WINC February 2018

WOMENSINC.NET

FEBRUARY 2018

MATTERS OF THE HEART

INSIDE:

Sweet Treats from Local Bakeries

Helpful Tax Tips Recipes for a Romantic Dinner for Two

matters f the heart MALTIBIAS SHARE KEYS TO THEIR MARRIAGE SUCCESS

CONTENTS

6

Editor Lori Quinn

12

Cover Story

Maltbias share keys to their marital success

Helpful Tax Tips

F E B R U A R Y 2 018 WOM EN ’ S IN C .

Sweet Treats from Local Bakeries Shop local, support small businesses

Chief Photographer Brandy Strain

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New Tax Law

Charitable giving and philanthropy

Contributing Writers Jeanette Anderton Leah Ashby Cindy Beckman Detra Clark Marisa Hicks Colleen Holt Nancy Jackson Lindsey Jones Andrea Lennon Susan O’Keefe Jennifer Stanley Jenny Strange Kelly Sublett

Banks are affected by the new tax laws

Advertising Sales Director Betsey Barham Art Director Robin Stauffer Advertising Sales Executives Crystal Geraldson Bobby Eller Leigh Anne Gray Cortney Askins Advertising Artists Jay Prince Lauren Morgenstern Amanda Loggins

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Food

Recipes for cooking a romantic dinner for two at home

News & Events

United Way offering free tax preparation

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38

December ribbon-cuttings

Tax specialist Susan Taft assists members of community

News & Events

columns 40. book review

The Iguana Tree Susan O’Keefe review 4 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2018

Tax Assistance

42. spiritual

Picture Perfect

by Andrea Lennon

Editorial Advisory Board Leah Ashby Jenny Cabantac Ayisha Canant Detra Clark Alyson Fish Nicolle Fletcher Haley Crafton Fowler Sarah Frost Mary Harlan Nancy Jackson Cate Ketcheside Leslie Kostecky Caroline LaVan Velda Lueders Christina Munoz Madsen Candace Meeks Misty Morse Carol Patty Amy Reed Lanette Rogers Lori Ross Mary Margaret Satterfield Jennifer Stanley Katherine Thomason Stefanie Holt Vann

Questions or Comments?

Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: WINC@thecabin.net or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033 • www.womensinc.net

cover stor y

Pastor Maltbia and his wife Natasha define successful marriage, while providing opportunities for others in the community to strengthen their own relationships through various ministries.

(L to R) Connor, Natasha, Pastor E. C. and Kennedy Maltbia.

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MATTERS OF THE HEART

matters f the heart MALTIBIAS SHARE KEYS TO THEIR MARRIAGE SUCCESS

By Jennifer Stanley Photos by Brandy Strain Pastor Everette Cornell Maltbia is founder of — and serves as senior pastor for — Conway’s True Holiness Saints Center, Inc. (True Holiness). With his wife, Natasha, alongside him, the two define successful marriage, while providing opportunities for others in the community to strengthen their own relationships through various ministries.

The couple has two children: Kennedy is 22, and Connor is 19.

Both were born and raised in Conway. Pastor Maltbia attended the University of Central Arkansas, while simultaneously receiving his ordination by the Church of God In Christ Inc. He became a licensed minister in 1989. Natasha also attended the University of Central Arkansas.

In addition to the numerous ministries offered through True Holiness, Pastor Maltbia has dedicated his time and talents to the local community by serving on the board of directors for the following organizations: United Way of Faulkner County, Salvation Army of Faulkner County, Faulkner County Leadership Institute, Conway Regional Health System’s Community Advisory Board, Community Foundation of Faulkner County, the University of Central Arkansas Inaugural Parent and Family Council, Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and as a founding member of the Conway Community Race Relations Initiative. Pastor Maltbia WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 7

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was also appointed as Chaplain for the State of Arkansas House of Representatives 87th General Assembly.

Pastor Maltbia currently serves as a member of the City of Conway Civil Service Commission, Conway Regional Health System Board of Directors, Chaplain for the Conway Police Department and for Veasley Funeral Home and Cremations, and as a member of Conway Ministerial Alliance. In addition, he was recently appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to the Board of Trustees for the University of Central Arkansas.

He will celebrate his 25th year as pastor of True Holiness in July. Natasha oversees the women’s ministry, Women of Noble Character, at the church. They credit a wonderful support team as being integral

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to the ministries of the church, saying, “We have a wonderful support team at True Holiness. The entire staff and congregation are an absolute joy to work with as we endeavor to impact our community for the cause of Christ.” Being involved with more than an impressive 20 ministries, a cohesive, productive staff is a must.

“I would like to quickly highlight two [of our ministries],” says Pastor Maltbia. “Our church offers two College Ministry small groups. Both groups are registered student organizations on the campus of UCA. The Inter-Denominational Christian Council hosts weekly Bible studies at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday nights at UCA. In addition, Judah Choral is our College Choir. These two groups of young people work together to host

our annual College Day each fall semester.

Also, our Youth and Children’s ministry is a very important part of the life of our church.

I often say, ‘They are the church of tomorrow in training today!’ We work hard to teach our young people to love Jesus.”

Specific to “matters of the heart,” True Holiness also offers a Married Life small group opportunity. “This small group is designed to affair-proof marriages. Our goal is to help marriages thrive and not just survive. On average, 18 to 28 couples commit to meeting together quarterly for a lesson and potluck dinner,” says Pastor Maltbia.

The Maltbias have another big celebration on the horizon, as the high school sweethearts will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary on June 5th. When asked how he

MATTERS OF THE HEART and Natasha met, Pastor Maltbia says, “We have known each other so long; it’s hard to remember. We grew up in the same neighborhood. We attended the same local church.

We went through the Conway Public Schools together. I would say we probably met at church. She was probably ‘stalking’ me at a young age,” he laughs. “But seriously, I got to know Natasha best through our church youth group. For as long as I can remember, she has always been a beautiful young lady who loves God and has been very serious about her relationship with Him.” Natasha seconds this, adding, “Our families grew up knowing each other, so I think we probably met as babies.

However, we became best friends and started dating at the age of 16.”

