Volume 20, Issue 7
Feature Articles
O CTO BER 20 1 8 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 14
Faith @ Work
Jason Watson
Tara Osborne is a wife, mom, athletic director at Prattville Christian Academy and breast cancer survivor. She shares how she and her family coped with her diagnosis, how God and others cared for their family, and advice for anyone recently diagnosed. (Photo by Jon Owen)
page 4
page 18
page 16
Pastor's Perspective John Schmidt, Centerpoint Church
page 12
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
Women Arising
River Region Judgment House
Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 24
Counselor’s Corner Candyce Anderson, MS, LPC
by Angela Hardgrave
Originally created as a Christian alternative to haunted houses, River Region Judgment House has a clear mission...to share the Gospel with as many people as possible through a dramatic presentation of choices made in life, death, and the afterlife. Find out how you can be a part of their ministry through praying, giving, acting and much more.
page 26
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
page 22
Fall Festivals Guide
In Every Issue
Take your family out to any one of these great Halloween alternatives at River Region churches.
page 28
page 6
Books to Read page 8
Have Mercy on Me
by David Mathis Glimpse into the heart of God by discovering how Moses, David, Jeremiah and Paul experienced His mercy. You’ll come away with a new sense of God’s amazing grace! 1
Around Our Community page 14
Faith @ Work page 32
Support Groups September 2018
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Candyce Anderson, MS, LPC Bob Crittenden Angela Hardgrave David Mathis Dave Ramsey Pastor John Schmidt Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
From the Publisher A friend recently passed along an illustration he heard during a sermon in which the pastor talked about the difference between old manual car radios and what’s in our cars today. This country pastor said he would manually adjust his old truck radio until it came in mostly clear, but as he drove along the road going into valleys and on hilltops he would lose his connection because it wasn’t dialed in correctly. Nowadays cars come with a “Seek” button. If you’re like me, I bet you can remember your first car that came with a seek button. It was awesome! It took you directly to the perfectly dialed in connection. It was a better way for sure. The pastor brought the illustration home by explaining how instead of us trying to manually dial-in our lives, we should “Seek” the perfect connection with God the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. Through the valleys and hilltops He will never leave us nor forsake us. That’s a simple illustration, but I like to keep it simple. One thing I know is that every one of us is seeking something more, even if we don’t know exactly what we’re looking for. Just like the curse of sin was passed to us from Adam and Eve, so were traces of the perfect connection they had with God in the garden. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says that God has put “eternity in man’s hearts”. Our lives have a greater purpose to know the Lord, and something inside us is always reminding us that it’s true. Some people have called it a God-shaped hole. A hole that can only be filled by Christ, who died for your sinful rebellion, and then offered to clothe you in His perfect righteousness by trusting in His sacrifice. The scriptures say that Jesus is the way to life because no one can come to the Father except through Him. Are you seeking for more in this life? Go ahead and press that seek button. God is there and offers this promise in His word, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” (Rev 3:20) Eating in those days was a sign of true fellowship. If you shared a meal together it meant you really knew each other deeply. God is waiting for you to invite Him in. Seek and you will find!
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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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 Pastor John Schmidt, Centerpoint Church
Not My Circus, Not My Monkeys Last year a friend of mine gave me a Barrel of Monkeys game. He did so because he knows that I am a “fixer” who likes to solve problems. He also knows that I sometimes try to solve other people’s problems for them, and that every time I do, I wind up frustrated, exhausted or both. He told me to keep the orange plastic barrel on my desk as a reminder of a great Polish expression that he thought I might find useful: “Not my circus, not my monkeys!” Think of all the chaos that would ensue if even half-a-dozen monkeys escaped at a circus. Then imagine volunteering to round them up when it wasn’t your responsibility to do so. That sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Yet, we can find ourselves neck deep in a chaotic circus of our own making when we take on duties that other people need to
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handle, or when we insert ourselves into other people’s affairs.
God doesn’t want us wearing ourselves out. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, warned Moses about this when he noticed that Moses had taken on WAY too much responsibility. “This is not good!” Moses’ father-inlaw exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself… select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes. Appoint them as leaders over groups of one thousand, one hundred, fifty, and ten. They should always be available to solve the people’s common disputes, but have them bring the major cases to you. Let the leaders decide the smaller matters themselves. They will help you carry the load, making the task easier for you. If you follow this advice, and if God commands you to do so, then you will be able to endure the pressures, and all these people will go home in peace,” (Exodus 18:17-23 NLT). Moses clearly understood God’s call upon his life but he had a terrible understanding of his own limitations. By trying to handle everything alone he was wearing himself out, and lots of capable people were left standing 4
around. Like Moses, we often know many good and capable people who will gladly help us if we ask. So let’s ask! And just as there were young leaders in Israel who welcomed the chance to lead groups of fifty or ten, I have often been surprised how many people are not only willing but grateful to help me.
God also wants us to mind our own business. Paul told the early Christians in Thessalonica, “Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before,” (1 Thessalonians 4:11, NLT).Think how much less stress we’d have in our lives if we followed this one simple piece of advice. When we try to “fix” other people’s marriages, finances or bad decisions, we can get in over our heads very quickly. People need encouragement, wise counsel and accountability, but they don’t need us making decisions for them, handling confrontations for them or doing their homework for them. Working through problems helps people grow, mature and gain confidence, but solving problems for others only creates more problems in the long run. So, the Barrel of Monkeys will stay on my desk as a reminder to say “No” when I’m tempted to take on things I don’t need to handle. I don’t want to wear myself out and I definitely don’t want to be the ringmaster of somebody else’s circus.
John Schmidt is Senior Pastor at Centerpoint Fellowship Church, with locations in Prattville, Wetumpka, Montgomery and Auburn. For information, visit www.centeringlives.com.
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Scientism and Secularism
How Joyful People Think
J.P. Moreland (2018)
Jamie Rasmussen (2018)
When Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859, the intellectual tectonic plates shifted with a force that continues to reverberate to this day. One of the tragic consequences (among many) that the book helped spawn was the philosophical notion of scientism. While this trendy worldview looks and sounds scientific, it is anything but. On the contrary, scientism aggressively advances the idea “that the hard sciences alone have the intellectual authority to give us knowledge of reality.” Stated another way, the other disciplines (theology and philosophy, for example) which have long sought to provide epistemological answers are no longer valid and offer no new insight when it comes to truth claims. Scientism and Secularism by J.P. Moreland explores the themes of scientism in particular and helps readers uncover the diabolic implications of this school of thought. Dr. Moreland offers a comprehensive explanation of scientism and provides several examples of how it is influencing students in a postmodern age. He pulls the curtain back on scientism and helps the unsuspecting see that it is, in the final analysis, the enemy of science and as a result, is at odds with the historic Christian faith. Moreland is typically fair and even-handed in his treatment of scientism. but ultimately argues that scientism has nothing in the way of explanatory power and should be rejected. Science and Secularism is a readable and winsome book. It should be carefully read by university students, Christian and non-Christian alike. Christians will be better equipped to respond to typical arguments posited by scientism and non-Christians will be challenged to reconsider their presuppositions.
