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Witnessing in the Workplace My Need for Control Was Killing My Marriage When Looking for a Great Church Fit, Don’t Buy a Lemon! Presented by
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Letter from the Publisher Volume V, Issue I
6 Witnessing in the Workplace 7 Bible Trivia 12 Showing God’s Love at the Katy Resurrection Run 13 Local Church Spotlights 15 5 Fabulous Things for February 16 My Need for Control Was Killing My Marriage 21 P’s Pocket 22 Westside Christian Chamber of Commerce 24 When Looking for a Great Church Fit, Don’t Buy a Lemon! 26 Staying Close When Loved Ones Are Far Away 29 Boss Like God – Appoint Employees 33 What Steps Can I Take to Bring My Blood Pressure Under Control? 35 The Appearance of Fairness 36 The Lost Cajun® Finds a Home 39 The Buzz About Fort Bend 42 Creating a Space for Family Time 44 Prayer Requests 46 Baked Dijon Salmon Our Mission Statement:
“Our mission is to have a magazine devoted to His glory, provide cutting-edge stories important to today’s Christian, promote Christian-Judeo values we find important, and editorial content that your entire family can enjoy.”
Hello readers! We at Katy and Fort Bend Christian Magazines hope that each of you had a wonderful Christmas, and that your New Year has started out with a bang! Like most of you, I made a handful of personal New Year’s resolutions. Most importantly, however, is our magazines’ resolution: this year, our team’s goal is to fulfill our commitments to you. Our ongoing resolution is to rebrand ourselves into a publication that better serves God and our community. To kick off our rebranding, a few issues back we created a fresh, modern logo and have completely redesigned our Buzz About Katy and Buzz About Fort Bend sections. We’ve also increased our social media presence; like us on Facebook for a steady stream of Christ and family-centered content! On an internal level, we’ve launched several new editorial pieces, including Texas Trivia and Prayer Requests. Texas Trivia, along with our signature Biblical Crossword, are for our readers’ enjoyment as they flip through the magazines and read local stories. Our Prayer Requests section, on the other hand, is a compilation of requests we’ve received from members of our community. Many of our contributors share deeply personal struggles, and we encourage you to take a moment to pray for them. Additionally, if you or anybody you know has a prayer request, please take a moment to share this request with us on our website or Facebook. I can assure you that our team prays for each individual who messages us, and we hope that our wide readership does too. I would also like to use this platform to acknowledge a couple of members of our team, who are largely to thank for the drastic changes the magazines have undertook. My daughter and our Editor, Hannah Menslage, and Lily Palmer, our Executive Director of Business Development, have dedicated immense time and efforts into improving our magazines. Thank you, ladies! We strive to bring our readers cutting edge stories devoted to Christian values that your entire family can enjoy. We frequently highlight local pastors, Christian businesses and charities in our profile articles. Our columnists are second to none. None of our efforts are possible, however, without our advertisers. Without them, we cannot survive. I cannot express this enough. That’s why it is critical that you, our readership, support them whenever possible by using their services and letting them know that you found them through our magazines. We also have an online business directory, where you can visit their websites and social medias. If you do not support the advertisers who sponsor us, we (as with any other magazine) will no longer be able to provide you with all that we have provided for so many years. Joseph R. Menslage President/Publisher Fort Bend Christian Magazine Cover Photo: Dr. Varghese John at Advanced Dentistry in Sugar Land. Photo by Heather Ingram, Associate Portrait Artist shooting for Alisa Murray Photography @ alisamurray.com
Meet Our Staff
For advertising information, contact Joseph Menslage at (281) 497-6455 or email joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com
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Witnessing in the Workplace By Dr. Rebecca Deurlein If you are a Christian, how often do you get the opportunity to witness to others? Can you talk about God at work? Can you pray with your clients? If you are shaking your head no, it’s probably because you feel it wouldn’t be appropriate, you’re worried you might offend someone, or you’re just not comfortable being vocal about your beliefs. But what if you had a boss who welcomed you to share God and who modeled it through his own conversations and actions in such a way as to never offend and only help? Would you feel more comfortable doing the same? Those who are fortunate enough to work with Dr. Varghese John at Advanced Dentistry in Sugar Land have found their lives transformed as a result of the environment he has created. It is one in which the staff prays together each morning, asks troubled patients if they can pray with them, and keeps God at the center of their business model. Nothing is “in your face” about their approach, and it works. Continued on page 9
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a i v i r T e l b i B
Test Your Knowledge By Answering the Questions Below.
1
2
ACROSS
3
2
What was the goddess in Ephesus called who was worshipped the most?
3 Which Roman was in charge of cultivation in Syria at the time of Jesus’ birth? 6 In which book of the Bible do we read about Haman? 9 The word “bible” comes from the Greek ta biblia, which means “the ____.” 10 What is the last word in the Bible? Down
4
Answers: 1) Paul the Apostle, 2) Diana, 3) Cyrenius, 4) Water to Wine, 5) Pergamos, 6) Esther, 7) Abigail, 8) Habakkuk, 9) Scrolls, 10) Amen
1
4 In the Gospel of John, Jesus performs his first attributed miracle: the transformation of ____ to ____. Hint: use three words!
5 6
Priscilla was the missionary partner to who? Hint: use three words!
7
5 In the book of Revelation, Jesus gave the apostle John seven messages for the seven first-century churches in Asia Minor. Which church was criticized for being too compromising? 7 Who was the wife of the wicked Nabal, who became the wife of David after Nabal’s death? 8 Which book in the Bible predicts the doom of the Chaldeans?
8 10
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“There are times when people are not ready for it,” explained Dr. John. “I ask God for guidance or I get nudged by the Holy Spirit. I make myself available, make conversation, and let it evolve naturally. I don’t push it on people. I have a genuine interest in them and they sense it, and then they become open.” Treatment Coordinator Shawn Smith says she learned how to witness by watching Dr. Varghese John. “He’s always out there offering wisdom and prayer. It’s taught me that you can do any job in this world and still do missionary work. Many people have walked away encouraged by him. They came in not knowing where to turn and hadn’t thought about asking God for help. He reminds them that God is always there.” Dr. John has run Advanced Dentistry since 1996 with his wife Anna, who came on board as his office assistant but is really more of a co-pilot. She has the same ideology as her husband: Take care of people, don’t be afraid to be a servant leader, be devout, be positive, and support one other. They have two older children, one who is pursuing a dental degree to continue in her father’s footsteps and the other, a high school student, who does graphic design for several ministries. All are actively involved in the International Bible Church in Stafford. Aside from ministering close to home, Dr. John has visited several mission fields in African nations. He feels it’s the least he can do given his own experience coming to know God. “Jesus Christ is the only way to eternal life and some people may find that offensive, but that’s what’s the Bible teaches. The only way to reach the Father is through the Son. If people don’t hear about the Gospel, they won’t have the chance to accept Christ as their Savior. In the western world, we are surrounded by it to such an extent we have the privilege of rejecting Him. We have an overabundance of everything. Many parts of the world haven’t heard of God or the story of Jesus. How can we have February / March 2019
more than two chances, while others don’t even have one chance? That’s not fair.
“I was fortunate to have experienced the Grace of God. I was a totally different man. I came to the U.S. from England in 1993 and that’s when I came to know Christ. Christianity had been merely a tradition in my family. I never had a relationship with God. I could see how God was making a way for me before I even had the faith that He would do so. Others who had faith taught me and led me to His Grace. God was waiting for me just as the father waits for the prodigal son. People think they have to clean themselves up before going to God. No. He will clean you up.” As a “cleaned up” Christian, Dr. John wanted to pay it forward by making God accessible to those who don’t have the Bible in their own language and who have never heard the Word of God. The avenue he Continued on page 10
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chose was TAMI - The Apostolic Ministries International. With 836 churches in 30 different nations, the organization has helped him connect with both pastors and native peoples eager to learn about God.