When asked what they feel is the key to a successful relationship, Pastor Maltbia answers, “One: Loving a person the way they want to be loved. Find out what they need from a spouse, and do everything you can to meet those needs. Two: Open and honest communication. You have to share your goals, fears, frustrations, and feelings. Three: Forgiveness. We are imperfect people, and we will make mistakes from time to time. A marriage cannot survive without forgiveness.”

Natasha answers the same question, “I think there are several keys to a successful relationship. One of my favorites is that you should always protect your relationship, as found in Song of Solomon 2:15, from the ‘foxes’ or the little things that creep in and destroy it.”

When asked what advice they may have for young, newly engaged or married couples, Cornell states, “I believe every newly engaged couple needs to go through

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a Biblically based, pre-marital counseling program with a seasoned instructor.”

Natasha adds, “From an early age, my grandfather had many conversations with me about the type of man I should marry.

So I was always perceptive of couples who I thought were #goals or had ideal relationships. I took mental notes of things in each of the relationships I liked, and I found someone who believed in those same principles. We had premarital counseling through our church; I would advise every engaged couple to go through counseling. Also, we sat down and went over our goals, expectations, and non-negotiables. Being armed with this information beforehand really helped us once the honeymoon stage had ended.”

For more seasoned couples, Pastor Maltbia advises “Forever be a student of your spouse. During every age and stage in life, they change. They are certainly not the person they were five years ago and neither are you.” Natasha adds, “Focus on growing together to prevent 10 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2018

MATTERS OF THE HEART

yourselves from growing apart. We are currently moving into the stage of being empty nesters. When our eldest child started junior high school, we knew we had to make sure we wouldn’t end up as strangers living in the same house after our kids graduated. So much of our time had revolved around the kids, we had to figure out and train ourselves to do things without them. Anticipating this seasonal change in our lives and dealing with it years beforehand really made an easy and stress free transition into this new phase in our marriage.”

The Maltbias welcome all to attend True Holiness. They offer Sunday school weekly at 10:00 a.m. with Morning Worship service to follow at 11:00 a.m. They also host a mid-week Word and Worship on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m. In addition to these weekly offerings, True Holiness will host its annual Family and Friends Day on Sunday, March 4 at 11:00 a.m. The public is welcomed and invited to attend.

WHEN ASKED WHAT THEY FEEL IS THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL RELATIONSHIP: “One: Loving a person the way they want to be loved. Find out what they need from a spouse, and do everything you can to meet those needs.

Two: Open and honest communication. You have to share your goals, fears, frustrations, and feelings. Three: Forgiveness. We are imperfect people, and we will make mistakes from time to time. A marriage cannot survive without forgiveness.”

—PASTOR CORNELL MALTBIA “Forever be a student of your spouse. During every age and stage in life, they change. They are certainly not the person they were five years ago and neither are you. Focus on growing together to prevent yourselves from growing apart.”

—NATASHA MALTBIA

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feature story

Sweet Treats from Local Bakeries

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SWEET TREATS FROM LOCAL BAKERIES

Look no further than these three local bakeries to find the perfect sweet treat for your Valentine’s Day celebration. PattiCakes, Ed’s Custom Bakery, and Julie’s Sweet Shoppe and Bakery have just want you need to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you need a special treat for an office party, a child’s Valentine party, or something for that special person in your life, you won’t be disappointed with the assortment of sugary delights found at these bakeries. Iced and decorated sugar cookies, cupcakes, macaroons, fudge, petit fours, candies, cakes, pies, and even baked doggie treats for your furry friend are just a few of the tasty treats available at your favorite local bakery. Shop local. Shop Conway this Valentine’s Day.

-crafted with care. nd ha is es ak iC tt Pa at y Da s “Valentine’ you love, or a ne eo m so r fo ng pi op sh re Whether you’ have sweet e w lf, se ur yo r fo l ia ec sp little something and heart!”

— th ou m y er ev fy tis sa to and savory options

—PattiCakes Bakery WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 13

feature story

s! We enjoy being able to ay lid ho e rit vo fa r ou of e on is y Da “Valentine’s es whether it be our on ed lov eir th r fo at tre ct rfe pe e th help people find lentine’s favorite — Va r ou or s ur fo tit pe s iou lic de , ies fun heart-shaped cook ve added heart ha to ed cit ex ’re we ar ye is Th ! es rri chocolate-dipped strawbe o. It’s nice to remind people to rs, vo fla l ra ve se in ns ro ca Ma ch shaped Fren y to play a part in that!” pp ha e ar we d an r, fo d re ca d an ed that they are lov

—Ed’s Bakery

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SWEET TREATS FROM LOCAL BAKERIES

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feature story

SWEET TREATS FROM LOCAL BAKERIES

“Valentine gift ideas at Julie’s rangdee from donut hole kabobs, homeman fudge, candy bouquets, a glute free snack bouquet, unique cookaniesd (including red velvet cookies), s cupcakes, in addition to treat for your fur-babies — pupcakes and three flavors of dog treats!

Plus a whole lot more!”

—Julie’s Sweet Shoppe

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tax guide

Many people donate to nonprofit organizations and other philanthropic groups out of a personal desire to do good for others. Such charitable giving can improve the lives of others and may make donors eligible for tax deductions.

Charitable Giving & Taxes Individuals and businesses should speak with a tax professional about the rules governing charitable donations.

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HELPFUL TAX TIPS Many people donate to nonprofit organizations and other philanthropic groups out of a personal desire to do good for others. Such charitable giving can improve the lives of others and may make donors eligible for tax deductions.

According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, donors may deduct charitable contributions of money or property made to qualified organizations. These generally include religious organizations, veterans organizations, nonprofit groups qualified under section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, and some other groups as well.

The Canada Revenue Agency lists registered charities, registered low-cost housing corporations, national arts service organizations, registered Canadian amateur athletic associations, and some educational universities among the organizations that may qualify donors for tax deductions.

Canadian individuals and businesses generally can claim deductions and gifts of up to 75 percent of net income. In the United States, the IRS states one generally may deduct up to 50 percent of adjusted

Giving can constitute cash and non-cash donations, advises the charity watchdog organization Charity Navigator. gross income, but 20 percent and 30 percent limitations apply in some cases.

