Chronic isn’t just uncomfortable.
Do you know the hidden dangers of heartburn? It can be a cause or symptom of something much worse — including chronic esophageal reflux or esophageal cancer.
At Jackson’s NEW HEARTBURN CENTER, our team of medical professionals can help you manage mild, severe and chronic heartburn, with treatments ranging from diet and lifestyle changes, to the proper use of antacids and even surgery. Don’t ignore your heartburn. Ask your doctor about a treatment that’s right for you. Learn more at jackson.org.
334-293-6825
www.JacksonHeartburnCenter.com
Volume 19, Issue 10
Feature Articles
FEBRUARY 2 0 1 8 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 12
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work
Jean-Noel and Tonya Thompson discuss how they keep a strong focus on their marriage in the midst of raising eight children and juggling busy schedules as Faulkner University’s Vice President of Student Services and homeschooling mom to a large family.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Gene Ziesel, Lighthouse Baptist Church
page 11
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 18
page 14
Women Arising
4 Marks of a Godly Husband’s Love
Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 29
Counselor’s Corner
by Tim Challies
God’s call on husbands to love their wives mimics Christ’s relationship with His church. Discover four ways a husband should care for his bride.
Jessica Fernandez, Ph.D, LMFT
page 30
The Intersection
page 20
Bob Crittenden
Wedding Trends & Survival Tips
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
by Kimberly Blaker
Your guide to planning a stylish and successful wedding includes what’s trending for 2018 plus ideas for making the planning process run smoothly.
In Every Issue page 6
Books to Read
page 26
What’s the Purpose of Marriage?
page 8
Around Our Community
by Tim Challies
page 12
Is marriage a contract? Is it a sacrament? Learning why God created marriage will help you fulfill it’s purpose as husband and wife.
page 32
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Faith @ Work Support Groups February 2018
River Region’s Journey
CCH Maga
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.
From the Publisher A few years back a couple came over to our house asking for help to sort out their marriage struggles. They had been married 18 years and cared deeply for each other, but spent most days frustrated. Instead of quitting and going their separate ways, they wanted to overcome their marriage obstacles and enjoy the blessings of being one. That
Editor
night my wife and I walked them through the
DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Scriptures explaining God’s plan for marriage
Publisher
eyes light up as God revealed His truth to them
and why it works so well. You could see their
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
both. When they were leaving the wife turned and said, “I wish someone would have told us
Associate Publisher
this 18 years ago. It would have made life a lot
Gena Hill
easier.”
Research Editor
Marriage isn’t exactly easy. Most good
Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Kimberly Blaker Tim Challies Bob Crittenden Jessica Fernandez, Ph.D, LMFT Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Sam Whatley Pastor Gene Ziesel
things aren’t. But, there are not many things more fulfilling than a marriage patterned after God’s purposes for husband and wife. Our Wedding and Marriage Issue is different from other publications because not only do we share the latest trends and tips for planning your wedding day, we also offer a foundation on which you can build a great marriage. God’s biblical foundation.
Cover Photo of Vosels David Robertson
Advertising Opportunities
Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
I remember my wedding day so vividly. I can still see my wife as she rounded the corner and came down the aisle. As she came closer and closer my smile grew bigger and bigger. I couldn’t believe God had blessed me with such a treasure. That day was the beginning of our journey as one. Twenty-four years later I am still amazed by her. I’m thankful we decided to seek God together and build our marriage on His plans and purposes. Whether you’re planning your wedding day or your 40th anniversary always
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remember marriage is a ministry performed by husband and wife to help each
Scott Davis
other grow closer to God and, in turn, to each other. Enjoy this issue!
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Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell
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 2018 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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CCH Magazine Ad_River Region.qxp_Layout 1 5/17/17 11:08 AM Page 1
Come Worship with Us!
Founded Upon God’s Word
Liturgically Joyful
At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.
At Christchurch, worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church. Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!
Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Christian Education: 11:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
Warm and Loving
Committed to Mission
By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.
The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as His hands and feet whether in places like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.
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8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
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Pastor’s Perspective Gene Ziesel, Lighthouse Baptist Church
Making a Marriage Work Ah, the sounds of wedding bells are in the air with this month’s Wedding & Marriage Issue of River Region’s Journey! I’ve been married to my wife going on 35 years. To this day I know that, other than trusting Jesus as my Savior, it was the best decision I ever made. If you are planning a wedding in 2018, I hope you will consider the following advice. I’m convinced that if you do, you too can have a successful marriage. Just as in real estate, the top three things you need to consider when buying a home is location, location, location. The same can be said of a successful marriage. The main three things needed are communication, communication, communication! If you will learn this one area, I’m convinced the rest will fall into place. Communicate about your desires, both
physical and spiritual. Communicate about your finances. Communicate about your aspirations…communicate, communicate, communicate! What was it that brought men into the broken relationship with their Creator? I submit that it was lack of communication. Oh, not on God’s part, for He gave both Adam and Eve clear instructions of what not to do. First to Adam God said: “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shall not eat of it: for in the day that the latest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 2:16-17 We know Eve understood this command, for in Genesis 3 we read, “And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.” We know communication broke down because Eve and Adam ate from the tree. Adam then tried to put the blame on God. God asked in Genesis 3:9, “Where art thou?” Adam replied in verse 12, “The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.” Communication broke down on Adam’s part by his blaming everyone else but himself.
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As you can see, communication is actually key in all of life. We tend to only listen in order to respond instead of listening in order to understand. It’s the latter approach that gives you the successful marriage you’re desiring. Not only should you be communicating with one another, but let me quickly add you need to communicate with the Lord. You need to read God’s Word for yourself, but you should get in the habit of studying it together and communicating together to God in prayer. At first it may seem awkward, but you must build your marriage upon the foundations of the Word of God. I would challenge you to make time out of your busy week to worship the Lord together with other believers, even some of us older ones who desire to stand by you as you build your marriage relationship together. Before I married my wife, her father made me study Ephesians 5:25-31. I, too, made my future son-in-law do this same study and write what he’d learned. I framed his words and gave it to him as a wedding gift that he sees every day as he gets ready for work. I would suggest that any future wife study Ephesians 5:22-24. If we would understand the teaching of God’s Word for marriage, our divorce rate would not be near what it is today. Writing this, I’ve assumed that since you are getting married, you want your marriage to last a lifetime. To make it happen, remember it is not a 50/50 proposition — 50% Husband, 50% Wife. It’s both 100%! If you’ll go into your marriage with these simple truths, you too could celebrate 35 years or more!
Gene Ziesel is pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church on Bell Road in Montgomery.
