START 2018 OFF ON THE RIGHT FOOT
GET YOUR FLU SHOT NO EXCUSES! STAY HEALTHY. BE HEALTHY.
EVERYONE 6 MONTHS OR OLDER SHOULD RECEIVE AN ANNUAL FLU SHOT. FOR MORE INFORMATION, GO TO ALABAMAPUBLICHEALTH.GOV/IMMUNIZATION
Volume 19, Issue 9
Feature Articles
JAN UARY 2 0 1 8 Columns page 2
page 12
Publisher’s Note
Faith @ Work
Jason Watson
Meet Keon Addison, fifth grade teacher at Wares Ferry Elementary School and owner of Unleashed Potential Bootcamp. Keon explains how his passion for working with kids began, and how it has grown over the years. He also shares why he loves the health and wellness industry, plus some ways to help you move towards fitness in 2018.
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Pastor's Perspective Michael Cobb, Dalraida United Methodist Church
page 11
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 14
page 16
Women Arising
7 Signs Your Budget Needs a Fresh Start
Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 18
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
by Dave Ramsey
The New Year is a perfect time to re-examine how you spend, save and give. Dave shares the sure signs your budget needs a makeover.
page 20
Counselor’s Corner Rebecca Morris, Ed.S., NCC, LPC-S
page 22
Tired of Yourself?
Jesus Will Never Tire of You by Scott Sauls
Do you struggle with shame over things you’ve done in the past or sins which continue to burden your present? Find comfort in knowing Jesus is not ashamed of you and never tires of pouring grace over you.
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Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue page 6
Books to Read
page 26
page 8
Making a New Year’s Resolution That Sticks
page 12
Around Our Community Faith @ Work
by Tim Challies
If you’ve given up on making resolutions because they’ve always failed in the past, you’ll find a fresh approach here that can lead to successful change. 1
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Support Groups January 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 “Have you tried to reboot?” In our age of constantly advancing electronic gadgets, we all know about the need to reboot every once in a while. Reboot, reset, fresh start, do over! Whatever we call it, in life it’s good to have second chances (or third and fourth). Being able to start fresh is one of the things that separates top-level performers
Editor
from everyone else. The very best athletes
DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
know how to put a bad shot behind them and move on to successfully attacking their next
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
shot. Business leaders are the same in their
Associate Publisher
them, they learn to pivot and find success.
areas of expertise. Not letting a failure define
Gena Hill
Their reboot stories captivate our imaginations
Research Editor
on the latest New York Times Bestsellers List,
Wendy McCollum
because we all have trials we long to overcome.
Contributing Writers
Tim Challies Michael Cobb Bob Crittenden Rebecca Morris, Ed.S. LPC-S, NCC Dave Ramsey Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Sam Whatley
Welcome to 2018! A new year where the page has turned. Where culture offers you the opportunity to reboot your life. But what will make this year’s approach different from years past? The world has its wisdom for living, and I’ve found some of that helpful. Modeling your life after how a successful football coach approaches a season might produce good results, but there’s a more foundational wisdom from God that surpasses every bit of wisdom this world offers. It’s the wisdom you build your life on and measure all other thoughts against.
Advertising Opportunities
Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
In this month’s issue, we look at your health, finances, and relationships, but we look at all of these through the lens of the Scripture. God has a plan and purpose for you. He made you, knows you and loves you with a Holy Father’s love and commitment. Don’t settle for adjusting a few habits here and there. Go
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deeper with God to discover a life of meaning and victory. This time when you
Scott Davis
reboot… RESTART with God at the center of your existence to find long-lasting beautiful change. I know this month’s issue will steer you in that direction. Grace
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and Peace in 2018!
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
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 2017 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.
8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
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Pastor’s Perspective Michael Cobb, Dalraida United Methodist Church
The Value of a Brother Imagine the scene. Down one point with only a few seconds left, the basketball player stands at the free throw line ready to shoot. Players are on either side of the foul lines, waiting, crouching, ready to take the rebound if there is one. The crowd quiets. Cheerleaders wait in anticipation. The game has come down to this one point. Years of practice and conditioning have converged into a moment and for one player, and everything rests on his shoulders. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? Well, it would be were it not for the blind player that’s shooting the basketball. Everyone else has their sight. But Matt Stevens, a high school senior from Darby, Pennsylvania has never known clear vision. He
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was born with two permanently detached retinas and by the 6th grade, had lost both eyes. There is good news though. Despite his deficiency, he has an older brother with enough vision for them both. He helped Matthew learn to ride bikes, ice skate, play soccer, and even gain proficiency with shooting free throws. So it was, for this non-conference game only, big brother convinced everyone to let Matt be the designated free-throw shooter. Big brother taps a can on the rim so that Matt can hear. He dribbles, takes his stance, shoots, and this result in victory for his team. It’s an incredible scene. The roof lifts as the crowd erupts. Mom and Dad are so proud as they try and steady the camera. There is Matt, grinning like he just ate some sweet southern watermelon. What a scene. What a joy to behold. Big brothers can change everything. Run out of lunch money? He has you covered. Need help with homework? He can teach you. Got lost in the woods coming home? Big brother will guide you. After all, he is family. He’s there to help you through. As you begin 2018, could you use one like that? I know many people who could. They’re not trying to make a free throw, but they sure are trying to make it through life. They are in need of the loving, comforting presence of a strong sibling. You see, if I under4
stand anything, it’s that more people are realizing that life isn’t what it used to be. Neighbors aren’t as friendly. Busyness has taken over. Families rarely eat at the table. Instead, the TV has become the conversation magnet. Entertainment is the value. Satisfaction is the goal. Yet, for everything that the things of this world promises, we have grown further off center, further away from peace, contentment, and love. We need the guidance of one like a big brother, someone who’s been there, someone who knows the worst of life, and yet has triumphantly overcome. Because of that, he can be trusted. Dear friend, this is what we have been given in Jesus Christ. That babe in the manger grew to baffle the most wise and knowledgeable. He performed miraculous healings; manipulated nature itself. He drew the masses because he had everything people longed for. That has not changed. The darkest day of his crucifixion brought the greatest hope for you and I...salvation. Not just something out there in time and space, but salvation here and now. Today and every day of your life, you have the opportunity to be satisfied, to know peace, and to have contentment and joy through Jesus Christ…the source of life itself. What will you choose? Everything changed for Matt when he made that shot. He was the hero of the high school. Kids sought his autograph. People sought his story. Some girls even sought Matt. Like a big brother, Jesus is seeking you because He believes in you and wants to stand with you. So, as the famous hymn reads, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” Michael Cobb is pastor of Dalraida United Methodist Church in Montgomery. He may be reached at cobb1972@live.com.
