FRAZER AUGUST TEACHING SERIES: OPEN YOUR LIFE TO GOD’S BLESSINGS AS YOU LEARN TO BE MORE OPEN TO THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU
Worship: Sundays 8, 9:30 &11am Contemporary & Traditional 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 334.272.8622
Worship: Sundays 10am in the Pike Road School Offices 37 Bridge St. 334.801.8090
Find Hope. Follow Jesus. www.frazer.church facebook.com/frazerumc
Volume 18, Issue 3
Feature Articles
AU G U ST 20 1 6 Columns page 2
page 12
Publisher’s Note
Faith @ Work
Jason Watson
Meet Jeff Dickey and Linette Wright, previously on church staff together and now working in real estate as The Dream Team at New Waters Realty. They share the differences and similarities of working in the marketplace versus church work, plus how they strive to live out their faith with their clients and others involved in the real estate process.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Pastor Daniel Atkins, Taylor Road Baptist Church
page 14
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 16
Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 18
page 20
4 Marks of a Godly Husband’s Love
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 26
Counselor’s Corner Nancy Thomas, LPC
by Tim Challies
Here Challies shares specifics on God’s calling for husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. These four ideas put into practice are sure to contribute beautifully to your marriage.
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue
page 22
Canaan Land Ministries
page 6
Books to Read page 8
by Laura Bell
Since 1981, this Autaugaville ministry which began under the leadership of Mac and Sandra Gober, has been helping lost and broken men develop productive and fruitful lives. Find out how it all began and how the staff hopes Canaan Land will grow in the future. 1
Around Our Community page 12
Faith @ Work
August 2016
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Pastor Daniel Atkins Laura Bell Tim Challies Bob Crittenden David Mathis Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Nancy Thomas, LPC Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell, Manager Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
From the Publisher Christians do a lot of things to live out their faith. We gather at church regularly, we serve others, we study the scriptures. These, and many more like them, are a vital part of living as God’s children. They’re so important, but have these types of activities ever replaced God’s amazing love and grace towards you? While worshipping God through song this past Sunday, I was reminded of His amazing love for me. The words were: “I am guilty, ashamed of what I’ve done, what I’ve become, These hands are dirty, I dare not lift them up to the Holy one.” But, then this beautiful response followed: “You plead my cause, You right my wrongs, You break my chains, You overcome, You gave Your life, To give me mine, You say that I am free, How can it be.” I’ve sung those words before, but this week God delivered to me a special reminder of His redeeming love. When we lose sight of the depths from which God’s love in Christ has raised us, we fail to love others and share God’s amazing love with them. We stop believing in God’s power to transform people’s lives no matter our past. An excellent reminder of God’s love is being seen in the continued work of Canaan Land Ministries. You can read on page 22 how God is using Canaan Land to help lost and broken men develop productive and fruitful lives. God’s amazing love fuels their approach and the results are extraordinary. Yet, in many ways, their story is our story as we also experience God’s redemption in our own lives daily. As God’s love comes to us, it also goes through us to others. That’s what occurs in a Christian marriage. On page 18, 4 Marks of a Godly Husband’s Love explains how God works through husbands to help them be self-sacrificing, committed, caring, and redeeming towards their wives. You see God not only “pleads our cause”, He also “breaks our chains” so we can live in the freedom and peace of right (holy) living. These are just a couple highlights of the many stories of God’s redeeming love in this month’s issue. As you read through these pages I would ask that you take in God’s love for you. Stop after each article and pray back a prayer of thanksgiving for His work in your life. Then, ask Him to help you love others with His love and through His power. On the news and across social media there has been a lot of angst between people. If you’re God’s child you’ve been set free to freely love others. We know we don’t have a pedestal to stand on. The only thing we can glory in is Christ Jesus and His salvation. Above all else, let God’s love fuel your actions both in the church and outside to a world for which He sent His son to die.
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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Pastor’s Perspective
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Daniel Atkins, Taylor Road Baptist Church
The Only Hope for America As a father of three kids, I often catch myself worrying about the kind of world my kids are growing up in. We are seeing our nation collapse on itself. Morally, spiritually, and economically, our nation is in a mess. People are being murdered in our streets and the racial and political divide is worsening by the day. In the Old Testament of the Bible, we read about the history of God’s people – Israel. They were God’s chosen and covenant people. He had created them from one man, Abraham, rescued them from slavery, provided for them in the wilderness, given them
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His law for them to live in right relationship with Him, and given them a home in a good land. In short, God was to be their King and all they had to do was trust and obey Him. Unfortunately, the book of Judges describes in detail how Israel turned its back on God and rejected Him as their King. In Judges 17:6, the author of the book tells us, “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” That very telling statement allows us to see the underlying problem in the spiritual, moral, and overall decline of Israel. I believe it also tells us a lot about where we are as a people today. First, Judges 17:6 says that in those days “there was no king in Israel.” As stated earlier, Israel rejected God as their King. They wanted autonomy. They wanted to make their own decisions and do things their own way. So, what about us? Let me step out on a limb, here, and say something that really is almost criminal to say in 2016 America. The God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit is God – the one true, the only God - whether or not you choose to believe in Him or like Him. He’s not just God for Christians or those who choose to believe in Him. He is Creator and King and Lord over all. 4
So, when we reject the Kingship of God in our lives, what is the effect? We become “god.” We decide the right and the wrong for our lives. We decide our own “truth.” That language and mindset has become the most prevalent in our society today. Do what’s “right for you.” What is true for you is true for you and no one has a right to tell you otherwise or impose their truth on your life. This sounds great but, in the end, does it work? When God is removed – from the individual life and from society as a whole – there is a vacuum - a need for a new “god.” G.K. Chesterton said, “When people no longer believe in God it’s not that they don’t believe in anything. They now believe in everything.” The whole point is this – what we’re seeing in the United States of America today is that when you remove God from everything, you remove the standard for anything. This isn’t just an American problem, though, this is a human problem. We rebel against authority even if that authority is love and for our good. This is what happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve rejected God’s Kingship over their lives. Rebellion against God is the foundational human problem. We like to be in control over our lives. We like to do what is right in our own lives. The only hope for America is not a political party or a candidate or a political agenda or legislation. I firmly believe that the only hope for America, and the human race, is if individuals repent of their sin – the sin of idolatry, becoming our own “gods” – and submit their lives to Jesus as King. My prayer is that we see a great awakening in this nation and that our King, who brings peace, would reign in the hearts and lives of people from coast to coast. Daniel Atkins is pastor of Taylor Road Baptist Church in Montgomery. He is married to Kristy and they have three children: Sadie, Emma and Grady. Daniel became Senior Pastor of Taylor Road Baptist in January 2016.