Giving can constitute cash and non-cash donations, advises the charity watchdog organization Charity Navigator. For example, deductions for donations of clothing and household items that are in good condition or better may qualify donors for tax deductions. Donors are advised to bring items to reputable charities that will issue a receipt for their value.

An appraisal may be requested for more expensive items.

All donations require a paper trail and proof of charitable contribution.

The Government of Canada states that official donation receipts from registered charities and other qualified organizations should be kept in a safe place. While these receipts need not be submitted at the time

of filing (whether on paper returns or electronic filings), they should be kept for five years in the event they are subjected to review.

Timing donations properly is key. The IRS says that contributions made in cash or other property must be made before the close of the tax year to be deductible.

A tax treaty between the United States and Canada allows for some deduction of donations made to charities across the border. Again, it is best to consult with a tax professional in these matters as some contributions to foreign organizations are not deductible.

Charitable giving has many benefits, including feeling good about oneself, helping the less fortunate and the financial reward of qualifying for some tax breaks.

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tax guide

Why the GOP tax cuts are boosting stocks and who gains most Lily Batchelder, formerly an economic adviser in the Obama White House and chief tax counsel for the Senate Finance Committee, is a law professor at New York University specializing in tax policy. In an interview, she explained to The Associated Press why she believes stocks are surging in response to the tax cuts and just how the middle class, whose spending drives the economy, will fare.

Q: Who are the biggest winners from these tax cuts?

A: The wealthy. That’s partially because

By Josh Boak AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers late last year rushed $1.5 trillion in tax cuts into law — the most sweeping rewrite of the tax code since 1986.

Republicans assert that the plan will deliver stronger economic growth and substantial pay raises for the middle class.

Democrats and most economists counter that the measure will overwhelmingly favor corporations and wealthy individuals and swell the budget deficit.

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their income taxes get cut and partially because they tend to be the people who own companies, so they benefit from lower corporate rates.

Q: Is it reasonable to expect that these tax cuts will help the stock market?

A: It’s probably already helped them.

The stock market appears to have anticipated these changes, and shares have risen. The increases are one way the

wealthy will be better off. Another way is, going forward, corporations should be more profitable, and that should benefit the wealthy in the form of more dividends and capital gains.

Q: How would everyday Americans do?

A: On average, they would get a very small tax cut in the near term and a tax increase in the long term. In the

short term, the family earning $40,000 to $50,000 gets a tax cut. But as a share of their income, it’s about one-third the size of the average millionaire’s tax cut. But after 2025, all of the tax cuts for individuals have expired, and their taxes will increase.

Q: Some lawmakers have said the individual tax cuts will be renewed instead of expiring.

A: If they’re renewed, the middle class will continue to get a small tax cut. But

the tax cut would shrink over time because a less generous measure of inflation would now be used for adjusting the tax brackets.

Also, the deficit would be much higher than the $1.8 trillion in new borrowing and interest costs that are currently projected.

Q: Do you see these tax cuts as a recipe for lasting economic growth?

A: I think the way the economy grows is by investing in families, investing in the middle class and the next generation. This law does very little of that. Lower corporate taxes should have a modest impact on growth in the short term but over the long term are likely to have no impact or a negative impact because of the higher deficits.

HELPFUL TAX TIPS

Tax law brings big paper losses, long-term gains to US banks

By Ken Sweet AP Business Writer

Most major U.S. banks do the vast majority of their business at home and don’t have material amounts of foreign profits that they need to bring back, with the exception of two: Citigroup and Goldman Sachs.

Both banks have large international businesses. Citigroup in particular NEW YORK — Big U.S. banks have been reporting billions of has substantial banking businesses in Latin America and Asia. dollars in paper losses this month as they are forced to come into When the tax law was enacted, Goldman said they estimated they compliance with the new tax law. And while the losses are massive, they would have to take a $5 billion charge in the latest quarter, two-thirds were largely expected, and bank executives say the new tax law will be of which related to repatriated foreign earnings, the rest to deferred tax good for banks as well as the economy in the long run. assets. Citi said Tuesday that it was booking a $3 billion charge related The biggest loser so far has been Citigroup, which reported Tuesday to its foreign earnings. an $18 billion loss largely due to the tax law. The actual write-downs Despite the short-term pain, banks expect the tax law to be ultiwere even larger than that, more than $22 billion just in the quarter. It mately good for them. Most U.S. banks had tax rates of around 30 was one of the largest quarterly losses in Citi’s history. percent, sometimes higher, and now are now expecting effective tax The charges that these banks are taking fall into two categories.

The lion’s share is tied to what’s known as deferred tax assets. During rates of roughly 20 percent.

Most banks are expected to pass at least a portion of their new the financial crisis nearly a decade ago, banks racked up billions of dollars in losses from soured mortgages and other toxic assets. These losses, profits along to shareholders in the form of stock buybacks and higher dividends. It is still early to see how much will go to consumers and under U.S. tax law, can be converted into credits to be used to lower businesses, although a few banks have announced wage increases for their tax bills in the future. their lowest paid employees as a result of the tax law.

Citigroup, JPMorgan and other banks had assigned a value to these JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon said last week that the new tax assets when the top U.S. corporate income tax rate was 35 percent. But the Trump tax law lowered the top rate to 21 percent this year, the value law is a “significant positive for the country.”

“U.S. companies will be more competitive globally, which will of those deferred tax assets had to be adjusted. ultimately benefit all Americans,” Dimon said.

Citi’s exposure to these deferred tax assets is abnormally large — more than $45 billion before Tuesday’s write-down — and is a byproduct of what happened to the bank during the financial crisis. Citi was the nation’s largest bank at the time, holding billions of dollars in mortgages and other complicated assets, and when the financial crisis hit, Citi came dangerously close to failing.

In comparison to Citi, the other bank’s deferred tax assets seem small. JPMorgan Chase reported a $2.4 billion paper loss tied into these assets. Goldman Sachs and Bank of America are also expected to announce single-digit billion dollar losses when they report their results on Wednesday. The smallest of the six major U.S. banks, Morgan Stanley, which reports its results on Thursday, is expected to book a $1.3 billion charge for its deferred tax assets.

The other component of the bank’s write-downs this week is the repatriation of foreign earnings. Just like Apple, which has billions of dollars of its profits sitting in overseas subsidiaries, some of the major Wall Street banks also have foreign subsidiaries where they have been holding profits abroad in hopes of getting a better tax rate on those earnings.

