April 2014 | Community Spirit Magazine by Community Spirit Magazine

B ROKE N AR ROW’S

Alaska & Madi C o nte sta nts o n Th e V o i c e

also inside

Special Broken Arrow Tribute Do Tobacco Ads Target Kids? A Night of Hope Comes to BA May 1st Are Business Mission Trips Right for You?

Don’t Miss Broken Arrow’s Rooster Days, May 9-11

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April 2014

Contents FEATURES 8 Alaska and Madi, Contestants on The Voice 10 Special Broken Arrow Tribute 12 The Rose District 14 Blessings International 15 Richard Hight, Artist 16 Global Business Missions 17 Night of Hope Comes to Broken Arrow 20 ORU Section 24 Do Tobacco Ads Target Our Kids? 26 Neurofeedback Treatments Offered in Tulsa COLUMNS 27 ACT Financial 28 Pet Corner 29 The Biggest Loser 30 Deniece Adsit’s The Heart of the Matter 31 Mollie Myers’ Unite My City

PUBLISHER & editor Tom McCloud CREATIVE Director Ramond Walker COVER PHOTO BY Don Kreutzweiser CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom McCloud, Randy Cowell, Danny Cahill, Deniece Adsit, Don Kreutwzweiser, Mollie Myer www.mccloudmedia.com • www.communityspiritmagazine.com TULSA Sales Office 10019 S. 69th E. Ave. Tulsa, OK 74133 phone: (918) 307-2323 fax: (918) 528-6209 Distribution Community Spirit Magazine is distributed to churches, schools, restaurants, Christian bookstores, and other businesses. Call us today to deliver to your church. Community Spirit Magazine is published monthly by McCloud Media. Claims by advertisers and the opinions of writers within this publication do not necessarily represent the views of Community Spirit Magazine or its publisher, Equipment Publications, Inc. Philippians 2:1-2 “If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.” Our Mission: 1. Build Community – Develop a sense of community among all local believers in Christ 2. Inspire Good Works 3. Support Families 4. Share the Good News of Jesus Christ

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cover story

Alaska & Madi... Two Girls with “The Voice” BY DON KREUTZWEISER

very journey, both great and small, has a beginning...a starting place. For Broken Arrow graduate, Alaska Holloway, and Jenks High School graduate, Madi Metcalf, this is where the journey began, right here in Broken Arrow. Both girls are local and have been singing and performing since they were very young. Alaska, now 19 years old, joined a group called Oklahoma Kids, a division of American Kids (a national youth vocal group). At age 12, Alaska met Madi, now 18 years old, and performed with her over the next 6 years. Madi joined the group at age 11 and she and Alaska were named National Performers of the Year in 2011. Madi and Alaska have explored and mastered a wide array of genres, including jazz, country, classical and musical theater. From their earliest memories, singing has been at the forefront. We caught up with the duo at the Hey BA Chik-Fil-A Event recently, where the girls performed a quick set as part of the festivities commemorating the launch of Chik-Fil-A’s newest location at 71st and Lynn Lane. “Also, a fundraiser for Keith’s Ice Cold Lemonade (Stand)!”, Alaska was quick to add. (On an interesting side note, find this worthwhile cause on FB). Both girls participated in a photo-op and video for a highlight spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Keith’s Ice Cold Lemonade Stand founder, Keith Boyd, is a young man with Cerebral Palsy and entrepreneur. Keith is sending the video as a part of “Kids With a Big Idea” and if selected, will receive seed money and support from the Ellen Show

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for his cause. “We also get to say that we were first to eat at Chik-Fil-A in Broken Arrow. We were first in line!”, Madi announced. Even though ground has yet to be broken, Arthur Greeno, owner, arranged for hundreds of of chicken sandwich meals to be given out to participants of the kick-off. The duo prepared a full set of ten songs to sing, including covers of popular country songs and a few originals. Madi, often lead, sings recognizable favorites with heartfelt raw gusto, reflecting her love of jazz and show tunes. Alaska compliments her partner perfectly with soprano harmony, meshing timbre and tone. Their stage presence commands attention through eye contact, body language and flawless harmonics. Adam Levine, a judge on NBC’s “The Voice” heard the girls perform at the show’s blind audition earlier this year. “From the very first note, it was just perfectly in sync with one another. And then (I turn) around and see how you guys perform, and its very dynamic and you guys are so confident”, he said. The Voice is a wildly popular talent show on NBC that spotlights young talent and matches them to professional artists as mentors and coaches. The judges for the 2014 season are Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Shakira and Usher. The show’s innovative format features four stages of competition: the blind auditions, the battle rounds, the knockouts and finally, the live performance shows. During the blind auditions, the decisions from the musician coaches are based solely on voice and not on looks. The coaches hear the artists perform, but they don’t get to see them - thanks to rotating chairs. A coach impressed by an artist’s voice pushes a

button to select the singer for his/her team. At this point, the coach’s chair swivels so that he/she can face the artist selected. If multiple coaches push their buttons for a singer, the power then shifts to the artist to choose which coach he/she wants to work with. Both Levine and Shelton turned to select the girls, but it was Team Shelton that the girls chose for their journey in The Voice. Shelton’s own experience with American Kids, his Oklahoma roots and his strong country influence swayed the girls to his team. “We love you, Adam, we really do. We’re sorry, but we’re going to pick Blake!”, announced Madi. In front of a huge studio audience, millions around the world and their families waiting backstage, the girls set their course. And so the journey progressed

and will continue over the next few months. The Voice airs on NBC Mondays and Tuesdays 8/7c. It was noted that both Madi and Alaska wore large cross necklaces during their performance on the The Voice. When asked the significance, “We always wear crosses. That’s probably our favorite piece of jewelry,” replied Alaska. “Mine was my mothers cross, actually,” she added. Both girls credit God for their talent. Madi reminded Alaska to recount a story of two separate friends who came to Alaska before the Blind Audition. They told them that God had put on their heart to pray specifically for their appearance on the show and for the road ahead following the shows conclusion. Both Alaska and Madi attend Destiny church in Broken Arrow and each know that their gift is God-given and intend to use their careers to honor Him. What’s next for these two? “We’ll see how well we do on ‚“The Voice”, was Madi’s input. “Hopefully, we’re headed to Nashville early in April to put in some work on our first album,” replied Alaska. With the album planned for fall 2014, she says they‚ will be “hitting the road and playing some shows!” Hitting the road.... sounds like the journey for these talented Tulsa singers has begun. Most certainly, the road ahead is unknown and full of surprises. The road home, however, will always lead back to Broken Arrow.

