WINC January 2019

JANUARY 2019

womensinc.net

Reader’s Choice Award Winners Inside

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2018

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Carol Crews

NAna’s kitchen

MAJESTIC MAMA

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WINC AWARDS

Hometown hero

A LOOK BACK

PUBLISHER’S LETTER My preacher pointed out Luke 10: 38-42.

“Martha, Martha,”the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The lesson is that sometimes (all the time for me), we plug worry into the nonessential when our focus should be on the priority. So, that’s my intention for 2019.

I will choose God first, then family. The part that gets weird is where work, which is essential, takes priority over self care, Ahhhhh! A new year! We all can downtime, scheduling time with friends, start fresh yet again, and that is always etc. I need to pray on that. something for which to be grateful!

I guess the message this month is just to I know in my social media newsfeed, buckle down. Give up the things plaguing many friends and relatives are happy 2018 your happiness.

Make time for the things is behind them. They are almost always that matter.

Decide what your mantra will optimistic about the year ahead. All the be and go for it. resolutions are lined up again.

Take the risk. Pour into your life what is Reality check: Maybe we will get around missing.

Pray over everything and, I cannot to them and maybe we won’t, correct? stress this enough, pray with others.

In my life, work/life balance is taking Sometimes, when you hear another’s No. 1 priority. I have to get better about prayer, perspective brings that priority. making checklists and holding myself The photo I am sharing this month is to calendar events. I need to carve out real.

It’s my desk – all the time.

It’s my time each day to make certain things living room on a Saturday.

Usually, there happen – Bible study, call for doctor’s are piles of clothes to fold.

I am sharing appointments, schedule vacations, keep to be honest. I don’t have it all together. I up with employees and their personal stress over this stuff. God forbid someone and professional accomplishments, decide stop by! I shouldn’t worry, though. I should on where I am going to finally hang all be glad I have work to do that helps those pictures in my living room …. Not me feed my family. I should be happy my to mention the non-personal balance of actual work, civic club responsibilities, etc. children are healthy and able to make that It seems a never-ending constant motion kind of a mess.

But here’s the thing: I have to make a from day to day, but it just has to be plan to let them help clean it up. I have to juggled, right? distribute work responsibilities. I have to I feel like 2018 was a good run at it. In 2019, it’s time to get down to brass tacks. let go of the non-essentials to focus on the priority. That’s 2019.

But then there is the issue of balance I hope this glimpse of my crazy train itself. Our preacher recently gave a helps you relax a little, too. Life is fun, if for sermon and made this comment, “Once nothing than the upheaval. Might as well we start talking about balance, we start enjoy it, right? talking about percentages.”

Have a very happy new year, and my So true. hope for all of you is that 2019 will Can you look at your spouse or your make a difference – that you will be that children and actually say, “I am giving you difference, simply because you chose it.

50 percent or 100 percent of my efforts and attention,” or does that leave room for disappointment and failure?

As my preacher pointed out, “No one will be happy with that. If you tell your spouse the truth, that you’re only giving 50 percent, they will be offended. If you tell them 100 percent, they’ll know you’re lying.” …

So now, it comes down to you/me. It’s priority not percentage. And that is hard.

Kelly

Publisher Kelly Sublett Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates – Cover Story Marisa Hicks Kelly Sublett Photographers Ron Beckman Andrea Champlin Amy Jones Design – Cover Story Kelly Sublett Art Director Jay Prince Advertising Sales Director Lisa Licht Advertising Sales Executives Kelly Booy Crystal Geraldson Leigh Anne Gray Editorial Board Cindy Beckman Andrea Champlin Eden Corley Melissa Gates Lisa Licht Kelly Sublett

Questions or Comments?

Call (501) 327-6621 e-mail: ksublett@thecabin.net or write to: 1111 Main Street, Suite 102, Conway, AR, 72032 www.womensinc.net

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“It is such an honor to be entrusted with this great responsibility for the people of Faulkner, Van Buren, and Searcy counties.�

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photo by Marisa Hicks

by Melissa Gates Change is coming to Faulkner County in the form of a tough female prosecutor. Thirty-six-year-old Carol Crews will be sworn in January 1. But she’s no stranger to the job requirements; she’s been prosecuting for more than 10 years. Crews says, “The fact that I am the first female to be elected to represent the 20th judicial district as their prosecuting attorney is such an honor.”

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Crews started in the Pulaski County Prosecutors office straight out of law school in 2007. She moved to the Faulkner County Prosecutor’s office four years later. She admits in law school she promised herself she’d never do criminal justice or tax work. But a clerkship during law school quickly changed her mind. Crews became passionate about helping victims, working with law enforcement, and fighting for justice.

“I can’t see myself doing anything other than being a prosecutor,” Crews says, “there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from listening to what happened on the worst day of a person’s life, helping them navigate through the confusing and complex criminal justice system; and to be their voice in court. When a victim tells me ‘thank you’ after trial, it means so much to me.”

Crews calls herself ‘a tough and experienced advocate for victims.’ I asked her what exactly that meant. She gave the example of a man who was repeatedly being arrested for aggravated robbery; he was robbing gas stations across several counties.

“In other cases in other counties, prosecutors were reducing his charges to just robbery; dropping the ‘aggravated’ part.

Robbery brings a much lighter sentence than aggravated robbery.

He (the criminal) actually asked me to reduce his charges. No way. He can’t keep terrorizing people.” Crews says in general,

she’s slow to agree to plea deals and much more prone to take a case to court.

“Victims and their families deserve their day in court. They want to show pictures of their loved one to the jury and talk about how that person lived their life; and what’s missing with them gone,” she says. “I’ll spend hours with family members and victims making sure they’re a part of the process.”

Crews said she’s one of only five female prosecutors to be sworn in across the state in January. There are 28 in total.

She says, “I didn’t want people to vote for me because I was a woman. I wanted them to vote for me because of my record.

Voters picked the most experienced candidate; but criminal justice is still predominately men.”

In fact, her husband Jordan is among them. He’s an attorney for the Department of Justice. Carol and Jordan value family time with their 3-year-old son; especially since Jordan recently survived a life-threatening aneurism.

“He was having chest pain that caused him to see our family doctor. A genetic heart defect was discovered which had caused a sizable aneurism of his aortic valve,” Crews explains.

After open heart surgery, Jordan now lives with an artificial heart valve and must remain on blood thinners his entire life.