The Trump tax bill provided exactly that. The new law is giving a one-time break to companies with “accumulated foreign profits” by taxing those earnings at just 15.5 percent.

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food

By Leah Ashby and Linda Mars Photos by Brandy Strain

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ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO

A Romantic Dinner for Two

Make it a romantic dinner at home this Valentine’s Day with our easy-to-prepare steak dinner for two. The juicy filets come together quickly and easily in the oven. What else is on the menu? We prepared our favorite roasted vegetable, asparagus, but you can pair most any roasted vegetable with the filets. In addition, we took advantage of convenience items at the grocery store and cooked packaged and seasoned baby potatoes in the microwave. Finish the meal with decadent chocolate crème brulee for an evening to remember.

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food

Filet Mignon

Blue Cheese Butter

Ingredients 2 8-ounce filet mignon 3 teaspoons kosher salt 3 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil

Ingredients ½ stick butter 2 Tablespoons blue cheese, crumbled 1 Tablespoon garlic, minced

Preparation Season both sides of the steaks with salt and pepper.

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

Add oil and get your cast iron skillet very hot. Sear steaks 2 – 3 minutes on each side until a nice crust forms.

Once both sides have a nice crust, take the whole skillet and put it in the 400 degree oven for 6 – 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak for medium rare.

Add a pat of the blue cheese butter (recipe at right) when plating.

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Preparation Soften the butter in a microwave-safe bowl until malleable, 10 – 15 seconds.

Using a fork, mash in and combine blue cheese and garlic until fully mixed.

Spoon the butter onto aluminum foil, doing your best to reshape it to resemble a stick of butter.

Roll and place in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes and remove 5 minutes before serving.

ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO

Chocolate Crème Brulee Ingredients 1 Tablespoon butter 3 cups heavy cream 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 8 egg yolks 1 cup raw sugar 1 cup sweetened whipped cream 1 pint fresh raspberries

Preparation Preheat the oven to 275 degrees and butter 10 14-ounce ramekins.

In a saucepan, over medium heat, combine the cream and chocolate. Whisk until smooth.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Temper the egg yolks into the hot cream mixture. Remove from the heat and cool. Ladle into the individual ramekins.

Place the ramekins in a large baking dish.

Fill the large baking dish with water coming up halfway on the outside of the ramekin.

Place in the oven and cook until the center is firm, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and water. Cool completely.

Refrigerate until chilled. Sprinkle the sugar over the top, shaking off the excess.

Using a hand-blow torch, caramelize the sugar on top.

Garnish with the whipped cream and raspberries.

Conway residents Leah and Linda are longtime friends who love entertaining family and friends. Leah is a business analyst at Acxiom Corporation, and Linda is a Registered Nurse at Circle of Friends Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

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food

“We took advantage of convenience items at the grocery store and cooked packaged and seasoned baby potatoes in the microwave.”

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ROMANTIC DINNER FOR TWO

XXXX XXXXX

Candles, candlesticks, and table runner provided by Conway’s Classic Touch.

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jewelr y

ADVERTISEMENT

V-Day is here again!

I have been a jeweler by trade for the last 25 years, and I’m a hopeless romantic.

I would love to give some advice to gentlemen and ladies about Valentine’s Day gift ideas. To start with gentlemen, this romantic holiday is really about love isn’t it? Please don’t let your sweetheart down by coming home empty-handed. “It’s the thought that counts” and fewer expressions have ever rang so true! As a jeweler, my top gift recommendations for any lady are: 1: Diamond stud earrings, an essential jewelry wardrobe staple (oh, she has some already? Maybe she might like a larger pair, maybe a trade-up?)

2: Diamond hoop earrings, especially the kind you can add charms to.

3: Pearls! Whether it’s a bracelet, a necklace, or earrings, this is a very important

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part of any lady’s jewelry wardrobe and they literally come in all price ranges.

4: Vintage, vintage and vintage jewelry,

including but certainly not limited to vintage charms and charm bracelets. This is something that you can keep adding to for other occasions. It is a “one of a kind piece” and not something she will see everyone else at her workplace wearing. Imagine the glamour of perhaps wearing one of Liz Taylor’s charm bracelets? She owned several and it’s that history and romance surrounding vintage jewelry that most of us truly love!

5: Heart-shaped pendants, lockets, charms or even rose colored or red gemstone jewelry… all of these say “true

romance!”

I must insert a little advice for those of you who aren’t attached or don’t have a sweetheart this year: Valentine’s Day, to me, represents love in all forms. It can be for your children, your friends, your parents or even your pets. When I was single, my

cats always gave me the BEST and most thoughtful gifts! Even on their small salary, they always knew exactly what I would love to have. And, I like to believe that now that I’m married, my husband secretly meets with my cats for gift advice. He’s a smart guy, and pretty handsome too. Now ladies, your job is a lot easier, just greet your sweetheart at your door wearing only your Valentine’s Day jewelry, and that’s it!!

Win-Win! Happy Valentine’s Day ladies and gentlemen! And remember, diamonds mean love!

Cindy Webb is the owner of Francis M. Fine Jewelry in downtown Conway.

She received her Bachelor of Science in Speech/Communications from UCA, Graduate Gemologist title from GIA, Certified Gemologist title from AGS, and has continued her education with GIA by receiving the Pearls diploma and Insurance Replacement Appraisal diploma. Cindy has worked in the fine jewelry business for the past 25 years in every capacity, and is a practicing numismatist. She and her husband, Donald live in Conway with their 3 adopted cats.

news & events

IN THE NEWS

United Way of Central Arkansas offers Free Tax Preparation United Way of Central Arkansas will offer free tax preparation to residents in Central Arkansas.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is an IRS program that offers free tax preparation to households that make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and taxpayers that speak limited English and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.

United Way of Central Arkansas will first offer VITA services at United Way Free Tax Preparation Super Saturday. This event will be held February 3 at UCA Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center from 10am-3pm. Childcare and translation services will be available.

Below are a list of the services and vendors that will be available at the event.

UCA and Hendrix students help UWCA provide free tax preparation services. (clockwise from left) Spencer Rodriguez, Andrew Cash, Kayla Davis, Kaneshia Stuart.

