March 2010

Sports: Fitness: All Things Sainted The Temple LSU Basketball & MSU 2010 FB How to stick with your fitness plan

CSN Christian Star News

World News: Murders of Christians in Mossul - Iraq Rebuilding After War

magazine Issue 15 march 2010

USA

www.csn-paper.com Christians, TAKE A STAND! LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD! GET INVOLVED TODAY! This Magazine is for YOU.

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Staff CSN General Information: (337) 515-7196 www.CSN-Paper.com Publisher: Monica Soileau monicasoileau@christianstarnewspaper.com Chief Editor: Rolland Soileau rollandsoileau@christianstarnewspaper.com Advertising: Amy Carpenter - Sales Manager ac@christianstarnewspaper.com (337) 515-7196 Angus Carter anguscarter@att.net (337) 302-9779 (337) 433-6590 Chauncey Latigue cl@christianstarnewspaper.com (337) 794-7304 Derrick Singleton; SWLA derricksingleton@christianstarnewspaper.com (337) 853-5172 Designer: Chief - Sasha Singleton sashasingleton@christianstarnewspaper.com (337) 853-9883 Contributors: Bernadette Seaberry Dr. Alfred Adams Derrick Singleton Carl Comeaux Chauncy Latigue Kirk Fontenot Martie Richmond Michele Ledoux Abshire Michele Stagg Woods Monica Soileau Nancy Lasher Paulette Harper Rafael Bastien-Herrera Rolland Soileau Rev. E.J. Kemper III Sharon Galicia SWLA Women’s Commission Vivian Guillory His Eye for Design Distribution Managers: Derrick Singleton: Louisiana Nolan Melonson: Houston, Texas Disclaimer: The entire content of this paper is copyrighted © March 2010 by Christian Star News. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Christian Star News is not responsible for any claims made by advertisers. The views and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the publisher.

Contents: Pg. 5-10 Special Bridal Section Pg. 11-13 World News Pg. 16-18 Hope & Restoration Pg. 20-21 Gardening with Derrick Pg. 22-24 Inspirational Pg. 25-27 Health & Fitness Pg. 28-30 Youth Activity & Bible Trivia Pg. 32-34 What’s Going on in Our Community?

Pg. 35-38 Sports Pg. 39 Cajun Creole Cooking on the Bayou

Our writers need encouragement too. Please write in & let them know if their article has helped you in any way.

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Scripture of the Month

Matthew 19:26 Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (NIV) PAGE4 3 Fitness PAGE

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Why A Christian Wedding Service?

Since couples who have been married by a justice of the peace or a ship’s captain are just as married as those who have had a church wedding, this question is fair to ask. The answer comes easily - and is exhilarating for the one who believes in Jesus Christ.

The basic reason a Christian ceremony is proper for the believer is that marriage in Christ is more than a mere contract. The early Christians understood something that is often forgotten today: Marriage is a unio mystica, a mystical union. They saw marriage as the creation of a profound unity between two individual people. Since believers are already united in Christ, marriage brings about the greatest of unions. The spiritual union gives an added depth to marriage, and this depth of relationship makes a distinctly Christian wedding ceremony very appropriate.

Christians also realize that marriage was instituted by God in the original creation order. According to Genesis 2, God declared all creation good - except for one aspect. Then Lord God said, “ It is not good for the man to be alone, I will make him a helper suitable for him.” (Gen.2-18, NASB) And so, God created marriage.

Christ Himself honored marriage by performing His first public miracle at the marriage in Cana of Galilee. (see John 2:1-11) God celebrates believers’ marriages and so should his people.

A Christian wedding ceremony is most natural for believers because it publicly displays the deepest of commitments. It gives the couple an opportunity to declare before family & friends their life-long devotion, and thus invite the support and prayers of their Christian brothers & sisters. It also gives the Christian community the opportunity to publicly approve and support the marriage.

The image of the bride, radiant in her white dress, and the groom, lovingly at her side, provides a marvelous symbol of Christ and the Church. One day Christ will “present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle.”

(Eph. 5-25,NASB ) This unique symbolism in itself is reason enough to have a Christian ceremony.

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A Bride’s Checklist If you have your heart set on a location that is popular, you may have to reserve it anywhere from six months to a year ahead of time. With an increase in formal weddings you will be surprised how many locations, caterers, and photographers are reserved months in advance. Remember the time flies by quickly. The less time you allow yourself the more flexible you will have to be about the date.

Even if your wedding is small and less formal you should still allow yourself three months, or two at the very least. This would be in the event of a home wedding, a less popular month,

or maybe even a weekday wedding.

In any case, the wedding gown would have to be made, borrowed, or purchased off the rack (generally dresses must be ordered four to six months before the wedding.)

You have the rest of your life to be married, so take your time and enjoy the pre-wedding parties, the shopping, the planning, and the excitement before that special day. Then they will become memories that always bring you pleasure.

Remember:

• Determine the time of year for your wedding, your favorite season, a special date that’s meaningful to you or your groom.

• Consult important family members to avoid conflicts.

• Determine the best time that you can both take time off from work.

• Consider your honeymoon plans; is it a good time of year to honeymoon where you’ve always dreamed of going?

• Be realistic and allow yourself enough time to plan the wedding you’ve always wanted.

Bridal

PAGE 9

Six to Twelve Months

Two Weeks Before

_ Select a wedding date & time. _ Make a preliminary budget. _ Determine your wedding theme or style. _ Reserve your ceremony & reception location. _ Hire a wedding consultant, if you plan to use one. _ Decide on your color scheme. _ Determine the size of the guest list. _ Start compiling names & addresses of guests. _ Select Bridal attendants. _ Have fiancé select his attendants. _ Plan reception. _ Check catering facilities, if at a club or hotel. _ Select a caterer, if one is necessary. _ Select a professional photographer & videographer. _ Select a professional florist. _ Select your dress & headpiece. _ Announce your engagement in the newspaper. _ Select bridesmaids’ dresses. _ Select engagement ring with fiancé, if he has not already done so. _ Make transportation arrangements for wedding day.

_ Prepare wedding announcements to be sent to newspaper. _ Reconfirm the accommodations for out-of-town guests. _ Attend to business and legal details. Get necessary forms to change name on Social Security Cards, driver’s license, insurance and medical plans, bank accounts, make a will. _ Arrange to have possessions and gifts moved to your new home. Give a change of address to the post office. _ Finish addressing announcements to be mailed on the wedding day.

Four Months Before _ Make final arrangements for ceremony (deposits should be paid, contracts signed. _ Make sure all the bridal attire is ordered. _ Have both mothers coordinate and select their dresses. _ Register at a bridal registry in the towns of both families. _ Order invitations and personal stationary. _ Complete the guest list and compile them in order. _ Select the men’s wedding attire and reserve the right shoes. _ Check requirements for marriage license in your state. _ Make appointment for physical exam. _ Shop for wedding rings. _ Start planning the honeymoon. _ Decide where you will live after the wedding. _ Begin shopping for trousseau.

Two Months before _ Address invitations and announcements. They should be mailed 4-6 weeks before wedding. _ Finalize all details with caterer, photographer, florist, reception hall manager, musicians, etc. _ Order wedding cake, if not supplied by caterer. _ Finalize ceremony details with officiant. _ Make rehearsal arrangements. _ Plan rehearsal dinner. _ Make appointment with hairdresser. _ Arrange accomodations for out-of-town attendants or guests. _ Finalize honeymoon plans.

One Month Before _ Have a final fitting for you& bridal attendants gowns. _ Have a formal bridal portrait done. _ Complete all physical and dental appointments. _ Get marriage license. _ Purchase gifts for attendants. _ Purchase gifts for fiance, if gifts are being exchanged. _ Have the bridesmaids luncheon. _ Purchase going away outfit. _ Keep a careful record of all gifts received (write thank you notes immediately instead of letting them pile up.) _ Make sure you have all accessories, toasting goblets, ring pillow, garter, candles, etc. _ Select responsible person to handle guestbook and determine its location.

One Week Before _ Contact guest who have not responded. _ Give the final count to caterer and review details. _ Go over final details with all professional services you have engaged. Inform them of any changes. _ Give the photographer the list of pictures you want. _ Give the videographer a list of shots you would like included in the video. _ Give all musicians the lists of music for the ceremony and reception. _ Plan the seating arrangements. _ Arrange for someone to assist with last minute errands and to help you dress. _ Practice having your hair done to make sure it comes out properly, and determine the time it will take. _ Practice using you makeup in the same type of lighting you will have on the wedding day. _ Keep up with the writing of your thank you notes. _ Pack your suitcase for the honeymoon. _ Make sure you have the marriage license. _ Make sure you have the wedding rings, and make sure they fit. _ Make sure all wedding attire is picked up and fits. _ Have a rehearsal with all participants, reviewing their duties. _ Attend rehearsal dinner party. Stay calm and enjoy yourself. _ Stay with the family the night before the wedding. Get to bed early.

You will want to look and feel great the next day.

On the Wedding Day _ Be sure to eat something. You have a big day ahead, and many brides have been know to faint. _ Take a nice relaxing bath. _ Fix hair or have appointment to have it done at least 3 to 4 hours before the ceremony. _ Make sure nails are done. Allow plenty of time to apply make-up.

Have all accessories together. _ Start dressing one to one-and-a-half hours before the ceremony. If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, then have yourself and attendants ready about two hours before the ceremony (photographers & bridal attendants should arrive forty-five minutes to an hour before the ceremony for pictures.) _ Have guests seated. Five minutes before the ceremony, have groom’s parents seated. Immediately before processional the bride’s mother is seated and the isle runner is rolled out...

After the Wedding _ Send announcements and wedding picture to newspapers. _ Mail announcements. _ Write and mail thank you notes.

Bridal

PAGE 10

More Stage-Setting for Gog-Magog By: Dr. Alfred Adams www.nearingmidnight.com An interesting development, although at cursory glance seems of little importance, brings thoughts of what might come to be. Even the most innocuous of events in these times of stage-setting for fulfillment of Bible prophecy in the Middle East warrant a closer look.

When a Saudi prince says that sanctions on a feared fellow Islamic state enemy, Iran, aren't working, so something stronger should be done, the declaration makes one wonder why this statement is made for public consumption. Iran is indeed Saudi's enemy. Many within Islam have long wanted the Saudi royal family dethroned and replaced with their own dictatorships. Iran is the strongest of the Islamic states, both in military strength and in desire to dominate that Middle Eastern world. Fulfilling such Iranian desires would necessitate the overthrow of Saudi royalty, so the Saudis are taking notice. Those facts alone should stand by themselves to point to the dangers presented by Mideast volatility.

However, being observers of these things from the perspective of Bible prophecy, we look deeper to find meanings. This is especially important to do since so many stage-setting issues and events now line up on the biblically prophetic horizon.