Carol Crews speaks with former Faulkner County prosecuting attorney Cody Hiland, current United States Attorney for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Photo by Marisa Hicks 8 WINC. | January 2019

photo by Amy Jones Design

Carol Crews Swearing In Ceremony: 10 a.m., January 1st Justice Building 510 S. German Lane Conway womensinc.net 9

Crews says, “I’m so thankful to the doctors and nurses that worked so diligently to save his life…God chose to spare his life and for that I will be forever thankful.”

Carol and Jordan adopted their son, Jackson, as a newborn. She talks about the day they brought him home from the hospital.

“I’ve often heard the phrase, ‘your child is your heart living outside of your body.’ I’ve found that to be so true. Being a mother highlights why my job is so important; prosecutors fight for the innocent, and for those who cannot fight for themselves.

Becoming a mother has invigorated my passion to fight for child victims in court. Kids are so innocent and deserve a childhood free from abuse.”

As a family, the Crews enjoy quiet nights at home, going to the beach, and time with family and friends. They love living in Conway.

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Crews says, “It’s a terrific place to raise a family! Our son’s third birthday party was at the splash pad this summer. He still talks about how much fun it was!”

The Crews also enjoy concerts at UCA, date night at WunderHaus, attending Fellowship Bible Church, and carriage rides downtown at Christmas time.

“We feel so blessed to call Conway home. It is such an honor to be entrusted with this great responsibility for the people of Faulkner,Van Buren, and Searcy counties,” says Crews.

Melissa Gates has been telling stories in Faulkner County for more than a decade. She has interviewed a wide variety of interesting people from U.S. Presidents to rock stars, and countless community leaders. After growing up in the Midwest, she is thrilled to call Conway home, alongside her husband and three kids.

Reader’s Choice Awards

2018

Our 2018 WINC Choice Awards are all YOUR favorite “everythings” in Faulkner County. The winners and runners-up were determined by our readers. Ballots were submitted online, in person at the Log Cabin Democrat, or by mail. The ballots were carefully counted, and these are the results! womensinc.net 11

The winners are....

Reader’s Choice Award 2018

2018 WINC Reader's Choice Award Winners Favorite place to have a salad US Pizza.

I only trust my smile to Dr. Spencer Gordy, DDS at Conway Family Dental.

Most romantic dinner date restaurant Mike’s Place.

I only have eyes for - Susan DeBlack at DeBlack Eye Care Center.

I entertain business clients for lunch at Mike’s Place.

My favorite OB/GYN is Dr. Brandie Martin at Conway Women’s Health Center.

Favorite place with patio dining Mike’s Place.

For cosmetic procedures I go to Susan Isom at E. L. Clinical Esthetics.

Best place to meet the girls for lunch Cross Creek Sandwich Shop.

My favorite local General Physician is Dr. David Naylor at Banister-Lieblong.

On my birthday, take me to dinner at Mike’s Place.

The best pediatrician is Dr. Pebble Sutherland at Conway Children’s Clinic.

When I want a good burger, I go to David’s Burgers.

My favorite restaurant staff is at Mike’s Place.

The kids always want to eat at Purple Cow. The sweet treats are always fabulous at Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery.

I love to order special cakes from Julie’s Sweet Shoppe & Bakery.

I find the most fabulous shoes at Wilkinson’s Mall.

When I want to dress for the occasion, my first stop is The Royal We. I always find the perfect piece of jewelry at Francis M. Fine Jewelry.

A sharp-dressed man shops at Bell & Sward.

Best local hair salon is The Beauty Bar. My favorite stylist is Lauren Cook at The Beauty Bar. I love to buy cosmetics at Belk.

The folks at Tree House Cleaning do a great job cleaning my home and office.

The only insurance agent I use is Marty Fagetti at State Farm.

Our favorite nurse is Heather White at Conway Women’s Health Center.

My favorite veterinarian is Dr. Ken Shaddox at Chestnut Small Animal Clinic.

My pets favorite groomer is Doggie Day Spa. When my car needs repair I only go to Barkley’s Auto Service.

I only have family photos taken by Whitney D. Photography.

When my appliances need repair, I call Hudson’s Appliance Service.

My dream home would be filled with furniture from Bates Furniture.

I like to buy my vehicles from Superior Nissan.

When I need a Realtor, I call Pam McDowell at ERA Team.

The real estate company I count on is ERA Team.

The best personal trainer is Patrick Jamerson at SWEAT by Dr. FIT. The best Preschool and childcare provider is Montessori School.

When I have a problem, the plumber I call is Mickey’s Plumbing.

The pharmacist with the best customer service is David Smith at Smith Family Pharmacy.

When I need a handyman, I call Kordsmeier Remodeling.

When I need an attorney, I call Molly Lucas at Lucas Law.

When I need tools or garden items, my local choice is Haynes ACE Hardware.

If my car breaks down, I call Jim Smith Collision & Wrecker Center.

I love to receive flowers from Tipton & Hurst.

When I need a unique gift I go to The Kitchen Store.

My Ear, Nose andThroat specialist is Dr. Jeffery Kirsch at Ear, Nose & Throat Center of Conway.

The top spa in our area is Synergy & Star Aesthetics.

I love my pool from Luxury Pool & Spas.

My favorite massage therapist is Rachel Wilson.

My favorite downtown Conway business is Jenifer’s Antiques/Cross Creek Sandwich Shop.

Congratulations to all of the businesses and services that WINC reader's voted for in 2018!

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Congratulations to all of the businesses and services that Winc reader’s voted for in 2018!

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2018

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Congratulations to all of the businesses and services that Winc reader’s voted for in 2018!

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Conversations with a

Kim and Joseph Charlson Hometown: Conway, AR Occupation: Own and operate Orsanna, a digital marketing agency based in Central Arkansas.

What’s the last music you listened to as a family while driving?

Both: The Flaming Lips.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Both: We watch the English house hunting show Escape to the Country.

We’ve made a game out of guessing the house budgets and the price of homes on the show.

What’s the one thing in your home you want to get rid of but that your spouse won’t allow?

Both: It’s actually something we both agree on—a used armchair Kim bought in college from the old Salvation Army shop downtown. It is so ugly but it’s the most comfortable chair and we can’t seem to find one we like better. One of us will waffle and decide to get rid of it but the other defends it until we swap perspectives a few months later!

