My E Life Magazine December-January 2016

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

FROM THE EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Do you feel today's churches are reaching this generation?

Submit your answer today. Your response or opinion can help someone that’s dealing with the above topic.

myelifemag

The importance of social media for businesses.

With the advent of social networking, social scientists and media experts have wondered about the benefits social networking brings to communication.

While some of these are obvious, some others have only become apparent as users have become familiar with social networking. The ability to increase our networking potential or work with others regardless of distance presents new ways for us to do business. Furthermore, the ability to stay in contact with friends and family allows us to maintain closer ties to our loved ones across long distances.

Self Worth

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elf worth is the opinion you have about yourself and the value you place on yourself. An example of self worth is your belief that you are a good person that deserves good things in life or your belief that you are a bad person that is deserving of bad things that may take place in your life. Although self worth is often used as a synonym for “self esteem” I believe that self worth should be less about measuring yourself based on external actions and more about valuing your inherent (deep rooted) worth as a person. In other words, self worth is should be about who you are, not about what you do or what you possess in life.

One of the main problems that Derek Miller, Editor exist in the world today is that & Michelle Miller the focus involves measuring yourself against others, rather than paying attention to one’s intrinsic (naturally/inborn) value. To constantly compare yourself to others means to always be fighting a losing battle! Because there will always be someone more attractive, richer and/or more intelligent than you are. Basing one’s self worth on external factors can become harmful /unhealthy to your mental health. Our competitive culture tells us we need to be special and above average to feel good about ourselves. Contrary to what anyone may think, we all have that “inner voice” that is constantly nagging us with destructive thoughts towards ourselves and/or others. This internalized dialogue of critical thoughts or “inner voice” undermines our sense of self worth. It’s time to challenge your critical “inner voice” and begin to see yourself for who God says you are! We can differentiate from the ways we were seen in our family origin and begin to understand our own feelings, thoughts, desires and values. ■

MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

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My E Life Magazine AUG/SEPT 2015

336-323-8091 President / Editor Derek Miller Director of Marketing Mike James Contributing Writers Greg Baker Donna Nealy Rotimi Oluwaseyitan Mike James Skyler Spencer Michelle Miller Layout / Graphic Design DPI Graphic Design

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HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN

03 PUBLISHER’S NOTES 06 CHURCH DIRECTORY THE PRDIGAL SON

To Advertise Call 336-323-8091 Submissions are welcomed.

Please send stories and ads to info@myelifemag.com My E Life Magazine P.O. Box 13502 Greensboro, NC 27415

MY E LIFE magazine reserves the right to deny any or all advertisements that go against our standards. We are at no means connected or affiliated with any advertisements. No part of any publication may be reproduced without written permission from the authors. The opinions and articles not written by My E Life magazine staff do not necessarily represent our views.

08 MAKE MONEY FROM HOME THE PRODIGAL ON 10 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

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CHRISTIAN MUSIC: SCHULYER JOHNSON

28 FOOD FOR THOUGHT

13 INSIGHT 14 HEALTHY YOU 22 SEASONAL

www.myelifemag.com SAVING SOULS, MAKING DISCIPLES

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ON THE COVER: Rudolph J. Click You are not alone!

Photo by Trinity Studios

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INSIGHT

Two-Time Cancer Victim, Two-Time Cancer Survivor Jeffrey L. Wall “Lives to Tell His Story” A. Giselle Jones-Jones, Ph.D. The Bible tells us that “all the days ordained for [us] were written in [the Lord’s] book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16).

Despite being told that he only had six weeks or less to live back in 1987, Jeffrey L. Wall experienced a healing from the hand of God that would spare his life for an additional twenty-eight years . . . and he’s still going! He has survived and endured a total gastrectomy, a rare disease called Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, pancreatic cancer, a condition called ileus, and liver cancer. Not one day of his life has he been treated with chemotherapy, nor has his life needed to be sustained by any type of medication.

Now, in 2015, Jeffrey L. Wall stands boldly at age 51, fervently claiming in his memoirs entitled 6 Weeks or less . . . A Portrait of Faith that God spared his life and healed him then because He knew that Jeffrey would boldly tell the good news of his healing. Unashamed and unwavering in his faith, Jeffrey will use this book on the world stage as his venue for carrying out what he feels is his last assignment.

6 Weeks or less . . . A Portrait of Faith is a luminous narrative chronicling a life of struggle which dates back to his childhood years; a period of frequent surgeries, disability, debilitating pain and even a failed marriage in his 20s; a journey of ambivalence in career choices in his 30s; and the confrontation of cancer and surgery again in his mid-40s. Through it all, this book promises to give hope to the hopeless and will unequivocally demonstrate the restorative power of an almighty God who WILL heal if we but have faith to believe.

Undeniably, this is a story that must be told. Absolutely, this is a must read for the saved and unsaved alike. 6 Weeks or less . . . A Portrait of Faith will be available in 2016. Stay tuned to My Elife Magazine for updates. ■

About the author Jeffery L. Wall is a native of High Point, N.C. He currently serves as the Associate Pastor of Body of Christ Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in High Point, N.C. His ministry extends far beyond his duties at Body of Christ. He is a minister who brightens the lives of listeners of the First Light Broadcast on WNAA 90.1 FM Radio Station at NC A&T State University. In addition, he serves as host to many Christian services throughout the Triad Area, preaches revivals, and is a beloved keynote speaker for events desiring to hear his awe-

inspiring testimony.

Additionally, Jeffrey is an accomplished actor who has been featured in numerous productions, television programs and films including A Raisin in the Sun, It Takes a Village, Fences, and Swimming in a Lake of Fire, to name a few.

He is married to Trina Wall and is the father of Tia, Geoffrey and Deboris.

For more information about Jeffrey and his book signing tour, visit http:// jeffreywall.wix.com/6weeksorless ■

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016

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Bishop Harold Farr, Jr. and First Lady

SPONSORED BY:

New Life Faith Outreach.

3114-B Corbett Rd. Pleasant Grove, NC 27302.

336-253-2121

HOW TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends

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or I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

You may be asking yourself "why"? His love for you made him do it! Jesus has already paid the ultimate price... He gave up his life for yours! He is ready to receive you unto himself with your faults and all.

The bible states in Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. If you feel him tugging at your heart, repeat these words and say "Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. I do believe that you are the Son of God. I thank you for loving me so much that you gave up your life that I may be saved. I turn from my ways and turn to you. I ask you now to come into my heart and save me.

Looking for a place to worship?