Therefore it was with observer's antenna raised that I homed in with fascination upon the few words of one of the Saudi spokesmen in a news item. The report said that the spokesman for Saudi Arabia expressed doubt that further sanctions against the Iranian regime's determination to continue with its nuclear development program would do any good.

Now, we might expect an Islamic brother to say this on behalf of another Islamic brother. All Islamic states--as history has proven--so hate Israel that they would want the Western powers to back off of imposing sanctions that bring pressure to bear upon fellow Israel haters.

At first glance, this statement seems designed to alleviate such pressure on the Iranians. But, the Saudi spokesman wants to forget the sanctions so that greater, not lesser, pressure be brought to bear on Iran and its developing nuclear threat.

Not only does he want greater pressure, but pressure of the more immediate sort.

Prince Saud al-Faisal told a news conference in the Saudi capital that the threat posed by Iran's nuclear ambitions demands a more immediate solution than sanctions. He described sanctions as a long-term solution, and he said the threat is more pressing. (Robert Burns, "Saudi Official Questions New Sanctions on Iran," AP, 2/16/10).

The Saudi foreign minister spoke this past Monday in a joint appearance with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"Sanctions are a long-term solution," alFaisal said. Then, speaking of Iran and it's nuclear program, he said, "But we see the issue in the shorter term because we are closer to the threat." He said further, "We need immediate resolution rather than gradual resolution."

The news story came to the conclusion that the U.S. delegation who shared the press conference with al-Faisal were confused by the Saudi minister's words. U.S. officials traveling with Clinton said privately they were uncertain what al-Faisal meant, since the Saudi government has been explicit in its support of sanctions against Iran. They said he appeared to be suggesting that sanctions may not be effective and that other action could be required. (Ibid.)

It seems to me that Saudi royalty genuinely does fear the likes of Iranian dictator Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the ruling clerics of that biblically prophetic Persian nation. One should not believe for a moment, however, that Secretary Clinton and the U.S. delegation is confused as to what the Saudi Kingdom's spokesman means with regard to wanting to move beyond sanctions that aren't working and straight to stronger actions.

The story gave a clue as to what is really meant behind all of the Saudi's words of concern. This is what my antenna homed in on--in a brief, obscure part of the story: "The Saudi minister also said efforts supported by the U.S. to rid the Middle East of nuclear weapons must apply to Israel" (Ibid.)

All of Islam, especially militant Islam, hates Israel and its presence in that land-more than they fear each other. And this is where my paranoia, as detractors of my opinion might call it (but better put, my cynicism), leaps to the forefront of analyzing this almost-hidden mention that al-Faisal wants Israel's nuclear capability neutered.

Make no mistake. All the Islamic states of the region would climb on board Israel's being forced or cajoled into surrendering its suspected nuclear capability. The very hint by America's number-one Islamic ally in the region, suggesting that Israel be forced to give up its nukes, is significant, in my view. Such an ingredient will almost assuredly one day be part of a centerpiece of making the false, deadly peace of Isaiah 28:15 and 18 and Daniel 9:26-27.

Israel will at some point become a people at rest, apparently trusting and depending upon others rather than the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) to protect the nation.

Certainly, they won't be trusting God to defend them. At such a time, the GogMagog coalition will attack full force. Look for there to be ever-increasing calls for a nuclear-free Middle East region, as part of stage setting for Ezekiel 38-39 to be fulfilled.

World News

PAGE 11

Northern Iraq Archbishop gives dire warning as killings continue in Mosul Archbishop Amil Shamaaoun Nona of Mosul has warned that a campaign of violence and intimidation against Christians threatens to wipe out those left in the city. Emphasizing the growing alarm within the population, the archbishop described how a sudden rise in killings sparked more emigration of Christians, raising concerns for the survival of a local Church which dates back to biblical times.

By John Pontifex, ACN UK Adapted by Amanda Griffin, ACN Canada

Speaking from Mosul in an interview with Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), Archbishop Nona described the murder of four Christians in as many days as part of a politically motivated drive to force them from the northern Iraqi city.

The archbishop was speaking today (Thursday, 18th February), barely 24 hours after 20-year-old student-teacher Wissam Georges became the fourth Christian to be killed this week in Mosul.

In what Christians are describing as ‘a massacre – like Good Friday’, the killing began shortly after Zayia Thomas, an engineering student from Mosul University, was gunned down in the city’s al-Tahrir district. Fellow student Ramsen Shamyael, who was nearby, was also injured in the shooting. Simultaneously, Catholic agency AsiaNews reported that two traders in Mosul were killed; another Christian man was kidnapped from his home in Mosul.

These attacks had specifically targeted Christians, Archbishop Nona said: “If the situation continues as it has done, especially over the past few days, all the people will leave. It is very difficult to live in this kind of situation.

It is panic – panic always. The Christians don’t know what will happen to them – it is the same everywhere: in the office, at school or even at home. They don’t know if somebody is going to kill them.” He believes the attacks

Source: Mario Bard, Information, ACNCanada (514) 932-0552, Ext 224 1-800-585-6333 com@acn-aed-ca.org Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is an international Catholic charity whose mandate is “to serve with love the most suffering and destitute local Churches.”

Founded in 1947 by Father Werenfried, it gives spiritual and material aid to the Church in need in more than 137 countries.

had prompted more Christians to leave the city, reporting that yesterday (Wed, 17th Feb) alone he had received news of up to 10 families fleeing Mosul.

The plight of Christians in Iraq – politically motivated?

Underlining that Mosul was by far the most dangerous place for Christians in Iraq, Archbishop Nona said that the city’s Christians had drastically reduced in number since 2003 when there were up to 5,000 families living there. “What we are seeing is an effort to force Christians to leave Mosul. We don’t know who is behind the attacks.” With regard to suggestions that the killings are linked to the upcoming general elections in Iraq, he said: “We think that they are politically motivated – that some group has something to gain if all Christians go.” He continued to say that the Church had begged the Mosul authorities to improve security but had been told that it was impossible to guarantee the safety of Christians.

Mosul’s Christians have suffered periodic attacks, most notably in September 2008 when a series of killings and abductions forced half the faithful to leave the city. The majority subsequently returned over the following weeks and months.

Meanwhile, others have sought sanctuary in the northerly Kurdistan region, where security is tighter. Many are determined to join family and friends in neighbouring countries including Syria and Jordan.

The incidents are an early test for the 42-yearold prelate, arriving less than a month after he became the Catholic Church’s youngest archbishop, replacing Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho who died in captivity in March 2008.

Archbishop Nona concluded by appealing for help and prayer: “We desperately need you to pray for us,” he said, urging that more media coverage of the plight of Christians in Mosul was “very important”. Supporting the Church in the Middle East is now a priority for Aid to the Church in Need, which recently received a request on behalf of Pope Benedict XVI to support the Church in a region “where the local Churches are threatened in their very existence”.

Haiti The Church and its view on the catastrophe. Catholic Radio and Television Network and Aid to the Church in Need are presenting a short report on the situation of the Catholic Church in Haiti. The program entitled “Haiti an Urgent Cry for Help” allows us to witness the extent of the devastation caused to the churches and various religious buildings in Port-auPrince: images which have not yet circulated through the regular media.

By Mario Bard, ACN Canada Translated by Amanda Griffin, ACN Canada The loss of human life is so much more important however. We know that the archbishop of Port-au-Prince, Msgr. Joseph Serge Miot was killed during the quake, as were 31 seminarians. Religious communities and missionaries are also counted among the dead.

Despite this calamity of which it is a victim – as is the entire population – the Church went to work and participated in search and rescue work, it supported the population in Haiti with whom, for many years, it has shared in a daily struggle against poverty.

Elsewhere, since rescue operations began, the Apostolic Nuncio, Msgr. Bernadito Auza, took on the responsibility of coordinating the help being offered, particularly by members of the diocesan Church. Actually in this short report of just over eight minutes, Msgr. Auza speaks out about his experience.

Many of the humanitarian organizations will leave Haiti when the immediate crisis has been addressed. But, the Church will stay with the people, amidst the same ruins, ready to be supportive.

To view this other take on the quake in Haiti, follow this link: http://www.wheregodweeps.org/haitiearthquake-video/ This report is also available in Spanish Donations for Haiti: Aid to the Church in Need is continuing to collect donations for Haiti: Aid to the Church in Need Canada – Support for Haïti 514-932-0552 1-800-585-6333 info@acn-aed-ca.org www.acn-aed-ca. org Donation by mail: Aid to the Church in Need – Canada P.O. 670, Stn. H Montréal, Québec

World News

PAGE 12

SRI LANKA Rebuilding after war Bishop Thomas Savundaranayagam of Jaffna, a leading bishop of north Sri Lanka, describes the desolation of a region devastated by war and the need to hasten resettlement to the former war zone while its citizens wait in refugee camps to return home.

By John Newton, ACN UK “We and the Army men here too [in the north] are of the opinion that the resettlement should go faster and some pressure must be exerted by the Religious, Foreign Missions and the Government MPs to accelerate the process. The Government Agent alone is helpless.” stated the bishop in a letter to the Apostolic Nuncio, Rev. Dr. Joseph Spiteri. “The people are anxiously waiting in the Cheddikulam Camps for the day they will be taken to the above places to the East of A9 road [Elephant Pass].”

The bishop’s comments come after he visited the former war zone last month to assess the state of church buildings. As those who were displaced during last year’s civil conflict in Sri Lanka are slowly beginning to return home, Bishop Savundaranayagam undertook

a fact-finding mission to examine the state of churches, convents and other church buildings in the former war zones.

On the 29th of January the army escorted the bishop’s group to Puthukudiyiruppu village – making brief visits to the churches on the way – where he met the commander of the Sri-Lankan Special Forces. Bishop Savundaranayagam reported that the area’s main church, St.Joseph’s, is in a bad condition after the fighting.

The bishop wrote in his letter: “It was the same with the Mission House and the R.C. school. Since this village had been the centre of LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] activities and had been under them for a long time, fierce fighting had taken place. Not a single house has been spared and the whole place with broken Coconut and fallen Palmyrah trees was a scene of devastation. We were taken to other churches also (St.Sebastian, Infant Jesus, Holy Face, etc.) and most of them had their roofs blown off and the statues broken and Mass things strewn all over. With the rains, jungle-shrubs had overgrown everywhere”, he explained.

The group was surprised to find that the army also allowed the clerics to visit Iranaipalai, the former stronghold of the LTTE. The Church of Fatima in Iranaipalai had been damaged by artillery fire; many abandoned civilian

vehicles were left in the streets.

Bishop Savundaranayagam said: “Both sides had fought hard – irresponsible of the civilians’ lives.”

The bishop also visited the no-fire zone, Mathalan, where 100,000 people had taken refuge on a narrow strip of land during the last stage of the war. “This had been the scene of death for thousands of soldiers, militants as well as the fleeing poor civilians,” continued the bishop.