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broken arrow

A Salute to Broken Arrow!

ver since Community Spirit was first introduced in 2000, Broken Arrow has been a key distribution area. The city’s many churches are full of passionate Christians who love to read the magazine. In addition, there are many great businesses that have supported the magazine through the years. So, in this time of

T HE N AT I O N AL AWA R D W I NNI N G P R I D E O F B R O KEN AR R O W MAR CH ES O N the city’s annual Rooster Days, we thought we would applaud some of the efforts going on in this great city. First of all, here are some facts you might not realize about Broken Arrow. If you grew up in the Tulsa area, you may still think of BA as that small suburb town to Tulsa’s Southeast. But what you might not realize is that it has blossomed into Oklahoma’s 4th largest community. In fact, in the past decade, Broken Arrow has seen over 30 percent growth in population, exploding to more than

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100,000 residents. In fact, Broken Arrow’s population is greater than all the other Tulsa suburbs combined. Because of the city’s growth, national retailers and developers are now paying closer attention to Broken Arrow. Not only are they are attracted by the beauty of the town, they especially are attracted by the fact that it is full of young, educated families, and by its great schools and low crime rate. You can expect to see in influx of new companies expand into town. One example is the exciting Warren Theatre, slated to arrive this year. This luxury theater with a restaurant, bar and full-service balconies will set a new standard and make “going to the movies” a whole new experience. Another great asset of Broken Arrow is its assortment of churches. Community Spirit currently delivers to 26 of them and we get calls nearly every month from churches wanting us to add them to the list. Large churches such as First Baptist of BA, Arrow Heights Baptist, Rhema, First Methodist, Broken Arrow Assembly, Destiny and The Church at Battle Creek are not only great community leaders, they are making a mark outside the city as well. At the same time, smaller churches continue to offer the kind of close-knit, family atmosphere that helps define the Broken Arrow community in positive ways. And so, Community Spirit is pleased to salute Broken Arrow. Keep doing BIG things! And keep reading Community Spirit Magazine! There are still hundreds of Broken Arrow people and ministries worthy of stories and we look forward to writing them.

It is Time for Rooster Days! In the early days of Broken Arrow, farmers had a problem. There

was always a market for selling hens, but if the farm produced too many roosters, they were difficult to sell. But one year, a local leader had a grand idea. If he could get all the farmers to bring their excess roosters to market at the same time, they could get a better price for them. It was an economic idea which ultimately produced lots of fun. In his mind, while the farmers were in town, they would surely stock up on everything from ladies dresses to farm implements, increasing everyone’s business. But to the farmers, it became a great reason for a party and Rooster Day quickly became something the whole community looked forward to year after year. There may not be many farmers bringing in roosters anymore, but the fun part of the annual festival remains. People come from all over the state to attend soak in the community, “small town” charm. They enjoy everything from the parade down Main Street and the Miss Chick Contest, to of course the great rides and entertainment of Rooster Days. This year’s festival is on May 10th through 12th. Come join in on the fun. Eat some great food, shop at the local shops, watch some pretty spectacular entertainment and if you are up to it, you can even be part of the 5K Fun Run/Walk. Watch the Rooster Days Facebook page or visit www.roosterdays. com for schedules and details.

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broken arrow

Check Out Broken Arrow’s New Rose District!

he days of the city’s sleepy little downtown are gone! Broken Arrow is coming alive with a renewed vigor and much of it is due to a community-wide effort to transform downtown Broken Arrow into a pedestrian-friendly, inviting space that would not only attract visitors, but also local entrepreneurs who want to open a retail or restaurant business. The excitement seemed to begin when Broken Arrow Public Schools built the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, a beautiful

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facility which brings thousands to the city’s historic downtown area. Add in construction of the Farmers Market Pavilion, the Broken Arrow Historical Museum and a complete revamping of the Main Street business district and it is no wonder the city fathers and mothers are jumping for joy over the new district. More and more businesses are moving in and shoppers are being attracted from all over the Tulsa Metroplex. Broken Arrow’s Rose District is truly worth the visit, with shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues springing up everywhere. So why call it “The Rose District?” Well, it is all part of Broken Arrow’s rich history. You see, to improve the looks of the town back at the turn of the century (the 20th Century that is!), the city leaders decided to plant rose bushes, lots of rose bushes, along with trees, bushes and other flowers. The effort worked and soon Broken Arrow gained the reputation of being that town with the beautiful roses. Because of this history, “The Rose District,” seemed to be the perfect name for the newly re-beautified downtown area.