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 LIST YOUR CHURCH IN OUR CHURCH DIRECTORY 336-323-8091 FOR DETAILS CONCORD, NC

GREENSBORO, NC

GREENSBORO, NC

HIGH POINT, NC

New Life Baptist Church 1281 Biscayne Dr. Concord, NC 28027 (704) 782-6215

Bethel AME Church 518 Spur Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 674-8431

Oak Grove AME Zion Church 300 Lawrence St, Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 274-3166

Life Changing International Church 1217 E. Green Dr. High Point, NC 27260 (336) 882-1611

St Philip A M E Zion Church 1330 Ashe St, Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 272-1301

Williams Memorial CME Church 3400 Triangle Lake Road High Point, NC 27260 (336) 883-7330

YOUR CHURCH COULD BE HERE! Contact us My E Life Magazine for details!

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New Birth Sounds of Thunder Christian Center 2300 South Elm Eugene Street Greensboro, NC 27406 (336) 324-7902

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HIGH POINT, NC Calvary Baptist Church 808 Hilltop St, High Point, NC 27260 (336) 889-6441 Friendship Baptist Church 715 W Willis Ave, High Point, NC 27260 (336) 882-9429 Greater New Hope Baptist Church 906 Meredith St, High Point, NC 27260 (336) 887-6877 Mount Vernon Baptist Church 716 Leonard Ave, High Point, NC 27260 (336) 882-9216 WINSTON-SALEM, NC Emmanuel Baptist Church 1075 Shalimar Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27107 (336) 788-7023 Gospel Light Baptist Church 890 Walkertown Guthrie Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27101 (336) 722-9700 Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church 1354 N Trade St, Winston Salem, NC 27105 (336) 727-8844 Mount Zion Baptist Church 950 File St, Winston Salem, NC 27101 (336) 727-0117 Vessels of Honor Church Ministries, Inc. 3608 Ogburn Avenue Winston-Salem, NC 27105 (336) 624-2465 (336) 624-9351 GET RESULTS! ADVERTISE TODAY 336.323.8091 MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

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CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE

4 Ways to Respond If You Have Been Hurt by the Church

By Aaron Loy

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f you’ve ever found yourself struggling with being hurt by the church, I want you to know you’re not alone and perhaps suggest a few steps forward.

If you’ve ever found yourself betrayed, let down or hurt by religious people or their leaders, you’ve probably experienced your own fair share of PTCD. As a kid I was deeply hurt by the pastor of our church. The man we had trusted to be our spiritual leader used his position to do some awful things. The result would be the displacement of our family, the splitting of our church and a wound I would carry for many years to come. I would eventually come to trust Jesus again, but trusting his church would prove to be a far bigger challenge.

Some of you know exactly what I’m talking about. I pastor a church that is full of stories like mine. Some in our church like me, even love me, but struggle to really trust me simply because of my position. Some of them know the Bible front and back but can hardly bring themselves to crack it open on the other side of the shame-based tactics they were subjected to in the past.

Some literally break into hives just thinking about sitting in pews or walking into a traditional church building. The wounds are real and the healing is slow.

So if you’ve ever found yourself struggling with PTCD, I want you to know you’re not alone and perhaps suggest a few steps forward: 1. Resist the urge to become cynical.

I know, it can be hard to resist becoming cynical when so much of modern Christendom is worthy of critique. I get it. There is certainly no shortage of things that need changing. But cynicism is too easy. It demands very little of us and contributes nothing. What is not easy,

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however, is entering in and actually contributing to the change we long to see. While this may seem overwhelming right now, it is an essential part of the healing process.

2. Remember Jesus still loves his church.

Those of us with PTCD must eventually level with the hard truth that Jesus loves his church. Even with all her imperfections, he thought her worth dying for. He chose her, died for her, commissioned her, empowered her, continues to move in and through her, and he will be coming back for her. So we don’t get to abandon her.

The journey of discipleship will never lead us to divorce ourselves from Jesus’ gathered people. This is a truth that all of us with PTCD must eventually wrestle with.

3. Enter in at your own pace.

If you bear the scars of church gone wrong, then let’s just acknowledge together that beginning to trust a church again is going to take a while. In fact, it might take a very long while, and that’s OK. The sad truth is not all churches or their leaders are worthy of your trust. We have far too many modern examples to illustrate this point. So the instinct to protect yourself is going to be strong. Don’t feel guilty for guarding your heart. Trust cannot be rushed, nor should it be. Take your time.

4. Expect to be disappointed.

One of my favorite phrases I use to describe the local church is Jesus’ community of sinning-saints. It reflects the incredible truth that those of us who are in Christ are now and forever saints in God’s eyes, while at the same time acknowledging the fact that our own imperfections and bouts with sin continue on the other side of the cross. It reflects the truth that you will fail again in

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

the future and so will those in whatever fellowship you choose to be a part of. At times you will fail them and they will fail you. And so my challenge for you is this: Choose ahead of time what you will do when people inevitably let you down. Will you withhold grace or humbly extend it? Choosing to extend grace is enormously difficult and it is a choice you will have to continually come back to, but in the end, it is the only way to really heal. ■

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am going to tell you a story and a philosophy that will shed some light on how to make money from home. We are here in the Holiday season and the new year is vastly approaching. It’s also a great time to take your gifts and bring value to the market place and get paid.

This is a philosophy that I have adopted over the years and I am currently practicing to some degree. If you work a job there should be some part of that income that brings you back a profit. I am not talking about your 401k or long term investments but something you can put your money into and make a profit.

One of my mentors drill this into me that “ profits are better than wages” Here’s a great example my Aunt Maryland was a school teacher and a very good one but growing up she learned how to make things candied apples, and other goodies was her specialty. She told me that you should always have something of value with you that you can turn into gas money if you needed it. She would take a part of her wages and make candied apples, bag peanuts, and make something called Kirby cups. She would make her teachers pay stretch and sometimes double from this simple practice.

More recently a friend of mine found the perfect Direct Sales company and she wanted to get started right away. She started thinking about ways to generate the money to get started. She had a conversation with her Aunt, I guess everyone has that Aunt. She ask her does she still bake cakes? The answer was yes so she told her to make cakes for the Holidays and sell them to generate the money to start her Direct Sales business. In less than a week she sold 8 cakes and invested that money in her Direct Sales business and is on her way to making a profit in her new home based business.

There is a perfect biblical account of how God will take what you have and multiply it right from home. I love this account of a stay at home mom working from home. Please read 2 Kings 4 1-7 it gives a beautiful account of the woman and the oil.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Like us on facebook and comment at www.facebook.com/4riversofeden

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The 2 Big Lies Money Tells

By Brandon Cox

Can money really be deceptive? Is it morally neutral?

If “money talks,” then money most certainly lies.

