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by Lailani Mendoza

Nicole Weider’s beautiful face has always drawn compliments, convincing her mom to sign her up with a modelling agency. The Salem, Ore. native secured her first modelling assignment at age five. “I started to book work pretty quickly,” the 30-year-old Weider tells Living Light News. “When I was 14, I booked a job with the radio station Z100 in Portland,” she recalls. The ad featured her smiling face on a billboard beside a major freeway. “It was so exciting and I wanted more. I wanted to see if I can make it in the big time.” At 16, Weider decided to take the leap. She convinced her family to move to Los Angeles and pursued modelling as a fulltime career. While she achieved some success modelling for companies like True Religion Jeans, Ray Ban, Guess and Nike, Hollywood was a much bigger pond than she expected and the aspiring model quickly began to feel like prey. “It’s much more competitive and much more cutthroat here in California,” the former Elite Model says. “It was just brutal.” Weider focused on lingerie and swimwear jobs thinking it was the path to success. “My agent was the one who pointed out to me very matter-of-factly that I was too curvy to ever do fashion, and that my only ticket would be to model for swimwear and lingerie.” Her hard work started to pay off when she landed two prestigious jobs: as a body double for a Victoria’s Secret commercial and a photo shoot for Maxim magazine. The Victoria’s Secret commercial was a dream come true for the then-21-year-old Weider, who idolized the Victoria’s Secret Angels growing up. It was also a huge eye opener. Weider realized that even supermodels like Gisele Bündchen needed to use hair extensions and be extensively Photoshopped to achieve the look people see in ads. “If they do this to Gisele, what hope is there for

the rest of us?” she told Girltalk HQ. As a Top 10 finalist for Maxim’s ‘Hometown Hotties,’ Weider secured a shoot for the men’s magazine. She remembers feeling extremely uncomfortable as the photographer pushed her to pose seductively at the shoot. “[The photos were] so explicit. It’s something that you think you would want to be proud of – and I worked so hard to do it – and I wasn’t even proud of it.” Weider’s disillusionment with the industry grew as she witnessed other models suffer from eating disorders

photo courtesy Nicole Weider

Publisher: Living Light Ministries Editor: Lailani Mendoza IT Manager: Kevin Schulthies Advertising Sales: Jeff Caporale Layout/Design: Inspired Creativity Layout/Design: Christian Kanku Layout/Design: Norma Mettry Layout/Design: Genevieve Ongaro Layout/Design: Bailey Acres Layout/Design: Marina Eastwood Office Volunteer: Carlo van Berkel Office Volunteer: Liliane Agatsing Office Volunteer: Lindsey Peng Office Volunteer: Brandy Burden Offive Volunteer: Ahsan Kahn Accounting Volunteer: Javhaa Chukheeg Accounting Volunteer: Ellie Zhang Accounting Volunteer: Aileen Magrimbao Design Volunteer: Tim Richer Website Volunteer: Sharon Benke Website Volunteer: Kathleen Finlan Website Volunteer: Jessh Macwan Website Volunteer: Yongmei Niu Website Volunteer: Naveena Sakamuri Website Volunteer: Ann Kochu IT Volunteer: David Baudais Journalist Volunteer: Bona Zhang Photography Volunteer: Noel Granado

Maxim Model Undergoes Major Makeover

Nicole Weider

I had a renewed sense of hope and a renewed sense of self.

in love with God,” she says. “I said, ‘God if You’re real would You please come into my heart? Would You please transform me? “And He really did. Once I gave my life to Jesus, I had a renewed sense of hope and a renewed sense of self.” In 2010, Weider started Project Inspired, an online resource for teen girls. “I started it because I wanted to share with people how God transformed me,” explains Weider, who lives in Los Angeles with her husband Eric and son Elijah. Project Inspired is now one of the largest online communities for Christian teen girls. She recently wrote a book, also called Project Inspired, to address many of the questions she receives from teens. “I’m so excited because this book covers all the issues teenage girls face in today’s world, but also focuses on the central message, which is that God loves us and we need Him.” Now, Weider still does photo shoots from time to time – but on her own terms. She still loves getting glammed up (“Because there’s nothing wrong with getting dressed up and having fun!”), but uses her fashion sense to encourage teens to look their best while staying modest. Looking back, Weider believes this is the purpose to her past. “God had to remove that false sense of identity and what the world wanted me to be – and what I thought I wanted to be. “He said, ‘I want you to be a woman of God. Your identity is in Me, Nicole, not in what the world wants You to be.’ ” To find out more about Project Inspired, visit projectinspired.com.

and a fragile self-esteem. “I thought, this industry is not healthy for women. It’s not what I want to be doing.” This realization left Weider with an identity crisis. “I was stuck at a crossroads. I thought, ‘What am I supposed to do now when so much of my identity and life goal was to make it as a model?’ “With no college degree and no alternate plan for my life, I knew I had made a huge mistake. I didn’t know where to go.” The 23-year-old plunged into depression, and isolated herself for months. She looked for hope through self-help books, to no avail. At just the right time, her best friend Christina, a devout Christian, gave her some much-needed encouragement. “She came over to my house all the time, prayed for me, and told me God had a purpose through all of this,” she shares. “I’m so thankful for her because she stood by me through this terrible time. She was really a lifesaver for me.” At Christina’s invitation, Weider attended a women’s conference where she heard Sheri Rose Shepherd speak. Something about her drew Weider in. Shepherd struggled with depression and body image issues like Weider did, but the former Mrs. USA found hope when she surrendered her life to Jesus Christ. Weider knew she wanted what Shepherd had. “I started reading the Bible all the time and I fell

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

Newsbriefs What Saved Smokey’s Soul EDMONTON, AB – Smokey Robinson’s velvety voice will fill the River Cree Entertainment Centre in Edmonton as the Motown icon, who sang and penned hits like “The Tears of a Clown” and “Cruisin’,” performs Jan. 16. The former Miracles lead singer also wrote songs for fellow Motown artists that went on to become smash hits like “My Girl” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do.” While Robinson enjoyed numerous accolades, including being inducted into the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame, he had his own quiet storm – battling cocaine addiction. A

Christian friend helped him get back on track, praying for Robinson and taking him to church where he experienced God’s divine intervention that ended his addiction. Robinson said, “I walked in that church an addict, and I came out free,” he told The Telegraph. On Guideposts, he revealed, “I was actually healed. I was healed by God.” Robinson said he hasn’t touched cocaine since and has spoken about his experience at rehabs, schools and churches. He considers his musical talent a gift from God, and continues to share it with the world. Tickets start at $69.50 plus service fees at rivercreetickets.com.