As well as assessing the sate of the badly damaged church, the bishop described seeing evidence of how people had fled for their lives, writing: “We saw in an open place thousands of push cycles heaped up. They were left behind by the fleeing people at the last moment.

Similarly we saw the sight of thousands of motor-cycles, cars, lorries all rusting in the open air.” He reported only meeting soldiers in this part of the country.

Finally, they visited Mullaithivu, Vadamarachchi East, and the settlements between Nagar Kovil and Chundikulam. Extensive reconstruction of church buildings will be required after people have been resettled there.

During last year’s conflict Aid to the Church in Need, the charity for persecuted and other suffering Christians, dispatched emergency aid for Sri Lanka, totalling nearly $72,465.00 CND (€50,000).

What Difference can I Make?

What difference can I make?

I’m only one person. My vote doesn’t count. I don’t know how to be involved. I’m just trying to take care of me and my family.

If you’ve ever said any of these statements, read on. This article is for you.

As a child, my boundaries were limitless. As a teenager, I thought I could change the world. As a person in my twenties, I was just getting my feet wet in the “real world” and still my enthusiasm for changing the world was undaunted. Then something happened. I don’t know if it was cynicism, or a dose of reality, but I realized that alone, I was not

making the changes I wanted to see in my world. I soon realized that I could not accomplish all that was in my heart to do by myself.

After realizing this, a sadness came over my soul, but not for long. Although I could not effect the change I wanted as only one person, I could be one person of a collective many that could make a difference.

George Washington was only one man, yet together with the Continental Army they defeated the British. One person can make a difference; Jesus did. And He has called you to make a difference as well.

Each and every one of us has a purpose, and until we are moving toward that purpose we will feel empty and unfulfilled. So, put away all of your excuses, and believe me, there will be plenty of excuses for inaction. Start making a difference today. Vote, pray for your elected officials, get involved in the local political party that holds the same values you hold.

Remember what Edmund Burke said. “All that is necessary

for the triumph of evil is that good men to do nothing.”

Sharon Galicia

World News

PAGE 13

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How Can Communities of Faith Prevent Interpersonal/ Relationship Violence?

The first step is to acknowledge that the problem of interpersonal violence exists within the faith community and make a commitment to address it. Victims/ survivors of interpersonal/relationship violence can be of any age, gender, race, culture, sexual orientation, economic status, or faith. It takes a lot of courage to reveal abuse. The most important thing to remember is the victim/survivor is “not at fault.” One of the toughest things to deal with after a victim/survivor tells about the abuse may the reaction of other people.

Ignoring the problem hinders the healing process and creates a dangerous sense of “normalcy” that allows the cycle of violence to continue. Some will support the victim, encourage, and defend. Others will say things like “Why didn’t you just tell the person to stop?” or “Why didn’t you scream?” or “Are you sure you didn’t just misunderstand what happened?”, or “I think you should forget it and get on with your life.” The one voice a victim/ survivor needs to hear above the others is their own voice reminding them that they did the right thing by telling.

Abusers are very creative in their efforts to absolve themselves of blame. Besides telling the victim that he or she is responsible for the abuse, abusers will often try to convince the victim that what is happening is normal, loving, and appropriate.

For perpetrators, religious teaching can be used to justify behavior and avoid ac-

countability, particularly in the family.

For victims/survivors, religious questions often overshadow other concerns: Why did God let this happen to me? Am I being punished by God for my sins? Do I have to forgive the person who did this to me? Interpersonal/Relationship violence is like a violent storm that cuts a swath through the lives of victims/survivors and secondary victims (those who love them).

Left in its wake are complex feelings of grief, anger, confusion, fear, helplessness, isolation, uncertainty, injustice, lack of support, loss of trust, shame, and a profound sense that one’s world may never be the same…life before the violence and life now. The emotional impact of interpersonal violence continues well beyond the attack.

Victims typically consider such questions as: *Should I tell my family and friends? *What will others think of me? *How will this affect those I love? *Do I report this to the police?

Interpersonal violence always has an impact, whether we are willing to admit it or not. The effects can be seen in the way we interact with other people, the hurtful things we do to our bodies, and our basic attitude toward life. Consequences related to interpersonal violence are: *Eating Disorders *Drugs and Alcohol *Self-Mutilation *Promiscuousness/Prostitution

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Call for more details 337.515.7196

*Suicide *Perfection *STD’s/HIV *Self-Esteem Issues *Psychiatric Problems *Pregnancy *Homelessness Rape Crisis Outreach is the sexual violence program of the Calcasieu Women’s Shelter. RCO provides free and confidential services to men, women, and children, both primary and secondary (family members/partners) victims of past and present assaults/abuse. You can learn more about our program by visiting our web page at www.cwshelter.org and click on the evergreen branch at the bottom of the page.

If you are interested in volunteering, click on the Volunteer tab to the left.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This is the second article of a three part series. Next month I will address the education, prevention, and awareness programs (age appropriate) available to the communities of faith to continue the fight against interpersonal violence.

Vivian Reed Guillory Community Educator / Trainer vguillory@cwshelter.org Crisis Hotline (337)494-7273 or 1-866-570-7273

CSN provides logo creation, business cards, ad design, brochures, push cards, invitations and more... hiseye4dezign@gmail.com www.wix.com/ariel05/hiseye4dezign 337.853.9883 Restoring Hope

PAGE 16

In all four Gospel’s the beautiful miracle is recorded of Jesus Christ caring for a needy mass of people with the provisions from a little boy and his lunch. Multitudes of lovely images come to mind as this miraculous event is read and meditated on. Interestingly, not any clues are given to describe what was done with the baskets of left over remains of unwanted fish and bread.

Over the centuries many ministries have been birthed from this marvelous example of immense human need and Godly intervention.

There is one word repeated in every account that somehow can be ignored for all of the wonders expressed…fragments. An interesting choice of words for what we also call rubbish, trash, waste, garbage and wreckage.

From the example of a need and a Godly intervention comes the concept of caring for what is called the stuff often considered worthy of throwing away. There is absolutely no doubt that Jesus was concerned with every single fragment.

The ministry to the “fragments” is to see beyond the moment, reach into the future with repurposed intent to create new possibilities of hope. Prisons and jails all across our country are the depiction of fragmented lives. The incarcerated person is not only a fragmented

life but also their families, children, victims, and everyone whose lives they touch. The ripple effect across our lives, communities and nation is immeasurable.

Louisiana has the highest incarceration rate per capita in the

The Anima Christi is an ancient prayer to Jesus in the tradition of the Catholic Church.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me Body of Christ, save me Blood of Christ, inebriate me (refresh me) Water from the side of Christ, wash me Passion of Christ, strengthen me O good Jesus, hear me Within Thy wounds hide me Separated from Thee let me never be

United States followed by Texas, Mississippi and Oklahoma respectively. Recidivism (known to most as the revolving door) is at a dreadful rate of more than two thirds at the end of five years in Louisiana.

Since this affects everyone, we all have a stake in real solutions to restore hope in these lives!

The truest solution is in the words of Christ for His disciples to tend to the fragments. A growing movement is sweeping our country to do just this! Huge coalitions of people are forming across the regions to help the incarcerated stay out for life. The staggering need is all to real and the hour of Godly intervention has come. To find the groups in your state that are working together to help prisoners stay Out 4 Life go to www.Out4Life.com and join the solution.

This article is written by Nancy Lasher BSN RN, the Re-Entry Director for The Open Door, FBCO, Inc. and the director of the South West Louisiana Out4Life Coalition.

From the malicious enemy defend me (from the malignant enemy defend me) In the hour of my death call me And bid me come unto Thee That I may praise Thee with Thy saints and with Thy angels (That with thy saints I may praise Thee) Forever and ever Amen

Restoring Hope

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Living above the chaos Paulette Harper, Minister & Author of That Was Then, This Is Now This Broken Vessel Restored.

Visit her on www.bvministry.org “Remember this! In the last days there will be many troubles, because people will love themselves, love money, brag, and be proud.

They will say evil things against others and will not obey their parents or be thankful or be the kind of people God wants. They will not love others, will refuse to forgive, will gossip, and will not control themselves. They will be cruel, will hate what is good, will turn against their friends, and will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God, and will act as if they serve God but will not have his power.” II Timothy 3:1-5 New Century Version.

We as a nation of people are facing some perilous and terrifying times. Yet, in spite of the hour in which we live, for the people of God it is a time of great opportunities and advancements. It is in times like these that our faith as a people must be stronger than ever before. Although we are not exempt from the elements of life, the changing of the seasons and times, there is a difference between us surviving the crisis or succumbing to the pressure.

This is the greatest hour for the church to shine, rise and be heard. When the world is regressing and going under, God will move His people forward, causing His people to progress and flourish. “Now a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. He said to his people, Behold, the Israelites are too many and too mighty for us and they outnumber us both in people and in strength]. Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, lest they multiply more and, should war befall us, they join our enemies, fight against us, and escape out of the land. So they set over [the Israelites] taskmasters to afflict and oppress them with [increased] burdens. And [the Israelites] built Pithom and Rameses as store cities for Pharaoh. But the more [the Egyptians] oppressed them, the more they multiplied and expanded, so that [the Egyptians] were vexed and alarmed because of the Israelites.” Exodus 1:8-12 Amplified During these rough economic times, it is God who will stabilize us and cause us to increase, prosper and propel in the worst conditions. The world is in a major crisis, and the pressure is even on us to compromise our faith, but we must remember as the children of Israel grew under pressure, hardship and oppression, we to will grow, multiply and increase as long as we believe by faith that God will see us through.

Our faith in Christ will triumph over all. “For whatever is born of God is victorious over the world; and this is the victory that conquers the world, even our faith.” I John 5:4 Amplified By faith you can ride through the rages of life, walk through turbulence, test, and dangerous situations without any evidence of being scared. By faith you can defeat worry, doubt and fear. There is absolutely nothing faith can not do!

Personal Story of Survival My faith in God has helped me make the transition from marriage to becoming single.

I am an independent, focused and a purpose driven woman. Did this happen over night?

No, it took me some time to get to this point

in my life. Though terrifying and frightening moments, would have defeated me, I learned that I was created to survive every crisis, disappointment and dilemma with Christ.

Independent and self sufficient because of Christ sufficiency, “Not that we are sufficient of our own selves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God” (II Corn 3:5 NKJV) By faith I was determined to push my self even when I wanted to collapse from the pressure. I stand poised today with dignity as the triumphant woman of God. Those that thought I wouldn’t make it, God proved them wrong. Those that laid a trap for me to fail and stumble, well I did fall, and I fell forward. I’ve advanced and stepped over the hurdles and pitfalls.

Surviving the crisis takes endurance. You must hold your head up and rise above your circumstances and conditions and soar like the eagles. Shake off the shame, the humilia-

tion, and the embarrassment, wipe away the tears because your faith in God will propel you to achieve and advance beyond your wildest hopes, imagination and dreams.