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esus, who never had much money and never depended on having any, warned in the parable of the sower that “the deceitful pleasures of riches choke the word so that it can’t produce anything” (Matthew 13:22 GW).

Can money really be deceptive? Is it morally neutral?

The truth is, the origin of money’s deception is actually within us—the broken, sinful side of us that refuses to be satisfied. When we listen to the wrong voice on the inside of ourselves about money, there are two false promises money seems to make.

First, money promises us significance.

It says, “If you can just get enough of me, you’ll mean something and your life will matter in this world.” Whether we long for pleasure, power or prestige, money promises it all … if we can just get enough of it. And enough is just

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never enough for human beings.

Second, money promises us security.

We believe that if we can just set enough aside, put enough in savings or get out of debt, then we’ll be safe.

The Bible certainly encourages the wisdom of saving and being debt-free, but the fact is, money is never safe. The economy can change on a whim, and our money can’t possibly last beyond the grave with us.

These two promises are based on two of the most prominent and legitimate needs human beings have, but God has always intended that we find our significance and our security in our relationship with Him. We matter because God declared our worth in His eyes with the cross on which His Son died as our ransom.

And our eternity is secure as well as the inheritance He lays aside for us because of His protective, keeping power.

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MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

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REAL ESTATE

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hen a couple gets married, make them yourself. These documents also make sure that they don’t plan for divorce. you property is transferred to family members you have But, unfortunately, it hapselected. A Living Will contains your wishes on life suppens. So what happens to port and artificial nutrition if you reach the point where your nothing further can be done medically property and your doctors need permission to stop if you die medical treatment. If you have a Living during Will, your family doesn’t have to decide the divorce process? Who is your legal because you have already made the deciheir, the person that makes decisions for sion. A Financial Power of Attorney you if you can’t because you are incaallows someone to manage your acpacitated? The world recently watched counts and property if you cannot do so this very scenario play out when Lamar yourself. If you don’t have a Financial Odom was found unconscious and subPower of Attorney, the Court has to apsequently hospitalized in a coma. His point someone to manage your affairs. estranged wife, Khloe Kardashian, was Wouldn’t you rather choose that person still the person with the legal right to yourself? make his health care decisions because A Will is the document that distribtheir divorce was not final. What should utes your property, names the executor he have done? Mr. Odom should have and creates Trusts for minor children. signed (at a minimum!) a Healthcare Finally, the Revocable Living Trust is Power of Attorney when he and Ms. Karanother option for distributing your dashian separated. property that avoids probate. A RevocaA Heath Care Power of Attorney is ble Living Trust accomplishes the same Debra Ragin Jessup a legal document that allows you to tasks as a Will but does so privately, Estate Planning Attorney choose the person that you want to make without the added costs of probate and Jessup & Probst healthcare decisions for you if and when has the added benefit of allowing you to 301 North Main Street, Suite 2222 you become unable to make them for appoint a Trustee to manage your affairs Winston-Salem, NC 27101 yourself. The person you pick is repreif you become incapacitated.

Telephone: 336-721-9090 debra@jessupprobstlaw.com sentative for purposes of healthcare deciThe lesson learned from Mr. Odom’s sion-making. Your Health Care Power situation is that anytime you experience of Attorney can make decisions to give a major “life-changing” event, you need or withhold consent for medical or surgical treatments. to review and update your estate plan. A separation and Other decisions that are included are psychiatric treatment, subsequent divorce is a “life-changing” event. You can’t nursing care, hospitalization, treatment in a nursing home, rely on the separation to sever the legal relationship that a home health care or organ donation. marriage creates. A divorce creates a difficult time for the In addition to the Health Care Power of Attorney, couple, failure to update your estate plan, has the potential there are several other documents that should be created for to create a difficult time for your family. Be proactive, an individual going through a divorce, A Living Will, a protect yourself and your assets by taking the steps necesFinancial Power of Attorney and a Will or Revocable Livsary to create a new Estate Plan during a divorce. ■ ing Trust. These documents make sure that you have the people in place to make decisions for you in you can’t

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MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

INSIGHT

Why Teenagers Are NOT the Church of Tomorrow YOUNG AND RESTLESS

By Greg Stier

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he future is not when teenagers grow up, but when teenagers show up!

Did you ever notice that throughout Scripture God seems somewhat determined when it comes to using young people to accomplish some of his most significant purposes? He used a teenaged Jewish girl named Esther to save a nation from certain destruction. He used Josiah, the boy king, to launch a national revival. He used a shepherd boy named David to defeat a giant and trigger a significant military victory.

He used Jeremiah, the young prophet, to bring down his wrath on a disobedient nation.

In Jeremiah 1:6-7, the young prophet wrote about his own inhibitions about God using him in such a significant way at such a young age, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth. But the Lord said to me: ‘Do not say, I am a youth.

For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.’”

But it’s not just in the Bible where we see this divine propensity toward using the “way too young”; we also see it in church history.

During the 1st Great Awakening in the United States, Jonathan Edwards wrote, “The Revival has been chiefly

amongst the young.” In 1859 during the Great Welch Revival, one witness reported, “One of the most striking characteristics of the movement was its effect on young people and even on children. The youth of our congregations are nearly all the subjects of deep religious impressions. Very young people…children from 10 to 14 years of age, gather together to hold prayer meetings, and pray very fervently. In many places, the young people hold a prayer meeting of their own, and these sometimes proved instrumental in bringing the powerful influences of the revival to that particular locality. The majority of all converts of the revival…were young people.”

Why has God always seemed to use the really young or the really old or the really poor or the really unlikely? The answer seems to be hidden away in 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, “Brothers and sisters think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.”

What does all of this have to do with the teenagers in your world and

your church? Simply this: if God has a propensity to choose to use the young to advance his message and mission, then we should, too!

We all know that the vast majority of people who come to Christ do so before the age of 18, so why aren’t we investing more to reach that demographic? Not only are they more open, but they are more able to spread the gospel. Teenagers can take the gospel further faster than adults. The average teenager has at least 100 online and face-to-face friends and has 100xs more influence on those friends than a stranger has!

If teenagers can be inspired, equipped, and unleashed to share the gospel in a clear and compelling way, our communities can be reached for Christ. But you must be willing to call them and coach them. You must be willing to pray for and push them.

Teenagers are NOT the church of tomorrow, but the church of today. As soon as they believe in Christ, they are baptized by the Holy Spirit into the body of Christ and are given a gift to use and a message to preach. They don’t become members of the church when they can tithe big and serve on a committee, but when they believe in Jesus. The future is not when these teenagers grow up. The future is when these teenagers show up.

The future is now! ■

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HEALTHY YOU!

