October 2014 | Community Spirit by Community Spirit Magazine

Here I Am. Send Me. A Salute to Medical Missionaries In His Image Medical Teams Go Where God Sends Them

Contents FEATURES 6 Send Me - In His Image International 12 Cancer Treatment of America 14 Clear-tone Hearing Aid Laboratories 16 What to Say at Funerals - Moore Funeral Home 19 Brush Creek Fundraiser 20 Grinch Comes To Tulsa 24 Sudden Infant Death Syndrome 28 The Castle at Muskogee

COLUMNS 22 ACT Financial 23 The “Yes Women Can” Blog - Private Label Realty 26 Kevin Nieman - Cornerstone Counseling Center 27 Mollie Myer’s Article 30 The Biggest Loser

OCTOBER 2014 PUBLISHER & editor Tom McCloud CREATIVE Director Ramond Walker CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tom McCloud, Randy Cowell, Danny Cahill, Deniece Adsit, Mollie Myer, Kevin Nieman, Cindy Steward www.mccloudmedia.com • www.communityspiritmagazine.com

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 Fan us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CommunitySpiritMagazine

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in his image

Here I Am. Send Me. In His Image Medical Teams Go Where God Sends Them

edical missionaries go wherever the world weeps, wherever people cry out seeking relief. Occasionally, you see them on the news, servants like Dr. Kent Brantly who answered the call to help Ebola patients in Africa and lived to tell about it. But for the most part, medical missionaries go unrecognized. Willing to risk everything to minister to those in the most dangerous places on earth, they carry their knowledge and their faith to people desperate for hope.

We interviewed Dr. Duininck to try to understand what drives them. His answers will inspire you to search for ways to discover your own calling.

Q: Why do you do this? A: When God calls us, when we come into the family of God, we have some options on how we are going to interact with Him, how we are going to live our lives and make our choices. I believe there

What makes them go? What calls them to say goodbye to their families and risk terrorism, kidnapping, hardship and deadly disease? Dr. Mitch Duininck is one of the leaders of In His Image International (IHII), a locally based organization working with many of the medical unsung heroes. IHII physicians work with hand-selected teams to go where God calls them. Like Isaiah, they routinely answer God’s call by saying, “Here I am. Send me.” In response, God has sent them to places Dr. Mitch Duininck no sane man would seemingly go. Dr. Duininck and his wife and two children went to live in war-torn Afghanistan for a year. He also has led teams into various “Complex Humanitarian Emergencies” such as Indonesia after the tsunami, Myanmar after a horrible cyclone, Central Africa after the genocide of Rwanda and to Pakistan after an earthquake. Recently, they went to Northern Iraq (Kurdistan) to care for refugees driven out of Syria and Iran. And now, they are contemplating a trip back to the region to care for the thousands of people driven out by the Islamic terrorist groups.

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are two possible prayers. The first is to say, “Lord, I love you and I want to serve you and I like doing this and that and this looks fun to me, so please open a door. And if you open this door, I will do my best to honor you.” That is a reasonable prayer. But there is another prayer that is a bit shorter and a bit scarier. It goes like this. “I’m yours. You are the boss. What is the plan?” When we pray that prayer, we surrender our lives and our calling, our profession, our families, and the resources we have been blessed with. But if we are willing to fully surrender those to Him, should we do so with strings attached or are we really going to do it? Are we

going to just talk about it or do we really mean it? That is not just for medicine, it is for every aspect of life as a follower of Jesus. In the book of Acts, we read the stories of believers doing things God called them to do. Those callings were not often easy or convenient. Often they were at a great personal cost of people’s families and their lives, but it was still right. On a personal basis, from an early age, I had an inclination that somehow God would ask me to go to the hard places and go to places that might be far away, dangerous and difficult. That is not what everyone is called to do. It is a real personal thing. But we know that there is great need to go where people are suffering and hurting and haven’t been touched by the love of God. These are not easy places to go, but they are places where God wants to reach out and touch people. Generally He does that through His own sons and daughters. We get to be His hands, feet and voice to touch the suffering and hurting just like Jesus did and the people did in the early church.

Q: Aren’t you scared to go to such dangerous places? A: One of the things I personally had to deal with early on was the fear…the fear of injury, harm, loss and really, the fear of dying. If we haven’t dealt with the fear of death, we are, to a certain degree, paralyzed, restricted by our own logic and rational thought and our own need for self-preservation. So we would naturally not go to places or do things that are harmful or dangerous. The truth is, there is no guarantee of life anytime you go out. You might go down the interstate and have an accident and yet we feel safe in our surroundings and culture. But dealing with that fear of dying, I had to ask myself, ‘What if?’ What if I don’t come home? How will my family be? How will my wife be and the other people I am responsible for? How will I be if I don’t make it home? Once I was able to overcome that, knowing that God is good and He is faithful and that the best place for me to be and the best place for

my family to have me is in the will of God, then I could go forward in confidence. That doesn’t mean I have a death wish. The people that go with us don’t either. We don’t want to get hurt. We try to stay out of harms way. We try to be wise in the process and not be ill responsible. We work at being organized, prayerful, and Spirit-led in what we do and what we don’t do, where we go and we don’t go. We trust in the spirit of God that will led us and guide us in what He would have us to do. In that sort of scenario, we can go confidently. We can go boldly and bravely because we just know and believe if He calls us to do something, he is going to take care of us. It is really not anything grandiose or wonderful that we do. If we are simply obedient to what He calls us to do, we are simply doing what the word of God says we should do. It is not heroic, we are just being obedient to the plan and the purpose He has for us.

Q: But you take teams of people. Don’t you feel personally responsible? A: Yes, this makes it very serious. If I invite someone to go and especially if that person has a family, there is a big responsibility in that. We are accountable to each other and to the other members of the team and to their families. If there was harm or danger, it is not one I take lightly or that I like, but I think its part of the process because these are not things you can or should do as a lone ranger. Going as a team is so much more effective and strategic and stronger way to go than going alone. In our situation, we typically take young doctors from our training program, professionals who feel called to do this kind of work and who want experience in going into these situations. I make it very clear to them that simply because I extend an invitation to them, does not mean that they should go. They need to pray and get counsel from those they trust and be in unity with their family and spouse and believe the Lord has spoken to them to participate in the

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in his image

event, whatever it might be.

Q: Do some accuse you of being adventurejunkies? A: In these disaster type responses, things are a bit unpredictable and there aren’t as many safety measures and guarantees as it is if you are going into an area that is not under military action, war torn or chaotic. We don’t do it just for the sake of taking risks or an adrenaline rush. We do it because we believe God calls us to do it. It is an incredible privilege and honor that God would ask us to serve in such difficult situations. When we lived in Afghanistan, many times we felt that it was such an honor that the Lord would ask us to be His ambassadors to people who were struggling and hurting in a difficult county.