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Love Thy Body by Nancy Pearcey
It is always a big deal when Nancy Pearcey releases a new book. It’s a special pleasure when that release is timed for the beginning of a new year. Such is the case with Love Thy Body: Answering Hard Questions about Life and Sexuality. In this new work she brings her unique voice to some of the most pressing moral issues of our day. “In Love Thy Body,” she promises, “we will move beyond click-bait headlines and trendy slogans to uncover the worldview that drives the secular ethic. By learning the core principles of this worldview, you will be able to engage intelligently and compassionately on all of today’s most controversial moral challenges.” And, indeed, that is exactly what she does and exactly what she delivers. As in all her works, she shows that the prevailing worldview around us is one that involves a two-tiered reality that places theology and morality in the realm of what is private, subjective, and relativistic while placing science in the realm of what is public, objective, and valid for all people. Thus secular science reigns supreme over all other matters, including faith. This then leads to a fact/value split where values are placed in the first realm and facts in the second. Your values are for you to live by, perhaps, but they have no bearing on the rest of humanity. In Love Thy Body she shows how this very divide is at the heart of so many of today’s moral issues. The world around us neglects the core unity of human beRiver Region’s Journey
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ings and instead divides us into two-tiered beings. After a thorough introduction that will get you caught up if you have not read Pearcey’s previous works, she turns her attention to six key issues, each of which can be explained and combated through a right understanding of the secular worldview that underpins them. Put together, this is a powerful book that brings Pearcey’s unique and uniquelyhelpful voice to crucial issues. “We live in a moral wasteland,” she says, “where human beings are desperately seeking answers to hard questions about life and sexuality. But there is hope. In the wasteland we can cultivate a garden. We can discover a reality-based morality that expresses a positive, life-affirming view of the human person—one that is more inspiring, more appealing, and more liberating than the secular worldview.” Read this book to grow in your ability to do that very thing.
The Porn Problem
by Vaughan Roberts It was just a few years ago that the Christian world was blindsided as it learned about the size and scope of the modern-day porn problem. We learned that a vast percentage of young men, and an increasing percentage of young women, are immersed in porn and have been since their youngest days. We learned that many older men and women are into it as well. This led to a great number of books on the subject as well as a host of resources meant to combat the problem. One of the latest books is The Porn Problem by Vaughan Roberts. This is the third and most recent entry in a series of 6
short books he has written under the heading “Talking Points.” Each of them brings a distinctly Christian viewpoint to a contemporary issue: Assisted suicide, transgenderism, and now pornography. His purpose is to drive home this point: “The Bible has wonderful news for those who are beginning to feel they will never find victory in the fight against porn. The gospel of Jesus Christ offers complete forgiveness and also a new power by the Holy Spirit to enable us to fight sin and grow in holiness. It really is possible to live porn-free. Jesus is realistic about the power that sin can exert over us, but he also has a message of glorious hope for us, however low we have sunk.” Roberts approaches the topic by first discussing God’s design in creating human sexuality and by proving “Scripture has a wonderfully high view of sex.” When we understand God’s purpose in sexuality, we soon see that “porn, which is by its nature selfish and unrelational, not only demeans sex; it also harms us.” He next focuses in on the ugliness of porn, showing that it cheapens sex, objectifies people, harms the young, and corrupts its users. And the negative consequences go far beyond that! Then he discusses the slavery of porn and how it enslaves those who commit themselves to it. Concluding chapters discuss the making of true freedom and living a porn-free life. He takes the reader full-circle, from captivity to freedom, from addiction to deliverance. Overall, this is an excellent little book and a welcome contribution in what has become a crowded field. Until the porn problem crests and ebbs, we will continue to rely on books like this to address the issue and deliver hope. The Porn Problem is accessible because of its brevity and affordable because of its size. This makes it an ideal resources to have on-hand and to make available to anyone who could benefit from it.
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AGAPE Holds Fundraising Event to Help Foster and Adoption Families AGAPE of Central Alabama will hold its 4th Annual Connecting Hearts event with special guest Sean Dietrich (Sean of the South) on Tuesday, February 27. Sean is a columnist and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, Good Grit, The Tallahassee Democrat, South Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, Thom Magazine, The Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books. The Connecting Hearts event will take place at the Alley Station Warehouse in downtown Montgomery. Reception will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the main event starts at 6:30 p.m. All ticket holders participate in the reception and V.I.P. ticket holders will have the chance to meet and greet with the speaker. Your support of this event will impact children and teens throughout Central Alabama. Agape of Central Alabama is a ministry that helps children by connecting hearts through adoption and foster care. Agape sets out to match children with permanent homes with nurturing Christian families. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit connectinghearts.org.
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B at Saturday, February 24, from 7-10 pm Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts Presented by J3 Productions and The Mercy Grace Foundation Ten women of distinction who have made significant contributions in ministry and the community will be highlighted and honored. The event will feature music and words of honor by International Recording Artist and Prophetess, Renee Winston of San Francisco. Event will be hosted by:Angier Stewart Johnson of Praise 96.5 FM and 90.7 FM. Tickets: $20 ADV $25 DOOR. Call (929) 276-2263 for tickets.
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An Evening with Mark Lowry February 22nd, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Benefitting Mary Ellen’s Hearth and held at Saint James United Methodist Church, 9045 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL. Tickets cost $25-75. Call 800-965-9324 or go to www.maryellenshearth.org.
Pancake Dinner for Missions Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Tuesday, February 13th, in the Christian Activity Center. Dinner will be served from 5-7pm, with both dine-in and takeout available. This meal will include pancakes (all-you-can-eat), sausage, coffee, hot chocolate, and juice for only $7.00 per person. All proceeds will go to benefit the Aldersgate 2018 short-term mission teams. NO reservation needed! Contact steve@aldersgateumc.org.
FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018
MEREDITH
ALEX
ANDREWS
SEELEY
DREAM Women’s Conference February 9-10 Held at St. James United Methodist Church and sponsored by Renew Women’s Ministry. Begins at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at 12:30 p.m. Saturday. Featuring Pastor Alex Seeley and renowned worship leader Meredith Andrews. Tickets are $69. For questions or discounted registration for groups of 10 or more, e-mail renewdreamconference@gmail.com. For info, visit DreamWomensConference.com. 9
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Renascence Re-entry Community Ping Pong Tournament & Party Dating? Engaged? Married? Join The Church at Chantilly to hear best-selling author and marriage expert Paul Tripp talk about realistic expectations, radical commitments and grace in regards to marriage. Event will be held on February 10, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with a break from 12-1:30 pm for lunch. Bring a lunch or go out for a quick bite. Limited childcare available for 0-4 years. Please call the church for reservations. Pre-order tickets: $25 per couple and $15 per single. Ticket prices increase at door. Visit www.chantillychurch.com or call (334) 279.1372.