One such trip was to Africa, in Cameroon, where Dr. John went with a team to teach over 300 pastors. What began as a lesson on how to pray and worship God turned in to intense long hours of study session and prayer when the pastors begged to spend more time on the subject. Dr. John said, “The gospel is supposed to change people’s lives. As a result of prayer, these pastors became more productive and their joy increased. We are still getting reports about the changes taking place in Cameroon.”
While there, Dr. John took some time to visit the prisons, an experience that made him uneasy but was ultimately rewarding. His team delivered food to over 700 prisoners, handed out Bibles, and shared the Gospel. After only two hours, 240 people participated in Believer’s Baptisms; many were healed of diseases and many were set free from evil spirits. As word spread of TAMI’s presence in the region, the native pygmies, who typically never leave the forest, emerged in a group of 40. With handmade instruments, the group praised God in a way Dr. John had never experienced. He was blessed while blessing those around him. He continued to spread blessings upon his return to his dental practice. As he shared stories from his mission work, his employees were inspired to do their own mission work right there in the office and in the local community. Smith said, “Dr. John gave me the freedom to reach out to others. In this country, we have gotten so bad about speaking to people about God and prayer. In watching him and how well he does it, I’ve learned how to offer. You’d be surprised how many people are searching for this. They have something missing in their life and they don’t know what it is.” Through Dr. John’s studies at Bethel Ministries in California and his mission work throughout the world, he has witnessed miracles of healing and restoration, and he is not surprised by them. “Miracles should happen now, just as they did in the early church. God is still in the miracle business. “ For more information about Advanced Dentistry visit www.sugarlandcosmeticdentist.com and for more information about TAMI and how you can get involved in mission work around the world, visit www.tamiglobal.org.
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Showing God’s Love at the Katy Resurrection Run By Caitlin Richards Registration is now open for the Second Annual Katy Resurrection Run. The 5K run and 1K family walk/run will be on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at Faith West Academy’s beautiful 40-acre campus. A new feature for this year’s Resurrection Run is the scenic route is now a certified course. “Getting our course certified is something we wanted to add to the Resurrection Run for our avid runners,” Joseph Menslage, Katy/ Fort Bend Christian Magazine’s publisher and Katy Resurrection Run founder said. Runners who need credits for marathons can now put the Resurrection Run on their list of certified runs. Menslage said the Resurrection Run is one of the few 5K runs that is a certified course in the Katy and Fort Bend area. Katy Christian Magazine and Fort Bend Christian Magazine team up with Faith West Academy to host the event. All of the funds raised from the Resurrection Run will go towards Faith West’s Eagle Initiative, which supports various local organizations. “The Eagle Initiative is the community arm of Faith West, Inc.,” Gary Kerr, Faith West Founder and President said. “It reaches into the community and funds charitable giving throughout the Katy community.” Organizations the Eagle Initiative benefits include Child Protective Services adoption fair, Caring 4 Katy, Good Shepherd, Sunshine Kids, and Sunshine Thru the Rain. The Eagle Initiative’s impact is far reaching as some of the organizations benefit children and families from downtown Houston to the greater area. “The Resurrection Run greatly impacts the community of Katy because we do a lot of community outreach through Eagle Initiative,” Kerr said. “It really reaches into the community and tries to meet the needs of the Katy community in a variety of ways.”
Raising funds for the Eagle Initiative through the Resurrection Run would not be possible without this year’s title sponsor Belhaven University. When Belhaven heard about the Resurrection Run’s mission to bring hope and resources to children and their families in the community, they knew they had to help in any way possible.
“It is all about the kids,” Erica Scardino, director of admissions and student services for Belhaven University’s Adult, Graduate and Online Division said. “The charities the Eagle Initiative supports do amazing work. We are excited to work alongside Faith West and Continued on page 15
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Local Church Spotlights By Hannah Menslage Are you searching for a new church family? At Katy and Fort Bend Christian Magazine, we recognize that each individual fosters a unique relationship with the Lord. Spiritual journeys look different for everybody. During your quest for a worship center, we encourage you to consider the activities that make you feel closest to God. Are you moved by Christian music? Do you enjoy large sermons, or do you prefer Bible study classes catered to your age and gender? Consider your specific criteria while moving forward. We invite you to take a look at a few of our top picks! Westland Baptist Church 1407 West Grand Parkway South Katy, TX 77494 westlandbaptistchurch.org (281) 392-5099
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Westland Baptist Church loves Jesus and loves you. Its goal as a church is to help individuals come to Christ by knowing God, finding freedom, discovering their purpose and making a difference. As a pillar of the community, Westland represents Jesus and the way He loved all mankind. Westland invites men, women and children of all ages to join its family for a transformative experience. With three Sunday morning church services - an 8:30 a.m. traditional service in the chapel, a 9:45 a.m. contemporary service in the chapel, and an 11 a.m. contemporary service in the worship center. Visit the website today to learn more about many other opportunities, such as Student Ministry and Westland Kids! Bear Creek Baptist Church 5901 North Fry Road Katy, TX 77449 Bearcreek.church (281) 859-9900 The Bear Creek Baptist Church vision is “to be a Gospel-centered, disciple-making community for all people.” Church services at Bear Creek Baptist include modern worship songs and hymns with authentic, biblical teaching. Bear Creek Baptist offers two identical services on Sunday morning at 9:30 and 11 a.m., along with options for Spanish-speaking members. Bear Creek Baptist also pro-
vides preschool care, children’s worship, student gatherings and adult Glow Groups. Visit the website for additional information about what Bear Creek Baptist believes, and to learn about Discover Bear Creek, a “no-pressure” class catered toward prospective members! Calvary Episcopal Church 806 Thompson Road Richmond, TX 77469 calvaryrichmond.org (281) 342-2147 Calvary Episcopal Church is a vibrant, growing parish family that is deeply committed to one another and to living with Christ. Calvary Episcopal prides itself in being a welcoming congregation - hospitality is a very important aspect of Jesus’ teachings, and Calvary Episcopal strives to live up to His example and expectations. Calvary Episcopal has two Sunday morning services: a traditional service at 8 a.m. and a contemporary service at 10:30 a.m. The contemporary service also includes Children’s Chapel. Additionally, Calvary Episcopal offers a Tuesday morning service of Holy Communion. Visit our website to learn more about how Calvary Episcopal can help you change your life! Heritage Baptist Church 2223 FM 1092 Missouri City, TX 77459 Hbctx.org (281) 403-4994 Heritage Baptist Church was founded on a love for Jesus and for the surrounding community. The Heritage Baptist focus is to “live out the gospel and love of Jesus every day.” Heritage Baptist puts its dedication to the community into action through various ministries, such as Grief Share, Divorce Care, Divorce Care For Kids and AWANA. Heritage Baptist also hosts a wide array of community service projects and family friendly events. Heritage Baptist wants to provide you and your family with the spiritual home you’ve been searching for. Join the family this Sunday by coming to the 9:30 a.m. Bible Study or the 10:45 a.m. worship service! Visit the website to learn more about what Heritage Baptist will bring to your life.