Who is your favorite animated character?

Both: Neither of us really has one!

What are you most passionate about?

K: Growing our marketing agency, while making sure we have a good work-life balance and treat our team members well. Businesses make a huge impact on our community so running a community-minded business has been a priority.

J: Childhood hunger. We’re all blessed to live in the greatest country in the world but even here there are children

that go to bed hungry. The solution is heartbreakingly simple but we can’t seem to accomplish it.

What is the furthest you’ve been from home and why?

K: I went to Australia when I was in high school with People to People, a student ambassador program to promote peace through understanding started by President Eisenhower. I stayed with a host family in Tamworth, the country music capital of Australia, and traveled around the country visiting elementary schools, doing community projects, and seeing the sights like Uluru and the Great Barrier Reef!

J: I’m excited to go back to France for our first wedding anniversary in April.

Do you prefer mountains or the beach?

K: After going to Glacier National Park with Joe and his family a few years ago, I have to say it’s a tie! Give me either and I’ll be happy.

J: Mountains.

Who do you most admire?

K: Linda Tyler, Carol Crews, Julie Adkission, and my Women’s Leadership Network mentor, Angela De Freitas. They’re all smart, hard working women who have done good things for our community in their own ways.

J: My grandfather. He’s 79 and still works on the farm every day.

Which is your favorite restaurant in town?

Both: We love Hideaway Pizza, though Pasta Grill is a close second.

Is your family more Elvis or Beatles?

Both: Probably more Rolling Stones!

Who is the better driver?

Both: Probably don’t give Kim your keys.

J: She just has bad luck.

Who is the calmest?

K: Joe is but that comes with the territory of being an attorney.

What is your family’s favorite hobby?

Both: Going on adventures with our black lab, Luna.

Where do you go to church?

Both: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. It’s where Joe was baptized so it was very meaningful to be married there.

What is your favorite memory as a family?

Both: Getting gelato at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. Cody Sublett is a native to Faulkner County. He is a local business owner and enjoys sharing the personalities of the people he meets. Whether it is another small business owner or a family he has had the pleasure of working for, the Cadron Creek Craftsman is happy to share a little bit about the people who make Central Arkansas unique and diverse.

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Nana’s

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Family makes a home beautiful Photos and story by Kelly Sublett Everything about Diane Brown is a welcome. Even driving directions to her home are inviting … “turn right on the third road to the right; look for the fence and the red brick house; we’ll leave the gate open for you. …”

Driving up to her property, you can almost imagine the inside of her home. There’s a red barn and pasture and a white fence surrounding the property. The porch is situated under perfect dormers. It is tidy and comforting – a picture from a magazine.

She welcomes visitors in her apron with a big hug, even though she’s never met them.

The kitchen is the centerpiece of her home, and the retired family and consumer sciences teacher was intentional in that design.

“I have to say, this is our retirement home,” Diane says with a smile. “We had this plan. If you notice, everything is wheelchair accessible. When our parents got older, we knew we had to build for that.”

Diane and husband Denny designed an open-concept kitchen, where no gathering place is out of eye sight of the stove.

Decor is seasonal and creative, especially in the kitchen, where glass-front cabinets line the room – perfect spots for displaying collectibles.

“I decorate with memories,” Diane says during a tour of her home. “Everything here has a story, and that’s how it should be.”

Snowflakes displayed on a china hutch in the pantry were crocheted by a teacher friend by hand. Tens of Christmas village churches were each gifted by a friend or relative over the years and adorn a top shelf in the sun room. Tablecloths ironed and hanging in her pantry are handed down and handmade. There is one themed for any event you can imagine. And the dishes … all of them nearly … tell their own stories, passed down from both sides of her family.

“When we’ve had to clear out houses (of grandparents and parents who have passed away), I got all the dishes,” she says. “I am a dish person!

“I am the only child of only children, and so, we’ve cleared out several houses over the years. But that is just material stuff, you know? The family being together is what I miss. The one thing you really miss over the years is them. That’s the hard part.”

Her mother, Norma, lives in nursing care in Greenbrier.

Although she is unable to join the family for meals, Diane makes sure to keep her room decorated with a full-sized tree for each season, and although caretaking is difficult, having a way to honor her mother makes her happy.

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Diane keeps memories alive in one significant way – the kitchen. Every Sunday, the whole family comes over after church for lunch. In total, there are the regular nine – both of her sons and their wives, two grand girls (Callen and Chandler) who call her “NanaDi,” her husband’s father (94) and Denny and Diane.

Even her utensils are storytellers.

“I mix and match them,” she smiles. “Certain forks and spoons, you know when you pick them up ... that’s them. I have pieces from my favorite people.”

Diane keeps recipes from her grandmothers at the ready.

She explains that growing up, she lived within walking distance of both sets of grandparents in Floral, Arkansas, near Batesville. She first learned to make cakes and then how to store foods from them.

Her mother’s mother, Naomi, was a school cook, back when it was prepared from scratch. She made cookies every

gna No Boil Lasa

day. Her father’s mother, Eva, let Diane cook in her kitchen as a young girl.

“And she never made me wash dishes,” Diane laughs.

Recipe books and handwritten recipes tucked away in a wooden file drawer are prized possessions.

“This pineapple, whipped cream coconut cake is one I am still trying to perfect,” she says, showing a tattered, handwritten recipe with notes from the many tries. “This was my mother-in-law’s recipe. She used to buy the cake from a Mrs. Cousins in Floral. Then she got the recipe. This thing requires freezing as a step! It takes three days!

“I am so desperate to get that cake right!”

Her most sought after dish is her chicken and dressing, also a passed down favorite. But Diane doesn’t have it written down, and she knows she needs to remedy that.

“I know, I know. … The only measurements I have are in my brain,” she says. “So much of my cooking is like that. I just get a big bowl and make it ahead of time and freeze it. …”

Diane says everyone can cook, and she dismisses the idea that one cannot. She taught Mayflower High School and University of Central Arkansas students the value of cooking and etiquette and budgeting for more than three decades.

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“Take this lasagna recipe for instance,” she says. “It’s delicious and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. And you can freeze it. Just make sure it is sealed in the pan you made it in tightly with aluminum foil. Make sure any holes in the handles are also sealed. Use it within a month, and thaw it in the fridge.