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blessings international

Broken Arrow Non-Profit Sends Medicines Around the World

hat once started as a simple idea to gather donated pharmaceuticals for a mission trip to Guatemala has turned into a highly respected non-profit which supplies drugs to fill critical needs all over the world. It began in 1981 when an early morning men’s prayer group was planning a mission outreach to Guatemala. Harold Harder, a PhD pharmacologist and medical school professor, jumped in to help. His role was to solicit the donated medicines they would need to minister country’s Mayan Indians. In partnership with his wife, Linda, the Harders spent much time in prayer and praise in preparation for this trip. At the time, Guatemala was in the midst of civil war, but despite the apparent danger, the team was obedient to God and the trip was a great success. After they returned from home, other groups began to ask the Harders for help in securing pharmaceuticals. Word spread quickly and soon, the simple idea turned into a full-blown ministry. In June 1981, Blessings International was incorporated as a non-profit and opened its doors to a world in need of its service. Now, nearly 33 years later, the once “little” Broken Arrow ministry is a constant flow of trucks, shipping containers and ideas. And although Dr. Harder recently stepped down as CEO, the organization continues to expand. They have seen a 13 percent increase in orders this year and nearly a 100 percent increase over the last five years. They shipped over 72 million daily treatments (drugs needed long-term) and 6.5 million curative treatments (short-term) to 96 countries, including Latin America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Russia. Blessings International has been successful because of their dedication to serving Jesus Christ and because of their ability to keep their overhead costs low. In fact, they are able to use 100 percent of their donated funds directly towards benevolence projects. Blessings International continues to expand. The ministry was originally created to serve as a source for donated and lowcost pharmaceuticals to mission trips. Today, they provide pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to clinics and hospitals in

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developing countries, and even to some in the United States. The Broken Arrow-based non-profit now maintains a staff of 12 full-time employees to operate its 14,000 square foot warehouse and rebottling facility. They work hard to provide medicines and medical supplies to teams, clinics and hospitals which are healing the hurting, building healthy communities and transforming lives with the love of Christ. Dr. Barry Ewy is now serving as the ministry’s new CEO. Dr. Ewy earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University Of Arkansas, Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy. He also holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, School of Law. His pharmaceutical and legal experience, which includes six years as an adjunct professor for the University of Oklahoma, College of Pharmacy, as well as several years working as a lawyer for a number of Tulsa firms, makes Dr. Ewy uniquely qualified to help the ministry reach and bless even more people in the coming years. Broken Arrow can be proud to watch God use this little nonprofit to make such a big difference. To find out more about Blessings International or to make a donation, go to www.blessing. org .

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Local Artist Turns Pallet Into Pulpit

Richard Hight, Artist, Speaker, Communicator of The Good News

ichard Hight was “born to draw.” In fact, for as long as he can remember, art has been his passion. And although audiences all over the world now hire him as a speaker, teacher, storyteller and motivator, he finds that he continues to communicate best when he has a paintbrush, pen or piece of chalk in his hand. As a young boy, he remembers taking that little “golf pencil” from the back of the pew and drawing on the bulletin during worship. Invaribly, he would find himself drawing a scene along with the sermon. It would pass the time and help him visualize the story. But finally at one point, the stories all seemed to come alive to him and he realized they were more than simply “stories.” They were real. Understanding that God was equally as real, Richard dedicated his life to passing that incredibly Good News on to others. He studied Bible in college, but he knew God wanted him to use

“This amazing artwork touches me. I have seen firsthand how any segment of society is captivated by Richard’s artistic gifts. His presentations are exciting and entertaining.”

the artistic skills to help communicate the message. And so, from the beginning, this artist-turned-preacher has carried his canvas as well as his Bible to the pulpit or the stage. Blending the two produces an entertaining presentation that has pleased audiences literally all over the world. And whether it is a faith message or a more secular one on empowerment and encouragement, God continues to use the combination of speech and art as a unique way to catch the attention of this visual-oriented society. Richard’s humor, warmth and enthusiasm come through as he shares stores which get to the heart of the subject. Word spreads with every presentation, keeping his calendar full. But don’t think that his speaking engagements keep Richard from being a true, professional artist. His artwork has been placed in museums and in over 500 major universities as well as in corporate and private collections. He explained that actually it is his commercial side of his art career which continues to fund his speaking/ministry side. Richard has been featured on all the major television networks and has opened for many of the biggest names in Contemporary Christian Music. He has also had long-standing performances in places such as Silver Dollar City and the Tulsa and Oklahoma State Fairs, and has a long list of corporate clients. At the height of the recent violence in Egypt, Richard was asked to perform for the largest conference of Christians in the Middle East. Although the State Department and others warned him not to go, Richard trusted God and even took his 8 year-old son with him. Performing in front of over 13,000 and covered all over the region on television, Richard once again testified that the stories of the Bible really are true and that Jesus, the Son of God, died to save us all from our sins. Richard has now been asked to return. From sketches on the back of a church bulletin to presenting the Gospel to tens of thousands, God really can use our individual talents to praise and serve Him. Just ask Richard. And if you still don’t understand, he will be happy to draw you a picture. For information on how to book Richard Hight for your next conference or church service, visit www.VisualMpact.com.

--Scott O’Grady, Capt. USAFR, Bosnian War Survivor

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business mission trips

Broken Arrow Ministry Sends Business Missionaries Across the World

usiness leaders are going on mission trips. No, they aren’t building houses or putting on Vacation Bibles Schools. Instead, they are doing what they do best, sharing their knowledge about business principles. After years of going with his kids on mission trips around the world, local businessman, Gary Shotton, began to realize that although his heart was in the right place, it didn’t make a lot of sense for him to do construction projects, something he wasn’t especially skilled at doing. “If the truth were known, the local people were probably better at building that building or putting on that roof than I was. And, I may have even been taking work away from one of them in the process,” he explained. So, Gary decided to find a way to put his business skills to work and create what he called “Business Mission Trips.” He recruited a few of his friends and put together a trip to Poland, where they held seminars for business leaders. And as they experimented with the idea, they found that not only were the local people anxious to learn business principles, they were perfectly willing to study parables from the Bible in doing so. Friendships were made, ideas were shared and the local businessmen were introduced to the Bible. Gary came home and started a 501(c)3 non-profit called Global Business Success Foundation. His mission was to recruit local business professionals and match them with peers from other countries. The non-profit now puts together custom-designed trips for each participant highlighting their particular abilities and interests. The missions are not group trips. Instead, they are designed for only three to four people. This makes travel easier and allows the trip to be highly customized to the abilities and desires of each individual. During the trips, depending on their individual skills, the men and women going on the mission are provided opportunities to present lessons to a group of people interested in learning business skills; go on confirmed appointments with local business people in their place of business; and/or to present “University Lectures,” speaking on a business topic to members of the student body at major colleges or universities. And, depending on the circumstance, there is often opportunity to provide “Biblical Teachings,” utilizing the Bible to teach a lesson of encouragement. Each 8-day, customized business mission trip is available for only $995. This includes meals, accommodations, ground transportation, a guide/interpreter, admission to most cultural events and travel insurance. Airfare, shopping and tourist visas are not included. Every trip also includes opportunities to enjoy learning the local culture and seeing the sights. Gary has a number of locations available for people to go. Through the years, he has found that one of the secrets to success is to go to places which have an established local missionary to help