Friday and Saturday, March 2-3 The preview party from 6-9 p.m. Friday is for adults only; the tournament from 9 a.m.3 p.m. Saturday is for all ages and abilities. Both will be held at the Alcazar Center, 555 Eastern Blvd. The tournament benefits Renascence and the men coming out of the prison system who need a hand up, not a hand-out, as they transition into society and employment. Like a ping pong, the men of Renascence want to bounce back into productive lives. Preview party costs $45 and includes food, drinks, dance band, silent auction and opportunity to play ping pong. Tournament costs $10 for ages 19 and under; $20 for ages 20 and up. For more info or to sign up, call (334) 832-1402 or visit halfway-home.net. Shown, Jay Spenser, head of school at The Montgomery Academy, left, and Justin Castanza, principal of Montgomery Catholic, right, compete in the Principals’ Challenge Match, which opened the 2017 tournament.
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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 River Region’s Journey
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It’s Not Too Late Every journey, every venture, every project has three stages: beginning, middle, and end. In the beginning there is the promise of adventure and the quest of the unknown. At the end there is a sense of accomplishment. But in the middle, that is where the whole experience can just seem like a lot of work. Things are not so new anymore and the end seems far away. That’s when we are all tempted to stop halfway through and settle for less than we had hoped for. But if we do that, we miss God’s best for us. When you accept God into your life, that is what you get, God in your life. The Lord begins leading you to have a part in spreading His Kingdom. That’s what happened to a man named Abram, who lived in Ur of Chaldea (southern Iraq) nearly four thousand years ago. The Lord instructed him to pack up and leave everything he knew. “The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you’” (Genesis 12:1, NIV). Abram started out trying to obey God’s leading, but things slipped out of his control. For one thing, his father’s household came with him. In fact, his father, Terah, took over the move. “Terah took his son Abram, his grandson Lot son of Haran, and his daughterin-law Sarai, the wife of his son Abram, and together they set out from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to Canaan. But when they came to Haran, they settled there. Terah lived 205 years, and he died in Haran” (Gen. 11:31-32, NIV). We don’t know why they stopped in Haran (Syria). Maybe they were just tired. They had traveled hundreds of miles. Canaan (modern Israel) was another 400 miles. But Terah was the patriarch. He called the shots. That was in keeping with the culture of the day, but it was not what God had instructed Abram to do. Consequently, Abram’s blessing of seeing the land that God would show him was delayed. I wonder how many of us have put off
We may be older now. We may have fewer obeying God’s will for our lives because we resources. But if we give everything to Him, decided to let a parent, spouse, or child take He will honor our willingness to serve. charge. How many of us were called to be When Abram left Haran he was faithful to attend God’s house of worship, seventy-five years old and had no children. to tithe, or even to become a leader, pastor, But his descendants today have become as or missionary, but we let someone else talk us out of it? How many of us were called to the stars in the sky, just as God promised. move, change churches, or take on new caGod will fulfill His promises to you too, if reers, but we were afraid to follow the will of you are willing to finish what He started in God? I feel certain that Abram loved and reyour heart. spected his father. He wanted to do what was It’s not too late. We can yet say with Paul, expected of a dutiful son in his culture. But “I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, NIV). God had plans that were bigger than anything Abram could imagine. His obedience was key **Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available to every event that follows in the Bible. at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC. God did not leave Abram in Haran. He loved him too much for that. After Terah died, God called him a second time. And this time the Creator came down in person. He changed his follower’s name from Abram to Abraham and made a blood covenant that became the foundation of the Life is sweet. relationship between God and His people. Many people have a sour taste in their mouth when it comes to the church. They think they know what He calls us a Christianity is all about, and it’s not good. Yet the Bible says, “Taste second time too. and see that the Lord is good.” If God doesn’t seem good to you, Many of us have maybe you’ve been given a distorted view of the message of Jesus. stopped halfway in That’s why at Frazer we’re in the midst of a year-long emphasis on our journey with the reading the Bible for ourselves. We believe opening ourselves up Lord. We have not to listen to the voice of God’s Spirit can be a radically transforming, life-giving experience, far beyond mere “religion.” finished what He has set in our hearts to do If you’re willing to explore that journey with us, we invite you to worship with us in Sundays at 8, 9:30 or 11am. Or just open a Bible for Him. We may feel and read the story of Jesus for yourself. Taste and see—you just that it is too late for us might be surprised at how sweet it is! frazer.church/tasteandsee now. But He loves us too much to leave us there. The second half of the journey can be greater than the first. 11
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RR rem gro a wonderful friendship and a dating period of four years. So in essence, a summer library trip after high school has led to 26 wonderful years of marriage and 8 beautiful children – how do you like that math! RRJ: What qualities did your spouse possess that made you think he/she was someone special? Jean-Noel: Early on in our dating relationship, I appreciated Tonya’s down-to earth personality, incredible work ethic, and her genuine interest in reaching out to people who are often times viewed as outside of the popular social circles. While these qualities still exist, they are now coupled with my appreciation for her deep passion to know and live for Christ, and unwavering commitment to turn the hearts of our children to Christ in all that she does.