“Time is so important today. It’s OK to use no-boil noodles and canned sauce. And you can use gluten-free noodles or vegetables if you don’t do meat. When you’re cooking for everyone from 94 to 8 years old, be ready to make adjustments!”

Another good rule of thumb is to keep canned chicken, chicken broth, vegetable broth and egg noodles on hand to put a chicken noodle soup together on the fly. Refrigerator rolls are good to keep in the freezer, too.

“The thing is, I love to cook, but I want to spend time with family, too,” Diane says. “Christmas will be over soon, and we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord. And we celebrate his blessings of family and special people in our lives, too.

“And as we begin the New Year and have that list of all the things we’re gonna do, we cannot forget making special time for family all year long.”

If you know a favorite family cook and would like to nominate them for a feature, please email ksublett@thecabin.net.

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Chasing Away th

by Andrea Champlin I love putting Christmas decorations up, but I really don’t like taking them down. Our home feels so warm and cozy when the decorations are up! When I take them down I’m always a little sad and I feel like the house looks so bare.

This year I decided that I would decorate for winter. If you’re wondering how to decorate for winter, just think of a snowy day and you have your colors – silver, white, pale shades of blue or pink. I also throw a little gold in. And just like snow, I like shimmery, sparkly things.

Here are some things that I’ve done in my home and I hope they inspire you to bring a little winter cheer into yours.

Table Setting I made this sequin table runner and I love how it sparkles!

I added in a silver placemat (you can barely see it peeking out underneath the gold charger) and a white dinner plate with a sparkly dessert plate. I topped it off with a starburst napkin ring and a napkin with silver thread.

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he Winter Blues Bookshelves I love how mirrors reflect light and this silver snakeskin fabric that I lined the bookshelf with is beautiful. I’ve used fabric and wrapping paper to line bookshelves. Use your imagination! It’s the perfect winter backdrop to these silver and gold Christmas ornaments that I put in a bowl.You can still use some of your Christmas decor! I took these off the tree and put them right in a bowl. I painted the round silver and gold ornaments. Don’t be afraid to paint! If you want to see how I did this, it’s on my blog.

Tablescapes You can still use Christmas tree shapes during winter! I made these cones and had them out during Christmas, since they’re neutral colors, they can stay out for winter.

Candles sticks are a great way to vary the height and I love these candles.

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Battery-operated Candles With all of the silver and white, I needed the warmth that candlelight can add. This year was my first to have batteryoperated candles and I love them! My husband even commented on them! I found some that had a six hour automatic timer so they come on the same time every night and go off on their own. I’m definitely keeping these out for winter.

Candlesticks I love candlesticks and I think Elsa herself would adore these. They’re pale and shimmery and wonderful.

Fur I love fur, faux of course! I found a beautiful fur blanket to drape over a couch or chair. I love having these around when it’s cold out. They look great and they’re perfect to cuddle up with, drink hot tea and read a good book. I prefer Jane Austen in this type of weather.You can never go wrong with Pride and Prejudice.

I enjoy decorating our home so much.You don’t have to spend a lot of money, just look around your house and see what you can find! Sometimes all it takes is a new way of looking at things. Happy New Year!

You can find more details about this article on my blog at TheMajesticMama.com.

Andrea Champlin is a Conway transplant with a new appreciation for toads and mythical creatures. She’s a wife, mom of three, and likes to create pretty things all while trying to get the mom thing right. Andrea can usually be found toting her kids around or planning their next trip, but always with paint on her hands.

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How does a real estate agents training affect you?

Being educated is the first step and imperative for a real estate agent.

Yet after the “knowing” comes the “doing” or training. When you train you are putting into practice what you have learned and therefore preparing and equipping yourself for any and all situations that may arise in your career. As a real estate agent, you are required by law to be first, educated and secondly, trained.

Having a fully and intensely trained agent is your best bet to reaching your real estate goals.

There is much value in a professionally trained real estate agent. Think of it this way; Would you want a police officer who has only been educated on the laws to protect you or would you feel safer with an educated AND trained police officer who not only has the knowledge but also best practices to implement in any given situation? The answer is obvious. Real Estate agents are not just in the business of selling houses. Real Estate agents are there to advise, guide, negotiate for and protect their clients.

A well- trained agent will be able to advise you on matters and details pertaining to the buying or selling of your home. Trained agents know that when listing a home, the pricing of that home is determined by many factors. It is the agent’s responsibility to understand current market trends as well as the status of the real estate market in the area of the listed property. A market analysis helps determine the sale price of a given property based on many crucial 30 WINC. | January 2019

By having safety procedures in place at all times a trained agent is always aware of who and when someone will be entering your home. Requiring pre-identification from potential buyers and even sellers is crucial to not only the safety of the agent’s client but also elements of which the client in most the agent. Real Estate agents are also there cases is unaware. These factors directly to protect their client’s best interest at all affect the value of a property. It is your times. A trained agent will know the most real estate agent’s responsibility to effective as well as ethical ways to get the understand and explain the market price best return on your investment. of a listing to a client. Many sellers often In the final steps of any real estate will put an emotional value on their home transaction a trained real estate agent will not realizing that they are pricing their be able to negotiate all terms of a contract. memories and not the actual physical Terms to be negotiated include but are property. That is why it is so important for not limited to; closing date, possession your agent to be trained so that they can date, inspection date, closing cost, surveys, advise you on a fair market price. appraisals, ect. A trained agent knows how A trained Real Estate agent will be to thoroughly and effectively negotiate a able to guide you through the entire contract as well as educate their client on transaction from start to finish. For first the terms negotiated. Having an educated time buyer’s this is greatly to your benefit. and trained agent will provide a level of When working with a buyer a trained understanding and protection for a client agent will know to guide on matters such who may not have full understanding of as focusing on long term needs as opposed the entire transaction process. to a buyers short term needs. An agent Real Estate agents are educated and well trained will also be able to determine trained so that they may serve as your issues with a property whether it be legal most effective tool when making one or physical that a buyer or seller may not of the largest financial decisions of your know to look for or know what level of lifetime. In any real estate transaction, it importance to place on the issue. will always be in your best interest to seek A trained agent always protects their out a well-trained agent who is equipped client. In today’s world safety is of the to advise, guide, negotiate for and protect utmost importance and in the real estate you through the process that when done industry especially. Trained agents are alone or under the advisement of an extremely valuable when it comes to your untrained agent could end leaving you at best unhappy and confused. safety and the security of your property.