‘The Voice’ Champ Sings Heart Out HARLAN COUNTY, KY – Before winning the top spot in Season 9 of The Voice, Jordan Smith said he was “just a kid in Harlan, Ky. trying to make money for college.” Not anymore. The 21-year-old’s riveting delivery of Queen’s “Somebody To Love” silenced doubts in everyone’s minds – including his own – that Smith could win the competition. On iTunes, the single was so popular it bumped Adele’s five-week reigning single “Hello” off No. 1. A self-described “follower of Christ,” Smith started singing in church and sang several Christian-themed songs in the competition. His renditions of piano-backed

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and guitar-driven “Mary Did You Know?” also climbed the charts. It’s only natural that upon winning The Voice, an elated Smith would thank God publicly on Facebook. “I cannot accurately express in words just how I’m feeling today. The only thing I can say is that God is good. Last night I proved to myself and the world that what’s on the outside isn’t important. Instead, it’s what’s in your heart that matters. Music is in my heart. Love is in my heart. Dreams are in my heart. And those things reach far beyond what our society tells us should matter.” Smith plans to start recording this year.

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More Than Skin Deep NEW ORLEANS, LA – A year after his viral Facebook post on the Ferguson ruling, New Orleans Saints’ tight end Benjamin Watson launched a book to expand on his thoughts that resonated with many. After months of offseason collaboration with writer Ken Petersen, Watson launched his “part manifesto, part memoir” book Under Our Skin, which gives readers a peek at the NFL player’s past experiences and what brought about his epiphany. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the 35-year-old explained that he hopes the book would prompt people to “have honest conversations and ask questions and confess and forgive and repent.” He acknowledges that although “we have come so far” in the racial divide, there’s still much to be done, and

writing the book was his way of initiating conversation. Watson encourages people to find a person’s worth beneath what’s on the surface. “Under my skin, I’m a Christian, I’m a father, I’m a husband. That’s who I am … When we understand our worth, we also understand that other people have worth not just based on their talents as well.” In his original post, Watson says he remains encouraged because God has provided a solution to the problem – a transformation of the heart and mind through Jesus Christ. “We live in a fallen world and we all have our specific prejudices and biases and assumptions,” says Watson. “It is through Him we get a changed heart and through that changed heart we can love each other as He would have us to.”

MADISON, TN – A woman was in for the surprise of her life when smoke started billowing out of her car at a Chik-fil-A drive-through. Morgan Carter pulled out of the drive-through and parked her car, when it suddenly caught fire. Restaurant owner Todd Hunley rushed to put the fire out while his friend Kevin Cook, a local pastor, prayed with Carter to comfort her about losing the only car her family had. The two quickly figured out a plan on how they could help the mother of two. A friend of Hunley’s had a used van for sale, and coincidentally their church has funds for people in need. With the church board’s

permission, the two of them purchased the van for Carter. “I was hysterical,” said Carter, who told media about the generous gift. “I was crying and I was happy at the same time ... for it to just end so wonderful is just amazing.” Hunley, who donated some money to Carter and also took care of the towing, says it’s the “DNA of Christ” that led them to act generously. “It’s hard for us as human beings to look out for other people’s needs,” he told CBN, “but that is what the cool part about Jesus being in our lives is, that He changes [our old self] and gives us those opportunities to reach out to people, whether we know them or not.”

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

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has been invaluable. â&#x20AC;&#x153;[It] has provided me with an excellent opportunity to connect and share ideas with other moms ... a beautiful way to meet women of all ages, and get to know them better over coffee and more intimately in our book studies.â&#x20AC;? Boyko adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The books we study allow us to learn more about Christianity, the teachings of Jesus, and how to apply it in our own lives. My boys participate in the childcare program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; [it] runs at the same time, is staffed by friendly volunteers, and always includes physical activity, crafts, snacks and story time.â&#x20AC;? The group has grown from around 40 in 2008 to approximately 125 regular attendees this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for ladies to have another outlet of connection thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith-based,â&#x20AC;? affirms Pastor Marlies Cornock, who oversees the churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small groups and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ministries. Women of all ages are invited to check out Time for Ladies. Participants can browse through book titles to choose a discussion group. Topics include parenting, Bible studies, and a variety of practical living ideas. A $15 registration fee covers the cost of beverages and any special activities until the program wraps up in April. Book costs (if any) are varied. Each week, participants meet for coffee, tea and shared breakfast items. At 9:30 a.m., the group breaks off into chosen studies. Childcare through age five is available for $25/child per semester.

Pastor Marlies Cornock and Erin Tiedemann invite women to attend Time for Ladies at Mill Woods Assembly.

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Ah, January. Cold. Snow. The sound of children with cabin fever. The post-holiday, winter blahs. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a gal to do for some adult conversation? Head to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Time For Ladiesâ&#x20AC;? at Mill Woods Assembly for fellowship, personal growth and a much-needed weekly break. Erin Tiedemann and her husband moved to Edmonton in 2007. With a nine-monthold and no contacts in the area, the first year was lonely and difficult. After visiting Mill Woods one Sunday, Tiedemann, expecting again, considered trying the womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know anybody, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m a shy person,â&#x20AC;? she explains. But she went anyway â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and met two other expectant mothers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We all ended up in the hospital together,â&#x20AC;? Tiedemann laughs. But the ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; group did more than introduce her to other moms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never felt a sense of belonging like [this] ... it helped me through a difficult time of transition in my life.â&#x20AC;? She was even more touched when the group brought food after the birth. â&#x20AC;&#x153;These women didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know me and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re putting together meals for me.â&#x20AC;? Tiedemann realized their actions were an outpouring of their faith in Jesus Christ. She and her husband had recently become Christians before the move, and Erin felt this new fellowship was a divine provision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were new believers ... I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t grow up going to church. My faith has definitely grown stronger since then.â&#x20AC;? Nancy Boyko, a stay-at-home mother of two small children, also feels the program

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of people that are new ... and Inspired by the love I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want them getting missed or falling the women have shown through the cracks.â&#x20AC;? her, Tiedemann now Tiedemann hopes women will give Time serves others through for Ladies a shot and overcome their fear of We Care Ministry. In this trying something new. offshoot ministry, Tiedemann chooses an â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would just organization encourage [you] to and arranges come,â&#x20AC;? she states. opportunities â&#x20AC;&#x153;I never felt a sense â&#x20AC;&#x153;You do have to put for women to yourself out there in a serve, donate of belonging like this.â&#x20AC;? way and take the risk. items or simply But we keep our eyes pray for the open for new faces organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and make them feel welcome.â&#x20AC;? needs. Families experiencing difficulties or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes,â&#x20AC;? she adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;you only need to transition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as the birth of a baby â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are meet that one person.â&#x20AC;? also assisted. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt we needed to do more outside the Mill Woods Assembly is located at 2225-66 walls of the church,â&#x20AC;? she explains. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wanted St. NW, Edmonton. Call 780.462.1515 for more to make sure other people received that information. care.