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5 Fabulous Things for February
Katy/Fort Bend Christian Magazine to accomplish their fundraising goal.” The highly-ranked Christian college offers 70 areas of study including academic majors and concentrations across a full spectrum of disciplines, as well as a variety of master degree programs. “We want to help anyone who wants to see their dream of graduating college become a reality,” Scardino said. “Our degree programs work great for adults that are short on time and money.” For more information about their affordable, convenient and close-to-home programs, call 281-579-9977 or visit their website houston.belhaven.edu. “It is a huge honor,” Scardino said for Belhaven to share in the sponsorship of the Resurrection Run. They are looking forward to seeing the families of Katy on race day to celebrate the Easter season. “Easter weekend is a time where we, as Christians, celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and share in the victory it brings to all who believe,” Scardino said. “Belhaven University is excited to know that many individuals and families from all walks of life will be coming out to run where we can help spread the love of Jesus in such a fun and meaningful way.” The First Resurrection Run was a great success. It raised a significant amount of money to give to the Eagle Initiative. However, the Resurrection Run team hopes to raise even more this year to give an even great amount to the Eagle Initiative. “We can’t do it on our own though,” Menslage said. “We need the Katy community to sign up to participate in the run. We February / March 2019
are planning a really fun, family friendly, Christ-centered event. We want the community to come out and enjoy it, while helping us meet our goal.” Participants can receive a $10 discount on their registration by signing up early. To register, visit resurrectionrunkaty.com. There are also special discounts for first responders and military service members with an ID. Make plans to celebrate the Easter weekend by bringing your family to participate in the Katy Resurrection Run. Besides the actual run, there will also be live music and great food from the Resurrections Run’s other generous sponsors. “It is natural that during the Easter season, which celebrates the resurrection of our Lord and symbolically new life, that we think of ways we can help lives, touch people and sacrifice in order to help others,” Kerr said. “That is the great thing about the Resurrection Run, it really is a natural expression of the heart of Christ.” More information about the Katy Resurrection Run can also be found on their Facebook page @ResurrectionRunKaty.
By Alisa Murray 1) Treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers to bring the outdoors in! 2) Write love letters to your spouse and your children. 3) Flip through your Bible and keep track of how many times the word “love” is used. 4) Use red gel paper to make little hearts and decorate your window panes. 5) Pamper yourself with a massage during the month of love!
Alisa Murray BS Psychology, owner of Alisa Murray Photography, Alisa Murray Travel, Alisa Murray Luxury Realtor & award winning columnist “Living the Sweet Life.” She can be reached @ www.alisamurray.com.
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My Need for Control Was Killing My Marriage By Jordan Harrell I’m sitting in a room of about a hundred women, wiping tears that have gone from a light misting to a straight-up downpour in a matter of seconds. My head is pounding from the effort it’s taking to keep this scene within the “socially acceptable” category. I can feel sobs expanding within my chest like balloons, waiting impatiently to be released, a sound similar to an obese dog’s moans, which I know will force all eyes on me. Or at least the eyes that aren’t already on me. I have no idea what the speaker is saying. The topic might have something to do with the argument my husband and I got into the night before, but I’m honestly not sure it does. But also, I know I am just hitting a wall. The seventh move in seven years wall. The my husband got another new job wall. The it doesn’t pay as well as his current job wall. The we just bought a fixer upper wall. The I’m going to have to live by myself with three kids for a month wall. The our savings account is gone wall. Okay, so I am hitting a lot of walls.
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Is Your HOME Ready for POOL SEASON?
The class ends and the two mentors assigned to my table scoot their chairs over to me and appear to roll up their sleeves. It’s go time. These are two of the wisest women on the planet, which I know is why God has forced me to show my hand this morning. He needs me to hear what they have to say. I try to gather myself. They wait a few beats for me collect the most sane of all the words bouncing like lottery balls around my brain so I can form a coherent sentence. I’m just overwhelmed, I finally squeak out. Clark and I got into a fight last night. About floors. I don’t think we can afford new floors in the new house, but he thinks we can. And watching our savings account disappear makes me feel all kinds of out of control. I like having a cushion. I think it’s an irresponsible decision, and all I want right now is to feel stable. In case you haven’t noticed, I am feeling unstable. I laugh, but it comes out more like a bark. I make a mental note to google “How to Cry Adorably” when I get home. We talk for a while. They ask questions and hold my hand. They pray over me. And then they give me the best marriage advice I’ve ever received. “If those floors aren’t going to put you into a financial hole, let it go. Let him lead and make this decision. It sounds like he wants those floors because he loves you, because he wants you to love your new house and because he knows he’s the reason y’all are moving again. “And if it ends up being the wrong decision, which it might be, maybe the Lord is trying to teach him something here. Don’t stand in the way. He will learn from a mistake a lot better than from a preaching wife.” Continued on page 18
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“And if you do end up struggling financially because of it, don’t say, ‘I told you so.’ Figure it out together; trust that God is working for your good. In marriage, there is no such thing as sides. When you make a decision, you decide together and support one another.”
I let out a breath. My body relaxes. My load feels lighter. I no longer feel as if our very livelihood depends on me convincing my
husband to “LISTEN TO ME BECAUSE I AM RIGHT AND YOU ARE WRONG.” My fists unclench and I realize just how little I trust my husband, and how little I trust God. I recently read a book (one I can’t recommend enough) called More Than Just Making It: Hope for the Heart of the Financially Frustrated. So much of Erin Odom’s story parallels ours. The book, which also offers oodles of practical tips on saving and making money, is Erin’s story of financial struggle, surprise babies, marital strife, God’s faithfulness to provide, and the way he uses their journey to chip away at her pride and entitlement. I immediately felt like we were kindred spirits. In one of her chapters, Persimmons and Provisions, Erin describes a morning she shows up at someone’s house after seeing an advertisement for free persimmons. The homeowner lets her fill up a big box with free fruit, a gift that seems small, but she recognizes it as just one more way God is providing for her family during a time of hardship. “On paper we were poor, yet I can look back now and see how I richly experienced God’s presence during that time,” she writes, “With a burgeoning belly, one toddler on my hip, and another wrapped around my knees, it wasn’t uncommon for me to open my near-empty refrigerator and whisper prayers of petition wrapped in thanksgiving: God, you will meet our every need. You have never failed us. You are in control. It was a ‘this is it’ season. This, I would tell myself, is when our faith is proven real.” That evening, after my epic meltdown, Clark brought up the floors again. “If you really don’t feel comfortable getting the floors, we
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don’t have to get them.” “No, I trust you. If you think we will be okay and it’s financially feasible, I’m good with getting them.” And I could say it with full confidence, thanks to the best post-Bible-study counseling session ever. A week later, a letter came in the mail. It was a document I’d been waiting on for several weeks to finish our taxes. I pulled out the laptop and a file of papers and receipts and began filling in all the blanks. An hour or so later, I stared at the number on the screen. Then stared at it some more. Then teared up. Surely not. The amount we would receive on our return was the exact amount we were quoted a couple days before on those new floors. Which totally might have been a coincidence. Or it might have been God saying, I love that your husband is moving your family so he can spend more time with your children. I love that he is choosing relationships over a more prominent position and a higher paying salary. I love that you honored him in that by letting him lead. And I love that you loosened your grip and trusted me to take care of you when you felt like you needed
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control. I like to micromanage my life. I like to handle it. To take care of it. To have cushions and back-up plans. But where does that leave God? Where does that leave faith? Nothing grows faith like being confronted with your own weakness. I hate feeling weak and out of control. I’m learning to pray quicker than I act, to stop assuming I can lead better and learn to follow well, to let go. I’m learning I’ll believe deeper if I practice believing more – believing that He will follow through, that He has me in the palm of his hand, that He is there and also right here. It turns out God was trying to teach someone a valuable lesson that day. And much to my surprise, it wasn’t my husband. Surely he’ll be next, though. Right? “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