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TOWN E M HO

HERO

J.T. Nolen: Celebrating Life, Love, Longevity

by Eden Corley Lifetime Faulkner County resident J.T. Nolen celebrated his 100th birthday last month with friends, family and the community.

Born on December 12, 1918, in Naylor, Arkansas, Nolen was the second child of four, and the only son.

“I was raised on a farm of about 160 acres off of Highway 36,” he said.

His father was a farmer, but Nolen quickly learned that farming wasn’t the life for him. He found a niche in tending to the cattle, which is where his true passion lied. He also took up many trades such as carpentry, construction, and leather smithing.

When the war broke out in the early 1940s, Nolen was called to duty.

He was the second man drafted out of Faulkner County on June 3, 1941.

“We were separated shortly [after] and I have no idea where he ended up,” said Nolen.

He was first sent to Camp Robinson before orders were given to go to Fort Lewis in Washington.

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This was the first time Nolen had ever been out of Faulkner County, let alone the state of Arkansas.

Next thing he knew, he was in New York with orders to go to Australia. He traveled through the Panama Canal, on board a ship for 43 days before reaching his destination.

In Australia, Nolen made friends with two other company men and nicknamed themselves the “Three Musketeers.”

“We didn’t even go to town without one another,” he explained.

“We stayed together and we all three came home” Nolen then went into a story about going into a town called Rock Hampton, where a lady friend of theirs owned a hotel close by and that’s where they spent most of their free weekends.

The only way to get there was by motorcycle and sidecar, he said.

Nolen says he never received a furlow during his time in the service, but he received a 15-day combat leave where he spent the time in New Castle, Australia.

He said he also developed the mumps while there, and had to be quarantined from everyone else. On his last day of quarantine, he was brought a stack of 15 pancakes covered in sweet syrup.

Aside from Australia, Nolen traveled to New Guinea, New Zealand and other locations around the south Pacific.

It was in New Guinea that he first experienced combat with the Japanese and spent his time completing island missions for most of his service.

“The Japanese had been in those islands since the 1930s.

They had built fortifications and pillboxes (gun emplacements of concrete and steel),” said Nolan.

“It was almost impossible to get them out.”

In one instance, he says he remembers about 500 Japanese soldiers were killed in a gasoline explosion during a mission to get them out of one of the caves.

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, Nolen was given the choice to either go to Japan, or take a discharge.

“And you can guess which one I took,” he laughed.

Nolen arrived back in Conway on October 7, 1945, with the only lasting physical damage being partial deafness caused by the sounds of heavy artillery.

About a month later, he met his future wife.

Nolen went out one night with his cousin and they saw two good looking women in front of what was Conway Theater at the time.

The two women purchased tickets to a show, so Nolen and his cousin followed suit.

“She’s the only girlfriend I ever had and I ain’t ever been sorry from it,” he announced.

Three years later, the two married and they will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary January 12.

Nolen’s cousin who was with him that night, and the other woman with Nolen’s wife also got married.

After living in the city for 10 years, Nolen and his wife bought a 200 acre farm off Rooster Road in 1958.

On this farm is where Nolen built their home with his own hands, tending to the cattle and kept crops and gardens.

Nolen and his wife have two children, James E. and the late Judy Ann along with eight grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

When asked if he ever thought he would make it to be 100 years old, Nolen laughed and said “No! Would you?”

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Organizing the

by Andrea Champlin I’m usually not one to make a New Year’s resolution, but I have a confession to make: I used to drive a disgusting minivan. I mean, the interior of it could have been mistaken for a trashcan.

I’m not proud of this. I’ve spent years hurrying my children out of the minivan so no one could see my greatest shame. I can’t even believe I’m writing this. But if you’re the judgmental type, you’re going to love reading this – lots of material for you.

I recently had it detailed and I requested detailer/client privilege. I used Deco Detail, and they did such a great job that someone made an offer to buy my minivan! So, I sold it!

I’m on the hunt for a new vehicle at the moment and I’ve been brainstorming ways to keep the new vehicle clean and organized.

Now, if any of you know me personally and experienced my minivan, first of all, I’m sorry. And secondly, you may be incredulous that I’m writing about car organization – my husband was! But I believe that to truly write well about a subject, you need to have experienced its deepest, darkest pits.

Just kidding.

But seriously, after seven years of driving a minivan that I let get completely out of hand, I know what we need to do to take charge of the situation. My kids are tired of riding around in a trash can and so am I.

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of the ‘Kid Hauler’ So here are our main problems and how we’re going to tackle them: Food/Trash in the Vehicle I’ve been driving my husband’s truck for the past week so I have prohibited the kids from eating in his truck, because I don’t want Dateline to interview him about my disappearance.

Realistically, I know we can’t keep this up. Activities are picking up again and there are nights we get home late. Sometimes we have to eat in the car.

I’ve tried keeping a cardboard box and plastic grocery bags in the van for trash. These were usually spilled and then the kids would walk over the spilled trash, and then kick it out of the car (we always picked it up) when they got out. I’m cringing as I write this.

First of all, I’m getting a trash can that fits on the console and is stationary. No more plastic bags or boxes. This one will always be in the same place. I’m also getting a small, portable car vacuum that will stay in the vehicle to clean up small messes.

That way I don’t have to pull out the Shop Vac or go to the car wash to clean up little things.

When I first got the minivan, we had three children under the age of 4. They’re not the neatest people, but I let them get away with too much and it continued. We are going to have to get rid of some bad habits.

Backpacks and Coats on the Floor These hooks are awesome! We’re using them right now and they’re lifechanging! The kids sit down and hang their backpacks up. No one is yelling at anyone for stepping on their coat or backpack.

They also hold water bottles. I don’t know why I didn’t get these years ago!

Groceries rolling Around I found a rotten apple under a seat one time. That’s not as bad as a sippy cup of milk during summer, but still definitely needs to be avoided. I found a great organizer to go in the back of my new vehicle. No more taking turns slowly so groceries don’t roll all over the place.

Tissues I always joke with the kids that a good mom always has tissue in her purse. I never have tissue in my purse. I can’t tell you home many times we’ve been driving down the road, someone sneezes, and is pleading for a tissue. I’m trying to dig in my purse for a Starbucks napkin to pass back, and more often than not, I can’t find anything. So, this is awesome to have. I know exactly where they are. I just have remember to refill it.