t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b
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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians. The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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The Faith of Christopher Hitchens by Larry Taunton
Christopher Hitchens was a fascinating figure. Along with Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and Daniel Dennett he ranked as one of the “Four Horsemen” of the New Atheism. With them he popularized a whole new wave of atheism and gave credence to millions who wished to reject any notion of God. He was angry, he was bombastic, he was clever, he was compelling. It is little wonder that he gained a huge following and became a worldwide celebrity. Yet even while he was adamantly opposed to Christianity, he maintained friendships with a number of Christians, one of whom was Larry Taunton. Taunton’s recent book The Faith of Christopher Hitchens tells the surprising and fascinating story of their relationship and also provides an examination of Hitchens’ life and beliefs. “This book is not a biography of Christopher Hitchens. My objective is not to recount his life, but to give some account for his soul.” Looking at Hitchens’ younger days and the dawning of his atheism, Taunton says, “Christopher hated God and was determined that he should master and tyrannize him. To do so, however, he now needed the tools of warfare. In atheism he had found a principle that corresponded to his grievance. Now he had to weaponize it.” He weaponized it through words. As he grew in his skill as a communicator, he grew in his ability to defend atheism and to refute all forms of theism. He used his words boldly and constantly, though, as Taunton shows, he did so out of ignoble moRiver Region’s Journey
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tives: “The danger here—and Christopher fell wholeheartedly into its snares—was developing a love of words insofar as they were weapons for attack and defense of his position, rather than loving words insofar as they lead to truth.” While there is little doubt that Hitchens had an acerbic wit and great skill with the pen, there is equally little doubt that he was often in over his head. He allowed his wit to compensate and distract from his ignorance in certain areas where he professed to be an expert. “Christopher was, remember, an actor, bluffing his opponents into overestimating his intellectual prowess.” Yet that bluffing was remarkably effective. While he may have lost many debates, he continued to win the hearts and minds of his many admirers. September 11 marked a pivotal moment in Hitchens’ life and it was here that he began to change in some important ways. Like so many others, his deepest beliefs were shaken by the events that unfolded that day. “What others wrote off as a ‘contrarian’ posture was, in fact, a seismic shift in his political views and affiliations, as well as a total reevaluation of his fundamental assumptions about life.” He suddenly had to face evil in a way he never had before. Perhaps he got little glimpses of the utter bankruptcy of his worldview. A second pivotal moment came when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Though in public he increased the fervor of his rhetoric, he was a different man in private. “Publicly, he had to play the part, to pose, as a confident atheist— that was the side of the debate he’d been given, the one that made him both famous and rich. Privately, however, he was entering forbidden territory, crossing enemy lines, exploring what he had ignored or misrepresented for so long. This exploration took on an added sense of urgency when he was diagnosed with cancer.” This forbidden territory included not only meaningful friendships with Christians, but guided explorations of 6
its Scripture and doctrines. As he encountered Christians, he encountered the Christian ethic displayed in their lives. Most notably, Taunton and his wife had adopted an HIV-positive child and Hitchens had no category for this, no answer to something so very good, so very selfless. He admired it but at the same time had to admit that he wouldn’t even be willing to take in his own brother’s children if they were orphaned. “For the whole of his life, Christopher had longed for, but had cynically dismissed the possibility of, a higher love. Here was a glimpse that such love might be real.” As Taunton’s friendship with Hitchens grew, they had opportunity to embark on a road trip together and during this time they read, explored, and discussed the Bible together. They read through the early chapters of John, discussing their meaning and importance. “Christopher Hitchens was a searcher. In search of a unifying philosophy of life, atheism offered nothing. In more honest moments, Christopher would acknowledge this joylessly, humorlessly, gloomily, pessimistically.” Now, as death approached, he was confronted with a unifying philosophy that could make sense of everything and give a glimmer of hope. Cancer claimed Hitchens in 2011. There is no evidence that he ever revoked his atheism or that he put his faith in Christ. Taunton never makes that claim. To the contrary, he says that to Hitchens’ dying days he made efforts to ensure no one could claim a deathbed conversion. Yet he also points out, “Christopher wasn’t worried about others claiming he had a deathbed conversion; he was worried that he, Christopher Hitchens, might actually say something to suggest one.” He had explored the Christian faith in enough detail that he was counting the cost and wondering if it provided the answers he so desperately sought. Did he find them? We just don’t know. But it’s not impossible. The Faith of Christopher Hitchens is a fascinating exploration and explanation of a very important figure. It describes and models the kind of friendship that Christians can and should have even with the most formidable opponents of their faith. It is a story worth telling and one that Taunton tells with great skill.
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Back the Blue: “HandsOn” Approach to Police Appreciation
Police officers risk their lives every day to make sure we are safe. Throughout the month of September, citizens have an opportunity to show their appreciation through a program called “Back the Blue”. HandsOn River Region has planned a month long initiative in honor of the anniversary of 9-11 to promote community appreciation of police officers actively working to keep Montgomery safe. HandsOn Executive Director Jo Ann Johnson says, “Throughout the month of September, we encourage area residents to express their gratitude for the selfless public servants who wear the badge and put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe and pay respect for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.” Churches, organizations, schools, businesses or individuals can participate by visiting the police station to provide whatever possible to say thank you - perhaps a home cooked meal, cookies or even a case of water. Blue ribbons will be available free of charge at the HandsOn office for residents to pick up and display on their vehicle antenna or wear on their shirt to show their support as well. Other suggestions include: Wear blue clothing in support of law enforcement. Send a card of support to your local police department or state agency. Share a story about a positive law enforcement experience on social media. Ask children in your community to write letters in support of law enforcement. Proudly display a blue light in support of law enforcement. Organize an event or a rally in support of your law enforcement officers. Advertise your support through local media outlets/billboards. Restaurants can offer a free cup of coffee or breakfast to police. Most importantly, if you see a police officer, thank a police officer. In addition to Back the Blue, HandsOn will be joined by area police to present assembly programs at four local elementary schools to help the students understand the importance of honoring the police and appreciating the significance of 9/11. “We’re just trying to promote the sense of volunteerism and community,” Johnson says. For more information, contact HandsOn at 334-264-3335
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Frazer UMC’s New Pastor Preaches First Sermon Frazer’s new Lead Pastor Dr. Larry Bryars delivered his first sermon at Frazer Sunday, June 26 in the Sanctuary at 6000 Atlanta Hwy, at all three morning services-8, 9:30 and 11am.
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Larry and his wife Vicki come to Montgomery from the Marianna-Panama City, Florida area where Larry has been serving as a District Superintendent in the Alabama West Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church for the last 10 years. The Bryars are no strangers to Montgomery. Larry served as Lead Pastor at Aldersgate UMC for several years before becoming a District Superintendent. The Bryars have three grown sons and one grandson. Dr. Bryars began his appointment at Frazer June 26, following Pastor Dr. Tim Thompson who retired earlier this month after more than six years at Frazer UMC.