Living Light News - January/February 2016

ving theirNeighbour!

food. Their first dinner was held in September 2014. Through preparing and sharing a When we think of neighbours, meal together, the goal is to foster many images may come to mind. relationships and build on the belief The nice guy we wave to as he that every person has something to mows his lawn. The elderly lady contribute. we check in on every now and “Everyone has something to offer then. The house on the corner that in this community, so why have leaves their Christmas lights up one group service another?” says year-round. Knutson. “Have volunteers and The Neighbour Centre is trying those who would to transform how we define “The story of the Good come to eat get in “neighbours,” kitchen and Samaritan challenges the and how we cook together, our whole idea of who and sit down and interact with them. our neighbours are.” enjoy the food as An a community.” outgrowth of the Alliance Church Organizers were amazed to see in the Old Strathcona area of how much people loved the concept. Edmonton, the Neighbour Centre Homeless folks who hadn’t been in a first opened in 2012 as a traditional kitchen for years were now chopping soup kitchen to serve the poor vegetables and are helping cook up a and homeless populations. Once a feast rather than standing in line for week, volunteers would come in, a free meal. cook the meal and serve it to those For volunteers, it has challenged who showed up. But after a while, their idea of charity – is it about the leadership began to ask if there making you feel better for doing a wasn’t perhaps a better way. “good deed,” or a way to meet your “As we talked to people, we found neighbours and get to know them on that at the heart of the program a personal level? was a sense of community,” says Week after week the community Executive Director Kris Knutson. has grown, offering people a place “We were meeting a physical like home – where they belong and need, but what about the social are valued. Even those in need have and emotional needs of the something to contribute and give, not neighbourhood?” just take. Spearheaded by Program Manager Knutson, who is also a chaplain at Paula Cornell, the idea for the the Alliance Church, did not take the Dinner Club was born. Instead of traditional road to ministry. “I did relying solely on well-intentioned the whole altar call thing at a Billy volunteers, the Club would recruit Graham Crusade when I was 12,” those coming for the meals to help he says. “Then I promptly decided I in the preparation and serving of the preferred drugs and spent 15 years

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

Healthy Living

Jumpstart your Health

Making healthy lifestyle changes isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either ...

• What is my goal? by Cindy Maynard PhD RD I was having a discussion with a dietitian colleague the other day when she asked me, “How do you motivate people?” It was an interesting question since I’ve devoted my entire career motivating people towards better health. But dietitians and healthcare professionals are simply behavioural change agents. We can’t make the change for the client. So, how do people motivate themselves towards making lifestyle changes? Is there some special formula or is it more of a step-by-step process? Health involves more than not feeling ill or not having a disease. Think of health as being in a state of balance — in body, mind, and spirit. Therefore, making health and lifestyle changes could mean focusing on better mental or emotional health, improving social or environmental factors, changing diet and exercise, or even self-care. Making healthy lifestyle changes isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible either. You will reach your goal faster by making a plan that is specific, realistic and practical. Start small. Before you start, ask yourself these important questions and write your answers down before embarking on your plan.

• Why did I choose this goal? What are the benefits to me? • What change(s) will help me reach my goal? • How important (on a scale from 1-10, with 10 being most important) is it for me to reach my goal? • What part will be hard for me and how can I work around this? What are my barriers to success? • How ready am I to make this change (on a scale from 1-10)? If your answer is 5 or less, chances are you won’t be successful and may need to choose another lifestyle change. Source: American Diabetes Association (diabetes.org)

Over the years of counselling clients, I’ve learned some important steps that can help facilitate the process as you put your New Year’s resolutions into place. 1. Take the ABIHM Holistic Health Questionnaire (https://www.mmicgroup.com/assets/pdf/ABIHM%20 Holistic%20Health%20and%20Wellness%20 Questionnaire.pdf). This questionnaire is a tool that can help make your commitment to health stronger. You can quickly see where your strengths and weaknesses lie, and then make a

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decision to focus on those areas you want to change. 2. Start out by choosing one area you would like to change. For example, it could be to start a walking program or a stress management program. Or it could be to limit fast foods to twice a week instead of five times a week. 3. Commit. Make the plan of action you’ve chosen non-negotiable. This may require re-arranging your schedule. For example, if you want to start a walking program, perhaps you need to set the alarm 20 minutes earlier. Leaving sugar out of the diet may mean simply to not have it in the house. Perhaps you want to include more fresh fruits or vegetables in your diet. Having a blender on hand to make smoothies or drinking a vegetable juice daily may be one easy fix. You get the idea. Planning ahead helps you to be successful. 4. Be a mentor to your family. There is no greater motivator than realizing that the behaviour you model to your family or kids is infectious. If they

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5. Be accountable. For example, tell someone what you are doing. Keep a record or journal of your progress. Recruit a buddy to help you. Accountability helps you reach your goal through purposeful, sustainable action. Don’t forget to reward yourself for being successful. Cindy Maynard, PhD, RD, is a health psychologist, a registered dietitian, and a nationally published health and fitness writer. She is passionate about promoting health and wellness. Visit her website at www.drcindymaynard.net.

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

Sports

defending

Former NHLer Noah Welch is making a positive impact in Sweden on and off the ice by Crystal Kupper

photo by Håkan Nordström, courtesy MODO Hockey

Captain of the Harvard hockey team. On his way to a professional hockey career. Ivy League-educated, handsome and well-traveled. One would think Noah Welch had everything; he pretty much did. “The me in college was just so proud of myself,” the 33-yearold tells Living Light News. “Looking back it’s just gross, just disgusting. Everyone told me I was great – I thought so, too.” Why wouldn’t he? An All-American captain of the Harvard Crimson squad, Welch, a Brighton, Mass. native, was chosen 54th overall in the 2001 NHL draft. At 6-4 and 215 pounds, the defenseman debuted with the Pittsburgh Penguins before making stops with the Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Atlanta Thrashers and three AHL squads. Today, he defends the Olympic-sized ice for MODO Hockey in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). With money in the bank, a Harvard degree in government in hand, and a job he loved that showcased his gap control and on-ice leadership skills, what could the left shooting D-man possibly be missing? Simple: a relationship with Christ. But if you had told that to Welch back in college, he would have laughed – really hard. “I thought I knew what was best for my life,” he shares in Play to Win.

the Faith

“I followed the world’s advice: success brings joy and happiness. Looking back, I was so lost. I was on a road that led to destruction.” “There’s a story of Jesus healing the blind man,” he says. “Although I could see physically, I was spiritually blind. I was definitely not looking at myself for what I was. He’s opened my eyes to His truth.” Welch’s eye-opening experience came at age 25 with the Panthers. Raised in a non-Christian home, Welch was healing from a shoulder injury and didn’t think much of his friend’s invitation to church. When the pastor spoke about sin and repentance and how much Jesus loves each of us, however, he realized his soul needed healing, too. That was in 2008, when hockey dominated his world. “There’s truth in the Word,” Welch says. “Jesus completely changed [the] worldview that I had before, and He softened my heart to believe.” “Despite some worldly success, by God’s grace I realized I was sick. I suffered from a disease that all men and women have called sin. Because of our sin we all deserve God’s wrath and judgment. However, by God’s grace, those who believe Jesus died for their sins and on the third day rose from the dead receive mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, and salvation. This is the greatest news in the history of mankind.” Welch eventually married Alissa Postma, a Red Deer, Alta. native and sister of Winnipeg Jets defenseman Paul Postma, also a committed Christian. Now, his relationship with God, his wife of five years and his 16-month-old son Wesley dominate his world. “We take some

Defenseman Noah Welch, the Swedish Hockey League’s 2015 Playoff MVP, was chosen captain of MODO Hockey Club.