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Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Life is complicated. Life is full of responsibilities and opportunities, planned duties and serendipitous possibilities. There is so much we could do, but so little we can do. Many of us battle our whole lives to focus on those few, significant items that we should do must do, and yet so few of us ever feel like we are even nearly succeeding. Help is here in the form of Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism. While it is not a perfect book, and while it benefits tremendously from adding a good dose of Christian thinking, it is one of the most helpful I’ve read on that constant battle to focus my time and energy on the right things. The way of the Essentialist means living by design, not by default. Instead of making choices reactively, the Essentialist deliberately distinguishes the vital few from the trivial many, eliminates the nonessentials, and then removes obstacles so the essential things have clear, smooth passage. Now that sounds good! That sounds like what we all want—a clear design to our lives that simplifies decision-making and amplifies each of the opportunities we pursue. Yet the Christian reader will want to read it with some discernment. This is a book that benefits from an infusion of the biblical ethos. As the book reaches its end, McKeown expands Essentialism to all of life and here he stops quoting business gurus and begins quoting religious gurus; the last chapter is easily the weakest and one that River Region’s Journey
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can be skipped without any great loss. Reading the book through a Christian lens improves it significantly. McKeown writes about people who always say “yes” and are afraid to say “no.” That sounds like a classic diagnosis of fear of man, a person so motivated by the praise of man that he takes on too much and says no to too little so he can win the praise of other people. Not only that, but God has a way of diverting us from what we believe are our most important tasks. He diverts us to tasks he determines are even more important, and a too-rigid adherence to Essentialism may keep a Christian from allowing and embracing those divine interruptions. Read the gospels and the book of Acts and you will see how Jesus and the Apostles were extremely focused, but also very willing to depart from their plans. Implementing Essentialism too rigidly may just lead to a self-centered life rather than a life of service to others. I heartily recommend the book, provided you read with Essentialism in one hand, and the Bible in the other.
PTL: The Rise and Fall
of Jim and Tammu Faye Bakker’s Evangelical Empire by John Wigger In 1974, Jim and Tammy Bakker founded a little television program they called The PTL Club. It began inauspiciously in a former furniture store, but by the mid-80s had exploded into a bona fide phenomenon and a ministry that reached around the globe. They traveled the world, dined with presidents, and gathered countless millions of followers. They became rich and powerful, owners of a massive 2,300-acre ministry center and theme park. They also became almost unbelievably corrupt. By 1987 it all collapsed 6
beneath the inevitable financial and sexual scandals. It was a ministry implosion that electrified the nation and made Evangelicals a laughing stock. The story of the Bakkers and their ministry is told skillfully in John Wigger’s new book. There are, I think, several compelling reasons to read this book. First, from a purely historical perspective it is endlessly interesting. We see an empire rise and collapse; we see characters gain fame, then notoriety; we see all of the corruption, infighting, and ugliness that will inevitably attend such an horrific ministry. Second, it is an apt warning to Christians that character matters so much more than results, that godliness is infinitely more important than gathering a crowd or gathering donations. The Bakkers were known for being known, known for being famous. Yet at any time, any of their viewers could have clearly seen that they were woefully unqualified to be in a position of Christian leadership. Third, it shows the utter odiousness of the prosperity gospel. And perhaps this was one of my most unexpected takeaways. At the end of it all, you come to know the Bakkers and, more than ever, to hate what they represent. You learn of the people who assisted them in their corruption and who helped them defraud the masses. You come to hate that so many of them and their successors remain on television today, still enriching themselves at the expense of others. PTL is published by the very respectable Oxford University Press, so never threatens to devolve into a tabloid. Even when it deals with scandalous material, it does so in a way that conveys information without being crass or voyeuristic. It’s an interesting, helpful, muchneeded account of one of Evangelicalism’s ugliest hours.
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Eastwood Christian School
Anchored in the Word of God.
Open House K4-12th Grade
Following His direction.
Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Eastwood Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
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New Student Registration: January 22-February 2, 2018
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Education always takes a student somewhere; the real question is "where?" What is truth? What is good? What is beautiful? What does it mean to be human? What is the purpose of life? These are questions addressed at Eastwood Christian School and the answers given are drawn from historical Christianity. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice. Eastwood students are equipped with academic skills and critical-thinking ability which are joined by biblical character. This is why an Eastwood graduate is able to navigate through the tumultuous waters of modern society.