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set up the appointments and act as the host. In most cases, groups go to one of these prepared cities. However, he also works with local churches to help them design Business Mission Trips to mission areas they support. By “private labeling” the tour under the church’s name, he can provide his expertise while allowing the church to add business missions to their existing ministry options. Businessmen and women in developing countries look to America for insight and direction when operating their businesses. They want to hear about the strategies, the methods, and the details that have made you a success in the marketplace. Maybe it is time for you to go?

Want more information? Visit www.BusinessMissionTrips.org Global Business Success Foundation can also be reached at 2017 W. Rockport Street, Broken Arrow, OK 74012, 918-459-6789, www.GBSF.org, or info@gbsf.org

hope is alive ministries

Hope is Alive Ministries Presents… Night of Hope First Baptist Broken Arrow, Thursday Night, May 1st at 7:00 p.m. FREE!

ot an addiction? Know someone who does? Whatever is dragging you down, this evening of compassionate, yet straight-forward speakers offers you true hope. The evening has been pulled together by a guy who understands what you are up against. Lance Lang has lived the life of severe addiction and has come out on the other side to now inspire hope in others. From growing up as a pastor’s son under the watchful eye of small-town America to leading a $30 million project management firm at the age of 25, pressure to perform and live up to others’ expectations was a way of life for Lance. As the heaviness of these burdens grew, Lance turned to drugs and alcohol to keep up, creating a years-long cycle of abuse and addiction that destroyed his hope and left him in a reclusive, depressive state he thought would be his life forever. But God had a different plan. Lance’s pull to sobriety is nothing short of a miracle. God pursued him and in a moment’s notice changed everything in his life. During a 90-day stay at Rob’s Ranch, a Christ-based treatment center for men, Lance claims God broke him “in a good way.” Lance was offered the challenge of leading the center that had changed his life through a transitional period. While there, Rob’s Ranch grew in all facets and is now one of the most successful programs in the country. Lance currently is the Executive Director of “Hope is Alive”,

a non-profit organization devoted to supporting men and women recovering from all types of addictions. Through this organization Lance provides addiction outreach, prevention and referral services to many Churches and Businesses. He is a sought after speaker, successful blogger and marketing consultant for other non-profits. His website LanceLang.com is read by thousands each week.

About the Night of Hope… A roster of incredible speakers will address the Night of Hope crowd at First Baptist Broken Arrow on Thursday night, May 1st. Darryl Strawberry – When he was sober, there was arguably no better outfielder in the Major Leagues. He was voted to the All-Star Game eight straight times between 1984-91 and he led the Mets to a World Series in 1986 and then the Yankees to three World Series Championships in 1996, 1998 and 1999. He was a star. But he was a star with an addiction that would ultimately ruin his career. Sean Sutton – After being a star basketball player at Oklahoma State, Sean went on to a successful coaching career. He replaced his father, Eddie Sutton, as head coach at OSU after Eddie took medical leave and ultimately retired after having a DUI accident in 2006. Sean left OSU after two years and would later move to ORU where he continues to serve as an assistant coach under his brother, Scott Sutton. Todd Lamb – Lt. Governor of the State of Oklahoma. After serving as a Special Agent with United States Secret Service, Todd was elected to the Oklahoma Senate in 2004 and later became the first Republican Majority Floor Leader in state history. He was elected Lt. Governor in 2010. Scott Pruitt – Attorney General, State of Oklahoma. After eight years serving the Broken Arrow area in the Oklahoma State Senate, Scott became the state’s Attorney General in 2010. Scott and his family attend First Baptist Broken Arrow and he serves the church as a deacon.

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Huntley Named Dean of the ORU College of Business

he Oral Roberts University Board of Trustees and President Dr. William M. Wilson have appointed Dr. Julie Huntley as Dean for the ORU College of Business. Dr. Huntley will assume her new role as the college’s seventh dean in July 2014. “Dr. Huntley brings a strong combination of academic excellence and high level corporate experience that will energize the students and faculty to new levels of achievement,” said Dr. Wilson. “Her commitment to whole-person education within her discipline is exemplary.” Dr. Huntley comes to ORU with more than 10 years of industry experience with IBM. She distinguished herself in marketing and sales at IBM with multiple awards for superior performance, account leadership and customer goal attainment. Dr. Huntley’s doctoral research for IBM brought her distinction for identifying drivers of account profitability and growing customer relationships. From her 20 years of academic experience, Dr. Huntley has served in leadership roles for multiple assessment and accreditation initiatives. As director of assessment, she assumed responsibility for formulating a comprehensive assessment approach for the College of Business at Point Loma Nazarene University. Leading curriculum development for marketing, she has drawn from her