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time every day and read the Word,” he says. “And we try to listen to a solid sermon every week.” Those sermons often arrive online since moving to Sweden, since Welch doesn’t speak Swedish. Still, he credits the leap to Europe – a far cry from Red Deer, where they live in the off-season – for reviving his “love of the game.” “I just wasn’t enjoying hockey, and I wanted a change,” he says. “An AHL teammate signed with a Swedish team, and he mentioned that they were looking for defensemen. My agents called, and I ended up signing.” First, he played for the HV71, scoring 10 points in 51 games, then switched to the Växjö Lakers for three seasons, winning the League Championship and the Playoff MVP nod. Welch is now the captain for MODO, a typically-dominant team unexpectedly next-to-last in current standings after winning the league championship just a year ago.

“I thought I knew what was best for my life.” “It’s kind of nice in a way,” Welch admits. “It’s a tough spot to be in this league, but it’s a cool process. We’re rebuilding, hiring new coaches, new guys. I think we’re moving in the right direction.” Passionate MODO followers will like that. The 3,000 to 5,000 fans who regularly fill the arena in Örnsköldsvik, where Welch also lives, create a “soccer atmosphere.” “Three thousand SHL fans sound like 20,000 fans in Toronto,” he says. “They chant, bang drums – there’s one section with no seats, just cement, and fans stand up the whole time.” Former NHL players like Pat Dwyer, Maxim Lapierre, Joel Kwiatkowski, Kyle Wilson, Bill Thomas and Bobby Butler join him on the MODO roster. Welch hopes that eventually they and other SHL teammates will also join him in seeking God; he has already seen two Växjö teammates and one of their wives give their hearts to Jesus at the informal Bible study he often hosts. “It’s pretty amazing to witness Him at work like that,” Welch says. “He used us ultimately in that process. I believe that’s one of the reasons why we’re in Sweden.” Another reason: his sister-in-law Sharlene met her husband, SHL player Rhett Rakhshani, through Welch. Welch is actively involved with Hockey Ministries International and is taking seminary courses to increase his Bible knowledge. Because, “at the end of the day, I’m a hockey player, and it’s a job,” he says. “I believe God sovereignly allowed a door to open up for me to provide for my family, and to share what He’s done in my life.” “There’s hockey, but then there’s trusting what the Lord is doing.” “I love the game but it no longer defines who I am … My new identity is found in Christ. Knowing that my sins of the past, present, and future have been forgiven on the cross with Jesus brings true eternal joy and peace.”

Living Light News - January/February 2016

LESSONS from VOLKSWAGEN’S DECEPTION A

s the popular adage goes, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Over the years, the automotive giant Volkswagen has gained a huge devoted following by touting vehicles with good fuel economy and low emissions on top of outstanding performance. Unfortunately, as Volkswagen’s emissions scandal continues to unfold, consumers learned it was all a huge deception. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discovered a “defeat device” in some of Volkswagen’s diesel-engine models – software that modifies emissions to comply with requirements when testing is detected. On real road conditions when the software is not activated, their vehicles emitted nitrogen oxide up to nine times the agency’s standard. The automotive group admitted as many as 11 million vehicles worldwide, including almost 500,000 in the US, were outfitted with this device, not to mention Audi and Porsche models that were also programmed with the software. It’s easy for people to get consumed by the desire to succeed, bring in more revenue, and prevail over the competition. As a result, integrity and honesty can be put on the backburner. Following a 30 per cent drop in sales, the German automaker is scrambling to rectify the situation. To sound less pretentious, the company recently dropped the slogan “Das Auto” and has adopted a contrite tone. Volkswagen

America CEO Michael Horn famously said, “We’ve totally screwed up.” Considering people’s flawed condition – the Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of God’s standards (Romans 3:23) – it’s not really surprising something like this would happen. Whether we realize it or not, just like VW we all have “screwed up.” Maybe not to the same magnitude, but everyone has done something that goes against what they know is right – we’ve all lied, cheated, or deceived others at some point in our lives. There are dire consequences for the company, for sure, and the end of this scandal is not yet in sight. But unlike Volkswagen, the consequence of not being right with God is much worse than losing a job, your reputation, or billions of dollars in revenues. The Bible says “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Truth be told, there’s no way any of us can pay the penalty. Thankfully, someone else

Dear God, I realize that I have sinned against You and I want to change. I humbly ask for Your forgiveness. Thank You for making a way for my sins to be forgiven through Jesus’ death on the cross. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and from this day forward, I want to make Him the Lord of my life. Please help me to walk in Your ways and to grow in Your truth.

has paid the price. Someone who never sinned, and more importantly, has the power to conquer death. His name is Jesus.

GoodNews!

The Bible tells us that God’s only Son Jesus Christ came to earth to rescue us from our terrible predicament and died on the cross on our behalf. His precious blood was the payment that took care of every sin we’ve committed: every lie we’ve uttered, every manipulative plan we’ve concocted, and every deceptive thing we’ve done. This all-powerful God rose again on the third day and overcame death. This is called the Good News because through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God provided us with a way that leads to forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. Salvation is a gift (Romans 6:23b), however, that remains one until it’s accepted. So how does one receive this gift? It’s received by faith, not earned but freely and graciously offered by God. “People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed His life, shedding His blood” (Romans 3:25). The emissions deception could cost Volkswagen $18 billion; thankfully, we don’t have to pay that much to rectify our fallen state. Because of God’s great love for us, what has cost Him everything is offered to us freely. Would you like to accept His free gift? If so, pray this prayer from your heart.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

Sights&Sounds

The Underdog Lands on by Lyneta Smith

After 15 years, Aaron Watson finally found overnight success. The Underdog, Watson’s 12th album, debuted last February as the No. 1 record on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. As the first independent artist ever to have achieved top ratings, Watson travelled an unconventional path to fame. He doesn’t credit his own efforts, though. “If Jesus can walk on water, then makin’ our record number one is just a walk in the park,” he says. “Having a chart-topping record in a way that’s never been done before really gave me an opportunity to give God all the glory.” Having a successful musical career gives the native Texan a platform to spark the light of Jesus Christ in dark places. Instead of avoiding honky-tonks and bars, Watson views them as a mission field. “I’ve been in the roughest place you could imagine, rowdiness going on, things bein’ said, and I stand my ground and say what needs to be said. Because you know what? Who’s more mighty than God? No one.” The singer/songwriter didn’t always dream of performing as a country music artist. In fact, he grew up singing in an Abilene church and lived in a home where his parents modelled their relationship with Jesus Christ,

photo courtesy Shore Fire Media

Top

“I stay focused on my faith, my family, and my fans.”