RRJ: How long have you two been married and how long did you date prior to marriage? Thompsons: We have been married for 26 years, dated for four years and were engaged for seven months. RRJ: Where did you meet? Jean-Noel: We actually attended the same junior high school and high school in Arizona. In junior high we were in marching band together, and in high school we had several classes together, yet did not date until just after graduation. That summer of 1987, prior to starting as a freshman at Arizona State University, I went to spend some time in the public library to do some pre-studying in college algebra. I was really worried about doing well in college algebra, and my type-A personality and a bit of anxiety took over. While there at the public library, I ran into Tonya and a high school friend of hers who were perusing wedding magazines in preparation for her friend’s wedding. I spoke briefly with them both and asked for their phone numbers (really just wanting Tonya’s). A few days later I called her, and this began River Region’s Journey
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Tonya: In Jean-Noel, I saw an overwhelming level of optimism even though life had not been easy. He worked diligently, particularly in areas that were not his strong suit, like algebra. He, too, noticed the folks who might be a bit ‘different’. Jean-Noel had a humility to put others first and found ways to see them succeed. He’s a natural born peacemaker and diplomat. Lastly, Jean-Noel is much more extroverted than me, which to an introvert-extraordinaire is quite attractive. RRJ: Were you both followers of Christ when you met? Tonya: Jean-Noel was baptized at age 14 and he and his family were active members of their church. My childhood religious experience was wrought with misleading and disingenuous images of God, which left me highly suspicious of any attempts of others to evangelize me. At the time we were dating, I was sincerely seeking who Christ was, yet was not engaged in a spiritual community or church family. This reality initially caused some tension in the relationship with Jean-Noel’s parents. My openness to a genuine, no-strings-attached Bible study through a mentor of Jean-Noel’s resulted in spiritual marriage counseling for us both, and ultimately I chose to take on Christ through baptism several years after we were married. RRJ: Tonya, because of your journey, how important is it to you to have a community of believers in your life? 12
Tonya: I remember the desperate prayer at the beginning of our marriage to not repeat the past. I knew I couldn’t rely on instinct. I needed godly examples to walk this walk of faith. Looking back, I can see how faithful God was to my plea. Perhaps, this is why we moved so much (Alabama is our sixth state). God showed us generational faithfulness in church families. He showed us good parenting. God showed us ‘family’ in a larger context, and how we need to rely on and be relied upon by a faith community. We are not meant to walk this walk on our own. RRJ: With Jean-Noel’s job as vice president for student services at Faulkner University and your job managing the household and home educating your children, your plates are full! What challenges does that bring into your marriage and how does your faith guide you towards practical solutions? Tonya: Yes, caring for and educating eight children at home for me, and addressing the needs of hundreds of college students and staff on a daily basis for Jean-Noel, certainly challenges our ability to nurture our relationship with one another. If we are not careful, we can find ourselves running in two separate circles or separate worlds – thus missing the necessity to spend time with one another and to operate as one in God’s design for marriage. We have learned that we MUST be highly intentional in creating opportunities for the two of us to spend time together alone. To aid in this, we start each morning off quite early together, and without all the other distractions, with what we call our coffee and prayer time. We pray together, encourage one another, assess the needs of each of our children (young and young-adult), and talk about how we can encourage their hearts and minds toward God. We also try to find affordable opportunities to get away together for a few days to wind down a bit, enjoy one another’s company, and to explore how we are doing in our marriage. These retreats always bless us beyond what we can imagine. RRJ: How intentional are you about allowing your children to see into your marriage and to learn from you two? Thompsons: In an age where marriage is becoming less respected and less desired, we place an even higher value on God’s design for this covenant relationship and the family unit. As such, we try to show our children the
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true blessings a godly marriage can bring. We stress that a marriage relationship is not always rosy and takes much work, selflessness, and faith to sustain and grow it. Loving and respecting each other before our children is perhaps the best thing we can do to bless them in their future marriages and family aspirations. RRJ: What do you think your children will remember about your faith when they are grown? Thompsons: Our hope is that they see fallen people, daily in need of redemption. We hope they take this baton of faith and refine their own lives, and that they have had an example (although imperfect) of courage to step out of the norm to further reflect Christ. RRJ: What are some key resources you rely on to continue honoring Christ in your home? Thompsons: Continual prayer and Bible reading is paramount. Reading tons of books on child-rearing and marriage has been extremely helpful as well. It is important to put these resources through the biblical sieve, with a willingness to think critically about where the authors honor biblical truth and where they do not. We recommend reading and listening to things that challenge you versus just those things that keep one in a happy place. Specifically, we recommend reading Shepherding a Child’s Heart, by Tedd Tripp. Another challenging and helpful read is Family-Driven Faith, by Voddie Baucham. RRJ: For fun, what three things do you each think you have in common? Thompsons: First, we both have a strong desire to break the cycle of brokenness we have experienced in our respective extended families. We both enjoy fine arts and music. Third, we both enjoy outside activities like hiking and gardening. RRJ: Finally, since this is our Wedding and Marriage Issue, many couples just starting out will be reading this interview. What’s one piece of advice you two would want to give them? Thompsons: While it is fun and good to dream together about what your lives will be as a couple, be sure to spend ample time prior to marriage truly discerning what God loves and how you can center your marriage around these things. Said another way – we often get fixated on the “picture” of married life (what house we will have, number and type of kids) and not enough on God’s “purpose” of married life (to love and honor one another, foster generations of faithful children, and serve and bless others in the world). Jean-Noel and Tonya Thompson have eight children: Tatyana (23), Dyani (20), Nizhoni (18), Ediah (13), Anlon (9), Simeon (8), Sasona (5), and Zadok (3).
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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 Richard Phillips as he explains in his commentary on Ephesians.
A self-sacrificing love. A hus-
band’s love is self-sacrificing. “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,” (Ephesians 5:25). Every husband knows that he is called to love his wife to such a degree that he would be 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
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such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish,” (Eph. 5:26-27). “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 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
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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. nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body,” (Eph. 5:28-30). 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
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,” (Eph. 5:31). 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. 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? Tim Challies is an author, blogger and book reviewer. Visit him at www.challies.com.
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January 2018 truth magazine ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/7/17 11:28 AM Page 1
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Keeping Love Alive Selma is like so many people I know: “My marriage is stale. I thought our love would last forever when I met Devon, but now…” Finding love in this love-crazy culture is often easy, but finding real love, staying in love, and keeping that love alive requires hard work, which we are often reluctant to do. The passionate, romantic love we desire in our marital relationships, or a dating relationship, means we must be willing to put forth time and energy to give to our boyfriend or spouse what we wish to receive from them. The famous motivational speaker Dr. Buscaglia said, “What love we’ve given, we’ll have forever. What love we fail to give, will be lost for all eternity.” This “Dr. Love” is speaking truth, but I am reminded that the original Love Doctor is God, the inventor of love and marriage. He says that love is kind; it is giving. He gave us the ultimate picture of real love by demonstrating it on the cross. He gave love in order to receive love from us. By His example, we should treat all people, especially our spouses, the same way we want to be treated. If we desire our spouses to dote on us, we must model what we want by first doting on them. If we interviewed 100 unhappy married women about what constitutes the problems in their marriages, the huge percentage will decry how unaffectionate their spouses are. I know this to be absolute fact because I live and work among women. I have come to know all too well how unhappy most wives are. River Region’s Journey
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Lack of affection is a primary cause as to why many marriages end up in divorce. As young girls, we dream and plan our weddings in our tender imaginations. These images are carried along the course of life to shape and form our belief systems, and the expectations that funnel our desire for affection and intimacy. We may go into relationships later in life as if we are baby dolls wanting to be held, pampered, and loved. We expect tender hugs and holding hands. We expect our husbands to receive some kind of revelation to stop on their way home from work to bring take-out because we don’t feel like cooking. The problem is that men can’t read our minds. They don’t know what we need if we fail to communicate. What we don’t communicate goes unanswered, which creates a void within our souls. We then react to this void based on our feelings, by shutting down. We don’t want to be touched, becoming disrespectful, nagging and debasing our husbands, etc. All of these negative behaviors are rooted in our unmet needs and expectations. Here are some points to help us revive our love and keep it bursting with passion:
1. Communicate Your Feelings Let your spouse know how you feel about everything; your expectations and desires, as well as your likes and dislikes. If 18
he does not know what hurts you he is liable to repeat the hurt. Learn your spouse in the same way. Being open is one of the major keys to harmony. Dangerous assumptions will be made if you don’t communicate. Talk to each other by asking questions, rather than making assumptions.