By Camela L. Douglass, M.S. ED., C.P.T.

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t is inevitable that everyone will die one day. Human beings are mortal. Everyone is subject to death.

Many have asked, “When will I die?”

According to the bible, “the years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty..” (Psalm 90:10). Then the followup question is, “How will I die?” Even with cancer, murder, and vehicular deaths on the rise, people have more control over “the how and when” than they realize.

There’s a preventable method of dying that has increased at a substantial rate over the past few years: eating too much! Americans are dying at an alarming rate from overeating. Most would rather sugar coat this statement because it’s too hard to grasp that someone can actually die from eating too much. Therefore, if you want to put a little sugar on it (which is in itself unhealthy), it is politically correct to say that people are dying from obesity-related complications.

A prime example of the effects of this epidemic is the increase in the eating of junk food. Grab bags of chips, sodas and candy bars are stocked at every checkout line, vending machine, and corner store. Eating junk food alone is one of the main contributing factors to the development of certain cancers. The body desires and needs certain vitamins and minerals to function properly. However, when you eat a poor diet, you severely impair the body’s ability—its immune system—to fight off toxins and diseased cells. As a result, those cells can become cancerous.

It’s just like playing dominos without a winner. Eating too much of the wrong foods lead to obesity, obesity leads to other medical conditions such as heart problems, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Unfortunately, these conditions can ultimately lead to a prevent-

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able death. Therefore, overeating is literally killing people. Type II Diabetes and heart disease has increased and surprisingly asthma has been at the top of the list. One in 3 Americans born after 2000 will contract Diabetes. The number is lowered to 1 in 2 in minorities.

Who would choose to die like this? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 300,000 adult deaths in the United States each year are attributable to unhealthy dietary habits and physical inactivity or sedentary behavior.

It is time for all people to adopt a 3-E plan of action to live a more active and healthy life. The 3 E’s are: EDUCATE, EAT WISE, AND EXERCISE. It is important to educate yourself on the risks taken when you choose to eat the wrong foods. Find out your personal need for the intake of vitamins, minerals, and water. After you do your research and consult with your doctor, eat the right foods and get moving. It’s simple, it’s realistic, and it’s a lifestyle change.■ Camela Douglass, M.S. ED., C.P.T. is an Educator, Life Coach, and Fitness Enthusiast. She is the founder and C.E.O. of Mo Better Me Lifestyle Change Program in Columbus, Ohio. For booking info and fitness inquiries, email mobetterme1@gmail.com

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COVER STORY

F Photo by Trinity Studios

rom time to time, people ask me why I became an accountant. To be honest, I was one of those who lost their job during the Great Recession of 2008. I will never forget how I felt the day when I received my last unemployment check. I was more than fifty years old and after sending out hundreds of resumes, no interviews and no prospects, I remember felling utterly alone.

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Thankfully, I had an MBA and an accounting and tax skill set, so I dusted off my degrees and decided to open my own accounting and tax consulting business.

For seven years now I have been on the side of each and every one of my clients. Most of the time, my job involves helping others with accounting, tax, and business analysis issues, but frequently that help boils down to one human being reaching out to another at a time of need. I enjoy using my expertise to help my clients reduce their taxes, halt the taking of a family home, or get a levy or lien removed from a bank account so the mortgage can be paid.

You may know that, as an accountant, I can do your taxes, bookkeeping, and payroll. But here’s what you might not know about my firm. A&C Accounting can also help you accomplish your business goals. We are MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

consultants also and our value to you is that we help small business owners grow wealth. We have all heard that 80% of all businesses fail by the 5th year, but did you know that of the remaining 20%, only 2% every reach a level of vitality? My firm sees clients in good times when they are at their very best and in bad circumstances when they would rather not be seen. We cheer them on in their successes and when they have a failure, we try to be there to provide support and encouragement.

I cannot tell you how many times business owners have told me that they have felt isolated, without a friend in the world. As a practicing accountant, I quickly realized that empathy and compassion are as important to my clients as the skills I developed when I earned a degree in accounting and passed the Enrolled Agent exam. When I think back to the personal challenges I faced when I lost my job seven years ago, I am reminded of how important it is to try to be that person on my clients’ side, standing with them.

If you need an advocate, remember that A & C Accounting’s mission is to advise clients on the effective use of their financial resources, making the complex more understandable. We can be reached at 336 996 7650. ■

TAX SEASON —It’s that time of the year most of us dread! Thanks to the expertise of one of North Carolina’s home-grown tax preparers, you can rest assured.

Written by J. Alexandra Robinson Journalism and Mass Media student NC A&T Rudolph Click is a registered tax preparer and accountant with A&C Accounting Services in Kernersville, North Carolina – a job he thoroughly enjoys. “Rudy”, as he likes to be called, has an extensive background in financial and tax preparation.

Graduating with an Associate of Arts degree in Business Administration from City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, IL in 1982, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in General Studies from Louisiana State University in 1984.

Rudy found his niche after working as a tax preparer part time for Jackson Hewitt in Winston back in 1994. He earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from City University of Seattle, 2002. In addition, Rudy holds certification as an Enrolled Agent. For those of us who might not know that means—an enrolled agent is a federally authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. Enrolled Agent status is the highest credential awarded by the IRS. When asked what the most misunderstood thing about taxes was, his response was that, “Somehow it’s a negative thing.” Rudy informs us that taxes are “just a record of what hap-

pened to you financially that year— whether positive or negative.” He notes that we control our taxes, and that taxes can be simplified; taxes are not that complex.

With 20 years in sales and financial services, membership in National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA), National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), National Association of Accountants (NAA), and North Carolina Society of Enrolled Agents (NCSEA), there is no doubt Rudy is well versed in the fields of accounting and tax preparing. Rudy also does accounting consulting work.

He uses his knowledge to help small businesses.

From the small town of Harmony, in Iredell County, Rudy resides with his wife in Winston, North Carolina.

The father of an only son, Rudy enjoys spending quality time with his four grandchildren. He loves living in the triad area, and marvels at the changes of the seasons. His hobbies include going to the movies, listening to good jazz music, cookouts and family dinners. A United States Air Force veteran, Rudy is also an avid sports enthusiast—Rudy is a die-hard Minnesota Vikings fan and a “true blue” NC Tar Heels devotee!

Rudolph J. Click EA MBA Tax Accountant & Business Consultant Phone: 336-996-7650 Fax: 336-310-0524 210 B Century Blvd.

Kernersville NC 27284 Connect with us on...