“All joy reminds. It is never a possession, always a desire for something longer ago or further away or still about to be,” writes C.S. Lewis. Joy is that illusive quality that all people search for but so few actually discover. Jamie Rasmussen uncovers the biblical rationale such a pursuit in his book, How Joyful People Think. The subtitle captures the essence of his argument: 8 Ways of Thinking That Leads to a Better Life. Rasmussen argues that joy is a matter of perspective. That is, correct thinking is indispensable as one sets out in pursuit of joy. Simply put, “It involves learning to think as God wants us to think.” How Joyful People Think is an practical exposition, then, of Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” The eight ways of thinking that lead to a better life are a direct reflection of this verse. Rasmussen applies careful pastoral wisdom and exegetical insight to alert readers to treasure which is summarized in this powerful Scripture. The strength of the author’s argument is his allegiance to Scripture. Readers will be disappointed if they are in search of psychological tips of self-help formulas. Rasmussen is committed to mining the treasure chest of God’s Word and passing the truth to anyone who will listen. How Joyful People Think is refreshing, encouraging, and has the power to lift the downtrodden, encourage the discouraged, and equip the weak-minded. It is a vivid reminder that joy is not only possible; joy commanded and is found in Christ alone!
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Christmas Songs of Worship with Chris Tomlin
Friday, November 30, at 7:00 pm Montgomery PAC at the Renaissance For more information, call 334-481-5110 or visit www.mpaconline.org.
Join with Christmas Clearinghouse
We Are One Tour
w/ Plumb, Unspoken, Dan Bremnes Friday, October 12, at 7:00 pm Eastern Hills Baptist Church 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road in Montgomery For more information, call 334-272-0604.
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October 2018
The holiday season is rapidly approaching, and for the thousands of people in the River Region who struggle to make ends meet every day, the upcoming holiday is a time of fear and anxiety rather than cheer. The success of River Region’s Christmas Clearinghouse depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers. HandsOn encourages clubs, organizations, individuals, churches, and agencies to “adopt” families who have registered for help. To help, contact Leslie Martorana, Volunteer Program Manager, HandsOn River Region, at (334) 264-3335 or leslie@handsonriverregion.org.
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Love Poured Out Women’s Conference
The Love Poured Out Conference with Jo Hancock from His Vessel Ministries will be held at Fountain of Grace Church in Prattville on October 27 from 9am until 3pm. A boxed lunch from Chappy’s Deli will be available for $11. Register now through October 24 at www.fountainofgrace.us. For more information call 334.365.5511 or 334.354.4614.
7th Annual River Region Prayer Walk
Live Original The Tour with Sadie Robertson
plus Mosaic MSC, Social Club Misfits, Chris McClarney, Hollyn, John Luke Robertson Sunday, November 11, at 7:00 pm First Baptist Church of Prattville 138 South Washington Street For more information, call 334-365-0606 or visit www.fbcprattville.org.
Saturday, October 6, 2018 Union Station Train Shed Registration 8:30am
Beauty by Fire Ministries announces the 7th Annual River Region Prayer Walk on Saturday, October 6, 2018 beginning at the Union Station Train Shed. Join us as we come together to pray for our community and spiritually unite the people of the River Region. For more information: Vicki Dendis, 334-612-7894(h); 931-580-9058(m) or http://www.beautybyfire.org/7th-annual-river-region-prayer-walk.html
Activities 9:00am
Free lunch, concert, and family activities after the walk
Join us as we come together to pray for our community and spiritually unite the people of the River Region.
Special Thanks to:
Register online at riverregionprayerwalk2018.eventbrite.com Like us on Facebook - fb.com/RiverRegionPrayerWalk This is a FREE community event! Free T-Shirts while supplies last.
For more information, contact us at: riverregionprayerwalk@gmail.com or 334-578-9783
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CHRISTCHURCH WOM
“PAINT TALKS” with Biblical Teach
River Region Sacred Music Festival
First Presbyterian Church in Prattville is sponsoring its 5th Annual River Region Sacred Music Festival. The Festival brings together singers from many backgrounds and abilities to celebrate and enjoy sacred choral music. The Festival Choir is comprised of singers (juniors in high school and older) who can rehearse one Saturday per month from September through February (it’s not too late to start in October). The Festival concerts are held on February 16th and 17th, 2019 and are free of charge. If you have questions or need more information, contact Steve Lee, the Festival coordinator, at 334-462-3844 or by email at Steve@fpcministries.org.