Explore Eastwood and discover the difference. + 1701 E. Trinity Blvd. + Montomgery, AL 36116 + 334.272.8195 + www.eastwoodschool.org Our Headmaster invites you to set an appointment with him. 7
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Celebrating MLK Day Through Service Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” On January 15, 2018, the nation will mark the 89th birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. This annual celebration gives us the chance to pay tribute to both the man and the ideals he embodied. MLK Day is an occasion to celebrate unity among all races and hope for a future when we are all treated equally. On MLK Day, HandsOn River Region, in collaboration with the North Precinct Service Providers Alliance, will coordinate more than 300 volunteers engaged in a variety of projects to enhance the quality of life for north Montgomery neighborhoods including Highland Gardens and Chisholm. The work sites will include Boys and Girls Club Chisholm Unit, Friendship Mission, Highland Gardens Community Center and Community Park, Nehemiah Center and Shepherds Staff. Register today to be a part of this event to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For more info or to register, visit http://volunteer.handsonriverregion.org/need/ detail/?need_id=222762
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Women’s Conference with Liz Curtis Higgs
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January 26 - 27, 2018 The Women’s Ministry of Eastern Hills Baptist Church welcomes book author, speaker, and encourager Liz Curtis Higgs to lead their 6th annual women’s conference, It’s Good to Be Queen. Eastern Hills Baptist Church is located at 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, in Montgomery. Call 334-272-0604.
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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.
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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.
Selah in Concert Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway, presents Selah on Tuesday, January 23 at 6:30 pm. For more information, visit www.itickets.com or call the church at (334) 277.6300.
1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL | 279.9976 | hbcm.net 9
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United Lutheran Evangelical Church 101st Anniversary In 1955-58, Reverend Robert Graetz was pastor of an all-black congregation at the Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church in Montgomery, Alabama, and a prominent civil rights activist who played a major role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. While in Montgomery, he served as Board Secretary for the Montgomery Improvement Association, as well. Reverend Robert Graetz, a white pastor, also became a target of racial hatred because of his civil rights activism, including the bombing of his house on two separate occasions. However, as we reflect back in time, one is inclined to think of some terrible difficulty in his or her life in which God has in a miraculous way brought us through. This year signifies the 101st Anniversary of United Evangelical Lutheran Church - LCMS (formerly known as Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church). Our theme “God Our Guide: United in Christ to Serve!” serves as a reminder of God’s blessings to us as a Christian congregation. We look back and realized that we come this far by faith. The celebration will take place on Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 2:00 pm. The church is still located at 1104 Rosa Parks Avenue on the corner of Mill Street across from the historical site where Rosa Parks lived in Cleveland Court during the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Mrs. Parks regularly held meetings of her NAACP Youth Council at Trinity during the 1950’s. The World Monuments Fund has announced its 2018 Watch List which includes the Trinity Lutheran Church Parsonage in the Alabama African American Civil Rights Heritage Consortium among “25 treasured cultural sites” around the globe. For more information regarding our Anniversary, please contact Pastor LaVaughn Wiggins at (334) 262-4326 office, Rosalyn King (334) 264-9477 or Ms. Joyce B. Johnson (334) 318-7042.
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A Bumping Noise One day my wife, Debi, and I were startled by a bumping noise coming from somewhere behind the clothes dryer. The noise would make repetitive bumps and then stop for a time and start back. I pulled the dryer out from the wall and disconnected the cord from the outlet. I wondered if I was looking at an expensive bill from an electrician when I disconnected the exhaust tube from the dryer. With a long fuzzy duster, I began pushing the buildup of lint and gray dust out of the tube, through the outside vent to the carport. Each time I plunged the duster into the tube, I heard one bump. Debi went outside, looked up into the vent, and discovered the real problem. Dust and lint had propped the metal flap open just enough to catch the wind. Every time there was a slight movement of air, the flap would swing open, bump closed, and pop open again. So, in trying to discern the problem, we were actually solving it. We did not need an electrician. We needed to keep the tube clean! Thank the Lord for that bumping noise. It prevented what could have been a major disaster. If left unchecked, the blockage in the exhaust tube could have trapped the heat and started a fire. Clothes dryers in the U.S. cause more than 15,000 home fires every year. A similar disaster can happen in our spiritual lives. But, God loves us so much that He sends the Holy Spirit to warn us when our spirits and hearts are in danger. Sometimes it’s our conscience, sometimes a word from scripture, and sometimes a word of insight from a fellow believer. As we go through life we tend to veer away from God’s will. We take up habits, pastimes, and friends that eat away the time and money we need to share with God and His people. In doing so we pick up lint. And it shows. We start insisting on our way. This quickly leads to disappointments and failures. We get tired of doing the right thing, especially when it goes against our selfish nature. The fibers break down that hold our faith, hope, and love
together. Pieces of our peace break off and whirl away. No one feels so lost as one who has been found and wanders away again. But God is in the cleaning business. When we confess our sin, and forgive others for sinning against us, we feel Him clean out the exhaust tube of our heart. We are set free from the weight of shame and regret. We can breathe again. Life is worth living once more. Stuffing resentment and anger will always clog us up. We have to talk things out with people. We have to work hard to find some resolution to recurring problems and be first to seek reconciliation with people who have offended us. Otherwise the lint of hurt and alienation will accumulate into a ball that blocks all communication. Like the clothes dryer, we can overheat until we explode. So, how can we periodically clean up this mess? By keeping accounts short. We serve a God who has forgiven us of all our sins and we are to imitate him. As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “‘For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins’” (Matthew 6:14-15) NIV. How often should we forgive others? Peter asked Jesus if seven times would 11