Website: www.ancaccountingservices.com Email: info@ancaccountingservices.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ACAccountingTax Twitter: www.twitter.com/acaccounting1 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rudyclick MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

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Divorce Is So Ordinary We Sometimes Forget the Extraordinary Pain It Causes

By Jon Acuff

“I

t’s such an ordinary thing these days that we tend to rush right by the extraordinary pain it causes.”

Yesterday on my flight, a 13-year -old boy who was traveling alone sat next to me. Before we took off he lowered the tray table in front of him, put his head in his arms and started sobbing. Big tears covered the tray as he wept in his seat.

I asked him, “Are you alright buddy?” He told me he had spent three months with his mother for the summer and was flying back to another state to live with his dad.

Sometimes the frequency of divorce makes us forget the heartache of it. It’s such an ordinary thing these days that we tend to rush right by the extraordinary pain it causes.

If you grew up with divorced parents, are going through a divorce or are divorced, I’m sorry for all the times that I didn’t understand how hard that experience can be. It might be common, but it’s never easy.

I wrote those four paragraphs on my Facebook page a few days ago.

Four hours after I did, the mother of that little boy messaged me. A friend who follows me sent her the post. After confirming the details of the flight and his name to make sure it was actually her son, she thanked me.

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It had been a hard day for both of them. The division of family, whether for the school year after a summer with mom, or the weekend after a few days with dad, is never easy. I started to cry in the airport while I read her message and had to pretend the tears were falling because I was eating a really transcendent airport food court burrito. You know the kind, no rip down the middle, great structural integrity, bite after bite? Burritos, is there anything they can’t do?

But then a strange thing happened, people started commenting on the post. They started sharing their stories.

About dads who did their best and moms who carried homes through storms and hurt that hasn’t disappeared but has healed. The Internet reminded me for the thousandth time that we’re not in this alone as people started to share their stories. (You can read the comments on Facebook right here.)

If you see someone on an airplane crying, ask if he’s OK. If he’s not, talk to him about his favorite football team so he’ll forget he’s sad for a minute. You might think you’re flying to Dallas because you’re supposed to talk to 10,000 people at an event, but there might be just be one person who needs a few words of encouragement even more. ■

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

MEET THE PASTOR

Pastor Tim Simmons

New Horizons on the Rise in High Point, NC

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Submitted by: A. Giselle Jones-Jones, Ph.D.

n just nine months of pasmy life. I’m ready to embrace it and toral ministry, Pastor Tim walk in it.” So in February of 1998, I Simmons has witnessed sigpreached my initial sermon. nificant growth in memberGod has blessed me to preach throughship from 15, since the out the East Coast to men and women church’s inception in Deabout the compelling message of hope cember 2014, to 65-70 peoin the word of God. I believe in emple. My ELife was pleased powering men and women with the to have an opportunity to speak with gospel so that they can reach their pinthis up and coming powerhouse in the nacle in Christ.

High Point community about his call I see New Horizons Baptist Church into the ministry as well as his vision embracing the city, the hurting, the for New Horizons. wounded, the battered, the homeless. I Growing up as a kid, I had always see the ministry embracing all areas of heard that I was going to be the life and cultivating those people that are preacher in the family. One Friday evehungry and thirsty after righteousness ning when I walked into the foyer of to be fed, to be filled, and to lead a vicMacedonia True Vine Pentecostal Holitorious life. ness Church in Winston Salem, NC, on We are victorious people, so we have to my way to attend a service there, prophimpart into others how to be victorious. ecy and destiny collided. The guest God didn’t give it to us as ministers and pastor for the service, who had his back pastors to keep to ourselves; He gave it towards me as I entered, stopped in his to us to impart to others. Through tracks and exclaimed, “God, bless the God’s word, we must demonstrate and preacher!” Assuming he was talking to teach people about what a victorious someone else, I looked around and lifestyle looks like because so many Pastor Tim Simmons shrugged to myself as if to say, he feel defeated.

New Horizons Baptist Church couldn’t be talking to me, but he turned Maya Angelou wrote, “You may en622 N Hamilton Street around, looked me square in the eyes counter many defeats, but you must not High Point, NC 27260 and answered me as if in my head, and be defeated." That is such a powerful said, “No, I’m talking to you.” He had statement because I believe that the my complete attention at this point. Then he said to me, people of God will not be defeated, for we have an advanvery clearly and in no uncertain terms, “You will either tage over the enemy; we have the Holy Ghost. Therefore, preach or die.” because we have the Great One, the I Am, living on the The next night at my own church for a program, the lady inside of us, we need to come to understand that that alone that sat behind me tapped me on the shoulder and flatly empowers us. We speak either victory or defeat, because said, “The Lord said, you will either preach or die.” as the word of God says, life and death are in the power of Deciding to act upon this call quickly. I went to my pasthe tongue. If we begin to speak life, life will be. If we tor the next morning before service, and that’s something don’t speak life, it will not be. I tell my people every Sunwe typically would not have done. Having received the day, “I shall live and not die.” gracious invitation to enter his office, I said to pastor, “I Pastor Tim Simmons is an avid student of the gospel need to talk to you, Pastor Blake. I have something I want working toward his doctoral degree in Theology. He is to share with you.” His response was simply this, “You’re relentless for Christ and has a powerful, relevant ministry coming to tell me either one of two things: You’re ready that responds to a godless world that needs to be drawn to leave the church, or you’re ready to preach your initial back to Christ. Regular worship services are held on Sunsermon.” Astonished by his discernment, I replied, “Pastor days at 11 am, and Hour of Power services are held on 2nd Blake, it is the latter of the two.” Further, I added, “I know and 4th Sundays from 6-7 pm. ■ that God has called me. I have received the call that is on

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 ■ 336-323-8091

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PROSPERITY ON PURPOSE

Cost Saving Tips When You Buy Health Insurance

By Natalie Nicholson

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n my previous articles, I’ve given brief explanations of terminology and keywords that consumers need to become familiar with when looking to purchase health insurance. As we approach the end of one year and look forward to the beginning of a New Year, we must turn our attention to planning for a new season. The holidays are upon us! Smart consumers are always looking for ways to save money and move themselves into a better financial situation than the previous year. Along with sound financial planning and wise decisions, we can anticipate greater rewards as informed consumers. Our bank accounts will thank us and our giving will reward us.

Here are some cost saving tips to help guide you through your health insurance buying process. These strategies will help you save money as your new coverage takes effect.

These strategies will also help you move forward into the New Year 2016 with confidence.

1. Increase your deductible and the cost of your coverage will go down. The larger the deductible the lower the premium cost. If you’re not planning any major surgeries then this would save a substantial amount over the course of the year. Should an emergency situation arise, an indemnity plan may be purchased at a very nominal rate that would cover the deductible amount.