Presented by national Christian speakeR Women’s Retreat at writer, artist and Tuscaloosa native, Christchurch
Debbie Hannah Skinner
Wisdom in Watercolor
On October 6, from 9 am to 3 pm, enjoy “Paint Streng Talks” with Biblical soulS Teachings, presented by Enjoy B national Christian speaker, writer, artist and Tuscaloosa native, Debbie Hannah Skinner. Strengthen, soothe, and renew your J soul as Debbie talks and paints! Enjoy Bible based For more info scripture teachings, fellowYou can ship and music. Lunch and websit snacks provided. Christ church is located at 8800 Vaughn Road. Call Lucile If you would like to attend this exciting conference, please complete at 334.318.3724 for more3314 information orMontgomery, to register. Boxwood Drive, AL 36111 by September 2K
Name ________________________________
Address _______________________________
Email __________________________________
Number of Attendees: ____________________
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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
October 2018
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RCH WOMEN’S RETREAT
with Biblical Teachings
al Christian speaker, Rikka Banayat, MD Tuscaloosa native,
Shelley Byrd, CRNP
nah Skinner
Strenghthen, soothe, and renew your soulSarah as Debbie talks paints! Cumbie, MD Connors, MD and William Enjoy Bible based scripture teachings, fellowship, and music! Lunch and snacks provided! Christchurch Montgomery 8800 Vaughn Road Jennifer Groff, CRNP Handey, MD October George 6, 2018 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For more information please call Lucile at 334-318-3724 You can find out more about Debbie by going to her website at http://wisdominwatercolor.com/
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conference, please complete this registration form and mail to Lucile Waller, r. 36111 by September 21, AL 2018. There is no charge forHoy, this event! Kim Hindi, CRNP Jade DO
_______________ Phone _____________________
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___________________________________________
_______________________________________ Adelle Hutchins, CRNP William Jones, MD
Whether you’re sick and want to get better or healthy and want to stay that way. Hayley Kennedy, CRNP
Donald Marshall, MD
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jcprimarycare.org 11
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O
Waffles in the Making A website told me that to make waffles you need to beat eggs in a large bowl and then stir in flour, milk, vegetable oil, sugar, baking powder, salt and vinegar. You stir all this until it is smooth and then pour the mix onto a hot waffle iron. Lately I’ve been wondering. Rather than do that, why not pour the mix onto the table and place the hot waffle iron upside down on top? Wouldn’t you still make a waffle? Not really. Although the product might resemble a waffle in shape, it would be thin, half-baked and not very sanitary. And consider the mess, waste, and burned table. The waffle mixture is a liquid, while the waffle iron is a
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solid. Of course, the liquid pours into the solid, not vice versa. I see a lesson there for me. Some folks consider the Word of God (the Bible) true, but only relative to the norms of certain cultures. It’s true for some, but not for others. That’s putting the waffle iron upside down on a waffle mess. It’s the culture that is changeable, not the scriptures. Our music, literature, drama, government, economy, fashion, food, architecture, internet, etc. are liquid. They change every day. We update these elements all the time. The Word of God is solid. It is never out of date. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever,” (Isaiah 40:8). In the New Testament, Hebrews 13:8 expresses it as: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Although the scriptures were written centuries ago, their revelation of our need for a relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is timeless. In the Old Testament God illustrates faith, mercy, and love in the Tabernacle, the Temple, and rituals of sacrifice. It was something they could see. In the New Testament the Lord uses parables, miracles, and the crucifixion sacrifice of Himself to show us this relationship. It’s a powerful mystery revealed only by the Spirit of God. We must measure our constantly changing culture against the rocksolid truth of the Bible. 12
Otherwise we are pouring the waffle mix all over the place. Those who do this, wind up with a thin, half-baked theology in the middle of a very messy life. Many Biblical passages and narratives are hard to comprehend, but that does not mean they are untrue. The Creation, Moses, Noah, Job, Jonah, and the miracles of Jesus create questions for us all. These questions are answered by faith, by examining more and more of the Word, by seeking guidance in prayer, and by sharing our questions with other believers. If we compromise the Bible by considering parts of it as myth or fantasy, we have created something that may look like the waffle of truth, but it is not. It will not taste like the Word of God and it will not bring us nourishment. Soon we will be tempted to call the truth a lie and a lie the truth. It’s a mistake to try to understand puzzling points in the Bible only through the lens of science, history, or psychology. I know. I spent years trying to put the waffle iron on top of the liquid of my knowledge and experience. And the result was a mess. Without faith in God’s Word, I had few standards. Life was meaningless. Without meaning, I soon become depressed. Before long, life didn’t seem to be worth living. Don’t go down that road. The Apostle Paul urges us, “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” (Romans 12:2). That’s what we need, a new mind, not one formed by our worldly culture. We can become the people (or waffles) God wants us to become, but we have to pour ourselves into His revealed Word. He will mold us into His likeness, even when the heat is turned up. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him,” (Psalm 34:8). God’s waffles always taste good. **Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians. The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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Ta in wh wh so Go Go an no Yo you ment are what’s needed for student safety. I also do all of the AHSAA Athletic eligibility for our student-athletes. I am usually gone covering a sporting event every day of the week except Wednesday and Sunday, but I am thankful to have a supportive husband and children who come right along and never complain. RRJ: In February of 2017, your journey took a sharp turn when you discovered a lump in your breast. When you received your diagnosis, how did you handle sharing your news?
RRJ: Tara, you are an Early Childhood Education major. Did you ever think you would be an Athletic Director? Tara: Sports have always been a huge part of my life since elementary school. I always knew I either wanted to be a doctor or a teacher/coach. My high school coach made such an impression on my life and taught me so many lessons. I wanted to do the same for kids. In April of 2004, I got a call from Evangel Christian Academy and was offered to teach K-12 PE and Coach Volleyball and Basketball. I accepted, and after a couple of months on the job, the Athletic Director said he saw a leadership quality in me and wanted to groom me to be an Athletic Director. The more I got into it, the more I fell in love with it. By the end of the year I became an Athletic Director. RRJ: As Athletic Director at Prattville Christian Academy, what does your job entail? Tara: My job at PCA is very busy and time consuming. I oversee the 14 sports and their coaches. I make sure that safety is top priority and our that our facilities and equipRiver Region’s Journey
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Tara: When I got the call, I was at home and my husband and I had just laid down to rest. We had taken off work that day because we knew we should be hearing the results of my biopsy, so we had not been sleeping real well. I remember as I heard the words from Dr. Lorino’s mouth that it came back positive, I started crying, but was trying to make sure I listened to everything she was saying. My husband knew when he saw the tears that it was not the news we were hoping for. As I hung up the phone we embraced each other as I sobbed. My parents were in town and heard me crying and ran to our room. As my parents embraced me, my husband called his family and then my boss. My Dad called the rest of our family members and it just seemed like time stood still. So many things start running through your mind, and I remember my husband saying, “God is in control and let’s take it one step at a time.” Within 10 minutes of my husband calling my boss, Dr. Ron Mitchell (president of PCA), Katie Furr (Upper School Principal) and Rachael Heartsill (Lower School Principal) were at my house and praying over us. It was that moment when the most wonderful peace spread over us and I knew it was not my time to ask “Why Me”, but “Why Not Me”. God knew this was going to happen from the beginning, so He built me for this. The hardest moment was when my boys arrived home from basketball practice. We had been open with them the whole time once I had the biopsy, so when they walked in and saw everyone there, I think they knew. I sat on the couch and called them to sit by me. My husband was in a chair beside me and we were surrounded by our family. As I began to talk to them, I felt God speaking through me because He knew I couldn’t do it alone. I honestly don’t remember what all I told them other than we were going to be okay and Momma was going to beat this. I 14
remember seeing the most precious smiles on their faces as they heard their Momma say those words. They both embraced me and I gave them some time to ask any questions they had. It was truly a God moment and I was able to do it without ever shedding a tear. RRJ: We know your faith, family and friends have been very important in your will to fight cancer. What has been most helpful to you in the support you have received? Tara: The support we began receiving immediately from my school family, our small group at church, and our friends and family was mind blowing. You know you are loved, but when something like this happens you really find out how much you mean to someone. We were able to just hang on to God’s words that He will never leave us or forsake us and He is there even if we can’t see Him or feel Him. When you receive a diagnosis like this, you have two choices... to fight it and trust God or let it take control of your life. You also have to put your money where your mouth is. You can say “I trust God” all day long, but when something like this happens, you have to say “Do I really?” If you do, you have to lay it all at HIS feet and give up control. We were able to do that and it was so calming. One of the things that meant most to us was a meal train set up by a parent at PCA. My family and I were fed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from April 21, 2017 (2 days after my double mastectomy) until August 31 of 2018. You wouldn’t think meals meant that much, but it was one less thing I had to worry about knowing my husband and boys were fed and taken care of. PCA also set up a Go Fund Me Account that was fulfilled within several days of it starting. Also each of the spring sports surprised me with a Team Tara Day, with baseball being the big event. We were playing ACA and both teams surprised me by coming out on the field with pink jerseys, plus they had the bases painted pink, a Team Tara logo painted on the field and all fans dressed in pink. It was so uplifting and was such a humbling experience for our family. RRJ: Tara, you have had many considerable things happen in your life…adoption, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, job changes. Share with us how you have overcome these challenges by staying positive.