especially through difficult times. “[My parents’] faith was the one constant that always helped us put one foot in front of the other.” He credits his upbringing for helping him become the artist he is today. For the husband and father of four, singing and writing songs isn’t merely for entertainment. Music helped heal his broken heart after his infant daughter, Julia Grace, passed away four years ago. After praying for God’s help to start writing again, he penned “July in Cheyenne” for his album, Real Good Time, about the late bull rider Lane Frost. “The big picture is that because Jesus died for me, I have the opportunity to see my baby girl again in heaven, and I felt that burden lifted off my heart. As a way of saying thank you, I wrote that song for Lane’s mom.” His latest album, The Underdog, features “Bluebonnets,” a tribute to Julia Grace, who died from a chromosomal disorder. “It’s been heartbreaking. Every day, we just can’t help but think, ‘I wonder what she’d be doing today. I wonder what she’d look like.’ ” Though tragic, the loss opened an opportunity for him to offer his fans comfort. People who’ve lost their own children write to him every day. “I think one reason why my music has been so appealing to others is because we’re

very real, and life is tough. Jesus didn’t come to this world because things were great. He came here because the world is full of sorrow, because the world is lost without Jesus. We have to remind ourselves that our lives on this earth end in death. That’s a tough pill to swallow. “Rather than focus on my personal performance, I ask God to give me the energy and charisma to play a great show so I can let my light shine up there onstage and have a positive influence on someone out in the crowd that’s going through a tough time.” Once Watson finishes a show, he takes time to visit with his fans. He knows firsthand the importance of connecting with them — even on social media. A fan, on the verge of committing suicide, saw a picture that Watson posted of his kids with a Bible verse. “It made him realize ending his life wasn’t what he wanted to do. That’s just the power of the word of God.” As an independent artist in mainstream country music, Watson doesn’t even miss the accolades that come with a big Nashville label. “I’ve never won any awards, but you know there aren’t any awards on this earth that can compare to what it feels like to have someone tell you that a song you wrote got them to know Jesus. That’s my award.” Despite his success, the family man keeps

his career in perspective with a simple business model. “I stay focused on my faith, my family, and my fans. With every decision I make, I think, ‘Does this give God the glory? Am I staying true to my faith? Am I staying true to my family? Am I staying true to my fans?’ If I can answer ‘yes’ to those three questions, it’s easy enough for me to make a decision.” Working without a big record label gives Watson the freedom to make his own decisions about which songs to cut, what to wear, and where to tour. Watson’s appeal spans across the ocean to Europe. He will begin his sixth European tour in January. He credits his western lifestyle — horses, cowboy hat, boots, and big belt buckles — for his fans’ fascination with his music. “They love Texas. They’re infatuated with the West and cowboys.” Wherever he goes, he plans to keep sharing the love of Jesus with anyone who’ll listen. “There’s a whole lot of mission work to be done here. I love the fact that I have the opportunity to get onstage with my guitar and my band in some very rough honkytonks and bars and tell people about Jesus.” Connect with Aaron Watson on Facebook, Instagram (@AaronWatsonMusic), and Twitter (@aaron_watson).

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Living Light News - January/February 2016 BENJAH Motives benjahmusic.com Review by Josh McConnell Corporate jobs aren’t the only ones with a career path. Music creators can slowly work toward a record contract of their own. That’s what happened to Benjah who started as a studio engineer, moved up to producer (Group 1 Crew) and now is an awardwinning artist in Capitol Records’ CMG roster. Motives is Benjah’s third album with Capitol, following his successful sophomore disc that reached No. 43 on Billboard’s Heatseekers. Benjah taps into current hip-hop trends, merging a hefty dose of singing (in this case, autotuned) with rapping. The music is then richly layered with electronic beats and sonic hooks (“We Will Rise”). “Come Up” feels very Drake inspired, with the feel of a more tender intro track. “Doin’ Life” and “On My Momma” are examples of Benjah’s reggae influences that sounds similar to Wiz Khalifa. Tempered with some pop, Benjah’s songs aren’t in-yourface like some hip-hop artists. It’s also an excellent alternative for those looking for more wholesome lyrics. Benjah offers a refreshing sound in Christian hip-hop and is a contender for upcoming artists in the same genre. ANDREW PETERSON The Burning Edge of Dawn andrew-peterson.com Review by Lindsay Williams Storytelling is Andrew Peterson’s domain, and The Burning Edge of Dawn – his follow-up to 2012’s criticallyacclaimed Light for the Lost Boy – unravels one tale after another probing faith, family and theology with a rare perceptive sensitivity. Rather than coming armed with a wealth of new songs, the beloved lyricist wrote most tracks during pre-production. Produced by multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Gabe Scott, the album came to life almost in real time. Peterson’s weariness is evident from the album’s first heavy line. Yet, unconditional love is the common thread that keeps hope burning. “The Rain Keeps Falling” forms the centerpiece for Dawn with a combination of strings and piano that expertly emulate a steady

JukeBox drizzle and a soft vocal from Ellie Holcomb that breaks through like a sunrise after a long night. Caleb Chapman (Colony House) also lends background vocals on several cuts. Additional standout “Be Kind To Yourself” reads like a letter – one Peterson penned for his daughter navigating her way through teenage emotions. More sage than singer, the discerning father is a modern-day C.S. Lewis, and Dawn simply reaffirms why Peterson resides in a rare league all his own. SARA GROVES Floodplain saragroves.com Review by Lindsay Williams Sara Groves wasn’t sure if she’d ever record another album. The singer has battled severe anxiety after experiencing a panic attack on stage. But when gifted some studio time in California, Groves hesitantly began writing and recording music with longtime friends. Void of rules and deadlines, she felt the freedom to colour outside standard musical lines, and Floodplain emerged. Sonically, the album’s ethereal landscapes give way to folkier tempos all woven together by Groves resplendent pen. “Expedition” navigates its way through piano-based pop, while the title track tackles coming to terms with depression, with Groves stating, “Some hearts are built on a floodplain.” Elsewhere, “I Feel the Love Between Us” honours her relationship with husband Troy, and “Signal” reflects on how quickly her three children are growing up. “My Dream” recalls the story of the Prodigal Son with equal parts grace and truth. While Groves was concerned the album would be rife with the heaviness that seemed to smother her at one time, Floodplain is anything but morose. It’s more thoughtful than melancholy and far more hopeful than even Groves may realize. By laying herself open, she challenges listeners to probe the depths of the soul with the help of a loving Father. NATALIE GRANT Be One nataliegrant.com Review by Lindsay Williams Natalie Grant’s most powerful weapon in her arsenal is her voice. Unfortunately, the songs handpicked for Be One, Grant’s latest, simply don’t do it justice. Although the album’s 11 tracks keep her