2. Chose a plan that has a narrow or (limited) network of doctors. These are available at a much lower rate that the broad provider network plans.

Premiums will vary, but most insurance carriers will offer a range of plans with a select number pf providers at a lower cost. Always make sure the

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doctor you want to see is in the network, but if they are, then this tip can save you hundreds of dollars.

3. The number one New Year’s Resolution: Stop Smoking. This tip alone would save up to 50% on your premium cost. This is the only rated plan on Marketplace insurance coverages. Tobacco users are given an increase in premium of up to 50% over non tobacco users. Do yourself and your pocketbook a favor, NO TOBACCO. 4. Use Tax Strategies to adjust you income. Tax subsidies are given to those whose income and household size fall within certain guidelines. Make a contribution to your 401K or an IRA (Individual Retirement Account) so that your “modified adjusted gross income “will decrease based on this tax deduction strategy. You will qualify for a larger subsidy and thus lower your premium amount.

You can add to your retirement fund as well as save on premium cost. Sounds like a WIN, WIN to me.

5. If your employer offers a flexible spending account, take advantage of this great benefit. This is a medical spending account that is set aside for medical expenses like copays, deductibles, dental services and some other health care costs. This money is not taxed and you can put up to $2550 each year into an FSA account. You must remember to use it by the end of each year, because if you don’t you cannot carry it over to the next year. If you don’t use it, you lose it.

Always check with a knowledgeable insurance agent or financial consultant about other alternatives to employer health plans or Marketplace exchanges in

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

your State. There are private exchange health plans and health care co-ops that may be a cost saving alternative for you and your family.

As always I’m here to help you make

those informed decisions. You may contact me at my office 336-778-3349 or cell 336-624-3183. Please visit my website at www.gileadgroupfinancial.net for a quote or leave your contact information. I’d love to schedule an appoint-

ment with you for a customized consultation. My office location is 615 Saint George Square Court Suite 300 Winston Salem, NC 27103. ■

Being Ready for the Final Days.

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by Nellie Shani

his past Sunday Florence died. She drove herself to the church, parked her car, reached for her Bible and then made a move towards getting out of her car. She stepped out of her car alright - and appeared at heaven's gate! The way our pastor announced it was very inspiring. "I have some good news this morning...a little sad but good news all the same. Florence left us this morning to go to her new home. She died in the parking lot."

At 83 years old, Florence had fought the good fight, finished her race and kept the faith. Still very attractive and always well dressed, Florence was a 'greeter' at our church and I always looked forward to her warm hand shake.

It is interesting that when people talk of the final days, they think mainly of the second coming of Christ. Each individual has their final days that will lead up to their demise from this earth. My concern is not for those who are ready, but for those for whom life seems like an endless journey of relaxation and fanfare. A parable is told in the Bible of a man who had just gotten a bumper harvest. He made grand plans of building a bigger granary then relaxing so he could eat, drink and be merry for the rest of his life. God's response to his grand plans were, "You fool!

Tonight your soul will be required of you. Then who will enjoy all the things you have stored for yourself?"

If you were going on a long journey, would you not prepare for it? You would probably buy your ticket, pack your belongings and get ready. If there is anything that is a certain and sure fact for every individual, it is the fact that one day we must all take that final journey out of this world.

Shouldn't we be as diligent to prepare for it as we are when we prepare for earthly journeys?

Hebrews chapter nine and verse 27 tells us that "It is appointed for man to die once then after that, to face judgment." This is the same judgment that is spoken of in Revelations chapter twenty and verse 12 and 15 "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books...if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

We must all be ready for our final days. Death comes to all without favoring race, gender or social status. How do we get ready? "Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" John chapter one verse 12. ■

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SEASONAL

Time for Some New Year’s (Financial) Resolutions

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he countdown to 2016 has just about begun. If you’re like many people, you might be mulling over some New Year’s resolutions, such as hitting the gym more, learning a new language or taking a cooking class. All are worthy goals, but why not add some financial resolutions as well?

For example … … Pay yourself first. Even if you aren’t living “paycheck to paycheck,” you probably don’t have much trouble spending your money – because there’s always something that you or a family member needs, always a repair required for your home or your car, always one more bill to pay. But if you are going to achieve your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you need to invest consistently.

So before you pay everyone else, pay yourself first by having some money automatically moved from your checking or savings account each month into an investment. …

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Take advantage of your opportunities.

If you have a 401(k) or similar plan at work, take full advantage of it. Contribute as much as you can afford – or at least enough to earn your employer’s match, if one is offered – and choose the mix of investments that give you the potential to achieve the growth you need at a level of risk with which you are comfortable. … Focus on the long term. In the short term, you might be excused for not wanting to invest. The headlines are typically scary, the financial markets are frequently volatile and the future often looks murky. Yet, if you can look past the uncertainties of today and keep your focus on tomorrow, you will find it easier to follow a disciplined investment strategy that gives you the opportunity to meet your longterm goals, such as a comfortable retirement. …. Don’t be driven by fear. When the market is down, investors tend to react with fear. Specifically, they rush to sell their investments, afraid that if they don’t “cut their losses,” they might sustain even bigger ones. If you can get past this feeling, you may find that a down market can offer you the chance to buy quality investments at good

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

prices. … Forget about the “hot stocks.”

You’ll hear friends, co-workers and talking heads on television tout today’s “hot stocks.” But by the time you might hear about them, they may have cooled off – and, in any case, they might not be appropriate for your needs. Forget about “getting rich quick in the market” – it probably won’t happen. True investment success requires patience and persistence. … Cut down on your debts. It’s easy to pile up debts, but a lot harder getting rid of them. Yet, if you can reduce your debt load even moderately, you’ll free up money you could use to invest.

So look for ways to conserve, cut back and consolidate – it will be worth the effort. Making these resolutions – and sticking to them – can help you as you work toward achieving your financial goals. ■

Charmon Baker Financial Advisor Edward Jones 135 Jonestown Road

Winston Salem, NC 27104 (336) 768-7687 www.edwardjones.com

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COVER STORY

Surprising Characteristics of Churches That Are Actually Reaching the Next Generation

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By Carey Nieuwhof

veryone talks about reaching the next generation of young adults. But what really makes a church effective in reaching the next generation? I’ve visited a few churches this year that are doing a fantastic job at reaching 18 -30 year olds—a vastly underrepresented demographic in most churches. I took notes at all the churches. They all shared surprising characteristics, even though they are incredibly diverse. The surprise (at least for me). It wasn’t their model that made them effective. The churches I studied have different models.