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Westside Christian Chamber of Commerce By Lily Palmer If you weren’t at the Inaugural Westside Christian Chamber of Commerce meeting last month, you missed out! Over 80 people gathered for the first meeting to enjoy breakfast and connect with their colleagues over coffee. With a common mission to gain visibility, form relationships, and exchange information between like-minded Christian individuals - all were excited to attend. Longtime friends and business owners Joseph Menslage and Kirk Rightmire partnered with Belhaven University’s Houston Branch to become founders and directors of a local chamber founded by Christians, for Christians. Menslage, publisher of Katy & Fort Bend Christian Magazines commented that “there are many great chambers and networking opportunities in the community, but very few are Christian based.” He was one of the founders of the Houston Christian Chamber over 12 years ago, but due to a family tragedy he had to step away. Now that his children are older, he shared that God had put it back in his heart to start focusing on building a chamber
once again. His partner, Kirk Rightmire, is president of Kirk Promotions. After attending networking groups for over 20 years, Rightmire started his first networking group in May of 2012. Since then, he has been making connections every day by helping his community in both business and outreach. Rightmire was a perfect partner for
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this project due to his Christian values, experience networking, and positive leadership-style. Although this project has been in the works for some time now, the Westside Christian Chamber of Commerce finally came into fruition in January of 2019. With consistent meeting times, the Chamber will begin as a monthly breakfast held every third Thursday at 7 a.m. However, founders have projected that they are quickly expanding and will begin holding business lunches and dinner meetings in the near future. Erica Scardino, the campus director of Belhaven University, which currently hosts Westside Christian Chamber of Commerce, could not be more excited to be directly involved with the chamber. The Chamber is a tremendous opportunity for not only the Belhaven campus, but for the student body as well. At WCCC, each meeting begins and ends with prayer. A meaningful connection to Christ is the focus of this networking group. Philanthropy, a pillarstone of Christianity, is why 10% of all membership fees will go to a charity of choice at the end of the year. Representatives from many February / March 2019
great ministries like Clothed by Faith, Eagle Initiative by Faith West Academy, Katy Christian Ministries, Feed the Hunger Packathon, Katy Cares, and many more joined the Chamber to discuss their upcoming events, and the ways everyone can help serve the community. The next meetings will be held on Feb. 21 and March 21 at 7 a.m. Please join us at 15115 Park Row #175, Houston, TX 77084 on the 3rd floor to come see what all the chamber has to offer! Check out the website westsidechristianchamber.com to learn more.
Lily Palmer is celebrating her 1 year work anniversary with Katy and Fort Bend Christian Magazines as their Senior Sales Executive and Philanthropy Director. She has recently been promoted to Executive Director of Business Development for her involvement with the Westside Christian Chamber of Commerce, Resurrection Run, and other activities with the magazines. Lily enjoys yoga, gardening, networking, photography, and her two dogs. If you need assistance with advertising or philanthropic events, please reach out to lily@katychristianmagazine.com
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When Looking for a Great Church Fit, Don’t Buy a Lemon! By Lori Joiner When looking to purchase a home years ago, I walked into an older home and fell in love instantly. The hardwood floors, a beautiful winding staircase and open ceilings had my heart. I dreamt that night of what those floors could look like oiled up and shining, and how I would decorate the banister for Christmas. However, after the inspection, I learned that my dream home was actually a nightmare. Fraying electric wires, small plumbing pipes in disrepair and termite damage were at the top of the list. I was crushed. No matter how much I loved the aesthetic-- with those unseen bigger problems -- there was NO WAY I would purchase that home. It was a lemon. When looking for a great church, we can take a few lessons from buying a home and apply those to our hunt. Upon arrival at a new church, you may think you love
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the beauty of it, the comfortable seats, the funny humor of the pastor or the craft the kids brought home, and be sold! But wait! Take your time and always look deeper before committing to any church home. Four Things to Look for in a Great Church Looking deeper and paying attention to what may not be seen immediately will help you make a decision on where to hang your hat and heart in the years to come. Beliefs: Learn the potential church’s beliefs. Most churches will list their statement of beliefs directly on their website. Read to see if this church has biblical beliefs. Next, attend a service. Does the message from the pulpit line up with the statement of beliefs? There are four foundational biblical beliefs to look and listen for: 1. Do they believe in the Trinity? God the Father, God the Holy Spirit and Jesus Christ are all three in one God and therefore equal. 2. Do they believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant, authoritative Word of God? A biblical church believes the Bible is supreme over all other books, without error, and applicable to our lives today. 3. Do they believe in a literal Heaven and Hell and that each person’s destiny is one place or the other? This is a foundation of scripture teaching. 4. Do they believe salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ? Our eternal salvation is wholly dependent on the saving grace of Jesus, not by our good works. Worship: Once the above is nailed down, look to your other preferences, such as worship. Whether you prefer traditional, hymnal style or contemporary with a band, the songs should focus on God and worship of Him. Children’s Programs: If you are looking for a great children’s program, your best move is to accompany your children (volunteer perhaps) during their teaching time and observe. Is the Bible being taught in a relevant way or are they merely being occupied? Location: One of the main functions of the church is fellowship, so location is important. Can you get to this church easily to plug in and be a contributing member? Belonging to a church is much more than showing up and leaving. It should involve using your gifts to help others and building friendships that encourage you on your spiritual journey. Finding a great church fit can take time and needs to be bathed in prayer. Do your research, listen, observe and attend numerous times before making a final commitment. If you do this, you will find God will lead you to a great place to plug in, and safeguard you from committing to a lemon!
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Staying Close When Loved Ones Are Far Away By Dr. Rebecca Deurlein The most popular piece I’ve ever written was an article for Huffington Post called When Your Kid Leaves Home for Good. Although I wrote it years ago, it pops up intermittently, resurrected by the mysteries of the Internet, and when it does, I invariably get emails from people around the world wanting to share their sadness about their child leaving home. Obviously, it’s a topic with widespread application and deep emotional appeal. Everyone wants to know - How can I stay close to my kids when they’re no longer living under my roof? The good news is that I’ve experienced this, first as the child and now as the parent, and I’m here to tell you it can be done successfully and very pleasantly. I find that my relationships with my adult children are better than they’ve ever been, and although my parents live far away, they maintain close relationships with their children and their grandchildren. Not only that, but adult relationships with your children are twice as nice because you no longer have to parent them as strenuously as you did when they were growing up. Sure, you’ll always be a parent, but now you can be a friend too. That’s a beautiful thing. Miles really don’t matter, thanks to technology and transportation. The logistics will take care of themselves; your focus should be on the relationship.
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your phone you never knew existed. Ask them about their favorite shows on Netflix. Everyone loves to be valued and to feel that they have something to offer. When you become the students and let them be the teachers, you show them respect by welcoming them into the adult world with you.
Here are five tips for fostering strong bonds among family members, the kind that aren’t strained by distance: 1. Take advantage of technology. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but kids today aren’t big on talking on the phone. They like to text, send images and gifs, and even engage in conversations almost entirely comprised of emojis. Embrace this, even if you don’t understand it. Grandma who texts talks to my kids WAY more than Grandma who insists on phone calls. Which grandma do you want to be? 2. Learn from your kids. Trust me, they have a lot to teach you. When you get the opportunity to spend time with them, or you actually do talk to them on the phone, ask them about the latest lingo and what it means. Get them to show you features on
3. Honor family traditions. Kids rely on these and when they come home, it should feel like the home they remember. Their favorite meal, a family movie, or a neighborhood walk provide comfort and create a safe haven for young adults for whom so much is new and different. Grandparents should establish their own traditions, such as playing cards or building puzzles with the grandkids. Each visit will then strengthen the ties among extended family members.