I’m reminded of a story in the bible with the woman who touched the hem of Jesus garment. Believing for healing and restoration she earnestly fought her way through the crowds of the self-righteous people. No doubt they looked at her with eyes of reproach, disgust and contempt. But nevertheless, her focus was not on her condition or what people were saying or what they thought about her; but the center of her attention was on Christ, the Messiah, the one who came to set people free from years of bondage and slavery. “You know the story of what happened in Judea.

It began in Galilee after John preached a total life-change. Then Jesus arrived from Nazareth, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit, ready for action. He went through the country helping people and healing everyone who was beaten down by the Devil.

He was able to do all this because God was with him.” Act 10:38 The Message Just as this woman lived in despair, we are living in calamitous times as well. Enormous times of uncertainties, catastrophic and heartache. Many people are facing overwhelming and insurmountable odds and facing difficulties with no answer in sight.

The woman with the issue of blood knew whom her source of peace, healing and wholeness would come from. As she moved forward in the confidence and reliance on Him all she needed to do was touch the hem of His garment, let that be our example.

When everyone else seems to be perishing under the pressure we will survive the crisis because our faith is not contingent on us making a way for ourselves, or trying to figure out how our needs are going to be met; surviving the crisis, the emergencies and the crucial times are solely based on our complete confidence, conviction and reliance on the one who controls the universe. “Examine and see how good the Lord is. Happy is the person who trusts Him. You, who belong to the LORD, fear Him! Those who fear Him will have everything they need.” Psalm 34:8-9 NCV Once realizing that my true source of hope, joy and recovery was only in Christ, I bravely accepted the lot that was given to me and today I can boldly say I stand strong, vibrant and full of purpose because of Christ the one who felt me touch the hem of His garment.

Restoring Hope

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A “Word” from the Publisher Christians Standing together to make a Positive Impact on our Community!

CSN Magazine is the 1 Central Printed Media source for you to let your Christian voice be heard! In Louisiana, the Christians are the largest population, yet the most silent group. There is a large difference from self-promotion versus TAKING A STAND IN WHAT YOU BELIEVE IN! The Christian Church/Community has the ability to contribute to the Positive Good News that goes out into our community.

Christians deserve the right to choose what they read and they deserve to stay informed on issues that impact them.

Christians deserve “Good, Clean, Positive, Encouraging” reading material. CSN helps your church or organization reach your community outside of your walls.

Together we can change the tone in our community. Participate in praying for your neighbors this month.

Psalms 133:1 says “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Get involved today. Join CSN Magazine Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will consist of Christian Leaders from different industries. The Board will help get churches to collaborate in forming 1 Strong Voice to reach our community. The Advisory Board will help in developing a “Christian Community Calendar of Events”. CSN will assist churches in increasing membership by providing information on each church involved on the Advisory Board.

The Board will help identify sponsors that will help cover expenses for printing the Christian Community Calendar of Events.

Christian Leaders will provide information to be published in CSN that provides positive guidance for everyday living for Christians.

If your church does not receive CSN, please contact us so that we can add you to our distribution list. If you would like to be involved on the Advisory Board, please contact us.

CSN is the Christian Voice for our community. It is your articles and your message that is going out to our community. CSN will be working with Christian Leaders to create a Christian Community Calendar of Events, Clean Family Fun. The secular community has a Calendar of Events and the Christian Community needs one as well. The Calendar of Events will be posted on CSN web site, as well as linking the church web sites on CSN web site so that community can access more information on the published events.

CSN is participating in the Harvest of Souls by assisting churches in providing community information on each church involved on the Advisory Board. CSN believes in community outreach.

CSN Magazine has expanded its content to include the following topics: 1. The Word of God 2. Restoring Hope & Faith in God (Chaplain Nancy Lasher-Out 4 Life Program and Church Leaders to provide articles to help rebuild lives) (Rape Crisis Center) 3. Inspirational (Church/Christian Leaders) 4. Cajun Creole Cooking Recipe Page 5. Health/Medical information to include Alternative Health Options (Pharmacist Clint Daniels) Others are welcome 6. Beauty 7. Fitness (Kirk Fontenot and Carl Comeaux, M.S.) 8. Sports, to include Little League, High School, College & Professional Sports 9. Financial (Financial Advisors are needed) 10. World News that impact Christians (Sponsors are needed) 11. Community Page (What's going on -- focus on Non-Profit Events) Recognizing everyday people that make a difference in our community by serving it.

12. Family Movie Recommendation 13. Gardening 14. Clean Family Fun (Christian Community Calendar of Events) 15. Clean Family Fun (Community Calendar of Events provided by

Tourist Bureau) 16. Christian Advice Column (Currently Divine Prescriptions) 17. Culture (Provided by San Francisco State University on Southern History) 18. Youth Activity Page for church Youth Groups (Contest each month to award a Gift Card to winner) 19. Coloring page for younger children. Winner will receive Easter Basket.

20. Bible Trivia for adults, sorry no contest at this time 21. Political Policies that impact Christians 22. Promoting Christian Musicians and Artists (Sponsors and writers are needed) 23. Legal Advice (Lawyers are needed)

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.

Romans 12:4-5 Inspirational

PAGE 19

Gardening with Derrick

ARE YOU READY FOR SPRING?

With Spring just around the corner, it is time to get serious and get the garden ready! The fickle weather of March makes it impossible to set dates and schedules for planting, so proceed with caution!

Late March and early April is a good time to transplant shrubs and trees. As soon as the soil is workable, but before buds have swelled or broken open, you can move shrubs and trees.

Fertilize shrubs and trees if this wasn’t done in February. Use an acid type rhododendron fertilizer to feed evergreens, conifers, broad leaf evergreens, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Use an all-purpose fertilizer to feed roses and other deciduous trees and shrubs. If you use granular type fertilizers, be sure to water it in thoroughly. Finish pruning fruit trees this month - before the buds swell.

Perennials, annuals, and bulbs There is often a strong temptation to start removing winter mulches from your flower beds....

WAIT!!! Pull the mulch off gradually as the plants show signs of new growth. The purpose of winter mulch is to act as a protector from sudden changes of temperature and chilling winds, so keep in mind that it is still winter. Acclimatize your plants by removing the mulch over a period of days, allowing the light and air to reach the new growth slowly. It is much better to remove the mulch a little later than to remove it to early. Roses can be pruned this month. See the pruning roses page details on how to prune the various types of roses. Severe pruning results in nicer long stemmed flowers and more compact bushes.

Begin to spray roses for black

spot. Feed roses. Sow seeds of summer blooming annuals indoors. Seeds which were started indoors last month may be transplanted from the flats into peat pots and given dilute fertilizer. If you have a greenhouse, it is time to take cuttings of ‘wintered over’ plants such as Coleus, Chrysanthemums, Geraniums, and other perennials.

Alternating thawing and freezing can tear plant roots and even force the plant right out of it’s hole. If you notice any plants that have heaved, push them back into the earth, and tamp lightly with your foot. Divide and transplant summer blooming perennials and fertilize established ones as soon as new growth appears. Plant tender bulbs and tubers (gladiola, lilies and dahlias). You may continue planting additional bulbs every two weeks until mid June to ensure a continuous source of bloom.

Prune winter Jasmine after flowering; cut honeysuckle back to 3ft.

Cut back established penstemons. Divide snowdrops while in leaf.

Remove all dead blooms from bulbs.

Fertilize any bulbs that have finished blooming with bone meal or bulb booster.

Plant Primroses and Pansies. Pinch off tips of Sweet Pea seedlings and Mums, when they are 4 inches tall.

Fruits and veggies Take a little time to prepare the vegetable garden soil for planting.

The addition of well-rotted manure, processed manure, peat moss or compost are good additives for building compost humus in the soil.

Peas and sweet peas may be planted right now as well as perennial vegetables like Asparagus, Rhubarb, Horseradish and artichokes.

Eggplant, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, celery, leeks, onions, early potatoes, and radish seeds may be planted in the garden about mid month.

Spinach, Chard, Cabbage, Cauliflower, and other hardy vegetables can be seeded or set out late in the month.

Plant Strawberries, Blueberries, Currants, Loganberries, Boysenberries, Grapes and fruit trees.

Add some steer manure around your Rhubarb.

Time to start tomatoes, lettuce, and many other vegetables from seed.

House Plants House plants will react to longer days and brighter light at this time by putting out new growth. The end of this month is a good time to pinch them back to generate new growth and to thicken them.

You can then begin fertilizing again with a dilute solution of soluble house plant food.

Turn your houseplants a quarter turn each week to make sure all sides of the plant receive adequate light, and to keep the shape of the plant balanced.

Mist or spray your houseplants to clean away the winters dust, prevent Spider Mites and add a little humidity. Remain vigilant in watching for insects and pests. It is much easier to win a ‘bug war’ if you are aware of the infestation in its’ early stages.

Odds and ends The most dreaded tasks of all is weeding, but it is one that really needs to be accomplished before the weeds have a chance to flower and go to seed.

Gardening with Derrick Remember once the weeds go to seed you can be fighting that weed seed for up to seven years or more. Most weeds can simply be pulled or cultivated out of the garden while they are young.

Turn the compost pile, adding any course mulch which was removed from the garden to it.

Keep an eye out for Aphids (spray off with water) and Cutworms (Cutworm Dust).

Repair damaged areas of the lawn.... Dethatch, rake or aerate. Apply Dolomite Lime to sweeten the soil if needed.

Most lawns will need a spring feeding but if thatching or liming needs to be done, do those jobs first.

If moss is a problem, a combination fertilizer and moss killer can be applied, to do both jobs in one easy application.

Over-seeding can be done as the last step, after the lawn has been fertilized.

Test your soil for pH to see if any amendments are necessary.

A general rule of thumb is to add 4 lbs. of lime per 100 sq. ft. of garden for every pH point below 6.5, or 1 lb. of sulfur per 100 sq. ft. for every pH point above 7.5.

Sawdust, composted oak leaves, wood chips, peat moss, cottonseed meal, and leaf mold lower the pH while ashes of hardwoods, bone meal, crushed marble, and crushed oyster shells raise the PH. The best way to adjust pH is gradually, over several seasons.

March is a good time to note areas of poor drainage. If there are pools of water in your yard that do not drain. Fill in the low spot or scoop out a channel for the water to drain away.

Clean out all of your birdhouses now, so that they will be ready when the birds return.

Repair any fencing, arbors, or trellis work that is weak or has broken over the winter ... before you get too busy!

Check the plants under the eaves of the house and under tall evergreens to see that they have sufficient moisture.

If you want to have an optimal garden then now is the time to prepare your garden. The table below should help you with this preparation.