be enough. “Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times’” (Matthew 18:22) NIV. In other words, this is an ongoing project, just like keeping the dust from building up in the dryer tube. But we are not doing this in our own strength. Through God’s grace we can forgive quickly and often. We can stay alert to the feelings of others and watch for our part in creating misunderstanding. It is work, but not without reward. We become peace makers. And when there is peace in our houses, there will be peace in our hearts. **Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
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that goes in a circle for three minutes. Little did I know, God positioned me to be there to create a magical experience (Disney in Montgomery) and to also direct me to my purpose in life. From there, I continued working with kids as a salesman at GapKids, a daycare teacher at Aldersgate W.C.M., and then I pursued my degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education at AUM. My passion for Christ and kids expanded and I became a youth minister for Woodland UMC, Aldersgate UMC, and New Life C.O.G.I.C. My love for health and wellness began when I became certified as a personal trainer but had no idea what to do. After talking with my friend and mentor, Tony Davis, he advised me to train people that I knew. So I began training friends and families free of charge. A few months went by and that’s when I taught my first bootcamp with my coworkers at school. It was a huge success! At least that’s what I thought. People were losing weight and feeling better about themselves. There were so many great stories behind that camp so I began hosting other camps in different locations. RRJ: Is that the idea behind your fitness brand Unleashed Potential, and does that name apply to your kids in the classroom too? RRJ: Was there a specific moment in your life where you understood Jesus as Savior and Lord, or did that happen gradually? Keon: I was raised in church because my mom was a Christian and pianist at five different churches in Mississippi. (Back then, church was only open one Sunday a month.) I was baptized at an early age, but it wasn’t until I was 17 and my friends invited me to their youth retreat called DiscipleNow, hosted by First Baptist Church, that I truly believed. The youth minister, Troy Amster, gave an invitation. During that moment I felt God’s presence like never before. I accepted Him in my heart and that’s when I drew closer to Him. I received Him as my Father, Savior and Lord. RRJ: You’re a 5th-grade teacher at Wares Ferry Road Elementary and you own Unleashed Potential Bootcamp and Personal Training. You really love helping people grow mentally, physically and spiritually. When did that passion begin? Keon: My passion for kids began at age 16, when I worked at The Carousel in Montgomery Mall. The easiest job ever...you press a green button and watch kids ride an animal River Region’s Journey
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Keon: Unleashed Potential Fitness has more meaning than just fitness. In Genesis 1:29, God says, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with SEED IN IT...” Whatever God wants a thing to become, he hides the potential inside of it. Unleashed Potential Fitness is to show people that every goal you want to attain will not come from outside sources; your success is hidden inside of you. God uses me as a mouthpiece just to show people that principle. ‘I can’t’ won’t exist when you know that the ‘I can’ is hidden inside of you. The same rule applies at school. I’ve taught students from so many dysfunctional situations, but they still succeed. They excel because their greatness lies on the inside. It’s a blessing to see that. #unleashed RRJ: We’ve all heard it said about public education that “God has been taken out of the classroom”. As a public school teacher for 15 years, do you agree or disagree? Keon: I disagree. Jesus commissioned his disciples to, “GO therefore and make disciples of all nations.” We as believers must realize that the church is not the building; the church 12
is YOU. We represent Christ in word and in deed and our lives should reflect His image. No I don’t go into the classroom quoting Bible verses, but I give them hope. Hope for the day. Hope for the future. Just as Jesus did for us. So my prayer is that God is in the class. If love, hope, and joy are exhibited with the students, they are experiencing God’s presence. RRJ: A lot of our readers want to make 2018 the year they get fit. What are two pieces of advice you can give them that will help them stay on track? Keon: First, be realistic with your goals. Losing 40 pounds in two months or giving up soda, candy, and ice cream for the rest of your life is kind of over the top. A lot of people have goals in January and they give up by March. The main reason is because it takes time to see results, and the other reason is people are frustrated because their goals and their results don’t match up. Fitness is a marathon; not a sprint. It took years to get the body you have now and you’re trying to change all of that in two months. I like to congratulate small successes. Maybe you’re a soda fanatic. Instead of having three sodas a day, try only one. That’s a WIN! Small successes in this journey can lead to big results. Second, be consistent. You can’t expect to succeed if you only put in work on days you feel like it. Most of us struggle with eating healthy. We eat healthy three of our seven days and expect to see amazing results. Stay consistent. You might have a “splurge” meal where you eat your favorite foods. Just don’t turn that one MEAL into a FULL DAY of bad eating. If you stay consistent with healthy eating habits, you can definitely harvest great results. Finally, the Word says being spiritually fit is above all other fitness. What practices do you have in your life for staying connected to the Love of God that is yours in Christ? I have a Devotional App on my phone that I read daily. I really like YouTube sermons while I’m driving or at school during my break. Bishop T. D. Jakes, Robert Madu, and Steven Furtick are just a few men from whom I get encouragement. I love music as well, so if I’m not making a playlist for any of my fitness camps, I have a ton of praise and worship leaders I listen to such as John P. Kee, Fred Hammond, William McDowell, and HillSong. Keon Addison and his wife, Jennifer, are expecting their first child in the coming months.