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Tara: As I said earlier, you have two choices in life. Either trust God and know He means what He tells us, or let this world dictate what you do, feel and say. You have to have something to grab onto, and for us it was God. If you don’t have relationship with God, I think so much bitterness would set in and so much questioning, and there is just no room for peace when you live that way. You have to know who you are and whose you are. RRJ: In October of the same year you were diagnosed with breast cancer, you were diagnosed with a melanoma on your face that required surgery which left 40 stitches on your cheek. When your youngest son asked you, “Why did God let this happen to you?” what was your response? Tara: Yes, when Cooper asked me that question, I knew he was really struggling. Melanoma is something we have been more familiar with than breast cancer, so it hit him like a ton of bricks, and us too in a way. My response was to be able to reiterate that God is in control. God knows what my whole story is going to be, so He has prepared the way for me. RRJ: What advice would you offer someone who has just received a diagnosis of cancer? Tara: First off, you can do this. You are stronger than you think you are, and you will find so much more strength than you ever knew you had. I would also say surround yourself with positive people. If anyone is negative, you must remove them. This isn’t going to be an easy journey. There will be days that you are on an emotional roller coaster from minute to minute and that is okay. It is okay to grieve and feel sadness, but don’t get stuck there. When you can turn it ALL over to God, it is the most wonderful feeling, and so much lifts from your shoulders. Also, as you begin to decide where you want to have surgery, treatment, etc., you must do what is best for you and your family. Don’t let what others have gone through deter you from where you feel is best for you to receive treatment and/or surgery. You will know when you are with the right doctor and facility. It may be the first doctor you come across, or if you are not at peace, then get that second opinion. If others try to judge you and your family on your decision, tell them thanks, but this is what is best for you and yours. Remember God is good all the time. You are in His hands and He is writing your story.
PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN
welcomes
DR. MALISSA HOY Now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years P H YS IC IA N S TO CH IL D R E N Taylor Medical Complex 470 Taylor Rd, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033 P
P H YS I C I A N S TO C H I L D R E N C h i l d re n s A L . o rg / p hys i c i a n s - t o - c h i l d re n
Tara Osborne is Athletic Director at Prattville Christian Academy, plus Board member and Section 3 representative of the NIAAA (Nat’l Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association). She has been married to Patrick for 16 years and they have two sons: Carson (14) and Cooper (13). Tara is a breast cancer survivor.
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Caring for Your Aging Parents I loved my mom. When she passed away, I mourned the loss…not just of the loss of our relationship at that time, but loss of possibilities in the days and years ahead. If she were alive today, she would be 82 years old. I can imagine I might be spending my days, repaying the care she gave to me. As I watch other women who care for their parents, I am obliged to note their challenges, but also the wealth of experiences shared between daughter and parent. Author Tia Walker said, “To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.” In other words, parental care is simply obeying the 5th commandment (Exodus 20:12) that admonishes us to honor our father and mother. Paul the Apostle referenced it in his letter to the believers in Ephesus. It is easy to see that honoring our parents is highly important to God because it is the only commandment with a promise of wellness and longevity. We have a responsibility to make sure our parents are honored through our nurture and care until the end of their days. The majority of parents nurtured and cared for us at the beginning of our days and contributed to help us become the women we are today. Nurturing is who we are in our essence as women. When we think back on how our parents were there for us when we needed them, how they struggled to pay the bills and put food on the table, clothes on our backs, and River Region’s Journey
October 2018
shelter over our heads, how can we not pay them back with love? Honoring them is the least we can do. “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth,” (Acts 1:8). Jesus’ instruction to the disciples was clear, home must be tended to before you venture to the end of the earth. He did not just instruct, He demonstrated it by looking over from His pain on the cross to make sure His mother was cared for by His disciple when He was gone (John 19:26-27). That, my beloved, is the example we must live by.
Balancing Life While Caring for our Parents: 1. Prioritize You may be married with very young and teenage children and have to juggle between an 8 to 5 office job, homework assignments, and everyday life as a wife and a mother. On top of it all your aging mother or father needs you to bring them home to live with you. How do you cope? This is a tough situation, but scripture is clear on God’s heartbeat on caring for and 16
honoring our parent. Therefore elder care must be placed in the right position on our priority list.
2. Logistical Needs First, living arrangements are the largest issue. As you prioritize, you may find that it may not be feasible to have them live directly under your roof. In this instance other arrangements can be made... just ensure they are comfortable. There are many in-home services these days that are covered by Medicaid. Ensure that they are eating well, that they have the right medications, and that their bills are paid on time. Ensure that their insurance policies are adequate and paid up, and that proper burial measures are in place when they do pass on. Lastly, make sure their will, power of attorney, and all legal matters are in order.
3. Emotional Needs One of the top needs of every person, no matter what gender or age, is the necessity for love and affection. These needs are often amplified in seniors. Most seniors have lived a busy and active life and now find themselves less active and often debilitated by health issues and age. Can you imagine how depressing this can be? So, make time for them, tend to their emotional needs, visit them, pray with them and show them unconditional love.
4. Spiritual Needs Most importantly, make sure that they have made peace with God by giving their lives to the Lord. Ease all of their fears by assuring them of God’s promises of eternal life and the crown that awaits all triumphant believers. Don’t forget there is a reward for all of your labors!