experience teaching graduate, undergraduate, and online courses in the areas of marketing management, marketing strategy, marketing research, marketing principles, and marketing in an entrepreneurial world. She has also been actively involved in faculty mentoring and recruitment. In the classroom, Dr. Huntley is recognized for her strong faith and passion for faith integration. As an ORU graduate, Dr. Huntley’s core values have led her to focus on developing business leaders with Christ-like character. She challenges students to live their faith and hear God’s voice in their chosen professions. Dr. Huntley most recently has worked to transform her classes with Team-Based Learning (TBL)—a pedagogy receiving focus in business schools due to its significant impact on student learning and engagement. Dr. Huntley’s research has advanced knowledge and learning in the area of relational strategies in buyer-seller and cross-functional relationships. Her most recent publications have centered on buying center influences and linking relational quality to account profitability. Excellence in her doctoral research program earned her the American Marketing Association (AMA) Doctoral Consortium Fellow award. Dr. Huntley received her B.S. in Marketing from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, her MBA from ORU, her Ph.D. in Marketing from Arizona State University, and her Ministerial Training Certificate from Rhema Bible Training Center. She has been tenured as a full professor at both ORU and PLNU. Dr. Huntley originally joined the ORU College of Business faculty in 1999 and served at ORU for 10 years before moving to Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, Calif., where she is currently a tenured professor of marketing. She will be returning to ORU as a specialist in business-to-business (B2B) marketing, bringing with her an emphasis on practical training and application. About Oral Roberts University Oral Roberts University is a world-renowned Christian university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 1963, ORU serves students from 50 states and more than 70 countries, representing over 40 denominations. ORU offers more than 60 undergraduate majors, 13 master’s programs and two doctoral degrees, plus NCAA Division I athletics. For more information on ORU, visit www.oru.edu.

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ORU College Preparatory Institute to Build Underwater Robot

ral Roberts University will be kicking off the second annual College Preparatory Institute (CPI) by offering a new robotics course as one of 16 available majors. CPI will be held May 19-23, 2014 and engage high school students from the U.S. and beyond in a week of accelerated classes taught in an interactive workshop-style environment. During CPI, students may choose two non-credit “majors” including the new robotics class, which will incorporate basic math and science skills as students work together to build an underwater robot. Students will then get the chance to test drive the newly built robot in the aerobics center pool on ORU’s campus. In addition to robotics, majors include Biology, Christian Worldview, Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Interactive Broadcasting, Law, Government and International Relations, Leadership and Ministry in a Facebook, Fast Food World, Marketing, Scientific Research and Methods, Sports Management, the Science of Art, and Worship and Artistic Expression. CPI students will also gain a realistic first glance into college

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life as well as a chance to experience ORU’s world renowned whole person education. Each day, students attending the residential camp will participate in group activities and special events such as athletic competitions, games and group meetings. Each CPI major will conclude with a culminating project. The experience gives students the opportunity to preview various areas of study and career pathways.

FOR MORE INFORMATION For more information, or to register for ORU’s College Preparatory Institute, visit www.cpi.oru.edu or call 918.495.6864.

ORU Tutors Win National Excellence Award

he Oral Roberts University Academic Peer Advisor (APA) Program has been awarded the National Tutoring Association’s Tutoring Excellence Award. It is the second time the program has received this honor, which recognizes excellence in tutoring programs. “Receiving the Tutoring Excellence Award gives ORU’s tutoring program additional momentum as we seek to provide the best academic support for student success,” said Director of Student Resources Thomas Bellatti. “Our goal is to equip students with learning techniques that will ensure their success in the classroom and beyond.” During the 2013-2014 academic year ORU certified 30 tutors through the National Tutoring Association. To date, these tutors have provided more than 600 hours of free tutoring services to the ORU student body. ORU tutors also aid the Tulsa community by providing tutoring services to local schools. The ORU APA program holds study groups for general

education classes as well as major-specific subjects. Students may seek individual help through the popular one-2-one program, participate in study stops or a weekly study group titled The Link.

FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about the ORU APA program, visit www.oru.edu/ current_students/my_academics/resources/apa/apa_programs.php

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oklahoma health department

Are Tobacco Companies Targeting YOUR Kids?

lthough the tobacco industry vehemently denies doing it on purpose, there is no doubt that our kids, along with the rest of us, are being continually enticed to light up. And since the industry’s future rests in the hands of our children, it is easy to understand that tobacco companies are feeling the pressure to blur the lines of marketing to ensure that the next generation sees smoking as sexy and exciting. Cartoon ads, such as R.J. Reynold’s famous “Joe Camel,” have generally been pulled, after Reynold’s settled out of court and voluntarily quit using the image thought to catch the attention of children. However, some tobacco packaging still arguably often has a kid-friendly tone. But it maybe the point-of-purchase advertising that has the most impact on our kids. The tobacco industry currently spends $8.8 billion to promote their products throughout the United States. Much of those dollars are spent on point-of-purchase advertising designed to target and attract shoppers right at the places where they can immediately buy the specific products or brands. So, what is wrong with advertising in the stores? Few would argue that going to the local convenience store is very exciting to kids. After all, it is “candy land” right? Well, mixed with those messages and often associated right next to them are the tobacco products. And experts agree that kids have a tough time differentiating between the two. The next time you are in a convenience store, take a look at the amount and location of the advertising for yourself. Tobacco industry documents note that “eye level is buy level.” Many of the ads are hung at a kid’s eye level on doors, counters and below the register. Convenience stores are effective places for reaching youth.

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Almost 90 percent of teens shop at convenience stores at least once a month. In 2001, just three years after the Master Settlement Agreement, which prohibited marketing to kids, the tobacco industry increased their marketing budget by 66 percent. In-store promotions accounted for most of the spending increase. And it has been widely documented that in-store marketing is an important way for tobacco companies to promote their products to hook new, young smokers and keep smokers from quitting. In the 2012 report, Preventing Tobacco Use Among Youth and Young Adults, the U.S. Surgeon General concluded that the advertising and promotional efforts of the tobacco companies cause the initiation and progression of tobacco use among youth. A 2013 study found that 81.5 percent of middle school students and 86.9 percent of high school students were exposed to tobacco advertisements in stores. Middle school students who reported seeing tobacco advertising in stores were more likely to be susceptible to trying cigarettes than their peers who did not see such advertising. Despite tobacco industry claims that promotional items are meant for smokers over age 21, one 1992 study found that 30 percent of all kids (12-17 years old) owned at least one tobacco promotional item, such as T-shirts, backpacks and CD players. Self-service displays make it easier for kids to purchase cigarettes or even steal them, and studies indicate that roughly five percent of young smokers steal cigarettes.

This is tobacco marketing. Kids who see it are more likely to smoke.

