God also moves us ahead of His miracles. Ask Abraham about that. When God speaks and moves, obey Him exactly. His instructions will line up with His word. They will be outside your comfort zone. And they may sound risky or absurd. Obey anyway. Miracles require a desperate situation without worldly hope. Otherwise, it would just be Tuesday. So if God asks you to leave your steady paycheck, start a risky ministry, or use your retirement fund to feed the hungry, do it--despite the fear. Everyone’s path will look different. But you can find yours by seeking out a deeper relationship with God, waiting on Him, and stepping out in faith. — Ginny Priz, The Single Handed Serenity Coach, Speaker, Author of Ditch The Drama and Bloom Today TV Anchor. www.ginnypriz.com

August 2017

F am i ly m at te r s

Help! My Teen is Driving! Every parent, myself included, goes through certain milestones in the lives of their children; their first words, learning to walk, starting school and of course, getting their driver’s license. Any parent who has a teenager getting behind the wheel for the first time knows the variety of feelings brought about during this time from the nervousness of teaching your child to drive to the anxiety when you let them pull out of the driveway by themselves. Finally, after all that there’s the indescribable feeling you get when you see the insurance premiums for your young driver. Ouch! The premiums for younger drivers are generally higher because they are more prone to accidents and therefore present a higher risk to their insurance companies.

Thankfully for young drivers or their parents there are ways to mitigate the cost of insurance. The first way to reduce premiums for young drivers is a good student discount. In addition to the economic benefit, it also serves as an incentive for students to do their best in school. Studies indicate that students who do well in school are less likely to get into a car accident. Therefore car insurance companies view them as a lower risk and offer savings on their rates. The discount varies depending on the insurance company so I recommended that you shop around and do some research.

Another way for a teen driver to get a discount is to complete and pass a state-approved driver's education course. Many courses have an on-line component in addition to the time spent behind the wheel with an instructor. There are many options to choose from. Just make sure whichever one you pick is state-certified. In order to get the insurance discounts available to good students, most car insurance companies require that the student currently: • Be younger than 25 years old. • Be enrolled full-time at a high school or college/ university. • Maintain at least a B average (3.0 grade point average), or be on the honor roll or Dean's List. • Show other accepted proof of good performance (if home-schooled). Finally there is the resident student discount which can offer significant savings to the policyholder. This applies to students attending college far away from their home city/state and is planning not to drive the insured vehicle while away at school, but may use it during the months when she is home.

There may be other discounts available to you depending on your insurance company. The rules will certainly vary amongst car insurance providers, so make sure to ask your agent about all related details as you research ways to save on your premium for your teen driver. This is a special time in your teen’s life which you can share with them. You can also use it as an opportunity to teach them some valuable life lessons about responsibility and money. However you approach your teen going out on the road, you have enough to think about without stressing about higher insurance premiums so I hope this article helped. — Frank Odrobina, Owner Hyundai and Genesis of Cool Springs – www.hyundaiofcoolsprings.com, www.genesisofcoolsprings.net

iN his griP

Now Is The Right Time Picture this. A professional golfer and his caddie show up on Thursday for the first round of a major tournament, and over the next four days, they don’t say a word to each other. The golfer never asks for any information related to the hole he’s playing, and the caddie never offers any information about club selection. Nothing. They say nothing to each other for four days.

Lord?” I write and speak a lot about the importance of scheduling that “daily tee time” with the Lord. We’ll make a tee time with our buddies days or weeks in advance and practically count down the hours until we arrive at that first tee anticipating the fellowship and fun over the next several hours. You wouldn’t miss that appointment for anything.

Wouldn’t that seem unnatural? In fact, wouldn’t that be pretty weird? Unbelievably, countless surveys on prayer have shown that the average Christian spends about five minutes a day in prayer. - if that. The irony is we then say we don’t understand why we don’t seem to hear from God. We don’t hear Him because we’re not talking with Him!

Well, that consistent - daily - “tee time” connecting

Over the last few months I have had a lot of coffees and lunches with guys, whereby many of them are struggling in their business, their marriages and how to be a father to their kiddos. The “one” question I always feel led to ask is, “do you have a daily tee time with the

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to God is critical and you don’t want to miss it. In fact, prayer and Scripture reading are the two strands of the chord that become the lifeline of the Christian. Prayer is where communion with God breathes life into the Scripture you’re reading. The two are vital parts of your quiet time. Think about it. If it seems crazy for a golfer to go four days without talking to his caddie about golf, how much more crazy is it for the Christian to go days without talking to his or her Heavenly Father who knows everything about that person’s life? Prayer is a fundamental part of discipleship, which means growing in our relationship with Christ. Tee it up and pray! Every moment of the day is the right time. — 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.