United Way office located at 1120 W. Oak Street

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Once again, all these tax preparation services are free of charge.

To make an appointment go to www.uwcark.org/ free-tax-prep or call 501-327-5087

• Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Program United Way of Central Arkansas would like (scholarship opportunities) to thank the following sponsors: Winthrop • Arkansas Coding Academy (info about this educational opportunity) • Faulkner County Council on Aging (senior services) • Community Action Program of Central Arkansas (CAPCA) (providing info about programs to assist lower income families in their transition out of poverty) • Hope & Compassion (drug addiction education) • Women’s Shelter of Central Arkansas • Salvation Army (Pathway of Hope information) • Conway Cradle Care (providing FREE childcare for children 10 and under) • Arkansas Department of Workforce Services • Walgreens (free health assessments and prescription discounts) • Arkansas Cancer Coalition (smoking cessation) • Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance • Judge Braswell (Compassion Court) • Doug Isanhart (Budgeting 101) • First Security Bank (credit counseling and new home buyer education) • Crews & Associates (general investment info) • Bank of the Ozarks (opening bank accounts) • First Service Bank (opening bank accounts) • Smoothie King (samples) • Centennial Bank (Centennial grill masters & greeters) United Way of Central Arkansas will also offer free tax preparation starting from Monday, February 5 through Friday, April 13 from 9am4pm. Residents can drop off their taxes at the

Rockefeller Foundation, Conway Corp., Nabholz, Adcock Family Foundation, Virco, TriTechne Inc, Trinity, First Service Bank, Farris Agency, Bank of the Ozarks, Arvest, Centennial Bank, University of Central Arkansas, Michelle Phillips CPA, First Security Bank, Simmons Bank, and Southern Bancorp.

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news & events

December Ribbon Cuttings John Daly Steakhouse 912 Front Street Conway, AR 72032 (501) 504-2380

JDog Junk Removal and Hauling North Little Rock, AR 72118, (501) 442-6185

Baptist Health Comprehensive Spine & Pain Management Center 650 United Drive, Suite 340, Conway, AR 72032, (501) 812-7521

Wal-Mart, Store #5 1155 Hwy 65 N Conway, AR 72032, (501) 329-0023

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IN THE NEWS

Pop Pop Shoppe 1040 S Amity, Suite G Conway, AR 72032 (501) 358-4455

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news & events

IN THE NEWS

Strongtower Wealth Management 1715 Hudson Loop Road Conway, AR 72034 (501) 545-9930

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arts scene

EVENTS

ARTS CALENDAR February 2018 Events Information and pricing on event websites.

FEBRUARY 2: Painting and Pizza Parent’s Night Out @ Blackbird Academy of Arts; 6-8 p.m. www.blackbirdacademy.org (Ages 5+)

FEBRUARY 11: Pinkalicious Tea Party Fundraiser @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 4:00 p.m www.uca.edu/reynolds (G)

FEBRUARY 3: Roman Fisher Book Signing @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m. Nancy@fcl. org (G)

FEBRUARY 11: Lightfoot Family Band @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m. Nancy@fcl.org (G)

FEBRUARY 3: Pixar in Concert Featuring the Conway Symphony Orchestra @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/reynolds (G) FEBRUARY 5: Million Dollar Quartet @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/reynolds (PG13) FEBRUARY 7: Lydian Quartet @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac/music (G) FEBRUARY 7: UCA Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band concert @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac/music (G) FEBRUARY 9-11: Cinderella KIDS presented by Red Curtain Theatre @ Hendrix College Staples Auditorium; Feb 9-10 @ 7:00 p.m., Feb 11 @ 2:00 p.m www.redcurtaintheatre.com (G) FEBRUARY 11: Pinkalicious @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 3:00 p.m www.uca.edu/reynolds (G)

FEBRUARY 13: UCA Jazz Ensembles Concert @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac/music (G) FEBRUARY 13: Maggie Smith, Public Poetry Reading, Q&A, Book Signing @ UCA College of Business Auditorium; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac/ftcw (PG13) FEBRUARY 17: Dublin Irish Dance @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/reynolds (G) FEBRUARY 17: Jasmine Harris Book Signing @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m.

Nancy@fcl.org (G) FEBRUARY 18: Peter Fletcher, classical guitarist, in Concert @ Faulkner County Library; 2:00 p.m.

Nancy@fcl.org (G) FEBRUARY 20: Public Reading by Phillip H. McMath Book Award Winner @ UCA Downtown; 6:00 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac/ftcs (PG13)

FEBRUARY 22-24: Three Days of Rain @ UCA Snow Fine Arts Center Bridges/ Larson Theatre; Feb 22,23 @ 7:30 p.m., Feb 24 @ 2:00 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac/ftcs (PG13) FEBRUARY 23: An Evening of Readings by UCA Creative Writing Faculty and Graduate Students @ UCA Downtown; 6:00 p.m. www.uca.edu/cfac/ftcw (A) FEBRUARY 27: An Evening with Jenna Bush Hager @ Reynolds Performance Hall; 7:30 p.m. www.uca.edu/reynolds (PG)

RATING KEY G – Suitable for all ages PG – Suggested for ages 7+ PG13 – Suggested for ages 13+ A – Suggested for Adults 18+

Jennie Strange is the founder and Executive Director of Blackbird Academy of Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality performing and visual arts education. She lives in Conway with her husband, Statler, and a random assortment of dogs, goats, and chickens. To submit your Arts Calendar events, email Jennie@blackbirdacademy.org

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healthcare

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Matters of the Heart Ah, February. The month smack dab in the middle of the cold, bleak winter and the month containing Valentine’s Day, the holiday that stirs the hearts of millions of people with thoughts of romance and the best way to express our love for those who are nearest and dearest to us. Just for grins, look up the origins of Valentine’s Day, if you don’t know them already. You might be more than just a little bit surprised. While you’re at it, the mythological character of Cupid makes for a little interesting reading as well. We all associate the image of a little guy with a bow and arrow, and an arrow through a heart with Valentine’s Day. In case you don’t remember, Cupid’s name was actually Eros, the god of love. Read the story of Cupid, Apollo and Daphne if you haven’t done so. As it turns out, not all of Cupid’s arrows were so loveydovey – they created a great deal of heartache.