2. Restore Your Friendship Most couples start out as friends, doing activities that friends experience. They chat on the phone for hours at a time, about little or nothing of note. They go to shows, lunches, and dinners. They love spending time together. They became lovers, but they were friends first. Years after couples say, “I do,” life begins to happen and the first alliance they lose is their friendship. The same couple, who couldn’t hang up the phone when they were miles apart, eventually does not say more than two words to each other when in close proximity. If you find yourself not knowing what to say to your spouse, it is an indication you’ve lost your friendship. You must strive to get it restored.
3. Give Forgiveness Liberally
Offenses will come, but the Bible tells us, “Let not the sun goes down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26). Settling disagreements quickly is a must in order to forge a healthy marriage
4. Recapture Your Passion Jesus’ antidote for lost love was to look back to what sparked that passion in the first place, and simply repeat those love actions. Ask yourself, What did I do to fill his love tank? Be spontaneous. Initiate date nights and love making. Yes, women can be initiators in this territory! Look attractive for your man. Love, laugh, play, and pray together. Sisters, enjoy the results of working hard at love, as well as the process along the way!
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Agape proudly welcomes speaker
Sean Dietrich
Columnist and Novelist “Sean of the South”
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Sean Dietrich is a columnist, humorist and novelist known for his
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commentary on the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, South Magazine, and many more outlets. He has also authored seven books and will be releasing his eighth book soon.
27 FEB 2018 Alley Station Warehouse, downtown Montgomery 5:30 pm Reception | 6:30 pm Featured Event C
ur For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit connectinghearts.org
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With catering, flowers, music, and a myriad of other details to arrange, planning your wedding can be both exhilarating and anxiety provoking. Discover the latest trends and follow these tips to reduce stress and survive the months leading up to your big day.
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Your ceremony and reception site
Weekday ceremonies are increasing in popularity in the U.S. Off-day weddings can substantially reduce your overall costs. Whatever day you choose, unlimited options are available for your ceremony and reception sites, so long as you plan well in advance. Before you commit to a site or officiant, ask about their rules pertaining to the ceremony and wording of vows. Find out what fees the facility and officiant charge, how many guests may attend, and what decorations are supplied. When planning your reception, keep in mind facilities often book a year in advance, particularly for Saturdays. Choose a reception location near your ceremony with plenty of parking, an adequate space for mingling and/or dancing, and plenty of lighting, outlets, and power. Also ask about facility restrictions and whether you can use your own caterer, florist, and entertainment.
Designs that are currently quite popular include cakes decorated with rosettes, metallics, ruffles, monograms, geometric designs, and even painted cakes.
Catering
Ethnic cuisines are growing in popularity for receptions, and there are plenty of choices sure to please your wedding party and guests. Traditional Japanese, Indian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Italian are all excellent choices. Before meeting with a caterer, decide the dishes you’d like to serve. When you meet, ask to see photos of the foods. Don’t rule out a plate dinner either until you discuss the cost. The price difference between that and a buffet is often nominal. Also, discuss with the caterer how the
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food will be served and what the servers will wear. Then get a written quote that includes costs of the food, beverages, service, decorating, set up and clean up, and the number of people to be served.
The wedding cake
Wedding cakes are more scrumptious than ever with a broader array of fillings and frostings to choose from. Designs that are currently quite popular include cakes decorated with rosettes, metallics, ruffles, monograms, geometric designs, and even painted cakes. Take photos with you of some of your favorite designs when you meet with your cake maker. Ask to see photos of the baker’s designs as well. Be sure to discuss your budget and the number of guests with the baker. Also, schedule a tasting to determine the combinations you like best and ask if the baker will deliver your cake.
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Music
Theme music for wedding receptions has become very popular ranging from ethnic to movie soundtracks. Ballroom dancing is also particularly hot right now as is classic music from a particular genre or era. Don’t forget the music for your ceremony, too. Before making your selections, check on facility regulations. Also, ask to hear the musicians perform to ensure they’ll meet your expectations. Discuss attire, breaks, and costs including overtime fees. Finally, on your wedding day, make sure the sound system is adjusted to avoid music that blares or is too low.
Florist
Bold colors and big bridal bouquets are in. Dahlias, particularly Café au lait, are one of the most popular flowers right now. Before you meet with your florist, visit the library and flip through floral and garden books. Make a list of your flower preferences as well as your
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February 2018
dislikes. Then compile a list of your floral needs. This will include the bridal bouquet, boutonnières, hair flowers, bridesmaid bouquets, corsages, and wedding and reception arrangements. Also, determine the quantity you’ll need of each. When you visit your florist, discuss colors and make sure bridesmaids’ bouquets will complement, but not match, their dresses. Ask about substitution policies, freshness guarantees, and the charges for consultations, flowers, decorations, and delivery fees.
Photographers and videographers
Photojournalism is quite popular in wedding photography. So your first step is to decide between traditional posed photographs and candid shots by a photojournalist. You may also want to consider having your special moment captured on video. Whatever you choose, make sure your contract includes the following: the number of hours for shooting or film-
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ing, the number of shots and rolls of film to be taken, package details including the number and sizes of photos, and the costs. Also, check with your wedding facility for any restrictions on photography. Then, a few days before your wedding, send your photographer a list of the wedding party, close family and friends, and specific photos you want taken.