If you’re looking for any of the products that I mentioned you can go to my blog and find them at TheMajesticMama.com.

Hopefully my husband will have found the perfect deal on a vehicle (that’s a whole other story) and I will have more photos there.

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And special thanks to Kelly Massey for letting me use her super-clean SUV and super-cute kids, Dylan and Kayleigh, along with my three, for some photos for this article.

A bonus to keeping your car clean is that you don’t have to scramble to clean it out when a friend wants to take pictures of it for a magazine!

Happy Carpooling!

Andrea Champlin is a Conway transplant with a new appreciation for toads and mythical creatures. She’s a wife, mom of three, and likes to create pretty things all while trying to get the mom thing right. Andrea can usually be found toting her kids around or planning their next trip, but always with paint on her hands.

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Singin’ the Blues

I woke up at 4:30 this morning to work on this article. Actually, I really woke up because I had to go to the bathroom and I couldn’t go back to sleep, so I took advantage of the quiet time in front of the fireplace to do some thinking. I was pondering some things, as Dad used to say. If you are like I am, your mind sometimes wanders into the past when you start pondering, and while that isn’t always a bad thing, it can sometimes drag you down a bit. For example, I am often reminded of family members and other loved ones who are no longer with us and, lately, about how many of our patients have passed away during the last few months. That makes me very sad.

In1697, William Congreve, an English playwright and poet wrote the much quoted (and often misquoted) line in his play, The Mourning Bride, “Musick has Charms to soothe a savage Breast.” There is a great deal of truth in that, at least for me personally.

I have music for every mood. Take for example, the Marty Robbins classic, Singin the Blues. The following lyrics are very familiar to folks in my generation: “Well, I never felt more like singin the blues, cause I never thought that I’d ever lose your love, Dear.

Why’d you do me this way? Well, I never felt more like cryin all night, cause everything’s wrong, there ain’t nothin right without you. You got me singin the blues.” Are you humming that right now? I thought so. I bet you didn’t know that it was written by Melvin Endsley from Drasco, Arkansas.

We have many patients and friends at our pharmacy who are currently dealing with serious illnesses. Shirley and I pray for each of them every day and it seems that our prayer list just keeps getting longer and longer. If you happen to be one of those, just know how much we love you and pray for your healing and comfort. Which brings me to one of my very favorite songs.

Written by Tim Timmons and recorded by MercyMe, Even If brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Here are just a few of those incredible lyrics: “It’s easy to sing when there’s nothing to bring me down. But what will I say when I’m held to the flame like I am right now? I know You’re able and I know You can save through the fire with Your mighty hand, but even if You don’t, my hope is You alone.”

Paul Harvey, one of the most recognizable radio broadcasters in American history, often started his broadcasts by saying something like, “Hello Americans, I’m Paul Harvey.You know what the news is – in a minute, you’re going to hear the rest of the story.” One of his most notable quotes was, “Ever since I made tomorrow my favorite day, I’ve been uncomfortable looking back.”

You guessed it, in the early hours of this morning, I was reminded of yet another song. In 1950, Ira Stanphill penned the words to a gospel song that has been performed

by countless artists. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow was one of my mother’s favorite songs. Here are the lyrics: “I don’t know about tomorrow, I just live from day to day. I don’t borrow from its sunshine for its skies might turn to gray. I don’t worry o’er the future, cause I know what Jesus said. And today I’ll walk beside him for he knows what lies ahead. Many things about tomorrow I don’t seem to understand. But I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand.”

You may be wondering what in the world my point is to this article. Simply this – we have just finished two months of intense holiday celebrations. For most people they are joyous, but for some, they cause great sadness. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a real problem for many, many people, and the coming Winter months can be very difficult for them. If you are struggling with this, please seek help. Talk to your family physician, a mental health professional like a psychologist or psychiatrist, or a licensed counselor. This is not a subject to be taken lightly.

And now you know …. the rest of the story.

David Smith is the owner and chief pharmacist at Smith Family Pharmacy where he works with his wife Shirley and staff. He graduated from the UAMS College of Pharmacy in 1974 and has been taking care of people in the Conway and surrounding areas for more than 44 years. He loves spending time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

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Business partners, sisters keep it clean

by Kelly Sublett Rachel Ballard and Alanda Ballard are sisters in law who share a passion for helping others. They also share two businesses in Faulkner County. But beyond that, the duo is a lot of fun.

Together, they own and operate Moppin Mommas, a cleaning service celebrating its sixth year in business in February.

Thirteen years ago, ironically, both women had established cleaning services – Rachel in Conway and Alanda in Louisiana. But six years ago, the two joined forces and have made teamwork and sisterhood a marketable venture.

“We worked together for about a month when things were getting busy for me,” Rachel says. “It didn’t take us long to realize we should do it together … like just a couple of days! We thought about it and prayed about it, and that’s how we became Moppin Mommas.”

The cleaning service, based in downtown Conway, employs four crews for residential and commercial cleaning. Each crew includes a team leader, each who has worked for the company more than two years, and they all report to supervisor Mike Harvey.

“Our customers love him,” Rachel says. “He’s someone our customers can count on to answer questions and schedule crews. I tell customers they will get to know these faces, and our employees know we have to take care of 42 WINC. | January 2019

our customers. They are No. 1.”

Rachel and Alanda said much of the success of Moppin Mommas is due to diligent work in the beginning, making plans and being accountable. The green fleet of cars didn’t hurt, either.

“People would always see them driving around town, and would swear we had 100 of them,” Rachel laughs.

“Being located downtown (1124 Oak St.) helped, too. We kind of got really, really big. We moved out to [Hwy.] 64 for a couple of years, but when we had the idea for the boutique, we decided to come back.”

The boutique pays homage to the pair – Modern Day Thelma & Louise – and is located at 565 Front St. in Conway.

“When we started talking about clothing, our main focus was on plus sizes,” Rachel says. “But now we have a little bit of everything!”

Specialty T-shirts, fun jeans and accessories are just a smattering of things they sell.

“I wanted to provide something affordable most of all,” Alanda says. “We started online, but people wanted to try on clothes and shop, so we opened the boutique.”

Rachel says the name of the business just made sense.

“Our relatives often called us Thelma and Louise,” she says. “We have customers who come in and are really excited to

share that they are the ‘Thelma’ or the ‘Louise’ in their friendships. It’s a lot of fun!”