Q: How do you deal with your family’s fears? Don’t they grow tired of having to worry

about you? A: This is very important to me. They have to walk this out in faith as much or more than we do. That is why I stress to each member that they need to pray and get counsel to be unified in this decision. It doesn’t mean it will be easy and it doesn’t mean people won’t say that they wish you wouldn’t do this. At the same time, what we have experienced over and over is that they say, “We respect you and we believe God has called you. We wish you didn’t have to go, but we will support you and prayerfully be a part of this.” It is not like going to climb a mountain just for the fun of it. It is

about going on an adventure God has called us to because there is a great need to be met. And it takes many people to make this happen. Some go and put their feet on the ground. Others support by staying home and taking care of the business and responsibilities. Others are called to pray. I have had friends and colleagues who God has put it on their hearts to pray and that the entire time we are gone they are up in the middle of the night interceding and praying and seeking the face of God on behalf of me, the team and the work we are doing. In addition, there are some called to finance the trips. These efforts tend to be very expensive because of the nature, the timing and the location. Some are gifted financially and want to participate financially. So it is a team effort… organizationally, family wise… staying, praying and paying… all of that so that I can go. I think we have this tremendous blessing here in Tulsa. We have got church partners, friends, medical partners who know what we do and support us. I always encourage the team members to have a group of seriously committed prayer warriors who will pray every day because this is serious work. We are normally going into dark areas which are enemy controlled. There is an enemy that doesn’t like what we are doing. Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy and will resist the work of the Gospel and the light of truth coming into these places.

Q: Who goes? How do you select them? A: We don’t take novices. The travel, culture change, food, economics, and language are all difficult, even to the experienced members of the team. I don’t take first timers to a disaster response trip potentially fraught with danger. And, I rarely take volunteers. C ommu n ity sp ir itmagazin e.com

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If I don’t know someone personally, or they are well known by someone I trust, I am very hesitant to take them on a team of this sort because it is very important that the team work together very cohesively. There must be a clear organizational structure, a clear chain of command, and a clear process of making decisions. Everyone sits on the team for the good of the team, for the sake of the team. So, we have to have people who are willing and able under pressure to function in that way. Being highly selective is absolutely

We never go without an invitation from people living in that place, working in that land. One of our biggest goals is to support and assist those who are already working in these needy areas. Our goal is to come along side them and help them in what they are doing so they can follow up and care for the individuals we might interact with and care for. I will never go independent of someone asking us to go. When we go, we need help with housing, transportation, language and food. So, we really need a support team on the ground that will make arrangements for our team. We try to assist them the most we can, to bless them and come along side them.

Q: What can we do to help? A: Visit our website at www. InHisImageInternational.org. We are a registered 501(c)3 so people can make donations.

Syrian refugees waiting for their visit with a doctor

necessary. They also have to be physically fit and psychologically and emotionally stable. They have to be spiritually strong. In these pressure packed situations, it can get a little dicey. Several of the physicians are graduates of Oral Roberts University and feel led to continue the school’s mandate to go where God’s light is dim and to bring His healing power where it is not known.

Q: How do you determine where to go? A: We don’t really ask the government. Any place we go, there are of course bulletins recommending against travel. But in these situations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work independently of the government and therefore have their own responsibility to think through issues of security. We often do things that the government is unable or unwilling to do in regard to caring for displaced persons. There are a lot of NGOs who will respond, some from the US and some from abroad. Sometimes the United Nations will work along side them. So it is an independent, but parallel track from what the government is doing. We don’t take government funding and we don’t solicit government approval when we are called to do something. At the same time, we do work with the local governments and leaders.

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Q: What else can we do? A: Determine what God has called you to personally do. Going, praying…we all have a role to play in the Great Commission. Whatever you are doing, do more. If telling this story leads people to do more, that would be great. We are not just a humanity organization. Our motive and our drive is to try to be like Jesus to these people. Our hope is that they will ultimately know Him and follow Him.

“We plan to grow old together. Getting the right cancer treatment is part of that plan.“ – Keisha Echols Caregiver

“Finding out your husband has stage 3 colon cancer is scary, especially when you have young children and plans for the future. Cancer Treatment Centers of America® helped us take control again. Not only does my husband get the individualized treatment options he needs, I get the support I need.” If you or a loved one has complex or advanced-stage cancer, call 1-888-348-5492 or visit cancercenter.com. Appointments available now. Hospitals in: Atlanta | Chicago | Philadelphia | Phoenix | Tulsa

No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results. C ommu n ity sp ir itmagazin e.com

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CTCA

A Game Changer

Jalisa Holder (pictured right), a medical assistant at Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, has become part of Franklin Harris’s (pictured left) support system when he is away from home.

hile unpredictability is often a key characteristic of life, After an additional surgery and corresponding biopsy at an most 20-somethings in Middle America are most likely alternate treatment facility, Franklin was diagnosed with brain worried about things that, while possibly complex, are cancer and given 36 months to live. His father immediately began not generally life-threatening. looking for answers. Life concerns may range anywhere from paying school loans “When the biopsy came back as glioblastoma, I was shocked,” to raising a family, or maybe spending a weekend away with close Franklin said. “When my dad heard about it, he got in touch with friends. Whatever the daily routine, life’s curve-balls can occasionally Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) in Tulsa.” be game changers, and suddenly topics like weekend getaways and Shortly after Franklin arrived at CTCA, his team of doctors nights out with friends become unimportant and mortality becomes began putting together a plan of action and he underwent his third a sobering reality. brain surgery. When 27-year-old Franklin Harris woke up in Osceola, Ark. on “I came out of the surgery just fine and I was walking the next a Sunday morning to play basketball day — so there is a God,” he with friends, he never imagined said. “You just have to have the journey that he was about to the heart to believe in him and embark on. that he can bring you out of -Franklin Harris, brain cancer patient “My life changed on February 9, anything.” 2014,” Franklin said. “I was running after the ball when another For his third surgery, Tracy Schumpert, a chaplain at CTCA, defender tapped me on top of my head. When he hit me it triggered offered Franklin a rosary as a reminder that “God has you,” Franklin the tumor and I collapsed on the court. I was very concerned and I said. “Now I wear it every single day.” thank God for giving me a second chance.” “When I got through with my third surgery, I had time to go Initially, Franklin and his local doctors were unsure of what home and get myself together, because I had to take radiation and caused the sudden collapse and subsequent seizure, so he began chemo. I was scared at first because I had read about it, but I kept undergoing procedures to find the cause. the faith,” he said. “I went through my first brain surgery on February 19,” he said. Before his cancer diagnosis, Franklin worked full-time as a “I was scared at first, but God spoke to me and he said, ‘You’re machinist, played basketball and tennis daily, and tried to spend good. You’re going to make it.’” time with his two kids. Even though he was raised in church, his Despite becoming partially paralyzed for a short period of time faith was not a vital aspect of his day-to-day life until recently. and having to undergo approximately six weeks in rehabilitation, “After the initial seizure, the doctor told me that I could have Franklin’s initial surgery appeared to have gone as planned, but had an aneurism and died, so I don’t take life for granted anymore. there was still a long road ahead. I just walk by faith, not by sight,” said Franklin. “It brought me

“I haven’t heard anyone put a date on my life since I’ve been at CTCA.”