Stationer
Many couples today are designing their invitations with computer software. If this isn’t your thing, don’t worry. You’ll be able to choose between some templates provided by your stationer. When you visit your stationer, ask to see samples of paper types, invitation styles, and the ink colors available. Make your selection according to the formality of your wedding. Also, ask if the stationer can print maps and directions and do the folding and inserting. Then decide whether you’ll include your reception details on
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include sheer corsets, pearl embellishments, and cascading ruffles. When you try on gowns, make sure you can stretch your arms, sit, and walk comfortably. The contract for your order should include the store’s alteration policy and cost, delivery date, and gown Capes and caplets, which come in a variety of details including color, fabric, styles, are one of the latest trends in bridal attire. and the designer and style number of the dress. enclosures or the ceremony invitation Don’t forget your veil or and whether to include response cards. hairpiece, shoes, jewelry, purse, gloves, Finally, before placing your order, and lingerie, too. make sure your guest list is complete. As for bridesmaid’s dresses, these Also, have both of your families review are becoming less of a burden for the your order to avoid errors. bride-to-be. Bridesmaids still wear same color gowns, but current trends allow each bridesmaid to choose her style. Tea length dresses are particularly popular Capes and caplets, which come in right now as well as two-piece ensema variety of styles, are one of the latest bles. trends in bridal attire. Another big trend Grooms are also becoming more is adding a touch of black in a statement involved in planning their weddings and bow or other detail. Pastel blue bridal choosing their tuxedo or suit. Offer your gowns are also making a splash. Feaassistance to your fiancé, but allow him tures that are especially hot right now to make the final decision on his attire.
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Registry
When you register for gifts, don’t forget to take along the groom-to-be. This is now the standard. If you register in a fine shop, be sure to register at a moderately priced store as well to accommodate all of your guests. Keep out-of-town guests in mind also when choosing where to register.
When the big day arrives
As your wedding day draws near, expect the unexpected, and don’t let surprises upset your day. In all the hustle and bustle, remember the most important part of your wedding isn’t the details of the ceremony or celebration but the commitment you and your fiancé make to each other. Keeping that in mind on your wedding day will ensure you see it as a success whatever bumps you might run into. Kimberly Blaker is a lifestyle freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in more than 250 newspapers, parenting and women’s magazines throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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Alice & Stephen Vosel
Sharing Advice for Before and After Your Wedding Day
When and where were you two married? What are your fondest memories of your wedding and the days leading up to it?
As you seek to honor Christ above all else, how would you say that focus helps you have a right attitude toward your new spouse?
Alice: We got married on August 19, 2017 at the Oaks Plantation in Pike Road, Alabama. My fondest memory is all of my family being together. I am the baby of four and I have ten nieces and nephews who were all in the wedding. Anywhere we go, it tends to be a party due to how big our family is. We had a small family ceremony and a brunch afterward with more friends and family. It was very special to be surrounded by the many people who have impacted our lives so greatly.
Alice: Marriage is a sanctification process. I make mistakes. I am very thankful for the forgiveness and grace that Stephen shows me on a daily basis. Stephen: I think that even from early on in our relationship we have done a good job realizing we are not perfect and that marriage will be challenging. I am also extremely thankful for Alice being so patient and forgiving.
Stephen: Probably my fondest memory was the ceremony. It could not have been more perfect. To have those who were in attendance for our special day was really great. It was awesome to have so many of our friends come to the brunch as well.
What advice would you give engaged or newly married couples to help them prepare for marriage and to help them grow in oneness?
Many couples spend the majority of their engagement months planning for the “wedding” with little planning for the actual “marriage”. How did the two of you prepare for marriage so that it could start off on the right foot and grow even richer with time?
Alice: My advice would be to read marriage books, seek counsel, and continue to date one another even after your wedding day.
We did premarital counseling with Hope City Counseling. It was the absolute best decision we could have made as we prepared for marriage, and honestly something we will continue to pursue every few months after marriage. Counseling is often viewed as something scary, but we loved every second of it. We also think it is important to be active in your church and make sure you are surrounded with community and people who influence you in a positive way. River Region’s Journey
February 2018
Stephen: I think my biggest piece of advice would be to always put the Lord at the center of your marriage. Never get complacent with “you” in your marriage. Always strive to improve yourself as a better husband or wife. And know that there will be hard times, but there sure are a lot of great times! Photography by David Robertson.
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by Tim Challies
alternate forms of marriage, including same-sex unions. If marriage is a man-made institution that exists for the mutual benefit of individuals, humans are free to form any kind of union that appears to be beneficial. In fact, “marriage equality” becomes nothing less than a human right. A human-made institution can always be expanded or reformed to accommodate the wishes of humanity.
What’s the purpose of marriage? A brief search turns up a host of answers representing a multitude of worldviews. These answers reveal no end of confusion, but most perspectives can be summarized under two headings.
Is Marriage a Sacrament? A second view of marriage is marriage as sacrament. This is the view that dominated Western culture while it was under the control of the Roman Catholic Church. While the Reformation disrupted it, its vestiges remain even outside Catholicism. In this view, marriage is a sacrament under the control of the Church and, like all sacraments, provides saving power to those who participate in it. After all, according to the Church, all of “the sacraments are efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us.” Though this view is said to be founded on Scripture and the writings of Augustine, it is actually founded on a mistranslation of Scripture and a misinterpretation of the Church Father. The contract view and the sacrament view are compelling because both contain elements of the truth. Marriage is meant to provide mutual comfort to the husband and wife, as Solomon makes clear: “Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun”
Is Marriage a Contract? The most common view in Western culture is marriage as contract. In this view, marriage is essentially a contract between two autonomous individuals, which they use a means of fulfillment or self-advancement. Those who hold to this view understand marriage as a man-made institution that was created for the mutual benefit of those who choose to enter into it. Because human beings invented marriage, it remains in effect only as long as human beings find it beneficial and desirable. When it no longer provides fulfillment or self-advancement—when it becomes inconvenient, unenjoyable, or just plain difficult—it can and should be easily dissolved. Such a marriage “works” only as long as it benefits the two individuals. It is worth pointing out that the understanding of marriage as a contract leads smoothly and inevitably to the acceptance of River Region’s Journey
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(Ecclesiastes 9:9), and “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth” (Proverbs 5:18). J.R. Miller writes, “The married life … is God’s own ideal of completeness. It was when he saw that it was not good for man to be alone, that woman was made and brought to him to supply what was lacking. The divine intention, therefore, is that marriage shall yield happiness, and that it shall add to the fullness of the life of both husband and wife; that neither shall lose—but that both shall gain.” However, comfort and joy are meant to be the result of marriage, not its foundation or essence. Their lack in a marriage does not justify its dissolution. Meanwhile, though marriage is not a sacrament that dispenses divine life upon the husband and wife, it is a means by which God sanctifies us and makes us more like Jesus. Paul writes, moreover, that marriage provides a legitimate outlet for sexual desire and, in that way, preserves us from sexual sin: “But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband” (1 Corinthians 7:2). Hence, Gary Thomas posits the question: “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?” Yet even something as good and noble as holiness is not the primary purpose of marriage.
What Does the Bible Say About Marriage?
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The highest purpose of marriage is to display to the world the sacrificial love of Christ for his bride, the church.