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more likely to visit my home and be perfectly comfortable there. Boyfriends and girlfriends are even more important. Make them feel like part of the family, and you’ll see much more of your kids. 5. Be there, no matter what. Set the precedent early on that it doesn’t matter how far away anyone is. You can always be there with emotional support, encouraging texts, Facetime, and phone calls. It’s amazing how strong a relationship can be between people who only see each other a couple times a year. It’s all about being there in other ways, always letting the other person know you are thinking about them. Your kids will set the tone for how often they want to talk or text. Follow their lead. Don’t be a pest and don’t drop off the planet. Find what works for everyone and honor it. As we begin a new year, think about the ways you can engage with your kids or grandkids that will speak to them where they are. Once you relinquish the need to be in charge and allow your kids to grow into the adults you always wanted them to be, you will be astounded by how much you genuinely like them. 4. Love their friends. Young people’s peers are some of the most influential people in their lives. As you’ve probably discovered, what their friends think is frequently more important than what you think. Knowing that, make an effort to learn the names of your kids’ friends, to know something about them, and to get along with them. I love my kids’ friends. When I see them, I genuinely enjoy talking to them, and my kids know this. As a result, I’m much more likely to be invited along. Likewise, they are much
Rebecca Deurlein is the author of Teenagers 101: What a top teacher wishes you knew about helping your kid succeed, and President of Teenager Success 101, a one-on-one tutoring and life coaching company dedicated to helping kids find success. She blogs and writes internationally, speaks to parents across the nation, and loves every minute of living in Sugar Land, TX. Find her on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Huffington Post, or through her own blog A Teacher’s Guide to Understanding Teenagers. All can be accessed at www.rebeccadeurlein. com.
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Boss Like God – Appoint Employees By K Lynn Lewis God clearly appointed people to serve in His employ. Some might debate whether appointing, anointing, and selecting are the same, but there are distinctive differences. Hebrew Tribal Leaders When Moses received directions to count the Hebrews shortly after their exodus from Egypt, God gave his CEO the names of specific individuals He wanted Moses to appoint to serve as leaders of the census for each tribe (Numbers 1:1-5). Together, these twelve appointees were to assist the nation’s executive leader in carrying out his assignment, as well as serve as representatives for each tribe, sort of like department heads or a project council of task force leaders. Likewise, God gave Moses the names of specific people to appoint as leaders of the tribes (Numbers 2:1-34), sort of like governors. Essentially, God gave Moses the slate of names, and then Moses executed God’s plan by appointing the individuals to their positions. The Boss made decisions and initiated strategic arrangements, while the general manager implemented and administered under His direction.
Tabernacle Craftsmen Shortly thereafter in the timeline of their exodus journey, God gave Moses explicitly detailed instructions on an important building project – a tabernacle with furniture and equipment inside, and a fence and other implements outside. The extremely specific instructions related to materials and measurements, as well as the names of persons chosen to lead the construction. Continued on page 30
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“I have chosen Bezalel,” God said, “and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts” (Exodus 31:2). In addition, “I have appointed Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach ...to help him” (31:6), and have given them the ability to teach others (35:34). In this case, the Boss not only appointed people by name, He gave them the skill, ability, and knowledge to accomplish the project, and gave them the ability to teach others.
very well, may not also have the gift of teaching. Therefore, asking an expert to teach, who does not also have the ability to teach, might prove a very frustrating experience for both the would-be teacher and student(s). On the other hand, employing workers gifted in teaching can multiply an educated and trained labor force, and provide a pleasing, productive experience for all involved. In response to God’s instructions, Moses summoned Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person to whom God had given ability and was willing to work (Exodus 36:2). This added information may imply that some people had skills, ability, and knowledge, but lacked the desire to work, while others may have been willing to work but lacked the appropriate skill, ability, and knowledge. Perhaps willing learners can be taught, but unwilling, uncooperative workers – even if they are experts – may not work out so well. How many of us have known brilliant, incredibly talented people whose laziness sabotaged their prospects for success, while others with lesser abilities find success nevertheless because of their willingness to work hard? Hence, key characteristics related to hiring well through appointing may include seeking persons with: • Skill and ability • Knowledge • Willingness to work • The ability to teach, if educating others is a needed skill. Otherwise, this characteristic is irrelevant.
Interestingly, this is the first time the Bible describes someone as being “filled” with the Spirit of God. Pharaoh did say something similar about Joseph, “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38). But, being filled with the Spirit seems generally something that would describe prophets or priests. Yet, a political ruler (Joseph) and a craftsman (Bezalel) – generally both considered secular professions – are the first ones specifically noted for their apparently unusual gifts of indwelling by the Spirit of God. The note regarding teaching seems instructive. The ability to teach can itself be a gift; while some may have it, others may not. This means that some people who can do things, and even do them
The Ability to See We might dismissively think to ourselves, “Sure! God in all of His creative excellence and majestic divinity can easily gift others with ability, skills, and knowledge, but I doubt that such abilities are within our realm as humans.” However, bosses do have great power to give to others. Most people gain abilities, skills and knowledge by gifts and opportunities afforded them by family members, friends, teachers, preachers, leaders, coaches, bosses and co-workers. Gifts can shape futures. Opportunities for people to do certain things and go certain places can open worlds that they have never known and that can lead to degrees, careers, and lifetimes of adventures, discoveries, and life-changing ac-
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tions. In 1936, Philippe Tailliez gave a friend a pair of swimming goggles. What Jacques Cousteau saw when he opened his eyes in the ocean led him to set about designing a device to allow people to breathe underwater so they could see more for longer. Cousteau’s amazing and influential career over the next 60 years as undersea explorer, inventor, photographer, filmmaker, and scientist began with that simple gift. Coaches often positively affect individuals and families for generations through their efforts to help athletes gain and increase in their ability, skills, and knowledge. Coaches can help players more clearly see their own realistic potential. A small-town boy from Pewaukee, Wisconsin, J. J. Watt rose to national prominence in 2011 after his selection as the #11 Overall Pick in the NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. He went on to earn NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014, and 2015, as well as Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year in 2017. In a 2016 speech in Port Arthur, Texas, Watt credited a former Texans coach, Wade Phillips, for helping him succeed. “Wade saw something in me that nobody else saw in me — and that
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I might not even have seen in myself. But that’s the type of man that Wade Phillips is. He leads you to be what you can be, not what you are. He’s the man who taught me that my abilities could far exceed anything that my dreams ever imagined, if I was willing to put in the work, if I was willing to listen, if I was willing to play within the system that he’s created, and just go out and give it everything I had. So I did. And here I am today, thankful for everything that I’ve been able to accomplish in my career so far, because of Wade Phillips…Because he helped teach me about the game of football. Because he helped me believe in myself as a player and as a man.” Coaches, including bosses and managers at every level, can help others see things they have never seen before, including new perspectives of themselves. This can happen through appointment to key positions or roles, through the provision of training resources, continuing education, conferences and seminars, gifts of new equipment and tools, and in myriad other ways. Bosses can truly both appoint and gift. In some cases, God Himself may draft an individual by name and call them up through another leader to do something He wants done. Lady with the Lamp During the 1830’s, a young English maiden experienced several “calls from God” that she interpreted as summons to invest her life in reducing human suffering. Though work in nursing seemed a suitable route to her teenage mind to serve both God and people, her family thwarted her attempts to seek nurse’s training because they considered such activity inappropriate for a woman of her stature. After caring for several ailing family members, Florence NightinContinued on page 32
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gale began studying nursing on her own, reading any nursing-related writings she could find, volunteering in medical facilities, informally studying treatments and results, and taking a couple of short two or three-week nursing courses. Despite continued opposition from her family, she received an appointment in 1853 at age 33 as volunteer Superintendent of Nurses at the Institution for the Care of Sick Gentlewomen in Distressed Circumstances in London. When Britain and France responded in March 1854 to Russia’s invasions into areas of the Turkish Ottoman Empire, the British transported their wounded from the fighting in Crimea 300 miles across the Black Sea to just outside of what is now Istanbul, Turkey. In October 1854, Secretary of War Sir Sidney Herbert reached out to Florence and appointed her to gather some nurses to assist with caring for the 18,000 wounded and dying men trapped in the quarter mile long hallways and deplorable, cholera- and lice-infected rooms at the Barracks Hospital. Over the next 21 months, Florence and her team of 37 nurses led the caretaking and worked to improve recovery conditions. They instituted a system of triage, improved sanitation and the quality of food and water, washed the soldiers and linens regularly, and Florence personally made so many rounds carrying a lamp throughout the nights that she became known as the “Lady with the Lamp.” Florence Nightingale’s perceived initial call from God, and her appointments to serve, led to a lifelong and groundbreaking career that laid the foundation for the philosophy of modern healthcare, transformed nursing into a respectable profession, and improved health standards worldwide. She published over 200 resources on hospital planning and organization that still impact healthcare today, including ward designs, infection control measures, and the championing of a healthy diet. She also identified the need for specialists, invented the pie chart, and inspired the founding of the International Red Cross.