It wasn’t their denomination. One was Roman Catholic and attracting tons of young families. Others were cutting edge conservative evangelical church plants. It wasn’t their facility. Some were portable. Some were permanent. In many ways, these churches are bending the rule book established by the mega churches of the ’90s and 2000s.

Here are five things I’ve seen in churches that are killing it with people in their 20s and 30s: 1. Passion over Polish If you attend enough conferences, you can think that you need polish to pull off effective ministry. Another $50,000 in lights or sound and you’ll be good. The effective churches I’ve visited and seen recently by no means had the best lights, stage or production. Some had almost no stage and no lights, while others had a pretty decent package, but not nearly the level you see at some churches.

What did they all have in common? Passion. When it comes to reaching the next generation, passion beats polish. It’s not that polish is bad, but I think it’s increasingly trumped by a raw authenticity that exudes from leaders who will do whatever it takes to reach people with the Gospel. Smaller facilities and stage sets were more than compensated for by preachers, worship leaders and team members who exuded passion for the mission.

2. Jesus over God This may seem either self-evident or trivial, but I believe it’s neither; the churches that were packed with young adults talk about Jesus more than they talk about God. Of course, Jesus is God and God is Jesus. But God can mean many things in our post-Christian culture. Jesus is far more specific. I’ve noticed that churches that talk about Jesus and the Holy Spirit are having a greater impact on young adults than churches who talk about God. 3. Progress over Facilities Several of the churches I’ve visited this year are multisite.

And they don’t have massive facilities from which to launch new locations. Next Level Church in New Hamp-

shire is reaching almost 3,000 people over six locations.

Their largest facility is a 14,000-square-foot campus that’s a converted auto repair shop. They’ve done a fantastic job remodeling it, but they’ve done it on a dime and it only seats 400 people. They’re reaching almost 3,000 people out of that space across six locations. It’s not the 10 milliondollar facility you’d think you need to have to reach 3,000 people, but that’s not what Joshua Gagnon, their lead pastor, is focused on. (By the way, I was recently a guest on Josh’s leadership podcast. Perhaps my favorite interview I’ve given. Raw and so real.) Josh’s passionate, can-do; noexcuses attitude is in part what’s led them to become one of the 10 fastest growing churches in America. Ditto for National Community Church in D.C. They’re doing a superb job reaching young adults with very small permanent facilities. And they’re adding an eighth location without first building out the space they already have. Impressive.

4. Risk over Certainty All of the churches I know that are doing a great job with young adults take risks. Big risks. They’re either at odds with their denomination (I’ve seen a few of these) or are launching locations where no one else would dare plant a church. They’re figuring out how to accommodate parking and even children’s ministry after they’ve made the decision to open or move. They just want to see the kingdom advance. And the young adults they’re reaching seem fine with the uncertainty. They just want more space and more locations to invite their friends to. Lesson? If you’ve got growth and momentum but you’re waiting for certainty before you determine what’s next, you might be waiting too long. Just act.

5. Mission over Money The question for many churches is this: Does mission follow money, or does money follow mission? Great question. The churches I know that are doing a great job with young adults would say ‘money follows mission.’ Do the mission well, and money shows up. In fact, if you lead with the mission first, everything else shows up: people, money and the resources you need. Too many churches wait for the day when they have the money to realize their mission. Realize your mission, and you’ll have the money you need.

What Do You See? What do you see in churches that are reaching the next generation?

If you want more, listen to my interview with Geoff Surratt on his forthcoming book on churches that reach millennials. His findings (while in beta) are fascinating. ■

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

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COMMUNITY

Russell Funeral Home, Inc.

822 Carl Russell Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101 Phone: 336-722-3459 rusfhome@bellsouth.net

Tips for Writing Tasteful and Memorable Obituaries

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riting an obituary is an honour and one to be undertaken with reverence, but it is also a chance for the deceased to speak one last time and to be remembered forever If you have to write an obit, look for small details from the deceased’s life. Ask their colleges, teammates, spouse, and children about what they will treasure and keep alive in their memories. Where did he/she find the most happiness? Are there any little quirks to speak of that may jog memories and help in the mourning process?

Writing an obituary that is tasteful and memorable needn’t be a daunting task if you follow the checklist below.

Just following this checklist though will result in a safe but dry obituary. For a more memorable obituary, add some or all of these ideas: Make it Lively An obituary is a notice of a death but more importantly, a story of a life lived. “Summing up a life is an awesome responsibility,” says newspaper obituary writer Alana Baranick, on her website Death Beat. Focus more on the life lived than on the notice of the death.

Inspire those left behind An obituary may be the only thing that is ever written about the deceased. It’s an awesome responsibility but it is also a gift, a chance to inspire. Make it full of life and significance, try to show the joy and life shared and lived by the deceased; it will help everyone ground their emotions.

If your obituary can somehow inspire the living to live more mindfully with love, you will have succeeded.

Focus on the deceased Do not start with "the family announces." Describe the

deceased as an individual, give them a name, the name they had in life is still in the hearts and minds of those left behind, so use it.

Show character Show what the person was really like with actual examples and interesting stories. Keep it positive. Mention the person's hobbies, favourite sports, food, drink and organizations they belonged to. Be careful with quirky or risqué stories though, try to focus on universal moments of laughter and character building moments.

Checklist for a tasteful obituary Use the tasteful "passed away" rather than the person "died."

Mention the person's hometown and where they were born and grew up.

List the names of close family members Include the cause of death if the family is comfortable with it Note donation or memorial fund information Write about the person's life, profession Include the time of the service and the name and location of the funeral home. ■

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Anita “Boss Lady” Dean-Arnette

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Radio Station makes Kid’s Holiday Dreams Come True

very year around this time: Anita “Boss Lady” DeanArnette, a local gospel radio personality of 1340/1400 103.5 and 96.3 F M begin advertising her “Annual Toy Drive” and Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit Program.

Anita is heard daily from 12-2:00 with Mid Day Gospel Praise: and on Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.Playing Music to uplift ones spirits and to heal the hurting soul. Anita’s motto is PRAISE IS WHAT I DO !

Anita has done the Toy Drive for fourteen years now at her station and says that she has a heart for PEOPLE: especially children and seniors..

I know there are parents that just don’t have the extra money to make ends meet and for that reason, children may not receive a Christmas gift on Christmas morning.

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It is important to me that each letter that is received is honored. We are asking for your help to make Christmas Merry this year for some boy or girl.

Please donate to Anita’s Toy Drive and you can make a donation to her Cancer Benefit program on Saturday, December 13 th at 4:00 p.m. Morning Star Baptist Church-1400 Fitch Street-Winston Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Dennis Leach is the host pastor. Call her for more information on how you can be a blessing this year: If you need help with your children (ages 1 to 12) this year: Letter should be addressed to : Toy Drive4405 Providence Lane Suite D-Winston Salem, N C 27106 . Make sure your Name, address and phone number is enclosed along with the age and gender of each child.