Blueprint Conference Aug. 26, 7 p.m; Aug. 27, 11 a.m. True Divine Baptist Church, 4601 Troy Hwy, Montgomery Ages 18-35, to address issues and concerns young adult Christians face in finance, relationships, spirituality, evangelism, and purpose. The Bible gives us the blueprint to live victoriously. Free and open to the public. Visit truedivinebaptistchurch.org or call 334.286.4008. 9
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Break Through Conference August 25-27 Fresh Anointing House of Worship will host its 2016 Break Through Conference and Convocation, August 25th-27th at 150 E. Fleming Road in Montgomery, AL. The conference speakers will include Bishop (D) Aubrey Shines, of G2G Ministries in Florida; Dr. Michael Brown, of the Fire School of Ministry in Concord, North Carolina; Pastor Ricardo Lira of Fresh Anointing House of Worship in Brazil; and Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, Maryland. For more information call (334) 613-3363. To register go to http://anointedchurch.org.
“God’s Not Dead 2” Movie Night August 20, 7 p.m. Living Word Wetumpka, 500 Hwy 170, Wetumpka Popcorn and drinks will be served. Free. Everyone welcome! Call (334)399-1486 for more info.
Montgomery Women’s Newcomers Group
Gospel Sing Community of Hope Benefit August 5, 6:30 p.m. Dalraida Baptist Church, 3838 Wares Ferry Rd, Montgomery No admission fee; a love offering will be taken to support the ministries of the Community of HOPE. Details of the ministry can be found on our website www.communityofhopemontgomery.org or on Facebook at cohmontgomery.
“Moving On After Moving In” Thursdays 9:15 am to 11am beginning September 15. St James UMC Cafe, Vaughn Road Childcare available by reservation. For more information, please contact: pam.zavada@gmail.com or 256-541-7888
The Anglican Church In North America
Come Worship With Us! Sundays:
Liturgically Joyful
Founded Upon God’s Word
9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Christian Education Weekly:
Warm and Loving
Adult, Youth & Children's Classes, Bible Studies, Small Group Activities and Fellowship Located at 8800 Vaughn Road
To learn more please find us on Facebook or visit us at www.christchurchxp.net River Region’s Journey
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YWA Concert and Summer Mission Trip Close to 100 youth provided an inspiring homecoming concert recently at Frazer, the culmination of the Youth Worship Arts’ summer mission trip. Just back from visiting 10 states en route to their 2016 destination of Omaha, Nebraska, the students shared some of their experiences of meeting new people and sharing the love of Christ. Leaders from Frazer’s children’s, youth and music ministries took part in the trip making this one, according to one leader, the best yet!
Women’s Conference with Lysa TerKeurst September 9-10 Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery As president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, Lysa and her team have led thousands to make their walk with God an invigorating journey through daily online devotionals, radio programs, online Bible studies, speaker/writing training, and more. Lysa TerKeurst is president of Proverbs 31 Ministries and the New York Times best-selling author of The Best Yes, Unglued, Made to Crave, and 16 other books.
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Every Wednesday at 6:30pm starting August 10 Heritage Baptist Church Worship Center August 10
August 17
Paid In Full
Gospel Recording Artist
August 24
Lawrence Phipps
Ryan Whitley
Founder, It’s Life Ministries Montgomery, AL
Pastor of CrossPoint Birmingham, AL
August 31
Travis Coleman
Pastor of First Baptist Church Prattville, AL
1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, Alabama 334.279.9976 | hbcm.net/wnl
WEEKLY EVENTS
ConnEcT WITH US
SUNDAYS 8:30am Media Library Open 9am Life Groups 10:15am Together Worship 10:15am Preschool Promiseland WEDNESDAYS Media Library Open Fellowship Meal ($8 a plate) Explore (children) TeamKID (preschool) Worship Choir Rehearsal Elev8 (students) Bible Studies (adults)
5pm 5:15pm 6pm 6pm 6:10pm 6:15pm 6:15pm
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BAPTIST CHURCH August 2016
River Region’s Journey
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RRJ: You two are a business team with a unique story because you worked together in one field and are now a team in an entirely different field, first at Heritage Baptist Church in Montgomery and now with New Waters Realty. What led you both to work in a local church serving God’s people? Linette: For a number of years, I served families through the child development center of our church. Over time, that grew into a larger opportunity to lead the children’s ministry there at Heritage. Jeff began his career as minister to students. We loved working together for our students and their families.
RRJ: Linette and Jeff, can you share how each of you came to be a Christ follower and child of God? Linette: I became a Christian when I was nine years old. I understood at that time all I needed to know at that young age…I was a sinner whom Jesus loved and died to save, and the only way to have eternal life was through Him. Over the years, there have been several milestones in my spiritual growth, lots of ups and downs, but my desire is to follow Him and serve Him every day. Jeff: While I became a Christ follower as a 3rd grader, God used my church youth group and a ministry group in college to solidify and strengthen my faith and my desire to follow Him. The valleys and mountaintops of the journey have been there for sure, but I seek to learn and grow through each of them. River Region’s Journey
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Jeff: It was truly about serving people and investing in their lives. Summer was approaching and someone was needed to lead our Student Ministry so, after prayer and counsel, I decided to leave my first “real job” as a young adult and accept a temporary position on church staff as Student Minister. That summer turned into seven years, at which time I transitioned into an administrative role on our church staff and served for the next eight years. During many of those years, I had the opportunity to partner with Linette in ministering to students and families, especially with the transition from elementary to middle school ministry. RRJ: “Sunday Christian” is a term used to describe those who live for the Lord only on Sundays at church because it’s easiest there. Did working at the church make it easy to live for the Lord on a daily basis? Linette: That’s kind of a yes and no for me. It was easier to be focused on spiritual matters, because I was constantly studying and working to share God’s word with the children. At church, we were all there for basically the same reasons…encouragement, worship, personal growth and service. It was easy to share your faith with one another and those who chose to visit the church. Now, I try to be more intentional about finding ways to encourage others and reflect my faith through words and actions 12
with my clients and the other folks involved in the real estate process. Jeff: The environment each weekday and each weekend is certainly focused on leading people into a life changing relationship with Christ, so it was definitely an encouragement to be around that vision and people who were leading it and living it. Maybe not easier, but the constant messages and reminders to serve, worship, share and grow were helpful in pursuing life change to become more like Christ, an everyday commitment for all of us. RRJ: How did you both end up going from church staff to becoming realtors? Linette: I retired from Heritage at the end of 2007 due to health concerns, with no idea if I would be able to continue to work at all. Good friends gave me the opportunity to be a part of their real estate team after I recovered. I quickly learned that real estate was such a great way to continue to serve people. Many people are in some kind of crisis when they are buying or selling a home...new job, new family, new phase in life, etc. I love helping people. Jeff: The common denominator is serving people. While I was not actively pursuing a change, there was a growing desire to find ways to connect with people and serve outside the walls of the church. God used a long time interest in real estate, a background in business management, a passion for serving people and a great relationship with a dear friend (Linette) to open the door in joining an amazing real estate company and begin serving people as a team – The Dream Team at New Waters Realty. Buying and selling a home is a major transition and happens for many reasons, some exciting and some difficult. Being there to help buyers and sellers navigate this transition provides opportunities to serve and share time and time again and in so many ways. RRJ: Are the challenges you face living out your faith as realtors different from the challenges you faced while working in a church?