vocals subtly restrained, the singer’s immense growth as a songwriter is noticeably on display. Helmed by her award-winning producer/husband Bernie Herms, Be One oscillates from ’80s synth to acoustic pop with special appearances by Grant’s daughters on her cover of Bethel Music’s “Ever Be” and her brother, Steve, on a soulful rendition of “Nothing But The Blood.” The title track along with swaying “King of the World” especially reveal Grant’s evolution from powerhouse vocalist to competitive songwriter in her own right. Gospel-tinged “More Than Anything” stands as a shining example of her ability to craft a carefully-penned lyric. And then, midway through the set, there’s “Clean” – a stunning reminder that “there’s nothing too dirty that You can’t make worthy.” Her delivery, her lyrics and her message are spot on. Grant’s been quoted as saying she hopes this is the song she’s remembered for. This cut alone is reason enough to give Be One your time and attention. PHILLIP LARUE You facebook.com/philliplarue Review by Josh McConnell Those who have been following Christian music for the past 15 years will remember a brother-sister duo called LaRue. Debuting on the scene in 2000, they called it quits after just three albums to focus on family. Now signed with Sony’s Razor & Tie, Phillip LaRue has released his major label debut after a solo indie release on BEC Recordings. Titled You, the album sees Phillip forgo the pop tendencies of his past music and focus on singersongwriter material. It is tender, often driven by the acoustic guitar and complimented by the higher nature of his vocals. Songs such as “You,” “When I See You” and “On The Other Side” feel atmospheric thanks to keyboards, while “I’ll Be Your Home,” “Sweet Love” and “You Got A Hold” show off a folky, southern influence. But at the heart of the album is emotion. Lyrically, “When I See You” is about his sister Brianna (who has cerebral palsy), “Dianne” is about his grandmother and “Memories” his wife Lia, to name a few. The emotions are incredibly palpable in Phillip’s vocals. With a sound that blurs a few genres, sounding like a mix of The Civil Wars and Jars of Clay, Phillip Larue’s You is a must buy.

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

GoingPlaces

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by Sarah Chestnutt Christmas is over, but there’s still so much winter left! Why not swap snowboots for sunscreen and leave the cold behind? Grab the suitcases, passports, kids, maybe even Grandma, and head to the airport with the tropics in your sights. What better place than Puerto Vallarta? Whether you’re strolling down a beach, exploring the city, or going into the area beyond, you’ll find the perfect vacation for you and your crew. Whether you’re in an all-inclusive with a Kids’ Club or making your own way in a budget hotel, such as Hotel Posada de Roger (great location) or Playa Fiesta Beach Club & Hotel (great for families), beaches, seafood, and more await. If your family gets their thrills through adventure, you’re in the right place. Take to the skies with an ecological rollercoaster ride packed with two thrilling waterslides and ziplines almost 1,000 feet long and 250 feet high. Of course, with all that water just waiting for you, aquatic adventure is a no-brainer. Fly above the surface like a superhero when you Flyboard or get a glimpse of what lies beneath with a whale watching tour – you’re in peak season. You won’t want to miss the world-class Vallarta Adventures. Overlooking the Nuevo

Vallarta marina, it has the most interactive programs out there to get “nose to whisker” with a sea lion or glide through the water with a dolphin for an experience you’ll never forget. Offshore, inside Banderas Bay, are the small, volcanic islands known as Marietas Islands. This group of islands, made famous by Jacques Cousteau, are perfect for kayaking and snorkeling on your own or with a tour (booked easily online or at most hotels). Whether you’re above or below the water’s surface, the sights will take your breath away – just don’t gasp if your head’s below water! If you’re adventure style is a little more low-key than skydiving lessons or jet skiing, don’t worry. Puerto Vallarta is also a golflover’s paradise. Take a swing or two at one of the spectacular and challenging courses. Los Arcos Marine Park is south of the city and a definite must-see. The small granite islands protruding from the crystal water will inspire you to explore. These archshaped rock formations shaped through time by nature are great places to snorkel and swim through – even scuba dive. Also south of the city is Vallarta Botanical Garden. This cool oasis overflows with native plants and flowers, including orchid and vanilla conservatories, rose gardens, and a tropical fruit orchard, making it a great place for a picnic.

IFyou go: Vallarta Adventures

www.vallarta-adventures.com 1-888-526-2238 The beautiful Mismaloya offers a beach surrounded by jungle. It’s definitely an area to visit, with seafood dishes featured in small restaurants and boat tours to nearby beaches. Keep an eye out for places that look familiar from Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Predator at the area known as “Eden.” Heading in the other direction, Riviera Nayarit, a 200-mile stretch of coastline, starts 20 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. It’s less touristy, making it easier to lose yourself in your vacation. It’s home to many gorgeous beaches, quaint towns, and allinclusive resorts. Does the thought of getting around seem a little daunting? Don’t let it put you off! It’s actually pretty easy to get around to see it all. Taxis will be at your beck and call day or night in the city. They’re cheap to use and have the bonus of being driven by someone who knows their way around town. Local buses help you experience the true culture, and car rentals offer the freedom to explore on your own. Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant culture and artistic scene is visible wherever you go. Check out one (or more) of the numerous art galleries in the historic Romantic Zone showcasing

Old Town Farmers’ Market www.oldtownfm.com

Vallarta Botanical Gardens www.vbgardens.org +52-322-223-6182

sculpture, paintings, ceramics, jewellery, and stained glass. You can also see the displays at the Vallarta Art Walk, Wednesdays, 6-10. The Seahorse sculpture is iconic to Puerto Vallarta. Rafael Zamarripa’s original sculpture can be seen at the end of Los Muertos beach, on the Las Pilitas rocks. The larger copy is on the Malecon near the lighthouse. Forgot to bring something with you? Looking for souvenirs to take home? No problem. There are a variety of stores, boutiques, plazas, and bazaars to stop at to find jewellery, clothing, and more. Take home a little art yourself and pick up a painting that will bring back the memories. For handmade treasures, visit the Old Town Farmer’s Market at Plaza Lazaro Cardenas. Worked up an appetite? Outdoor cafes and small, family-friendly restaurants are easy to find. Try a taste of local dishes and seafood and maybe your picky eaters will find a new favourite. You might not want to leave, but at least taking a trip to the tropics will give you enough warm memories to face the snow back home!

For full program schedule visit www.am930thelight.com

photos courtesy Vallarta Adventures and Wiki Commons

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

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Living Light News - January/February 2016

Lifestyles “I just want to be an encouragement to others.” by Diane Stark

photo courtesy Elaine Tan Comeau/Easy Daysies

Elaine Tan-Comeau chatted with one of her students’ parents in her Grade Two classroom. Then the parent spotted TanComeau’s magnetic scheduler on the wall.