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Are You Being Useful? I eagerly am anticipating the good things 2018 has in store. January is often the time of reflection where we make resolutions. We may promise to improve the quality of our lives by eating right, exercising, stopping being grumpy mothers and wives, cutting off credit cards, seeking further education, etc. All of these are excellent resolutions. We should want to be the best we can, striving to achieve levels of success in our lives. God supports all of these efforts. Without a doubt, He wants each of us to do well. His intention always is for us to prosper in this material realm. Nature is set in motion to support our prosperity and scripture testifies to our success. God was concise in proclaiming His heart’s affection for us. “My beloved, I pray for you that you will prosper in all things and be well, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 1:2 ABPE). Contrary to popular opinion, God is not a killjoy. Most people think of God as a sad, angry, judgmental, old man, looking for ways to squash our fun. But nothing can be further from the truth. Actually, our success brings Him glory and joy. While we reflect, we should take time to consider if we are happy with who we are as people of God. As women of destiny are we fulfilling all that the Lord put us here on Earth to do? Instead, are we squandering River Region’s Journey
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all of our time and efforts on trying to get prosperous in the here and now? The success and the luxury God provides for us is only a means to an end – to make us comfortable to do His bidding. There is a greater calling on each of us. He has us here for a reason. If we do not know these truths, we only need to hear what God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV). Jeremiah was to be God’s mouthpiece to a lost and dying generation, the same way you and I are to be His hands and feet to reach the lost. God makes it very clear that Jeremiah is not the only person with a strong purpose. He says to all believers, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Because we are still alive in this depraved world, God has purposed that we proclaim Him, love Him enough to introduce Him to others, love Him enough to sing His praises before people, and love Him enough to show the same compassion to people as He has shown to us. Through these acts of 14
love, we open the doors for humanity to know God. In our world of great darkness, it is imperative that we let our light shine so that people may find their way to Jesus. Take an honest look at yourself, soberly asking these questions: Based on the way I have lived and conducted my life, will He say “well done” if I were to meet Him today? With all the gifting He’s endowed me, will He be pleased with the way I have spent my time, talent, and resources? At the dawn of a New Year, we may have already set up goals, guidelines, and resolutions. But it’s not too late to re-examine those goals, and push this question to the forefront: Did I make room in my schedule to do the one most needful thing – Jesus? (See Luke 10:38-42.) Life is so busy it seems impossible for us to find time to do all that must be done, and still have time to do anything meaningful for God. But we have been given the right amount of time to do what is necessary. Here are some ideas to help your time of reflection. 1. Make sure you are born again and your relationship with the Lord is solid. 2. Prioritize. Jesus said in Matthew 20:21 that we are to give to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and to God those things that belongs to God. This is a clear principle to prioritize and be intentional with your follow-up. 3. Be part of a community. By belonging to a church family, you will have a network of believing friends with whom you can be held accountable. Let’s make the Savior proud. Let’s strive to hear these sweet words from His lips: “She did all she could.”
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January 2018 truth magazine ad.qxp_Layout 1 12/7/17 11:28 AM Page 1
TRUTH is found in Jesus Christ!
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A sloppy budget is a lot like a car that won’t start. It may look nice, but if it doesn’t take you where you need to go, what’s the point? Planning a monthly budget takes time and practice, and it needs to be refreshed every now and then. It’s time to look under the hood and get your budget working for you again. Here are seven signs you need to refresh your monthly budget. River Region’s Journey
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1. Withdrawing cash before you budget. It’s the first of the month. You have no cash and need groceries—like yesterday. Why not swing by the ATM, grab some cash, and do the budget later? Because you’ll forget! And without a plan, you’ll end up wasting your money on things you don’t need. So before the month begins, have your budget ready. If you wait, it won’t get done. 2. Not giving off the top (or at all). If you want to win with money, you have to give. It’s as simple as that. When you give off the top of a well-managed budget, you may be surprised to find living on less can actually feel like you have more. That’s because managed money works harder. Charitable giving should always be the first line on your monthly budget. 3. Constantly worrying about “unexpected” big purchases. You need an emergency fund. It’s impossible to know when you’re going to need to patch up the roof, replace the dryer, or tune up the air conditioning on your car. Having an emergency fund will help you be prepared for life’s curveballs. Your budget will help
you consistently put aside money each month for your emergency fund. As it grows, you’ll feel peace of mind knowing you have a buffer between you and the twists and turns of life. Your budget will keep you prepared for the unknown. 4. Robbing yourself to pay yourself. Are you constantly borrowing from one envelope to pay another? Or swiping your debit card for unplanned items just because there’s money in your bank account? Either your budget has a problem, or you do. If it’s you, then you’re buying impulsively and need to practice some delayed gratification. If it’s your budget, then you aren’t being realistic. Make your budget practical—not just pretty. 5. Forgetting about annual expenses. Dentist visits, pet shots, car insurance, birthdays—these annual expenses can leave you dipping into your emergency fund if you’re not careful. Instead of stealing from your savings, create a budgeting “cheat sheet” where you list annual expenses and the months they’re due. Leave your emergency fund intact by budgeting with the big picture in mind.
6. Spending too much in one category. Are you spending half your budget on takeout? Straighten out your spending by giving each budgeted category a specific percentage. We recommend 10–15% for food , 25–35% on housing, 10–15% in savings, and 10–15% on charitable giving. And make sure your entire monthly budget—including clothing, transportation, insurance and entertainment—equals 100%. No matter what! 7. Using the same budget every month. Because there’s no such thing as “the perfect month,” a one-size-fits-all budget won’t cut it. You have to make a new budget every single month. It’s fine to look at last month’s budget for direction, but expenses change with the seasons. Set aside a specific time to review and revise your budget before the month begins and stop expecting an old plan to work for new expenses. Having good intentions with your money is a step in the right direction, but it won’t get you far. Reevaluate your budget and fix the areas that aren’t working.
The New Year is the perfect for a fresh start.
FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018
ALEX
SEELEY
MEREDITH
ANDREWS REGISTER TODAY AT DREAMWOMENSCONFERENCE.COM
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The Importance of Lineage During my Advent series, 25: A
Christ-mas Adventure, we walked through Scriptures that focused on reasons why we can worship Jesus. One area concentrated on some of the prophecies written about the coming of Jesus. The Bible says that He would be born of virgin, in the city of Bethlehem, from the tribe of Judah. We get a clear picture of the lineage of Jesus from the Old Testament. It has been said that Jesus fulfilled over 300 prophecies written about Him. We can have certainty that He is our Messiah and, as Scripture foretold his first coming, so we can trust the Bible’s reliability on His second. Our lineage can tell us a lot about ourselves. We can gain some insight into why we are like we are, how we came to be where we are, and even realize some aspects of our behavior that we can be proud of or not so proud of. We can learn from our ancestry, and appreciate who God has made us to be and why we are here, how we are wired by Him for His glory. And, when we encounter negative elements about our ancestors, we can seek to go in a different direction. There is definitely a lot to be said about our lineage. Quite a bit about lineage is important in Great Britain, and it is even heightened these days with the prospect of a royal wedding. We know that ancestry plays a major role in the sustenance of the monarchy there. Prince Harry, the son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, the grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, has announced his engagement to Meghan Markle, who is American, and, according to People magazine, her “mother River Region’s Journey
January 2018
is African-American and her father is Caucasian.” People also reported on her religious heritage. An article states: Although she attended a Catholic high school, she was not raised Catholic: Her father is an Episcopalian — which is essentially the Church of England in the United States — and her mother is a Protestant. Jason Knauf, Prince Harry’s Communications Secretary, confirmed that Meghan will be “baptized and confirmed” into the Church of England ahead of her wedding. As perhaps you know, the Queen is recognized as the head of the Church of England. Certainly, there is fascination about Markle’s background - she is American, she has been married before, and her parents are of different races, which, according to People, has exposed her to racism and discrimination. There is evidence that she may be the product of a mixed religious background. I think we do have to be careful to recognize that the Biblical picture of baptism shows us that sacrament is an outward demonstration of the inward act of accepting Christ as Savior. Not surprisingly, the People article does not relate this act to the practice of Biblical Christianity. In the British system, lineage is important. Those who wish to marry into the royal family face a unique amount of scrutiny, scrutiny that will not let up once they are wed. There are certain, iron-clad immutable principles in the practice of the palace. 18
In the plan of God, lineage is important, too. God has established His throne on certain iron-clad principles and has appointed Jesus, His Son, born on earth in a certain way in a certain place of a certain tribe, to sacrifice for our sins and to sit at His right hand. In the U.K., position is determined by birth. In the Christian faith, position is determined by our identification with Jesus. While our natural ancestry is important and can help to shape our personality and even our ideals, we also recognize we can have a new spiritual ancestry. While faith can be modeled by parents and relatives, ultimately, we have to decide for ourselves whether or not we will follow Christ in salvation. The ancestry of Jesus was predetermined by God - it came to pass. We can trust God to manifest a new spiritual ancestry in our hearts. We have come to be part of His family; we have been redeemed by His blood and adopted as children of God. We know we can be born again if we meet the qualifications of believing in Him and confessing His Lordship, according to Romans 10. It’s more than a symbolic ritual or an attempt to embrace an outward demonstration of religious practice; no, we can have a new nature in Him and allow His characteristics to flow through our lives. It’s not a matter of what we can do to change or to “be better” somehow - it’s based on our humility before Him, admitting we are sinners and cannot save ourselves. We were born into sin, but we can be raised to new life by being born again.
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Hope and the Angel Gabriel Four days before Christmas, I found myself at the Montgomery Humane Society adopting a beautiful little black puppy. I was finally ready after losing my beloved 11-year-old shelter dog to cancer last year. He was named Clarence, after the guardian angel in It’s a Wonderful Life, because I truly believe that he was a gift from God to give me hope and comfort during an extremely difficult time in my life. So, what to name this new little guy? I think I’ll stick with my angel theme. In scripture, we are told that angels play many roles. They deliver messages, offer
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protection and direction, accompany the lonely, and fight God’s battles. They give us hope for the future by reminding us that God is sovereign and active in our lives. Angels remind us of God’s holiness and power, and also of his love and care for us. “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:11 “And there appeared to him an angel from heaven, strengthening him.” Luke 22:43 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2 In scripture, angels were used by God to deliver important messages. The most important message delivered by an angel is found in the Gospel of Luke, where the angel Gabriel revealed to Mary that God’s Son would be born to her and bring hope to the world. “Fear not,” he said. As the new year begins, the secular world joins us in yearning for a happier, healthier life. But, as Chris-
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tians, we know that our hope was represented by Christmas, not New Year’s Day. As this new year begins, we have an opportunity to share this hope in every action we take and every word that we say. Many among us struggle to find hope in the darkness. Many people face crises that many of us could never imagine, wrestling with broken relationships, abuse, anxiety, depression and grief. It is likely that you have people in your life that are hurting and broken. Reach out to them. There is hope in Christ Jesus, and there is practical help available. Samaritan Counseling Center is a faith-based non-profit with the mission of providing help for mind, body, and spirit. So, what to name this new little guy? I’ll call him Gabriel to remind me every day of God’s powerful message and gift of hope.
. Professional Counselor, Rebecca Rose Morris is a Licensed National Certified Counselor, and Counseling Supervisor. She earned her Masters degree at Auburn University Montgomery and graduated with an Ed.S. from Troy University – Montgomery Campus. She works with adolescents and adults addressing a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, life transitions, and relational trauma.
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We crave affirmation and praise. This is so because we
cover-up erodes intimacy with God, other people, and our
are made in the image of God, who is both the object and
actual selves. Rather than live free, we schlep through life carrying
source of love, adoration, praise and wonder. Yet we are
the cargo of vague guilt and shame-induced anxiety. If we are
haunted because there is much about us that invites shame
somehow awakened to our condition, we will cry out for healing
more than it does admiration. We miss the mark and we
from these painful realities. We need help—a kind-hearted rescue
miss the boat, failing not only to measure up to God’s stan-
from outside ourselves. We can’t get there alone.
dard, but also our own.