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by Angela Hardgrave
River Region’s Journey
October 2018
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Fall brings so many things into our lives—cooler weather, football, hayrides, and bonfires, just to name a few. For many, fall also brings the excitement of the Halloween season. While trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and fall festivals are fun, one group in the River Region has an alternative to these that can actually change people’s lives. The River Region Judgment House started in our area more than 30 years ago as a Christian alternative to haunted houses. In the past five years, more than 15,000 people have attended the Judgment House presentation, and almost 2,800 people have made decisions for Christ. Brian Gay, one of the leaders, said, “There was a gap in the event for a few years. Seven years ago, a few of us got together and decided to restart the ministry. John Smith, Josh Henderson, and I were the key leaders in restarting the River Region Judgment House. The reason for the restart was simple. We knew that this ministry could continue to have a great impact on our
sands of community people come and bethrough the yond with building the gospel in the last of Jesus River Region Judgment House seven years, Christ.” 4003 Eastern Blvd., Montgomery and thouTheir October 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, and 26-31 sands make mission is decisions for clear—to 6:00pm to 9:00pm Jesus Christ share the because gospel with of how the gospel is expressed in this as many people as possible through a dramatic presentation.” Gay continued, dramatic presentation of choices made “The River Region Judgment House in life, death, and the afterlife. “We has had a wide impact on people, share the gospel through providing a both inside the River Region and as drama that people can walk through. As far away as the Florida Panhandle. they walk through six different scenes, People who have come through the they can see a story unfold about some Judgment House have seen their lives teenagers who make decisions in this changed for the better, and it has made life that impact their eternity as well,” an impact on whole families. Of course, said Gay. the greatest blessing is people who are Everyone, from the leaders to all saved through Jesus Christ to spend the volunteers, are passionate about an eternity with Him in heaven. But, I sharing the gospel in the River Region. believe that the spiritual changes have Gay said, “I am passionate about this also impacted their physical lives here cause, because I’ve seen the fruit that it on Earth.” has produced. We’ve seen tens of thou-
Bring a Friend or Gather a Group!
10•20•18 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
••••••••••••••
Prattville YMCA
Willis Bradford Branch ••••••••••••••
Prattville YMCA
And...
• Grits Cookoff • Door Prizes • Contests • Giveaways • Arts & Crafts • Bounce Houses • Live Music
The TY 5K NITTY GRIT ••••••••••••
Sponsored by:
Festivities include:
All the grits you can eat for $3.00
5K begins at 8:00 A.M. Register online at NittyGritty.itsyourrace.com or call the Fitness Branch at 334-361-0268.
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A ministry with this type of impact takes a large amount of resources to be successful and reach the greatest number of people. Gay outlined some of their greatest needs. “There are several things that are needed to make the ministry run and be successful. The first is prayer. I say all the time that, ‘Prayer is not part of our strategy...it is our strategy.’ We cannot do what we do and be
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successful without a strong prayer base. The next thing is volunteers. It takes literally hundreds of volunteers to make the River Region Judgment House a success. From the construction and decorating that happens in September, to the parking, registration, counseling, acting, technical, and prayer volunteers that help in October, each part plays a key in making the performance a
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powerful production of the gospel. The final thing that we need is finances. We have been blessed to have churches and individuals who donate to make the Judgment House free to the public, but there are always financial needs, and donations will always be appreciated,” said Gay. This year’s Judgment House will be held at 4003 Eastern Blvd. on October 14, 17, 20, 21, 24, and 26-31, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm. To find out more about the River Region Judgment House, visit their website at www.judgmenthouse.org. If you are interested in giving or volunteering, contact Brian Gay at 334-220-4402 or the Judgment House phone at 334-546-8088. If you are interested specifically in acting, you can visit the site www.judgmenthouse. org/act for more detailed information. Angela Hardgrave is a graduate of the University of Mobile with a degree in journalism and currently works in the Marketing Department of Faulkner University as a graphic designer. Angela is also a freelance writer for several publications in the River Region. She resides in Montgomery, Alabama, with her three awesome daughters and her dog, Emmy.
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Angel Fest
October 20 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. Enjoy entertainment while you browse the booths of renowned local artisans, bid on amazing items for an unbeatable price at the Silent Auction, as the children enjoy the Kids’ Carnival. Don’t miss out on all the great food! Grab a tasty lunch of mouthwatering homemade goods at the Bake Sale, freshly cooked Boston Butts and more. Put the date on your calendar and come be part of this classic Millbrook festival! For vendor information or to pre-order Boston butts call the church office at (334) 285.3905.
Alabama Christian Academy Fall Festival
Thursday, November 8th, tentatively 3-6:00 p.m. Inflatables, pony rides, games and more. Silent auction and Country Kitchen, chili cook off and photo booth. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. Please call 277.1985 ext. 221 for more information.
Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival Sunday, October 28th, 4-6 p.m. 6610 Vaughn Road Trunk or Treat, games, prizes, crafts, hayride. A fun-filled family night open to everyone free of charge. Call 272.6152.
Blue Ridge Baptist Church ad on page 9 4471 Jasmine Hill Road in Wetumpka Sunday, October 28 from 4p.m. until 6 p.m. A hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts. River Region’s Journey
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Friendly costumes are welcome. Please call at 567.4325 for more information.
fun for the whole family! FREE! For more info call 334.365.7500 or visit www.eastmemorial.org
Calvary Baptist Church Fall Festival
Eastmont Baptist Church Trunk or Treat
504 West Osceola Street, Wetumpka October 28 from 4 to 6 pm. For more info, please call (334) 567.4729
Camellia Baptist Church Trunks or Treats
Wednesday, October 31st, 6-7:30 p.m. 201 Woodvale Road, Prattville Games, food, candy and a life-changing message. Free admission. Games for ages preschool – 6. No scary costumes. Bring your family and friends. Call 365.0231 for info.
Dalraida Baptist Church Annual Family Fall Festival
Sunday, October 28, 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. 3838 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery Games, Inflatable, Hayride and More! Please call 272.2412 for details.
Dalraida UMC Fall Festival & Trunk or Treat
ad on page 32 Saturday, October 27, 3pm to 5 pm 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. Please call 272.2190 for details.
East Memorial Baptist Church Family Fun Fall Festival
October 31st, Times TBA 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville, AL Games, Candy, Balloon Animals, and all sorts of 22
4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Sunday, October 28 from 4-6 p.m. in the front parking lot. Bring your little super heroes, princesses, pirates and cowgirls for a FREE, fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Visit www.eastmont.org for info or call 277-6300.
First Baptist Church Fall Family Festival
ad on Back Cover 305 S. Perry Street, Montgomery Sunday, October 28 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Event is free. Food available for purchase. Games, fun and prizes. For more information, call 834.6310.
First UMC, Montgomery Pumpkinfest
Sunday, October 21, 4-5:30 p.m. 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery For children of all ages - Front lawn of the church. Fun, games, horse-drawn hayride, moonwalk, refreshments and more! Happy costumes are welcome! In the event of rain, the Pumpkinfest will be moved indoors. For children age toddler through 3rd grade! Call 834.8990. Also, FUMC Fall Bazaar 2017 Wednesday, October 3, from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m. Luncheon $12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Shopping & Silent Auction 1-7 p.m. Wesley Hall Baked Goods • Frozen Foods • Garden Treasures • Gifts & Crafts • Kid’s Closet • Nice as New Please call 834.8990 for more information.
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United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat, Wetumpka
Wednesday, October 31st, Times TBA 306 W. Tuskeena Street Contest, games, and treats for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with child. No scary costumes please. Call 567.7865 or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com for more information.