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2017

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August 2017

F aith u N de r F i r e

I can’t tell you how many times I have felt totally overwhelmed in my anxiety, frustration, and hurt. In those times, I don’t even have words to describe the emotions within me. It’s like a flash-flood, a torrent of confusion that sweeps aside everything I know along with it. I can’t even describe what is being washed away, only that I feel stripped and stuck.

turn our hearts toward him. He takes the devastation in our life and shapes it into something that will eventually benefit us. He gathers us up and holds us tightly through the pain. He restores our souls. He uses our transformation to change the lives of others. God is always at work. He never quits.

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. (Romans 8:26)

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? …indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 39)

But God knows our hearts. He knows everything that flows through it, even if we are unable to describe it. He knows what we need even when we don’t know ourselves. In those times, the Holy Spirit translates our devastation, need, and despair to the Father. And the Father moves. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28) This is where our confidence comes from. God uses our brokenness in those events to

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When we are overwhelmed, he is not overwhelmed. When we are lost, he is never lost. He knows the plans he has for us, and he is strong enough, smart enough, and patient enough to work with whatever is at hand to save us, redeem us, restore us, and transform us. We are never truly stuck and alone. He is always by our side. No matter what happens in this life, God is work-

ing in us and through us. He never forgets us or abandons us. No, he loves you too much for that! And when we can fully grasp the truth of these promises, that he knows what we need even when we don’t have words, that he will always work things for good, and that nothing can ever take us out of his hands, we can live in a confidence the world can’t and won’t understand. The safest, most secure place we can be is in his strong, gentle, and loving hands. — Aron Strong, LMFT, was a pastor for more than a decade before transitioning to professional counseling. He is the director of Pathways Counseling in Murfreesboro and writes daily devotionals at www.biblebreakfast.club. He has been married for nearly 20 years, has a young son, two dogs and two cats.

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August 2017

k i ds k or N e r

Share God’s BIG Love With Your Children The most significant aspect of every person’s life is his or her spiritual health because it is eternal. If you are holding a precious baby, if you are chasing a toddler, if you are teaching a preschooler or early elementary child, if you are a grandparent of any of these ages, you have the privilege of helping shape a life for eternity! We instinctively know we should be teaching children about spiritual things….the big question is: HOW? I have 4 suggestions. 1. SING about God, and about Jesus. Sing Bible stories. I often say, “Music is Magic.” It’s like glue and is the fastest, most permanent way to get information AND God’s truth into little hearts and minds. Find a melody – make it up or use one you know – and SING what you want to say. Songs can plant seeds of truth and of faith. Songs will “stick” in their minds. Children already love music, they don’t even need much encouragement from us to sing. So, do this: “Sing songs from your heart to Jesus. Sing praises over everything, any excuse for a song to God the Father in the name of our Master, Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:19 MSG 2. SAY - Tell your children about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Bible. Find any way you can to bring God into conversations. It should be natural, organic, and it will get easier as you find simple

ways to observe, then point your children to Him through creation, through situations, and though relationships. Pay attention to what goes on around you and ask God to help you see an opportunity to talk to your children about spiritual things; teachable moments—be ready because they are ever-present. Teach them God’s Word daily. Are they 1, 4 or 14? It doesn’t matter! TALK to them about God. 3. WATCH – Let’s face it…we live in a media saturated culture. Screens are everywhere and nearly unavoidable. When you allow your children to watch…YOU choose what they watch. Take seriously your role as parent / teacher by being careful before you put a screen in your child’s hand. Psalm 101:3 “I will set nothing worthless before my eyes.” YIKES - Much of our media is worthless, but here is some good news, there is plenty to watch that is not! Take the time to find it and choose it for your child. Here are some suggestions: jellytelly.com, Whatsinthebible.com, Veggietales. com, misspattycake.pivotshare.com/home, Bible for Kids (free APP) Youversion.com, Worshiphousekids.com Godtube.com 4. PLAY – For a child, play is work and play can be praise to God! Play is the way they learn and

express themselves. Synapses connect when they use imagination, when they build, when they work a puzzle, color a picture, draw, create a craft, dance, run, swing, jump, clap, spin…. speaking of spinning, I learned something new from the Bible recently – something fun! The word ‘rejoice’ in Psalm 118:24 is this Hebrew word, giyl, which literally means, “to spin around under the influence of strong emotion”! WOW - a biblical way to point your children to God as they play! Look for ways to turn play into PRAISE. So today, with God’s help, find a new way to SING, SAY, WATCH AND PLAY, as you share God’s BIG LOVE with little lives. — Jean Thomason is the live embodiment of the joyful children’s character, “Miss PattyCake”. The music and character of Miss PattyCake allow her to plant biblical truths into little lives, while her new book and speaking events help equip parents and teachers in the process of spiritual formation. www.MissPattyCake.com.