Bed Preparations What you need: • Compost • Soil test kit • pH adjusters(lime, sulfer) • Fertilizer Careful attention to soil preparation results in higher yields. Nearly all soil benefits in some

way from the addition of organic amendments and each has its own strengths. One indispensable soil amendment is compost. It’s free, if you make it yourself, and unrivaled in its ability to improve soil.

Start preparing planting beds in early spring or as soon as the soil is workable. Fork the soil to a depth of 12”-18”. Add a 3”-4” layer of compost or other organic material such as manure or leaf mold to the bed and thoroughly mix it in.

Perform a soil test before starting garden preparation. This tells if the soil’s pH needs adjustment. Lime is used to raise pH and sulfur to is used to lower it. If possible, add lime a month or so before planting or adding other amendments.

The soil test also indicates any nutrient deficiencies in the soil. You may need to add fertilizer to the bed. This additional fertilizer can be added at the same time as the rest of the organic matter.

After incorporating all of these materials into your garden soil, use a steel rake to level the area. Let the bed sit for a few days to settle. If you must plant right away, gently tamp down the soil with a flat board.

D P ivine

rescriptions

T

he Problem: Relapse

John 21:3 says “Simon Peter saith unto them, I go a fishing”. As simple as this verse is, it is also profoundly troubling. For this verse represents a pattern of behavior seen in many Christians: RELAPSE. Relapse is sliding or falling back into ways or patterns of behavior once rehabilitated from. We all remember the famous calling of the disciples by Jesus Christ.

We remember the words now etched into our memory, “launch out into the deep…” But what I believe we sometimes forget to remember is the purpose in Jesus doing that first miracle in the presence of His early disciples. Remember these words “from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” This meant that Peter and his fellow disciples would no longer be fishers of fish but fishers of men. Jesus was calling Peter out of one life and into another life. Just as Jesus did this in the Peters life, He also did it in our lives. Jesus has called us out of that life devoid of purpose and into a life with a clear and intended direction. Jesus has called you out of drunkenness, adulterousness, laziness, etc. God delivered you from some things that bound you. He freed you from the shackles of addiction. He rescued you from drowning in an ocean of gossip and vain babbling. He liberated you from the need to spend every dollar that you earned. But not only did God deliver us from some things, He also set us on a path of purpose. He called you into some area of ministry. Maybe God called you to preach, sing, support, teach or lead a ministry within your church. So then, the question begs to be asked: What happened? Things got real bad in Peter’s life. Peter was rebuked by Jesus. He failed to stay awake in the garden when Jesus needed him the most. He acted foolishly in cutting the soldiers ear off. And ultimately he denied the very Jesus that he had come to know, love and confess. It got so bad that Peter watched from a distance, His lord and friend get beaten, lied on and disrespected. It got so bad that Peter witnessed His lord and friend hung from a tree and buried in a tomb. It got so bad until Peter forgot all he was taught and called to do. This rough period in Peter’s life climaxed with him relapsing back into a life as a fisherman. As it was with Peter so it is with you and me. When our living gets hard we often slip back into the familiar. When financial, marital, career and ministerial strains come we are vulnerable to go back into what Jesus has called us out of. But don’t go back to that bottle. Don’t go back to those drugs. Don’t

with E.J. Kemper III

go back into negative walk and talk. Don’t go back into idleness and selfishness. Don’t stop showing up. Just encourage yourself right now and tell yourself, “DON’T GO BACK”.

T

he Prescription: Feed my sheep

Notice, my dear reader, the first miracle that Jesus performed in the life of Peter was exactly as the last miracle performed in the life of Peter. In the first miracle, Peter had been failing at fishing the night before he met Jesus. In fact the Bible says they had toiled all night and caught nothing. Jesus told Peter to let down his net on the right side of his boat and when Peter did this he took in a great load of fish. Now Jesus did this miracle to call Peter’s attention to Him. Again, it is when Peter is at his lowest point that Jesus has to come in and call his attention back to God. Don’t allow your low points in life to distract you from the purpose that Christ has for your life.

Don’t allow your mistakes to cause you to quit that which God has for you to do. Don’t allow the failures of yesterday and last night to keep you from doing the work that has been entrusted into your hands. Yes, life gets hard.

But it should not knock you off your horse in such a way that you cannot get back up and continue. How many times must God do the same miracle in your life? We can never go to a higher level in ministry, marriage or money until we learn what God is trying to teach us on this level. God is trying to take someone to the level of “ministering to others” rather than always needing to be “ministered to”. But you cannot reach that level if you keep relapsing back into what God has called you out of. Now after Jesus got Peter off the boat and on the shore He asked for a confirmation of Peter’s love. Jesus speaks “if you really love me then feed my sheep”. Jesus calls us all to remember the words of purpose and promise that He has spoken over our lives. “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. My dear reader, when we continue in ministry, through our struggles, we find strength and renewal. One of the greatest remedies for stress and depression is ministry.

Helping others will help you through difficult times. You see, we relapse when we stop doing those things that God has called us to do.

We get idle and stagnant. And the devil swoops in to ensnare us. So don’t stop showing up.

Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop hoping and believing. Don’t stop visiting the sick. Don’t stop volunteering. Soon those light afflictions will pass. I speak over your life right now. You will not relapse. In the name of Jesus!

Christian Star News very own writer, Ellis Kemper III, has very exciting news to share with you!

PublishAmerica is proud to announce the recent release of Ellis Kemper III’s new book: No More Baggage: Overcoming the Strongholds That Keep Us from Healthy Relationships!

Here’s what the author says about the book: There are various times in all of our lives when we are prone and susceptible to being hurt.

Indeed, there are times when tragedy strikes without warning, caution or a resounding alarm that tells us an emergency is pending.

There are times when you are flying smoothly through the air of life and without warning your plane is taken over by a terrorist called tragedy. Before you can brace for impact, your plane has crashed into the twin towers of reality and is burning in the hell of life. In times like these, we are vulnerable in our minds and in our emotions. We began to build walls and strongholds that fortify us within ourselves, keeping others from us and us from others.

This happens because there’s a point that you cannot seem to get past. There is hurt that you cannot seem to let go of. Ultimately, every surrounding relationship becomes lethargic and dysfunctional. But it’s time to declare, “No More Baggage!”

PublishAmerica is offering you an opportunity to secure your personal copy of Ellis Kemper III’s exceptional book today. Please go to the following link: http://www.publishamerica. net/product89650.html to secure your copy of the book, then click Add to Cart. For an introductory discount of 20%, use this coupon code: Discount20. We typically ship within 24 hours.

Thank you for your interest in our author’s wonderful achievement.

Have a great day!

Inspirational

PAGE 22

my holy of holies there is a place of darkness deep inside my heart a place where only I am to go a room that’s covered up by a thick and heavy veil a room God is not allowed to know it is my holy of holies rancid affections that i hold dear although the stench seeps out now and then they stay behind this veil if i keep it tightly sealed the longer i stay away i can pretend but Jesus rent the veil for me why can’t i let Him enter in this place that I hold sacred and so dear could He still have love for me how can i take the risk i’m bound up in a sticky web of fear Lord, circumcise this veil away as painful as it will be i know in only You i can confide You are the only One who can perform this painful task the renting of veils for fellowship is why You died ©2010michelestaggwoods Do you have a pet sin you nurture? Is there something deep inside you no one knows?

Our hearts can become so callus that we forget how distasteful our private appetites can be. It’s not only distasteful but outright dangerous to our very soul. Maybe to a certain extent you have told yourself that God surely understands this weakness and even expects such behavior. Perhaps you have thought that maybe He gives us seasons of folly where He turns His face from us as a gesture of acceptance on some level, but the bible tells us the truth.

Romans 1:18-22 says,18 "But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. [18] 19 They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused.

22 Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. 23 And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles."

He also says in Romans 6:22 "But now you are free from the power of sin and have become slaves of God Now you do those things that lead to holiness and result in eternal life."

Who do you think you are?

As it is written in Exodus 2:14…."Who do you think you are?" the man replied.

"Who appointed you to be our prince and judge? Do you plan to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday?" Moses was badly frightened because he realized that everyone knew what he had done.

Let me catch you up as my Pastor says at church. Several years after Moses was born and sent up the river so to speak, so he could escape death from Pharaoh, he was found by a princess, who was at the riverbank. Long story short Moses grew to become a leader of his people, the Israelites. Now he was on his way to visit his people and he saw an Egyptian beating one of the Hebrew slaves.

Moses looked around to make sure no one was watching, and then he killed the Egyptian and buried him in the sand. The very next day while visiting his people, he saw two Hebrew men fighting. Moses said “What are you doing, hitting your neighbor like that? He said this to the one who was in the wrong. The man replied “Who do you think you are? OUCH... who appointed you to be our prince and judge? Do you plan to kill me as you killed that Egyptian yesterday? (See the story in Exodus 2) This little chart was given to me by Creflo Dollar @ a convention in Houston. This is a part of my notes and I thought it fit this nugget just perfect.

Anatomy of Life 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Words (whose words are you listening to?)

Thinking ( your words determine how you think) emotions ( your thinking determines feelings) decisions (your emotions determines decisions) Actions (your decisions determines actions) If you don’t like numbers 2, 3 or 5 change your words.

6. Habits (your habits are created by actions) 7. Character (cannot go further, what kind of character do you have?) Your character will determine your destination in life. The good news in all of that is Change can happen anytime if you don’t like your character.

We need to be mindful, when going about our daily lives as born again believers; you see we are being watched by everyone (see 2 Corinthians 3:2-5). I mean church members, co-workers, spouses, friends, employees, employers, unsaved people, especially those of the faith though…Be very careful how you are critical of those around you, or how you talk about someone and say this or that, or I would never do this or that. What you do in the dark is destined to come out in the light! (See Numbers 32:23 and 1 Corinthians 4:5) Ol ‘Moses, looked around to see if anyone was watching before he killed a man, then the next day he had the nerve to rebuke a man for fighting. That is how it is in these last days - everyone critical of each other. On a personal note, I can attest to the fact that you have to walk a tighter line than those around you. Now I’m not saying you are to be Jesus, there is none but one that is perfect. I am saying, don’t be so critical man of God, woman of God. When you see someone going through a thing, try and empathize as to sympathize, that meaning “walk in their shoes and feel the pain, instead of telling them your sorry for their pain.” It’s a big difference.

Before someone can look at you and say “Who do you think you are?” Check yourself and recognize there is none but one that is perfect and he is the most high God named Jesus (Psalm 82:6) One Love, Bro’ Chauncy

Inspirational

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The Field of Golden Grass It is funny how you can pass by things on a regular basis and yet never really notice them. There is a field on my way to and from work that I pass almost every single day, twice a day. This field, not spectacular by any means, is simply an empty field with tall grass. Once a year or so I notice bales of hay lying about and the grass is cut short.

However, in the last couple of weeks it is as if my eyes have been opened to the sheer beauty of that ordinary hay field. Recently, I drove by the field late in the afternoon as the sun was setting in the West.