Though marriage provides many wonderful benefits including mutual comfort, godly offspring, sexual fulfillment, and a means of avoiding sexual sin, these are not its highest purpose. Marriage is not a man-made institution primarily for man’s benefit, but rather a God-made institution primarily for God’s glory. The highest purpose of marriage is to display to the world the sacrificial love of Christ for his bride, the church. Here is how Paul teaches this: “‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31-32). Before God united Adam and Eve in the very first marriage, he already had something else in mind. Before he joined the first husband to the first wife, he was already thinking forward to what that marriage and every subsequent marriage would portray: the relationship of Jesus Christ and his church. Every marriage is meant to display the truth about the covenant-keeping love of God for his people. In this portrait, the husband is a display of Jesus Christ who woos his bride, who leads her, who cares for her, and who is intimately united to her; the wife is a display of the church who is drawn by Christ, who joyfully follows him, who joins in his life and work, and who is intimately united to him. Marriage gives us a vivid picture of the kind of love God has for his people and the kind of love his people have for him. It gives us language to use to under-
stand and describe something so beautiful, so wondrous. As Tim Savage writes, “We marry, not primarily for our own benefit and pleasure, nor principally for the comfort of mutual affection, nor ultimately for the joy of bearing and raising children. We marry because in a work of unparalleled glory the Lord built this union. We marry because of his glory.”
What is the purpose of marriage? There are many proposed answers, but they are essentially divided by this key question: Is marriage an institution created by man or by God? Gary Thomas says, “The key question is this: Will we approach marriage from a God-centered view or a man-centered view? In a mancentered view, we will maintain our marriage as long as our earthly comforts, desires, and expectations are met. In a God-centered view, we preserve our marriage because it brings glory to God and points a sinful world to a reconciling Creator.” Once we recognize that God created marriage, we search the Scripture to carefully and faithfully ensure we understand why God created it. There we find that God intends for marriage to be a lifelong union between a man and woman that displays the glory of God in the gospel. Tim Challies is an author, blogger and book reviewer. Visit him at www.challies.com.
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Your Relationships Healthy or Not? The human brain pushes individuals to relate in groups, families, and the community. As well, and most importantly, humans have the drive to be in “meaningful” relationships (from marriages, friendships, even children/parents). There are healthy relationships that have “manageable problems”, and then there are toxic relationships that are destructive to mind, body, and spirit. If we look at unhealthy relationships and try to diagnose them like any other mental health issue, we would look for: “clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning” (DSM5). So, this would mean looking at how problems in the relationship affect work, other significant relationships, or health. In unhealthy relationships, one or both spouses may become ill or cease to function well (physically, psychologically or even socially). This has a negative impact on others, including children. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I see a number of couples dealing with relational issues. Most couples deal with issues involving communication, different River Region’s Journey
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financial goals, separation of household chores, children, in-laws and sex. Some relationships are abusive – verbally, physically, and/or emotionally or psychologically. If you are struggling in your relationship, seek help early. The average couple only seeks marital therapy after dealing with an issue more than five years. This means that negative sentiment of the relationship often has deteriorated and now overrides any positives the couple previously had to salvage the relationship, so they feel disconnected and lost. But even in these cases, there is something that can be done. Working together, we can still salvage the positives and restore the connection. As therapists, we are unable to dictate the future of the couple. Nonetheless we are responsible in creating awareness, consciousness and possible positive change. Of course, there is great weight in the couple dynamics and how they together deal with or solve issues. Therapy can help.
Is your relationship unhealthy? Do you spend much of your time worrying about the relationship? Does that get in the way of other significant or important activities? (i.e. professional, family or children, spiritual or growing self). Do you like who you are or how you feel in the relationship? Do you believe you are emotionally and physically healthy? Are 28
there more negative experiences in the relationship than positives? Do you have family members or friends worry about you and the health of the relationship? Have you asked to get help for the relationship and the other person refuses? If you believe that a relationship in your life is toxic or unhealthy, seek spiritual guidance and professional help.
What does the Bible say about healthy relationships? Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.(1 Corinthians 13:4-7) For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, selfcontrol; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. (2 Peter 1:5-7) Jessica Gibbe-Fernandez, Ph.D. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Alabama. She is originally from Mexico and fully bilingual in Spanish and English. Ms. Gibbe-Fernandez joined the center in 2006 and currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator. Jessica’s clinical interests include marriage and couples therapy, healthy relationships, and family therapy. She sees adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, transitional issues, gender issues, family adjustment, acculturation issues, self-esteem and personal growth issues.
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February 2018
River Region’s Journey
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Top 10 Topics of 2017 Each year on The Meeting House program, I list and explore the “Top 10 Topics” impacting the Christian community from the previous year. Here are the “Top 10 Topics of 2017.” 10 – Boy Scouts of America announce acceptance of transgender “boys” and female members. Not too long ago, the Boy Scouts of America had announced the acceptance of homosexual boys into membership and allowance of gay Scout leaders. The organization went further this year, announcing it would accept biological girls who identify as “boys” and that girls would be admitted as members into the BSA.
Education, under the new Administration, revised a previous directive to schools implying a loss of Federal funding if transgender students were not allowed to use the restroom or locker room corresponding to their “gender identity.”
9 – Court rules City of Atlanta erred in the handling of the firing of former Fire Chief. Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran had been removed from his position as the result of his writing a book offering Biblical principles on manhood. A Federal district court determined that the city’s actions in terminating the former chief were unconstitutional.
5 – Museum of the Bible opens in the Nation’s capital. Eight stories high with 430,000 square feet of space, the Museum of the Bible, founded in association with the Green family of the Hobby Lobby craft store chain, opened just blocks from the National Mall in Washington.
8 – U.S. Supreme Court upholds church’s right to participate in state playground funding program. A major religious freedom case heard by the high court resulted in a 7-2 decision in favor of a Missouri church wishing to participate in a grant program offering playground resurfacing materials, which was told it could not because it was a religious organization. 7 – Developments regarding the transgender agenda including revision of North Carolina policy and revised stance by Federal departments. Issues concerning transgender issues continued to arise. The North Carolina Legislature revised its law requiring people to use the restroom corresponding to their biological gender. The U.S. Department of Justice and River Region’s Journey
February 2018
6 - U.S. Senate special election in Alabama yields unexpected result. Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, a Republican who had been removed from that position twice due to a stance based on his religious convictions, lost in a narrow contest to Democrat Doug Jones in a race that forced Christians to weigh Moore’s religious reputation against allegations of sexual misconduct.