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closer to God.” During the summer, Franklin got baptized and connected with key people at his home church who rally around him in prayer and make sure to call and check on him regularly. “God puts stuff in positions — step by step. He already knows what’s going on,” he said. “It’s been a trial, but a great experience. If you just stop, relax and stop moving fast, God will speak to you.” In addition to the support he receives from his mom, dad and siblings, Franklin has made connections at CTCA that serve as a

“I came out of the surgery just fine and I was walking the next day — so there is a God,” he said. “You just have to have the heart to believe in him and that he can bring you out of anything.” -Franklin Harris, brain cancer patient secondary support system when he is away from home. “The thing that is different about this place and other places I’ve treated is the love that they give you,” said Franklin. “I feel a good spirit in this place.” For now, Franklin has taken a leave of absence from work and is focusing on his health and his family. “The type of disease I have is not curable, so I just have to take my medicine on time and do what I have to do,” he said. Though Franklin is still battling for his life, he makes sure to live each day to its fullest. “I haven’t heard anyone put a date on my life since I’ve been at CTCA,” he said. He has plans for his future and in the midst of his treatment, he wants to follow through on those plans. “I still can go to school; it’s never too late,” he said. “I’m hoping to enroll soon – I’m just trying to get myself back together. I feel better now than I did before I had cancer.” His family serves as a constant reminder that great things have already occurred in his life and that God is faithful. He spends his time showing off his kids, Keagen Cruz, 1 year old, and jokingly referred to as “Smokey Robinson” by Franklin and his family; and Kalea Anisse, 3 years old, and the spitting image of her dad. “That’s who I live for — my kids. I just thank God he gave me a second chance at life. I’m on a mission now — I want to see my kids grow up and watch them graduate,” Franklin said. “Other than that, I’m just trying to get myself prepared for heaven, because a lot of people don’t get that chance. I think about it every day. Jesus is awesome and a lot of people take it for granted.” No case is typical. You should not expect to experience these results. To learn more about Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Tulsa, visit cancercenter.com or call 888-348-5492

Overcoming Fear with Love The love of Christ is the ultimate weapon against fear. In 1 John 4:18, God’s love is explained as perfect love that drives out fear. As believers, when fear tries to creep in and gain control, fight back by focusing on key characteristics of God and meditating on His Word. Love, which God created and embodies, is the strongest force in the universe. Fear is a powerful emotion which can grip our hearts and minds, making it difficult to function. Thankfully, God’s love is infinitely stronger than the fear that assails us, and by drawing on His love we can find peace to carry us through every challenge. Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like a blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. — Song of Songs 8:6-7 But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. —Psalm 33:18-19 Because of His great love for you, He has promised to deliver you from fear. No one can say that they know exactly what the future holds, but we do have the assurance that God’s plan is based on His love for us. God does not promise that our lives will be easy, but He does promise that He will rescue us from a life of fear. His ultimate desire is that we will learn to rely entirely on Him. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side. —Psalm 3:5-6 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. —Psalm 91:4-6 When you are afraid, ask God to remind you how much He loves you; tell a friend who will encourage you and strength you with their love for you; and take comfort from family and friends who love you, and know that you are not alone. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise — in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? —Psalm 56:3-4 Provided by Our Journey of Hope®, an educational outreach program brought to you by the Pastoral Care Department at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.

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clear-tone

Hear Here

Clear-tone Hearing Aid Laboratories Sets Industry Standard

s your spouse complaining you have the television too loud? Are you noticing you have problems communicating in crowded restaurants? Are you missing comments in the boardroom or at church? Are you continually complaining that people mumble? Maybe the time has come for you to have your hearing checked. If so, you would be wise to go see the folks at Clear-tone Hearing Aid Laboratories. You won’t be alone. In fact for over 30 years, more people have trusted Clear-tone for their hearing care needs than any other facility in Oklahoma. There are many reasons for that…technology, service and value are the things most people list, but listen closely and they will share that it actually goes even beyond that. Compassion, understanding and friendship are the other words they will often use. “There is something special about this place and the people who work here. It is obvious helping others hear better has become their own personal ministry. That alone makes the difference for me,” explained one long-time customer. The company was founded in 1984, by brothers Jim and Mike Feeley. It continues to be a family business…a family business with worldwide impact. Now holding multiple patents worldwide, their breakthroughs in hearing aid technology have set new standards that are used by the biggest names in the industry. In fact their RIC (Receiver in Canal) design, developed right here in Tulsa, has become the fastest growing hearing aid product style worldwide and is now used in over 50 percent of all hearing aids sold in the world. Charley Feeley, Director of Operations, explained that the company not only provides hearing aids directly to people in our community, they manufacture hearing devices sold through distributors all over the world. Having the manufacturing facilities right here in Tulsa provides many advantages to local customers, allowing them to buy factory direct and take advantage of the specialized knowledge, service and pricing that only Clear-tone can offer.

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Committed to helping more and more people, Clear-tone continues to look for ways to encourage the estimated 80 percent of people who, because of stigma or cost, put off getting hearing aids. They have developed hearing aids which are comfortable to wear and nearly unnoticeable by others. And because they are able to totally customize the design to meet the needs of each patient, Clear-tone is able to scale the cost to meet most any budget. By pulling all the needed specialists and professionals together under one roof, Clear-tone is able to personalize each hearing aid, applying the absolute latest technology. Paul Jackson, CoDirector of Operations, explained that the science is changing and improving incredibly fast. “Hearing aids can do much more now than we could have even imagined a few years ago. Hearing aids can now communicate wirelessly to each other and to other devices, automatically adjust to varying conditions, and be adapted to meet the needs of every lifestyle.” He also explained that because the aids are customized for each patient, they design them to meet the needs of that person. “People sure don’t want to pay for more than they need, but they sure don’t want to get something that doesn’t completely meet their needs either. We are able to adapt the design to provide them the best choice and the best value. Should you come in for testing, the Clear-tone specialists will begin by asking some questions to learn about your lifestyle, what environments you are in regularly and what environments are the most challenging to you. Within the process, they define the situations and things you hear well and those you don’t. These questions will allow them to focus the testing on your trouble areas. Next, they will give you a comprehensive evaluation and then go over the test with you in detail, explaining the options and helping you make the best decision. By being able to customize your hearing aid to meet your lifestyle,

Our mission and our ministry is to help people with their hearing and be the very best at it. We feel honoring God is best accomplished by treating people how they want to be treated, with respect and dignity regardless of the circumstances, and like they are valuable…because they are.