Teacher SLAYS

“What is that?” the parent asked. “That is our visual schedule. It helps the students see where our day is going and aids in transitioning from one activity to the next.” “If I had something like that at home, our days would run so much more smoothly,” the parent said. “I can make one for you,” Tan-Comeau offered. “I’ve made them for a lot of my students’ parents.” Tan-Comeau worked as a schoolteacher for 14 years. During that time, she made her visual scheduler for each parent that requested one. “I’d been giving them away for free for years, so I knew there was a demand for them,” TanComeau tells Living Light News. “So I got the idea

to make it into a product to sell.” After doing some research, Tan-Comeau discovered that she would need $1,400 to make her first batch of product. “I didn’t want to put my family into debt, so I raised the money by tutoring and selling crafts I’d made,” she said. In 2008 — just two days after her third child was born — Elaine launched Easy Daysies. The products were so popular she stayed up until the wee hours at her kitchen table to fill orders. It was clear she needed to take her business to the next level to cope with demand. In 2012, Elaine, her husband Ron, and their three children appeared on the television show Dragons’ Den. “Being on the show was nerve-wracking,” Tan-Comeau said. “We were all sick with bronchitis, and my two-year-old vomited right before we began taping. When we went down the stairs and saw the Dragons for the first time, not one of them even cracked a smile. It was intimidating, but after all, the show is called Dragons’ Den.” Although the mother of three was nervous, she put the situation in God’s hands. “We prayed about it, and then when we made our choice. Ron and I felt such a peace about it.” After presenting the Easy Daysies concept to the Dragons, Tan-Comeau made an offer she hoped they couldn’t refuse. With all five Dragons interested in investing, a bidding war ensued. Her perseverance paid off — Elaine inked a deal with Kevin O’Leary and Jim Treliving. Since appearing on Dragons’ Den, TanComeau has seen an exponential growth in her business. “Just being on the show gave us a credibility that was priceless,” she says. And that credibility has translated into sales. Easy Daysies became the No. 1 “Must Have” back-to-school item in Canada and are now sold in more than 1,500 stores across Canada and the United States. The products will soon be available in Australia, Ireland, France, and Portugal. Tan-Comeau credits all of her success to God’s grace. “I can’t imagine not having God to lean on,” she explains. Born in Malaysia, Elaine and her family immigrated to Canada when she

was four years old. “Most people in Malaysia are either Muslim or Buddhist, but my mother attended Catholic school as a child,” she shares. “So when we moved to Canada, she knew she wanted to try Christianity. She went knocking on the neighbours’ doors until she found someone who agreed to take her to church.” Elaine gave her life to Jesus Christ when she was 19. “I wanted the peace and the joy that only comes from Jesus,” she says. When she was in her mid-twenties, Elaine met her husband Ron through a friend at church. The couple has three children, who are now 7, 9, and 12 years old. “Everyone defines success differently,” Tan-Comeau says. “My definition of success is how happy my children are. My priorities are God first, family second, and the business after that. I think God blesses us when we keep our priorities in balance.” Giving back is another of the entrepreneur’s priorities. Easy Daysies donates 5% of its profits to International Justice Mission, an organization that helps rescue children from slavery and human trafficking. “The reason I started Easy Daysies was to help all children have an easier day, and I can’t imagine what trafficked children must endure on a daily basis. We wanted to help those children have better days too, and that’s why we support International Justice Mission.” Easy Daysies also donates money to support autism research. “Easy Daysies are a wonderful tool for children with special needs because it helps them see their day and transition more easily,” says TanComeau. She was named the 2014 Canadian Mompreneur of the Year, and she desires to help other mompreneurs succeed. She recently spoke at the Marketing to Moms Conference in New York City. “I just want to be an encouragement to others,” she said. “I have no formal training in business, and there’s quite a learning curve to being an entrepreneur. But a friend taught me that a mistake becomes a discovery if you learn from it. “In this world, it’s so easy to be anxious and worry about things,” says Tan-Comeau. “But God is faithful and I’ve learned that I don’t have to do any of this on my own.”

Struggling with brokenness? Jesus came to bring forgiveness, healing, freedom and release to the wounded and weary. Wholeness Through Christ (WTC) is a Biblically based, Spirit-led ministry that gently ministers to the whole person. We offer a five-day Prayer Ministry Course: May 25 - 29, 2016 / Oct 19 - 23, 2016 / Entheos Retreat Centre near Calgary, AB For details, visit wholenessthroughchrist.com or email administrator@wholenessthroughchrist.com S Silver Sponsor

Living Light News - January/February 2016

My Atheist Friend by Phil Callaway Do you have any atheists in your life? I hope so. I hear all the jokes. “God doesn’t believe in atheists.” Or quotes like the one from Woody Allen: “How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the s Phil Callaway roller of an electric typewriter?” But the truth is, for me atheism has a face. An intelligent guy named Roger. He cares about my family, and he has a dog just like I do. Some time ago, a friend of mine told me about a website where Christian pet owners can hire atheists to look after our pets once we get raptured – you know, taken up to heaven. So I sent off a goofy email. Roger replied. We struck up a friendship and before long began comparing dogs. I sent him a cartoon one day. Two fleas are walking along on the back of a dog between hairs the size of trees. One flea says to the other, “Sometimes I wonder if there really is a dog.” I told Roger that I can’t prove to him that God exists. But to reject the claims of Christianity I’d have to ignore some large hairs, some compelling clues and questions. Here are a few: Why is there something rather than nothing? Nothing comes about without some outside cause. Call it one big mysterious bang if you will, but

Sometimes I wonder if there really is a dog. what caused that bang and the perfect calibration that followed? Why the beauty in music, and in these dogs, and a sunset, and the longings they evoke in us? If we are products of meaningless – and random – forces, why the sense that life has meaning? How do you explain the life-change God brings? Why, after a church sprang up within it, did Colombia’s Bellavista, the most violent prison in Latin America, go from averaging one murder a day to averaging one murder a year? And what do you do with Jesus? Historians agree that Paul’s letters were written just 15 to 20 years after Jesus’ death. So how could Paul get away with writing that the risen Jesus appeared to over 500 people at once – most of whom were still alive? There have been thousands of messianic pretenders through the years. Only one had followers who were killed because they insisted he had been resurrected. Why would Jesus’ disciples have done this, unless they had seen Him risen? There’s nothing private about a resurrection. Try faking one in your town. Romans 1:20 tells us that “ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse.” God has left us clues wherever we look, about His existence, His character, and His love for us. Just look at a dog chase its tail and tell me God doesn’t have a grin on His face. If you follow Jesus, would you join me in seeking to represent Him well? In loving the ones who don’t believe as we do, just like Jesus loved us. If you have a Roger in your life, keep praying. Keep being faithful. Often Roger and I disagree when we talk, so I’ve learned to circle back to talking about dogs and family and the stuff of life. After all, my role isn’t to change him, but to be there, to care. And sometimes to help him laugh. Phil Callaway is a speaker, best-selling author, and host of Laugh Again Radio. Check it out at laughagain.org

" Relax mom ... it's just macaroni."