With my sunglasses on and the way the sun was hitting the grass, it was as if the grass was afire with blazing glory, softly swaying to the unseen hand of the wind. Then one cold winter morning there was a hard freeze.

As I passed by the field I noticed the tall golden stalks layered with white tipped frost. I noticed the shorter grass at the edge covered with frost, flowing down the sides of the ditch that ran alongside the field, and the water icing over from the cold winters night air. It looked just like a beautiful stream flowing through a winter scene that I have seen in pictures from areas further north.

Of course, now the field had my attention, as I continued to pass the field I took the time to inspect it thoroughly. I passed the field at different times of day and from different directions. Most of the time, the light was not as glorious and frost wasn’t present upon the grass. I began to notice that the grass was not as perfect as I first thought. The grass was quite uneven, clumped in some places and sparse in others. It wasn’t quite as beautiful in

different types of light or under different circumstances. Yet I haven’t forgotten the sheer beauty of that field those evenings and mornings that I passed at a certain time of day and first really noticed the field.

We can liken this to circumstances in our own lives. Sometimes we can feel insignificant. We feel like our life doesn’t matter and that no one takes notice of us.

We feel empty and unproductive. We feel out of sorts and unbalanced. Though that field seems barren, I know that it is not just grass because the bales of hay prove that it grows a viable product. Though I have never seen anyone actually work in or cut the field I know that this happens; the bales of hay prove that the field is under someone’s personal care.

Though our lives may be passing through a seemingly unproductive time God is always tending us. We are never insignificant to God and He keeps us in His care.

He desires to make our lives fruitful just as that field is producing. Though the field seems to be plain and brown with

the sleep of winter it only takes the sun to beam down upon the stalks to see the golden beauty of each stalk. Like that field, we are all flawed and imperfect.

However, the field was brought to life and beauty due to different light and circumstances; God wants to do the same things in our lives. He wants to shine His light in and through our lives so that others will see the beauty of Christ working in and through our lives. As we allow the light of his Son to change us and conform us He will bring out the true beauty that God has placed within each of us.

Like I saw the beauty in that field on different occasions isn’t it wonderful to know that God always sees us through eyes filled with the light of His love for us? Isn’t it wonderful to know that though God knows all our imperfections, flaws and inconsistencies, He always chooses to look for the beauty and the potential within us? Yes, He lovingly tends us and works with us to bring out the true beauty and the desired fruit within us as Philippians 2:13 tells us, “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

Remember, you matter to God. God sees you every moment of every day. God shines His light in your life no matter the season. God looks for the beauty within you and desires to draw it forth for all to see so that you can bring glory to His name. God tends you so that you can be fruitful. Remember always that you are special and God loves you.

Love in Christ, Michele LeDoux Abshire Copy Write January 2010

Inspirational

PAGE 24

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Monday - Friday: 9:00 am - 7:00pm Saturday: 9:00 - 6:00pm • Sunday: closed

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Awaken your senses...

NATURE’S CALLING Martie Richmond Baton Rouge, La.

Look in your medicine cabinet. You probably have over-the-counter meds for all sorts of common ailments such as headaches, fever, joint pains, skin problems, and indigestion, just to name a few. It is likely you picked them up at your local pharmacy without even giving it a second thought. However, maybe it’s time you tried a few products from a pharmacy that dates back to the beginning of time: God’s pharmacy. He said in Genesis 1:29, “Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed”. The Bible is full of references to healing plants and herbs.

The best part knows that what God gives us to heal our body is natural and easily processed by our bodies. Most manmade solutions simply relieve symptoms, whereas God’s medicines work to actually heal the ailment causing the symptoms.

Let us consider a common pain reliever, Acetaminophen. It’s an affective product

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for pain relief and fever reduction. However, large doses can cause liver damage.

If used in conjunction with other drugs which increase liver enzyme activity, the relief you seek may be diminished. Ah, so much to consider. What would be a good alternative?

One suggestion is a combination of Capsicum, Valerian, White willow bark, and Wild Lettuce. In a nutshell: Capsicum stimulates circulation and lowers blood pressure. Valerian alleviates symptoms associated with stress, such as headaches. White willow bark reduces fevers and relieves pain. Wild lettuce relieves pain, relaxes muscle spasms, and reduces anxiety. Interestingly, it was often used in the War Between the States when opiates were unavailable, and with none of the addictive side effects. There you have it. All natural and all available from God’s pharmacy! And that is only the beginning.

Inquiries, suggestions & comments are welcomed at martiesherbs@yahoo.com. www.martiesherbs.com

Please send in photos of your soldier to be recognized in the May Edition of CSN. One Photo will be selected for the cover. Please provide their name, city and where they were serving in the photo. Email to SashaSingleton@ChristianStarNewspaper.com.

We will provide a Pull-Out Centerfold featuring these soldiers.

Why do you think your mom should be named "Mother of the Year"? Please send in a short story no longer than 300 words to SashaSingleton@ChristianStarNewspaper.com . Your story may be selected for the May Edition of CSN for Mother's Day. Why do you think your father should be "Father of the Year"? Please send in a short story no longer than 300 words to SashaSingleton@ChristianStarNewspaper.com . Your story may be selected for the June Edition of CSN for Father's Day.

Health

PAGE 25

THE TEMPLE

As we are in this new decade, with the gift, assignment, and purpose that God has so passionately put in me, I'm honored to share great words of wisdom about our awesome temple that God has allowed us to have. The temple is just as holy as the Holy Spirit within us. If the temple is properly fed, it will represent the spirit the way God intended; they edify each other. A lot of times the way we feel about ourselves is the way we represent the Holy Spirit. Usually it's what we consume over time that leads us to the results we are having with our temples. In this day and time there is a great need for us to understand how important it is to take care of our precious temple that God has given us. I'm so excited about sharing

with you how protein, carbohydrates, essential fats, hydration, and exercise play a huge role in how we take care of our temple.

1 Corinthians 6: 19-20 ... Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your body....

This is one of the many scriptures I stand on pertaining to the temple. May God bless you on this journey and open your heart and mind to the God given potential of your temple He has blessed you with in Jesus Name... Amen.

Sincerely, Kirk Fontenot

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337.912.9678 Fitness

PAGE 4

How to stick with your fitness plan no matter what!

Carl Comeaux, M.S. "Thomas Edison was asked why he kept going when he failed at creating the light bulb 2000 times. Edison replied that he did not fail but learned that making the light bulb was a 2000 step process."

If you haven't quite found your fitness rhythm, never give up. Sometimes you got to start and stop a number of times before it sticks forever!

Over the years, I have noticed a number of characteristics separate those who succeed with fitness and those who do not.

Those who succeed buy into the "Four Laws of Success". You've got to get your head around these thought processes.

First Law - The law of possession: You need to understand that if you are going to achieve results, it is going to be up to you. The phrases "If it is going to be, it is up to me" or "If I think I can or think I can't, I'm right," ring very true. You have to take ultimate responsibility for success or failure. You must be willing to make and stick to the changes. You can not completely rely on someone else like a personal trainer or workout partner to make it happen for you and likewise, you cannot blame the kids or your partner for any failures.

Second Law - The law of effort: Anything worth achieving is worth working for. Exercise and healthy eating takes discipline, will power, character, persistency and a commitment to delayed gratification.

Third Law - The law of consistency: A month-long effort is not going to get you where you want. In order to achieve any goal, you must stick to your game plan on an ongoing, long-term, consistent basis.

Getting off track for a week is no big deal if you are consistent in your efforts. But if you are regularly tempted away from your program, you will not succeed. Consistency and persistency are the keys to manifesting any goals. Remember that if you want to be 10 pounds thinner 10 years from now, it is not what you do over the

next eight weeks that matters, it is what you do over the next 10 years. Fitness is a life-long thing! There are no short-term, quick-fix solutions. Safe and permanent fat loss often takes years - not weeks or months!! Researchers have found only one characteristic common to those who succeed with exercise. All such people move towards their goal one step at a time. They are committed to constant, never-ending improvement. In practical terms, it means that regardless of anything else - busy work schedules, lack of energy, lack of time, feeling old, feeling lazy, hating exercise - they made no excuses! They kept exercising, taking their long-term goals and splitting them up into smaller goals. They took it one day at a time.

Fourth Law - The law of self-efficacy: If you are already questioning whether or

not you can actually make the required changes, you are going to have a difficult time with your program. You must believe you can do it! Think of self-esteem as a bank. Each time you keep a promise to yourself, the store of self-esteem gets bigger, making it easier to keep the next promise to yourself. Each time a promise is broken, however, your self-esteem goes down, making it easier to break the next promise. Reinforce this belief in yourself by surrounding yourself with others who are doing or have accomplished what you're attempting. After all, if they can do it, so can you!

Yours in Health and Fitness, Carl Comeaux, M.S. Carl@LiveFIT7.com 337-853-2122 www.LiveFIT7.com

YOUTH CONTEST

ATTENTION CHILDREN AGES 3-10 - ENTER THIS COLORING PAGE FOR CHRISTIAN STAR NEWS EASTER CONTEST. SEND US THIS PAGE

BY MAIL TO P.O. BOX 5482 LAKE CHARLES, LA 70606 BY MARCH 19TH & YOU MIGHT BE SELECTED TO WIN A WONDERFUL EASTER BASKET. PLEASE SEND US ALL CONTACT INFORMATION SO THAT WE MAY EASILY CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE CHOSEN. YOUR PHOTO WILL BE IN OUR EASTER ISSUE, SHOWN AS THE WINNER.

Do You Know King Solomon?

1. King Solomon was the son of a king of Israel. Who was Solomon's father?

2. Who was Solomon's mother?

3. Solomon's most famous building project was the Temple at Jerusalem that had been planned by David.

Why didn't David build the Temple himself?

4. One day two women came to King Solomon with a baby, each woman claiming to be the baby's mother.

What did Solomon do to resolve the dispute?

5. Which personal quality was Solomon noted for?

6. Which famous monarch came to visit King Solomon?

7. King Solomon's reign was an era of _______.

8. Which Bible book was not written by Solomon?

9. What was Solomon's great sin?

10. Which of Solomon's sons succeeded him as king of Israel?

Answers:

Bible trivia questions answers and facts.

What is the only domesticated animal not mentioned in the Bible?

A Cat. What word appears exactly 773,692 times in the King James Bible?

Amen.

What follows mass as the most popular activity in U.S. Catholic churches?

Bingo.

What Arab nation has the highest percentage of Christians?

Lebanon.

Bible trivia questions answers and facts.

What symbol did St. Patrick use to explain his theory of the Holy Trinity?

The Shamrock.

What political movement got its name from the hill in Jerusalem boasting the Temple of Solomon?

Zionism.

What country boasts the largest number of Catholics?

Brazil.

What name has been shared by the most popes?

John.

Which two wicked cities were destroyed by God in Genesis?