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Linette: People are people wherever they are, and we all have similar needs and desires…to be treated with respect, honesty and integrity. In the church environment, that’s more of a given expectation than it sometimes seems to be in business. My mother used to tell us often, “Actions speak louder than words.” The older I get, the more I understand the impact of that old adage.
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Jeff: Our purpose in life remains the same no matter where we spend our time each day – to know God and make Him known. Some days this is more of a challenge than others. RRJ: What are some specific ways your faith in Christ is being revealed through your work at New Waters Realty?
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Linette: I began working at NWR in 2013, and have been so blessed to find Christian friends and leadership in this company. We encourage each other every day. Jeff and I became “The Dream Team” at NWR in January 2015. Our partnership was based on our belief that we are all called to serve the Lord through whatever He gives us to do. The world of real estate provides endless opportunities. We try to give our best every day and make a difference in the world.
Jeff: I had never had a job where the salary was based on commission and I said I would never have a career in sales. The decision alone to move to sales and commission based income was a huge leap of faith and an area where I trust God every day and see His blessings. It is about people – serving and taking great care of them, which is one of the core values of The Dream Team. We work hard to take care of people each day and God always takes care of us. RRJ: Having worked inside and outside the church, you two can relate to what Christians in the workforce might be experiencing. How would you encourage our readers to live out their faith 24/7? Linette: Every day is full of opportunities and choices, and more is “caught than is taught.” None of us is perfect, but the God we serve sure is! He can take our heartfelt efforts and reveal Himself to others. Jeff: In Mark 12:28-31, Jesus teaches that the greatest commandment is to love God and love people. When we are focused on doing these things, we position ourselves to think, act, respond and live more like Jesus
in the workforce. We certainly haven’t mastered it, but striving toward it sure brings fulfillment in our work. RRJ: What gives you the most encouragement to put your faith to work each day? Linette: For me, it’s knowing that the Lord is going to provide in every way. He provides us with the clients and connections to do good business. He provides so many opportunities to share encouragement, and tell others what He has done in our lives. He gives us opportunities to help people through really stressful times, and help them solve problems. Every day is different, and it’s a lot of fun to get up each morning and see what He’s got for us that day! Jeff: People. God crossed our paths for a season and the task at hand. For us, that is assisting a home buyer or seller. At the end of the task and the end of the season when the purchase closes, we want our clients to say that we served them well. Ultimately, at the end of our lives, we long to know that we served God well. We get the privilege and opportunity to work toward that goal each day through real estate. •
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The Buddy System Last September I sat under a large oak tree and read a book. I usually find it relaxing to get out in nature. I did not know that a life-and-death struggle was about to unfold in the limbs above my head. The leaves were falling, the birds were chirping, and suddenly a hawk swooped down onto a dove. His sharp talons caught the dove and pinned it to the limb. The hawk stood upon his prey, crushing the small bird with his weight. His victim was helpless. Then, to my surprise, a fearless squirrel bounded from limb to limb toward the hawk. He scurried around the limb, barking ferociously at the giant bird, as if to say, “Get out of here and leave us alone!” The hawk looked up from his catch to stare at this ridiculous little rodent. I thought the squirrel must be crazy. Didn’t he know hawks eat squirrels, too? Just then another squirrel leapt from a nearby pine and scampered to the limb a few feet from his buddy. He, also, barked at the giant bird. I thought he was crazy too. They were no match for that hooked beak and those powerful talons. The hawk seemed nervous and confused at the noise. Suddenly, without letting go of his prey, he lifted his wings and flapped over to the pine. The meddling squirrels chased him, jumping from limb to limb and then to the pine. At this, the hawk flew away, still clutching his quarry. The squirrels vanished too, leaving the scene in silence. I was left a little stunned, unsure of what to make of this display of carnage and bravery. However, as I have thought about this scene in the months since, I have come to realize that it illustrates a basic concept in Scripture. We all need a buddy in the Lord. As we resist evil, we need someone willing to stand with us in whatever we are facing. Did you notice that the squirrels did not attack the hawk? They couldn’t. They were no match for their opponent, one on one. But together, their noisy bluster was enough to chase him away. We, too, are most effective River Region’s Journey
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in spiritual conflict when we stand with one another in the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter said it this way: Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings (I Peter 5:8-9, NIV). Did you get that? Our brothers (and sisters) throughout the world (even in our neighborhood) are undergoing temptations, injustices, and suffering, just as we are. They need us and we need them. We need to stand with each other in prayer, in church, and sometimes in the middle of a spiritual battle. Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34, NIV). Are you that kind of Christian friend? Could someone call on you today for prayer in the middle of their conflict? Would they feel they could trust you with the truth of their situation? Or, turn the tables and look at it another way. Could you call on a Christian buddy you trust and share your own battle with sin? It takes faith and humility, whether you give or receive. The squirrels could not save the dove. And we cannot save everyone from every result of sin. But we can stand together against the evil we see around us. We have the Holy Spirit who is called to come alongside each Christian with, not only comfort, but power. We need Him. But we also need to see another human being care enough to pray with us, listen to us, and perhaps meet some of our needs. Whenever you see a soul about to become a victim, stand with that person in the Holy Spirit’s power. In your faith, lock shields together, like Roman soldiers. Be willing to make a sacrifice. Your efforts will not be wasted. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12, NIV). And the Lord is our salvation.
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The Power of a Praying Woman Prayer from a sincere heart through the name of Jesus has immense power, despite who does the praying: male, female, young, or old. Yet there is something absolutely unique about the prayer of a woman. It is powerful, backed by heaven, and produces quality results each time. If you have not been praying, begin by making a daily practice of it. It will change your life and the lives of others around you. Prayer is an act of obedience to God.
Three Reasons Why We Must Pray 1. God Demands It In his letter to Timothy, the Apostle Paul admonished him by saying, “I desire then that in every place men should pray, lifting holy hands without wrath or dissension” (1Timothy 2:8). God has set the universe to function by rules and principles. One of those rules is spelled out in Psalm 115:16, “The heavens are the Lords, but the earth has River Region’s Journey
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he given to the sons of man.” That means God has relinquished the rulership or the administration of this Earthen realm to humans. Disembodied beings, like spirits (whether good or bad), have no legal ground to operate here on Earth. For God to intervene in your affairs in this jurisdiction He needs an invitation and that act of inviting is called prayer. God is the sovereign ruler of the universe. No place is prohibited to Him, but for the most part He will not move, until you ask Him to do so. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus tells us to ask for His Kingdom to come. Why are we to ask Him to do what already is in His power to do? It is because He adheres to His own principles and He seldom breaks them. God wants to heal us but He says, “Ask me!” He wants to mend hurtful relationships but He says, “Ask me!” He wants to fix broken hearts that we have been nursing, but He says, “Ask me!” He says to us, “I can provide you with a better paying job if only you will ask me!” Ask, (Jesus says) and it will be given you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives. (Matthew 7:7) “Oh! What a needless pain we bear all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer,” says the song writer Joseph Scriven. 16
Women have a specific call to prayer in the Word of God. “Consider now! Call for the wailing women to come; send for the most skillful of them. Let them come quickly and wail over us. Teach your daughters how to wail, because death has climbed in through our window, and has removed our young men from the streets.” (From Jeremiah 9) The majority of the time when Israel faced calamity, women were summoned to petition God on behalf of the nation. Engraved within women’s DNA is the ability and the power to petition God with the intensity that yields result.