4 – In light of racial issues, including visibility of “alt-right” and violence in Charlottesville, Christian leaders respond. The Church has the unique opportunity to respond in matters of race relations and racial reconciliation, speaking strongly in denouncing racism. The Charlottesville tragedy, in which white supremacists and nationalists squared off against counter-protestors, resulting in one death, gave Christian leaders another opportunity to address racial concerns. The Southern Baptist Convention passed a resolution against racism, specifically philosophies associated with the “alt-right.” A number of state conventions passed similar resolutions. 3 – Dozens perish in Texas church shooting. A gunman walked into a church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and took the lives of 26 individuals, including an unborn child, 30
as well as the pastor’s daughter. The shooter was chased down and took his own life. The incident was a motivation to churches to examine their own security plans. 2 – A tough year for nation’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, including investigation by Justice Department and charges by Congressional committees. The nation’s largest abortion provider continued to face the fallout from the undercover videos exposing its trafficking of body parts from unborn children. By year’s end, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it was investigating Planned Parenthood’s activities; two Congressional committees had already issued referrals for criminal prosecution of the organization. 1 – Trump acts on issues relevant to Christians, including the Supreme Court, pro-life policy, and religious freedom. Even before the election of Donald Trump, Christians had been divided over various facets of his personality and activities. But, from a policy standpoint, in his campaign, he had made a variety of promises, including the nomination of what would be termed a “strict constructionist” justice to the U.S. Supreme Court. He had also touched on themes of religious liberty. Trump fulfilled one promise in his appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the U.S. Supreme Court, and appointed Federal appeals court judges with a similar judicial philosophy. The President issued a number of pro-life executive orders, including the reinstatement of the policy preventing tax dollars from funding abortions in foreign countries. He issued an executive order at the White House on the National Day of Prayer dealing with religious liberty, illustrating his Administration’s commitment to it. Later in the year, Federal agencies developed guidelines in accordance with the principles of the order. Many of these issues will continue to be watched during 2018.
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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.
Sunday School - 8:00 A.M. Morning Worship Service - 9:30 a.m. 3rd Sunday Children's Church - 9:30 a.m. Communion & Baptism - 1st Sundays 9:30 a.m. Prayer Meeting - Wednesdays 6:00 p.m. Bible Study - Wednesdays 7:00 p.m. East Campus Office - 334.265.1807 • 1550 East Washington St.
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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February 2018
River Region’s Journey
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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. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, 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: 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: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.
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: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible
Alcoholic / Addiction
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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 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional 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 Christ centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364.
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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
Divorce
meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6350 for more info.
Cancer
further information.
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd 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: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, Divorce for Kids is available. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. January 9 - April 3, 2018
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: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Call 279-5433.
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 Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
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Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476. Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. For more information about the GA meetings call 334399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
February 2018
River Region’s Journey
Grief
Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail. com with questions or for more information. 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: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. 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. 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 support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice 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 grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 279-5433 for more information.
Mental Health
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education, & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info. NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support group for individuals with mental illness. Meets every Thursday. 6-7:30 p.m., Room 3103. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info.
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. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 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 UMC 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 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
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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 e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
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. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6350 for more info. 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 www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.
Same Sex Attraction
Location: : Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Upstream Support Group for those dealing with unwanted same sex attraction and family members or loved ones of those who are gay identified. The group meets at 6:30 pm every first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings. For more information call 334.244.1385.
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 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.
Send support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com 35
February 2018
River Region’s Journey
Mortgage Ratios Q. Do you have a guideline ratio for mortgage debt to income? When it comes to buying a home, I always tell people to get a 15-year, fixed rate mortgage, with monthly payments that are no more than 25 percent of their take home pay. This type of mortgage is the only debt I don’t beat up people for having. Still, I urge folks to pay off these loans in less than 15 years. The average person following my plan pays off this type of loan in about seven or eight years. That’s a pretty big deal in terms of your financial security. And paying extra on your mortgage doesn’t have to be a strain. You can start by simply rounding up your payments. If the payment is $770, make it $800 instead, and apply the extra to the principal balance. If you want to get more intense, you could make an extra house payment each quarter, or go the route of bi-weekly payments.
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River Region’s Journey
February 2018
To do this, simply make half a monthly payment every two weeks. By the end of the year you’ll have made 13 payments instead of 12. This will knock years off the length of your loan. Remember, your income is your largest wealth building tool. It’s so much easier to save, invest, and give when all your money isn’t flying out the door to make payments!
No Commodities Q. Do you recommend having gold and silver as part of your investment portfolio? No, I do not. I also don’t recommend oil or corn futures. All of these are examples of commodities, and the commodities
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market is extremely volatile. In addition to the market being wildly volatile, the prices on commodities isn’t based on actual production. It’s based largely on a supply and demand curve. If there’s a shortage on one of them, the price shoots up. For example, when you’re talking about gold and silver, there’s more demand than supply when the economy is bad. In this kind of scenario, people are fearful and lots of them run to buy gold. This drives up the price to unrealistically high levels. Again, the price on a commodity isn’t based on anything other than fear or greed, and a supply and demand curve. The prices aren’t based on an actual production of income, like it is with stocks or real estate. I don’t buy commodities at all, especially gold and silver. I don’t recommend you buy them, either.
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Montgomery branch: 334.513.8113 Barry Carroll
Area Manager, NMLS #419409
Aaron Folta
Loan Officer, NMLS #1496321
Jimmy Parsons
Branch Manager, NMLS #415554
Dorothy Crowell
Loan Officer Assistant, NMLS #665361
Prattville Branch: 334.380.4315 Shelley Faulkner
Loan Officer, NMLS #470443
Rusty Russell
Loan Officer, NMLS #459590
Bonnie Chandler
Loan Officer, NMLS #1517918
Guild Mortgage Company, Montgomery Branch 6719 Taylor Circle | Montgomery, AL 36117, Prattville Branch 705 McQueen Smith Road South Prattville, AL 36066 Guild Mortgage Company is an Equal Housing Lender; NMLS #3274. Montgomery Branch NMLS #1566723. Prattville Branch NMLS #1570020. (817086)
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Programs offered for all ages and stages of life. Sunday 8:30 am 9:45 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm 6:15 pm
Worship Services Bible Fellowship Classes Worship Services Discipleship Classes Worship Service
Wednesday 4:45 5:30 6:00 6:30 6:35
pm pm pm pm pm
First Family Dinner Sanctuary Orchestra Rehearsal First Family Prayer Time Powerhouse (Student Ministry) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal
Bring them in... Build them up... Send them out... 305 South Perry Street | Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310 | www.montgomeryfbc.org
Jay Wolf, pastor