Sodom and Gomorrah.

What two countries claim two-thirds of the world's 2,000-plus registered saints?

Italy and France.

What fruit is depicted in Leonardo's Last Supper, even though it did not arrive in the Holy Land until long after Jesus' death?

The Orange.

What is there more of in the world- nonreligious people, Hindus or Muslims?

Nonreligious people.

FUN PAGE 29

1.) King David, 2.) Bathsheba, 3.)

The Lord did not allow David to build it because he had been a man of war, 4.) He ordered the baby cut in two and half given to each woman, 5.) Wisdom, 6.)

The Queen of Sheba 7.) peace and prosperity 8.) Romans, 9.)

Idolatry, 10.) Rehoboam

Church Youth Group Contest

ATTENTION up to age 17. ENTER THIS PAGE FOR CHRISTIAN STAR NEWS CONTEST. SEND US THIS PAGE BY MAIL TO P.O. BOX 5482 LAKE CHARLES, LA 70606 BY MARCH 19TH & YOU MIGHT BE SELECTED TO WIN A $50 GIFT CARD. PLEASE SEND US ALL CONTACT INFORMATION SO THAT WE MAY EASILY CONTACT YOU IF YOU ARE CHOSEN. YOUR PHOTO WILL BE IN OUR APRIL ISSUE, SHOWN AS THE WINNER.

Q A

“How should a Christian view ADD and ADHD?”

nswer: This is a subject that has brought quite a bit of dissension within the church.

I personally, have had to confront it with an open heart, with efforts to try to understand this relatively new ”inattention/hyperactivity” diagnosis of both child and adult. My answer to this problem will proceed from God’s Word. I realize that, in life, we wrestle with the physical, the cognitive and the emotions.

As “tripartite” beings, being created of body, soul and spirit, we are intricate and complex creations of God. In the book of Psalm 139:14, we are told that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” In Acts 17:28, we are told that “In Him, we live and move and have our being.”

Although, I am not a physician nor in the field of psychiatry, my desire is that the reader finds consolation and peace as the Word of God, which holds solid answers to life’s situations, permeates the whole of man and reveals truth.

ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are terms to describe conditions associated with particular sets of behaviors. There are generally both physical and spiritual implications associated with those who have been diagnosed with either of these conditions. Much of the research and debate on this issue centers on the physical cause and potential cure, or care, for the conditions. However, in that the essence of the conditions involve behavior that the Bible addresses, it is very important for Christians to consider the spiritual impact on those diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. ADD tends to describe those individuals wrestling with inattention. Inattention is described as possessing some or all of the following: often makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities; often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities; often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace; often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities; often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort; often loses things necessary for tasks or activities; is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli; is often forgetful in daily activities.

ADHD tends to describe those individuals wrestling with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The individual may have some of the above characteristics along with some of the following: often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat; often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected; often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate; often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly; is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"; often talks excessively, often blurts out answers be-

fore questions have been completed; often has difficulty awaiting turn; often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. interferes abruptly into conversations or games).

Undoubtedly, there are various reasons why individuals (both young and old) are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. However, in cases where the evidence rests primarily on the behavior of the individual, the Supreme Authority should be consulted. The Bible is not silent on many of the above behaviors.

The following are biblical teachings concerning the issue of attentiveness: 1. God recognizes that some tasks are hard, yet it is good for us to be faithful with our tasks – Proverbs 6:6-8; Colossians 3:23.

2. God recognizes that it is hard to stay focused, yet there are rewards for staying focused – Proverbs 12:11.

3. God recognizes that it is hard to develop priorities, yet there are rewards for making good choices – Proverbs 24:27.

4. God recognizes that it is hard to listen to instruction, yet there are rewards for listening to those who are teaching – Proverbs 7:24; James 1:19.

5. God recognizes that it is hard to remember things; that is why He tells us to develop reminders – Proverbs 6:20-21; Deuteronomy 6:6-8; 2 Peter 1:12-15.

The following are biblical teachings concerning the issue of self-control: 1. We typically do not exhibit self-control; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23), as well as that which we add to our faith (2 Peter 1:6).

2. The Apostle Paul described bringing his body under control as a battle (1 Corinthians 9:27).

3. The Bible even encourages controlling the use of our words (Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 12:36).

4. We are encouraged that control of our lives begins with control over our minds (Proverbs 25:28; Philippians 4:8).

The following are biblical teachings concerning impulsivity: 1. God states that there are consequences to being hasty (Proverbs 21:5).

2. There is value in listening before speaking (James 1:19).

3. It is wise to listen to a matter before answering (Proverbs 18:13).

4. Patience and longsuffering (holding back passion) are signs of spiritual maturity (Galatians 5:22; James 1:2-4).

Typically one focuses on the negative behavior without realizing that there are positive traits behind those behaviors. The daydreamer or forgetful one tends to be quite imaginative. The impulsive one tends to have a burden to get things done. The hyperactive person tends to have ample energy that can

be turned to benefit others. Therefore, it is important that such individuals be considered for what part they play in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:11-26). The behaviors above are considered signs of wisdom and maturity, or the lack thereof. Therefore, it is the role of the church and parents to help redirect the attention and energy of such individuals.

Discipling or, teaching such individuals will involve the following: 1. Helping the individual develop a servant’s heart. Many of the behaviors listed above reflect a rather selfish motive in life. Learning to serve others helps individuals push through unpleasant tasks and to be more patient (Philippians 2:3-4).

2. Helping the individuals control their own thinking. The Bible talks of renewing the mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). God instructs us to focus on eight attributes in Philippians 4:8. Those who wrestle with fantasy can be encouraged to think on those things that are true.

3. Helping individuals to renew their minds as to what God teaches about their behaviors (note the above examples).

4. Helping the individuals to establish structure. The Bible describes the Christian life as being a “one another” experience.

They met daily in the early church (Acts 2) and we are encouraged to motivate and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). Too often we give people a “pass” on their behaviors when what they need is help in changing them.

5. Helping the individuals by modeling proper behavior. Paul modeled for Timothy (2 Timothy 3:10-11). Undoubtedly, many individuals learn better by seeing than by hearing. It is extra work, but patiently helping such individuals turn the corner will have dividends in the long run.

6. By embracing the special place they fulfill in the body of Christ we can tap into the gift they have to offer.

There are certainly other things that can help those diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. However, parents, pastors, and those who work with children and adults with ADD and/or ADHD, should not be discouraged from utilizing the Word of God, which is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and instructing (2 Timothy 3:16).

Rafael Bastien-Herrera, B.A., M.A., M.DIV. (Pastoral Ministry/Theology) rbherrera@thewordwalk.com www.TheWordWalk.com

Health

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Art Show featuring Frank McDonald’s Embossed Copper Wildlife Art

ALA is the group of artists that operates Gallery by the Lake, where events are held by Associated Louisiana Artists at the Gallery by the Lake. This organization is also known as Associated Louisiana Artists' Gallery by the Lake aka ALA. Belinda Y. Hughes - Corresponding Secretary, Publicity Chair, Grant Writer, Instructor &, Program Director (Disabilities Access to the Arts Program), 2009 Protegee

Associated Louisiana Artists (ALA) 106 W. Pryce St. Lake Charles, LA 70601 337-436-1008 M-Fri noon-5p, Sat 10-2p

Milton Carlton & Ellen Anthony

Frank McDonald

Linda Young

Patti Prince, Ellen Anthony, Gloria Yang, & Dottie Oakman

Anne Dentler & Monica Soileau

Helga Gravitt, Belinda Hughes, Dana Joran, & Anne Dentler

Community

PAGE 32

IMATTER JR. WOMEN’S CONFERENCE

Lake Charles, Louisiana – March 13, 2010 The Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana and McNeese State University is hosting a Jr. Women’s Conference on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at McNeese State University ’s Parra Ballroom from 9 o’clock am to 3 o’clock pm. The conference is an exciting day of fun designed to help young women, grades 9-11, recognize and build on their own unique potential. It will help them develop goals, self-esteem, and leadership qualities for the future. The theme of this conference is “iMatter.”

In addition to workshops, and a unique shopping venue, participants will be entertained with the musical talents of Eleisha Eagle and witness a glamorous fashion show produced by Blane Bourgeois of Synergy Salon.

Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc. New Member Induction At the February 2nd meeting of the Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc., President Angela Pierson, swore in 16 new members. New Members inducted into the Women’s Commission are: Tina Blanchard, Kathy Bourgeois, Judy Brewton, Donna Charlton, Beth Dawdy, Vesta Drake, Carolyn Gilley, Nicole Goodly, Patricia Lore, Nora Mayes, Monica Soileau, Tammy Thibodeaux, Carol Welke, Debbie Yezic.

In addition to the induction of the new members, two commissioners: Ms. Etta Pete and Ms. Lois clement were honored as lifetime members. Lifetime commissioners must have served at least 10 years in an “active” capacity as well as document leadership in various committees and activities that the Women’s Commission supports.

The Commission includes 45 regular active members, 19 active advisory members, 10 emeritus members and 8 lifetime members. The membership covers a wide

range of professions including public, private, academic, spiritual, secular, and governmental.

The Women’s Commission is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization designed to serve as a resource for personal and professional growth of women in southwest Louisiana. Featured activities of the Women’s Commission include the Fall Conference held on the third Thursday in October, the Junior Women’s Conference held in March, Scholarships to McNeese State University for Women in non-traditional curricula. The Commission also participates in local activities such as contributions to the American Cancer Society for Cancer Research, especially breast cancer, the Ethel Brecht walk for a Cancer Cure, and other local activities.

To learn more about the Women’s Commission please visit our website at www. womenscommissionswla.com.

About The Women’s Commission The Women’s Commission of Southwest Louisiana, Inc., is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. The Commission is best known for its annual Fall Women’s Conference. The Commission’s overall purpose, ideals and goals are: to assess the needs of women and to initiate, endorse and support suitable endeavors that will advance the fulfillment of these needs; to provide resources that will empower women to improve and enhance their personal, social and community lives and professional development; to work for the advancement of women of all ages and to improve the overall status of the women of Southwest Louisiana; to promote diversity, fellowship and camaraderie as an opportunity to unite women in service to the community; and to address the concerns of women in a public forum.

PO Box 6712 • Lake Charles, LA 706066712 www.womenscommissionswla.com Contact: Jenifer Enterante Cummings Title: Jr. Conference Co-Chair Phone number: (337) 564-4443 Email: jenec@suddenlink.net Fax number: (888) 913-4441

Community

PAGE 33

Friend Ships Unlimited : Hard at work.

CSN Cares : Headed to Haiti to Help.

Being Our Brother’s Keeper Photos provided by tour arranged by Charlotte Carter with Carter Foundatiion.