Gateway Baptist Church Fall Family Festival Wednesday, October 31st, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 3300 Bell Road, Montgomery Free admission. Popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, games and trunk or treat. Little bit of something for everyone. The entire community is welcome! Call 272.9494 for more information.
Harvest Family Church Trunk or Treat Fall Carnival Wednesday, October 31, from 6-7:30 pm 7245 Copperfield Drive, Montgomery All superheroes, princesses and minions (and their families!) are invited to stuff their bags with candy and enjoy fun games at a FREE carnival presented by the folks at Harvest Family Church in the Copperfield community. For information, call 277-1156 or visit www.harvestfamilychurch.com.
Heritage Baptist Church City Patch
October 7th from 12 until 2 p.m. 1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery We will have balloon artists, petting zoo and inflatables. First 1000 children receive a free pumpkin with a food donation to the Forest Park Ministry Center. Buy lunch and support our local food trucks. Call 279.9976.
Judgment House
4003 Eastern Blvd. (Montg Towne Center) October 14, 17, 20-21, 24, 26,-31 from 6-8 p.m. The ministry of Judgment House spans over 30 years with its roots tied to Montgomery. River Region Judgment House is a God centered drama, which focuses on the triumphs and tragedies faced in the lives of today’s youth and young adults. All aspects of this ministry are based on Biblical principles and teachings. Please visit us at www.judgmenthouse.org
Mulder UMC Trunk or Treat
Wednesday, October 31 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Fun for the whole family. There will be inflatables, games, trunks of treats, hayrides, face painting, live music and more. No scary costumes please. For more info call 567.4225.
Ridgecrest Baptist Church Fall Festival
Wednesday, October 31, from 5-7 p.m. 5260 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery
Open to all ages. Family friendly. Games, prizes, food, candy, and trunk or treat. For more info call 277.0011.
Saint James UMC Trunk or Treat
ad on page 17 Sunday, October 28, 5 to 7 p.m. 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Located in parking lot at back of church. Hayride, inflatables, games, candy and much more! Wear your costume but please nothing scary. For more info, call Jennifer at 277.3037.
Taylor Road Treats the Town
Sunday, October 28th, 5-7 p.m. Taylor Road Baptist, 1685 Taylor Rd, Montg. Come out for a night of fun. We will have games, a cakewalk, photo booth, inflatables, and free hot dogs. We will also have Trunk or Treat with lots of candy. Bible Story Land is also part of the evening. Enjoy a hayride as it takes you by eight Bible story scenes. Costumes are welcome, but no scary ones please. Call 271.3363 for info.
Thorington Road Baptist Church Fall Festival
Sunday, October 21st, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 450 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Come join us for Inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine! For details, call 396.9376.
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Emotional
Domestic Violence 101 October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. During this time, many communities stand in solidarity with those impacted by domestic violence. With that, I figured that this would be a perfect opportunity to share the basics with you. Galatians 6:2 encourages us to bear one another’s burden, so if you haven’t personally been a victim, it is likely that you will be in the presence of someone who has. Normally one might recognize domestic violence strictly as physical abuse, however it comes in many forms including emotional, sexual, financial and psychological. Any of these can make the lives of women, men, children, and elders a daily prison. You may work, live next to, or worship with someone experiencing such abuse. So, what is domestic violence? Our U.S. Department of Justice defines it as “a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” Let’s break down the different forms of abuse:
Physical
The most know and easily identifiable form of abuse, this can include but is not limited to shoving, hitting, punching, slapping, spitting on, kicking, pinching, thumping, and choking the victim. Also, in these categories are throwing/breaking objects and or physically intimidating the victim. River Region’s Journey
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These abusive techniques are quite subtle and appear to be typical in most interactions. I am here to say without certainty that emotional abuse is just as toxic as physical, and venture to say that it is even more difficult to recover and move on from as these wounds take years to heal. Emotional abuse includes control of resources, blaming the victim and others, criticisms, jealousy, excessive rules, isolation, instilling fear in the victim, giving the victim the silent treatment, name calling or labeling, threats, and making the victim responsible for their emotions, saying thing like “if you didn’t _____, then I wouldn’t ____.”
Psychological As with emotional abuse, psychological abuse can stay hidden for years. Coercive tactics aren’t seen as hurtful or damaging and often go unrecognized. These can include the victim becoming indecisive and confused when they were once self-assured and grounded, feeling anxious as if walking on eggshells, insecurities that have intensified since entering the relationship, and losing confidence in our own judgement.
Financial This type of abuse consists of any action that prevents the victim from gainful employment, access to money and financial independence. Examples include forbidding the victim to work, sabotaging employment opportunities, controlling how money is spent, preventing access to accounts, providing an allowance, using the victim’s credit without permission or ruining their credit, forcing the victim to account for money spent by showing receipts or withholding money for basic necessities, and even forcing the victim to turnover their pay check.
Sexual
Sexual is not always by a stranger, in fact almost 90% of sexual abuse victims are ac24
quainted with the perpetrator. This includes the victim’s significant other or spouse. Examples include forcing the victim to perform sexually against their will, and/or without consent, continuing a sexual act even after the victim has withdrawn consent, forcing the victim to participate in acts with others against their will, showing videos or photos of the victim without consent and coercing the victim to participate in sexual acts.
How Should I Respond to Someone Who Confides in Me? Believe them. This is the most important piece. Many perpetrators wear a mask and put on a completely different persona, while behind clothes doors they are terrorizing their victims. This is strategic. Such behavior causes doubt in those who may offer help to the victim. An outsider may say to the victim, “Are you sure he/she is doing this? But they’re so kind, pleasant, smart, godly…surely, you must be mistaken.” Secondly, listen instead of judging. You may just be the first person they’ve ever told. The last response they want to hear is an accusatory or judgmental comment. Lastly, direct them to local resources that are familiar with domestic violence. Professionals understand the nuances of this dynamic and assist while keeping them safe. Abuse is NOT love. Psalm 11:5 reminds us that The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. If you or someone you know has been or is currently in an abusive relationship, here are a few resources: 800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY) The Samaritan Counseling Center 334-262-7787 Local resources dial: 211
Candyce Anderson, M.S., A.L.C. is an associate licensed counselor helping victims of abuse and trauma at The Samaritan Counseling Center. She is the author of the Love TAPS: Red Flags of An Abuser & How to Get Out.