JI M FEELEY

MI K E FEELEY

PAU L JAC K SO N

C H A R LEY FEE L E Y

-Charley Feeley and Paul Jackson, Co-Directors of Operations hobbies and needs, their goal is to provide you with the best and most natural hearing possible. One recent customer for instance, explained that he was a dove hunter. They were able to provide a special “game ear” technology, amplifying the sounds of nature, yet protecting his ears from the noise of the gunshots. The hearing aid was designed to know the difference between what to amplify and what is too loud. For others, the design might be simpler, but just as necessary, automatically (or manually) adjusting to the environment when the person walks into a busy restaurant or into a quiet room. Clear-tone serves patients of all ages. They also offer a wide range of products such as ear molds for musician ear monitors, IFB systems for news anchors, swimmer plugs, ear protection for hunters, and just about anything you can imagine that has to do with the ear. Charley Feeley explains that no matter the product, their ultimate goal is to provide cost effective, customized solutions while treating each person with the same level of respect and service that they deserve. “We have a fantastic team that are motivated by our mission for being in business.” Come in and check out the Clear-tone quality for yourself. Don’t be one of those who put off this decision. The world is full of wonderful sounds. Don’t miss a single one.

our BEST hearing aid technology ever! A hearing aid so comfortable you’ll forget you’re wearing it!

• Unmatched comfort • VirtUally inVisible • enhanced clarity

Clear-tone’s Corporate Objectives • • • •

Honor God by putting His Word at the center of all that we do. Treat people with respect and dignity regardless of the circumstances. Provide quality products and services that exceed our customer’s expectations. Continue to grow and be profitable by developing ourselves individually and as a team.

Appointments are limited. CAll TodAy to reserve your space! ®

918-838-1000 or 800-722-8050

HEARING AID LABORATORIES, INC.

C ommu n ity sp ir itmagazin e.com

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

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moore funeral

Life Lesson – What Do You Say at a Funeral? An Interview with Dr. Joe Moore of Moore Funeral Homes

walked away from the funeral beating myself up. My friend needed me and I so wanted to help her, but I said all the wrong things. Ugh! I wish I were better at this. What should I, could I, have said?”

Maybe you can relate to the comment made by this lady. Like her, you always mean well, but you are admittedly not a pastor or counselor. Somehow, whatever you say just comes out wrong. Ill equipped for counseling, you might even find yourself avoiding funerals altogether because you are afraid to make a similar blunder. So what can you say in situations like this? We interviewed Dr. Joe Moore, owner of Moore Funeral Homes. Dr. Moore shared some practical advice while he told us his personal experience learning to help others deal with death and the whole grief process. Though he would much rather be talking with you about sports, travel or something else, fact is, there probably isn’t anyone more experienced in this subject. The son of Joe Moore Sr., one of the founders of Moore Funeral Homes, Dr. Moore has been around death and grieving families his whole life. As a young boy, a trip to

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see Dad at work, was a trip to the funeral home, and he remembers being more than a little anxious, particularly when he was around the casket selection room. However, his father was a great mentor, and he helped him learn to get more comfortable around the whole process. Dr. Moore never thought he would actually work at the funeral home. A few summers during high school were enough to give him a good dose of his own mortality. In fact, the experience encouraged him to fight back, entering medical school armed with a determination to help others live a long life. Dr. Moore did just that, becoming a successful oncologist. For 32 years, he devoted his life to helping his patients enjoy more birthdays and family celebrations. But although he tried, Dr. Moore could not walk away from the family heritage of Moore Funeral Homes. He had watched how his father made a difference in the lives of the families he served for all those years. “My father taught me that the funeral business was all about community, making friends, always doing what was right and putting others first. With him gone, I just had to continue the legacy. Families in the community as well as our employees families were counting on me.” Dr. Moore counts it as a blessing to have been able to be around his father. Both his father and his uncle had begged him to join the business, even offering to pay his way through mortician’s school. He resisted; and looking back, Dr. Moore has no regrets, saying he had his own path to take and explaining that family businesses can often be difficult. However, ten years prior to his father’s death, he told him he would like to prepare to someday run the business. “My dad often said this was one of the happiest days of his life,” Dr. Moore said with a proud smile. In the years to follow, his father taught him many things, mostly how to treat people. “By example, he showed me how to be fair and generous. Everyone seemed to know my father. We would go to lunch and a dozen people would stop by to say hello. People loved him and trusted him. So, it was natural for them to count on him

to be there when their family was in crisis.” His father also taught him the answer to that delicate question about what to say and to this day Dr. Moore practices those skills, ministering to people with heaping helpings of consolation, support and love. “I look upon what we do as supplying grief support and recovery to the family. Funerals offer people a way to deal with the death and take that first step to grief recovery. Grief is not best borne or experienced in solitude. It is better experienced with the comfort of others around. That is what funerals are about. Giving people a place where they can grieve openly and freely, and giving their friends an opportunity to console them and support them. The funeral is really important, allowing them to take that first step. Psychologists have always known it is not good to suppress grief. It is more important to confront it and deal with it and when they do, it eventually it gets better, easier to deal with.”

What to say? “The first thing to remember is that you have already helped by just being there. As a doctor, I have seen first hand that people who are seriously ill are most concerned about having somebody there. At the end stage of life, they want to know someone cares and is willing to be there with them. You don’t have to say anything different than what you would say to anyone else. Just be there.”

“When you are at a funeral and you go through the receiving line, it is your job to offer encouragement, support and condolence. That means a lot to people. To a family member, it is always good to introduce yourself and tell them how you knew the deceased. More than half of the people attending any given funeral didn’t really didn’t know the deceased. They are there to support the children, brothers, sisters and family members. They may not have known the deceased and some members of the family. So, a good thing to do is to introduce yourself, tell how you knew the deceased, and give encouragement and condolence. It is okay to smile. In fact it is encouraged. A friendly smile lifts people’s spirits. Today, people often want funerals to be celebrations of life. This opens up the option for you to share a story about good times. Telling a warm story or even humorous one, can be a blessing to the family and may help them get through the day.” Dr. Moore is right where he wants to be, investing himself into the lives of the community his family has loved for generations. “My goal, like my father’s preached, is to give our customers everything they want and more than they expect, for less than they expect to pay.” In addition to that, expect to make some friends here. It is what they do best.