Community

PAGE 34

Trennis Ford Sales Representative New & Used Vehicles Office: 337.625.3030 Cell: 337.222.6145 trennis_tennis@yahoo.com

Trennis Ford Proudly Supports LSU Sports

Building a Winner

BY Rolland Soileau

nitely won’t be remembered for making any “noise” at tournaOne thing remains true in col- ment time. In fact, as this writlege basketball. Actually, this is ing they are currently 9-17, with pretty obvious in all sports. No a big fat 0-12 record in SEC conmatter how good a coach you ference play. Last year the tiare, you’ve got to have the play- gers were actually SEC champs in ers to win. This year’s LSU tigers coach Trent Johnson’s first year. are definitely aware of this, and No one expected much from this so are their fans. Football has al- year’s squad because of the big ways been and will always be #1 hit it took with graduation. Thank in Baton Rouge. Take that to the goodness. This year’s squad has bank. But from time to time we lost games in just about every do get some pretty strong bas- way imaginable. But throughout ketball teams that make noise in it all, the program looks to be in March. This year’s team defi- solid hands with Coach Johnson.

The real test for him is going to be how well he recruits this area.

We’ve produced lots of top talent lately that have slipped LSU’s tiger paws. If you don’t recruit well in the SEC, you are in big, big trouble. The last game that the LSU basketball squad won was on January 4th, at home against McNeese State 83-60. With 4 games left to this season, the only thing of interest now is will LSU get blanked in conference one year after ruling it?

LSU Spring Football Schedule Practice 1 -- Friday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m.

Practice 2 -- Saturday, Feb. 27, TBA Practice 3 -- Monday, Mar. 1, 4 p.m.

Practice 4 -- Tuesday, Mar. 2, 4 p.m.

Practice 5 -- Thursday, Mar. 4, 4 p.m.

Practice 6 -- Saturday, Mar. 6, TBA Practice 7 -- Tuesday, Mar. 9, 4 p.m.

Practice 8 -- Thursday, Mar. 11, 4 p.m.

Practice 9 -- Saturday, Mar. 13, TBA Practice 10 -- Tuesday, Mar. 16, 4 p.m.

Practice 11 -- Thursday, Mar. 18, 4 p.m.

Practice 12 -- Saturday, Mar. 20, 1 p.m. (scrimmage in Tiger Stadium) Practice 13 -- Tuesday, Mar. 23, 4 p.m.

Practice 14 -- Thursday, Mar. 25, 4 p.m.

Practice 15 -- Saturday, Mar. 27, 3 p.m. (spring game) Monday, March 15 -- Pro Day, 11 a.m. (Indoor facility)

Nathaniel Banks, Sales Proudly Supports the Saints! To contact, please call 337.794.6874 or 337.527.5754

All Things Sainted

BY Rolland Soileau Beginning The New Orleans Saints were the 16th NFL franchise awarded to the city of New Orleans back in 1966. Their first owner (majority stockholder) was John W. Mecom, Jr. The first coach of the Saints was Tom Fears, a Mexican-American wide receiver who played his college football at UCLA (also at Santa Clara before being drafted during WWII).

Mr. Fears went on to play pro football and is credited for being the first wide receiver in NFL history, since he was the first person to line up on the line of scrimmage away from the tackle. After assistant coaching stints with Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers, the Los Angeles Rams, and the Atlanta Falcons, Tom Fears was named head coach of the New Orleans Saints on January 27, 1967. The first player signed by the Saints was former Ole Miss Kicker, Paige Cothren. The first player taken in the draft that year was Leslie Kelley of Alabama. In their first preseason game that year, the Saints lost to the Los Angeles Rams in Anaheim, 16-7. Their first ever victory was a preseason win against the St. Louis Cardinals, 23-14, in Shreveport, La. After a promising 5-1 preseason, the young Saints settled in with a 3-11 record, which was a record at the time for expansion teams.

Superdome The Saints first began playing their home games in old Tulane Stadium. In addition to being the home football stadium for the Tulane Green Wave, the annual site of the Sugar Bowl game beginning in 1935, and the host site of Superbowls IV, VI, and IX, it was also the home for New Orleans Saints football from 1967-1974.

During negotiations to bring an NFL team to New Orleans, then commissioner Pete Rozelle was adamant that the city would never get a team unless it got a domed stadium, due to the rainy summer weather. Louisiana governor John McKeithen pushed forward a bond for the construction of the Superdome on November 8, 1966. He had seen the Astrodome in Houston and commented that he wanted “one of those, only bigger.” Construction was began in August of 1971 and completed in August of 1975, several months too late for its planned use for Super Bowl IX. The final costs of the construction were

$165 million, way more than the predicted $46 million tab. The Super Dome has been the site of at least 3 city evacuations, but hurricane Katrina is by far the most famous and also was the most damaging one to the facility. The costs to refurbish the stadium was somewhere in the neighborhood of $185 million. There are future renovations planned which will cost approximately $320 million, but which will make the Louisiana Super Dome one of the most up-to-date facilities in the United States. Where else would you house WORLD CHAMPIONS??

People: Players, coaches, and owners Tom Benson, a local automobile dealership

tycoon, purchased the New Orleans Saints from John Mecom in 1985 when he got word that plans were evolving that would move the team to Jacksonville, Florida. Benson, a current resident of San Antonio, became wrapped up in a strong bit of controversy after hurricane Katrina, when it appeared that he was trying to relocate the team to that city permanently. This never materialized and there was pressure from several fronts to make sure that the Saints never left the city of New Orleans, including attempts by some to buy the team from Benson for the sole purpose of making sure that the team stayed put. Several notable players have donned the Saints uniform over the years. In

1970, Tom Dempsey kicked the longest field goal in NFL history (it has since been tied by Denver’s Jason Elam), a 63 yard game winner against the Detroit Lions. Ole Miss standout Archie Manning was drafted by the Saints in 1971 with 2nd overall pick in that year’s draft. He played for the Saints for 10 years, suffering 9 losing seasons. He still currently lives in the city. Chuck Muncie, George Rogers, older versions of Earl Campbell and Ken Stabler, Mel Gray, Rueben Mayes, Rickey Jackson, Morten Anderson, Sam Mills, Hoby Brinner, Pat Swilling, and Dalton Hilliard were all successful players for the organization.

Just as Benson has been described as colorful, his coaches were no less colorful either.

Bum Phillips (resigned during Benson’s first year), Jim Mora (still one of the best tirades you’ve ever heard by a coach going off), Mike Ditka, Jim Haslett, and the sound bite king Hank Stram ( pre Benson, 1976-78). Thanks for the memories; they sure provided plenty, some good, some not so good.

Who Dat, Aints, and the Fleur-de-lis The original beginnings of the phrase “who dat” goes back to the late 1800’s and 1900’s. The old minstrel shows ( “who dat?” , “who dat say who dat?”) had common references to these words.

The New Orleans Saints adopted this phrase after it had been repopularized in the Louisiana region, believed to have begun at Southern University and the New Orleans school districts as sports chants.

Although the NFL tried to horn in on this popular chant, the Who Dat Nation stood strong and was ready to take this to the highest courts before the wise decision of the NFL to let this drop. Former New Orleans sports commentator Bernard Diliberto is generally credited for tagging the Saints as Aints in 1980, encouraging fans to wear paper bags over their heads, after the Saints went 1-15 that year. Who’d a thunk it today? The fleur-de-lis has been the official Saints emblem since their inception in 1967. It represents the French royal house of Bourbon. The Bourbon monarchs ruled in France from the 1500’s to the French Revolution of 1792. That’s the thinking on the symbol used by the NO Saints anyway.

Just remember. These aren’t your gandma’s old Saints. These guys can actually play the game of football very, very well. Their love of the city is also pretty awesome.

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MSU 2010 Football Signees • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Will Briscoe, Central HS QB 6-3 185 Baton Rouge, LA Reynaldo Young, East St. John HS Ath 5-9 170 Garyville, LA Wes Briscoe, Central HS WR 6-2 175 Baton Rouge, LA Kenny Brown, St. Louis HS WR 5-11 175 Lake Charles,LA Will Hassien, Sulphur HS WR 5-11 185 Sulphur, LA Jereon McGilvery, Northside HS WR 6-3 185 Lafayette, LA Diontae Spencer, Westgate HS WR 5-9 175 New Iberia, LA Antoine Everett, Lamar Consolidated OL 6-4 278 Richmond, TX Sean Brown, Central HS DT 6-1 280 Baton Rouge, LA Everett Ellefson, Mandeville HS DE 6-4 235 Madisonville, LA Danyel Hunter, Dickinson HS DE 6-3 240 Dickinson, TX Orrin Fontenot, Parkview Baptist HS LB 6-2 225 Baton Rouge, LA Correy Middleton, Richwood HS LB 6-1 215 Monroe, LA Deonte Thompson, Evangel Christian LB 6-2 220 Shreveport, LA James Bice, St. Louis HS K/P 5-10 170 Lake Charles, LA

Our Active The Carter Foundation Youth Faith DeJean is the 13 year old daughter of David and Annette DeJean.

She is a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in LeBleu Settlement and also attends FK White Middle School. Faith recently exhibited her Market Lamb in the 2010 Calcasieu Parish Livestock Show, the District Livestock Show held at the Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles, and in the LSU State Livestock Show held at the LamarDixon Expo Center in Gonzales, La. Her Placing are as follows: Parish Show: Market Lamb Class Champion District Show: 2nd place Class Champion 2nd place Louisiana Bred Class Champion 2nd place Showmanship Class Champion State Show: 3rd place Class Champion 1st place Louisiana Bred Class Champion Our congratulations go out to Faith DeJean. Way to go, Faith!!

Feeding program at Golden Arms for the elderly each weekend. Food & Meat donations are welcome please contact Charlotte Carter at 337.302.9779

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Sports

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Cajun Creole Cooking on the Bayou with Monica Soileau

Chicken and Sausage Creole 2 lbs of skinned and boneless chicken 2 lbs of smoked sausage 2 cans of stewed tomatoes 1 can of tomato paste 2 cups of water 1 bell pepper diced 1 onion chopped 2 jalapeno peppers sliced 2 tablespoons of minced garlic 1 teaspoon of basil 1 teaspoon of rosemary 1 teaspoon of oregano 2 teaspoons of fresh ground black peppercorn salt to taste

Brown meat. Add onions, bell pepper and jalapeno to pot and continue to saute on low fire. Once the vegetables are soft, add stewed tomatoes, tomato paste and water to pot. Add garlic. Stir everything well. Beginning adding herbs and seasonings to pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and cook over medium heat for 30 minutes or until sauce is cooked to your desired consistency.

Option 1: If a thicker sauce is desired, you can add one can of Cream of Mushroom Soup; however, you must not add any salt to this dish.

Option 2: To cook faster, 1 whole smoked chicken can be used on place of the raw chicken; however, you will have to shred the meat from bone in the pot after the dish is completely cooked and before serving.

Serve over rice.

Cajun Cooking

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