As both businesses experience continued success, both women continue to make adjustments to schedules and responsibilities.

“Just like in the beginning,” Rachel says, “It just works itself out.”

As for Moppin Mommas, the idea has always been to provide help to people, relieve worry and stress, and to give back to the community.

“It’s a plus we like the same things and are family, I guess, since we are in this together,” Rachel says. “Outside of doing this to make life easier, we love doing it for our families.”

The service has scheduling to fit every client, whether it be night cleaning for a business or weekly or bi-monthly cleanings for residential needs. The first time Moppin Mommas shows up to work, the home or business gets a top-to-bottom cleaning, including baseboards, microwaves and cabinet fronts. Other services, like oven cleaning or laundry services can be included as often as a customer prefers for added fees.

“Cleaning is what we like doing,” Rachel says. “It makes people happy and makes life easier. We enjoy that part. We’re going to keep on keeping on because we still want to help people.”

Moppin Mommas also specializes in organization services, usually a team of two people, and the charge is by the hour.

Rachel and Alanda give back as often as they can, too. Specials and giveaways are regular features on their social media accounts, and when the opportunity to help veterans or special needs children (for instance) arises, they don’t hesitate to help raise money for a good cause.

“We have a lot of different things going on,” Rachel says. “Especially helping with the Arkansas Angel Pageant, which is for special needs kids. We try to always raise money for that.

“To see the excitement on those kids’ faces is worth it.”

In February, Moppin Mommas will give away a date-night package. And at Thanksgiving, they gave away a free cleaning with a “turkey hunt” scavenger hunt for Facebook followers.

“We like to make it fun with contests,” Rachel says.

Follow Moppin Mommas and Modern Day Thelma & Louise Boutique pages on Facebook and Instagram.

For appointments and scheduling, email moppinmommas@yahoo.com or call 501-548-7893 or 318-254-0288 or message them on Facebook.

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Hearing Aids May Help Ringing Ears

By Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D.

has referred to using hearing aids for tinnitus relief as, “The gold standard for tinnitus relief.”

Crickets, ringing, buzzing, static, humming are all symptoms of There is agreement within the audiology community and high frequency hearing loss. It may be louder or softer at times verified through research that hearing aids are considered the and is usually more noticeable when it’s quiet. Many people have standard of treatment for tinnitus management. Also, from the it and simply learn to ignore it, but others can’t seem to ignore it American Tinnitus Association: “There are presently no FDAand are bothered constantly. How can you manage it? approved drugs specifically for tinnitus, and no medications that Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disorder by itself. The most have been shown to reverse the neural hyperactivity at the root common cause of tinnitus is hearing loss. This condition presents of tinnitus. Drugs cannot cure tinnitus.” So, no matter how many two simultaneous complaints: “I hear but I don’t understand” and advertisements you may see for supplements or cure all pills, “My ears buzz or ring.” There can be other factors involved that there is simply no medical evidence that they work. cause or contribute to tinnitus to lesser extents. High doses of All major hearing organizations include hearing aids as tinnitus aspirin, some prescription medications and excessive caffeine can treatment: the American Tinnitus Association, Better Hearing all contribute to increased tinnitus, but by and large the most Institute, American Otological Society, American Academy of common condition I see in the office is hearing loss itself.

Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, American Speech The following information is taken from the American Tinnitus Hearing Association, House Ear Clinic, Academy of Doctors of Association Treatment website: Audiology, and the American Academy of Audiology.

Many of the better and more sophisticated hearing aids Hearing Aids available today contain some form of tinnitus masking “Tinnitus is overwhelmingly connected to some level of hearing incorporated into the hearing aid circuitry which is easily used loss. Augmenting the reception and perception of external sounds by the patient. One of the greatest challenges in working with can often provide relief from the internal sound of tinnitus. Most tinnitus patients is that everyone is different. ReSound hearing patients develop tinnitus as a symptom of hearing loss, caused aids include a tinnitus sound generator (TSG) that has helped either by aging or noise exposure. Hearing loss causes less many patients manage their tinnitus. The Smart App allows each external sound stimuli to reach the brain. In response, the brain patient to select and switch between sounds that provide the undergoes neuroplastic changes in how it processes different most relief. This direct audio streaming from a smartphone gives sound frequencies. Tinnitus is the product of these maladaptive the patient direct access to customizable soundscapes that fit neuroplastic changes. Patients with hearing loss and tinnitus their unique needs. may find relief from the use of hearing aids and other sound Again, tinnitus is not a disease, but rather a symptom of an amplification devices.” underlying condition which is usually hearing loss. I’ve seen A 2008-9 study published in The Hearing Review revealed that countless patients over the past 25 years who have told me approximately 65% of patients experienced mild to moderate during their post fitting appointments, “My ringing is gone”. relief from tinnitus while using hearing aids and that 22% Maybe hearing aids can help get rid of the noises in your ears too. experienced major relief. The House Ear Institute in California They will certainly help you hear more clearly..

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A Look Back...

Front view of the Hotel Bachelor after the fire. It was estimated that it would cost $500,000 to rebuild the hotel but it was only insured for $80,000 so it would be scrapped.

Photo Credit: Conway Fire Department, official photos of Arkansas State Police.

The Hotel Bachelor Fire

by Cindy Beckman One of the most memorable New Year’s in Conway’s history occurred as its residents were ringing in 1963. Parties and gatherings came to a halt as people gathered to watch the Hotel Bachelor burn.

The three-story Hotel Bachelor with its red brick exterior stood on Front Street next to the Post Office where the parking lot is today between the Federal Building and U.S. Pizza. Little Rock contractor, Bob Oliver, who owned several hotels across the state, built it in 1921, calling it the Hotel Rivilo (Oliver spelled backwards.)

In 1930, Oliver sold the 58-room hotel to George L. Bachelor of Little Rock. Bachelor changed the hotel’s name and made substantial improvements to it. When he passed away in 1947, his wife and daughter, Katy Jo, continued to live there. George Bachelor, Jr., helped his mother run the hotel until the family sold it to Mr. and Mrs. C.M. King in 1956.

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George L. Bachelor, Jr. then moved with his family to Hot Springs where he became the general manager of the Hot Springs Country Club. After managing the club for many years, he owned the Roundtable Restaurant at the Velda Rose Towers and the Downtowner Restaurant at the Downtowner Hotel. He then served as a red coat at the Oaklawn Jockey Club for 15 years.