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brush creek bazaar

Brush Creek Ranch – A Cause Worth Celebrating!

hen Shawn and Shannon Blankenship open their mail or log on to their FaceBook account, it is not unusual for them to hear from “family,” kids who were once students at Brush Creek Youth Ranch. The messages warm the couple’s heart as they read of babies being born, graduations, job advancements and healthy marriages. And they praise God as they look back to see His hand in rescuing the kids through the ministry of Brush Creek Ranch. Brush Creek is a 915-acre working ranch in beautiful Northeastern Oklahoma. Located just outside Jay, Oklahoma on the southeast corner of Grand Lake, the property provides a picturesque atmosphere where horses and wildlife run through the rolling hills and drink from the meandering spring-fed creek. But Brush Creek is more than a ranch. It is a boarding school where countless lives have been changed. Typically, they have been boys with life controlling issues who have been given the opportunity to move from their environment to a peaceful place to start fresh. Shawn Blankenship, Executive Director for Adolescent Programs explained that Brush Creek was originally started nearly 35 years ago by a group of people with a heart for youth. Nine years ago, they joined together with like-minded, Teen Challenge of Oklahoma, a ministry of the Assemblies of God, with roots back to David Wilkerson’s famous story of The Cross and the Switchblade. The association with Teen Challenge allowed them to join with a girl’s school called New Life House. The two programs operate independently but are supervised by the same administration. The boys ride a bus over to New Life to attend school. Brush Creek is fully accredited and includes a respected athletic program. In fact, the boys are the raining state football champions in the Christian School Association’s 8-man league. The team combines forces with Cookson Hills Ranch to compete in basketball

and football and the girls compete in basketball and volleyball. The kids range in age from 13 to18 and they generally attend Brush Creek for 12 to 15 months. During their stay, they enjoy a structured environment that helps foster personal growth. The students have the opportunity to learn various vocational skills such as welding, basic carpentry, plumbing, lawn care, fence repair & building, livestock care, and other ranch duties. They are also involved with various community service projects, helping to build a strong work ethic. But the real key to the success of Teen Challenge has been the spiritual component. The Brush Creek Youth Ranch Staff and Administration are committed to ensuring that students understand God’s love, forgiveness, and His ability to restore relationships. The ultimate result? Changed and redirected lives. Brush Creek accepts no governmental support but instead operates on the donation and tuition from its students. Tuition is $2300 a month, about half of the actual cost. Donations provide scholarships to assist families according to need. Visit their website for month information –www.okteenchallenge.com.

Support these kid s ! C ome to The Brush Creek Baz aar ! The Brush Creek Bazaar is an annual Tulsa event that boasts fun for everyone. Over a three-day period, enjoy shopping, entertainment and carnival activities in a family environment. The outdoor festival features more than 80 vendor booths. Shop row after row of craft supplies and locally made art while your children play in the kid zone. It is old-fashion fun with a wonderful cause. Friday-Sunday, October 1012. Located in “The Barn” at 10900 South Louisville in Tulsa. Check on line for tickets. www.brushcreekbazaar.org.

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celebrity attractions

Grinch to Steal Christmas in Tulsa!

Broadway’s #1 Holiday hit comes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center | November 4-9 GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical comes to the Tulsa Performing Arts Center for ten performances only November 4-9. The performance schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Evenings at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale Monday, October 6 at 10 a.m. and may be purchased online at www.MyTicketOffice.com, in person at the Tulsa PAC Box Office, or by calling 918.596.7111 or 800.364.7111. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more by calling 918.796.0220.

Stefan Karl as The Grinch with Brooke Lynn Boyd as Cindy-Lou Who. Photo by: PAPARAZZIBYAPPOINTMENT.COM

ig League Productions presents the critically acclaimed, record-breaking Broadway musical production Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center during the 2014 holiday season. The classic, whimsical tale will enchant audiences for eight performances only November 4-9. Tickets go on sale Monday, October 6. The Grinch broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James (2007) and Hilton (2006) theatres in New York. Since then, thousands of families across America have been delighted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which The New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedside story” and the Gannett papers hailed as “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.” Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! The Musical features the hit songs “You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss) from the original animated series. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Whos. Magnificent sets (John Lee Beatty) and costumes (Robert Morgan) inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville, while the Music and Book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this timeless story of the true meaning of Christmas. The 2012 production is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by 3-time Tony Award(r) winning director, Jack O’Brien. Welcomed by Bank of Oklahoma, Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE

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Get social with Celebrity Attractions by becoming a fan on Facebook at facebook.com/BwayTulsa. Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/BwayTulsa or join in the conversation by using #GrinchTULSA.

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act financial

RANDY COWELL

Bridging the Gap for Maximized Social Security Income (pt.2)

n the previous article we discussed several aspects of claiming Social Security retirement benefits and attempted to uncouple the acts of retirement and claiming of SS benefits. The notion that “I’m going to retire and file for benefits”, is being replaced with the retiree saying, “I’m going to retire, supplement my income from my other investments , and allow my Social Security benefits to grow.” This article will focus in on a strategy called “Bridging the Gap”, and demonstrate that in certain circumstances, deferring SS benefits can make a significant difference in maximizing retirement income. In addition we will demonstrate that by utilizing this strategy you can retire early and have the retirement income you desire.

Bob and Sue Retire Let’s assume we have a couple, Bob and Sue, which have both reached full retirement age (FRA) of 66 and decide to retire from their jobs. Bob’s primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is $2,642 per month. Sue’s is $1,100 per month. Let’s assume there is a 2.5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) that will be applied to their benefits and they will both live to age 85. They have decided not to file on Bob’s benefits, this will but allow his benefit to grow at 8% annually until he reaches 70 at which time it will be $4,249. (This amount is the result of 8% compounding plus the 2.5% COLA) In addition, Sue has decided to claim spousal benefits on Bob’s $2,642 increasing her benefit from $1,100 per month to ½ of Bob’s PIA for a monthly benefit of $1,321. This results in $221 more income per month, which is a 20% increase. Sue will claim on her earnings record when she reaches 70, after it has grown to $1,610 per month. That is a 31% increase resulting from the 8% compounding! Now that we have laid out the ground rules let’s discuss Bridging the Gap. Bob and Sue have been good savers and have both qualified and nonqualified investments. Their challenge is to have sufficient income to enjoy their retirement without claiming Bob’s SS benefits. This can be accomplished by implementing an income distribution method known as “spend down”. This is how it works. You identify an asset or assets and decide to spend them down to zero over a period of four years, until Bob reaches age 70 and files. In this case, if Bob and Sue were trying to replace $2,642 per month they would need to spend down approximately $127,000. While that sounds like a large sum let’s look macro-economically at what will happen in four years when Bob files for his SS benefits. The long awaited day finally comes and Bob’s first check for $4,249 arrives. While Bob and Sue used assets to “Bridge the Gap” for four years it is as if the Social Security Administration has just

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notified them that Bob just won the lottery! Let me explain. . . If we determine how much money is required to produce $4,249 per month at 3% interest rate the amount is …….wait for it……. wait for it……. $1,699,633. That’s right it would take that much to provide the income. This is known as the capitalized value. So let’s summarize. By utilizing several Social Security and income distribution strategies Bob and Sue were able to retire, have the income necessary for an enjoyable retirement, and receive more income over their lifetimes. I would say that was a win, win, win scenario. While this example demonstrates the benefits of Social Security planning combined with retirement distribution planning, I hope it also demonstrates that you don’t have to retire and claim your SS benefits. By uncoupling them it is possible to significantly increase your retirement income. I do believe a word of caution is in order. Remember that there are over 80 different filing time horizons and nine different filing strategies to choose from. Seek competent and knowledgeable professional assistance and start planning well before your retirement party. Restatement: In the previous article there was a word missing in the text. The article should have said, “If you are married and filing jointly and your provisional income is greater than 44,000, up to 85% of your Social security benefit is subject to taxation. (Provisional income is your AGI +one-half of your SS benefit +tax exempt interest.) Additional note: According to the SS administration one out of every three people who receive Social Security benefits pay taxes on their benefits. RANDY C. COWELL, M.S., LUTCF, CFP®, CRPC® 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.