The Boss Lady-Anita says: IT IS JUST NICE TO BE NICE. Call 336-480-2039 Merry Christmas. ■

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

CHRISTIAN MUSIC

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chuyler Johnson has been singing the praises of God for most of his life ,singing since the age of two, although he was not born into a "musical" family he sought inspiration from his two aunts Sharon Johnson Francis and Carla Johnson (Deceased) who are also singers other inspira-

Top 10 Gospel

tions include recording artist Kim Burrell, LaShun Pace and Daryl Coley. Schuyler has lent his background vocals to the likes of Pastor Jonathan Dunn, Tonya Baker, Dawkins and Dawkins and Charles Woolfork. Schuyler has recently recorded his sophomore project "Heal The Land" which was a live recording. The project will be released in Summer 2016.

02 Worth Anthony Brown & group therAPy

03 International Travis Greene

01 Wanna Be Happy?

Kirk Franklin

04 Worth Fighting For Brian Courtney Wilson

05 #War Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago

07 I’m Good Tim Bowman Jr.

08 I Luh God Erica Campbell featuring Big Shizz

09 Gotta Have You Jonathan McReynolds

10 I’m Yours Casey J

06 Yes You Can Marvin Sapp MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

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Spiritual E Life Magazine

12 Random Questions to Ask About Your Church This Week

By Chuck Lawless “Take some time today to evaluate your church via these somewhat ‘random’ questions.”

We know what questions we often ask about our churches. Is the church growing? Are we meeting budget? Are we making disciples? Take some time today to evaluate your church via these somewhat “random” questions: 1. If your church disappeared today, would your community know the difference? If not, you’re likely not making much difference.

2. If God sent revival to your church, would you be ready to grow the new believers He gives you? If your congregation isn’t prepared to incorporate and disciple new believers, God may not entrust them to you in the first place.

3. If your church carried out church discipline on every member living in flagrant sin, how many members would remain? I can only wonder how many churches have not exercised biblical church discipline in years.

4. How would your church react if God did something in your service that was not already scheduled in the church bulletin? Sometimes we’re so afraid of anything new that we’d question even God. 5. If you conducted a basic theological survey of your Sunday morning crowd, how would the findings compare to your church’s doctrinal statement? My experience is that pastors are often distressed by their findings of such a survey—particularly over beliefs about good people going to heaven even if they do not know Jesus.

6. If the Bible was taken away and your church’s leaders did ministry based only on the Word stored in their memory, how much ministry would continue? Perhaps we need to do a better job at teaching and memorizing God’s Word.

7. If your church faced persecution, what percentage of members would die rather than renounce Christ? I don’t know if we’ll face this kind of persecution in my lifetime, but the day may eventually come.

8. If the government removed tax benefits from giving to the church, would your budget giving change? I doubt it would increase …

9. What percentage of members in your church shared the gospel with someone in the last year? If your church is average, the percentage is quite low. “Take some time today to evaluate your church via these somewhat ‘random’ questions.”

10. If no one ever joined your church again, how long would it be before your church closes its doors? Some churches are almost having an “out of body” experience; that is, they’re watching themselves die.

11. If members of the early church in the book of Acts attended your church next Sunday, what would they think? We can only guess, but I doubt it would always be positive.

12. If God left your church today, would any of its activities continue unchanged? One would hope not, but I wonder sometimes. ■

Interested in becoming a sponsor for Spiritual Food of Thought?

Give us a call and express your interest to our sales team today.

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DID YOU KNOW?

by Toni Ridgaway

Nearly 30 Percent of Americans Believe God Has Say in Sports Twenty-seven percent of Americans believe that God plays a role in determining which team wins sporting events.

As reported by The Religion News Service, nearly 3in-10 (27 percent) Americans believe that God plays a role in determining which team wins sports events, according to the January Religion and Politics Tracking Survey, conducted by Public Religion Research Institute during the weekend of the National Football League conference championship games. A majority (53 percent) of Americans also agree that God rewards athletes who have faith with good health and success, compared to 42 percent who disagree.

“In an era where professional sports are driven by dollars and statistics, significant numbers of Americans see a divine hand at play,” said Dr. Robert P. Jones, PRRI CEO. Americans in the South are most likely to think God has a stake in the outcome of sports games. More than onethird (36 percent) of Southerners say that God plays a role in who wins, compared to nearly 3-in-10 (28 percent) Americans in the Midwest, 1-in-5 (20 percent) of Americans in the Northeast, and 15 percent of Westerners.

Religious groups also disagree on whether God has a stake in the outcome of sports games, the survey finds.

Roughly 4-in-10 minority Christians (40 percent) and white evangelical Protestants (38 percent) say that God plays a role in who wins, compared to fewer than 3-in-10 Catholics (29 percent), fewer than 1-in-5 (19 percent)

white mainline Protestants, and approximately 1-in-10 (12 percent) religiously unaffiliated Americans.

Half of Americans say they approve of athletes who express their faith publicly by thanking God during or after a sporting event, while 45 percent say it does not matter, and only 4 percent disapprove, the survey finds. White evangelical Protestants (77 percent) and minority Christians (60 percent) are more likely than white mainline Protestants (47 percent) and Catholics (46 percent) to approve of athletes who express their faith publicly at sporting events. Only 27 percent of religiously unaffiliated Americans say they approve of athletes who express their faith publicly at sporting events.

On any given Sunday, more than one-quarter (26 percent) of Americans say they are more likely to be in church, compared to nearly 1-in-5 (17 percent) who say they are more likely to be watching football. Nearly 4-in10 (36 percent) say they’re more likely to be doing neither, and approximately 1-in-5 (21 percent) say they are more likely to be doing both.

“At a time when nearly every issue divides the country, passion about sports bridges political divisions,” said Daniel Cox, PRRI Research Director. “There are no red states and blue states when it comes to sports. Nearly twothirds of Democrats and more than 7-in-10 Republicans say they are sports fans, and more 7-in-10 of both groups say they are likely to watch the (big game) this year.” ■

MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091

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Our company has been in operation since 2000. We are a Christian owned and operated business. We believe our customers needs are of the upmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs as we offer you our products and services. As a result a high percentage of our business is from repeat customers and referrals. We have great affordable price.

We Would welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service in the photography industry.

Roslyn Payne, Owner

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MY ELIFE ■ MYELIFEMAG.COM ■ DECEMBER/JANUARY 2016 ■ 336-323-8091