2. God Loves Talking to You “Behold I stand at the door and knock, if anyone hears my voice and open the door I will come in and dine with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20). God the Creator of the universe wants to dine with us. To dine with someone denotes intimacy. It is only through prayer you can foster an intimate relationship with God. Make it a daily habit of talking to Him. Do not wait till you need something to pray about; talk to Him just because He exists.
3. There is Power in Prayer There is a hidden power source waiting to be tapped through prayer. The Bible says that the prayer of faith will heal the sick and lead to forgiveness for sins. Through prayer, I have seen many brought to Christ, delivered, healed, and restored. Through prayer, God has directed my life in such marvelous ways, they will fill an entire book. At one prayer meeting 26 years ago God gave me a vision of who my husband was to be. Eleven months later the man God had shown me proposed to me in another prayer meeting, and for 25 years we have been blessed and sustained by God through the power of prayer. I love prayer. It is my main stay. How about you? Let’s keep praying, Sisters!
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Husbands, love your wives (Ephesians 5:25a). On the one hand it is such a simple statement, a simple command. Simply love. On the other hand there is not a husband in the world who would say that he has mastered it. Behind the simple command is a lifetime of effort, a lifetime of growth. How is a husband to love his wife? What is the kind of love that he owes her? I am tracking here with by Tim Challies
Richard Phillips as he explains in his new commentary on Ephesians. A self-sacrificing love.
A husband’s love is self-sacrificing. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Every husband knows that he is called to love his wife to such a degree that he would willing to die for her. But God calls for far more than this. “It is easy for men to think of dying dramatically—and bloodily—for our wives in some grand gesture. But what Paul specifically has in mind is for husbands to live sacrificially for their wives. This means a dying to self-interest to place her needs before your own. It means a willingness to crucify your sins and selfish habits and unworthy character traits. I remember a husband who told me he had always thought that if a man came into the house with a knife to attack his wife, sure, he would be willing to die defending her. ‘Then I realized,’ he said, ‘that emotionally and spiritually, I am that man who assaults my wife and threatens her well-being. What God calls me to do is put my own sinful self to death’.” Exactly so. You would die for your wife, but will you live for her?
A redeeming love. A husband’s love is, like Christ’s love, redeeming. Christ “gave himself up for [the church], that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” “If we follow this progression we see the Christian gospel in terms of Christ’s preparation of a bride for himself.” Christ is actively sanctifying his people through the word to cleanse us from sin and make us holy. Paul now says that a husband is to see this as his model for the way he relates to his bride. “As Christ’s love redeems us for glory, a husband’s love ought to be directed toward the spiritual growth of his wife. Notice, too, that this ministry is associated with a husband’s words. The Greek word used here is thema, which River Region’s Journey
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signifies actual words, rather than the more common logos which speaks of a message in general. This makes the point of how important a husband’s words are to his wife. Far from badgering or tearing down his wife with his speech, loving husbands are to remind their wives of God’s love and minister for their blessing and increased spiritual maturity.”
A caring love. A husband’s love is also a caring love. “In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.” A man’s care for his wife should be as careful and intimate as his care for his own body. Paul offers two key words to describe this: nourish and cherish. A husband cares for his wife by nourishing her heart much like a gardener nourishes his plants. “This requires him to pay attention to her, to talk with her in order to know what her hopes and fears are, what dreams she has for the future, where she feels vulnerable or ugly, and what makes her anxious or gives her joy.” A husband cherishes his wife “in the way he spends time with her and speaks about her, so that she feels safe and loved in his presence.” Phillips offers this warning: “In my experience, a husband’s caring love is one of the greatest needs in most marriages. [A] wife’s heart is dried up by a husband who pays her little attention, takes no interest in her emotional life, and does not connect with her heart.”
A committed love. Finally, a husband’s love is a committed love. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” In the same way that Christ is utterly faithful to his church, a husband is to be completely faithful to his wife. This is signified in the one flesh union which is “the sharing of a whole life in the safe bounds of committed love.” One great barrier to this kind of love is when a husband does not transfer his allegiance from his parents to his wife, thus not fully leaving his father and mother. “A husband who shares marital secrets with his parents or who cannot break free from his family’s control is not able to offer his wife the devotion she needs.” Another great barrier is sexual sin. “Marriage involves forsaking all others in favor of an exclusive, intimate, and indivisible bond. … In Paul’s pagan world, as in our own, marriage was undermined by insecurity, as men and women exchanged partners the way they changed clothes. But a Christian husband offers his wife the security of a committed love, in which she can blossom emotionally and spiritually.” A husband commits to his wife to the exclusion of all others.
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In all of these ways a Christian marriage is a portrait of Christ’s union with his church. “This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” When we see this intimate connection between marriage and the gospel, we understand that “There is nothing more profound in all this world than the sacred bond of marriage, and no more solemn duty than those owed by a wife to her husband and a husband to his wife.” So husband, do you love your wife? In what ways do you need to love her better, to love her just like Christ loves his church?
Congratulations Dr. J. Robert Beshear, “Dr. Bob,”on your retirement and 44 years of caring for children.