Attract to God BIBLE TRUTH Through God we can gain the strength to do things we never imagined.

from your fingers. What effect will the neodymium magnet have on the dollar bill?

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS Isaiah 40:31 New International Version (NIV)

STEP 2: Look for a location on the dollar bill, which has a lot of ink, bring the neodymium magnet close to the dollar bill, and observe. What happens? Apply what you know to design a way to help a cashier determine if money is counterfeit.

31 But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. HANDS-ON EXPERIMENT

Magnetic Money INGREDIENTS • Neodymium Magnet • United States Dollar Bill INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: Hold the dollar bill so it hangs freely

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EXPLANATION To prevent counterfeiting, dollar bills in the United States are printed with magnetic ink, which causes the dollar bill to attract to the neodymium magnet. BIBLE CONNECTION We should attract to God, like the dollar bill attracts to the strong magnet. When we do, we gain the ultimate strength.

— Jason Lindsey - Executive Director/ Founder/K-12 Science Educator Hooked on Science – www.hookedonscience.org

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a N e Ncou r ag i Ng w or d

Dedication Needs Sustainability As i pass my 64th birthday (accomplished a week ago) and head for #65, I am getting a bit excited. No, aging is not really upsetting --- at least not this milestone. For I am only a year from a major life goal. Only one in ten gospel ministers that begin as youth, make it intact to age 65. Nine out of ten drop out: failed marriages, burn out, financial corruption, and other related issues take out the majority. As I walk with the Lord towards this goal, I have gotten some wonderful wisdom from the study of an old bridge--the Brooklyn Bridge. (To study it more, read the book The Great Bridge, by David McCullough)

In 1872, the bridge was commissioned, to cross the East River and join the two New York City boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. Today, 147 years later, it is still in use! Why? The chief engineer of the project, who early on had to respond to concerns that the project was not moving along rapidly enough, noted that “the amount of the masonry and the concrete laid on that foundation during the past winter, UNDER WATER, is equal in quantity to the entire masonry of the tower that is visible above the water line.” This bridge remains as a major transportation artery in the United States’ largest city because 147 years ago, the chief engineer and his team did their most careful and tedious work on the unseen foundation. This dedication to build the Brooklyn Bridge must be matched by our dedication to build “within”, in our souls, where no one can see the work going on. A good example is Moses, who experienced 80 years of “work” before his more visible work was manifest. APPLICATION: IF ALL I AM DOING IS “ABOVE THE WATER LINE”, IN VIEW OF OTHERS, I CAN EXPECT MY “BRIDGE OF MINISTRY TO THE WORLD” TO CRASH SOMEDAY, WHEN I MAY LEAST EXPECT IT. DO I HAVE SUSTAINABILITY? I will ask this, every day, for the next year . . . and hopefully beyond! Stay tuned: I don't believe this next year will be boring. — Mark Simpson

P l aN

s alVatioN

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.

August 2017

m i s s ioN m ake r s Middle and High School Students Serve the City through Trevecca’s Mission Nashville

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Trevecca welcomed more than 400 students and sponsors from 29 youth groups to campus this week on for Mission Nashville. Mission Nashville provides middle and high school students with service-based mission sites that give resources to communities in need. The youth groups rotated among 46 service sites during the weeklong event, July 10-14. This is the sixth year Trevecca has offered the program. Sarah Thompson, Trevecca’s admission, event, and special team coordinator, has been amazed at the participants’ eagerness for all site projects. “I have been pleasantly surprised by how happy the youth are,” she said. “I just sent a group out to do trash pickup on Murfreesboro Road and one girl was During Mission Nashville, youth groups from like, ‘I love picking up trash.’ It was four churches spent time working at the surprising that she was really excited Hands On Nashville Urban Farm. about this!” During the week, the youth groups waste no time, Thompson said. The students have usually eaten breakfast and are heading to their first site by 9 a.m. Around 11:30 a.m., the students take a quick lunch break before they head to the second site, where they serve from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. “It’s been a busy week for the youth but they enjoy it!” said Thompson. Mission Nashville doesn’t just strive to help the community, but also seeks to instill the importance of service and relationships in the lives of the participants. “The goal is to Mission Nashville participants served get youth and teens out into the commuat 45 service sites throughout the nity and help them to understand why it’s Nashville area. Here a student serves important to serve and volunteer,” Thompat ThriftSmart. son said. “I also think it’s a good time for the youth to be together.” During Mission Nashville, the participants are challenged to think differently. A poverty stimulation of the struggles people face when homeless is one way this learning happens. “The youth got to see what it looks like to live in poverty,” Thompson said. “The kids were given different roles in the poverty situation, and they go to different stations. For three hours, they learn how to live in poverty and what it takes to survive those circumstances.” At night, the students have time to wind down and enjoy activities that are planned for them. On Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights, Mission Nashville participants took part in worship services led by Trevecca PR bands and guest speaker Jeff Stark. On Wednesday night, the youth group enjoyed a free night to explore Nashville. For Thompson, the weeklong event has involved a lot of work and fun, but most of all, she’s excited that the Mission Nashville students had a chance to serve the city of Nashville with a servant’s heart. “It’s refreshing to see the youth happy about service,” Thompson said. “Even the things that seem like it won’t be fun, it seems like a lot of the students are making the most out of it.” — Princess Jones