Rescue From Outside Ourselves
To make matters worse, instead of facing our deficiencies
Enters Jesus. Although we are exposed and found lacking, Jesus moves toward us as a living hope and ambassador of peace. It is his peace—the declaration that through him, all hostility between heaven and earth, the infinite and the finite, God and humanity, has been demolished— that makes us rich in the truest sense. His peace resources us with an emotional wealth that lets us face our deficiencies more honestly, and in a way that does not crush us. In Jesus, all negative verdicts against us have been reversed. Our vague sense of shame, both illegitimate and legitimate, the shame that comes from outside of us and the shame that comes from inside of us, has been neutered.
head-on, we self-medicate with cover-up strategies to make ourselves look OK even if we are not. We clean the outside of the cup while leaving the inside untreated. We are imitators of Adam and Eve after they got caught. Rather than humbly owning and repudiating our quest for independence and obsession with self, we become defensive, shift blame, and avoid relationships that might expose us. We hide the worst in ourselves at every cost. But the “safety” that comes from hiding also comes
We are fully known and fully loved. We are exposed and not rejected. We are seen and embraced.
at a cost. We become alienated because every self-protecting River Region’s Journey
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No need to run for cover. In Jesus, there is nothing left to fear, nothing left to prove, and nothing left to hide. Several years ago, the American Music Awards featured an arrangement of the hymn, “Amazing Grace,” but with one very significant revision of the lyrics—“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved someone like me.” Perhaps you identify with the revision because you find the original lyric (“a wretch like me”) offensive. Non-religious people especially resist the idea that there is a wretched tone to the human condition. To err is human, but deep down all people are basically good, the assumption goes. Believing in the inherent goodness of people, a non-religious person might counter the vague sense of shame by denying that shame exists. Live and let live. Or, as Billy Joel famously sang, “I don’t care what you say any more. This is my life. Go ahead with your own life. Leave me alone.” The problem, however, is that in this scenario, shame is suppressed and denied, but it is not healed. There is also a religious form of denial. Some call it self-righteousness, others call it hypocrisy. In Luke 18:9-14, for examplee, a religious Pharisee hides behind a résumé of good deeds. He prays about himself, or, according to the original text, he prays to his own soul, “Thank you, my God, that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers, tax collectors. No! I am a devoted religious man! I fast twice a week! I give away a tenth of my income! I attend church!” In this prayer he mentions God only once and himself multiple times. Strangely, his “prayer” neither sees nor savors the grace, truth, beauty, goodness, glory, and magnificence of God. Instead, it is a narcissistic moment of self-congratulation. In truth, the self-congratulation is also a self-salvation strategy, a desperate attempt to medicate a shattered and terrified ego. Not only does the religious man rehearse his own virtues as he sees them, he also uses his virtue as a basis for looking down on other, “lesser” people with contempt. Rather than humbly confessing his weakness and need before God, he separates the world into “good people” and “bad people,” assuring himself that he is one of the good people. What ensues is a counterfeit feeling of superiority that makes him feel, at least for a time, that his shortcomings are not nearly as serious as the shortcomings of others. The problem, however, is that the vague sense of shame is merely suppressed, but not dealt with in a healing way. In the end, his “I’m good, they’re bad, I’m right, they’re wrong” posture corrupts worship and kills community.
Jesus Gives Grace But Jesus doesn’t separate the world into good people and bad people. He separates the world into proud people and 23
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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.
humble people. What’s more, he opposes the proud, and gives grace to the humble. The Jesus gospel, unlike the false “gospels” of the non-religious and religious, assures those who believe that all is well, and that we are OK, not because we are superior to others or because we have accrued an impressive moral record, but because of Jesus’ self-substituting love for us. Jesus lived the perfect life that we were unable to live. Then, he transferred the merits of that perfect life to our account. Because of this, God “reckons” every Jesus person as a perfect person, not because we have lived perfectly but because Jesus lived perfectly in our place. What’s more, Jesus absorbed the horrific, alienating punishment that was due to us—death on the cross and the removal of God’s smile. Now, because of Jesus’ substitutionary death on the cross, God looks at every Jesus person with pleasure. He hasn’t a shred of disappointment or shame toward us, because Jesus took the fall in our place. He has taken every negative verdict toward us and turned it into a “Not guilty.” He has released us from our own, self-imposed prison and told us we can live free. He has shown mercy to those once called, “No Mercy.” He has said to those once called “Not My People” that “You are my people.” Because of Jesus, everything that’s true about Jesus is true about us in God’s eyes. He leaped over the bar of God’s law in our place, then got crushed by the bar of God’s law in our place, so that the burden of both would be lifted from our shoulders. Now, we who trust in Jesus are embraced by God as radiant, beautiful, lovable, and guilt-free, all of the time, on our best and also our worst days. Because it’s not about what we do for him. It’s about what he has done, and continues to do, for us. He who began a good work in us will faithfully complete that work. What better reason to start getting honest about our lives—that we are incomplete works in progress on the way to being made complete—without fear of being rejected or dismissed? Take heart. In Jesus, you are loved. In Jesus, there will always be a seat for you at the King’s table. Jesus, your Elder Brother, is not ashamed of you.
Scott Sauls is senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, and author of Jesus Outside the Lines: A Way Forward for Those Who are Tired of Taking Sides. You can connect with Scott at scottsauls.com or on Twitter at @scottsauls. Article originally published at scottsauls. com. Used with permission. River Region’s Journey
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C C c h G a c f H d F b m T t f l S e
G s a o o f f a C o c d t
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Our Statement of Faith
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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.
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The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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Willpower is enough to get you started, but you will need habit to sustain it. Though you are more than your habits, you are certainly not less. Through most of life you follow your habits—you do those things you have wired yourself to do. Whatever your resolution is, you need to prepare to turn it into a habit. Willpower is enough to get you started, but you will need habit to sustain it. Resolve to change your bad habits while also developing new and better habits. But be warned: Changing habits takes both time and patience, so you will need to prepare yourself for a long and difficult battle.