We all know that those Greek gods and nymphs were mythological, but folks in the real world also struggle with emotional heart issues and some of us struggle with physical heart issues as well. For example, I have a strong family history of cardiovascular issues.

My father had a fatal heart attack at the age of 47, his oldest brother was one of the first bypass surgery patients in Little Rock years ago, and I have had an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) since my early thirties.

Suffice it to say, I pay pretty close attention to medical articles about heart issues. Here’s a brief synopsis of one I just read about Congestive Heart Failure, abbreviated CHF.

34 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2018

CHF can develop after other conditions have damaged or weakened your heart, and over time, it just can’t keep up the pace required to supply blood to the rest of your body. Specifically, the kidneys don’t get enough blood supply and filter less fluid out of the circulation into the urine. This extra fluid builds up in the lungs, the liver, around the eyes, and sometimes in the legs. Medically, we refer to this fluid as congestion.

That’s where Congestive Heart Failure gets its name. What are some of the causes and symptoms of CHF, and how do we treat it?

Let’s take a look.

Coronary artery disease – the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself – is the most common cause of CHF. Clogged or nearly clogged coronary arteries can cause clots to form, depriving areas of the cardiac muscle of oxygen, leading to death of some cardiac tissue. The heart has to work harder in order to compensate for this. High blood pressure is a contributing factor as well. In patients with high blood pressure, the heart has to work harder than it should to supply blood to the rest of the body. This extra work can cause the heart muscle to get thicker and less efficient. Other risk factors include an irregular heartbeat, diabetes (and some of the medications use to treat diabetes), sleep apnea, alcohol use, tobacco use, obesity, age (65 or older), and ethnicity (African Americans). Also, men have a higher rate of CHF than women.

Symptoms can include shortness of breath, medically known as SOB (yeah, we have fun with that one), fatigue and weakness, swelling in the legs, ankles and feet. Other symptoms are a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain from fluid retention, and a persistent cough or wheezing. In men, the CHF symptom of an increased need to urinate at night could potentially be blamed on prostate issues.

The treatment for CHF involves a variety of lifestyle changes and often involves medication therapy. ACE inhibitors (like lisinopril) are used to lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and decrease the workload on the heart. ARBs (like valsartan) have similar benefits and are a good alternative to people who can’t tolerate ACEs. Beta-blockers (like carvedilol) slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Diuretics (like furosemide) prevent fluid from accumulating in your body. Other medications (like digoxin and spironolactone) are used to reduce CHF symptoms and help patients live longer. For questions about these or any of your other medications give us a call. Let us be your medication experts.

David Smith is 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 area for 43+ years. He loves spending time with family and is No1POP to 5 wonderful grandchildren.

pets

ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT

Debunking Myths About Spay and Neuter Companion animal overpopulation poses a considerable problem. The Humane Society of the United States says about 2.4 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in American animal shelters each year — about one every 13 seconds. Many of these animals are the offspring of beloved pets or stray cats and dogs who reproduce unchecked.

One of the easiest solutions to the pet overpopulation problem is to have pets spayed or neutered. Another solution is for prospective pet owners to adopt pets from a nearby animal shelter that handles spaying and neutering for their adoptable animals.

Many pet owners are hesitant to have their animals spayed or neutered. That hesitation may stem from some prevailing myths surrounding spaying or neutering.

Myth: You can use neutering or spaying interchangeably to describe the sterilization process.

Fact: Neutering is associated with male pets and the removal of the testicles. Spaying is for female pets and involves the removal of both the ovaries and uterus.

Myth: Recovery from spaying and neutering takes a long time.

Fact: Many veterinarians and animal clinics allow pet owners to bring

their pets home on the same day the animal is spayed or neutered. Pets are usually fully recovered within a week of having the surgery.

Myth: It’s best to spay a female pet after she has at least one litter.

Fact: Many veterinarians stand by medical evidence that suggests

females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier than those who aren’t.

Myth: Removing reproductive organs will make my pet fat and lazy.

Fact: Weight gain is not a byproduct of spaying and neutering —

it’s typically linked to an unhealthy diet and inadequate exercise.

Myth: My pet’s personality will change for the worse.

Myth: If I keep my pet intact, I can have a puppy or a kitten just like Fact: Pet behavior may improve after the animal is spayed or neutered. him or her one day.

Males tend to be less aggressive, and females won’t howl, cry or pace Fact: The offspring of a pet is not guaranteed to be a duplicate in like they do when they’re in heat. Also, your pet actually may stick closer to home because the desire to find a mate has been reduced.

Myth: The sterilization procedure is painful for my pet.

Fact: The surgery is done under general anesthesia, and the pet will

not feel anything. Discomfort after the surgery is usually mild, and a vet can prescribe a post-operative pain medication if your pet seems to have any lingering discomfort.

looks or personality to your existing pet. In addition, at a later point in life, you may find your schedule or ability to care for a young pet has changed.

Pet overpopulation is a considerable problem with wide-ranging consequences. Pet owners should speak with their pets’ veterinarians about spaying and neutering.

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MEET THE WINC TEAM Job Title & Where: Multi-Media Account Executive at the Log Cabin Democrat How long have you been at The Log Cabin?

9 Months

CORTNEY TURNER

What was your first job (of any nature)?

I worked summers at my grandparent’s business, Carnahan Appraisals, in Stuttgart, AR as a secretary.

What do you attribute your success to?

Everything that has fallen into my path has all been due to God’s grace, self-purpose, and a little luck. I’m a strong believer in “Everything happens for a reason” and fate. I wouldn’t be where I am today without God’s grace and the purpose of me knowing what I want to accomplish to make my daughter proud, and a little luck to pull me in the direction I was needing to go in.

Tell us what you enjoy doing in your spare time.

My daughter is my world. She is sassy, but a loving 6-year-old that has her mother wrapped around her pretty little finger. Watching her grow has been the highlight of my life. She has turned into a minion and got a little attitude after starting kindergarten, which has been fun and worth it. Always keeping her mom on her toes! Every day after school/work we cook dinner, do homework, and watch a “family” movie that she gets to pick out — which is something I will enjoy doing until she no longer enjoys spending time with me! *Newly married to my best friend, Jacob Turner, who has a 6-yearold son, Hunter.