It’s a fact: Research shows that kids who shop at stores with tobacco marketing two or more times a week are 64% more likely to start smoking than their peers who don’t. Source: Henriksen, Schleicher, Feighery and Fortmann. Pediatrics: The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, July 19, 2010. DOI: 10.1542/peds.2009 3021

You may not notice, but they do. Talk with your kids about tobacco – learn more at StopsWithMe.com.

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918.595.4226 TSET. Better Lives Through Better Health.

renuyou

Local Couple Pioneers Neurofeedback in tulsa

ired of prescriptions that are not always effective and can cause unwanted side effects? RenuYou Neurofeedback Center has the technology to retrain your brain! Neurofeedback, is a type of biofeedback that safely retrains the brain to produce healthy brainwave activity. Safe and non-invasive, it is considered by many to be one of the most advanced, drug free therapies of this technological generation and is being used to treat a wide range of issues including ADHD, Autism, Concussions Anxiety/Depression, Learning Disorders, Stroke and Peak Performance in Academics, Sports and the Workplace. Although neurofeedback therapy has been ongoing for 40 years, it was only when Dr. Barry and Cyndie Gardner pioneered the way, six years ago, that it became a reality in Oklahoma. Recently, they related how they became involved and how they believe it was a mandate from God. Dr. Gardner remembers well when he first heard about neurofeedback. “A doctor friend of mine suffered severe panic attacks, whenever he traveled on commercial airplanes. Once, during a flight, he had a serious attack that lasted over two hours. After landing, he received neurofeedback therapy and to his surprise, did not have an attack on his flight back home! He was thrilled and called me to tell me about his experience, and felt I needed to consider offering it to patients in Oklahoma. I was intrigued and began research. After

“Our passion...through faith, prayer and neurotherapy is to provide a safe, drug free alternative to individuals seeking to achieve their fullest potential.” -Dr. Barry Gardner, D.C. much analysis and prayer, I was totally on board with the idea, but told God he needed to convince my wife, because the cost of the equipment was expensive.” “He was excited when he told me about how it could help autistic children.” Dr. Gardner’s wife, Cyndie recalls. “It touched my heart and brought to mind a patient of his who had a five year old autistic child. When her three year old was also declared autistic, she became depressed and would not return phone calls for two years. Later, after my husbands vision was set in my spirit, I called her. I will never forget her reaction. She said, “Oh my gosh! I took my children to California for neurofeedback and they are no longer autistic!” I was speechless! Her response was complete confirmation to me.” HOW DOES NEUROFEEDBACK WORK? Every thought you think and every emotion is due to the electrical firing of neurons that manifest as brainwave patterns

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such as Alpha, Beta, Delta and Theta. Excessive Beta, for example, can produce anxiety, too much frontal Alpha wave may result in depression and elevated Theta waves often reflect ADHD. RenuYou Neurofeedback Center starts with a QEEG (quantitative brain analysis) that records the electrical activity and coordination of the brain. Brain patterns are then interpreted by a doctor or qualified specialist trained to diagnose and treat behavioral abnormalities. Once treatment begins, RenuYou uses “reward biofeedback” that features watching a movie or listening to music. As desirable brainwave patterns emerge, the continued playing of the movie reinforces them. When undesirable patterns appear, the reward is taken away. As sessions progress, normal patterns begin to manifest. Once these neuropathways are forged, they become a permanent part of the brains productivity. The American Academy of Pediatrics placed neurofeedback as a Level 1 “best support” intervention for ADHD. “Our mission statement is to empower people to be healthy, as God intended, beginning with a fully functioning and optimal brain. We adhere to the scripture, Jeremiah 29:11-13, “For I know the plans I have for you…to give you a hope and a future.” The RenuYou Neurofeedback Center also offers licensed family counseling and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). For further information call RenuYou Neurofeedback Center at 918-747-7400 or on the web at www.renuyoutulsa.com.

Research Reveals… Neurofeedback, or biofeedback brainwave therapy is effective at helping people conquer brain regulation issues including ADD/ADHD, addictions, stroke complications, anxiety/depression, OCD, Autism, Chronic Fatique, PTSD, Sleep Disorders, Migraines and Fibromyalgia. The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes Neurofeedback as a Level 1 “Best Support”intervention for ADHD. Simple Safe Non-Invasive

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act financial

RANDY COWELL

Is The Bible Relevant When it Comes to My Money?

ith 2,350 verses on how to handle money and possessions in the Bible, it is amazing to me that most Christians would rather listen to Clark Howard or watch Dr. Phil to get their financial advice. Early on in my Christian walk I was exposed to those verses in the Bible that dealt with the tithe. Not until I became a student of God’s word and really did my homework did I understand just how much the Bible does say about money. This article will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Scriptures are relevant to today’s family and that they address the nine-tenths more than they address the one-tenth. Why listen to what the scriptures say? The answer can be found in Mathew 7:25. Jesus said, “Therefore, everyone that hears these words of mine and puts them into practice, is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the wind blew against that house; yet it did not fall because it had its foundation built on the rock.” Why listen to the scriptures? Like the Bumper sticker says “If the Bible says it, I believe it!” I will expound on this later. Hear are some very compelling reasons to make the Bible your number one financial resource book. Jesus spoke 38 parables of which 16 dealt with money or the use of possessions. Contentment is mentioned seven times in the Bible. Six deal with money. Money is mentioned more than Heaven or Hell, and one out of ten verses in the Gospels deal with the subject of money.

So what does the Bible say about: Property and Casualty Insurance–Deuteronomy 22:8, (LB) “Put a guardrail around the edge of the flat rooftop to prevent anyone from falling off and bringing guilt both to the house and the owner.” Life, disability, and health insurance-1st Timothy 5:8, (NIV) “If anyone does not provide for his relative, and especially for his own family, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a unbeliever.” Emergency reserve fund-Proverb 6:6-8, (KJ) Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: which have no g u i d e , overseer, or ruler, provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.”