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Make It Right God’s heart is for renewal and restoration - through Christ, He makes all things new and promises that we, through a relationship with Him, can experience newness of life. He has restored our relationship with Himself and calls us to live out an attitude of restoration, of making things right, all around us. I have come across a couple of inspiring instances of people who have decided to make things right personally and even culturally. First, let’s take the example of an anonymous waitress who is highlighted at ChristianHeadlines. com. The story opens by saying: The owner of a popular Tucson, Ariz., restaurant received a letter last week from a former waitress who was so full of remorse over money stolen 20 years ago that she was paying it back -- with interest added. Included in the envelope was $1,000 in cash. “It definitely restores your faith in humanity,” wrote Ray Flores, the son of the owner, on Facebook. She acquired the extra money by “not ringing up drinks.” The article says that: “She also said she ‘grew up in church’ and ‘knew better,’ but did it anyway.” The article refers to a CBS News story on this restoration effort. The letter with the money inside arrived the same week that Ray’s mother, the owner of the restaurant, had her purse stolen. He is quoted as saying on Facebook, “Thank you to whomever you are for sending us this letter in a week I really needed to see the good in people.” CBS News related that Ray had shared that his mom “came up to River Region’s Journey
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me and said in Spanish, ‘baby Jesus is still around.’” Meanwhile, a department store employee saw a cultural injustice and took steps to make things right. A USA Today article reported recently: Ebony Harris, a cashier at a Walmart store in Burton, Michigan, offered to paint Angela Peters’ nails on her break. A nail salon reportedly turned Peters away because her hands sometimes shake, and “she moves too much,” bystander Tasia Smith shared on Facebook. The story says ABC News reported that Harris had helped Peters, who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, shop before, as well. USA Today quoted Tara Aston, a Walmart spokesperson: “Ebony simply wanted to make sure our customer’s day was special, and that’s the kind of person she is — someone with a wonderful attitude who goes the extra mile each day to make those around her feel important,” Aston said in a statement on behalf of Walmart. “We’re not surprised at her act of kindness.” For her part, Peters said she forgave the people at the nail salon, which is located inside the department store, but would not be visiting there again. Peters told ABC: “I forgive the nail people for not doing my nails,” adding:
“When people do us wrong we must forgive, if not we harbor bitterness. I don’t want anyone fired, I just [want to] educate people that people with different challenges like being in a wheelchair, we can have our own business and get our nails done like anyone else.” These two stories can help us to capture a sense of God’s heart toward restoration. The former waitress was convinced that she should return money that she felt she had stolen from her former employer. The cashier wanted to make things right by providing for a person who had been rejected, apparently because of her disability. Now, I will say that there’s not an especially overt spiritual element here, although the waitress did say she was raised in church. But, there are certainly spiritual principles that we can take away. One is, when we believe we have done wrong, or we see someone else who is wronged, there is an opportunity to exercise God’s love and forgiveness. We can also be challenged to activate our spiritual sensitivity. There may have been an instance in our past when we have done wrong to someone else, as this waitress believed she had, and believers have the opportunity to provide a Christian witness to ask for forgiveness or even repay what has been taken. Or, we may observe a situation, like Ebony Harris did, where someone else is being mistreated - perhaps God has placed us in the position to observe it and wants us to respond. Finally, we can depend on the Lord to fill our hearts with kindness, which is on the list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5. Walking in kindness means we are seeking to exemplify the character and teachings of Christ, which can be expressed in so many ways: perhaps a simple smile, a gentle word, or a selfless act – as He leads, we can be careful to project a stance that is consistent with whom Christ says we are.
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8/19/18 7:11 PM
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by David Mathis, Executive Editor, desiringGod.org
The mercy of God is one of the most precious realities in the world, one of the most revealing themes in all the Bible, and one of the most tragically misunderstood truths about God. If you want to know who God really is, if you want to peek into his heart, it is not the display of his just wrath and cosmic power to which you should look. Rather, set your eye on his mercy, without minimizing the fullness of his might, and take in the life-changing panorama. Many of us today are prone, by nature and nurture, to see God’s mercy as peripheral or incidental to who he is. We suspect that perhaps he shows mercy by accident or weakness. But if we let the Scriptures have their say, we will see that when God shows his mercy, he does so with utter intentionality and strength, and we as his creatures get our deepest glimpse of who he is not just in his sovereignty, but his goodness. Not simply in his greatness, but his gentleness. Not only in his towering might, but also in his surprising tenderness. River Region’s Journey
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God’s mercy not only shows us who he is, but also tells us something essential about ourselves. That we have been shown mercy means not only that we didn’t deserve his favor, but that we deserved his righteous hammer against the anvil of justice. Our cry for mercy admits to our ill-deserving, not just undeserving. By rights, we should be under his impending wrath, like all mankind (Ephesians 2:3) — but for the “the tender mercy of our God” (Luke 1:78). But we are not the first to peer into his heart and catch a glimpse of his fatherly posture toward us. God has made the world to turn again and again on fresh revelations of his mercy.
Moses Saw Mercy In one of the most important passages in all the Bible, after Moses has asked God to show him his glory, God answers, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy” (Exodus 33:19). When asked to show his glory, God puts his goodness in grace and mercy on display — and his utter freedom in showing his mercy to whomever he chooses. Israel
may not be all that more righteous than Pharaoh and the Egyptians, but God’s mercy on Israel is not based on Israel’s efforts and earning. Rather, God, as God, is utterly free to show mercy to whom he will — and he has chosen to be merciful to his people. Just a few verses later, as he passes Moses by, God proclaims, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:6–7)
God is not unjust; by no means will he clear the guilty and sweep sin under the rug. But the leading revelation of his glory is his mercy. The first and greatest truth for his people to know about him is he is “a God merciful and gracious.” His grace and mercy shine as the apex of his glory. He is “slow to anger” — he will show wrath, and justly so. It would be unloving to his people if he did not get angry when they were threatened and assaulted. And yet even in such justice, he
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is slow to anger. Wrath is his righteous response to evil, but it is not his heart. Justice is the stem; mercy is the flower.
David Fell on Mercy Moses’s glimpse of the merciful God rightly became the leading revelation in Israel. It would be remembered, even as his people turned their backs to him, “the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you, if you return to him” (2 Chronicles 30:9). The prophets celebrated him as gracious and merciful, but the Psalms in particular basked in his mercy. It should be no surprise, then, that Israel’s great psalmist-king David would cast himself utterly on the mercy of God. He began his great song of confession, Psalm 51, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1). Later, when David recognized his sin against God by numbering the people, the prophet Gad gave him three options for God’s discipline: “Shall three years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three
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days’ pestilence in your land?” (2 Samuel 24:13). David had glimpsed the heart of God, and he knew where to fall: “Let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man” (2 Samuel 24:14).
In the very time and the very place where God’s people would be most tempted to abandon hope, the prophet points to the mercies of God, never ceasing and new every day.