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Tim Challies is a blogger, author and book reviewer. Visit his website at www. challies.com. 19 RiverRegionJourney_COA_JudgmentAd.indd 1
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More Words In Matthew 12:35-37, Jesus challenges us to make good use of the words we speak: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (NKJV) There are several types of social media that I utilize in association with The Meeting House radio show - there are two blogs that I write; one is The Front Room, which features devotional thoughts and commentary from the program. The other is The 3, with three stories of relevance to the Christian community. I also have a Facebook page and a Twitter feed. Each of these forms of media has their own unique advantages. With Twitter, you can send a simple and effective message, and the 140-character limit forces you to be very direct in what you say. Through the use of hash tags and links, you are able to join a stream of information and hopefully have that information shared. Well, there was a piece on the Bloomberg site that appeared several months ago that was intriguing. The article announced that Twitter users would be gaining “more freedom to compose longer messages.” It said at the time that that Twitter would soon “stop counting photos and links as part of its 140-character limit for messages, according to a person familiar with the matter. The change could happen in the next two weeks, said the person who asked not to be named because the decision isn’t yet public. Links currently take up 23 characters, even after Twitter automatically shortens them. The company declined to comment.” That announcement was confirmed about a week later by Twitter Senior Project Manager Todd Sherman on Twitter’s blog site. He wrote: River Region’s Journey
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In the coming months we’ll make changes to simplify Tweets including what counts toward your 140 characters, so for instance, @names in replies and media attachments (like photos, GIFs, videos, and polls) will no longer “use up” valuable characters. He also stated: “We’re exploring ways to make existing uses easier and enable new ones, all without compromising the unique brevity and speed that make Twitter the best place for live commentary, connections, and conversations.” So, soon, we Twitter users can write more - if you are putting a list of handles in a Tweet calling attention to certain others, that can use up valuable space, and those links and attachments also cut down on your verbage. So, we get more characters to work with - but, the question is, do we really need them? How will people use those extra words we may get? Twitter teaches us to keep things short and simple - you really have to think about how you say something lest you violate the 140-character limit. But, in Twitter, as in life, you have to wonder if too many words are necessarily a good thing. When you’re using some forms of social media, you have to be a good steward of the words that you have, and this can provide some practical discipline. Furthermore, if you’re thinking about what you will type as you type it, there is a chance that you can be more careful in what you post… 20
…or not. Have you ever posted something on social media and then after it had been circulated, had second thoughts about whether or not it was a good idea? Well, you can delete something, but in some cases, I would contend that the damage has already been seen. Social media and our use of it can provide character lessons for us today. Jesus taught us about the power of words - we can be justified or condemned by them. James gave stern warning about the power of the tongue. Proverbs teaches us about the relationship of the abundance of words to sin. A good “word” for us today is that we can place limitations on our usage of words, keeping in minds that it is possible to say too much. Reliance on the Holy Spirit can enable us to control what we say. He can help to shape what we say and how we say it. Words can be incredibly valuable to us and to others. Words can be powerful in expressing ourselves, encouraging a person, and in providing insight and instruction. Words can also contain a power to express ourselves in a way we did not intend, or to tear down someone else, or to communicate incorrectly. We have to make sure that we are good stewards of our words, consistent with God’s Word. Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.
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Sunday Morning Small Groups - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.
7505 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334.396.9811 21
August 2016
easternoaks.org River Region’s Journey
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by Laura Bell
Shortly after the end of the United States’ involvement with the Vietnam War, Mac Gober returned home to the U.S. to try to move on and recover. After serving in a horrific war, he came back to what seemed like a nation of people who were bitter that he even fought in the first place. Mac’s anger and bitterness led him down a road of drug and alcohol addiction to try to remove the feelings of hostility. But God had a bigger idea for Mac. His life was about to take a major turn and he didn’t even know it. In 1974 in San Diego, California, Mac found Jesus Christ. In an interview with his son, Caleb, he shared that Mac had hit a breaking point and cried out this prayer before God, “Lord, if there is any room left in heaven, please let it be for me.” It was that day and hour that Mac gave his life completely over to the hands of God, bringing him into a life he never would have imagined. River Region’s Journey
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In 1981, Mac and his wife Sandra began ministering to men ranging from ages 18-60. They took in men who were dealing with struggles of any kind. They realized there were people who were struggling so heavily that it had become life altering, and their mission was to spend a year mentoring and teaching them how to get back on their feet. The ministry grew in ways that were unimaginable, and Mac was in search of extra bunk beds to help house the men coming through searching for help. He drove to a piece of land in Autaugaville, Alabama to buy the beds and noticed that the property the beds were being sold on was for sale. After prayer and petition, Mac knew this land was supposed to be his. He traveled the nation sharing the story and vision for Canaan Land Ministry. It was within that time that the Lord raised the funds needed to purchase the land. The Gober’s moved the ministry to that 75 acres and began serving so many more people than they could have imagined. As stated on their website: “Judges, district attorneys and probation officers work closely with the staff to help men
re-establish their good name. Some men come to Canaan Land as drifters or from broken homes, and others are recommended by pastors or friends. Most of them are battling substance abuse, alcohol or some other form of harmful addiction.”
direct their lives. For the first time in their lives, many believe in and accept themselves.” (www.CanaanLand.com) Pastor Caleb Gober shares the way he has seen the Lord move in Canaan Land in his upbringing with the ministry:
The Program
“I started witnessing miracles with these students at a very young age. These men stay an entire year, earn a High School education, a trade, and get grounded in the word of God. Every year my Dad (Mac Gober) would have me speak at their graduation and every time I spoke I cried. These men would transform into different people and I knew that only God was capable of such miraculous work.”
There is an 85-100% success rate of the men who graduate and continue to live clean out of the ministry. The first six months after finishing the program, the men are to share accountability with a pastor. They are to stay in touch and prove they are choosing to live clean outside of living on site with Canaan Land. When the men first finish the school, they receive a certificate of completion, but if they continue to live clean six months after finishing, they are given a diploma. “The entire program is totally free to the student and his family. The only responsibility the men have for one year is to get their lives straightened out! Graduates have a healthy and balanced outlook on life. They have the tools to start, develop or rekindle relationships in a healthy and respectful manner. They have a firm belief in God and the power of Jesus to
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In his own words, Caleb described what he felt the vision of Canaan Land Ministries was, “As long as someone has breath in their lungs, they can have a miracle. God’s plan is to deliver us of any addiction, sickness, poverty, anything. Any person who is broken has hope. We truly believe that.” Mac Gober worked and functioned as a pastor and founder of Canaan Land ministries for 35 years, as well as living
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a clean life for that time. He went to live with the Lord on May 5, 2014, but the end of his earthly life does not end the continuation of Canaan Land Ministries. Sandra is still the active President and Founder and Pastor Caleb is the traveling minister. He spends his time traveling and sharing the glory of God happening in this ministry. Joshua, also a son of Mac and Sandra, is the on-campus Bible teacher and admin-
istrative director. Their sister Rachel Roll is the associate pastor of a local congregation outside Prattville, Alabama.
Canaan Land’s Future I asked Pastor Caleb what he hoped to see in coming years for Canaan Land Ministries. His response, “I want to grow and expand our ministry, putting a Canaan Land in every state in the United States.
That is our hope-expansion--so that we can reach more men who are struggling to get through life.” This ministry has given all and above to move and work in the lives of men who are struggling with addiction. Their dedication to loving these men to the heart of Jesus is so beautiful and well done. Anyone would be able to see that only God is capable of such miraculous work and intervention. If you have a desire to volunteer with Canaan Land Ministries or consider their program for yourself or a loved one, visit CanaanLand.com for more information. Laura Bell is a freelance writer, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She enjoys spending time with her husband Cody and finding all reasons to have joy in life!