Tell us one thing you have bragging rights to (What’s one thing you’re really good at?)

One of my greatest passions is helping others. Making other people happy and smile is one of my strong suits. A simple gesture of holding a door open for a stranger or even giving a child quarters for the “claw” in the grocery stores, makes everything feel right.

How did you come to Conway?

A few different things pulled me into Conway’s direction. A big dream of mine has always been to work in a big hospital and to help others. When I heard Baptist was going to be building in Conway, I started thinking “it’s now or never.” I packed up and moved from Mountain View, AR, working in Batesville, AR at White River Medical Center to pursue my dreams. I moved a year before the hospital was finished, so I worked around town while waiting and landed a job that worked well with my schedule and was flexible enough for a single mom to raise a child on her own. Eventually I fell into the Log Cabin’s hands where I could attend all of my daughter’s school events, go to her class parties, have lunch with her, and pick her up from school every single day. I no longer had to wonder who was going to be picking her up, and I was able to stop living that 7p-7a lifestyle. I finally did something I knew was right for my daughter, and that ultimately made me happy!

Describe your family.

I have a very loving family that supports me in anything that I do in this life. They have been my rock and my strength through the hard times and continue to be that in my best times. I love them all very deeply. I wouldn’t have succeeded this far in life without them, and I would love to be able to say “I made it on my own” but that wouldn’t be true. From Mountain View to Stuttgart, to Little Rock to Dewitt, to South Carolina to California, to Hot Springs to Conway our family will always stay strong and supportive, no matter the miles between us.

36 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2018

“I finally did something I knew was right for my daughter, and that ultimately made me happy!”

health

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Untreated Hearing Loss Affects Brain Structure and Function Recent studies shed light on the importance of timely treatment of hearing loss.

Most people believe that hearing loss is a condition that only affects their ears. In reality, untreated hearing loss can affect so much more, including brain structure and function.

According to a 2013 John Hopkins University study, hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive problems and dementia.

A 2011 dementia study monitored the cognitive health of 639 people who were mentally sharp when the study began.

The researchers tested the volunteers’ mental abilities regularly, following most for about 12 years, and some for as long as 18 years.

The results were striking: The worse the initial hearing loss, the more likely the person was to develop dementia. Researchers say that there are plausible reasons for why hearing loss might lead to dementia — the brain’s hearing center, called the auditory cortex, is very close to the regions where Alzheimer’s first starts.

Hearing loss also has a noted link to brain shrinkage. Although the brain naturally becomes smaller with age, the shrinkage seems to be fast-tracked in older adults with hearing loss, according to the results of a study by Frank Lin, M.D Ph.D. through Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on

By Dr. Sam Kelso, Au.D.

Aging. The report revealed that those with impaired hearing lost more than an additional cubic centimeter of brain tissue each year compared to those with normal hearing.

Those with impaired hearing also had significantly more shrinkage in particular regions, including the superior, middle and inferior temporal gyri, brain structures also responsible for processing sound and speech.

When a person is affected by untreated hearing loss, their auditory cortex becomes “impoverished” due to the lack of sound stimulation. Treating hearing loss in a timely matter, however, can help offset this.

These studies indicate the urgency in which hearing loss should be treated. “If you want to address hearing loss well,” Lin says, “you want to do it sooner rather than later.”

According to a 2013 John Hopkins University study, hearing loss may increase the risk of cognitive problems and dementia.

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spotlight

“I help those that have past tax issues and/or problems to come to resolution. I negotiate settlement amounts with the IRS and the State for my clients, as well as represent them in audits, and other needs.”

—Susan Taft

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TAX SPECIALIST SPOTLIGHT

Tax Specialist Serves Others by Assisting in Resolution of Tax Issues Her motivation, Susan says, is the idea she could have the ability to change the direction of someone’s life just by taking time to help them.

God, family and service could easily describe what motivates Susan Taft.

A professional problem resolution leader for National Tax Specialists, Inc. and PST Tax Inc. (H&R Block), Susan plays on her strengths and experiences. Together with husband, Patrick, Susan is most proud of a personal story that includes three children, Christian values and world travel through a commitment to missions. Professionally, Susan does her best work helping people.

“In addition to tax return preparation, I work with my clients to save as much money as possible,” she says of a career spanning nearly two decades. “I help those that have past tax issues and/or problems to come to resolution. I negotiate settlement amounts with the IRS and the State for my clients, as well as represent them in audits, and other needs. I am also the office manager for H&R Block in Greenbrier.”

Her motivation, Susan says, is the idea she could have the ability to change the direction of someone’s life just by taking time to help them.

“I make it a priority to remember that everyone I meet is at a different place in life and it is important to be sensitive to each person’s situation,” she says. “I want to get to the end of my life knowing that I did all that I could do, despite my many flaws and failures, to be the best example as a mom to my children, a wife to my husband, and a Christ follower to the world.”

Armed with an associate degree from UACCM, Susan is an Enrolled Agent, licensed to practice before the IRS, and a member of American Tax Problem Resolution Specialists (ASTPS). Through IRS and State Representation, Susan says she saved clients more than $1 million last

year. She also prepared more than 1,000 tax returns.

“Most people expect that I have an accounting degree and are surprised to find out that I don’t,” she says. “I was able to obtain an associate degree in general education before making the decision to focus on family. Even though I do not have a degree in my field, I was able to get where I am today through hard work and discipline. Life does not just happen, you must make it happen. It becomes what you make it.”

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book review

The Iguana Tree Hannah Coulter Authored by Michel Stone Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe

40 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2018

SUSAN O’KEEFE

Grandmam, Hannah’s maternal grandmother, lovingly advises her granddaughter to leave the house of her youth and find her way in the world. Without sugar-coating the situation, Grandmam simply says “You need to go.” It was Grandmam’s way of gifting Hannah to the world. It was the early 1940s and Hannah needed to find her way past the family farm.

Authored by Wendell Berry Reviewed by Susan O’Keefe For the romantics, this read is for you. For the realists, this read is for you.

For the nearly defeated optimist still dreaming for a chance at true love, pick up Hannah Coulter. For the frustrated soul wondering if a person’s word can still be trusted, meet with Hannah Coulter. Sit with her. Listen to her story.