Make Resolutions, Not Wishes The most likely reason your New Year’s resolution will fail is that you haven’t actually made a resolution—you have made a wish. On December 31 you may have decided that in the year ahead you will lose weight, or read your Bible more often, or finally stop smoking. Those are all good desires. But this is not the time to wish upon a star and hope that you will magically change; it is the time to firmly resolve to change your life. Make sure that you are resolving, not wishing. January 2018
Convert Your Resolution To Habits
Make Just One Resolution
We have all heard the statistics: 50% of people make some kind of New Year’s resolution, but 88% of those resolutions ultimately fail. That is more than a little discouraging. But I still believe in New Year’s resolutions. I believe in them as a convenient opportunity to evaluate life and to make choices about living life better. I have done a fair bit of reading on how to make resolutions work, and it turns out that though there are many reasons your resolutions may not work, the most common ones are easy enough to avoid. Here are some tips on making wise resolutions and on making them stick.
River Region’s Journey
With that heightened sense of optimism that seems to come with the dawning of a new year, it is easy to believe that this is the time to change everything you dislike about yourself. But January 1 is not a realistic time to change every part of your life. You will dramatically increase your chances of success when you force yourself to make just one resolution. At the very most, make no more than two or three.
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Make a Plan You will almost certainly fail in your New Year’s resolution if you do not enter the new year with a plan to succeed. Do not decide that you will exercise more; determine that you will exercise for 30 minutes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon at 3 p.m. Do not hope to read your Bible more; choose a reading plan, determine how many days a week you will read your Bible, and decide when and where you will do it. Plan how you will build your new habit and then stick to your plan. It will take two or three months for that new habit to form, so be patient. Reward can be a powerful motivator in building new habits, so consider building in a system of small rewards.
PRATTVILLE’S
Church
New Year and New Start
Embrace God's Grace
Share Your Resolution These well-known verses from Ecclesiastes give us a helpful tip: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Resolutions work best when they involve another person. Tell a friend about your resolution, and ask him to hold you accountable; his involvement will strengthen your resolve. Even better, pair up and make the same resolution as your friend so you can work toward a shared goal.
Join us this Sunday for 10:30 am worship 2072 Fairview Ave., Prattville, AL 36066 Call to speak with our pastor or to find out more
334-730-4300 www.myMessiahChurch.org
Plan For Temptations and Setbacks
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You will fail if you do not expect to be tempted and to experience setbacks. Your resolutions may fail because you have not anticipated and planned for the inevitable temptations and setbacks. If you are trying to live with virtue, you can expect to face all kinds of temptations to slip back into your old ways. Plan in advance how you will respond in those moments when you are tempted to revert to that behavior you hate. Also plan in advance what will happen when you actually succumb to the temptation, so you will not slip into despair and give up. You will fail if you do not expect to be tempted and to experience setbacks.
Pray ed
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Finally, as a Christian I want to offer this: Pray. Pray as you consider all the resolutions you could make, pray as you choose one as your area of special focus, pray as you begin to work toward new habits, pray when you face temptation to slip away from those habits, and pray to thank God when you see success. Bathe your life in prayer, and make those changes for God’s glory, not your own. Tim Challies is an author, blogger and book reviewer. You can find him at www.challies.com. 27
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Sex wit hav if y we ple –M eve day
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
The Holy Conversation
If God sent you an urgent message, would you reply? JA N UA RY T E AC H I N G S E R I E S 8:0 0, 9: 3 0 & 1 1 :0 0A M S U N DAYS
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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 Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information. Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100
January 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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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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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 31
January 2018
River Region’s Journey
Your Under No Obligation Q. Our son is about to graduate from law school. He took out a loan to cover the cost, but we’ve always been debt-free and have been paying on it to help him out while he finishes his studies. The balance on the loan right now is around $30,000. He has a job waiting for him after he graduates, so we’re thinking about telling him it will be his responsibility to finish paying off the loan at that point. Is that wrong? A. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a young law school graduate earning a living and paying off his own debt. I hope he appreciates how generous you both have been, but you shouldn’t feel as if you’re obligated to continue making these payments after he finishes school and begins working. Now, if you decide to pay it off for him as a gift for successfully completing law school — and you’re in a financial position to do so without hurting yourselves or your
River Region’s Journey
January 2018
future — that’s fine, too. It would be another incredibly generous act. And in my mind, generosity of that magnitude should be met with gratitude and appreciation of equal measure. If you choose this route, let him know how and why you were able to give him this gift. Don’t hold it over his head or beat him up with it, but stress the importance of being wise with money, saving and investing, and staying out of debt in the future. Let him know if he’ll follow your example, he might be able to do the same kind of thing for his kids someday. That would be a wonderful thing to see, wouldn’t it?
Used car mileage Q. I know you advise most people to buy used cars. Do you have a rule of thumb for a mileage limit when it comes to buying a used vehicle?
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A. No, not really. Sometimes mileage alone can be a good indicator of the quality of a used vehicle, but that’s not always the case. I would also advise doing a little research, and maybe letting a trusted mechanic have a look to determine if there are any issues that might give you trouble soon. The more inexpensive, and cheaply made a car is, the more likely it becomes that it would be worn down by higher mileage. Some vehicles start to get a little ragged at 100,000 miles, while others — some of the better makes — are just getting a feel for the road at that point. Of course, a lot depends on your budget, too. Overall, I would advise you to look for something that has a good reputation, a solid history, and as little mileage as possible. There are good, used cars out there that will last for years!
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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)
Hear Impact. See Impact. Feel Impact.
Don’t miss this opportunity to witness demonstrations of astounding feats of strength by Team Impact, such as shattering five feet of concrete with one blow from their massive arms and snapping baseball bats in half with their bare hands. Invite your family and friends to this FREE event held at FBC Montgomery.
First Baptist Church
Sunday, January 28 through Wednesday, January 31
6:30 pm :: Main Sanctuary 305 South Perry Street :: Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310 :: www.montgomeryfbc.org