She clearly seems to have derived her call and passion from God, and her ability to fulfill those came through persons with perhaps divine and certainly human power and authority appointing her to available opportunities in organizations where she could faithfully and extraordinarily live them out. Reflection Hiring well includes working in partnership with others, including God, to identify and gainfully employ people with the appropriate skills, abilities, and knowledge needed. Some people know themselves and their intended path well enough to pursue proper training and seek fitting opportunities, while others may need assistance in developing and understanding their own potential. Consider engaging in the following personal evaluation. • What are my own skills, abilities, and knowledge? • Do I have the ability to teach? • On a scale of 0 to 100, with 0 equal to totally lazy and 100 equal to unstoppable, where do I land on the work ethic scale? • Where would other, unbiased people place me on the work ethic scale? • Have others helped me succeed by giving me something? Who? What? • Have I helped others succeed by giving them something? Who? What? • Are there others I can help? How? When? Excerpt from “Boss Like God: A Blueprint for Elite Workplace Performance” (© 2018 K. Lynn Lewis and Beau McBeth), a contemporary, practical review of business relationships recorded in the Old Testament books of the Bible that explores how the Supreme CEO hired employees, managed them, even fired some, and helped employees execute transitions in leadership. Purchase online from Amazon.com or visit BossLikeGod.com. Dr. Lewis can be reached at Lynn.Lewis@TheBibleSeminary.org.
II Am Am A A
Warrior Warrior Are You? Are You?
Serving grades K-12 throughout northwest Houston. Serving grades K-12 throughout northwest Houston. 11123 Cypress N. Houston Road, Houston, TX 77065 | 281.469.8829 | CypressChristian.org 11123 Cypress N. Houston Road, Houston, TX 77065 | 281.469.8829 | CypressChristian.org
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February / March 2019
What Steps Can I Take to Bring My Blood Pressure Under Control? By Dr. Siddharth Prakash High blood pressure can lead to more serious health conditions if left unchecked. If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure or are at risk, there are a number of steps that you can take to help become more knowledgeable and bring it under control. 1. Know how blood pressure is measured - Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The systolic blood pressure is the top number, and the diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number. 2. What is a normal blood pressure reading? - A systolic (top) blood pressure below 120 mmHg is normal. Any systolic blood pressure above 130 mmHg is abnormal. A diastolic (bottom) blood pressure below 80 mmHg is normal. Any diastolic blood pressure above 80 mmHg is abnormal. 3. Check your blood pressure on a regular basis - If you are over 40, you should check your blood pressure at least once every year. If
you have a family history of high blood pressure, or if you have had one abnormal reading, please check your blood pressure more frequently. If you are not sure how often you should check your Continued on page 34
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blood pressure, please ask your doctor. 4. Buy a home blood pressure cuff and get it calibrated – it’s the best way to check your blood pressure frequently. If your home blood pressure results are not accurate, you may think that your blood pressure is high when it is not, or you may think that your blood pressure is normal when it is abnormal. Please bring your home blood pressure device with you whenever you visit your doctor. They can check your device’s reading against the machine in the office and make sure it is working properly. 5. Keep a home blood pressure log/diary - If you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, make sure to record your blood pressure readings. Include details like what type of activities you
were doing around the time when you checked your blood pressure. Bring your diary with you to your appointments. This can help your doctor adjust your blood pressure medications, if needed. 6. Follow heart healthy recommendations for diet and exercise - Your doctor may tell you to become more active, change your diet or lose weight. Please pay careful attention to this advice. Changes in your lifestyle are often more effective at lowering blood pressure than medicine 7. Do not skip your blood pressure medications - If your blood pressure readings are normal, that means your blood pressure medications are working, and you should not stop taking them! Even one-day interruptions of some medications can cause your blood pressure to increase or rebound to high levels. If you need to stop your blood pressure medications for any reason, please check with your doctor first. 8. High blood pressure is a lifelong disease - Your blood pressure can change over time so always remain vigilant about checking your blood pressure, taking your medications and following up with your doctor.
Siddharth Prakash, MD, PhD, is an adult cardiologist specializing in congenital heart disease, aortic valve disease and thoracic aortic aneurysms. Dr. Prakash provides patient care at the UT Physicians Cardiology clinic located in the Texas Medical Center. For more information or to schedule an appointment at UT Physicians, please call 832-325-7211.
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February / March 2019
The Appearance of Fairness By Gary Gillen Former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller has been appointed to investigate allegations that the Republican Donald Trump for President campaign colluded with a foreign government to get elected based on a report paid for by Trump’s opponent Hillary Clinton and the National Democratic Party. That sentence alone should shock the conscience of every American. An investigation of a sitting President of the United States is a very serious matter. The suggestion that a candidate for President colluded with a foreign government to get elected, unthinkable. While many believe this entire investigation is nothing more than dirty politics that will add to the already toxic atmosphere in our country, we are a nation of laws, not of men so allegations this serious must be looked into. In our system of government an investigation must not only be fair and non-partisan it must appear so. It is, therefore, incumbent on Mr. Mueller to carry out this investigation quickly and with transparency, honesty and fairness. This is like a dark cloud hanging over the political life of this nation and we need resolution and finality based on facts. And we need to know that the investigation was honest and non-partisan. It has gone on too long.