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full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Fundamental Principles of Counseling I have been reminded about the TV show Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood and the kindness, love and safety it modeled. As licensed counselors and faith informed counselors, we hope to provide a safe place to explore our hurts, needs, and disappointments where one will find love, acceptance and compassion informed by the Holy Spirit. Before knowing what I would write about today, it was not a mistake that I fell upon these verses from James 3:13-18 NIV: Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive,
Therapy is not judgment or scolding where participants are talking at each other without seeking to learn, grow in wisdom, relationship or experience compassion. Much like Mr. Rogers was a model for my children, Carl Rogers (no relation to my knowledge) and his fundamental principles for the counseling relationship were models for me and many others entering the counseling profession. The principles are a metaphor for Christian love. 1. Unconditional positive regard - Clients are valued for themselves with deep and genuine unconditional caring. I like to think of it as accepting others as fellow children of God, regardless of whether they meet my expectations or follow my beliefs. 2. Congruence - Congruence in the counselor is being genuine. The closer our self-image and image we project are, the more genuine we seem to others and the more conscious we are of our reactions and motivations. We are aware of our humanity and failings without denial and toxic shame. 3. Empathy - Empathy is the ability to sensitively and accurately understand what others are experiencing and to be able to communicate understanding correctly. It is not sympathy. Rogers viewed others as essentially good, having an innate drive to be their best, given their gifts and talents, and he believed providing a safe and loving environment enhanced self-discovery. As a licensed professional, I am required to not discriminate against anyone who is different from me or my beliefs and values. As a Christian,
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my hope is that by working with others, my faith is exhibited throughout the session and others can grow spiritually, emotionally and mentally. Through the relationship of acceptance and support trust is developed, hope is ignited, barriers are torn down and growth is inspired among those who were suffering. With Jesus, all were touched and moved by this experience of grace and acceptance and a movement of love and forgiveness was ignited. The Sunday I wrote this, the lectionary was on Luke 7:36-47 where Jesus was anointed by a sinful woman: When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner.” Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” If you don’t feel safe in counseling, it will be difficult for you to heal. Find someone who practices the principles of Mr. Rogers, Carl Rogers and shows the spirit of discernment with the Holy Spirit. Nancy W. Thomas, M.A., N.C.C., C.C.M.H.C., L.P.C. Nancy Thomas is the Executive Director of Clinical Services at The Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. in Montgomery. She is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. She graduated from the University of Alabama with an M.A. in Counselor Education in 1994. She has extensive training and experience in mental health and marriage and family therapy. Her professional interests are in mental health recovery, adolescent and college issues, life transitions, healthy relationships, marital counseling, parenting, spirituality and identity development, and preserving marriages and families. Nancy works primarily with adolescents and adults.
8800 Vaughn Road
5th Annual
Pork and Pie! Saturday, August 20, 2016 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
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White Elephant Sale!
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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411
Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen 27
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Adoption
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For information, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or email mrussell@childrensaid.org. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., First UMC, Millbrook. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For info, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@ childrensaid.org. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network. Location: Millbrook First United Methodist Church, 3350 Edgewood Road Adoption Support- Will meet 4th Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.
Alcoholic / Addict
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Location: Grace @ Bell Road, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m. Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Journey Church, 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road across from The Catfish House in Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 5:30pm (meal-CrossTalk Cafe), 6-6:55 pm (large group), 6:55-7:45 (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.
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Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center. Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 East Main St. RSVP - 12 step (Christians Against Substance AbuseCASA) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for addition information. Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group. For locations, please visit- https://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com. Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only. Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427. Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m. Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg. An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant
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may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622. Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided). Registration is required by calling 274-1018.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided.. Contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or at duncan6563@gmail.com.
Depression
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 3101. This group also meets on the 3rd Saturday afternoon, 12-2 pm, Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Hwy in Church Annex. Call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care is held Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. Childcare available. $15 for workbook. Dinner at 4:45 ($5 adults, $3 kids). Call Kathy Cooper at 241-5125. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the
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Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, are you stuck in a pattern of going back to the same relationships or situations hoping for or expecting different results? In this new study “Never Go Back”, you will recognize and truly change those life patterns that hold you back and keep you from your goals. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org.
Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977.
grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 279-5433 for more information.
Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622.
Miscellaneous
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Facilitators are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie, and Becki Harrison. Call 279-5433.
Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group.
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Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information. Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100
Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info.
Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator. For information contact Glover at 334-281-2754. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your
Location: Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway Take Heart is for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 6 pm in room 116. Contact Melissa at (205) 9132667 for more information.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174. Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com . Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info email vaughnforestmops@gmail. com or visit vfcmops.weebly.com.
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August 2016
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive information, call 396-4534. Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome Childcare is provided. Please visit our website at www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more information.
Same Sex Attraction
Location: Huff Community Ministry Building of First Baptist Church at 305 S. Perry Street Pathway Support Group for those dealing with unwanted same sex attraction. The group meets at 6:30 pm every first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings. For more
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information about the Pathway call (334) 241-5141 or (334) 241-5140.
Singlehood
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Boundaries study for singles meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study will help singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Single and Parenting! A New Group for Single Mom’s. This group meets every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm for hope & encouragement & guidance & parenting ideas. For information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org. Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@aol. com or 354-8869.
Veterans
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.
Email your support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
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What a Teen Daughter Needs
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by Kimberly Davidson Would you believe that 11 percent of all alcohol consumed in America is consumed by teenagers? Being a teen isn’t easy, and it seems to be getting worse. Drinking, drugs, premarital sex, eating disorders, and the pressure to be attractive are shoved into teens’ faces more than anything else. One of the main reasons teens turn to substances or extreme dieting is low self-worth and their desire to feel accepted by peers. It’s uncomplicated to follow the crowd when you don’t have anyone showing you the way to the truth. River Region’s Journey
August 2016