The Bachelor Hotel changed owners nearly a half dozen times in the years before it burned. Noble (Scotty) Barber, owner at the time of the fire, had purchased it only 21 months earlier.

The Bachelor’s lobby featured a marble-topped front desk and a tile floor that was installed when Bachelor assumed ownership.

A coffee shop was located across from the desk and a large meeting room was behind the lobby. The meeting room served as a ballroom for social occasions.

Several businesses were located on the ground level of the hotel: H.D. Russell Insurance, Woodmen of the World state

headquarters, and a U.S. Army recruiting station which had opened in 1960. A beauty shop operated on the mezzanine.

As Conway’s largest hotel in 1962, it hosted the regular meetings of civic organizations like Rotary, Kiwanis and Lions as well as the Chamber of Commerce board.

Such events as the DBS sorority dances, the Kiwanis annual Pancake Breakfast, and the Camp’s Men’s Store Style Show were also held there.

The hotel had been filled to near capacity in the months preceding the fire. Titan II missile workers had been staying there while the silos were being constructed. Several retired men also made the hotel their permanent residence. On the night of the fire, however, there were only 22 rooms occupied because many of the men had gone home for Christmas.

About 10:25 p.m., as young and old prepared to ring in the new year, the first alarm sounded. Crowds gathered, ringing in the new year as they stood entranced by the fire. Firefighters battled the fire through the night and into the next day.

Conway Fire Chief Wilson Drews later said the fire started on the east side of the third floor. All of the occupants, as well as the people attending a New Year’s Eve party in the dining room, were safely evacuated within the first few minutes.

North Little Rock’s ladder truck at the Hotel Bachelor. Photo Credit: History of the Conway Fire Department by John McMahan, Conway Fire Department

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200,000 bricks, several doors Several firefighters and windows, and some of the suffered from the 26-degree lumber. Undamaged furnishings temperature. Sandwiches and were also sold. coffee were set up for them In 1964, Conway at the Texaco station at Front Corporation purchased the lot and Main to give them a for the city for $35,000, selling break from the cold. Fireman it to the federal government Billie Stewart injured his left two years later. A parking lot knee when he fell through an was installed there for the new opening on the north side of Federal Building which opened the building. in late 1970.

None of the surrounding Side view of the Hotel Bachelor from the south. Photo Credit: Many cities have historic buildings were damaged, Conway Fire Department, official photos of Arkansas State Police. downtown hotels and have largely because Conway worked hard to preserve Corporation had installed them. Conway’s historic hotel, new booster water pumps a however, went up in flames on New Year’s Day, 1963 and became few months earlier. This enabled the firefighters to apply more part of the collective memory of Conway. water to the fire. The North Little Rock Fire Department also sent a 65-ft. aerial truck which was credited with helping put out the fire more quickly because it applied water over the top of the building.

Cindy Beckman is a local freelance writer. She writes A Look Back, a weekly Tuesday column; A Look Barber estimated the loss at nearly $125,000, but the building Forward, a bi-monthly Sunday column; and the was only insured for $80,000. Building authorities predicted it daily Yesterdays column for the Log Cabin. She has also authored several local history books and articles. would cost at least $500,000 to replace the hotel, so it would She may be reached at beckman@windstream.net not be rebuilt. A salvage company removed and sold about

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Using God’s Gifts to Teach

by Melissa West

50 WINC. | January 2019

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’” – Erma Bombeck I have this quote saved to my computer desktop in my classroom. I read it silently to myself on particularly long, difficult days. I’ve read it after tutoring a student through a 20-minute lunch break. I’ve read it after a faculty meeting about test scores. I’ve read it after grading 147 lab reports well into the late hours of the night, when my own child has fallen asleep in my lap. I’ve read it after hugging or crying with a student while they described a weekend filled with uncertainty and hunger.

Teaching, as they say, is a calling. God tells us that we are called to serve one another through love (Gal. 5:13). That looks different for each of us, but for me, service looks like teaching. The three overarching tenets of my walk with God are Grace, Faith, and Love. These are so intertwined that we sometimes use these words synonymously.You cannot have one without the others, and God gifted us with all three.

It has never escaped me that these are also the three most important tenets to teaching (and impacting) young people. In the classroom, Grace looks much like it does in our daily walk. Students make mistakes frequently, as they are just smaller versions of the rest of us. In moments when they least expect it, Grace is a breath of fresh air.

Not only do they absolutely need it themselves, but they also need to see what it looks like to give Grace to others.

This is how we build compassionate people: we show them compassion in their weakest moments. We exhibit kindness and patience when they fully expect frustration or even punishment. We continue to seek them out, despite how many times they have pushed us away. We stand behind them in their moments of shame and doubt with open arms.

Much like Grace, Faith must be modeled. Many kids in middle school have lost Faith that their teachers care about them or that learning is attainable. They have lost trust in the adults in their lives and turn to alternative

support systems. They aren’t sure that anyone has Faith in them , either. When I spend the lunch period sitting with a group of students reteaching a concept that they just didn’t “get”, they recognize what Faith looks like. It’s that voice whispering in your ear, saying “Trust me. I will come through for you, even when it feels really hard.” My Faith in my students isn’t always easy, because Faith requires action, and sometimes the actions are difficult. But how can we expect them to believe in themselves if we don’t show them what it looks like?

Finally, the strongest thread in the rope is Love. When I was in middle school I had a teacher who I absolutely knew loved me. Her actions changed the way I saw the world, and was probably the first time I realized that some people in my life might choose to love me for no reason other than for who I am. What a gift it is to feel worthy of love! I enjoy the looks of surprise I get from 13-year-olds the first time I say “I love you”. But the part that drives me on, wakes me up at 4:30 a.m. every day, keeps me at work over 50 hours each week, takes me from my own child on days I desperately miss her, brings tears to my eyes as I pray each Sunday night for children to come back fed and safe, is the love they return to me. It is a blessing I attribute fully to God – for enabling me to do a job that requires and generates love. It re-fills my cup over and over.

When I meet God, I know I will have grown tired from all the demands of life and work. I know that years of loving other people’s children, as well as my own, will have taken a toll on my body and mind. But ultimately, isn’t that how He wants us? Emptied vessels who used everything He gave us to further His gifts.

Melissa West is a God-follower, middle-school science teacher, wife, and mother.

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