Jeremiah Wept for Mercy
Then, in the fullness of time, God sent his own Son not simply to dispense his mercy, but to embody it. Jesus is the Mercy of God made human. He didn’t just teach his people to echo God’s mercy in their lives, but he himself was, and is, the mercy of God to us. Fittingly, the most prominent request made of Jesus in the Gospels is, “Have mercy on me”, which is precisely what he did in his perfect life, sacrificial death, and triumphant resurrection — extending God’s mercy not just to Israel, but to all the nations by faith. The apostle Paul, who received his ministry because of God’s mercy, became the instrument of the decisive revelation. What Moses first saw, David fell on, and Jeremiah wept for, Paul saw on the other side of Christ, and he marveled. In all the Bible, Paul gives us the clearest vantage into, as Romans 9:16 says, the God “who has mercy” — literally, the mercy-having God. In other words, God’s mercy expresses his heart, as Paul will show, in a way that the demonstration of his wrath and the display of his power do not. Romans 9:22–23 gives us the deepest glimpse into God’s heart, and what we find at the bottom is mercy. This is perhaps as deep as the Bible goes in explaining to us why God governs his creation as he does. Paul puts it in the form of a question, not because he’s unsure of the truth, but for
In the generations after David, Israel fell into a spiral of moral decline. Eventually came the bleak moment Moses had foreseen as inevitable in the hard and wandering hearts of the people. In 587 BC the Babylonians besieged, conquered, and decimated Jerusalem. It was the most tragic and horrific moment in all the Old Testament. The city was so famished and desperate that women boiled and ate their own babies (Lamentations 4:10). Into these blackest of times, the prophet Jeremiah penned the darkest and most despairing verses in all the Bible: the book of Lamentations. Chapter 3 is the heart of his lament, where the pain is most exposed, and hope seems almost lost. Yet even here, faith shines forth as the prophet gets a glimpse into the heart of God through his mercy. “Remember my affliction and my wanderings, the wormwood and the gall! My soul continually remembers it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’” (Lamentations 3:19–24)
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Paul Marveled at Mercy
rhetorical effect, because it is awesome and sobering to contemplate. “What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, in order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory?”
Make no mistake, God does make known his omnipotence. And he does show his righteous wrath. He is holy. To not demonstrate wrath in a world of sin and rebellion against him would be untrue to himself and unloving to his people. God is phenomenally powerful, beyond our human capacity to comprehend it. And such an almighty God does indeed show wrath at the trampling of his glory and the harming of his people. But wrath is not his heart. Severity in God always serves his heart of mercy — to make known the riches of his glory to his people, who are the vessels of his mercy.
Entrust Yourself to Mercy Our God is not simply sovereign, wonderful as it is to celebrate. And he is not only a God of uncompromising justice, thankful as we are that he is. He is the mercy-having God who invites us to look not only at his awesome authority and sovereign strength, but to set our eyes on his mercy and see into his very heart. Entrust yourself to the God who has mercy. David Mathis (@davidcmathis) is executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Churchin Minneapolis/St. Paul. He is a husband, father of four, and author of Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.
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Speaker l Jennifer Aughtman
October 16, 2018 6:00 - 8:00pm Join us for a time of worship, fellowship, and an encouraging word. Refreshments will be served at 6:00pm and the event begins at 6:30pm. Childcare is available Register online at
sjlife.com/ministries/women 9045 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery, AL 36117 l 334.277.3037 31
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River Region’s Journey
Sex glin 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 John Pearse at 303-243-4308 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. 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: 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. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
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: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. Contact Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@ yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy.
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 information.
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
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.
Divorce
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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 further information. 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: 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.
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.
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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, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. 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: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
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.
Mental Health
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: 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 Pat Cobb at 334-451-0207 for more info. NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support group for individuals with mental illness. Meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Room 3103. Call Pat Cobb at 334-451-0207 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: 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: 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
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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 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: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets
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FATHER CHILD WEEKEND YMCA Camp Chandler
Saturday, October 27- Sunday, October 28 Children 5-13
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A weekend retreat at YMCA Camp Chandler is just one of the many ways to foster strong relationships between parents and children. Over the course of the weekend, Dads and their children will participate in all the traditional camp activities such as Riflery, Archery, Climbing Tower, Canoes, Pedal Boats, and Fishing. Adventure Guides weekend will also include a campfire with s’mores, songs, skits, and all the wonderful camp magic that you would expect!
For more information, contact Anna Beth Harris at aharris@ymcamontgomery.org or visit our webpage, ymcamontgomery.org/camp. River Region’s Journey
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every Sunday afternoon from 3:00-4:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850-529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@gmail.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
September 2018
River Region’s Journey
Are We Spoiling Our Teens? Q. My wife and I are not on the same page when it comes to money and our two teenage daughters. I think they should be learning the value of work and money, but she doesn’t want them to work. She regularly hands them spending money and buys them expensive gifts. I want our girls to have some nice things, but this is starting to cause problems in our relationship. Do you have any advice? A. Kids should learn to work and make
money at an early age. We’ve given nice gifts to our kids, but the difference is they also worked and made money for themselves. The gifts we gave them were for special occasions. Showering our kids with money and expensive toys all the time was not our way of life. In this situation, your wife is allowing them to be nothing but consumers. I know she loves them, but they’re not learning how to work, and they’re not learning how to save or give. This is setting them up for a lifetime of unrealistic expectations. If something doesn’t happen to change things, you’re going to end
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October 2018
up with two spoiled little girls, who think they should be given everything their entire lives. Still, I think the biggest problem is you and your wife are experiencing a communication and marital breakdown. If the kids weren’t in the picture, I’ve got a feeling the same problems would exist. The difference is they would manifest themselves in other ways. Obviously, your wife needs to stop being so impulsive where the kids are concerned. Try sitting down with her, and gently explaining your feelings. Let your wife know you love her and how generous she is, but you’re worried this is having a negative impact on your children. Maybe you could try to establish some guidelines as to when really nice gifts are appropriate, too. There’s a middle ground you can reach, but it’s going to take some time and effort. Most of all, it means the two of you are going to have to communicate and work together for the good of your kids.
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ID Theft Protection Q. Where in the Baby Steps does identity theft protection fall? Should we cover the kids, too, or only the adults in our household? A. Everyone needs identity theft protection.
Unless you’re one of these folks who have gone completely off the grid, someone out there probably has a few of your numbers. Between sloppiness on the part of consumers, and the massive data breaches that have occurred in the last few years, almost everyone has experienced, or will experience, some sort of identity theft. Unfortunately, this is today’s world. I don’t really consider identity theft protection part of the Baby Steps. It’s like life insurance or car insurance, in that it’s something almost everyone needs. Things like that should just be part of your budget every month.
DON’T IGNORE THE WARNING SIGNS!
Dryness of the Mouth
Extreme Thirst
Headaches & Fatigue
Blurred Vision
Frequent Urination
Hunger
alabamapublichealth.gov/diabetes
Join us for these events plus many more! 305 South Perry Street | 334.834.6310
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