February / March 2019
He has hired 17 prosecutors. Of them, according to National Review, 14 are registered Democrats. Nine of them contributed their personal funds to Democrats. Two of them gave the maximum contribution allowed by law to Hillary Clinton. Let me put that another way. Of these 17 people investigating our President, they gave a total of $80,257 to Federal political campaigns. Of that, $2,750 or 3% went to two Republican candidates but a whopping 97% went to Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party or Democratic candidates. That is $77,507. And that is just Federal campaigns. Not one penny went from a single one of these people to the Donald Trump campaign. Further, one of them defended one of Hillary Clinton’s campaign staffers. More stunning still, one of them not only represented the Clinton Foundation but actually defended Hillary Clinton in litigation seeking her e-mails. The phrase “conflict of interest” comes to mind. I am not suggesting for a moment that these prosecutors are not dedicated, professional lawyers or that they would allow their personal bias and political beliefs to cloud their judgment or pre-determine the results of their investigation but with an investigation this consequential, couldn’t Robert Mueller have found one Republican lawyer in all of Washington to at least give the appearance of fairness?
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The Lost Cajun® Finds a Home By Caitlin Richards Originally from Trinidad, West Indies and Alberta, Canada, the owners of The Lost Cajun® in Rosenberg Lori and Blaine Law have found a home in the Fort Bend community. Opening in May of 2018, the Lost Cajun® is already deeply invested in the community and has a reputation for serving up authentic Cajun food. “We love meeting new people and have already built relationships with fantastic people in the community,” Blaine said. “We have a regular following with quite a few members in the community and we cherish those guests.” The dining experience at The Lost Cajun® is more like a 45-minute vacation to New Orleans. Their motto is food you can taste. Unlike some other Cajun restaurants, the spice doesn’t overpower the flavorful Cajun dish. “We are a true Cajun restaurant,” Blaine said. “Our rue is dark and takes at least six hours to cook down.” The food and atmosphere is what drew the Law’s to The Lost Cajun® franchise that originally started in Colorado by the true “Lost Cajun,” Raymond Griffin. The Law’s have a passion for delicious food. After Blaine retired from the oil industry in 2014, they decided opening a restaurant would be their next step. While attending a franchise trade show in Dallas, the Law’s originally planned on meeting with the founders of another restaurant concept. Their noses took them down a different path though. “We smelled the food and we fell in love,” Blaine said. “We went across the convention center to find the folks cooking the delicious smelling food. They were giving out samples and we were hooked.”
The Law’s have lived in the Fort Bend community for 20 plus years, and wanted to open their restaurant close to home. It was important to the Law’s to know their guests as neighbors, not just patrons. Stepping inside The Lost Cajun® is like walking into a bayou shrimp shop in a Louisiana small town. They adhere to mindset of if you can see paint on the wall then you aren’t finished decorating, even though they have hundreds of items on the walls and ceiling already. “We ask our staff and guests to bring something that is valuable to them, but not valuable to help us decorate,” Blaine said. “We want everyone who comes to our restaurant to say ‘this is my restaurant 281-646-1109 (Phone) 281-646-1110 (Fax) info@TheBibleSeminary.org
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too,’ and be able to point their piece of the restaurant somewhere on the wall.” Of course, a Cajun joint isn’t complete without music and friendly banter. Throughout the restaurant are several musical instruments, customers are invited to pick one up and make some tunes. “If they can make us music, not just noise, but music we will give them some free beignets,” Blaine said. “We have had some people come in and crank out some great tunes. Before we know it, we have guests up dancing and singing.” Additionally, the wait staff and the chefs are constantly throwing friendly banter back and forth by calling out orders. Besides the authentic Cajun food, customers can always expect to be treated with courtesy and respect. It is a founding value of The Lost Cajun® and important to the Law’s. “We are very careful about maintaining a culture of courtesy and respect with family values,” Blaine said. “We love food and we love people. All of the values of The Lost Cajun® are the same as our own.” One of the best times in New Orleans is Mardi Gras and the same is true at The Lost Cajun. ® On Fat Tuesday, March 5, 2019, The Lost Cajun® will be holding their first Annual Lost Cajun® Mari Gras Fest. The Lost Cajun® will be partnering with the Lone Star Veterans Association in Rosenberg to host the event, and all of the profits raised will go towards the work they do for local veterans. “Part of our background is giving back to the community,” Blaine said. “The community supports our restaurant and we want to support them.”
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Excellence WWhout Compromise Preschool - 12th Grade Crawfish season has also kicked off at The Lost Cajun.® They will be boiling fresh crawfish every day. Guests can come watch the boil themselves and then enjoy crawfish straight from the pot. To stay up to date on the latest news from The Lost Cajun, ® follow their Facebook page – The Lost Cajun (Houston Rosenberg), The Lost Cajun (Midland) and The Lost Cajun (Odessa). If you frequent the Midland and Odessa area, the Law’s also have two The Lost Cajun® restaurants out there. When you are ready for a New Orleans vacation or just some authentic Cajun food, give Lori and Blaine a visit and stop in The Lost Cajun® at 24004 Southwest Freeway, Suite 102, Rosenberg, Texas. February / March 2019
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Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. -Proverbs 22:6
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February / March 2019
The Buzz About Fort Bend
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Do you know about an event happening in Fort Bend County? Share your photos with us and they could be published in The Buzz About Fort Bend! Email your photos with a short description to joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com. 1) Fort Bend Christian Academy cheer recently won their first TAPPS state championship. 2) Fort Bend Christian Academy theatre will perform the beloved family musical adventure, The Wizard of Oz, on April 5 at 7 p.m. and April 6 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Stafford Civic Center. Theatre enthusiasts and families are invited to travel somewhere over the rainbow with Dorothy and Toto and discover that no matter how far our journeys take us – there’s no place like home. Ticket information is available online at fortbendchristian.org/wizardofoz. 3) Fort Bend Christian Academy is hosting its first Distinguished Speaker Luncheon & Auction at 11:30 a.m. on February 12 at the Royal Sonesta. FBCA invites the Houston and Fort Bend community to join them for a four-course meal and inspiring keynote about overcoming seemingly impossible challenges by legendary football coach and former ESPN analyst, Lou Holtz. 4) Hope For Three Autism Advocates, a local nonprofit, is holding their annual luncheon slated for Valentine’s Day, February 14th at Safari Texas Ranch, 11:00am – 1:00pm. “For the Kids We Love,” luncheon, presented by Mary and Tom Solcher and guest speaker, Grant Maniér, encourage support in raising awareness, acceptance and inclusion for local families and children living with autism spectrum disorder. 5) National Charity League, Inc., Lady Bird Chapter, honored 23 members of the Class of 2019 during Senior Presentation on Sunday, January 20, 2019 at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square.
February / March 2019
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The Buzz About Fort Bend
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Do you know about an event happening in Fort Bend County? Share your photos with us and they could be published in The Buzz About Fort Bend! Email your photos with a short description to joseph@houstonchristianmagazine.com. 1) Salata Cinco Ranch recently held a Grand Opening Ceremony at the corner of Grand parkway. 2) A Packathon is a food packing event in which participants produce thousands of nutritious meals that will be distributed through Feed the Hunger partners to children and families in need, both in America and internationally. Packathons take place in a friendly, high-energy environment, and we welcome participants ages 5 to 105! Please join us February 28 - March 2, 2019 to help families in need - Register now at www.feedthehunger.org/katy 3) Kindergarten and 1st grade students at Living Water Christian School show off their arts and crafts skills just in time for Valentine’s Day. 4) Living Water Christion School students, Gabby & Maddie display their arts & crafts skills with the help of Mrs. Johnson. 5) Texas Representative Mike Schofield nominated Oakley Spigener, 11th grader Faith West Academy, to participate in the Texas High School Aerospace Scholars program. Oakley has agreed to a year-long commitment with NASA and will be taking online interactive courses worth college credit. Oakley will compete for a chance to participate in an all expense paid week-long summer camp at NASA where she will collaborate with professionals and help to design and plan a mission to Mars. Oakley says,”My dream has always been to work at NASA and I want to help send the first person to Mars.”