Co-signing a note-Proverbs 17:18 (TLB) “It is poor judgment to countersign another’s note, to become responsible for his debts.” Inflation-James 5-2-3a (TLB) Your wealth is even now rotting away, and your fine clothes are becoming mere moth-eaten rags. The value of your gold and silver is dropping fast,” Retirement planning-Proverbs 24:3-4 (KJ) “By wisdom a house is built, through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” Picking a financial advisor-Proverb 12:15, (KJ) “The way of the fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” Proverbs 15:22 (KJ) “Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counselors they are established.” The consequences of not following the scriptures. Jesus gave us all great spiritual advice in Mathew 23. I put my financial planning hat on and applied those verses to today’s world. I hope they encourage you to discover how the most amazing book ever written, the Bible, applies to your finances. “Because they heard His words of wisdom and put them into practice, the stock market crashed down, inflation rose, and the misfortune of disability occurred with creditors beating against their house, yet it did not fall because they had built their finances upon scriptural truths.” Enough said!!!!!!

RANDY C. COWELL ACT FINANCIAL Randy C. Cowell is a columnist and President of ACT Financial Services, Inc. in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is the author of “God GoodDebt Bad”. Randy welcomes your thoughts and prayers. He can be reached at 918-664-0081 or by e-mail at rcowell@htk.com.

Taxes and tax avoidance-Mathew 22:21,(KJ) “Give unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” How much is enough and attitude-Ecclesiastes 5:10, (LB) “He who loves money shall never have enough. The foolishness of thinking that wealth brings happiness.” Going into Debt-Proverbs 22-7, (NAS) “The rich rule over the poor, and the rich becomes the lender’s slave.” Credit cards-Luke 12:15 (NAS) “Beware and be on your guard against every form of greed.” Ouch! C ommu n ity s p ir itmagazin e.com

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SPRING IS SPRINGING

n Spring, Broken Arrow is one of the most beautiful towns in Oklahoma. After a winter like we just had you want to get outside, even if it is just in your own backyard. But, the season brings on more than wonderful weather. There are mosquitoes (which carry heartworms), ticks, fleas, ants, bees, wasps, and other insects. Spiders and snakes, both venomous and non-venomous which feed on many little animals including rats and mice, and many poisonous plants all come out in response to the wonderful weather. Of course there are control measures to be taken, weed killers, bug killers, rodent killers. The benign control agents are heartworm preventative and tick and flea control for our pets. Now, technically the Fourth of July is not spring but fireworks bear mentioning. They cause many of our pets tremendous anxiety, oral toxicity (iron, copper, barium, mercury, magnesium, sulfur) and physical trauma. There is another group of potentially harmful items; lawn and garden prep materials. Blood meal, bone meal, and homemade

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mulch contain toxins from mold which can all be very toxic. I hate to ruin a good time, but since I’m a pet doctor, I am doing only what I “do”. The pet poison control phone number 800-2136680. The Animal Emergency Center number is 918-665-0508 and Oklahoma Veterinary Specialists number is 918-299-4900. For an excellent, extensive list of potential springtime hazards, go online to ehs.okstate.edu/links/poison.htm. Nicholson Animal Hospital hopes you and your pets enjoy the weather, stay safe and have a happy spring time. Call our office to find out about our monthly specials! This season we look forward to offering you discounts on heartworm and flea/tick prevention, spay and neuter procedures and much more. R. Scott Nicholson, DVM, is a respected Broken Arrow veterinarian. Dr. Nicholson’s clinic is located at 816 S. Elm and he can be contacted at 918-806-6074

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2323 S. Sheridan Rd • Tulsa, OK www.MyCleartone.com

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lose your quit B Y

DANNY CAHILL

Dream Again

Community Spirit is excited to have Danny Cahill as one of our featured, monthly writers. Whether you wrestle with your weight or not, you will enjoy Danny’s motivating column. We all cheered Danny on when he was on The Biggest Loser. Now, he continues to gain our applause while he shares his testimony with others. Danny loves the Lord and is not shy about telling people about Him. It is a blessing to the magazine to have his monthly article. Be sure to watch for Danny’s article each month.

hat happened to us as we grew older? Where did all of those dreams go? There is a Bible verse that says: “Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17) Let me ask you? Why didn’t it say young men will dream dreams? Why not the sons and daughters? I believe it is because it gets harder to dream the older we get. But I believe wholeheartedly that those dreams are still there in your heart – waiting to be re-ignited and awakened. We may have just forgotten how to dream! To be able to actually visualize what you want is an important step to attaining it! Before I was on The Biggest Loser, I had to actually believe it could happen. I had to see myself as a thin and in-shape man. This might seem easy to some of you, but imagine if you weighed 460 pounds and had a 69 ½ inch stomach – AND you were 39 years old! It seemed impossible. But deep down, I knew that it wasn’t! I held on to the hope that I could achieve that dream. So I envisioned myself in shape; feeling and looking healthy again! In fact, I carried a picture of myself at 17 years old, when I felt and looked like a champion! Without that visualization, I might as well have hung it up. In fact, a few years before I had lost that vision – and I bought more life insurance for when I would die a morbidly obese man. One day, I closed my eyes and pictured my dream. I was thin, healthy and I was involved in something that was helping people achieve their dreams. It involved music, experiential training, and my wife Darci was involved, too. It was exciting, yet scary, to dream again! Then I wrote an entry in my journal. I wrote this: “The things I need to do to achieve my dream: 1. Be a Joyful and