The “Yes Women Can” Blog

WATCH FOR THIS BLOG IN EACH ISSUE OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Tuning Out BY LISA GOINS

hen my 4 kids were younger this is how mornings started for me.. “Mom can I have some cereal? I don’t want cereal I want a pop tart. Not pop tarts, again, I want some pancakes. No I don’t like pancakes, will you make some waffles? Mom we’ll just have cereal. Hey mom we are out of milk…..” I’m not sure about you, but listening to that many voices all before 7:45 AM made me want to crawl back into bed and get a restart. It’s changed a bit in my house over the years, it sounds more like, “Hey mom I need some money for lunch, gas, books, contacts, basketball, my date (uh, no) nail polish, dinner, shoes, Starbucks, movies, clothes, jeep parts, hairspray….” And this was just this week. It is no wonder I have perfected the fine art of “tuning out”. I am actually quite good according to my family.. mom, mom, momma, hey mom, LISA.. and my head pops up! If only my family could come up with something different, such as “hey beautiful” and they would immediately have my attention. There was a time tuning out did not work at all in my favor… When Kelson was a toddler he came into the kitchen, where I was whipping up the mac & cheese and cooking my food on a stick, completely tuned out as I remember because Barney the purple dinosaur was singing I love you, you love me for about the 16th time that day…. he held up his finger to me and said boo-boo. Looking down I noticed there were no blood, no big tears, and no big brother in the background about to explain how it wasn’t his fault. So I promptly kissed his little finger, gave him a smile and patted his little head. I turned my attention back to retrieving the sticks before burning and I noticed Kelson remained there looking a bit confused with his little finger still pointing at me. I let him know he was fine and he says to me… momma not boo-boo, poo-poo…. Unfortunately for me it was not a boo-boo but a dirty diaper…. Some would say I should be listening better by now especially once I have learned my lesson and kissed poopy fingers by mistake but my husband was just telling me this week how I get so absorbed in my job, my phone and the things I am working on that I don’t notice conversations around me. It’s true Real Estate is a profession that keeps you working unusual hours, and I am a busy mom and pastors wife so there is a lot to keep up with but I’m learning its not the most important thing. Family, friends and conversation can’t be recreated once the time has past. The next morning after my husbands comment I was reading my Beth Moore bible study for the day and this is an excerpt from that day “We leave someone sitting before us, waiting while we “finish one more thing” on our phone. But that’s just it; we never seem to finish. People in our

lives need our full attention, after all it’s the face to face that helps us know the heart to heart is real. Lesson Learned. Just as I was finishing my study Brooklin was leaving for class, she hollered back as she was leaving, Hey mom don’t forget we are out of milk… yes I heard CALL Cindy Steward AT 918-809-5805 OR Lisa Goins AT 918-289-3919 VISIT US AT www.privatelabelrealty.com

LISA GOINS & CINDY STEWARD Smart Women Buy Homes are professional Realtors who have a passion and commitment to serving the unique needs of women home buyers. Lisa and Cindy are dedicated to making it easy, exciting and a joy for you to buy and own a home!

LISA GOINS

As a residential sales specialist Lisa quickly became a multi-million dollar producer by helping her clients either find the perfect home to purchase or successfully sell their existing home. She has a passion for Smart Women Buy Homes and the ability to help women fulfill their dream of home ownership. Lisa is a Realtor and Managing Broker for Private Label Realty, married and mom to 4 great kids; she and her husband Kelly also serve a Senior Pastors of Faith Assembly in Tulsa.

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oklahoma health department

October…Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month Protect Your Babies. Educate Yourself!

t is every parent’s and caregiver’s worst fear. As they lay their bundle of joy down in the crib, they pray that God will protect their child through the night. It is that “thief in the night” that can’t be predicted or prevented. It can occur any time of the day and attacks even the healthiest of babies. Although often confused, SIDS is not related to suffocation, choking, spitting up or vomiting. The child simply stops breathing for no apparent reason. Each year, approximately 3000 infants in the U.S. die of SIDS. Right here in Oklahoma, it takes some 50 infants annually and is the leading cause of death in babies after one month to one year of age. Unexplainably, it happens in American Indian or Alaska Native babies nearly three times as often as in white babies. It also happens twice as often in African American babies as in white babies. SIDS is a mystery, but there are some strategies which do seem to reduce the danger. The most important one of these is to always place babies on their backs to sleep during the night or even for a short nap. If you smoke…STOP! According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)…Babies whose mothers smoked during pregnancy, or who are exposed to secondhand smoke after birth, are more likely to die of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) than are babies who are not exposed. The group is now doing everything it can to spread the word that second-hand smoke really does kill. Along with this initiative, groups such as the Oklahoma Department of Health is educating caregivers of these hazards and the potential hazards of suffocation often caused when another person falls asleep and lays on top of the baby, or when heavy

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blankets cover the babies face, children get stuck in-between mattresses or pillows. So…be aware SIDS conscious. Breastfeed your baby if at all possible. Always place them on their backs to sleep. Protect them from second hand smoke. Never sleep with your child or allow them to sleep in an adult bed or on a couch or chair. Keep items out of the crib which could be a suffocation hazard. And, don’t let your baby get too hot during sleep. For more information, visit the CDC website for more information on their “Safe to Sleep Campaign” at www.nichd.nih.gov/sids/

Here is some good news… According to Reuters, A federal study has recently found that nearly twice as many U.S. households are now smoke-free compared to 20 years ago, reflecting an increased awareness of the health hazards from secondhand smoke. In the early 1990s, 43 percent of U.S. homes were smoke-free, a figure that rose to 83 percent in 2010-2011, according to the study, issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It appears to be a shift in our culture although they say that more progress is needed. The study showed that some 18 percent of Americans were smokers in 2012, down from 42 percent in 1965. They also indicated that roughly half of U.S. residents are now covered by laws that ban smoking in public places.

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marriages that last

BY DR. KEVIN NIEMAN

Perspective

to each other? Heartbroken is what I felt. I told him I was going to bed, thinking surely he’d hear my sadness and ask what’s wrong. Not a word, I don’t know how more obvious it could be that we’re not okay and he simply doesn’t care about our marriage. Sincerely, No Hope Left.