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February / March 2019
Katy & Bend was created by Johnny Hawkins. Since 1986, over 32,000 of his cartoons have appeared in leading publications such as Christianity Today, Today’s Christian Living, Guideposts, Reader’s Digest, Woman’s World, Faith Today, Focus on the Family and over 900 other publications.
Help Rebuild Love & Joy Our Community Needs A Place Like This
Our Story Love and Joy is a community-based organization that has been servicing the developmentally disabled-homeless population of Houston for over 20 years. The program offers state of the art treatment and services to people with behavioral health issues. We are dedicated to providing quality services, protection of rights, and individualized planning and care to our consumers and their families. Unfortunately, the prospects of executing a dream project 10 years in the making, including construction of a new facility that would have housed an additional 140 beds, went up in smokes. The facility burned down with a lot of materials inside. People depend on us to be strong, and that we must be. Just because our building went up in smoke, doesn’t mean our dream has to as well. With your help we will rebuild the facility, so that we can continue to help the mentally ill homeless population.
How To Help
Give Online: gofundme.com/hhlfb4 Text to Give: (832) 430-3185 February / March 2019
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Creating a Space for Family Time By Caitlin Richards A passion for pools and family is at the heart of Bratton Pools. As a family-owned and operated business, Michael and Kryshon Bratton create unique spaces for families to gather outside and make memories. “We have a passion for what we do, not only the creative business side but also what is does for families,” Kryshon said. “We are strengthening families.” Both Kryshon and Michael have been involved in the aquatics industry since they were teenagers. Kryshon swam for the Taylor High School swim team and the Katy Aquatics program. Michael’s first job was lifeguarding at his community pool. He continued lifeguarding through college and eventually turned his passion for aquatics into a business. In 1989, Michael started a business called Avan Guard Aquatics that managed aquatic facilities for homeowner associations and communities. His business took care of everything needed to run a successful aquatic facility including maintenance, repairs and sourcing lifeguards. He then started building and renovating pools for select clients. After starting a family, Michael and Kryshon morphed the business into what it is today as Bratton Pools, specializing in new pool construction, renovation, re-plaster, outdoor kitchens, patios, and pavilions. They enjoy bringing their customers’ visions to life with not only custom pools, but outdoor spaces that include kitchens, fire pits, or synthetic grass.
“Just about anything you can dream of for your backyard we can build,” Kryshon said. “It is just amazing the creative process and what people come up with and what they like.”
Every project starts with a clean slate at Bratton Pools. Michael, along with project manager John Janasiewicz, work with customers to build their outdoor oasis. Kryshon said custom doesn’t have to be expensive either. Bratton Pools works to match each project to their customer’s budget. “It is a very collaborative process from start to finish,” Kryshon said. “We are not building our pool for you. We are building your pool for you.” For 15 years, Bratton Pools has been serving families in the Katy and Fort Bend area. They have a deep history with the community with Kryshon growing up in Katy and Michael’s family living in Katy. It is special for them to now have their business deeply rooted in a community they love. “We have a great respect for the families that let us come into their homes and build a relationship with us,” Kryshon said. “We enjoy getting to meet the families of Katy and Fort Bend, and really sitting down with them to create something that is a perfect fit for their family and stage of life.” Bratton Pools understands the investment of adding a pool or creating an extension of your home into your outdoor space. It is likely the second largest home purchase besides the home. Therefore, they ensure their work will last for years to come and fits the needs of their client. “Some of the neatest projects have been for families with a multigenerational home,” Kryshon said, “where they want not only a place for their kids to swim but also something for their elderly parents or in-laws to enjoy. That way everyone in the family can enjoy the space together.” The spaces Bratton Pools create are not only functional, but are also stunning. Several of their pools have been featured in marketing magazines, Kryshon said, which is a great honor. Their Facebook and Pinterest pages also receive a lot of activity sharing ideas and inspiration for outdoor spaces. In addition to their accolades, Bratton Pools has won Best Pool Company three times.
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Continued on page 44
February / March 2019
February / March 2019
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Many of the Bratton’s favorite family memories have been around their own backyard pool. Those special memories drive Bratton Pools to create beautiful, custom spaces so their customer’s can create their own special memories with their family and friends too. “The thing that really brings us the greatest joy is the phone calls, letters and emails we get telling stories of how marriages have changed and relationships with parents and kids are now better,” Kryshon said.
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“It just brings a whole different dynamic to their family. We have a lot of pride in bringing that element to families in our community.” To view their work checkout their Bratton Pools Facebook Page, Bratton Pools Pinterest Page or Bratton Pools Instagram Page. For more information about Bratton Pools, visit brattonpools.com or stop by their office at 403 S. 5th Street, Ste. B, Richmond, Texas 77469. They can also be reached at 281-988-7700 or office@brattonpools. com.
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Prayer Requests Presents
At Fort Bend Christian Magazine, we believe in the power of prayer and we want to pray for you, your families, and our community. To share your prayer request, visit fortbendchristianmagazine.com and click on “prayer requests.” Please pray for Elizabeth W. and her son, Michael, who struggles with addition and his mental health. Please pray that healing will take place and that he will have an encounter with our Lord and Savior so meaningful that he will never turn back.
KATY RESURRECTION RUN Family 5k run / 1k walk
April 20, 2019 Supporting Faith West Academy’s Eagle Initiative Kidz Zone, Food/Entertainment, Prizes & Awards, Fellowship, & Lots of Great Family Fun Learn More or Register at
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February / March 2019
Deanna E. asks for prayers. Her husband is deployed and the family has had quite a long run of unfortunate events. She recently found out that her son is getting a referral to be tested for autism, and is struggling to hold things together. Deanna asks for continued strength in order to be the best she can be for her family. Judy E. of Katy asks that we pray for all of the victims of alcohol abuse in our community. A reader asks that we pray for her daughter. She is in an abusive relationship and is having a hard time letting go. Please pray for her safety and strength during this difficult time in her life. Glindasue S. asks for prayers of healing from autoimmune hepatitis. Her recent blood report was not good, and she asks for the community to keep her health in your prayers. Jimmy J. asks that we pray for positive outcomes for all job seekers. He also asks that we pray for employers to match up talent and opportunity for all who seek God’s will to be done. Derril V. of Katy asks us to keep our nation’s president and his family in our prayers.
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Baked Dijon Salmon By Hannah Menslage As the weather starts to warm up, I thought that I would share a wonderful recipe for Spring. This baked dijon salmon recipe is light, healthy, and nutrient dense. It’s the perfect mean to fuel a busy workday, outdoor adventures, or anyone on the go Ingredients • • • • • • • • •
¼ c butter, melted 3 tbsp. dijon mustard 1 ½ tbsp. honey ¼ c dry bread crumbs ¼ c finely chopped pecans 4 tsp. chopped fresh parsley 4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon Salt and pepper to taste 1 lemon, for garnish
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. 2. In a small bowl, stir together butter, mustard and honey. Set aside. In another bowl, mix together bread crumbs, pecans and parsley. 3. Brush each salmon fillet lightly with honey mustard mixture, and sprinkle the tops of the fillets with the bread crumb mixture. 4. Bake salmon 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with a wedge of lemon. ●Cook time: 35 mins | Servings: 4 | Calories: 422
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February / March 2019
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