Passionate man – 2. Lose the weight – and 3. Lose the debt. (2 & 3 can be achieved by winning The Biggest Loser!)” I signed and dated it, and the path to my dreams appeared! That was a year before I made it to the cast of The Biggest Loser, and I don’t believe it was a coincidence! You see, while on The Biggest Loser, I not only won the show and $250,000, but I was Joyful and Passionate! I lost all of my weight, and I lost all of my debt! And what else happened? A dream of mine from my youth, writing music, was re-ignited! Passion was breathed into me again, and in turn I wrote a song on the show called “Second Chance,” which has been played around the world and has given hope to many hopeless people! This old man dreamed dreams! What is your dream? Can you Dream Again? We at The Journey Training know you can! One of our primary purposes is to re-ignite passion and dreams in people who may believe it’s simply too late! In Arthur Greeno’s book, Dysfunctional Inspiration, He notates some amazing facts. A few are: • Tiger Woods was three years old when he shot 48 for 9 holes of golf. • Mozart was 8 when he wrote his first symphony. • Ralph Waldo Emerson was 14 when he enrolled at Harvard. • Bill Gates was 19 when he co-founded Microsoft. Plato was 20 when he became a student of Socrates. • S. Truett Cathy was 25 when he and his brother Ben first started the Dwarf House, later to become Chick-fil-A. • Joe DiMaggio was 26 when he hit safely in 56 consecutive games. • William Shakespeare was 31 when he wrote Romeo & Juliet. • Walt Disney was 55 when he opened Magic Kingdom. • Dom Perignon was 60 when he first produced champagne. • Michelangelo was 72 when he designed the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. • Frank Lloyd Wright was 91 when he completed his work on the Guggenheim Museum. • Grandma Moses, America’s most well known folk artist, was in her 70’s before painting her first painting. • Ichijifou Araya was 100 when he climbed Mount Fuji. Still think you are too old to dream? Think again – and DREAM AGAIN! Find out about The Journey training at thejourneytraining. com.

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unite my city W I T H

MOLLIE MYERS

Collateral Success

n military circles, collateral damage is a term used when there is harm done to a non-targeted group, individual, or structure. If a village is bombed to take out a known terrorist leader and a vacant school building is destroyed, it is considered collateral damage. But what about collateral success?

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. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. -J o hn 17 :2 0- 2 3 ES V Unite My City is working diligently to foster a sense of unity in the body of Christ. But what does that look like practically? Our model is to identify a sector or community and the churches who are a part of it, then conduct an informal needs assessment in that community by talking to schools, police, businesses, and neighbors to identify the three top concerns, as well as the three most positive

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things about the community. Next in the process is creating opportunities for the pastors to meet one another, if they haven’t, and begin building relationships together. We share the results of the needs assessment of the community, as well as ask for the pastors’ response to those same questions. As these needs are shared, pastors can work with each other to come up with ways to address needs – together. Many issues are larger than one church can handle on its own, but if churches work together large needs can be broken down into components that can be shared and shouldered across several backs. Unity is not about uniformity, but humility. Humility fosters unity and is manifested in service. It’s our mindset and attitude that Jesus prayed for in John 17:20-23. The outcome is the kind of service that sees up to 45 junior high kids now with positive after school choices in a place where only negative ones existed days ago. The kind of service where churches step up and reach out to minister to foster children and foster families. That’s our collateral success. While our goal is to foster unity in the body of Christ, what is accomplished by working together? Transformation. Transformation in a life, in a church, in a community, and ultimately, in a city. Unite My City is partnering with ORU next month in their spring outreach effort entitled “Shout From the Heart.” This will take place in three separate areas of the city. It is a very intentional way for an event to connect people with a church in their community just before Easter. If your church is interested in joining forces with this very intentional effort, please email Unite My City for the best opportunity for your church. Now, go! Be dangerous!

ABOUT UNITE MY CITY The purpose of Unite My City is to cast the vision of consistently working together, to initiate partnerships between churches for ongoing service, and to provide creative ideas for reaching our community more effectively. Our nation, our city, and our local communities are on the doorstep of genuine and sustainable transformation, and this is only possible through God’s power and our united action.

the heart of the matter

DENIECE ADSIT

Resurrected Hope – Living Through Saturday For David it sounded like this:

I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. - Psalm 121:1-2 NIV For Paul it looked like this:

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. -Ephesians 6:13 NIV

earing the diagnosis of cancer the first time was difficult; hearing it the second time knocked my socks off! The devastation and hopelessness came across me in waves. And the tears would not stop. It really didn’t matter that the spot was small, and the prognosis was good; it was all about that gutwrenching feeling of “where are you, God?” Of course, I always know where God is, because He lives within me, but this questioned my faith and challenged my resolve like nothing else has ever done. At the suggestion of my doctor, I sought emotional and spiritual help through this second phase. My new motto for life came out of that conversation. When Jesus was crucified, the world knew their hope had been destroyed, and laid in a tomb…forever. It didn’t matter that He had taught them about the resurrection. It only mattered that He was no longer there with them. They had been defeated. There is not much in the Bible about the time between the crucifixion and the resurrection. We read about the hopelessness they felt that Friday, and the joy they experienced that Sunday, but there is almost nothing that describes how they lived through that Saturday. Yet everything in the Bible teaches us that, in great detail. It is all about living through the Saturdays in our lives, which leads me to my new motto: “Today I am living through Saturday, so I will stay focused on what I know. There is a day of hope ahead. This disease will not defeat me. God is my strength, and God is love.” He has already shown us what hope looks like. It looks like Sunday, where there is renewal, and strength, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit. Was I wrong to question my faith when hit with this new challenge? I don’t think so…though it troubled me when I first experienced it. Then I remembered Jesus on the cross saying, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) So if I asked where God was in all this, I am simply doing the same thing Jesus did during His greatest trial. But the key lesson I learned through this was how to live in the Saturday times.

For the three Hebrew Children it looked like this:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” -Daniel 3:16-17 NIV For me it sounds like Philippians 4:4-7

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. And to pray for strength till Sunday comes…

ABOUT DENIECE Deniece has a passion to minister to women. You are going to grow to love her and the way she tells stories, always getting to the real heart of the matter.

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O F F I C I A L R O O S T E R D AY B A N K AVB Bank continues to work hard to serve families and businesses that have a desire to make our community a better place to live and work. Helping and seeing our customers, partners and city grow is why we open our doors. To better serve our community and customers we are opening a new facility in the heart of the Rose District in 2015. Now that is something to â&#x20AC;&#x153;crowâ&#x20AC;? about.