Husband’s diary entry:

Wife’s diary entry:

oke up today thankful that it was Saturday. It seems like such a long time since we’ve connected. He’s always working and with all the soccer practices and kid’s activities, it is hard to tell if I’m coming or going. Hopefully, we’ll have some quality time today. After rolling out of bed, I headed to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee. I asked him if he’d like a cup. His response was a mere grunt. Not sure which side of the bed he woke up on but it’s obvious he’s upset. He left the house headed out back. While fixing breakfast, I was straining to replay last night’s interactions to figure out why he’s upset. Nothing is coming to mind, I could be just over reacting. As the bacon was nearing perfect crispiness, I called in my love for breakfast. I set the table especially nice, using our fine china that grandma gave us last year, topped off with a centerpiece of a single rose I cut fresh this morning. Finally after a crazy week, the kids are with friends and we are going to have a few minutes to ourselves. After several loud bangs, he comes darting into the kitchen. I hardly finished putting the food on the plates before he grabs two pieces of toast and began to make himself a makeshift breakfast sandwich. Just as I sat down, he’s making a move toward the door. I asked if he’d like to sit down for a minute and all I heard was something to the effect he needed to go. I was crushed. He didn’t even notice the rose or the fine china I had set out. It’s now obvious he’s mad at me. I know things have been stressful lately but I never thought it was this bad. I feel so lost and alone. I don’t think he loves me anymore. The rest of the day never got any better. In and out, hardly saying a word. As night time came, I was hoping to clear up his anger towards me. I so hate it when we’re fighting. I thought surely he would open up and tell me what’s wrong. No, he sat there and watched TV, he even laughed. How can he think that’s funny when we’re not speaking

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Finally got the leak fixed over the garage. Flat tire on the truck wouldn’t come off, sledgehammer that Bill got me worked great. About time cable guys fixed our reception. Was able to jimmyrig the mower, think I can get another year out of it. I was finally able to get the mail box straightened, dang neighbor kid can’t drive straight. All in all, great day. Keeping the proper perspective is so important when you view your marriage. Without proper communication, we’re left to make assumptions to what our spouse is thinking. Don’t assume you know their thoughts.

Dr. Kevin Nieman, LMFT Cornerstone Christian Counseling Services Cornerstone Christian Counseling Services is proud to announce that we are now in our newly remodeled offices. We are also pleased to announce that our new website www. cornerstoneoftulsa.com is active. We are excited about bringing hope and healing to those hurting in our community, blending our Christian beliefs with our professionalism.

CORNERSTONE Christian Counseling Services

Let us help you get your life back on track. Call today: 918.392.4008

4930 S. Sheridan Rd.

unite my city W I T H

MOLLIE MYERS

Nobody’s Child individual host homes. Though many of the young women will choose to raise their baby, those who choose an adoption plan for their child work with CPO within the network of faith families with which they partner.

Far

oe (not his real name) beamed at me about the A+ on his math test. Normally, Joe would have shared that news and celebration with his mom after school. Instead he shared it with me as he adjusted his covers while I stood in the hallway of his wing at the Laura Dester Children’s Center. Though Joe and several dozen other kids await home placements in the Tulsa area, there is good news! Churches continue to respond to the crisis facing our children locally - and around the world. We wanted to share a little good news with you as the calendar slides toward November, which is National Adoption Month. This is by no means a comprehensive representation, but highlights a few areas that are based in Tulsa and are denominationally ecumenical in nature.

Near

111Tulsa is engaging with churches around the Tulsa area to find ways to either develop or deepen efforts to not just bring awareness of the foster care crisis to its people, but avenues to be solutions, as well. In the last couple of years the faith community has seen over 800 families enter the journey to foster. 111Tulsa hopes to be a catalyst to keep that number climbing! Join other pastors and leaders on November 9 at The Church @ Downtown for Tulsa Recruits, an event geared to raise awareness and answer questions relating to foster care. Email 111Tulsa at info@111tulsa.org. ADOPT(ED) is deeply involved in helping children become part of a family. And not just any family, but a family that has a church surrounding and supporting them. Additionally, they are open to any Christian church working with them as churches work to assist foster/adoptive families or develop a ministry of their own. Crisis Pregnancy Outreach (CPO) continues to reach out to young women who experience an unexpected pregnancy. For those who need the option, CPO provides either a group home or looks for

World Compassion continues to continues to reach out through compassion evangelism in tangible and profound ways in areas of the world that are formidable, to say the least. A new orphanage in Burma is now home to 22 children who have been rescued from the threat of human trafficking into a loving environment. There is space to add 26 more children. You can help restore and redeem these lives once destined for destitution. These children receive more than sponsorship here – they receive a family.To learn more about how you can help raise an orphan in Burma go to worldcompassion. tv, select Projects and Raising Orphans. Bless The Children Ministries (BTCM) began as a church planting mission in Uganda, but God had additional plans. This Tulsa based organization saw the need in Uganda for care for orphaned and needy children and met it head on. Support of orphans or sponsorship of students and house moms is available through BTCM. You might recognize this organization due to one of its key supporters, Matt Benjamin, a teen who took this ministry to heart and serves both as an advocate and fundraiser in spite of his young years! The issues facing children can seem overwhelming. This feeling can often create the “Starfish Effect” where one feels there is so much to do that it is simply impossible to make a difference. These organizations, and others like them, offer an avenue of transformation that can range from small steps to marathons. My hope is that you will both be encouraged and challenged to join in where God is moving your church to act. For ways your church can either begin or strengthen involvement in this area, please visit the websites of the organizations or contact Unite My City for more information at 918.492.2858 ext 116 or by email. Unite My City continues to support the spirit of unity in the Body of Christ in Tulsa - and beyond. You can learn more about Unite My City at unitemycity. tv.

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castle at muskogee

the CASTLE of MUSKOGEE PRESENTS

10 Spooktacular Events from not scary to VERY SCARY! I

t is that time of year again when kids of all ages tend to dress up in costume and enjoy some cool evenings at The Castle of Muskogee. No matter your comfort level on the scary stuff, The Castle does a great job of providing thrills for the entire family. They invite you to come into the Village and then select between ten different “not-so-scary” to “I won’t be able to sleep tonight” events to attend. Although each “Haunt” has its own price and its own level of fear, no matter which you choose, you can count on a good time. The 2014 Festival is open from 6-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays including Halloween night, October 3rd through November 1st. Ready for scary fun, the park is open rain or shine. (Monsters don’t melt!) Here is a bit of what you can expect…

Halloween Village: Start in the Halloween Village with FREE ADMISSION. You can find hot and cold drinks, food, shops, ghost stories, fortune tellers, music, games, bounce houses, and many of your favorite friendly Halloween characters in the streets. The village is wheel-chair accessible (Children 15 and Under MUST be accompanied by a parent!) Gates are open 6pm till 10pm. Once inside the Village, go to the Main Ticket booth to purchase your tickets for any of the Haunts! If you purchased tickets online, you will exchange them at the E-ticket booth just inside the Main Gates.

1. Halloweenland: A safe Halloween area for the little ones. It’s a carnival of delight with no scares. Intended for children 8 years and younger. (Accompanying adults do not need a ticket.) Wheelchair accessible. $4 per child. Open 6pm till 9pm.

Shooting Gallery (1st Weekend ONLY!): Use your marksmanship skills and kill ghosts and goblins. $2 each.