A team of researchers at John Hopkins Medical School found the most significant predictor of mental illness, cancer, hypertension, heart disease and suicide was a lack of closeness to the parents— especially the father. Many professionals believe toxic behaviors such as drinking, drug use, premarital sex and eating disorders are a learned response. Role modeling is key! Mom and Dad, you both have the greatest influence over your children. When asked what influences adolescents the most, more teens answered, 32
“my home,” rather than celebrities, school, friends, religion, music, television, movies, or magazines. Our challenge is to model how we want our children to behave. They learn not from how we tell them to act but how we act in their presence. Clearly, studies confirm that both parents play an extremely important role in the lives of teenagers. A Pew Research Center study on adolescents reports that 52 percent say being a good parent is one of the most important things in their life. But sadly, with the separation and
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divorce rates so high in the home, children today are being parented by the media and celebrities. No doubt, friends hold a lot of power when it comes to persuasion, but a parent’s influence is even greater. For example, experts state, teenage girls whose moms are obsessed with physical appearance and dieting pass on their rituals, and negative self and body image talk. While parental behavior does not cause eating disorders, they may unintentionally set off their child’s genetic susceptibility to develop one with negative body image modeling or critical remarks. But the influencer may not just be Mom—often it is Dad. “I don’t want a fat child,” is a common cry of many dads. Protein shakes, cabbage soup and diet pills are just some of the things parents are forcing their “chubby” children to ingest in order that their child fit into this society. Today, female celebrities glamorize single parenthood. One actress told reporters that women don’t need men to start a family or be good mothers. When Fox News anchor Bill O’Reilly caught wind of her bold statements, he railed, “She’s throwing a message out to 12-year-olds and 13-year-olds that, ‘Hey you don’t need a guy. You don’t need a dad.’ That is destructive to our society.” He’s correct. Considerable scientific and sociological research points toward a common conclusion: Fathers matter and offer a myriad of benefits to their children. A National Fatherhood Initiative publication noted that fathers who play an active role in their
children’s lives can significantly increase the quality of those lives and decrease risks to healthy development. Lionel Dahmer, father of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, wrote that his own life kept him too busy to be involved with his son, “And so I wasn’t there to see him as he began to sink into himself. I wasn’t there to sense, even if I could have sensed it, that he might be drifting toward that unimaginable realm of fantasy and isolation and that it would take nearly thirty years to recognize.” I’ve heard it said numerous times that only a tiny percent of teenage girls actually feel they can go to their dad and talk about a serious problem. Historically, the role of fathers has been thought to be of primary importance to the development of sons, while the raising of daughters was Mom’s territory. It is clear that although mothers play a vital role in raising daughters (and sons), a father’s relationship with his daughter can result in significant and measurable improvements to his daughter’s life. Many daughters experience “Father Hunger.” The term means there is an emptiness experienced by females whose fathers are emotionally or physically absent, creating a void. This may contribute to a daughter’s eating problems, body dissatisfaction, and low self-worth. Dad has a big influence on a teenage daughter’s self-worth, self-image, and self-esteem. Not only do a father’s actions influence her sense of significance, experts say fathers can influence future romantic
relationships positively or negatively by the way they interact with their daughter during childhood. For example, writing for the Child Psychology Research Blog, Lopez-Duran reported on a study of 78 young women, average age of 19, which compared the quality of the daughters’ relationships with their fathers to the daughters’ relationships with their current boyfriends. An evaluation of three aspects: communication, trust, and time spent together, led the researchers to conclude that daughters who communicated with and trusted their fathers were likely to have similarly healthy relationships with their boyfriends and husbands. Another study found that a father’s presence in the home affected how early their daughter entered puberty and how early they began dating and participating in sex. Dad, don’t leave your daughters hungry for their father. In addition to giving the gift of time, here are three things you can do to nourish your relationship:
1. Communicate authentically. We need to listen as well as talk. I encourage all dads to have a date night once a week with each of their daughters. Make a date for a meal or coffee or a walk. Truly listen to her—do whatever will make your daughter feel valued. Both of you—turn off the cell phones. Turn off the music and talk while you’re driving. One dad said, “I try to talk to my daughter. But if I say something like, ‘How was school today?’ all she says is
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“Fine.’ Then I ask what she learned. She says, ‘Nothin’ new.’ What should I do?” Ask specific, open-ended questions: “You had a science test today. How did it go? How hard was it? What did your friends think of it?”
2. Help your daughter develop her image of God from the Bible. The father-daughter relationship may strongly determine a child’s image of God. Many professionals agree that when Dad is present, the child develops a more balanced view of God. Through emotional involvement with his children, a father plays an indirect role in his child’s view of God as nurturer. If we feel we have to be perfect to please Dad, then we may feel we have to be perfect to please God. On the other hand, if we feel we can make mistakes and be accepted by our parents, then we can make mistakes and feel accepted by God.
3. Draw from Abba Father. I would guess that father-child relationships were no less challenging in Jesus’s time. Yet Jesus taught strongly and unremittingly about his Father and our Father. Jesus knows when we draw sustenance from our Father we are on the way to being spiritually, physically and emotionally whole. Jesus gave his followers the privilege of addressing God by the same intimate title which he himself used—Abba. We are all weak, therefore, we must rely every day on our Abba Father’s dynamic presence and provision. He “knows what you need before you ask him” (Matthew 6:8). If we ask him, he will infuse us with the kind of love and power it takes to model and avert our children from idolizing tragic figures of fantasy, and thereby, reducing their chances of demonstrating destructive behaviors. Kimberly received her MA in specialized ministry from Western Seminary, Portland, Oregon. She is a board certified biblical counselor, personal life coach, speaker, and founder of Olive Branch Outreach—a ministry dedicated to bringing hope and restoration to those struggling with eating disorders and body image. She is the author of four books: Torn Between Two Masters: Encouraging Teens to Live Authentically in a Celebrity-Obsessed World, Breaking the Cover Girl Mask: Toss Out Toxic Thoughts, I’m God’s Girl? Why Can’t I Feel It? and I’m Beautiful? Why Can’t I See It? River Region’s Journey
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River Region’s Journey
Q.
My husband and I have seven kids. What parts of your program work best for large families?
A. My entire plan works for a large family. Larger families just have more expenses. What does change — and you already knew this — is that it can be a larger financial burden. This isn’t criticism; it’s just a mathematical fact. When you kick things into overdrive like you folks have done, two things have happened. One, you’ve extended the time that you’re going to be supporting the kids financially. Two, you’ve got a lot of baby birds to feed and clothe. Unless you have an astronomical income, it slows down the process of hitting financial goals like getting out of debt, because you’ve got a drain on the math side of things. It’s a wonderful drain; it’s a glorious drain; but mathematically
speaking where the money is concerned, it’s still a drain. You really don’t have any choice but to do a budget. Having seven kids doesn’t give you an excuse to live out of control or mean that living out of control without a plan is the definition of success. You’ve got to set more emergency categories aside in your budget. You’ve got to budget heavier for food, medical, transportation and things like that, because you’ve got more things pulling at you — and your money!
Q.
I make $80,000 a year, and I was wondering if there’s an easy way to determine how much money a person would need to live comfortably after retirement.
A. A commonsense rule of thumb, if you’ve got your money invested in good
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growth stock mutual funds, is to pull from those funds at a rate that is lower than which they are growing. Otherwise, you’ll destroy them, right? I tell folks if they want to pull off six percent to eight percent — I’m comfortable doing eight percent — then you’ve got to decide exactly how much you want to live on and what that means for your nest egg. If you want to live on $80,000 a year, it means you have to have a $1 million nest egg. If you want to live on $40,000 a year, then you need a half-million dollar nest egg for what we’re talking about here. To get into that a little bit further, I would advise going to Chris Hogan’s website. He’s got a tool on there that takes just a few minutes, and it will give you exact numbers on what you need to do. It’s ChrisHogan360.com, and the tool is called the R:IQ — your Retire Inspired Quotient. You can walk through it, and in just a few minutes you’ll know exactly what’s going on and what needs to happen!
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Real Women 21 st Century 36
Gospel Sing Capital City
First Baptist Church Sunday, August 28 6:15 pm | Main Sanctuary An evening of Southern Gospel music that you will not forget! Come hear soloists, trios, quartets and choirs share timeless gospel music and sing along with treasured favorites in old-fashioned homecoming style.
Join us for these events plus many more! 305 South Perry Street | 334.834.6310
www.montgomeryfbc.org