Allow Hannah to introduce her family.

It’s a messy family. There are deaths and divorces. There is war and ripped apart dreams of all that could have been. And then there is life — abundant, soak-upevery-minute-of-it-type-of-life with Hannah Coulter and all the people who pour into her, plus the investments she makes in others.

There is a daughter with no father. Then there’s Hannah’s second husband. There are decades of working the rich Kentucky dirt and paying for a farm a few dollars at a time until finally, it belongs to those who have given their life to it. There are neighbors tending to one another’s needs and lending a helping hand. Eventually, there are children and stories of raising them. Hannah grieves when they leave for college even though that was the plan from the beginning. She wonders if they will ever return, and yet when they do, she wonders how soon they will go because coming home carries a weight that becomes too heavy, even burdensome.

Resonating with vivid words and imagery, author Wendell Berry sets the stage in fictitious Port William, Kentucky, along the banks of the Ohio River. Hannah Coulter is a love story with timeless truths about decency, honesty, and contentment.

Characters are developed in such a way that readers grieve the passing of such noble women like Grandmam, Hannah’s maternal grandmother, who lovingly advises her granddaughter to leave the house of her youth and find her way in the world.

Without sugar-coating the situation, Grandmam simply says “You need to go.”

For a full translation, it was Grandmam’s way of gifting Hannah to the world. It was the early 1940s and Hannah needed to find her way past the family farm.

As the sole narrator, Hannah reflects on seven decades of living. There is an ebb and flow, a comforting rhythm that allows her to experience love and loss, grief and gratitude.

Simply put, it’s one woman’s story as a speck in the universe yet with profound impact.

“When you are old you can look back and see yourself when you were young. It is almost like looking down from Heaven. And you see yourself as a young woman, just a big girl really, half awake to the world. You see yourself happy, holding in your arms a good, decent, gentle, beloved young man with the blood keen in his veins, who before long is going to disappear, just disappear, into a storm of hate and flying metal and fire. And you don’t know it.”

Written by a man, and yet from a woman’s perspective, readers are enamored with Hannah. If she lived in the Internet age, certainly she would enjoy millions of blog followers. Published in 2004, Hannah Coulter espouses a theme of modesty and humility. The writing is warm, refreshing, and carries readers along in a transfixing manner. Although life is difficult, complex, disappointing, even unfair, there is a quiet victorious spirit from Hannah Coulter that seems to have an answer to life’s questions.

“We’re just going to live on. Just live on,” her husband would quietly offer.

Perhaps simplicity is key. Just live on.

Susan lives in Augusta, Georgia, where her husband, Jack, is the Augusta University Men’s Golf Coach. Susan originally hails from Kentucky and graduated from the University of Louisville with a major study in Communication and a minor study in Health and Wellness. Susan enjoys the adventures of motherhood as she parents Lucy, John-Freeman, Henry, and Hogan (plus Oxford, the family’s black Labrador).

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faith

Lessons Learned

Think about the bad things that happen in our spiritual lives. We make a mistake or miss an opportunity. Regret and shame sneak up on us and steal our focus, joy, and ability to make progress. We spend all of our time and energy on the past and can’t fully focus on the future.

By Andrea Lennon

I was driving down the interstate and my mind was going in a hundred different directions. I started to pray out loud. I prayed for my family, my church, my ministry, my friends. The list was long!

As I drove, I knew that I needed to get my mind focused and ready for the opportunity that was waiting for me later that night. I was speaking to a large group of women in northeast Arkansas. One of the best ways for me to get my mind focused is by singing. I turned on my favorite play list and suddenly my heart seemed less heavy and overwhelmed.

I hate to admit it, but when my heart seemed less heavy, my foot took up the slack. Before I knew it, I was driving fast. Too fast. I looked down at my speed and was like, “Oh no!” At the same time, I saw a state trooper on the opposite side of the interstate. I looked in my rearview mirror and within a few seconds the trooper had cut through the median and was on my side of the interstate.

42 WOMEN’S INC. / FEBRUARY 2018

ANDREA LENNON I did what all of us do in that situation. I set my cruise control to seventy and moved to the right lane. For the next few minutes, I kept my eyes glued to the rearview mirror. As the minutes passed, I slowed down even more. Now I was going sixty. My heart was beating fast and my palms were sweating. The trooper was making his way towards me. I had a sinking feeling in my stomach. Then it happened... his lights came on. To my surprise, it was the car behind me that got pulled over.

I continued to drive down the road and I thought about the lessons that I could learn from the experience.

The Rearview Mirror Lesson. From the moment the trooper crossed the median and started to inch up behind me, my eyes were glued to the past. I had made a mistake. The mistake became a trap for me because it caused me to put my eyes on what was behind me instead of what was ahead of me. As a result, my focus was wrong and my forward progress was impacted.

Think how often the same thing happens in our spiritual lives.

We make a mistake or miss an opportunity. Regret and shame sneak up on us and steal our focus, joy, and ability to make progress. We spend all of our time and energy on the past and can’t fully focus on the future.

I am convinced that most women deal with a rearview mirror issue in their lives. Thankfully, we can overcome it by the power of God and the truth of His Word. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (New International Version) What sin or missed opportunity do you need to confess? God is willing and able to forgive you! His mercies are new every day.

His love for you is more than you can imagine and He has a great plan for your life.

The Cruise Control Lesson. After the fear of being pulled over was behind me, I was able to refocus on my trip. Immediately I did something that spoke volumes about the work of grace in my life. I set my cruise control to seventy, found a good spot in the right lane, and refocused on the trip ahead of me. I drove the rest of the way with no fear because I was obeying the rules.

God, through His Word, provides the rules. He graciously tells us how to live. We do not follow the rules in order to be good.

We follow the rules because of the work of grace in our lives. All of us have sinned. We are guilty. Yet God, in His goodness and grace, sent Jesus to die in our place in order to save us.

The life God offers to us is amazing because it is full of His love, power, freedom, and purpose. As we focus on Jesus and love Him with all of our hearts, we desire to live a life that pleases Him. When we do, we put the past in the past and we have no fear of the future. We settle into the amazing life God has for us and we live it for His glory!

Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew. Andrea ministers to the women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry, access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.

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