A Marvelous Display Have you ever stood outside on a clear, dark night and stared at the grand exhibition of God’s creation? Or perhaps the wide variety of plant and animal life has left you in awe of the Lord’s creativity and wisdom? As great as these things are, nothing compares to His crowning creation – mankind. That’s because we alone are made in His image, and each of us is unique. God not only created each of us physically, but for those of us who have been saved through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He’s also made us new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Furthermore, Ephesians 2:10 says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.” To me, “workmanship” means “masterpiece” or “something of notable value and excellence.” Now, you may feel more like a mess than a masterpiece, but from God’s perspective, a work of art is exactly what you are. Once you understand how precious you are to the Lord, your attitude, thinking, and behaviour will begin to align with the truth. Sin is probably the most common reason we may not feel like God’s great work. But just because we’ve fallen to temptation, that doesn’t mean we are junk. We’re still the Lord’s handiwork, but we need cleansing. When I travel overseas, I like to visit museums. Wanting to see a work of art I’d previously admired, I once returned to a certain museum, only to discover that painting was missing. I asked the attendant where it was, and he said it was being cleaned. Did

s Dr. Charles F. Stanley the fact that it was dirty make it any less a great work of art? No. It was still valuable because its worth was determined by the hand of the artist who created it. We must also remember that each of us is a work in progress that will not be completed until Christ comes to take us home to heaven. (See Phil.

we would walk in them” (Eph. 2:10). These are not good deeds that earn us salvation, because we can be saved only through faith in Christ. We don’t become masterpieces by something we do any more than a block of marble can shape itself into a sculpture. Only the Creator can make us a masterpiece through our relationship with Christ. No work of art exalts itself. The only reason for its existence is the will and talent of the artist. As God’s workmanship, we are to reflect our Saviour by living for Him and not ourselves. The Lord has planned exactly what He wants us to accomplish during our time on earth. In fact, He designed it all beforehand. God not only chose us to be His children but also

No work of art exalts itself. 1:6.) And as we go about our daily lives, we must remember: Our purpose is to bring God glory. No work of art exalts itself. The only reason for its existence is the will and talent of the artist. As God’s workmanship, we are to reflect our Saviour by living for Him and not ourselves. His glory should be our motive in whatever we do. If we’re living for anything else – even good things like family or a career – we’ve missed our purpose. We were created to work. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that

planned specific tasks for each of us. The way to love and honour Him is to discover His will and live in it. God has provided everything we need to accomplish the tasks He has given us. In John 15:4, Jesus told His disciples to abide in Him like a branch in a vine. When we abide in Christ and obey Him (John 15:10), His life flows through us like sap, and we become fruitful. Knowing that we need divine empowerment, Jesus has also given us the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17). And the Spirit in turn has provided each of us with spiritual gifts that enable

us to do the works God ordained (1 Corinthians 12:7-11). In addition, the teaching, reproof, correction, and training of the Scriptures equip us for whatever we’re called to accomplish (2 Tim. 3:1617). But how can you discover what God wants you to do? You must understand that His will applies to every area of your life. For instance, your neighbourhood is more than simply a place to live; it’s a mission field where you can serve the Lord with your abilities, attitudes, and witness. That’s why it’s important to ask Him for guidance. What seems like a good opportunity may not be the plan He has in mind. There will come a moment when what we have done during our lives will be tested by the fire of God. (See 1 Corinthians 3:9-15.) No one wants to stand at the judgment, looking at a pile of missed opportunities and unused spiritual gifts. But imagine the joy that will be ours when we know we’ve invested our lives for Him and are given the privilege of bowing in humble submission before the One who made us. Now that’s what a masterpiece is called to do. Dr. Charles F. Stanley, author of more than 50 books, is the pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, GA and founder of In Touch Ministries. In Touch programming is available in Canada on television and radio. For broadcast details, visit intouchcanada.org. Article courtesy In Touch Ministries © 2016.

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Sunday Service @ 10:15am

CHURCH NEIGHBOURS... ...Invite you to them this week end!

“Where you can feel at home and cared for, living in His Presence.”

passionate, generational, God - centered worship and preaching

Fort Saskatchewan Life Church #111, 10421-99 Ave Fort Saskatchewan 780-992-9673 www.fslifechurch.ca

EMMAUS WAY EMMAUS LUTHERAN CHURCH Welcomes you to visit our Spirit led, Bible based and family oriented congregation.

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Contemporary Worship, Sunday School, Youth Corner Sundays at 11:00 AM

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Pastor Glen Carlson

IT’S A PLACE FOR YOU!

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Lutheran Church Weekend Services Saturdays - 6:15 pm Sundays - 9:15 & 11:15 am Children’s Ministry for Nursery to Grade 6 available at all services unless otherwise noted on website.

The Gate Community Saturdays at 6:15 pm (Grade 7-9)

& 7:30 pm (Grade 10-12 & Recent Grads) heartlandalliance.ca 780-467-7005 • general@heartlandalliance.ca

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Sunday Worship

9:45am - Coffee & Conversation 10:30 - Contemporary Worship

Mid-week: Connection Groups, Youth Activities

9004-153 Ave. Edmonton 780-456-7890 www.necf.ca • necf@necf.ca

5940-159 Ave, Edmonton 780-454-1936 info@centrepointechurch.ca www.centrepointechurch.ca

Learning together to “live life in Jesus” and to “live the Jesus life.”

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Church

Pastors Steve & Carmen Lynne

Family Service: - Sundays at 9:30 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. at 205 Main Street, Spruce Grove - Sunday Evening Service at 6 p.m.

Meeting: Sat. @ 6pm 10105 - 153 St

Youth, women, married couples, single moms, groups meeting during the week.

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Fully accredited Bible college

Call 780-960-9077 for more info

780-483-2665 www.fusionfellowship.ca

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Sunday Worship at 10:00 am

Congregation

Beit Mashiach 9125-50 St NW

(The King’s University) We are a Torah observant community endeavouring to walk in the fullness of the Jewish roots and heritage of our biblical faith.

Shabbat Service

Saturday 10:30 am Pastor: Andrew Ketel 780-901-5859 beitmashiach.com

Walk in Victory!

Promised Land Ministries Deliverance & Healing Centre

12145-67 St. NW Edmonton, AB

780-944-0526 www.jesusdelivers.com

Grace

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Sunday Children Education (Pre-K to Grade 6) 10:15 am

A Grace Communion International Congregation

Wednesday 6:45pm - Children and Youth Worship and Teaching

Come Celebrate Christ!

• Parenting Class • International Friendship Club • Divorce Care

Sunday Service: 10:00 a.m. Sunday School & Bible Study 11:30 a.m. Pastor Forrest Stroup 4638 - 117 Ave. 780-477-2894

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780-905-1124 http://edmonton.wcgweb.org B A P T I S T

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9333-199 St. • Edmonton • 780-451-3881 www.westmeadows.org Pastor Kevin Schular “Where you can Begin, Believe and Belong!”

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780-476-5238

10405 - 142 St. 780-454-3463 * We invite you to join us! * Morning Worship@ 10:45 * www.faithcom.ca

We are a family of God, multiplying disciples of Jesus, and we joyfully choose to put relationships of love ahead of every other consideration. We meet weekly to worship on Sundays at 9:30, and we meet weekly to serve on Wednesdays at 5:30 8505 - 142 Street, Edmonton, Alberta 780•483•5366 info@lhbc.ca www.lhbc.ca

“ I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me… will have the light of life.” -Jesus (John 8:12)

Edmonton Family Worship Centre Contemporary, Charismatic, Caring

10605-96 St. Sundays 10:00 am

780-424-6422 www.efwc.org

“E 100 ach yea r e a lo mploye around ng-s es r ec er We mus vice aw eive plac t be a ard. g e to - Jo hn P wor reat ray, k.” Pr esid

ent,

CEO

SHEPHERD’S CARE FOUNDATION