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2. Chessboard Stage: Experience the delights of Raks al Hassana dance, the magic of Matthew van Zee, and the comedy of the Jester Rejectsentertainment for the entire family on the outdoor stage. Wheelchair accessible. $8 Adults, $5 children 12 and under. 30 minute shows starting at 7pm.

3. Enchanted Boardwalk: Meander through the Boardwalk in the woods and behold over 200 Halloween inflatables…keep an eye out for faeries and their houses! Great for all ages. Wheelchair accessible. $2 each. Open 7:30 pm till close.

4. Torture Chamber: See what really happened in medieval times in the depths of the dungeons. This indoor visit to the Castle is educational *and* disturbing! Appropriate for ages 8 and up. Wheelchair accessible. $2 each. Open 7 pm till close.

5. Ultimate Maze: Dare to walk the many pathways of this outdoor haunted maze. Ok for kids 8 and older. $8 Adult, $5 for children 12 and under. Open 7:30 pm till close.

6. Haunted Hayride: A ride through the Castle grounds sure to keep you on your toes! More startles than intense scares. Great for kids 8 and older, and fun for everyone. $10 Adults, $7 for children 12 and under. Open 7:30 pm till close.

7. Casa Morte: An indoor journey through the labyrinth of our medieval castle, with chills around every corner. Ok for patrons 13 and older. Wheelchair accessible. $8 all tickets. Open 7 pm till close.

8. Domus Horrificus: The ultimate Halloween indoor spook house. Watch out for a variety of characters you thought were only in movies. Recommended for patrons 13 years and older.

$8 all tickets. Open 7 pm till close.

9. Trail of Blood:

A stroll through the haunted woods at night, through a cemetery. Recommended for patrons 13 years and older. Not recommended for the faint of heart. $10 all tickets. Open 7:30 pm till close.

10. The Dark Castle Zombie Hunt Hunt zombies and search for survivors in an overrun indoor and outdoor compound. A big hit when introduced last year, the ten thousand square foot Dark Castle Zombie Hunt will continue in 2014. You will be issued an infrared assault weapon that fires special “Zombie Bullets” to protect yourself and kill Zombies while you search for survivors of the raging Zombie wars inside. Recommended for patrons 13 years and older. A limited number of tickets are sold each night.

What is NEW this year?? You can expect a bigger, better, and more exciting Halloween Festival at The Castle of Muskogee with new scenery, more actors, and new merchants. Enjoy ten great Halloween events at one incredible location.

What is available for the little ones and the faint of heart? There is always the Haunted Hayride, a trip that is sure to keep you on your toes as you ride through the Halloween Festival grounds. You can also enjoy the Enchanted Boardwalk, a chance to stroll on

Hunt For Zombies In the Dark Castle

the boardwalk filled with Halloween inflatables. It is also you where you can experience live entertainment on the Chessboard Stage with the Magic of Matthew VanZee, the delightful Raks al Hassana Dancers, and the comedy of the Jester Rejects. For little ones 8 years of age and under, The Halloween Festival hosts Halloween Land – an old fashioned carnival of kid-friendly games, face painting, and prizes with absolutely no scares! The Halloween Village is the place where everyone experiences the very best of Halloween, including ghost stories, dancing, hot & cold food and drinks, games, and bounce houses. Best of all, admission to the Village is FREE!

Pricing Details?? Parking and admission to the Halloween Village is FREE. Tickets must be purchased for each event and the prices range from $2.00 to $15.00 with Combo Specials available. Advance tickets may be purchased on-line. Go to okcastle.com to check out ticket prices, combo packages and specials. Everyone under the age of 18 must have a picture I.D. to enter. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Where is Castle at Muskogee?? The Castle is located a short 35-minute drive from Tulsa on the Muskogee Turnpike, 3400 West Fern Mountain Road in Muskogee

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Fun For The Whole Family!

Fridays & Saturdays Oct. 3 - Nov.1 • okcastle.com • 1-800 / 439-0658 C ommu n ity sp ir itmagazin e.com

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lose your quit B Y

DANNY CAHILL

What is your WHAT?

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.

n continuing with my last two articles, perhaps some of you aren’t even at the point that you know WHAT it is that you want to do or achieve. When we don’t quite know WHAT it is that we want, it can be quite hard to get it! Think of your life as a journey, and you have a GPS (or as Herman Cain calls it, Guiding Principles of Success). WHAT do you need to know? Well, the first WHAT is your current coordinates! We all want to go somewhere, but if you don’t know where to start, how can you take the first step? I always tell people who join my Simply Lose It™ bootcamp to weigh in before beginning to get a starting point! Otherwise, you could be making progress towards your goal and not even know it! We need small victories to continue to motivate us toward our goal! Otherwise, we just might quit when we feel defeated. We also may even be sabotaging our success and moving backwards! How would you even know if you never acquired your current coordinates? Second, you need to know your destination. If you use your GPS without placing your ending coordinates as the destination, you simply have something that shows you where you currently are; not where you are going! To make progress in your Journey, you must have your WHAT, or a specific goal in mind. How you get there may go left, right, even a few steps back at times, but you should be continually making progress. The speed isn’t always important, and sometimes you have to stop to smell the roses, but

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OCTOBER 2014

making some sort of progress is important! So the second WHAT you need is your goal. The third WHAT you need is a plan. It may be a complex plan, or just a simple plan! But there must be a plan! I see many people that want something, but they have no idea how to get there! That’s okay, but you need to figure that out before you embark on your journey. Otherwise, you may be going in the wrong direction, or even creating things you’ll need to fix or change later! Once, my dad asked me to dig the grass out of an area in the yard and level it for our new above ground pool. There was a trailer I was going to put the dirt in. I just began to dig! I threw the dirt towards the trailer, and when I was finished, about a third of the dirt actually made it in the trailer. Then I had to do twice the work to finish the job! Why didn’t I take the time and devise the plan to get the dirt in the trailer the first time? Ugh! This is what you may be doing by not pausing to devise a plan – a business, weight-loss, marriage, or savings plan! Find help if you need it, get the information you need, and devise a plan! The fourth WHAT you need is the courage and motivation you’ll need to stay the course! It may look like you aren’t making progress at times, but if you know where you began, know where you are going, have a plan, and take periodic spot checks to assure you are on course, you’ll find the faith that every step you are taking is making a difference! Some days you’ll find it harder than others to get moving, but always remember that WHY we talked about a few weeks ago and that should keep you motivated! Sometimes the next step you need to take will be a little scary, but again remember that WHY and also call on your WHO’S to keep you motivated, accountable, and to help you continue along the journey! So WHAT are your starting coordinates, WHAT are your ending coordinates, WHAT is your plan, and WHAT will keep you motivated and give you courage to make it happen! With these, you’ll soon be closer than you ever dreamed to WHAT you really want!

In The Journey Training (www.thejourneytraining.com), we believe that goal setting is important! In each class we help people set goals and find action steps to take to begin! If you’ve been having trouble moving forward, join the next Threshold class and begin your Journey now!

[Neh. 2:18]

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