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August 2017

August 2017 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 Goodwill Will Pickup Your Donation “If you can’t get it to us, we’ll come get it from you.” That’s the gist of Goodwill’s new Home Donation Pickup Program, which in just a few months has grown to serve communities in more than 16 Middle Tennessee Middle and West Tennessee counties (Davidson, Montgomery, Robertson, Sumner, Wilson, Rutherford, Dickson, Cheatham, Maury, Dekalb, Bedford and Perry, Madison, Henderson, Gibson and Decatur). www.giveit2goodwill. org/pickups Register Now For Tiny Tots Soccer Clinics - The Athletics Division of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registration for two Tiny Tots soccer clinics (ages 3 to 6) to be held on Wednesdays, September 6-October 11 at the Indoor Arena at Crockett Park, 1485 Volunteer Pkwy. in Brentwood. Registration is on-line only at www.wcparksandrec.com. For more information, contact Daniele at (615) 377-6530, ext. 2 or DanieleS@ williamson-tn.org.

ation at (615) 302-0971, ext. 2216.

August 26 Free Drive-In Movie - Family Food & Film Nite at the Longview Recreation Center. The parking lot at the Longview Recreation Center in Spring Hill will become a drive-in movie on Saturday, August 26, 7:00 ject, archery target practice, BB guns, pm for the second annual Family Food & Film Nite. Enjoy a night of slingshots, sand volleyball, campfires, nighttime wagon ride plus lake free fun watching “The Secret life of swimming with waterslide, zip line, Pets” while you feast on awesome eats from food trucks including Padrino’s aqua park and canoes/kayaks. Call Pops, 313 Coneys and the Cool Ker615.794.2918. More info and registration: www.deerrun.camp/events. nel (cost incurred for all concessions). Watch the movie from your vehicle

August 13 Free Concert at Brentwood Library Williamson County Community Band - The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department presents a free afternoon concert by the Williamson County Community August 25-27 Band on Sunday, August 13 at 3:00 Deer Run Camps and Retreats p.m. at the Brentwood Library, 8109 Father-Son Adventure Weekend Concord Rd. The band will perform Phenomenal high-powered guy stuff marches, classics and patriotic tunes, results in a shared experience that and the indoor concert is open to bonds fathers and sons on a deeper the public. Admission is free to this level. Everything is planned for you so family event. For more information you can focus on having a great time about concerts or joining the Wiltogether. Enjoy football challenges, liamson County Community Band, wiffle ball home run derby, amateur please contact Janey Mason with fishing tournament, father-son proWilliamson County Parks and Recre-

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ONGOING Last Tuesday of every month except December Tennessee Christian Chamber of Commerce – Monthly Luncheon EGroups - Networking/Leads For meeting locations, times and dates or for more information about the Chamber and events, visit www.tnchristianchamber.org or email rstringfellow@yahoo.com.

SEPTEMBER

Coming in

Friday-Sunday, September 15-17 Deer Run’s Mother-Daughter Weekend - A weekend of memories and growing together as we “Be Still — Get Real!” Lots of opportunities for you to have fun, laugh, talk, and build a closer relationship with each other. Glow-night dance party, Western night with square dance, movies, relay games, archery & BB guns, 45-ft climbing tower, giant swing, stargazing on blankets, nighttime wagon ride, creative crafts, and mom and daughter sessions. Your choice of additional recreation: Pedal Karts and Zip Line Adventures. Call 615.794.2918. More info and registration: www.deerrun. camp/events.

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Deer Run Camps and Retreats – www.DeerRun.camp, 615-794-2918

P.E.S.T., Inc. – www.pestinc.net, 615-382-9774

Evangelical Christian Credit Union – www.eccu.org, 800-634-3228

Rescue 1 Global – www.rescue1global.org, 615-379-8399

Genesis of Cool Springs – www.genesisofcoolsprings.net, 877-886-8448

Saint Thomas Health – www.sths.com, 615-284-LIFE

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Lee Company – www.leecompany.com, 615-567-1000

Therapeutic Interventions – www.tiicares.com, 615-457-2334

Midwest Capital Mortgage – www.forwardandreversemortgagerates.com,

TN Christian Chamber of Commerce – www.tnchristianchamber.org 615-815-8765

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YMCA of Middle TN – www.ymcamidtn.org, 615-259-9622

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